Western New Mexico University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Ezekiel

I would tell myself to break up with the girl I was dating at the time I came to college. She took up way to much of my time and I allowed myself to fall very far behind on my course work resulting in my failing several classes and needing to take a year away from school. I would also tell myself not to fall into the stigma that a lot of college students do and walk away from my faith the way I did. Last but not least, I would tell myself to play guitar far more often than I did. I needed the practice.

Dawn

While I have attended college I have realized what is truly important to me and what is important for my future, I have taken a few classes in different areas and have explored things that I had never considered before and I have realized that there is more than what I first thought out there that I can attempt to grab. I have changed my major several times but in all of that, I know that attending college is important for me as the first person in my family to attend college, I want to get out there and be something more than just someone who works at the local food mart and especially something more than just a stay-at-home mom. I am shaping my future at college, I am taking control of my life and becoming something greater than I was before, and I can only hope that college is as important to other young people as it is to me.

Zachary

It has been a great school to start out at. The classes are small and very hepful proffesor's. It has also taught me independence and security, due to the rural location.

Danielle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I think the best advice would be to take your SATs and ACTs a lot more serious than I took it. Not only does it help you get into a university of your choice, but it also helps a lot with finding scholarships and gives you a better chance at getting them. Another piece of advice would be to start taking summer classes before the fall semester so you can get a taste of what the classes will be like and how you can start thinking ahead of how you will make time for homework and study hours.

Josh

Assuming that one was able to travel back in time to their high school senior year, the advice that would be most beneficial to give one's self is to begin a college career right after completion of high school. The more years that are spent out of school, the more difficult it becomes to return. There are a couple reasons for this, one being financial strain. Right after high school, one is more likely to receive help from parents or may have scholarships from sports or academic success. If one has to pay for an education out of his/her pocket they are less likely to return. Another reason is that after high school, one is already used to balancing class schedules, home work and a person life. Balancing obligations such as family, jobs and debts with a successful college career becomes increasingly difficult the longer one waits to return. One might also head the advice to apply for college scholarships for financial help early in their college career; as books, student enrollment, housing and food are no longer free to the college student as they were in high school.

Kelly

Prepare better and work on study habits in order to be able to complete your classes and not wait till the last minute to do your homework

Tiffany

If I went back to the time when I was in high school it would be less than a year ago, I graduated in May 2009. I was attending New Mexico State, but I ended up moving from my residence due to differences with the people I was living with at the time of enrollment and moving in with my now fiancee, and eventually getting pregnant, my pregnancy hasn't been easiest, because of the health problems it's causeing, like beeing sick and staying home because I could make it no farther than my bed, Iin doind so I dropped out of NMSU and regret doing so, although I do not regret in getting pregnant or being with my fiancee. The one thing I would go back and tell myself is that no matter what I can do it, and I am showing that I can do it by going to school even if it is just a community college for now, I am doing it, and the only thing that is delaying the process is lack of funds, also probably tell myself just to start at the community college for now until I can make it at NMSU.

Natali

I would advise a student to be positive about the school they want to attend. No matter what school you choose to go to your experience will be what you make of it. It can be a wonderful time anywhere you go if your willing to make the best of your situation.

Danielle

Pick the college that's best for you. Don't go to a certain college for someone else. Also, if you don't know what exactly you want to do then consider going to a smaller college. Or a community college, it will help you financially in the long run. Community colleges often direct you in the right path.

Cari

I would say not to limit yourself or your child. For me, college has been a learning experiene to find out who I am. Don't stick to what you know or what is the norm to you. Try knew things, talk to knew people and take extra classes. Explore the world around you. No matter what field you go into, a well-rounded positive attitude will get you far!

Danielle

Well, know what you want. Don't go to a college or university just because your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, family, or friends want you to go. In the end, it's you who's attending, not them. Select a college that best fits your career goals. If you don't know what exactly you want to do with your life then think about going to a community college or a two year college. This way you are able to think about what you want to do. It's also cheaper then going to a big and expensive college and changing your major six times. When you get to college, don't change. I know this sounds strange and adolescent, but don't change who you are for new friends or bad habits. This can lead to losing best friends and can cause bad grades. College students are know for their partying, but if you never partied in High school and you succeeded, why start in college? Remember: You pay to go to college. Flunking can cause thousands of dollars down the drain. Most importantly, have fun, be safe, and learn from your mistakes. They are a part of life.