Appalachian State University Top Questions

Attending my local community college has been a valuable experience because it has allowed me to finally know what I want to study. My parents have always told me to just pick a career field or major already but I didn't know what. When I took an British Literature survey class it gave me the confidence to really just decide to become an english major. I feel confident about this decision and in this field.

Appalachian has been the most wonderful experience of my life. I started out my freshman year at a much smaller, much more tight fisted university, and was completely miserable. It wasn't the right place for me. I felt out of place all the time and couldn't seem to find my place there. I transferred to App, which had always been my first choice, and immediately felt like I was home. Everyone up here appreciates the outdoors, individuality, creativity, and everything in between. Never once at this school have I felt out of place, or like I don't belong. I don't know if it's the mountain air, but people up here are incredibly sweet and accepting. I've been through a lot the last few years, I lost my mother my senior year in high school, and had to bounce around between my friends houses, but now, more than anything, I consider Boone my home. It had been over a year since I'd had a "home", but the teachers, students, and overall atmosphere of Appalachian State has made me feel like this is where I belonged since the beginning.

I just completed my first semester at Appalachian State University. Along with most freshman, I came across a number of challenges in the fall. However, I am extremely grateful for those bumps in the road because I was able to learn the proper way to handle certain situations and what I am truly passionate about. For example, I have genuinely enjoyed working with children and children with disabilities in my community in the last five years, but have struggled with deciding whether or not I should work in such a field. To be honest, I formerly avoided the thought because of the low income that comes with the career. Thankfully, after being at Appalachian for a semester, I now know the importance of doing what fills you with internal riches not physical riches. Helping adolescents succeed and just making them laugh will always be more valuable, in the long run, than a big fat check. So even though I believe that my 3.93 GPA makes me a great college student, my passions and involvement on campus are far more meaningful. Without the help of phenomenal advisors and ministry leaders I would have discovered this much later in life.

I have learned that furthering your education is important in the world in which we live. You need to take school seriously and work hard to earn good grades. There are many experiences you learn in college that will help make you a high functioning member of society. I have become more independent, I have learned how to manage money better and live on a budget. I have learned that the choices I make everyday will impact the rest of my life. In college you learn not only in the classroom, but through meeting new people, developing relationships and learning about their culture. Participating in extra curricular activities at school has allowed me to learn to manage competing priorities which will enable me to handle everyday occurrences that I will be faced with in my adult life. College has taught me not to take things and people for granted. It is a privilege and a great opportunity as a young adult to be a part of a higher learning institution. This experience has allowed me to flourish into the person I am proud to be and the adult I hope to become.

I am an older student in the midst of college freshman and sophmores, so my university experience is much different than most. For myself, the most important and valuable experience has been the community I have found here. I wasn't able to relate to the younger students, but I was able to find a niche of older students (graduate students and continueing education students) who influenced my direction in life. When I came to Boone, NC to attend school, I had just finished a year and half long trip around the world and chose a career with availibilty to travel. Being a part of a warm and fun community for the first time in my life made me realize the importance of great people in my life. Now I am studying to be a nurse, so I can work with people in my community and try to influence them in positive ways. The two years I have spent here as completely changed my outlook on life.

The college experience has been awsome. I have learned to be on my own which includes so many aspects that I was not aware of until I started college. My schedule was the most difficult to get use to. Having to get up by myself, get to class on time, manage my money, my homework, meals, clean clothes, and all that fun stuff my parents always made sure I did and did on time. Now my success is up to me andI am going to succeed.

Attending a Community College allowed me to get a small taste of not only college life, but also the real world. I am a full time student, who also works part time. Community college gave me the freedom to take a variety of classes, helping me to decide my major, while giving me the ease of knowing that I wasn't wasting thousands of dollars on classes that I might not even need. It was a stepping stone in the right direction, allowing me to now apply to a State College, knowing what future path I want to take.

As cheesy as this may sound, my college experience has molded me into the woman I am today. Appalachian State University (ASU) is known for its philanthropic and going green initiatives. These two characteristics have helped open my eyes to how I can further help the world in which I live. Since these two characteristics are strongly valued, they become almost an expectation for all students to participate in. Soon I will participate in a school research endeavor to the Philippines to work with Operation Smile. These experiences have helped me to pursue an international career in speech-language pathology, a pursuit I would have not otherwise pursued if I did not attend ASU. Outside of the excellence in academics, I also gained meaningful experiences and friendship. Living in the Appalachian Mountains, I took up skiing, hiking and even rock climbing! No other university in the southeast offers such great opportunities. ASU has thus given me the opportunities and experiences to become the strong woman I am today.

Thus far in my college experience, I've been overcome with the realization of responsibilty while living on your own. I've had to learn to balance my time between school and play. It's been challenging, but i've already learned my valueable lessons, even outside the class room. I've learned how to live/deal with others. I've learned that it's ok to switch your major up, this time is for me to figure out what I'll be doing for the rest of my life, or at least have a general idea. There is no rush to automatically know exactly where i'll be in the next 10 years. I've learned to be spontanious and just roll with what pops up in my life. Patience is an attruibute that I am beginning to form. I've learned that life is not all about you. Other students are here going to college to further their learning too, it's ok to compliment your classmates, and let them know that they are doing a great job at what they do. College is an adventure that we're all apart of. I have learned a lot.

In college, I have learned who I am, what I love to do and how knowledge can affect my future. I took a Field Biology class recently and finally found my destined major. I would love to have a degree in Marine Science so that I can help rehabilitate injured sea life and help conserve the waters. The sea life is so important to us and without it, our population and environment will be hurt. I have learned so much through college, not just about math or english, but how to interact with people, use life skills everyday, and learn to love our planet and what life is all about.

So far, my college experience has opened me to so many cultures and opportunities that I wasn't exposed to in high school. The level of intelectual challenge is much more than I expected, and it's nice to know that most everyone around me can teach me something different. Even though the temptation to stray off track is there, I try to stay around the people who will keep me motivated to keep going when I get distracted. I'm learning a lot about time management and people skills because of these temptations, and I know these skills are important to keep for the rest of my life.

I am just enrolling and and will be returning to school full time in January 2011 for nursing. I have a previous bachelor's degree (music) and 26 credits toward a master's (community arts mgt) but my heart is really in medicine. I am a little nervous about returning to school after so many years away, but very excited that I have the opportunity to return to school to do something I have always wanted to do. I think taking classes, even "fluff" classes, is good for anyone. Learning broadens and deepens the life of the learner, and ultimately those around him or her. Older learners have the added unique opportunity to set an example of lifelong learning for their children and their fellow students. College is what you make it, but it can also "make" you if you let it.

After attending Diablo Valley College for one year, I enxperienced a lot of different things that I have never had before in my entire life. Choosing classes and picking the right instructor was hard for a freshman; however, with some helps from friends who came from different countries around the world, I found my self enjoying the life that I have been having in United States. Ever since I was in Indonesia, I've made up my mind that I would take Graphic Design as my major and I took a class of Introduction for Graphic Design. The experience that I had by taking that class is very valuable. I could not beleve myself that my first and only billboard design that I made won a competition in Oakland and made into a real billboard in Berkeley. I was so amazed that I could won it. even though i got no price for winning it, I am still happy that I could win a competition in another coutry with my own effort and skills. Those memories and experiences are the most valuable part of my life that can never be taken away from me and I am glad of those.

I feel education is an important step to your future. It helps with the the block building of any career, no matter the experience you already have. You learn the fundamentals from the education standpoint and from someone with knowledge of the educational background. You get to put all of the steps together and use it in your everyday practices of the job or field you wish to pursue. I have alot of experience in Business Management, but to get paid more, to further your career, I also have to learn the educational aspect of my job. I really enjoy learning new things, different approaches on tasks, and hearing other peoples opinions. This really helps me step back and handle my daily tasks in a different way that I may not have done in the past.

So far I have learned about a bunch of different cultures and personalities. Since I live in the dorms I have had to learn to interact with people a lot. I have met a lot of knew friends and have enjoyed my experience so far. I have changed my ways of thinking about things from hearing other peoples way of thinking. College has also taught me how to manage my time and work as well. I have gained more independence and become more responsible as well. College has taught me to think for myself and figure out what I believe is right and wrong. I believe it has been good for me to interact with people who are different from me to help me grow as a person and learn who I am.

Lots of knowledge and friends.

I have grown tremendously over the years that I've been here as a student. I have met many different types of people and encounted different experiences that has shaped me into the woman I am today.

I have learned so much from my college experience. I have learned a lot about being a teacher. I have had really good classes that I have learned a lot from and I have already had two internships that have started to prepare me for my career. I still have a year left, but I feel like I have already learned SO much. In addition to learning how to be a successful and effective teacher, I have also come to learn who I am as a person. I have figured out what my beliefs are and how I can be the best that I can be. I have changed tremendously since I first started college. When I started out, I was a very shy, hesitant and sheltered person, and now I have come out of my shell and begun to learn who I am, where I want to go, and who I still want to become. I have learned how to live on my own. I have gained friends who feel more like family to me than just friends. And I have created a self-respect and love for myself ,which is more important than anything else I have gained.

I have gained knowledge from knowing which program to start out with first. Make sure it is something you love to do and you know it is right for you. For example, I thought it would the the Criminal justice program but it wasn't . It doesn't mean I didn't learn anything nor was my time wasted. I gained valuable things about our law system and how to give someone legal advise if I can to the best of my ability. Once I took a Career Survey and was lead into the right direction. I couldn't wait to start my new program Digital Media Technology. I would get to work with computers and animation. Then maybe one day have my name at the end of a video game credits or Disney movie. I think that furthering your education is a good idea. Not only is it required for jobs, but you could do something that you could really grow to love or already love. You shouldn't have to be stuck with something you hate, but do anyway to make a living. It is never to late to get back out there and prove yourself!

At Appalachian State, I have found everything I have wished for my college experience. I wanted friends: I found a close circle of students in my major that will be my network in the working world. I wanted to blend an arts major with the challenge of an honors program: I am on a first name basis with my Honors advisor, and the program places an emphasis on cross-curricular learning. I wanted to be in the mountains, and I wake up every day to the sun coming up over an orange and yellow mountain. I love it here. I am a violin performance major, and have been very satisfied with the quality of not only the general education program, but also with my major-specific classes. I am already working as a musician, learning skills that will help me form my career following graduation.

I love the program I'm in - I feel like I'm learning what I'm meant to do. I'm having fun and living my life in an environment unlike any other I've ever been in.

My college experience has been a very good one . I have made many friends and continue making more everyday. The best thing about my experience so far is the people around me. The professors even embody this idea and urge students to attend their office hours if they have any questions or if extra help is needed. In addition to being surrounded by great people, ASU is located in Boone. This in its self makes the school a better place to attend. The asthetic beauty of the mountains is always a welcome outlet during stressful homweowork or exam times. Also, the last and probably most valuable asset that this school offers is the fact that they are one of the only schools in the area that has implemented an Appropriate Technology program. While it may be slightly underdeveloped for the amount of students that are rapidly enrolling, I hope to become one of the devoted graduates that helped build the program into something truly great.

I am not a person who believes what the entertainment industry shows us about college, but even so, I could not even fathom what it could have been like when I was younger. While in college, I have seen my family in a financial bind and I have seen what I do not want to do, but I know where I want to be and how to get there. This has made me more aware of what I need to do in order to be successful. What I've also gotten out of the college experience and why it has been valuable to me is the realization that I cannot model my life after anyone else's. This fact is very difficult to live with at times, but I feel that it will ultimately make life fulfilling in my eyes.

Since attending college I've matured in my work as an artist. I am now willing to dedicate the time necessary to give my work that extra bit of professional polish. I've also managed to maintain a strict level of discipline in my personal life, whether it is completing homework, showing up on time, maintaining an orderly lifestyle or training for my first ultramarathon. Continuing my education as well as working up to 30 hours a week has made me understand the maturity and responsibility necessary for a succesful college career. I plan to attend College for Creative Studies in the fall for advertising design, and am very excited to see what I can do when given the proper tools.

It's no secret that my college experience has been bumpy, to say the least. I've changed majors three times. I've completely flunked out of two semesters, a fact that I'm terribly not proud of. Has it been worth it? I can say without a doubt it has. I started college at the age of 19, in my opinion too young and immature to grasp what I was getting myself into. Out of the now two years of time spent in college, I've learned a few things. The one concept that stands above all, though, is responsibility. When I began my college career, I thought nothing of skipping assignments and classes, just hoping on some level I could scrape by "somehow". The principles of cause and effect were lost on me. Recently, before this last semester, I realized I don't want my life to continue this way, so I changed. I now feel pride in my accomplishments and want to get the most out of my education. I don't just want to scrape by anymore. I now want to be a master of my field, the expert of any class I take. Thanks college!

As a child, I never really imagined what college would be like, nor did I especially care about my future. Now that I'm a freshman here at Appalachian State University, my mind has been opened to so many great opportunities and learning experiences. I have been enriched in a diverse, friendly, open-minded, and unique environment, with plenty of friends to make and sights to see. A variety of classes balance well with the atmosphere of this college campus and surrounding town. Classes have taught me new ideas, as well as expanded on old ideas I learned from high school. The town has plenty of shopping areas, great restaurants, and beautiful hiking trails, including Hebron Rock Colony, the Parkway, and Boone Fork. Whether you need to camp out in the library to study for an exam or just go out around town to relax, being in college has been an exciting and valuable experience in my life. The memories I make here will last with me forever.

Throughout my college experience, I have dedicated myself to furthuring my education, staying involved, and seeking strong relationships. For me, college has not only been an experience, but an experience of a lifetime. It has taught me the skills to become a better friend, student, mentor, professional, and individual. I have gained countless friendships and formed relationships with people whom I will remain close to for the entirety of my life. By working to become Chaplain of my sorority and Associate Editor-in-Chief of my school newspaper, I have also developed helpful leadership skills and the opportunity to assist others who need it. I am a communication (electronic media/broadcasting) and elementary education double major. Working to receive two degrees and an English minor is the one thing I am most proud of, and in the future, I aspire to become an information technology or media literacy teacher. Until then, I will continue my education and my involvement in various on-campus clubs and organizations and, when I look back, I will be able to remember how I was able to get where I'm going: my time at Appalachian State University.

College is much more than receiving an education, it is a time when one can find themself and start the process of figuring out who they want to be. I have gone back and forth between majors and now that I have taken the core courses for both majors I have realized the major I want to be in. I was trying to decide between Veterinary Medicine and Psychology. I have a deep passion for both but I knew I had to pick between the two. When I looked more into it, I found that I can incorporate both into a career. I have the dream of becoming a marriage and family therapist with the assitance of using animals. Without the chance to go to college, I wouldn't have known what I wanted to be. College is helping me with the struggle of identifying who I want to be and who I will be. With the help of college professors, who have been more than supportive, I feel that I can accomplish anything. I don't think that someone can put a price on the value of going to college. It is the key to my future.

I am just starting college to better my self.

It is almost laughable to think of what type of person I may have become if not for an unexpected chain of events that ushered me into the crisp mountain air of Boone, NC in the fall of 2005. Make no mistake: Appalachian State University was not my first choice. However, despite my attempts to ignore them, I had growing suspicions that the other institutions I considered seemed to lack sincerity behind their words of welcome. My critical first impression of Appalachian remained true until graduation day; no other college town on earth boasts such a true sense of community. Throughout high school I believed college would lead me to a particular career, but with the options offerred by ASU, it did not take long for my original intentions to evolve into even bigger aspirations for myself. Doors continued to open and opportunities were abundant , including financial assistance, extracurricular activities, service-learning, and even travel abroad. While acquiring practical skills necessary for further education, I also gained a worldview that was no longer theoretical. At Appalachian State University I discovered my true self-- along with everything really important in life. After all, isn't that what college is really about?

Attending college has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I not only discovered my career path but also learned much about myself and my personal values. I began college as a music major before realizing this was not my true passion. I spent much time examining my personality and goals before realizing that my commitment to helping people and love for science would lend well to acquiring a degree in Physical Therapy. Through completing my undergraduate degree, I pushed myself to work increasingly harder and to continue to achieve to the highest of my ability. My work ethic and confidence in my studying, writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills have increased as a result of attending college. I discovered my love of yoga, plan on practicing throughout my life, and look forward to incorporating yoga into therapy in the future. One of my greatest achievements is completing my honors thesis on using yoga as a therapy for various types of chronic pain. Personally, I have discovered my love for the outdoors, my personal sense of spirituality, and many of my hobbies and interests. College has been an incredibly valuable experience for me, both educationally and personally.

My college experience has been really benefitial to me and my future. While attending college I have learned so many new things which has helped me in my everyday life. I have met many new good people and have been lucky with professors. Each day i walk in the building reminds me of how close i am to achieving my goals. Attending college has made me a better person in many ways, and im lad to experience it just wish I could afford it.

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I have gotten more than I could have imagined out of my college experience. My college experience went far beyond the academic knowledge that I obtained. I was able to truly figure out who I was as an individual. I no longer had my parents or high-school friends to influence how I should think or act. I was on my own, figuring out who I wanted to be as an individual. I was exposed to a variety of religions, cultures, and people in general. This enabled me to realize what I truly believed about life and the person I wanted to become. Further, I no longer had my parents to cook dinner for me, set up doctors' appointments for me, or do any of the other mundane, yet essential, tasks you must do to survive. Of course it was nice to have such loving parents to take care of me, but it was valuable to learn to take care of myself on my own. The college years allowed for success and failures which shaped me into the person I am today-- a person who I am proud of.

Attending college has changed my life completely in the two years I have been taking classes. I am the single mother of a disabled three year old boy. After I had my son I suffered from terrible post-partum. I was extremly unhappy and I needed to do something to lift my spirits. I took medication, but nothing seemed to help. That was the point when I decided to go back to school. I enrolled in a few classes that fall just to try it out. I loved it! I met new people, I felt good about getting up everyday, and after I finished the semester with excellent grades my self esteem was through the roof! Not only am I much happier in life, I am acquiring a great education at the same time!

At my high school, I was always out of place. I hated every single day, and I didn't see the value in my education. All I could ever see is how much longer I had till that fabulous day where I could say goodbye to North Mecklenburg High forever. At Appalachian State, to say I've had the opposite experience hardly captures my experience. This campus is the perfect size for me, big enough to be a known and respected university, but small enough to be comfortable and friendly. For the first time ever, I felt like I was truly enjoying getting an education. I have been encouraged to be myself, and respected for it. I feel like I am a part of something great and I can't see myself thriving at any other university the way I am at Appalachian State.

The greatest value that I have experienced during college is the feeling of self respect and confidence. For me, I have had an urge to finish college for years, and now I am on the path that I have always had an urge to pursue. This has brought both self respect and confidence back into my life. The degree that I am after will be useful for me to affect the change that I would like to see in society. I have also developed a few connections within the academic world that are helping me to be more active in the community around me. This has also improved my self respect and confidence, as a valuable person in our world.

I believe that this school was the best choice for me. I wouldn't take back my decision to attend this school, despite the bumps in the road I've had to overcome. This school has shown me what I'm really passionate about when I came to school with no idea what career I'm meant to have. My teachers have started me down a path that will lead me to my dream career and I cannot thank them enough for helping me start this journey.

With the knowledge I now have of college life and making the transition, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would begin by telling my apprehensive self not to worry. She will get into her first choice college, make new friends, and have understanding professors. Then I would proceed to give her my main piece of advice: make sure you do all that is asked and more in college classes. The high school version of myself did only what was required in her classes. However in college, a diligent attitude towards academic work is key. It is the supplemental efforts that without fulfilling, a high school student can still do well (which my high school self did often), that make a tremendous difference. Actively reading the textbook, completing extra practice problems, paying close attention in class, and even making appointments with professors for conferences are crucial for academic success. I will warn my high school self that much more time spent outside of class is virtually required. However I will ensure her that she will do well academically while also having time to do the activities she enjoys.

If I was able to go back and talk to myself, I would give the following advice. Don't give yourself a large credit load at first. Start out small, make sure you can handle it. Gradually up the credits. Don't bury yourself in school work. Have fun.

I attended an expensive private school my parents had picked out for me for two years and all I did was party. I left and lived for a year on my own in Pittsburgh, working as a homeless shelter monitor and trying to figure out what I actually wanted. When I lived and worked in the "real world," I realized the incredible potential a university can offer. You have incredibly valuable, not to mention free, services available to you including a gym membership, camera rentals, and health and counseling services. There are hundreds of cool people with pHDs in fields that they enjoy and love all within a 5-mile radius, willing to talk to you and share their experiences and advice. In college, social networking is priceless. You are taking classes with future lawyers, doctors, congressmen, artists, and CEOs. If I were to go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to enjoy and take advantage of every minute of it. Sure, getting drunk on weekends can allow you to escape from the doldrums of work, but don't miss out on these invaluable opportunities. Believe me, they'll be gone before you know it.

College life is as great as you make it. When I was entering college, I was the first in my family to pursue a bachelor's degree. Given the chance to tell myself a little about college, I would tell myself that it is up to you to succeed in college. In secondary education, instructor's comment on how college is going to be difficult. Usually something to the effect of "you know in college, they are going to be rough. They won't accept that." What they do not tell their students is that if you spend time dedicated to your school work, there is plenty of time to enjoy the perks of college life, ample opportunities for extra-curricular activities. One should not spend their time worrying about the future. Enjoy what you have while you have it. Each new phase will bring new challenges and pleasures. In the words of my Ms. Swofford "don't anticipate, participate."

The only advice I would give my self was to safe a little more money from my job. I was a great student in high school and my high school prepared me very well for college. This is a fantastic school and I have already learned so much. I would not change a thing.

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to take my time making friends. I would advise not meeting the first group of people I thought were friendship material and hanging out with them exclusively. I would say it?s important to try and meet a lot of different people, hang out with them, and get to know them. I would tell myself how important it is to have a diverse group of friends that accept me for who I truly am. Along with that I would tell myself to just be myself and not try to impress people, because there are a lot of people that will like me for who I am. I would stress to myself the importance of just being true to myself and finding friends that make me comfortable. I would also tell myself not to be ashamed to get a tutor and that I need an academic coach to help me manage my time better, as well as teaching me better study skills.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I wouldn't give myself any advice. I think one of the things that I have loved so much about college is all the new experiences that I have gained. I feel that if i were to go back I would just be shorting the experience. It would be like giving away part of a movie that you've never seen before. Even though college is a heavy load of work, the thing that keeps it from being too overwhelming is the new things that you encounter and the fun that you have meeting new people and accomplishing new things. The only thing I could possibly say would be enjoy it because its the best way to live a college lifestyle in my opinion.

Alexis there's so much to tell you about Appalachian! First you are going to college for a reason. So go out there and make new friends because first impressions are key. Don't worry about the summer reading so much because the author pretty much sums the whole thing up in his speech. Oh and break the ice with your room mate its not fun at all living with someone you hardley know. In the first few weeks of school I lost sight of why I was here and did not see why I was wasting my time in college. Talk to someone because it helped alot and will get you back on track. When it comes to frieds Sam , yes the guy you just broke up with, and Kelsey will help alot because you know its easier to meet people with people you already know. Sam will definitely bring you out of your shell and Kelsey will become your best friend over the next year. The key thing is don't take anything to seriously and for the first few weeks get out there and be sociable. You won't regret it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have loved to tell myself to STUDY hard, C's are not good enough, work harder to get those A's and B's, keep a GPA of 3.5 and above, stop goofing off in class, stay focused and be more involved in school functions. I would tell myself to be more outgoing, active, social and that being shy prevents you from achieving goals. I would have told myself to be confident . I deserve to be the best that I can be. I would have also said that maintaining really good grades in high school allows you to be accepted by the best schools in the nation, which means less time building yourself at a community college. Most importantly I would have told myself to pursue a college and major in Dance/Choreography (at that time I was passionate about that). I would have loved to tell myself these things because noone else did. PREPARATION IS THE KEY!!!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to spend more time with my friends and family. I personally was too excited to finally get out and be on my own, but I never knew it would be as hard as it has been. I've always been independent, so I figured going away to college would be a breeze. I didn't appreciate the time I had left with my friends in high school and wished it all away. I couldn't tell you one good memory I had from my senior year of high school because I sat in the classroom daydreaming the day away. I couldn't wait to graduate and get out of there, but now I wish I could go back to just relive the experience. Don't get me wrong, I had an awesome four years of high school, but it didn't prepare me for going off to college.

The first thing I would tell myself, in my senior year of high school, would be that you need to push yourself even though you practically done. I did well my senior year, but I could have done better. I would also make sure I knew the importance of filling out scholarships and working as many hours as possible.; though I worked a sufficent amount and filled a number of scholarship applications, I feel I only gave 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} not the full 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. I would have wanted myself to be more confident and just overall prepared for my great future.

The best advice that I could give myself as a high school senior would involve participation in college level courses during high school. I took several Advanced Placement courses to prepare myself for college, however, chose not to be tested for college credit. I now know that these credits are very valuable to my success as a student. Had I participated in the testing for the courses, I could be further along in my General Education requirements. This would mean being able to take more classes required for my special education major. I could potentially graduate earlier, or take more beneficial electives during my time spent in school. I would tell myself the importance of these credits. The testing fees, time spent studying, and actual test taking are a small sacrifice to make when I could potentially have placed out of many classes in my freshman year. I highly underestimated the value of these college preperation classes offered. I would tell myself to take advantage of their presence in my high school. I would remind myself of the benefits of the bonus preparation for a new life in college, as well as the potential credits.