Baylor University Top Questions

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

Maleaha

Since I first stepped onto Baylor's campus, I knew thatmy growth would be tremendous. The moment my mother hugged me and walked back to the car, I started crying. But from that moment, I have been able to learn independence in a way that I would have never been able to at home. I was and still am a mother's girl. I still call her to pray for me on test day and give her updates on what I'm doing, but I definitely don't count on her to make all of my decisions like before. I was also able to personalize my relationship with Christ in this time. Before it was more of a family involvement, but now I am able to understand my relationship with God in my own terms. It is definitely valuable for anybody to attend college because the experience you get out of it. Not only are you learning information that you are actually interested in, but you can get real life experience if you just look for it. College sets you up for a better future; I pray that every high school student looks into the possibilities that it holds.

Kayelee

I value my professors and the education I am receiving but the social life is not much because I am not in a greek club. Baylor is all about greek life, but I cannot be involved because I am a commuting student that lives 2 hours away. My college experience is therfore based on what I am learning and taking into the real world, which I believe is more valuable than what those are getting from greek life. I wish that I would have chosen a different college because Baylor claims to be Christian but they drift futher from that each year and it seems like there is an overabundance of hypocrites that call themselves Christians but dont act like it. I would rather go to a publc college and meet real people even if there are more secular people. For the most part my professors are excellent and have real world experience. They are top of the line and I really value that because getting to know the right people can lead to future success guaranteed. Overall, Baylor is not the school for me but I do value the education I am receiving there.

Jennifer

A lot of knowledge and experience. I would not have gotten this anywhere else.

Shaney

I have been taught so much about the business world (I am a business student) and been encouraged to learn as much as I can and apply it.

bianca

College has been a very eye opening experience. In my time here at Baylor I have learned much in classroom but also I've learned very much about myself. I've learned that I can depend on myself and that hard work really does pay off. I have had to work and support myself from day one of college and I don't regret it at all. Although it is financially hard and a very demanding schedule I managed to make it to my sophomore/junior year with a positive and don't give up attitude. I have also given birth to my first child while attending school here, and again although it has made it a challenge, it has made me a stronger and better person because of all that I have endured while attending this University and now I just want my daughter to be able to see me walk across the stage and graduate so that she can have the life that I never had. Overall coming to school here has turned me into a strong, dedicated, and determined young woman and to me that is more valuable than many things in life.

Hannah

My college experience so far has been amazing and unforgettable! The past two years I have gained tremendous amounts of knowledge and had the fun to go along with it. With the best professors and staff, the students here are able to do anything they put their minds too. I have no fear going into the real world with the training that Baylor has taught me. I have developed into a better leader, communicator, and most importantly a better friend. Baylor University has helped me make so many important life long friends that I will never forget. The presence of God on this campus is like no other university and I have never been as close to Him as I am now. This was a gift for me to attend this school and I have enjoyed every minute!

April

From my college experince, I hav learned that you must work hard. I've learned that education is very valuable and worth pursuing. It is not easy going to school and getting good grades but the work is worth it in the end. I have also learned that networking with students and teachers on campus is very valuable; learning from others around me has taught me a lot. It has taught me not judge other people but to ask what can I learn from this person. It has been a very valuable experince to attent Central New Mexico Community, I have learned many things and not just inside the classroom. The most valuable lesson I have learned form college so far is how to treat people well and how we are all differnt and yet we can all work together.

Clarissa

So far in my college experience at Baylor University, I have received a different kind of education because I am enrolled in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core. BIC is a program in the honors college which allows students to take their core classes in a different kind of curriculum. Even though my BIC courses are a little difficult, I am going to be in this program all of my four years of college because the classes are such a different setting than a normal college class setting. I have been enrolled in college courses two years prior to Baylor and every class has been an average college course. These BIC courses integrate other cultures in their curriculum, which educates the students even further.

Rachel

I have gotten alot out of my college experience so far. I have developed huge network and community of relationships, and have even found the man I want to marry here. I have been blessed to be a member and a leader in the Outdoor Adventure Living and Learning program, which allowed me to be able to travel and experience nature through hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and much more. I have made several friends from all sorts of backgrounds which normally i wouldnt be exposed to at home. I have grown spiritually, and educationally. I know when i tell people where i attend school, i can hold my head high, and know that with Baylor attached to my name I can leave my lower class lifestyle behind, and prepare for a life with more than enough. Once i graduate I know I will have the pride to go out and use my skills and education to better the world, and I will have the pride of my family to be the only person to get a degree and actually work in that field for my life long career.

Kristen

After being in college for the past two years, it would be a lie to say that it hasn’t affected me for the better and been a positive influence on my life. Going to a community college for two years, made it possible for me to still live at home and maintain a close relationship with my friends and family, it allowed me to continue working part time at my job and have an income while being in school, and it also helped me become more prepared and figure out what exactly I wanted my next step to be. When I started at Elgin Community College I had no idea of what I wanted as a major, but after experiencing different English classes and taking Creative Writing, it helped me realize that was right for me. Writing has been the one constant hobby I have had throughout my life. Nothing has brought me more enjoyment, or kept my interest like creative writing has. Also, taking creative writing introduced me to my current boyfriend of 7 months, Danny. Not only has college brought me knowledge and experience, but love as well.

William

I have gotten a sense of pride and accomplishment out of my college experience. My experience has help open my eyes to what my aultimate career goal in the field of computer information systems. My experience has help me build the confidence and the courage to continue my ultimate dream of continuing my education at a four year university.

Katie

College has shown me to believe in myself. Being from Colorado, moving out to Texas is nerve-racking experience. I was worried about adjusting to Texas, to classes, to life with a roommate. I was worried about being 1000 miles from home and I was worried about balancing school, work, and life. I have realized that I am so much stronger than I thought. I now believe that I can do anything. I am so proud of the way I have handled this experience with grace, dignity, passion, and drive. Attending college gave me the opportunity to become more than I tought I could... As a friend, volunteer, student, organization leader, volunteer, sister in my sorority, sister in Christ, and even as a family member. I have learned to ove and live and laugh and pursue passon in ways I had never imagined before. In my life at home I was a rose bud, sweet but still somewhat closed. Now, I have blossomed into a full blown rose: beautiful, engaging, and open to all the new experiences and opportunites that college has presented me... as well as the many more to come.

Tri

Attending a university is a learning experience. It teaches you how to become responsible, time management, and social skills. Mostly, college is the place where you really begin to understand yourself. You realize that you are entering into adult hood and you have to make decisions for yourself, sometimes without the help of others. I have found that college has allowed me to mature into a young adult. Many of the things that I once found amusing are no longer as humorous. I would recomend that everyone should attend college, not only for academic enlightenment, but also for the relationships you will undoubtedly develop. In my opinion, all students should stay on campus at least one year. I it places you in the center of everything your campus has to offer, from impromptu step shows to makeshift carnivals. College is not only an institution for higher learning, but it's also an institute for self realization.

Felice

I believe that through my college experience I’ve learned so much about life in general. Since I had to move away from my parents and into another city, I received the full experience of living away from home. I had to learn how to do so many things on my own. There was no one to cook for me, or to wash my clothes, or to wake me up. I had to learn what it was like to take care of myself when I was sick, get myself to class, and learn how to organize all my time. Living at college taught me to prioritize my study time and helped me realize when it wasn’t okay to go hang out with friends. College is the first step before I have to find an apartment and pay my own bills. So I believe that my freshman year was very beneficial, it has shown me what it would be like on my own in the real world. I know I have grown as a young adult. I am now smarter, wiser and more prepared to care for myself.

Sara

Personal growth and academic development is what I have gained from attending college. Yes, the degree helps me in applying for jobs. However, the best education I gained by attending college was how to grow as an individual and as a productive member of society.

Alyssa

Baylor University has not only offered me the opportunity to grow academically but as an individual person. Although the school is Baptist affiliated, my own Christian beliefs have been challenged and I've been encouraged to personally seek out and research what I believe and why I believe it. It's easy to say you believe something simply because it's what you've been taught, but when you seek the truth for yourself, it is a much more fulfilling experience. Along with challenging and helping me find my beliefs, Baylor has given me a sense of belonging these last two years. I was immediately welcomed on campus by fellow students and felt I was a part of not only something big but of something great. I've continued to see my peers excel academically and am proud to be a part of such a community. Baylor University instills in you a sense of pride that cannot be taken away. I know I will always be proud to say that I attended Baylor University. Baylor calls your four years at school "The Baylor Experience." I'm especially grateful that I've had the opportunity to experience Baylor University.

Santa

I have learned that no matter what obstacles are placed in my way there is nothing that I cannot overcome. There have been so many times I have seen others fail and drop out and if my college experience has taught me anything it is that perseverance is key. I am proud to be receiving my degree soon and I am honored to have attended the prestigious university I did, however, I believe there were many unnecessary struggles I had to endure. In the end, it has been worth the pain, tears, late nights, and early mornings because I am one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

BriAna

My college experience so far has been truly rewarding not only educationally, but in terms of growing into a more diverse person. It has taught me a stronger meaning of community support and how to look beyond the educational community realm. Since the college I attend is in the fifth poorest city in Texas, it has made me realize that everything I have is a blessing because many are not as privileged. I really never realized until now; how many benefits are given to us as students attending a university. Educationally it has taught me the true meaning of hard work and determination. College life started off a little difficult with the many adjustments I had to learn to make, however it did accomplish the task of making me push myself to a degree that I did not know was possible.

Keshia

I had to learn the hard way that I needed to work harder to excel in my college courses because in high school I was always the type of person to just pay attention without taking any sort of notes or test preparations and when I got my first test it was a real shocker. I actually had to pay attention, take notes, go to my Supplemental Instructors, even tutuoring. I was always the one to do the tutoring and I just felt so dumb because the material that I learned in high school only skimmed the surface of what I learned in college. College made me use all of my resources that they offered; I mean I need to get what I'm paying for and that's why these resources are there for me. It took a lot to realize that I needed help and didn't take long for me to take the issue by the reigns and suck up my pride because it wasn't doing anything but hurting my grades and my financial help.

Tony

my college experience is the most important thing in my life. it is prepareing me for the career i want to do.it is giving me the hands-on skills i need to funticon in the real world.college is important to atten because it will give me the tools to get hired in the sate of thee econmonic.

Kelsey

My college experience is just beginning but already I can say that I have learned a lot about responsibility. Baylor University was my dream college and to be able to attend there I have to be wiling to pay for part of the expenses myself. My parents are unable to pay the full tuition and board but I am willing to make the sacrifices necessary to attend my dream college. I began working a part time job in February of this year while still a senior in High School to save money for this chance. Every penny of each paycheck has been put into a savings account for college. I plan to work during my stay at Baylor as well in order to make this dream a reality.

Monica

I've learned what kind of person I am here. I love to help people and I appreciate friends that have good senses of humor and know when to have fun and when to study. I know I have a tough road ahead of me still, but I've learned to accept the hard times and the good times all in good humor. I know that when I look back at my experience here that I'll know that this is where I became "me." My mother always taught me to be my own person and value my education because it will be the tool by which i forge my life with. And experiencing college life has helped me fully understand what it is she actually meant. I am my own person now, but I still have much to learn, and good ole BU, mom, and friends will be there to help me along the path that I've chosen.

Andy

I have gotten out of my time at Baylor,is life long friends and my future wife. I have also gained academic knowledge that is leading me successfully into the career i want.

Lauren

Though college was very expensive, it was worth it because I learned a great deal and grew in my maturity and academic success. I became more outgoing, knowledgeable, and wise to different circumstances in life, and I believe that my time at Baylor was a stepping stone to greater aspects of my life. I was able to get a job right out of college as a teacher, and in this economy with the education profession, I was truly blessed to have my Baylor background. I loved meeting new people and joining a sorority of wonderful Christian girls, being a part of internships to work with high school students, and working with the community to do something greater for not just me but for others as well. My sense of worth grew, and my outlook on other cultures and groups of people grew as well. I wouldn't be who I am without the education I received at Baylor!

Alexis

Entering college for the first time, I was extremely nervous yet anxious to start. Ever since the first time I stepped foot into college I have acquired a lot. My college experience has been hard at times but on the brighter side it has helped me to grow. I realized that this is a step closer to my future and I could no longer procrastinate, play around, and most importantly not give up. College has given me the strength to start a better life and to be successful for what may come in my future. This has been a valuable experience because I know that once I walk across the stage to graduate, I have accomplished my goals and dreams. Also, I will know that as I pursue a career in the pediatrics department I will help save children?s lives which I consider an awesome blessing. Choosing to go to college straight from high school was the best decision to make. I always stuck by the saying, ?you can never know enough, but you can always learn new things each day?. I will continue to learn and gain more knowledge during my college experience because it has been valuable.

Lesslie

College is not easy, especially if you just sit around your senior year of high school hoping everything will fall into place. I thought I had it all worked out; then out of nowhere I was back at zero. Taking a campus visit, reinforces your decision. Once there, I knew that this was my new home. Even though it was a 7 hour drive, everything felt right. Once there, I learned the importance of making friends. I met my future roommates at Line Camp, which took place over the summer. Since then, we've been inseparable. Friends lead to connections, simple as that. The more people you know, the better off you'll be. Now, I'm more outspoken. I express my opinions with my professors and classmates. What I'm trying to say is that, you won't come out the same person. College made me more social, optimistic, and responsible. I'm in charge of myself and make decisions for myself. There's no better feeling than that. Just take advantage of what's in front of you. A play, a game event, taco Tuesday's, or church under the bridge; you never know what could happen.

brieanne

I have found that the professors at Baylor not only are experts in what they teach but also are capable of making the learning environment a fun and capitvating place that encourages students to learn more on their own aside from succeeding in class

Sydney

So far my college experience has been enlightening. The thing that I have gotten out it is the idea that a post secondary education is a gift privilege that many students do not get to have. Many high school students do not get the chance to attend college for various reasons. My parents always encouraged me to get an education and take it seriously. Before I started school I just thought of college as another obligation I had. It was expected of me to go to college and get a degree. But when I started school, it wasn't quite what I expected. As the first half for the semester came to a close, it was time to register for classes for the spring. As I was registering for classes, I learned of classmates who could not register due to academic holds. Then some of my classmates would not be returning due to finances. I was fortunate enough to not have those problems, and because of that it opened my eyes. I do not think I could thank my parents enough for doing what they could to give me the chance to make a better life for myself.

Sara

I've learned more in college in the first semester than all four years of high school combined. More than just how to write a 12 page research paper or memorizing the entire period table of elements, I have learned how to deal with people who are nothing like me. One of the most important things moving away from home and living with all different types of people has taught me is how important good communication and respect is for successful relationships. When you share a room suddenly everything can't be about you anymore, like it has been for the past 18 years of life. It's a brutal realization. I had to learn to compromise and sacrifice. The value of knowing how to settle conflict like an adult is immeasurable because it is something that I will use for the rest of my life; in my career and hopefully in marriage. I believe becoming a "people person" will help immensilly when I am thrown into the real world one day.

Miranda

I have experienced a great campus family and interesting classes. I've had as much help as I needed being advised in my school and career choices. I've experienced true happiness in learning and the school experience. I've actually enjoyed cafeteria food and realized that I don't want to move off campus. I've also discovered a love for all sports and supported wholeheartedly a football team that others laugh at . This experience has taught me valuable things about myself and others.

Starlenna

I am one of my mothers first and only child to go to college. The experience in college is wonderful and it leaves me with so much opprotunity. Its great for me to attend because i would love to have a higher education then just a high school diploma.

Ta'Mara

Looking back ointhe decision I have made about about college I would tell myself to go with my first mind and go to Baylor Univeristy. However I would warn myself to not get my hopes up too much about the difference in people., because people never change and you run into the same types of people everywhere. I would also tell myself to do just a little more studying to get that extra .25 points needed to get my GPA to where it needs to be.

Donald

Looking back now all I can say is that I am glad something clicked in my head to prepare myself for college; however, there are many things that I would have never thought about. Given the chance to talk to myself about the preperations and transitions to college, I would have to run through a list to get it al down. One of the biggest things that I would have told myself is to work hard and study a little bit more for the I.B. and A.P. tests that are coming up. Being in the classes helps tremendously in the fact that I am well prepared for the workload of the college classes, but I needed to apply myself more during high school. It was great that I worked in these classes and set a strong foundation. One thing I would do different is take classes at a community college during the summer. This would have helped me a little bit more with the transition, but it would have greatly effected my study habits, as well as the extra time I will have to invest in basic classes now. Remember P^6 Prior preperation prevents piss poor performance.

Lucinda

First off, I would tell myself that making the transition to college life certainly wasn't easy, but it wasn't impossible either. Being away from my family was very hard. However, I eventually learned to adjust and now I don't get as upset about missing my family. I would also tell myself to have apply for more scholarships, because tuition is getting increasingly expensive. Applying for scholarships is important! I would tell myself that studying in high school is different from studying in college. The workload is different, harder, and the professors lecture a lot quicker. I would tell myself to always read assigned chapters before that day's lecture so that you can get the most out of the lecture. Procrastination is also something that will only get worse for you in college, so make sure to stay on top of your assignments. Getting a job and internship opportunities are always good for your future career. Lastly, I would tell myself that even though college isn't easy, it's worth the experience, where you will have many stressful times, good times, as well as meet friends that will stick with you the rest of your life.

Lesley

If I was able to go back in time with the knowledge I currently have, I would motivate myself to strive to be the best person all-around in my academic, personal, and spritual life. Although, I did do very well in high school, I could have done better which would have set me up to be more successful in college. I would tell myself not to settle on being average and that by getting jump started on the right mindset and work ethic, although more difficult, will be fruitful when furthering my education and cultivating relationships. It is important to gain and develop those skills early on so it will be second nature. By setting goals for yourself in all aspects of your life you will constantly be reminded of where you want to go and who you want to be. To lose sight of your goals is to lose sight of something which all your effort was directed to. Then what is your purpose?

Dheeraj

There's a lot that i would tell my high school senior self if i had the chance. For one, senior year is the time that most students choose to slack off, especially after you start getting accepted into colleges. If i could go back in time, i would tell myself that's the exact opposite of what you should be doing. That should be the time that you start preparing and sharpening your skills for the demaning courses of colleges. If you give in to senioritis and take a break, add in summer vacation and it becomes that much more difficult to do well in the first semester of college. I believe that is a major reason why many students' worst semester is their first one. Also i wouldn't have let myself quit from volunteering in the hospital, there is so much i could have gotten out of it if i had been more dedicated and willing to do more than the bare minimum.

Lyzette

There is something about dreams that give every day meaning. A dream is a constant reminder of what?s out there waiting for us through hard work. As a child I dreamed of becoming many things but as I grew older and gained knowledge of the meaning of ?reality?, dreams became nothing more than a distant thought. Now as a college freshman I have learned a valuable lesson, to never stop dreaming because, from dreaming comes achieving. As a high school senior I forgot to dream and I also forgot what it takes to conquer those dreams. If I could go back and talk to that girl who knew she wanted something from life but wasn?t sure exactly what that was, I would tell her that what she truly wanted was to dream. I would tell her to dream of becoming a lawyer, a Congresswomen, and much more. Though, in order to achieve all those dreams she needed to have the passion and the determination to put in many hours in reading, studying, and learning from life. Most importantly, I would tell her to believe in herself and to do everything in her hands to achieve her dreams.

Samantha

College is so much more different than high school is, and although many people told me that, I did not believe it. You are really on your own for the first time in your life and whatever decisions you make will affect you for the rest of your life. I would have told myself to take dual credit classes in order to ensure that my credits would transfer for the school. I would also tell myself to enjoy myself more because college is not always fun and games.

Luis

I would say to that don't worry about college life, there will be time for fun and time to work. I know that life may seem stressful now but don't worry it does get easier in college. Make sure to go to all you classes, and pay attention to any details about deadlines on assignments. The reason is because nothing is worse than to take a zero on a grade that you could easily have gotten a hundred on. I mean if the teacher is giving you a piece of cake don't just let it sit there and spoil, take that cake and eat it up. I say this don't worry about the move to a different city to a completely different place. Right now you are a seed, given some light , water and the freedom to grow I know that you can blossom into an incredibly strong, resilient, enduring tree. All you need is time and the space to grow, so go on and flee to where your heart calls you to go. Only there will you be able to discover your true potential and unleash to the world.

Ariel

I would go back in high school and save every penny and purchase some CDs with reasonable interest! I thought I was cutting corners back then, but it was not enough. I would have worn the same clothes everyday and saved the meager amount I spent on clothes for college. After having to get $10,000 worth of loans, work 3 minimum wage jobs, and get no help from my family, I would have taken another job in the summer and saved it al l I really wish I had known about earning interest on lump sums in cds. After taking Precal for Business Students, I know what I'm going to do next summer. I do not regret anything that I have done, but had I known that I wasn't going to receive any scholarships this year, I would have better prepaired myself by simply saving.

Karel

Study real hard learn to talk and ask alot of questions. Live each day like you have no one else in the world to help you so you can make the right choices. Always treat people like you want to be treated.

Alexandria

The first thing I would tell myself would be to get a good summer job. Financial instability is a horrible burden to have on top of a tough course load. I would also suggest taking scholarships a lot more seriously. Every little bit helps more than I could have even fathomed. Other than that I wouldn't have changed anything. I would have only reminded myself, "When times get tough don't ever give up. As long as you have faith nothing will be impossible. When God shuts one door, he always opens a window. This is just the beginning. Don't fret over the little things." All in all I would just tell me to be myself and remember God is in control.

Danielle

You need to take advantage of all dual-credit opportunities. If there is anyway that you can get credit for college in regular high school classes, DO IT! Make sure that you push yourself harder; don't just be content with being top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, strive to be higher because it WILL make finding and receiving scholarships much easier. Also, do every single scholarship that you find in the Career Center. Being lazy is just something you enjoy short term, but not having to pay for college bills ten years after graduation is a long term pleasure. When you are not invited to some parties or your friends begin to act weird, do not take it personal, you will find much better friends down the road. Spend more time with your siblings and grandparents. Sure you think hanging out with the family at home is sufficient, but take Tori and Hunter to do things that they want to do. Believe me, you will be much closer. Nana and Papa burst with pride over you, so remind them constantly of your love for them. Visit them more now because they will repay the favor for you when you need it most.

Kimberlee

High school is a learning experience. Grow from what you've learned, and don't worry about what other people think, or what other people want for you. Your successes are just as important as your failures, and you should not be overly hard on yourself. Remember what is important to you, and focus on your goals. Don't worry with the minutiae, and remember that you ARE beautiful inside and out. Yes, the high school drama does go away and the cliques break apart. But in the end there will always be immature people. It will be hard to leave home and deal with being independent. People will challenge your ideas, but this can lead you to learn more about yourself than you ever knew. Diversity is the only true thing we all have in commone, and these difference will bring many wonderful things. Just like Christopher Robin says to Pooh: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Denise

I would tell myself to take high school classes seriously to lay a good foundation for the challenging classes in college. If I could've done high school again I would apply myself more because I've had to take calculus again in college because I thought a C was good enough. I also would get involved in clubs and try to become a club officer just to make my resume look good, gain leadership skills, and open up more opportunities for scholarships. I would also tell myself that college work is more challenging and stressful, therefore, it is imperative that good study skills are learned and that one be very practical. I would also spend alot of time applying for scholarships because college is very expensive.

Jessica

I would inform myself to not slack off because although college isn't that much different than college, there is definitely a difference in the workloads. Without efficient studying and time management techniques, it will be nearly impossible to keep up with all the work. I would also tell myself to join more organizations, instead of allowing varsity basketball to take up all my time. Being involved with more organizations in high school can somewhat prepare you to be a part of organizations in college. The final thing I would tell myself is talk to more people that have been to college and completed it. Being around or talking to people that have finished college, would, for one thing, diminish the insurmountable feeling that comes when just starting freshman year. It, also, would help me to anticipate what to expect about college life academically, emotionally, and socially.

Claire

As a senior, my hunt for a potential university was heavily swayed by the aesthetics of the institutions I visited, with little consideration in the way of universities' distinct student bodies. While it stands to reason that larger universities' student populations encompass a broad sample of people, it has also become increasingly apparent that many universities attract a distinct type of individual. At the time, impressive reputations, mammoth columns, elaborate landscaping, and grandiose architecture precluded my potential formation of well-rounded concepts of the establishments I considered. In this light, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior approaching the new-found independence of college life, I would urge myself to take a step back in making such huge decision - considering not only the facade presented, but the company I would like to keep. And once that decision was made, I would give fair warning that the fleeting summer spanning the high school-college transition passes without warning, so it's wise to take a deep breath and enjoy what every moment will have to offer in the coming months.

Lori

If I could go back in time and tell my high school senior self about the transition to college, I'm not sure if I would say anything more than make the decision from your heart and stick to it. The transition to college from high school has been more difficult than I expected, and I have faced a lot of tough things that I didn't expect to face. I could easily say that I would go back and tell myself to choose another school where more of my friends would be attending, or to be sure to know exactly what major to choose before registering for classes. The truth is though, that no matter how hard those challenges were to get through, God put them in my life for a reason, and I can honestly say that I have learned important things about who I am and who I want to be from each challenge. So my answer to the question is that I would say nothing; no warnings or rules. I would say follow your heart, because every experience, no matter how difficult or painful, allows you to grow in ways that are purposeful and extremely meaningful.

Caitlin

Okay Caitlin, listen up...I need you to know that beauty is only a tool you use to express yourself, not a prison in which you have to meet a standard that was set too high in the first place! The world, and especially college, can be shallow, confusing, and a source of stress when it comes to beauty and how you look on the outside. So here's the scoop...the hollow standard that convinces you beauty can make you a better person or change your life goes way back into history to damsels in distress and knights in shining armor. But it's just plain false. There are as many ways to be beautiful and feel beautiful as there are girls on the globe. Outer beauty is skin-deep. It's your tool to say what your want about yourself , but what's really important is tucked deep down inside of you, Caitlin. It's who you really are! Take time to look deep within yourself. Truly discover who you are so that no one else tries to tell you who you are. Unwrap the bow on the package that holds your gifts and give thanks for YOU!

Thomas

My senior year was full of anxiety and doubt. I wondered where in he world was the rightplace for me . I ha no idea what I wanted to study or even really what I wanted to do with my life. Today, I look back and almost laugh at myself. Baylor was the right decision. Here, I am surounded by people of faith that I can depend on to help me draw closer to Christ and to push me to do my best. I love environmental science. It was a fun and interesting field of study that will have a heavy impact on the world, and it will also help me in my goal to be a missionary. My senior year, I was worried. It would have made life so much easier if I could go back and tell myself that Baylor was the place for me.