Luz Tellez Professor Vana Derohanessian English 114A September 12, 2013 We are all constantly encountering situations

where the decisions that will benefit the now will have consequences down the road. The decision that might seem severe and tolling right away will sometimes, ultimately be more worthwhile. The answer can change at any time, but for right now we are just going to stick with something as simple as we want a better life. College is a stepping-stone in life, which can be overwhelming once you transition, from high school student to a college student. In college Im learning so much more about the real world in such a short period of time such as adapting, living on a budget, and independence. All of these transitions seem simple at first, but ultimately can affect you. Im learning new things everyday, but also require the old material that I know. Before Cal State Northridge, I attended Blair International Baccalaureate High School. I believe my school did enough to prepare me before college as it provided a international educational experience, which help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional, and time management skills, to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. My school included advancement aims to provide opportunities so that students may benefit from a high quality experience, yet it didnt help me learn how to manage a budget. This is the most challenging part as a student, as we have to learn how to spend wisely because our funds are not limitless. The teaching critique from CSUN and Blair are both extremely different. Blair required many strict rules such as having a uniform, IB board of governors, and committees ensuring the longevity of the program. CSUN also has boards of educators, but from what I have noticed the

most was the staff. Although, my classes range from sizes, the professors seem to show far more interest to students than my previous school. There are many myths when it comes to college for example, attendance is not important just as long as you pass the final. That is not entirely true, as not everyone can accomplish this. Skipping class is like throwing money down the drain, every class is equally important. If you are not attending your classes you are only harming yourself. Besides, I appreciate all of my classes I wouldnt want to miss them for anything. However, college is not as glamorous as it is perceived to be. The most important thing I would of done different in High School to prepare myself before college would be to socialize more. Rose concludes, And I suppose the workings of my mind, such as they were, had been private for too long (Rose 6). Social interactions and communication is essential, yet I haven t been able to experience this. As an avid reader most of my days were spent in the library. My school was small and very dull; reading was the most exciting part in school. Hopefully, I will get out of my comfort zone, and become social. We would all like to believe that we are ready for college, but in fact no one is. We are all here accepting this path, because we believe education has virtue and value. Your transition is the first chapter of your college experience. You cant develop into a full flesh adult without experiencing these developments. Weve been socializing our whole lives to know this; believing you can do something is just half the battle, now comes the second half, experiencing it.