Westminster College-Salt Lake City Top Questions

First of all, you will have a lot more free time and a lot less nagging from your parents to do homework- so you have to learn to control and monitor yourself so that you aren't wasting time and you get all your studying done. At the same time, this extra time is great- you can spend time with all the new people you've met and experience things you've never experienced. Another bit of advice is this: college is much different than high school, the people are different, more mature and more diverse. Don't avoid greeting people you know when you walk past them- you'll just seem stuck up. There aren't cliques in college, if you're a likeable person, you'll be friends with other likeable people. Don't have the mentality that you're "too cool" for someone, or that someone is "too cool" for you. Be friendly and fair to everyone, and you'll have lots of good friends in college that will last a long time.

Stay true to yourself, and know that any dream coming true is a process, not an event. Take care of yourself, and make sure you study and prepare hard, and accordingly. Stay humble, stay true to yourself, and know that any goal you're in pursuit of, is on you. Even if you have no support from others, it only takes your own willpower to truly make a difference in your life. Enjoy your life and youth while you have it, but know you need to work before you can play. Apply to scholarships, study hard, and pursue resources and utulize the help that you have. Talk to your counselors, speak with your teachers, and make sure that you prepare yourself for your future. It may be your senior year of high school, but that doesnt mean you're almost done with "responsibility"... To be honest, you haven't even truly started yet.

I would like my eighteen year old self to know that making mistakes would be more important than making the right choices. I would want to remind her that college wasn't going to change her, that she was going to have to do that on her own. I would also like to tell her to get her homework done and on time but that turning something in late or incomplete is always better than turning in nothing at all. I would also tell myself as a high school senior to not be afraid to make new friends and branch out, just because there are new people doesn't mean that the old ones mean any less or are any less important. Oh and go to those club meetings in all those emails, they are not so cool but still really really fun. And I would want her to know that all the hard work would pay off and she would actually, really, truly, eventually get the degree, and to remember that when it feels like it's not worth it or it's taking too long.

Start looking and applying for scholarships right away. The more free money you don't have to pay back, the easier your life will be. Student loans aren't that bad if you know exactly what you're getting into and planning accordingly. I think paying for college is the most stressful part, once you have it paid for you can solely focus on you studies.

Dear Jeff --

Talking to my high school senior self, I would let myself know that everything works out for a reason and not to worry too much about your future because it will all pan out. There are bumps along your college career but you have to make the best of it! Try to get involved as much as you can with on campus activities, groups, etc. It's a great way to meet people, get involved in different activities, relieve stress from school, find buddies to travel with and go on vacations, start creating a network for your soon to be career (it's all about who you know these days), and make lifelong friends. If you have the opportunity to travel do it! Even if it's just the neighboring state or a mini roadtrip, those friends, relaxing moments, and the new places and people can change your life for the better. Take any opportunity to travel, don't worry about the cost because you have the rest of your life to work and makeup for the expendable debt of your travels, memories and new lifelong wisdom.

If I were to be able to go back in time and talk to the high school me I would tell him to have a little more fun. Education is really a life long goal and the one who will be the happiest with the results is the one that that keeps on learning. So it is not a race to get your degree now and get college credits now. You need to work hard but have a little more fun. Now when you go to work do not put in a lousy effort. So the technical advice is that math classes are always good and since I like math jump feet first into that. And even though I know I would make a lousy family doctor there are a lot of medical research positions that someone calus like me can do. So don't think that all medical professionals have family clinics. I can do medical research and that would really be a great comination of working hard and having fun,

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would of applied for more scholarships and would of taken more college classes at our local community college. I would have taking time to really enjoy my last year of high school aslo, instead of just wanted it to go by fast so I could be in college. Overall I do think that applying for for scholarships would of been something I should of done, so I could get used to the process and help me throughout school.

If I could go back to my highschool self, I would definitely apply for more scholarships starting from freshman year in highschool. There are so many scholarships that are offered for high school students that I didn't know about until I was a senior. Scholarships, no matter what amount, are very important. You never know how the economy is going to change and how it will affect your financial situation. Also, you may change your mind of what school you want to go to, and the one you pick may be a private liberal arts college that can be very pricy. While if you qualify for aids such as FAFSA, it still may not be enough for full tuition and books. Also the most important thing is loans. You may qualify for a few small loans, which doesn't sound too bad, until you times that number by four. You don't want to be in debt upon graduation. You may even find that partner in life sooner than you thought, and I wouldn't want to have any debt in my name going into that partnership. Plus wouldn't you want to start saving for your own kids?

Do you remember thinking how “neat” college kids used to seem? In movies, they’d do things like find true romance, or break free from parent bounds. College is supposedly that moment you become an adult. When you’re in high school, selecting colleges is like choosing from a series of carefully-crafted, mysterious boxes. Each has something to enhance your future. Now the moment has arrived, you’ve chosen the one laced with purple and golden lining. College was glorified when you were young, however, college isn’t self-defining; it’s self-informing. There will be moments when you’re confronted with critical stares while presenting or when a professor asks you a demanding question. It’s these moments you’re challenged to be brave. You may feel isolated and alone when you decline a party to study or skip a dance to conquer your grade-determining essay. It’s easy to become overwelmed by the pressures of college, so the best advice I can give you is to reward yourself. How you react to these moments helps define you. Everyday you will become stronger and closer to the person you are striving to be.

Focus, study hard and enjoy the opportunity you have to be in college.

I would tell my high school senior self to try to take all the concurrent enrollment classes now while still in high school. Its much cheaper and you have a longer amount of time to accomplish the assignments. I would also let myself know that college isn't a cake walk, you have to work for a grade and truly read the book. Most students don't think they have to read the book. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate, procrastination is your enemy! Another thing I would tell myself is to become organized, either use a planner or your phone calendar or whatever works best for you and write down all your assignments and their due dates that way you can keep on top of everything!

Having never met anyone whose high school experience is regret-free, I know that I thrive in plentiful company on the matter. As a high school senior, I made mistakes which could easily have been avoided if, when faced with challenges, I had possessed the knowledge and understanding that I have since gained. However, within every regret is hidden the gift of a lesson with potential to be learned. If I had not committed the wrongs I did, it is doubtful that I would possess the knowledge I do now. Such consequences would thoroughly defy the purpose of the trials of life. If presented with the opportunity to counsel my high school senior self, I would not attempt to lead myself toward a problem-free path away the mistakes I was destined to make. Rather, I would help my younger self to better understand how much I had grown and matured as a result of previous errors; upon the achievement of this understanding, I would certainly have been better equipped to recognize the learning experiences provided by the current trials against which I battled.

It was my senior year and I was still trying to decide what I want to do with my life. Was I going to follow my passion for English, creative writing, and art? Or was I going to chase my dream and go into science? Or perhaps I would persue a secret love of mine, medical science? I was still unsure of which path to take. But, one thing scared me above eveyrthing else: the idea of commitment and responsibility. During my junior year, I made up my mind that I was going to join the US Navy, go active duty, and travel the world. I was so set on this drema that I often neglected searching for scholarships, doing my homework, etc. If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself that the military can wait, or a compromise could be met. (Join the military and have them pay for some of my school). I would tell myself that higher education is important and worth it. I would let my senior self know that not only is college worth the time because of future doors opening, but it's also unbelievablly fun.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would be sure to tell myself to venture out from Montana, which is what I did. I would tell myself to stop all of the worrying and stressing about which college to go to and to do what my heart says- explore life. I may not enjoy Salt Lake City as much as what I thought I would now, but I would always be asking myself "what it would have been like" if I did not go. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can, and when I think there is none left to apply for to push through and keep searching. I would tell myself to breathe and to stop beating myself up for the past and not getting straight A's every semester because I cannot go back to change it. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride and to make sure I see my mom as much as possible because the one year really does fly by and I will miss her tremendously.

I would tell myself that I should not stress so hard about getting into college and going through the school years. I would advise that I learn stress techniques and remember it's okay to take some time to be social and have fun.

I would tell myself to first stop attempting to please my parents and start thinking about what I really want for myself out of life. I would tell myself that when I get older I am going to develope a love and understanding of business in such a way that it would be a wise decision to decide to be a business major instead of going for dentistry. I would also tell myself that I need to not get intimidated by the first university I go to because it will make things much harder. I would say to live in the dorms my freshman year, which I did not do, because I will give me a sense of identity within the university which would prevent me from going through the hardships that I actually ended up going through. Last, I would tell myself to not worry too much because everything turns out well and I will be happy.

Dear 18 year old, confident, independent, fearless me- Your life is about to change forever. College is going to open you to things you never knew about yourself, your abilities, your failures, and the world. I know you are confident about surviving school because everything you accomplished in high school was from your own drive, but you’re about to be lost. Don’t get muddled in the confusions of not knowing where you want to go. Instead spend your time interacting with others and being involved in groups and activities. This will allow you to make friends, discover yourself on a far deeper level, and fill the void you are currently struggling against. Learn to embrace the chaos of life. Remember that a single grade doesn’t determine your future and that each day you live is another day gone. Most importantly SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! I know this is difficult to grasp as that new electrical device is sooo insanely incredible and you would die without it but you will regret it later. Outside of high school your life is an intense struggle of survival, confusion, responsibility, change, ambition, competition, compassion, dedication, & Success. Welcome to the world of discombobulation.

College is not to be feared. It's hard to make such a big transition and let go of things you've known for so long but it gets better. Family will always be there for you, friendships that are important will withstand time and distance, you will always have all the wonderful memories of high school, and all the bad ones won't mean as much anymore. College is a place for opportunities. A chance to shape your life the way you want it to be. There is no need to fear being a failure or making the wrong decisions because you decide what success is for you and what your right decisions are. College truly marks the beginning of your life as an individual so don't waste a moment of it being worried or self-conscious. Live every moment and seize every opportunity and you will find yourself living a life of no regrets.

Kept my grades up! I had no plans to attend college. But here I am 17 years later and my gpa comes back to haunt me. Gratefully I kept a B- average. It did cost me a large amount of money. If I had maintained a higher average I could have qualified for more scholarship money.

I would advise myself to be prepared for the unexpected. There are so many choices to be made in college and you never know what will happen due to random occuring events. I would also give advice to be wise in choosing whatever club you want to join or make sure that there is deep consideration before taking action. Another peice of advise I would give myself is to use the schools resources! there are so many great things to connect with at this school. be sure to try everything out and see where I essiatially belong.

Brooke, I know you're just finishing high school and not even thinking about college, but it's best to just start right away. College really isn't that bad, you just go every day and do all your work and you will succeed. Nursing has been your dream since elementry school and always will be your deram. School is so much easier when you dont have little babies running around and constantly needing your attention. Imagine what it would be like to not be able to buy all the things you want and need for your two prescious babies. And that beautiful house you dream of having to raise your family in isn't going to buy itself. So just get straight into school, because if you dont, you will be enrolling a few years from now saying "I could be done with school by now and working my dream job." You can do it and will succeed!

The most important thing I could tell myself is not to be afraid of change. College can be such a great learning and transitioning experience from teenage years to adulthood. Do not hold yourself back from trying new things and meeting new people. However, do NOT get caught up with older boys who think they know everything about college; you are much better off on your own and focusing on school first. Also, meeting new people is great, but stick with the ones on the right path, not the ones barely holding D's in their classes or ones that drink all the time. Have fun, get homework done, study, stay connected with family and friends and continue to grow, succeed and love life.

Chill out! Enjoy high school, its stressful applying and choosing which school to go to. I wish I would have spent more time enjoying just being a Senior in high school, because you'll never get those days back.

If given the opportunity to go back in time and give myself advise about the transition into college, I'd thank myself for preparing as much as I did. However, I'd also advise myself to balance all aspects of college life. Academics are crucial, but don't make them your only focus. College encourages growth, but growth won't occur if you don't encourage it yourself. As a high school senior, I believed I knew exactly who I was and what I was going to do. College allowed my horizons to expand, and I realized I needed to understand myself better - you sometimes have to give up a few things when you're chasing a dream, but life provides opportunities to compensate for those losses. The connections I've made in college helped me understand what I want in life beyond the scope of academics; if I can't understand what I want, college will mean nothing. Overall, I would remind myself to enjoy college and not to sweat the small stuff - things will work out when you have your priorities straightened out.

In my first few months of college I have gleaned many benefits from my experience. I have had the opportunity to take on a new level of independence and responsibility. I have discovered that not only can I help others, but that others will be there for me as well. I have come to realize that I am a part of multiple small communities that can, and do, mesh with one another to create ultra-productive organisms when needed - whether for class projects, or community service missions. I am being challenged to perform at a higher academic level than has ever been expected of me, and have been able to meet that challenge. In addition, a larger world view and a greater variety of opinions are being revealed to me that never would have been available to me in my small home town. I get to listen, discuss, and be heard. On the practial side, I am aware that I am becoming better prepared for a successful future, but right now I feel that my personal, social, and academic growth has taken on a life of its own as I start to become the person I am meant to be.

College has opened me up to so many new things. Such a diverse range of people, ideas, opinions, and experiences has made Westminster the ideal place for me to grow and learn about the world. I have experienced so many great things, from service projects to club activities to classroom discussions that have made me love college more and more as time moves along. I was able to help a family of six with a deaf little girl have a Christmas with presents after their home burnt down. I was able to participate in the Relay4Life, helping cancer victims and survivors know that they are not alone. I was able to collect clothes and supplies for underpriveliged families in Mexico, helping with their basic needs. For these, and many other experiences, I am extremely grateful. I am able to understand the reason behind wars around the world, and I can understand now why the 2008 market crash occurred, and how it could have been prevented. I've even gotten the chance to teach American Sign Language! Experiences in my college life can be directly applied to the real world, which is why I wouldn't trade the opportunity for anything.

Even though it is cliche, I think that college has really made me grow up. College gave me new opportunities to explore my options for my future. For example, I didn't think that law school or graduate school would have been possible but now I know that I could achieve whatever I wanted. It has also taught me about being responsible for myself and my decisions. If I make the decision not to go to class, I am responsible to make sure everything is turned in no matter what. I know that I wont just take away facts from this school, but also how to be a problem solver, an active member in society and a valuable employee in any job market.

So far my college experience has been great. I've learned responsibility as well as time management. Balancing academics as well as athletics has been a challenge, but definitely a learning experience. College has opened my eyes to the world and the different cultures that it brings with it. Meeting new people from different states and countries gives me that realization of how much bigger this world is. That not everyone is the same or has the same views and just does things differently. The many classes i've taken so far have given me the knowledge that i'll need to succeed in life after school when i fully enter the workforce. Athletics has allowed me to travel across the country and see things i would never see if i decided to start working after high school. The skills you develop during college are the basic steps to succeeding in life. The knowlegde, hard work, and time you put in shows that you can be a dedicated employee or whatever you choose to do.

I learned at an early age to have a passion for what you choose to do with your life. When I was eleven years old I underwent extensive operations on both of my legs. As the patient I valued the experience, wisdom, and commitment of the medical staff. I understand how it feels to put your confidence in the hands of those that are caring for you. From this experience I learned the importance of being honest with yourself and those whom you care for. My Doctor had a passion for his work, one that I aim to replicate in my career. I am studying to be a nurse. Even more a healer and care giver to those that cannot care for themselves. Attending college has broadened my view of humanity and the inpact that we can have on society through critically thinking and applying the education that we receive. I now have a larger picture in mind of what education can do for humanity.

Going to college, I have been able to expand my knowledge and skills, express my thoughts more clearly in speech and writing, grasps understandings of the world and its surroundings. I Have realized how important it is to have a career in life and the purpose beyond education, and I say this because I have sat around my whole life on welfare, having to live day by day with what little is given, knowing that life is all based upon how much you make in regards to what the state and government allows you to have and I have seen what my mother, father and friends have went thru without ever finishing school. With the world growing so rapidly, more and more jobs require education beyond high school, Without education chances of finding a decent paying job is far more unlikely and the job options are more limited from what one can choose from versus one who pursues their education beyond high school. I don't want to live this life anymore. I want to be able to provide for myself and my family without being a burden on anyone else.

When I registered for my first semester at Pima Community College, I was doubting my ability to do well in college being it was foreign compared to high school. I did well in high school but I also understood that college was something you have to take full responsibility for. I was happy to see myself registering and asking questions by myself. My parents were impressed as well. I passed my first semester and I will continue into my second semester. The one thing I believe I have gained in this college experience, is the satisfaction of self independence, and confidence to make it through life's challenges. I am confident by going to college I will become the successful interior designer I want to be.

During my life I have made some very important decisions and one of those was entering the scouting program. I was a cub scout for four years and then I moved on to be a boy scout where I have been very active in all of the activities that go on. When I first started in the program, I was a little unsure what to think because it was taking a lot of my time. It turned out to be very beneficial for me. During scouts I attended scout camp for six years and I earned many merit badges while there. I have earned a total of six palms past my Eagle. I earned my Eagle Rank when I was only 15 years old, and I was a freshman in high school. I decided to keep going and get as many merit badges as I could before I turned 18.

I have gotten love out of my college experience. I was scared to start college, I was always the big dog on campus in High School and i was afraid that I wouldn't be good enough in College but my fears are gone. I am not the big dog on campus but I am learning a great deal. My major is Business and my friends think it's boring but going to Westminster I see how much I truly LOVE it. Love has been a great part of my freshman year: all of my teachers know my name, I've made friends who care for me, and I see love aroung the campus just from the people aroung me. Everyone knows everyone and that's the best part.

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience, which I am still experiencing. I have met individuals that have inspired me to take on leadership roles. I have challenge myself to be a more extroverted person, by being involoved with my college such as, playing lacrosse for my college, becoming a Resident Advisor, managing the first Eco Rep project, coordinator of the concierges desk on campus, volunteering in organization that I cherish, and would have not been possible if I did not attend this college. Because of my college experience, I have learned and done a lot in a short period of time, and I am grateful, for I have learned so many valuable traits from each of these experiences. Every experience I am getting from my college experience is valuable to me because I know that it is going to benefit me towards my career that my college is preparing me for.

I have discovered that at the end of the day, you really have to be where you are happy, and be doing what you want. I have learned not to take a class just because it is recommended, and to always take one class a semester just for fun. I've learned that it's okay to switch classes just because you don't like a professor, and that if you ask for help, someone will find a way to make things possible for you. I've gotten a better sense of who I am through doing this, and I think discovering who you are is priceless.

I attend Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. My college is small and often referred to as a "big high school", and that's what i love about it. We have everything under one large roof. Everything is convienant and easy to find. There is a wonderful book store as soon as you walk in the front doors. The campus is truely beautiful inside and out. Environment is something very important to me and Shelton offers a peaceful one to learn and study. Also, in the computer lab they have free tutors that are always nice and willing to help. All of the staff and teachers are knowledgeable and helpful. My school has everything I could ask for in a community college.

Through my college experience I have developed skills that will help me in my career as well as life. I have learned how to work within many different groups and expanded my knowledge of other cultures. I have practiced presenting in front of groups and know this is a skill I will always need to have. My education experience has been valuable in that I have had opportunities like travelling to other countries, holding leadership positions, and gaining important knowledge of the world I live in. Through all this I have made many close friends who have helped encourage me to continue when times get tough and prepared me for the upcoming exams. I am glad that I made the choice to further my education and look forward to finishing it to the end.

I have gotten leadership and knowledge out of my college experience and without going to westminster, i wouldn't have gotten these . I learned how to manage myself more better so i can lead myself and others.

My college experience thus far has really broadened my horizons. While in high school, I always heard people express the many options in life. I heard the statement "you can go anywhere and be anything" frequently but never really understood what it meant until I finally arrived at college and saw the many options. And I'm not just speaking of options regarding education and careers. I have met many different people, experienced new cultures, learned to respect and understand different viewpoints, learned of the many ways to serve others and make a difference, and received opportunitites to explore the wonderful world we all share. So while I hope to receive a degree that will place me on a path to a career, I have learned that the degree is perhaps the least significant portion of my college experience. What will matter most in the future will not be a piece of paper, but the experiences I have had and the people I have met who will shape who I am.

The most beneficial experience I have about my college, is all the opportunities I have been given. I have met so many interesting people from different states even countries! There are so many things to do out here I have not been bored once! Our school is constantly funding fun activities to keep us out of trouble, and we are super close to a lot of great trails and out door activites I have always loved nature but I have never been able to experience it the way I have been here, everything is so beautiful it is breath taking. I have never seen mountains let alone hiked them! The college provides so many opportunities as well. I have met so many cool people and learned more about myself and how to appreciate the little things in life.

Before attending college, I was sceptical towards the entire concept. I didn't see how it would help me, other than by "giving" me a piece of paper that would grant me access to a career and a stable income. I spent three years after high school working for a major corporation, sitting behind a desk answering phone calls. The idea of writing essays, participating in debates, discussions, lectures, projects, and everything in between consistantly pervaded my consciousness. I was consumed with boredom in my daily life, I has a deep, yearning flame within me - beckoning me to return to the world of academia. So, three years later, here I am. After my first year at Westminster, I have learned that a degree is not something that someone just "gives" you. It is something that you earn, and earning one requires three things: pride, dedication, and desire. I believe I am an amicable model of those three qualities, and I have Westminster to thank for challenging me to realize this potential.

I have gotten great experiences out of my college career so far, such as good professors, athletics, and meeting friends that I will have for a life-time. I am majoring in Environmental Science, so I have found all of the staff and labs are in great condition because a whole new science building was built this year. I am also on the Snowboard Team at Westminster College and it has been very fun to get to know a great group of people and to be part of a team. I will have all of those friends forever and made a lot of friends through classes and the dorms. Overall, if a beautiful medium-sized campus with nice and friendly people, then Westminster College is a great place to go to school.

If I had the chance to go back to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self many things. Starting with the most important thing which is to get the most out of my remaining time in high school. Such as, taking advatage of my teachers who are there for us to learn, I worried too much about my grades in my classes and not about all the material I could learn. Coming to college I felt like I could have worked a bit harder in school so that I would have more knowledge. Also, I came from a very small community and now that I am at college I have realized how much I was sheltered. Life is alot different in places that you dont call home and I wish that I tryed harder to gain knowlege of other places in the country and not just my surroundings. Because I did not do this I had a huge transition ahead of me. But overall I would tell myself that college is the way to go and to never second guess it. I have learned so much in the past few months not just eduacational but social.

College is hard but hand in there because it will all be worth it. There will be times when you want to give up but have no fear, you are a strong individual and will make friends easily who will be there to support you through those hard times. The first couple of semesters are the hardest so just take it on a day by day basis and you will make it through just fine.

I learned many lessons within the first few months of college that i wish i could have told myself senior year. First of all, never judge a book by its cover. By this i mean, the ever scary roommate. You move in, you shake hands and you think to yourself, "wow, she is weird. I'm not going to get along with her." A few weeks go by and you find yourself becoming best friends. Second lesson, don't expect the same grades as high school. College is very different in terms of work load and responsibility. You actually have to read the text book in order to get a good grade. Third lesson, life will go on without your parents. College for most people is when you leave the "nest" and become very independent. Don't be scared, but rather embrace your freedom. You can actually stay up past one in the morning and not get yelled at. And lastly, be grateful that you actually are in college and earning a degree. Many people will not get this opportunity. I hope that i can continue to learn these life lessons as i continue my college experience.

Congrats!! You're a senior, about to graduate!! Take it from *yourself* these will be some of the most exciting years of your life. As the person that probably knows you best, and knows the journey you are about to partake on, I have some advice, please, listen carefully. Don't throw your GPA down the toilet the first semester of college. Yes, I know that the boys are new and cute and that it's WAY easier to go hang out with all your shiney new friends, but you will spend the rest of your college career trying to make up those mistakes. Be careful! Second, be a friend before committing to a relationship. It is much easier to get to know someone if you take it slow in the beginning, and be patient. Don't rush into anything, and date around, figure out what you like for yourself, don't let someone else tell you what to like, or what to do. Rest assured, you don't gain the "freshman fifteen," at least, not as a freshman. Take care of yourself, you're all you've got. Have fun!! Good luck!!

If i could go back in time and give advice to myself back in highschool i would say to get involved with as many activities as you can. There are so many opportunities college has with sports, clubs, volunteering, intermurals, recreation, and classes. I got involved in a few things in the first two years of college, but i wish i would have got involved with more clubs and volunteering. Also, there are so many amazing people to meet and to take advantage of help from your professors

If I had the opportunity to speak to myself with the knowledge of already being in college I would tell me tons of information. For starters to save money never buy textbooks at the college book store, if there is a list of novels required for a class wait tell they are assigned to read, and check your health insurance converge. For personal advice; set boundaries with roommate on day 1, go to the container store for dorm room, by a robe when walking down a coed hallway to the shower, buy a mini flashlight so you can find your bed if roommate goes to bed early, learn how to skim read efficiently, and budget well on your meal plan. Though the most important one of all, be yourself, and know that you are going somewhere with a clean slate.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself it is acceptable if the college I choose is far away from home because this new location will help you learn about diversity, culture, and values. Moving away from home is a great way to experience something new and learn from other people. I would tell myself to volunteer more to help the lives of people that are in need. Instead of hanging out with friends at the mall, invest your time in a club or organization that values making a difference in people's lives. Making new friends in college is important and developing a relationship where community is the foundation will help your friendship grow into a long lasting commitment to make the world a better place. I would also tell myself it is all right to make risks in life because it will help you grow from your mistakes and successes in life. Becoming part of a student government program is also important because it will help you voice your opinions and develop a community where everyone feels welcomed. Overall, I would encourage myself to explore a new environment and make meaningful connections with people.