Bowie State University Top Questions

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

Mabinty

Dear HS Self, It's okay to wait. Pause. I know you're rushing to grow up and prove to the world that you're knowledgeable, but do you really know what you want? In lieu of the path taken by most of your classmates, take a year off to travel and defer school until you discover what you really want to study. I'm sure telling relatives and friends that you're going to major in pre-med is a convincing response to "what are you going to do after graduation?" Stop carrying guilt on your shoulders for declining the offer to attend Middlebury College and explore the idea of breathing new air on a different continent and use those French lessons Ms. Shipley taught you in 10th and 11th grade. Yes, your traditional African parents will be upset, but they will love you regardless of what you study, whether in or out the classroom. Take this year to challenge yourself by volunteering back home in Sierra Leone or interning at a nonprofit. There's no one way to live a meaningful life, so embrace the moments of uncertainty and grow from them. My older self believes in you!

Kosi

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time and change certain decisions in the past in order to make the future better? Sometimes I wish I know what the future holds so that I can be able to better prepare for it. However, life doesn’t work like that but knowing what I know now about college, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself two pieces of advice. First advice is to purchase books on time! On the first day of school, I was extremely stressed because I was battling to buy my textbooks. The cashier lines in the bookstore were long and motionless that my feet fell asleep as I waited. Not to mention, 3 of my books were sold out. The second advice is to do a thorough research on my colleges of interest to better determine each school's diversity, competiveness, course rigorousness and ranking. With such information, I would’ve had the opportunity to determine the institution that would best fit my goals today. College life is a great experience that requires sufficient and diverse preparation.

Ramsey

"Younger Ramsey, I've come to warn you about your inexcusable habits. I've seen the future: college is extremely time-oriented. First, I advise you to cease and desist perpetuating several bad habits. In order to make this transition as smooth as possible you must save your GPA from decreasing the first semester in college. In order to do this you must stop procrastinating before every major assignment. In college there are more assignments, many of which are continous, due simultaneously, and worth large percentages. So turn off the t.v., or else you will come up short of passing a difficult class, unintentionally miss an opportunity, and cause your GPA to drop! Secondly, don't be afraid to venture out of your academic comfort zone. Enroll in more rigorous classes. Yes , I actually said that: every bit of knowledge that you store in your brain now, will be applied later. The 'difficult' classes that you are currently taking, have aided me in my successful completion of several classes in college. Thirdly, glean from your teachers and honors students and ignore the sophomoric folly that shrouds your environment. Please do these with persistence and you will transition smoothly. Godspeed!"

Jessica

Knowing what I know now about the transition to the college life, I would tell my high school senior self to stay focused and apply for scholarships as early as possible, broaden my choices of schools and to also stay prepared. My transition was quick and rushed because I waited too late to apply and get ready for the college life and I ended up going to a community college first. I would also say to know what you want to major in before applying for a college and gain some experience while still in high shcool. I would say to have a back up plan just in case my first choice didn't work out. I could hvae gotten a scholarship based on my grades to my college choice now but I wasn't aware. Mainly, I would suggest to better prepare and not procrastinate beacuse this can determine your college journey.

Quindel

If I could go back in time, I would tell me High School self to work on my study skills and learn to advocate for myself with more urgency. I am learning that the work load is much larger and if I had prepared more in High School, I would differently be better prepared for college. I also didn't learn to advocate for myself. My mom was always the one going to my school speaking on my behalf. Now when I have problems I don't have the necessary tools to speak to my professors, fiancial counselor or even my educational advisor. I feel inadquate and some times feel a lost for words with no direction. I want to call my mother for assistance but I also want to be an adult and handle my own affairs. I wish I could go back to tell myself to listen to my mom and teachers when they told me to study harder and speak up for myself. Learning new studying habits in college is more challenging , less supportive and a wee bit lonely.

Chantelle

Think about it like this, you’ve already completed thirteen years of schooling. What advice would you give someone else when they are considering stopping school after their senior year; knowing the difference is between a minimum wage job making $6,720 a year and a $19,640 a year job in the medical field? It’s only a two and a half year difference in education. This is the choice I present to you. You don’t have to be an A student going in but you will have to make yourself your own competition. Don’t worry about being better than someone else. Do better today than you did yesterday. If you made a 79 yesterday, today make an 80. Before you know it you’ll be challenging yourself with a competitive streak you never knew you had. Buy a study guide for the entrance exam into the nursing program now. Study it, know it, you’ll need it – you got this. Ask the librarian for Writer’s Digest. They list periodicals. Research nursing trade magazines and subscribe to one, I suggest pediatrics (you love kids and they love you). Why nursing? Your gift is caring for people.

Sharnece

I would tell myself to get more invloved within the school and community. I would tell myself to join more clubs, play sports and volunteer your time. There are going to be many chances for work and make money. I would tell myself to focus on grades and take harder classes. I would use my time wisely and to make connections with the student at the school and the teachers.

Valerie

If I could travel back in time to May 1988, I would have made education my priority instead of becoming a teenage parent. I would have decided to seek out curiorities for my education goals and attainment and told myself to leave those boys alone. I would have used the educational building blocks that Mrs. Hattie Price and Ms. Helen Johnson infused into my life to grab my piece of the American dream at an early age. The advice I would give myself would be that I could be a better parent, financial provider, and role model for my children to follow if they could see how education empowered my life. Instead my life was filled with financial difficulties, foregoing life enjoyments, and delaying my education because parenting was my primary responsibility.

THOMAS

I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO SAVE SAVE AND SAVE BECAUSE I WILL NEED IT.

brittany

If I could go back to myself as a senior in high school I would encourage myself to work harder, learn more and do not take for granted the resources provided to me.

quindel

I would tell myself that he is going to become friends with these people in college and about how he's going to become extremely interested in playing pool. I would then lie to him and tell him that because he spent so much time playing pool and hanging out with these friends, he ends up failing three of his class causing him to end his first semester with less than a 2.0 grade point average. Next I would tell him that because he failed three classes our mother withdraws him from the school and sends him to our father where he ends up sneaking out and things of the sort until he ends up getting arrest for underaged drinking a party. . Afterwards I would then tell him that its ok to chill with your friends and playing pool but before you do so get all of your work completed. I then inform him of how his schedule is set up so he would plan a time for when has to do homework and inform him of the classes that he fails so he can pay specific attention to those first. And finally I'd wish him good luck.

Kelly

I would tell my high school self to be more academically focused and to take the opportunity to attend the college senior programs that came to my high school. The social aspects of high school did at times take priority over my academics. Being a senior I felt excited about graduation and looking back I see myself becoming distracted by unimportant events. Friends are an important part of life and school but there must be a balance of the two. I would tell my high school self to reevaluate that balance to where academics were more the focus. In addition, I would also suggest to my past self to join some clubs and organizations. I didn’t become active in any organizations until my college years and I see how beneficial it can be, academically, socially and professionally. Moreover, I would also stress the importance of doing the reasearch on whatever needs to be searched or known. Knowing all the available options is better than rushing into something without proper knowledge.

Jamey

APPLY, APPLY, and APPLY some more for scholarships and take that ACT again and again and again. Don't make a decision based on your boyfriend/girlfriend and put yoruself out there. Don't spend money like you'll always have a stable paycheck. Learn how to study like it will be the hardest test in your life and don't stop there. NEVER put school last and learn some time management skills. Prepare for the worst outcome in anything related to school. Take those extra forms for Financial aid even if you can't recieve it. Don't ever put off applications until the last minute and learn more about what the college is going to be like. Don't you dare think that people will hand you money for college so that means actually putting forth the effort right now for that scholarhip. Lastly and most importantly, don't ever think that there will be a second chance because most times there isn't when it comes to your education!

Olubunmi

If I could go back to when I was a student in high school I would probably forcus more on traveling to the actual universities I'm interested in in order to get a better view of things.

Hope

I would tell my self to take my time and stay in the books. I would tell my self to be true to who I am and dont let other peoples opinions influence the person you are trying to become. Make sure you stay up on all your work and stay active on campus.

Dynisha

I would say that I'm a motivated young person doing good in college, As of now I will be graduating from Malcolm X College in the Fall of 2013 with an Associate's degree in General studies. Currently pursuing a career as a Certified Pharmacy Health Technician, college life is a good experience for me all the tutors are there when you need them at a community college. I'm an intelligent, Honest, Hardworker, reliable student that attends school everyday just to be a succesful person in life. Trying to transfer my credits to either Loyola University or Northwestern Business College, but have to finish the school that I'm currently attendind which is Malcolm X College in chicago. College life has been a good start for me especially because I'm focus and participate in class discussions on a regular. By me being a motivated and determined person that makes other young people want to be a motivated student as well. When I was a high school senior everything went well for me, I have made the student of the month, had good grades on my report card which was A's and B's. I love school.

Perla

"Dont ever loose your confidence. " is what i would say to myself. i lost so much confidence in my second year of college, money problems, test scores not high enough. i started off perfect right out of higschool good grades attendande everything was smooth sailing. Dont slack off is another little suggestion i would do. keep going strong at it. you want this go for it. you want a better life for yourself hit the books hard.

Jessica

If i could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would say first and foremost to pay attention! That is the key right there. I would urge myself to become more studious and to be more independent and self-serving when it came to my assignments. I would have to tell my younger self that procrastination will get me nowhere in life and that if I want to reach my goals, and fulfill my dreams that I will need to stay on top of my school work and especially my homework.

Courtney

I would tell myself that it only gets harder from here so start changing now. College is a fresh start to set new goals and achieve more than you can imagine. Also, start looking for scholarships. They will be crucial in the near future since I don't want to see my mother struggle to pay out of pocket. Last but not least, pray, pray, pray. When no one else is listening to you, God will be there. Don't stress over friendships that have no value. Have fun in college! Dean's List every semester is the goal, get it done!

Krystal

I would have advised myself to be more focused my freshman year.

Raymond

I would have told myself to continue working as you are now because it will all pay off. I would also tell myself to never cheat myself out of precious knowledge.

Jasmine

I would advise myself to look into all of the opportunities that are available, such as study abroad and the different majors, organizations and clubs. I would also advise myself to stay focused on the bigger picture and become involved on campus.

LaNetta

In high school I took thing lightly, for example essays, quizzes/ test, and all assignments. If I knew that college had to do with prioritizing more and studying I would have been prepared for that in high school. I would be prepared physically for the long hours of studying and time management. I procrastinated several times on trying to turn in scholarships, applications, and assignments. The advice I would give myself is to stay focused more on education rather then socializing. The people I socialized with may not be in the same situation or academic standing as me so I need to prioritize everything.

Carol

I would explore more career choices and intern at places that interest me the most. I would have also liked to see how much I think I would want to make out of the degree I choose and see where it can take me in the real world. It would have been so nice if in High School they had a course only on career choices where you would get credit for going to different places to intern and see if you like it or not. That way most students would not go undeclared their first and second year and have at least have an idea of what they would like to do. I would also tell them to make friends because through friends it is a great way to network outside of college. To make smart choices and manage their time wisely AND ACTUALLY DO WELL!

Robert

As I reflect on my college experience, I would warm myself of the many distractions faced as an incoming student entering a new world. Given the chance to go back in time, I advise myself to find a mentor who understands my background and needs to assist in some decision making in a new environment. Moreover, I would ask Robert to make an effort to not be afraid in asking for help; reach out to academic advisors, tutoring centers, and career centers. These chains of actions would have undoubtedly shifted my transition from high school to college by allowing me a better footing during such a pivotal moment in my young adulthood.

Ashlee

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, knowing what I do now about college life and the transition, the advice I would give myself is to apply for scholarships early and do not assume you will automatically be given them. College is expensive and every little bit helps while going to college. Also, I would tell myself to go to college with a plan and know what you want to do after college to prevent staying longer then you have to. I had a pretty good college career and this is the advice I would give myself as a high school senior.

Shalaynia

I would tell myself to apply early enough for colleges/universities, wheareas you will not have to settle for the first college that accepts you, and have to go through the motions when you transfer. I would also tell myself to become apart of the campus the first time around, so that I can get the whole college experience, instead of being just another student. Lastly, I would tell myself to apply to jobs near my campus location, so that I can be prepared to not eat campus food all the time, and to be able to get around more, and explore everything the area has to offer, and paying for books would be alot easier with a job.

Andrea

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school I would give myself lots of advice. The advice would be simple, to always manage your time. Being able to manage your time could save you from a lot of stress. My first semester in college I did not manage my time very well. I waited till the last minute to finish my assignments and it caused me to get grades that were not acceptable. Now that I have this information and advice, this semester I will definitely manage my time so that I can be successful in achieving my goals.

Danielle

If I could go back to being a high schol senior, I would tell myself that I need to focus more and practice better study habits. In college, I will need to give my complete attention to certain subjects and to do so I will need to be able to study intensely.

Cameron

Perhaps the biggest mistake I made in college came during my first year. I decided it would save money to get a couple of roommates to move into an apartment with. This started out great but once school started I kept going and they began to quit. One ended up dropping out of college and the other couldn't find many other friends so he always bugged me to hang out with him. The one that dropped out did not affect me much, but the one that always begged for my attention caused a lot of problems in my life. He made the relationship with my girlfriend harder, took time away from my friends that promoted excellence, and most importantly took away from my studies. I always said I was too busy to hang out, but living in the same place made it impossible to not be around him. I took 21 hours my first semester of hard classes and I needed all of the study time I could get. This friend had a huge part to play in the low 2.62 GPA I received that first semester. It has taken me a while to rebound from that.

Melissa

Now Melissa, pay attention and keep an open mind. I say this because I know how stubbon you can be. High school will be over before you know it, and you will find out that planning done in now will help in the future. Take as many college credit classes in high school as you can stand - this will save money and time later. Also, get your self out there and join some clubs like Key Club or Business Leaders of America. Having activities to use for potential scholarships is important. Moreover, don't worry about not knowing what you want to pursue as a career, just be ready for the new challenges of community college. Oh another thing, college is a lot like high school when it comes to your fellow students. In the end, don't expect any adult level interaction until you reach higher levels. For now, enjoy the freedom you have before live begins to fly past, but don't fall asleep either. Good luck my friend, I know you will do your best.

Krystal

Get involved in your community. Scholarships and schools look at more than your grades and activities community service is serious and alot of scholarships worry on that alone. Even though you may have higher grades and SATs that other people that does not garuntee more funding for you. Even though you do not qualify for need-based aid by the government standards you may qualify for some private ones. Also, dont settle once you get into your school and get scholarships dont settle theres always more.

LaShay

To be able and speak with my younger self would no doubt bring about a change in my future. I for one did not perform my duties as a student to my full potential. In high school I let myself slip and did not excell in a manner become of my true underlying talents. I would tell myself to be more pro-active in selecting a college. I know that I let the ball drop in my senior year of high school and I did not apply to college on time. I would make sure I seek as many scholarships as possible to help ease my mother's burden from the expense of college tuition and text books. Lastly I would stress time management as a way to encapsulate the ideas previously mentioned so that I can excell in an undergraduate school that provides a more demanding cirruculuum.

Julie

Go to college. you will need a degree to provide a better life for your children. dont listen to the nay sayers, computers ARE the way to go. listen to your little voice and believe in yourself! you are smart and you can do anything you want and you will succeed. By going to college and studying computers you WILL have an awesome life and you will be able to get the things you want and to provide a good life for your kids! you will only regret not doing it now.

Luke

If I could talk to my High School self I would tell him, "Getting your usual 14 hours of sleep is not as important as you think. Fill out your applications in a timely manner, putting off your work is bad habbit to get into. Focus more on your work; staying up at night studdying is not as mentally painful as you assume. Spend more time with your friend Bobby to make his last few months on this earth as enjoyable as possible. This summer get a job, and it doesn't matter what it is. There are going to many different events that you will want to attend, and it sucks when you can't go because you can't afford to spend your last few dollars. Lastly trust in your self. You're a lot smarter than you give your self credit for."

kelli

Kelli, don't be so hard on yourself because you are smarter than you think and have been greatly blessed. You are different than most of the people you will be surrounded by and way more considerate of others than they will ever be of you so don't be upset by their lack of motivation or the carelessness of the administration because you will meet professors and friends who will help you grow and open doors for you. You will get frustrated, cry, and worry until you're sick but you must fight your way through it all so you can get just a little closer to reaching your goals. Be proud of and have confidence in yourself and your work; even though you don't see it, others see something special in you and are rooting for you. Please don't be too stubborn or scared to ask for help, there are people who believe in you and are just waiting to be of assistance to you. Most importantly, know that others are going through the same thing and share the same feelings of hope and fear that you do so do your best and remember to breathe.

Chinaka

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to pay more attention. I would tell myself to continue to try and not fall into the deep pit of "senior-itis", the laziness that a senior endures during their last year in high school. I would advise that I enter as many scholarships as I could. I would tell myself to narrow down the college choices from 14 to 5, because the application process is dreadful. "College is the beginning of the rest of my life," I would tell myself. I need to be prepared, I need to research opportunities that could better my future. I would advise that I work first and play later. I would need to be responsible, and not procrastinate because in college my mother will not be calling me and asking if I did my homework. If I can go back in time, I would tell myself to put all my faith in God, because it is through Him that I will become successful.

JaCara

If I could go back to my high school self I would advise me not to be so afraid. As a high school senior I wasn't as excited as most of my peers to transition into my college experience. I was nervous and scared to embark into this is major life change. However, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I know that it’s not all that bad! I've learned that new experiences and changes are good for life growth. College is truly a learning experience and I have learned so much about myself here at Bowie State University. Additionally, I would tell myself to not let people discourage me and tell me that I am not good enough. In high school people would say that I wasn’t prepared for college because of the high school I went to. However, I proved them wrong with my strong work ethic which allowed me to earn a 4.0 GPA 3 semesters in a row.

Timothy

If I could go back in time and visit myself, as a senior in high school, the advice I would give myself would be, “do what you believe in and pursue your dreams. Don’t let anyone affect your decisions on your future. It is you that has to live with it.” I was fortunate to begin school at a later age. I joined the Navy and found out what I really wanted to do with life before beginning college. Although, I was unfortunate that I listened to what family and friends thought I should do instead of following my passion and dreams. Passion and dreams are what leads to a job that gives fulfillment and happiness. Without this passion to drive success in a selected field then the fulfillment will be empty and pointless, leading to depression and heartache. There comes a time in everyone’s life that they have to decide a path and I wish someone would of given me that advice early in my adulthood. This life altering advice has allowed my transition and college life to be full of excitement and energy. I enjoy my education experience and strive for the best possible grade.

Diamond

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have so much to say. The first thing that I would inform myself on is that college is full of people who are different and I must accept that. Upon entering college I told myself that I wouldn't change no matter what , but after being here I realized that change is good. Iam improving myself for the better and I love that. I would also tell myself that I should appreciate all the work and advice from my teachers because that information is helping me in college. Another thing I would tell myself is to pay more attention in my advanced placement classes because some of my prerequisites model those classes. Lastly I would tell myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. Typical cliché I know , but as a senior I doubted myself , I had no confidence what so ever. So if I could go back I would give myself a big hug and say that everything will be okay if I try.

Jerrica

My college experience thus far has taught me that anything I put my mind to, I can achieve. Possibilities are endless for me now because I have exposed myself to higher education. I have defied statistics put on my race, generation, and gender by coming to college. The college experience is teaching me about time management, standing out in a crowd, working in a team, and completing a task til the end; not quitting. Not only am I aquiring head knowledge, but life knowledge about how to communicate well, articulate, and express solutions to some of society's issues. Being in college is making me an asset to my community instead of a liability. I am a better person always growing because I am attending college. Now I understand that the sky is no longer my limit because there are footprints ion the moon. I can do anything.

Edward

So far, my college experience has really helped me grow as a person. In high school, I didn't take school seriously. I wouldn't sudy for tests and I almost never did homework. I'd always tell myself, "I'll do better next week." Eventually "next week" turned into "next month/semester/year." I was also painfully shy. I kept to myself and would be afraid to talk to anyone or to even be noticed. There were times that I'd be so depressed; I felt as if my life was just a succesion of bad days. College has allowed me to prove to myself that I am intelligent and that I can achieve my goals if I apply myself. The professors are extremely supportive and my classmates have helped me to be more social. Where in high school a "D' wouldn't be out of place on my report card; in college I am making the Dean's List every semester. I finally feel that I'm making progress in my life; a feeling that I honestly thought I'd never have. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend college, its been a life changing experience.

Kiara

Though Bowie State University was not my first choice, I am pleased with my overall college experience. College presented me with the opportunity to evolve spiritually, socially, and academically. My entire outlook on life underwent an exciting metamorphosis. Coursework, volunteering, and internships have prepared me for a meaningful career in social work and I have established relationships with professors and classmates that I know will last beyond my time as a student. College has been valuable to attend because now I am part of a network--I have a support team of staff, faculty, classmates, and supervisors that are interested in my success. I am confident that Bowie State Univesity has prepared me to matriculate into society and provide much needed service to my community.

Angela

My college experience at Bowie State University has be remarkable. I have been challenged by the proffesors and other staff members to be greater than any expectation that i may have set for myself. I have learned the importance of hard work and determination. While at the prestigious BSU, I have met wonderful, caring people and I would not choose to go anywhere else to complete my undergraduate studies.

Tiffany

College for me has been wonderful. My experience at Bowie State University was one that was so amazing I deiced to continue on with my education there by attending Graduate School. Bowie State University provided me with an opportunity not just to learn a craft that I had never worked in before, but to develop my craft and excel it, my craft being Broadcast Journalism. Bowie pushed me to step outside of the box and venture into things I thought I would never do like working behind the camera and producing and directing as well. I also obtained from Bowie State a degree in Communication and not only did I graduate but I did it with honors and that is because when I went to class I LOVED what I was doing, it felt like play not school work. My professors were amazing and the Communication department is like a family. I gained knowledge about the profession I was going into on many different levels, gained knowledge about the world, and politics and most importantly gained not only lifetime friends, a LIFETIME FAMILY. I would not trade my education experience at Bowie State University for any other school.

Edmund

I have made wonderful friends and emotional connections with my professors. Since my school is a smaller school, we have opportunities as students to develop relationships with our professors. I have learned many things in my government department have been inspired to apply for scholarships and believe in myself. Not everyone at my school has had the opportunities that I have had. Nevertheless, I am happy to be an attended of Bowie State University.

Francell

College has taught me how to prioritize my time and money. Non-essential things are distinguished from necessities. Also, living out of the house has helped me to survive on my own and abide to a schedule.

Stephen

I have become a much wiser and more well-rounded person from my college experience. I have learned to make more careful decisions and to plan ahead whenever possible. I have also gained more control over my emotions and my character, and as a result I have much more stamina to deal with any obstacles or hardships that may challenge me in the future. I have also made genuine friends in my college experience thus far, and I believe these friends will be with me for decades to come. My college has taught me to have confidence in myself and to believe that I can achieve anything that I work toward, thus I have a more determined and unyielding spirit than before I attended my college. My college has given me the resolve that says, "Professor/employer/judge, I can meet your challenge and I can excel beyond what you expect of me. It's fine if you don't believe me, because I'll prove it to you beyond a shatter of a doubt. Just watch." I believe my college has been valuable to attend for giving me such a resolve.

Noel

Out of ny college experience I have learned real life experiences. The experiences help me to gain valubla lessons and resources. I believe college has emphasize a growth in knowledge, the understanding of the world and different cultures, and is given me the kind of education that will make me become well-rounded and literate. College has open up and will continue to open up opportunities for me. It has been very valuable for me not only for education purposes, but also in the fact that it haas broaden my horizon. I believe nowhere else in life will I be around so many different people with such diverse and similar interests at the same time.

Benjamin

Out of my attendance at Bowie State University, so far I have learned alot in regards to personal growth and developement. No matter what age you are or what point of life you find yourself engaged within there is always a new lesson to be learned, and new knowledge gained as a result of that experience. I can recall an experiences revolving both around the academic spectrum of college and social spectrum in which I am thankful that I have gone through the experience. I believe the proper term would be to "live and learn". The process is how we all as students within college mold ourselves to bring out our true potential as citizens within society, even after we have acquired that degree of education the acquirement of knowledge is still endless. So far, I am in my sophomore year, and still have two more years until graduation but within my college experience I have gained insightful knowledge and the value within that knowledge is my own personal growth as a person.