Western Governors University Top Questions

If I could turn back time, knowing what I know now about school and the impact the lack of a degree would have on my future, I would definately tell myself to go to college instead of entering the work force right after high school graduation. The advice that I would give myself would be to enjoy the college life, where my only responsibility would be to study and make good grades. Do not put work above school at this time in your life, because returning to school is much harder when you are older and sometimes never becomes an option because of family and work obligations. Enjoy being in school and learning new things, thus preparing a better future for yourself. Enjoy meeting new people who share your interest, and when this time comes to enter the work force be proud that you can apply for the job of your dreams because you chose to go to school and earn that degree.

Don't try so hard. It's not as hard as it seems, just go with the flow.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is this. pretend college is your job. From Monday morning till Thursday afternoon, devote yourself to your studies, then you can take Friday, Saturday and Sunday to do the fun things and enjoy your college experience. I understand that you want to go out and socialize, do that, but do it on the weeekends, use the week days to study, learn and work. If you can do this, you will succeed in school and in life. If you dont, you will regret it when you end up in college when you are married, working, and have kids. Beleive me, its much easier to do Monday through Thursday when you aren't caring for other people and working a full time job. Take the opportunity while its there.

I will tell myself to keep focused and don't full around. It is better to start college later in life than to still be thirty trying to find a scholarship or someone that will give you a student loan because you have exhausted all federal funds to pay for your education.

Stay the course and focus on school. College will provide plenty of distractions that you have a lifetime to explore. Work hard, then play hard, that's the motto. And try not to get discouraged when the plans don't go your way. Instead, embrace the changes life brings you. Oh, and start locing your hair a bit sooner; it makes life so much easier.

That this is a college and you must be a self starter to really succeed. Although, the course mentors and student mentors help keep you on track.

I would tell myself to stay focused and to ask for help. There's no shame in asking for help when you need it.

Take advantage of the every opportunities that is presented during the high school year. Participate in much as possible, especially scholarship opportunities because the more scholarships you have the less debt you will be in. Be very attentive of the course work and do the best that you can to get the best grade that you can get, so that you get many college opportunities upon graduation. Seek as many clubs, after school activities, sports, and tutoring that you can to assure that you stay focus and don't let things that don't matter, get the best of you. High school will be some of the best years handed to you, so take advantage and do your best because there are many opportunities that are out here for you to be successful as you are trying to be at an early age.

If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice regarding the transition into college it would be “nothing is as bad as it seems”. When I moved to college, I had to work and provide for myself. I had been working all through high school but it was much different being in an unfamiliar place, on my own. Not long after my first year started, I was overwhelmed financially and academically. I was always a straight A student in school, so the fact that I was struggling in my college classes made me feel like I was failing. The stress of providing for myself financially didn’t help. I was constantly panicking about how I was going to pay my bills. It wasn’t long before I gave up and vowed that someday I would return to school when I was more stable both mentally and financially. I am now thirty years old with a full time job, a husband and three children. If only I could have told myself that it wasn’t that bad and that I would get through it, I would not be starting school now, with more obstacles than I had originally!

As I take a seat next to my high-school self on a bus, I find myself giving this advice: Be confident in who you are. Right now it feels like everyone is competing for attention, for looks, for being cool. We both know you are only revealing parts of yourself because you want to fit in. A wise person once said, “Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are.” Secondly, you don’t need to have a perfect plan. Imagine you are in a car at night. You may only be able to see the next 100 feet in front of you, but you still know your final destination. Make decisions that allow you to graduate in four years with a degree that will help you move on in life. Finally, you will learn as much outside the classroom as you will inside. Find mentors and take leadership opportunities. Make mistakes and learn from them. Use moderation when it comes to all things. This will help you create a balance in your life that is sustainable and prevent burnout. You will change the world for better!