Yuba College Top Questions

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

Peggy-Jean

When I was a high school senior, I already had 50 units from Yuba College, so, I had obviously been going to college for some time at the end of my time at high school. Even so, I guess I would have to say that my advice would be to manage my time better. Once you start taking twenty units a semester, the workload kind of creeps up on you, and it's difficult to manage school, home life, and any social activities you've got going on. Other than that, it's not much different.

Aisha

In High School I wasn't the best student, so if I could go back in time would motitvate myself and tell myself to stop procastinating. High school should be taking very seriously; it isn't a popularity contest or game. It is a preparation for college, and then college is a preparation to a successful career.

ammy

I am currently attending Woodland Community College with plans to transfer to a four-year college. School has never been easy for me but I am always striving for my best. I am the oldest in the family and the first one to graduate from high school and to attend college. My family encourages me to be part of activities at school and in the community. I am the co chair of M.E.C.H.A of woodland community college and I?m planning on joining Associated Students of WCC. Also on my free time I am involved with Hands On Sacramento and I have volunteered over 40 hours. Getting involved with campus activities makes the college experience more fulfilling. It is also important to speak with a councellor. A councellor will make college more easier by help you choose your classes, and helping you find scholarships. College is my opportunity to improve my life by having more opportunities to get better jobs, and to encourage my family to go back to school. My goal is to get a four-year degree in political science, work hands on with people, and to make this world a better place.

Andew

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior after knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself that it is a great experience to go away for college . It had helped me become more independent in learning how to take care of myself and not depend on my parents to take care of everything for me. I also am more focused on my goals. I would also tell myself that it is possbile to tackle all of my class assignments and projects and maintain good grades as long as I stay disciplined in my study habits. I have to believe that the end goal of pursing my passion and obtaining my degree as an art animator is well worth it because it would provide me with a career that I would eagering work and enjoy for years to come.

Sarah

I would tell any high school senior to just focus on schooling and being a kid. From my own experiences I now can look back and see the mistakes I made in high school. Being a young mother opened my eyes to many things I missed out on during my senior year, so my biggest advice would be to just love the moment. High school is a gateway to many opportunites and its one of the greatest times of many peoples lives. I believe focusing on school work, class activites,and friends is what senior year is for. Look to the future, but don't forget about your past.

Andrea

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school version of me, I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. You need to be involved with the facility of the college you attend because otherwise you will get lost and confused. The staff will explain everything to you and answer all of your questions. You do not have to struggle to find answers on your own!

Buster

Do better on your class work and pay more attention in class and to your teachers.

Alba

If I had a chance to go back in time to my high school senior year, I will make all the arrangements necesary to enter to a university. As a high school senior, I did not look for the information I needed to apply for schoolarships and finacial aid that was available to me. I also speak up for a lot o f Hispanic students who were not offered or were encourage to persue to continue their college education. I will defentely speak to the school counselors and advice them to do informative workshops where all this information about how to go to college can be spread to all the students. If I had the chance to be a high school senior I will plan better my higher education years.

Kathryn

If you are considering going to college whether it is a community, CSU, or University, you should attend as many clubs as you can, volunteer work for the community, and most of all do your best in school for high grades. Apply for almost every scholarship, grant or financial aid you are able to. Every bit of help pays off in the end for college, especially if you are struggling in the recession for money. It is difficult but always remember that anything is possible. You can go to college to become what you have always dreamed of. Your senior year is what almost every college looks upon to see how well you did, to see if you did not pay attention or if you really had the ambition to thrive for a great grade. Just remember that your hard work will always pay off in the end, even throughout college. You can get any degree you would like if you just put your effort and motivation into it. College is for anyone and everyone regardless of age, race, or degree.

Matthew

Never lose hope. That is the advice that I would give myself when I was in high school. Too often do kids get caught up in the drama of life and feel that things can never go on. Many people believe that once you leave high school and go to college, all that "childish" stuff gets left behind. But it doesn't. People are more concerned with who is going out with who, rather than really focusing on studies. I'm no exception and had to learn my lesson. After a couple of semesters of goofing off, I began to realize why I was there. I started to see friends transfering to upper division schools and other friends getting the jobs they wanted while I was still sitting there wondering what had happened. At a time when it feels like you've been left behind by everything in life, it is easy to lose hope. Giving up becomes the easy option. But I was always a rebel and I fought back against everything that held me back. Now I'm back on track and ready to pursue my education and a life in the real world that surely follows.

Hannah

Hannah, I know you don't have a clue about what you want to do when you grow up. I also know, you want to take a year off before you enter college. Stop thinking like this, and stop it now! Summer will be a long enough break for you to rest, trust me. Get registered at the college right now, so you can start on your general education. If you don't, you will be sorry. Your going to be stuck with some classes that you don't really need. Also if you don't register early, your going to be registering the day college starts, which means you are going to be behind. Don't worry about your major right now. Right before summer ends you will know what you want to do, and your going to be so excited and motivated about starting the school year. As soon as you know what you want to major in, go see a couselor A.S.A.P. That way you can start on your general education. The main thing is don't wait. Be courageous, and just do it!

Nathaniel

o wow where to start? Well for starters I just now at the age of 29 have decided to register for college. So for one I would tell myself to go straight to college and dont waste valuable years. Also I never knew that i had to register at the age of 18 for the sss, selective service, for the u.s millitary draft,. Nobody was around to guide me or explain the importance of it. So not knowing that i was required to do so i never did. Big mistake as now i most likely dont qualify for financial aid, or will have to go at least one semester with out it. It is very hard to be a full time student , a single father, and unemployed and not get financial aid. All because i didnt know to register with the sss. So i would go back in time and YELL at myself to register!!!

Santiago

I would really only tell myself to be very carefuk about who i hang out with because I think that some friends just are not to handle school, life and fun very well. I would tell myslef do not take any classes with friends you know are just going to use or keep you from getting your things done. Make sure to be smart with your money so that you won't have to rely on having to carpool with friends that choose not to attend all their classes, which in turn made it to where you have to skip classes due to the simple fact that they drove and you are at their mercy (figuratively). To close up the conversation with my senior self I would just remind myself that this opportunity is bigger than anything I had ever thought possible and to make sure that I know how to prioritise my schdule with school being a major if not the main priority.

Esther

I would definately start by talking to a counselor first and get assistance on getting a jump-start-to-college-mode. At high school I already knew I wanted to be an Administrative Assistant. All through high school years I was in a "Workability" program, and I basically was able to get my foot in the door in different places. I started at Woodland School District Office- with Pupil Personnel and I worked with them for my sophmore year. In my junior year I worked at the District Attorney's Office, and for my senior year I worked at Agriculture Department. In each department I did nothing but clerical duties and greet the public, which is something that I have enjoyed doing ever since I started. Now, I'm at Woodland Community College and I have worked with Extended Opportunities Programs & Services for 3 years. I started as a Peer Advisor and transitioned to a Student Clerk and I've enjoyed working there, and also going for my A.A Degree!! Next to my daughter that is the other reasons that I look forward to getting up in the morning and giving it all I have. GOING AFTER MY DREAMS!!!!

Kelly

If I were to have the unique oppurtunity to speak to my past self, an eighteen year old cruising through senior year, my advice would be this: do not underestimate yourself, you are capable of whatever you can imagine and you should trust your instincts. I would tell myself that fear is pointless. Fear holds you back. Fear blinds you. Making the transition into college I was so afraid of not measuring up that I miscalculated my own value, and in doing so failed to reach my full potential. No matter what school you attend, you make it a positive experience by your attitude. I would advise myself to get to the crowded parking lot early and not return any library books late. I would tell myself to not miss test review days and to keep an umbrella in my car for rainy walks to math class. I would tell myself that life is a journey, and that working as hard as possible now will give me the most success later. I would tell myself to thrive, and to have no fear.

Taqua

If I had the gift to go back in time and talk to my self when I was a senior I would tell myself that even the most professional looking people in the world don't know it all. That my mind can be taught by the most unlikely people, and that a degree or a couple letters next to your name doesn't mean you are smart. It is when you truly allow your mind to grow and apply what you have learned in your life, that you will truly know the meaning of real intelligence.

Loon

How could you do this? Ask such a thing as if I were Marty McFly himself. If it were possible to come across my confused, long-threaded, high school self there would be far too many things to say. But since my final year at Woodland High, and the last minutes of Professor Pittenger's course last semester, I have certainly learned quite a bit I guess I wouldn't mind having the knowledge I have today when I was in high school. If only I knew that I was going to change my focus from English, to Psychology just to discover that my hands belong under an elastic enclosure and my back covered by a white medical coat. I guess if I knew I would be living off cup noodles and dollar-menus, I would have learned how to properly satay a mean stir-fry or search up and down main street for a job because I needed life experience. But really, if it were possible, I wouldn't say a thing. I learned everything for myself just in time. Who needs a flying DeLorean? Who needs to go back in time?

Stephanie

I would tell myself that I could do it. College for me has been a fear ever since I graduated high school. I told myself lots of different excuses not to go to college, like I couldn't afford it, it wasn't for me, I didn't need college ect. , but really I was just scared. Once I finally made my mind up I still had good excuses, such as I'm to old, I'm not smart enough ect. , but this time I didn't talk myself out of going I made sure I went and it has been the best thing I have done. Now I am an example for my children and I will be able to let them know that I never wanted to go to college, but if I had it to do all over again I would have went right out of high school and I want my children to know and understand that and go to college as soon as they can. I'm glad I'm going now I will soon be done and it has all been worth it.

Laura

If I had to go back in time when I was a senior in high school I would change many things. For one, I would change my mind setting. When I attended college I was lost and unsure of what I wanted to do. I had trouble staying focused and on target. I never seeked out help and now I have to spend more time focusing on trying to get my AA. Another transition issue that I would have changed, would be the amount of scholarships I didn?t do. I would now literally sit down and fill out them all. I of course know I still have time to do them, but if I had started earlier I would have been better off. Also, I would have worried less about working and more about school. I now have to work constantly to pay my bills and now have a hard time focussing on school. Which in this day, everyone needs to attend college to have a decent job and decent pay. Those who are unlucky enough to not attend school work now for a living, mainly in low-end jobs or in fast food restaurants for minimum wage.

Neka

I would tell myself to focus more on school, study harder, and that my real friends understand that school needs to come 1st before them. I would apply for scholarships and grants that will help me with college. I would also tell myself not to give up, not to drop out of high school, and definately not to take anytime off between high school and college. The longer you are out of school the harder it is to go back.

Kyle

In "Looney Toons"-esque fashion, I would grab myself by the shirt, slap my past self's face, and say "Pull yourself together!" As a high school senior, I was mostly unmotivated, uncaring, unfocused, and virtually any other "un" you can think of. I had no direction, no purpose, and it showed. I didn't care for most of my classes and so put in the minimum amount of effort necessary. Even my "passion", music, didn't get more than an hour or so of attention a day. Looking back, I wish I could tell myself to get organized and get motivated. Maybe things don't always go the way you want, but what you learn depends on how much effort you make. Unsurprisingly, I learned very little that year. In contrast, I've since become more attentive and active, and as a result, have learned much more since then, both in terms of education and life lessons.

Gabrielle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice I would tell myself: You need to stay focused. Do not get off track. Don't feel pressured go at your own pace. Be willing to ask any and all questions. Use all available resources. Take advantage of the free tutoring to help you with any class work you may have difficulty with. Be prepared. Attend all classes. Do not procrastinate. Communicate with your teacher if unclear on any part of the discussion or assigned assignments. This what I would say to myself if I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior about college life and making the transition.

Amber

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things I would let myself know. The most important piece of advice I would give myself would be to hold on to and follow your dreams. Also, don't hold on so tightly to your friends that you are incapable of making new ones. Don't worry it is okay to have no money, it will eventually pass and be totally worth it. It can be a lot harder if you don't have fun at the same time. Remember a failing grade does not always mean a failing person. Take chances, learn all you can about yourself and never be afraid to change your mind on what you want to do. Never get stuck in a situation that you will regret later in life. Cherish the friendships, memories and all the time you ate top ramen because you were out of money. Remember it is a once in a lifetime experience, make sure to enjoy the heck out of it!!

Lance

Hi Lance. I'm you from the future. I know this is probably freaking you out but I traveled back in time and am here to give you some much needed advice about how to making that leap from high school to college. First of all you did a great job of getting to classes but I have to recommend that you get the "meatier" classes out of the way. Whatever you do don't enroll in classes that you think will be a piece of cake. Eventually you will realize that you have no direction and when you finally find out where you want your education to take you in life, you will realize that all of those difficult courses that you dodged are going to be the ones that become your educational roadblocks. The next most important thing to do is develop an educational plan that will coincide with your major. But most importantly do tons of research on majors before you start. Research jobs, working environments, job outlook and career advancement in those particular fields. Do the research! Trust me. It is well worth it. Do not wander aimlessly through college. That will be your downfall.

Kristen

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to have fun, enjoy every single minute of my senior year, and to spend as much time with my friends as possible before we all go our seperate ways. On the more serious side, I would tell myself to pay attention to all of my teachers, no matter how pointless their information may seem, because everything they say will somehow help you and the more you know the easier the transition will be. College is a very different kind of experience, you need to know how to take notes and catch all the little hints professors drop about what might be on your exams. And most of all I'd tell myself not to take anything for granted, because once you're in college no one is there to hold your hand through the hard parts, you're all on your own.

Elizabeth

Looking back on 5 years of college now I would have told my 17 year old self to just be patient, take everything in, and don't sweat the small stuff. My college career has been far to short to worry about the meaningless things I have been worrying about. If only someone had told me that it was going to fly by, maybe I would have done some of the things I wanted to. Try out for a sport, join a club, hang out with friends, experience the dorm life, and give your professors the respect they deserve. It went by in a flash, and even though you think you have all this time to decide what you want to do, and to grow up...Well, you don't. So take it all in and make those 4-5 years the best most memorable times of your life!

Amy

Let go of your highschool issues! If you weren't popular in highschool, you'll definitely find a group of people who think you're really cool in college, so don't shy away from new people, situations and experiences. If you were popular in highschool, don't assume that people you meet in college care about that. Don't try to show off, have an open mind and be friendly. Do well in school! You're an adult now, and no one is going to make you do your homework or go to class. If you want to skip class and go to a party, you can, but you're only hurting yourself and your future. You'll probably end up forgetting that party you went to, but a bad grade sticks around. Someone (maybe you) has invested a lot of money, so don't waste it. Don't listen to that old phrase "D's get degrees"! A college degree alone isn't that impressive anymore, so you need a decent GPA to stand out, or to continue on with schooling. You may need to change your career someday, and a poor GPA can make that very difficult.

Kao

Be prepare for the future that is ahead. It would be hard, but you will reach your goals.