5 answers
Brock
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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Do you wish you would have done something else and why?
Do you wish you were to do something else then what you chose to do in college? Why do you wish that you should or shouldn't have done something different in college? What do you wish you would have done different?
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5 answers
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
Hi Brock - Overall, I’m pretty pleased with my college experience. That said, if I could do something different, it would be to network more, both with faculty and other students. I also would have studied abroad. I loved and took languages. Study abroad would have given me the opportunity to perfect my language skills while learning about a different culture.
great answer. keeping up with people and building a network for references or recommendation is so important
David Fryrear
Tyler Baldwin
Emergency Medical Technician
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hey Brock, thank you for asking this question.
In terms of academics, I think I would have tried to prioritize my school work more than I did. I was caught in the fear of missing out mindset for a long time, and that interfered with my schoolwork and my prioritization.
In terms of experiences, I believe that I took the path best for me; I have never been the most socially energetic person, so I went out when I felt like it and had a great mix of good and bad experiences. But that was really the goal from the outset, to experience and to learn what I did and did not like socially and to ultimately not have any regrets by the end.
I think asking yourself why you want to be in college is extremely important, as I think that gives you the framework to plan and prioritize what's important to you while in college, whether it is academically or experientially focused. That also prevents you from having regrets and wishing there were certain things you could have done differently, because you'll have learned and grown as a person whatever the outcome is.
Ask yourself why you want to go to college.
Make a list of what is important to you.
Rank those ideas from most to least important for your "why college"
Go out and make those most important ideas a reality.
In terms of academics, I think I would have tried to prioritize my school work more than I did. I was caught in the fear of missing out mindset for a long time, and that interfered with my schoolwork and my prioritization.
In terms of experiences, I believe that I took the path best for me; I have never been the most socially energetic person, so I went out when I felt like it and had a great mix of good and bad experiences. But that was really the goal from the outset, to experience and to learn what I did and did not like socially and to ultimately not have any regrets by the end.
I think asking yourself why you want to be in college is extremely important, as I think that gives you the framework to plan and prioritize what's important to you while in college, whether it is academically or experientially focused. That also prevents you from having regrets and wishing there were certain things you could have done differently, because you'll have learned and grown as a person whatever the outcome is.
Tyler recommends the following next steps:
Doug Johnson
Project Manager
16
Answers
Orland Park, Illinois
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Brock. Your question is excellent. Before I relate what I wish I had done differently in college, I want to mention what I’m glad I did.
In my first two years in college, I took introductory courses in a wide variety of subject areas. This gave me exposure to a wide range of interests and perspectives and helped me learn how to think objectively.
In hindsight, three things I wish I had approached differently:
I wish I had Spent more time focusing on academics, that is, getting more immersed in the subjects I was taking classes in. Not just reading the textbook and handouts, but by talking to others in the class, students majoring in the field, and sampling sources not required in class assignments. This would have helped my learning and getting better grades.
I wish I had gotten involved in a few academic clubs. Hanging out and partying with dormmates and other friends is fine, but long-term relationships came through getting to know and working with others with similar interests and commitments.
I wish I had taken more academically easy courses. In both high school and college, my grades were never near the top of the class – I had to study harder to get decent grades. Nonetheless, for some reason, in college I took several advanced classes outside of my major. At the time, I guess I was thinking I could get a better understanding of the subject through advanced classes. But I think I actually absorbed less than in the introductory courses. In addition, when I applied for a job after college, I learned that overall grade point average is pretty much the only thing companies have to go on to evaluate your time in college.
I hope this helps. And I encourage you to get more opinions and insight by posing this question to everyone you know who attended college.
In my first two years in college, I took introductory courses in a wide variety of subject areas. This gave me exposure to a wide range of interests and perspectives and helped me learn how to think objectively.
In hindsight, three things I wish I had approached differently:
I wish I had Spent more time focusing on academics, that is, getting more immersed in the subjects I was taking classes in. Not just reading the textbook and handouts, but by talking to others in the class, students majoring in the field, and sampling sources not required in class assignments. This would have helped my learning and getting better grades.
I wish I had gotten involved in a few academic clubs. Hanging out and partying with dormmates and other friends is fine, but long-term relationships came through getting to know and working with others with similar interests and commitments.
I wish I had taken more academically easy courses. In both high school and college, my grades were never near the top of the class – I had to study harder to get decent grades. Nonetheless, for some reason, in college I took several advanced classes outside of my major. At the time, I guess I was thinking I could get a better understanding of the subject through advanced classes. But I think I actually absorbed less than in the introductory courses. In addition, when I applied for a job after college, I learned that overall grade point average is pretty much the only thing companies have to go on to evaluate your time in college.
I hope this helps. And I encourage you to get more opinions and insight by posing this question to everyone you know who attended college.
David Fryrear
Head of Quality Assurance
39
Answers
Libertyville, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
This is a thought-provoking question, one that I often encounter. A crucial viewpoint to consider is that life should not be marred by regret. It's beneficial to introspect and evaluate past decisions, but the key is to learn from them and use these lessons to enhance your future.
As for my journey, I selected a university and a major for my undergraduate studies that aligned with my academic standing and interests at that moment. However, after graduation and stepping into the professional world, I discovered new academic fields and career paths that I had no prior knowledge of and which were not available at my institution. My response to this was to pursue further education, obtaining a graduate degree that paved the path towards my desired destination.
I am a firm advocate of the belief that if you pursue studies in areas that intrigue you and strive for a career that ignites your passion, everything else will naturally fall into place. Don't succumb to external pressures or fall prey to misconceptions, like opting for a trending field solely for its job prospects, especially if it's not your primary interest.
On a broader note, reflecting on my past, I realize I could have perhaps studied more efficiently, maintained better relationships, and been more compassionate or understanding in certain scenarios. However, instead of dwelling on these instances with regret, I strive to improve and inspire others by sharing my experiences and insights through mentorship.
As for my journey, I selected a university and a major for my undergraduate studies that aligned with my academic standing and interests at that moment. However, after graduation and stepping into the professional world, I discovered new academic fields and career paths that I had no prior knowledge of and which were not available at my institution. My response to this was to pursue further education, obtaining a graduate degree that paved the path towards my desired destination.
I am a firm advocate of the belief that if you pursue studies in areas that intrigue you and strive for a career that ignites your passion, everything else will naturally fall into place. Don't succumb to external pressures or fall prey to misconceptions, like opting for a trending field solely for its job prospects, especially if it's not your primary interest.
On a broader note, reflecting on my past, I realize I could have perhaps studied more efficiently, maintained better relationships, and been more compassionate or understanding in certain scenarios. However, instead of dwelling on these instances with regret, I strive to improve and inspire others by sharing my experiences and insights through mentorship.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3864
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Brock,
Once upon a time, in the years of 1969-1970, I had dreams of becoming an astronomer, especially after receiving telescopes as gifts! However, destiny had a different path for me.
Coming from a Greek lineage, longevity was not in our favor. My uncle tragically passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 38, and my father followed him 11 years later. During this time, my uncle's former boss and a renowned Professor of Biochemistry, Colin J. Masters, joined my university, Griffith, in 1976. He taught biochemistry, the same field my uncle had worked in under his mentorship.
In 1975, I served as a lifeguard and experienced a life-changing event. I attempted to resuscitate a Judge who had suffered a heart attack. Despite my efforts, the visiting medical officer declared him deceased, a moment that deeply affected me, and of course, his family.
Subsequently, I pursued a 4th year Masters Qualifying in medical biochemistry, molecular biology, and enzymology at the University of Queensland. This equipped me with the necessary knowledge of biochemistry to further my studies with a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics.
Throughout this journey, I received invaluable guidance from medical professionals like Lady Doctor Phyllis Cilento. She recommended that I pursue another postgraduate diploma, this time in orthomolecular nutrition. I also delved into the study of public health. I have no regrets about this path, as it led me to uncover the cause of these tragic heart-related deaths - saturated fat.
May God bless you,
James Constantine.
Once upon a time, in the years of 1969-1970, I had dreams of becoming an astronomer, especially after receiving telescopes as gifts! However, destiny had a different path for me.
Coming from a Greek lineage, longevity was not in our favor. My uncle tragically passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 38, and my father followed him 11 years later. During this time, my uncle's former boss and a renowned Professor of Biochemistry, Colin J. Masters, joined my university, Griffith, in 1976. He taught biochemistry, the same field my uncle had worked in under his mentorship.
In 1975, I served as a lifeguard and experienced a life-changing event. I attempted to resuscitate a Judge who had suffered a heart attack. Despite my efforts, the visiting medical officer declared him deceased, a moment that deeply affected me, and of course, his family.
Subsequently, I pursued a 4th year Masters Qualifying in medical biochemistry, molecular biology, and enzymology at the University of Queensland. This equipped me with the necessary knowledge of biochemistry to further my studies with a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics.
Throughout this journey, I received invaluable guidance from medical professionals like Lady Doctor Phyllis Cilento. She recommended that I pursue another postgraduate diploma, this time in orthomolecular nutrition. I also delved into the study of public health. I have no regrets about this path, as it led me to uncover the cause of these tragic heart-related deaths - saturated fat.
May God bless you,
James Constantine.