Wheelock College Top Questions

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

Virginia

While I was applying to colleges and recieves acceptance letters, I was so stressed out about where I would go and to make the right decision. Since I have been in college, I have realized that most decisions are not perminant and that I have control over where I want my life to go. So, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax and go with what feels right, but if I find that I didn't make the right choice, then I could do something else. It is hard to feel that way during someone's senior year while everyone is asking them, "What do you want to do?" because frankly, not a lot of high schoolers know what they want to do, for me especially.

Kylie

I would tell myself not to pretend like it's not happening. I just did not want to think about college so I put it all off. Also, apply for scholarships! I did not think they mattered my first year of college so I just did not try, but when my parents got my first bill I realized how serious it truly was. You need to apply yourself in order to make the expierence less stressful. Now I scramble looking for scholarships and it gets tough when billing periods come up. I would also tell myself to do more campus tours, because as much as I like my school it is always good to see a school before you go. Fall in love with your school before you attend it truly changes your outlook on everything. Just be smarter and know college is an important step in life and running away from it really is not an option. It is all worth it, stop stessint you'll fall in love with it all eventually and see how worth it the epierence is.

Samantha

My biggest piece of advice to myself would be that it is OKAY to be afraid. I felt so much pressure as senior in high school to know exactly what I wanted in life. I made my initial decision about school (I am a second year transfer student) based on insecurity. The only solid I had was that I wanted to study education. Choosing schools is a terrifying experience; it is also one that I think is nearly impossible for a 17-year old to make. I had no idea what I wanted for the next four years of my life. It is a huge, overwhelming decision. A year into my time at school in Maine, I realized that I just didn't belong. So, I took a leap of faith and applied to an education school in Massachusetts. After I was accepted, again, I was scared. I was moving to a foreign city. But I trusted my instincts and soon learned that sometimes it is the raw, unnerving sensation of fear that leads us to our truest potential. My fear led me to my first year of college and then ultimately drove me to pursuing my dream.

Megan

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not hold on so tightly to my own expectations. I would tell myself to go into everything with an open mind, because the second I start to do that, life improves so much. I would tell myself that, no matter what I think, I will miss my mom and my hometown. I'd tell myself to cherish the time I have there, because although better times are coming, times at home defined me too. I would tell myself, to prepare for a radical change of mindset. I always cared about helping people, but it will become my life. I will tell myself stories about social justice and how my old friends may not quite understand how I can be so passionate about things that don't touch me directly. Above all, I think I would tell myself to let go of my anxieties. I would say, “You are about to start an incredible and remarkable adventure. You will make new friends and have the time of your life learning eye opening lessons. Enjoy it.”

Carina

Hey Carina, College is many things and freedom is one thing that will help you accomplish anything you want, if you use it wisely. So much time in day, week, and month. You may not know what to do with yourself in the beginning with all the time you have, but be patience because things will happen and you full figure out what to do. Don't force yourself to be in a group of friends when they will find you. Never let anyone bring down your self-esteem and rememeber home will always be home and it's not going anywhere, but you are. College is about the next chapter of your life, being independent and figuring out what career or occupation you want to do. Friends come and go, learn to accept that not everyone you meet is going to have your back or be by your side. Never ever stop believing in yourself and don't let others run your life for you.

metta

I would stop and appreciate what I had as a high school senior, rather than wishing time away because I wanted to be done with high school. I think that a lot of times people are so focussed on what they want next in their lives that they forget to stop and appreciate what they have. The transition into college made me realize that I should not have take my senior year for granted.

Amanda

On move in day on my first day at Wheelock College, I was terrified. High school was over, yet I still felt so young and like I didn't belong in the big city for college. When I was a senior, I often thought about this day and how it would go. I figured that I would feel exactly like I did: a nervous, homesick wreck. However, if I knew then what I know now, I would have known to never feel that way. I now feel more at home at school than I do at my actual home. I think that the biggest piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be: "Don't worry and be nervous about college, because it is going to be the best experience of your life! I know you will be homesick at first, but it gets so much better. There will come a time when you can't even imagine being anywhere else but Wheelock College." I wish I had known this as a senior, because it would have relieved so much anxiety that I had about whether or not I would enjoy college!

syndie

Allow your passion and your goals to be your motivator. At times college can be overwhelming, and what you give is what you will get. Nothing in life comes easy, you must work hard for it. You cannot afford to be like everybody else, have to work twice as hard. Allow your passion to be drive.

Gabrielle

Transitioning from High school to college can be a very stressful and exciting experience. Though you still have classes and teachers, the environment is very different. I can't lie and say that the transition will be easy and simple, but there are things that can make it a easier smoother transition. One thing to makes the transition easier is doing an overnight college visit to a college that you are interested in. It helps you experince what a college campus actually feels like. You are allowed to speak with students and see what both the social and academic culture looks like. Another things that makes the transition easier is keeping and open mind. We all go into college with certain expectations and assumptions, but keeping an open mind allows for you to try new things and become active. Join an organization and make friends who have similar interest as you. Having someone to go through the transition with you will make it easier.

Emily

Do not settle in regards to the choice of college you want to attend. It is hard knowing now what life will be like for the next four years as you attend college, but let me tell you this- you only go to college once, so make the next four years worth it by choosing the school you want to attend the most. Life passes you by so quickly, and before you know it you will be a senior in college getting ready to graduate. Therefore, you need to do what is going to be best for you and what will make you the happiest. Try not to worry about your future too much, and do what you need to do in order to enjoy yourself while still receiving the education you know you want and deserve. Do not settle in your life journey. Do not settle for anything less than amazing. You deserve the best, so do not doubt yourself and your future; make it happen!

Mary

I would tell myself to be less anxious and just enjoy the carefree time you have because it doesn't take long until the bills start adding up.

Schyler

There are several things that I would tell myself if I could go back in time. First, I would probably tell myself to look into cheaper options, such as attending a community college at first, and then transferring to a larger school. Also, I would tell myself to try to apply for more financial aid while in high school, look at cheaper colleges, and to get an extra job while in high school to start saving. Another thing I would tell myself is to make friends quickly! Even though its not my typcial personality to be extremely outgoing and put myself out there, I tried to do so at orientation and the first few weeks of school. This really paid off because I made several friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I can honestly say that I have made those "bridesmaid" friends, or the girls who I know will be my bridesmaids in my wedding! Another piece of advice I would share with myself is to stay true to yourself. There is so much pressure at college to be someone who you really arent, but I've remained myself all through this time.

Alexa

I would tell myself that everything that colloeg students say to you when you are in high school is true. College is nothing like high school. You really are on your own and you make your own decisions. The homework you do is not something that can be done in a couple minutes or an hour, it takes a couple hours to do work and there is a lot of it. However, at the end, it is all worth it as long as you work hard.

Kendra

If I were a Senior in High School knowing what I know now about college I would advise myself to start working on time management skills earlier. It is really challenging to manage your time in college, because there is not the structure I had supporting me in high school. I would have practiced ho to manage time better because classes are at different times everyday and even though it looks like you have tons of time the reality is that you do not. That time that I thought I had free to do homework filled up with clubs, school activities, and friends. I wish I had challenged myself to schedule more so I could have gotten use to being organized like I am now.Also, I would advise "past me" that it would be hard being away from family for a long time. I would advise myself to stay at school as long as I could because if you go home too soon it can be harder to come back. I stayed a month before going home and should have stayed longer. I would remind myself that it also gets better and isn’t supposed to be easy.

Miranda

Well I was a high school senior last year, so instead I would choose to go back to myself as a freshman. I started going to community college in 10th grade, and I would tell my freshman self to start community college then, rather than wait a year. In an extra year, I could have taken more classes and gotten more experience under my belt. If I had taken more classes back then, I would have been able to transfer to a 4 year university last fall instead of having to wait. My lack of enthusiasm about college back then has definitely effected when I will go to college now. I would tell my freshman self to work harder and not be so laid back in my first two years of highschool so I would have more done transitioning into a full-time community college student.

Katie

If I could give one piece of advice to my high school self, it would be to GET INVOLVED in extra-curricular activities on campus. In college, I joined a co-ed a cappella group, and it defined my collegiate experience. We rehearsed twice a week and performed frequently on campus and all over the city of Boston.Being in an a cappella group taught me about dedication, commitment, accountability, and time management. Each week, I had twelve people counting on me to show up, and although we were all incredibly busy with school and social activities, we knew how important it was for us to get together each week and make music. Singing with an a cappella group also made me more a confident person and played a significant role in my feelings of community engagement in college. When I reflect on my college years, I don’t remember the hours spent writing papers in the library. I remember working hard with a group of talented, motivated, dedicated young men and women. I remember hours and hours of rehearsal, I remember laughter and tears, and I remember the formation of friendships that I’m confident will be long- lasting.

Keveisha

Dear Keveisha, Remember when you said, "oh yea I should stay on campus"? If you are thinking about staying on campus just remember that there are some people who you might not get along with. Also think about whether or not it would be more convenient to commute, especially if you are thinking about staying in state. I know your parents would like you to get the full college experience but remember more than anything this is your experience. Do what you want to do and have fun while doing it. Remember that these are four years that you will never get back and also remember that the reason you are going to school is to help out the people from your neighborhood. I want you to know that it is okay to change your mind about what you are coming to college for. Most of all stay true to yourself. I love you and you are going to do great things in your life. Love, Me

Kevin

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be better prepared. I would say to take things a bit more seriously and stop leaving everything for the last minute. I would say that It isn't going to be easy and at times you're going to want to just give up but it's all part of a process. That process involve going through a lot of hard work so don't get discouraged and don't mix your school work with your social life. Things get out of hand fast. Other than that I think I wouldn't need anything else. That's all the advice I would give myself.

Nural

I would tell myself not to worry about whether I chose the right school or whether I'll make friends and succeed in college. It might be hard being away from home at first, because I am not able to care for my brother who has special needs, but what I am doing in college means that I will be able to provide for a better future for him. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to take risks. Wheelock has taught me how to stand up for what I believe in and how to assert myself, which is something that I didn't know how to do in high school. I would tell myself that although I am sad and scared about leaving high school and my friends behind, I will find something even greater at Wheelock. Looking back at how nervous I was about coming to college I can't help but laugh because now I can't imagine myself anywhere else. The classes may be harder but I am learning about what I want to do in life which makes the process all the more rewarding.

amanda

If I could go back and give myself advice I would tell myself ask for extra help when it is needed and others will help. Don't procrastinate . Make friends. Get involved. Believe in yourself Fight for your dreams you can be anything you want as long as you work hard for it HAVE FUN

Dashawnda

Never give up and if you feel like your under stress, just breathe.

Kailah

I will tell my self to not lost sight on your goal. Join as many clubs/activities as you can on campus without overwhelming yourself. Never room with a friend.

Cianalyn

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice; I would say two things. One, be on top of all your work. Time management is a huge thing in becoming successful in college. Two, become more involved on campus. Don't be afraid to join all the clubs you want to even if your "social circle" isn't involved in them. Every decision you make in college is a decision made for yourself.

Anna

I would tell myself that no matter how self-assured anyone is looking, everyone is nervous. Take those early risks, like being the first person to speak up in class, because that's how you make good relationships with your professors and peers. Don't be afraid to take on too much- the more activities you get involved with the more friends and fun you'll have. Start acting on your passions right away and ask for help when you need it. Campus resources are there for a reason so use them! Most of all, don't sweat the small stuff and go out and take advantage of your beautiful city.

Christina

I would tell myslef to pay more attention to financial aid. Yes a college has to be a good fit, and Wheelock was a great school for what I whanted to do but sadly money plays a big role in role in the college process, but itis very easy to overlook it when your just waiting to get a letter saying you got in. Alot of seniors including myslef thought once you got your letter that was it. Send it your deposit and itis easy from there. Being the only sibiling out of three to go school my parents didnt know anything about the financial process. Im doing okay after attending many financial aid workshops at Wheelock, but if I could do this all over again, in all honesty I would have applied to every state school in Massachusetts.

Tonique

If i were talking to myself as a high school senior i would only say a few wise words of advice. I would first tell myself to ignore what the television portrays as the college experience, because it is nothing like that. Then i would tell myself not to be too overwhelmed or nervous when starting because once you get the hang of everything you will be fine. Next i would tell myself that i need to keep in mind that i am there for a reason and the work isn't going to do itself. So don't get caught up in your social life because your grades will go down hill; you definantly don't want that especially with the amount of tuition your mom will be paying each year. The last thing i would say is relax, take a deep breath, and apply to this college because in the end they have the exact professional study that you want to explore. Tonique you're going to love it!

Brian

When I was a senior in high school I had it in my mind that I would go to a college in Arizona and be a video game designer, and I can't say how wrong I really was about that, and while I did gain some valuable knowledge, skills, social talents, abilities, became a christian, developed some friendships, and overall developed... I also dealt with some serious problems, such as eviction, massive debt, the economic downfall that made me withdrawl from my private school, and the loss of all my credits, as well as having nearly 10,000 in cumulative dollars stolen from me by a "friend". Needless to say I've dealt with a lot, and my family hasn't been all that supportive, but when I got back into school at a community college my life continued to change with huge downfalls and depressive times, but if I could undo it... I'm not sure I would. The advice I'd give myself as a senior would be to stay optimistic and not give up, as that's what I've needed to do to this point.

Anna

Dear Anna*, Don't put too much pressure on yourself at first. There will be so many opportunities, classes, and new people to meet, that it's easy to get overwhelmed and try everything at once. If you attempt to do them all you won't be able to appreciate a single one. Pick two or three that you really think you'll like and stick to them. Branch out later in the year, if there's still more you want to do. But don't be afraid to go activities sponsered by other clubs you aren't a member of. You didn't pay a student activity fee for nothing! Take risks! Those first days of classes and friendships will begin to define who you are as a person and as a student. The worst you can do is embarass yourself and you can just laugh that off. Do the crazy exercise in front of the whole class that your professor wants one volunteer for. He'll respect you for the rest of the semester. Just remember to still be kind and know when to keep your head down. People will love you for that too! Love, Anna*

Bileisi

Going to College has been a dream come true. Knowing that my mother was not able to attend college and that I will be the first attending college in the family, made me feel proud of my self. I am able to become more independent and understand that now everything I do in college and outside college is my responsibility and I must make sure to do the right thing. I do encourage those students that are in high school to take education seriously and to know that there success come once they completed their education in college.

Autymn

I believe that the Social Work and Juvenile Justice & Youth Advocacy Programs at Wheelock College, although the only undergrad programs in the Boston area, could use alot of improvements but have also taught me alot about the field I will be working in after graduation. With alot of hands on and practice work, the Social Work professors make it easy for students to understand strategies and research work processes. I also have enjoyed my practicum so far this year and although have had small issues with the searching process, have grown to love the work I do with my clients. Having this internship and courses provide correlation, I can say helps make me value the education I have received here. I have seen other students over the past 3 years not take advantage of their education, but also follow those who asren't doing well and the advice I would give to future students is to take full advantage although this school may not have turned out to be the experience they thought it would be.

Benita

As a entering freshman to wheelock i feel that my college experience will be wonderful. Being in Boston I have the whole city of boston to explore.

justin

i have leared a lot in the past week i been in school i love my school i just like working on cars and thats why im am attending school to better my mind an learn more where i can find a better job and have a better furter when i finshen school and the valuable i got from the school i attend is i have learn more then i have learned in the past 2 years i did in high school

Rachael

I can honestly say I love my school. It’s the perfect fit for me. The class size, my peers, and faculty are all reasons why I love Wheelock. I’ve learned so much from the Wheelock community, both inside and outside the classroom. I like being surrounded by people that have the same passions and values that I do. People come to Wheelock because they want to help others. I came to this school because I wanted to aid people who needed a helping hand. I knew that Wheelock could help me do that to the best of my ability. What I didn’t know was that I would find so many people who felt the same as I did. The Wheelock Community has embraced and taught me so much. It is by far my favorite part of the College. I have made many lifelong friends and will be sad to leave Wheelock when the time comes. Yet I will take everything I’ve learned here and look forward to my future.

Emily

I have gotten confidence and happiness from my college experience. I have always been told that I am an intelligent person and can do whatever I put my mind to, but Wheelock has really affirmed that belief for me. The people that I attend this school with are some of the best people I have ever met in my entire life. I have gained 3 best best friends from this experience and I can honestly say zero enemies. Everytime I complain or wonder why I chose to go to school I just think about the mission and know that it's all worth it. The ambition to improve the lives of children and families is what brought me to Wheelock and it is what makes me stay each and every day.

Joseph

Save your money & get as much education as you can. You'll have more oppotunity's for a career instead of just another job. Be more cautious about your spending habits.

Lizzette

Challenge yourself more. The only rock in the road is yourself. There are people who want to see you fail, but there is a larger population of people who want to help you and see you succeed. It is only a matter of trying and reaching out for help when you need it. There are opportunities out there and you need to find them and grasp them. Anything is possible if you really want it. Reach for the moon if you want, for if you cannot reach it, there are thousands of stars that would be in your reach anyways. You have to push yourself because no one else will. Everyone goes to college with a purpose in mind, so be careful who you become acquainted with. Make sure they have the same focus and desire for education for influences can effect you and help you if you chose the right ones. And finally, network! Now is the time to find people who can help you down the line in your career and you can help in return. Build your web of resources to help you reach your goals and just give everything 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and never give up.

Sade

I would advise myself not to be fearful of my new endeavors and that great knowledge and friendships would lie ahead. I would tell myself to step outside of my comfort zone and go forth with passion. I would tell myself not to view mistakes and hardships of the past as weaknesses and regrets, but as learning experiences. Without struggles you cannot achieve true success. I would say ? Sade, this is only the beginning and life itself is your greatest opportunity.?

sharrell

Particpant in more school activities. Be yourself more cause if you love yourself it doesn't matter what other people think. Play like you know how. Why be afraid? Stop crawling in life. Sharrell you have to jump sometimes.

Matthew

I had a unique situation in college. I did not apply for any colleges in the Boston area, but my fiance got into Emerson college. I chose to follow her to Boston so she did not have to go to Hofstra, where we were both accepted. Without even being acepted to any schools I moved there, and went to Bunker Hill Community College for a semester while applying for schools. This was a huge hassel, and wasted some time and money. If I was to know how my college situation had turned out as a high school senior, I would have made it a point to apply for schools in Boston only. This would have been a much easier transition, because my apartment is far from Wheelock College where I am attending starting January 20, 2010, and I would know to claim myself on my taxes much sooner, so that the FAFSA would show how much money I really do not have. It is a real struggle to pay for my apartment and now for a school that is much too expensive for me. If I had known all of this earlier my transition would have been much easier.

Heather

As a high school senior, I had very low self confidence. When applying to schools, my biggest fear was being accepted as the person i was. As a gay woman I had faced an extreme amount of predjudice at my high school and was afriad that college would be the same experience. Looking back today, I would have told myself that there are people in this world who will not accept you an understand who you are, but that's okay. I believe this peice of advice would have allowed me, as a terrified college freshman, to start that school being who I was, instead of hiding in my shell for months. I believe it is extrememly important for any person to know that who they are as a person won't be judged by their peers. I took this to the extreme. I wish I had been able to tell myself that this school would wrap its arms around me and allow me to be who I was and would help me to become an upstanding adult. I thank this school for helping me become who I am today

Angie

College education is very important to proceed in whatever one is aspiring to be in the near future. Thus my advise will be for me or any one in high school to continue ahead and have his or her college education because it paysoff sooner or later.

Stefanie

High school is a reality show gone wild. The education is secondary to the drama and wild intensity of a building full of teenagers. College is like deliverance into a world that allows true development of one's intellect and personality. As a high school senior you spend alot of time concerned with how your peers perceive you instead of spending that time considering your own self-worth. My advice is to be true to yourself and be less concerned with others perception of you. I would also advise that you find a school that fits your style and your beliefs both in high school and college. I would urge to be good to yourself and take time to enrich your life with activities that feed your soul . I would ask more questions in class and forget what other people mught think about your question. Most importantly I would recommend to just relax and laugh!

Jonah

I would tell my high school senior self that I would need to maintain a higher work ethic than I had in school I would also have told my self to work on time managment skills at the end of high school. That would have reduced the stress of having to complete so many assinments in such a short time. I also feel that had I worked harder on my writing in high school i would have had less to learn in college. The idea of coming to college always stressed me out because it would be a change in the surroundings that I would not be looking forward to. I do however feel that if I had been told that college was no difficult just different time management, I would not have belived them. I also feel that the college experience is different for every person and I knew that in high school, so I do not know if I would have belived anything about college. I may have been stressed about college, but I do enjoy creating my own experiences and interactions. I have also made friends with many different students at the college.

Kimberly

I would make sure that parents tell their students to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I would also make sure that if they are applying for loans to make sure to stay in touch with the fiancal aid officer. The Student should also make compromises with their roommate for the best college experience. Don't think that you are only going to apply to one college because you really want to go there. Always have back ups. You never know, your back up could be better than your number one.

Bibiana

just enjoy your time at school as much as you can because it flies by really fast.

Jenna

To students looking for a college to attend, look for a school that not only looks to support your intended major or field of study but also consider your other interests and find a school with clubs or organizations that support these interests, college is a time to broaden your view of the world that you live in and getting out it to the big wide world may be scary but after that first step there is no telling where your life can lead.

Samantha

In my oppinion, if you're having doubts about what subject you would like to major in, choose a liberal arts school. I made the wrong decision by going to a school with a clear focus in working with children when I wasn't entirely positive I wanted to do that. Because I have switched my major, the best thing for me to do was transfer. Many students transfer but I feel as though I am starting over, making me feel as if I'm very far behind in my college carreer.

Melanie

The best advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is that the decision must be about them. You cannot choose your school based on where your friends are going, nor can you pick a school solely on its location. You have to decide what interests you, and where you see yourself in the future. Once you do this, then you can look into schools that have corresponding programs. My second piece of advice is to keep in mind how much your education is going to cost, how you are going to pay for it, and if your degree will help you earn enough money to pay back those student loans. It definately pays off to look into the future job market and see where you might be in 5 or 10 years.

Laura

During my senior year of high school I was debating on wheather I wanted to stay close to home or move away. I was sure that I was going to go to a college right down the road from my house. However, someone from Wheelock college came in to inform my Early Childhood Education class about thier school and I was immediately drawn to it. The only thing that I was hesitant about was that it was in Boston, MA. and that I was going to have to move away from home. As most teens can relate, I had friends and family whom I didn't want to leave behind. My parents encouraged me to make the best decision for me and me only. In the end, I decided to weave my path in life through Wheelock College and it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I furthered my education in more ways than one and did even better than I did in high school; on top of that made some amazing friends who want to improve the lives of children and families just as much as I do. Follow your heart.

Rachael

I would tell perspective college students and their parents to visit all of the schools they are looking into. They should go with what feels right. I visited many college campuses, but I only felt comfortable and at home while visiting Wheelock. Most of the campuses I went to were too big and I felt small. The atmosphere at Wheelock was great and I felt like I belonged. Go with your gut. If you like the atmosphere and the vibe that you feel while on campus it?s probably right for you. After picking the perfect school, the college experience is all about trying new things. Don?t hold back or be afraid. College is about finding new friends, new hobbies and becoming a new independent person. Being your own boss but not over doing it is also a part of the experience. Finding a balance between making the right decisions and making a few mistakes is all a part of the process. It may start off rocky but stick with it. It?s part of the journey.