Carthage College Top Questions

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

Kenneth

When I was a high school student looking ahead to my future as a college student, I was very nervous. At the time, I had no idea what college I would go to, so I did not know if I would have to live on-campus or commute. College, in general, was nerve-wracking for me. If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to my younger self about college, I would tell myself to not to worry at all about college life. College is a time where young students try to discover themselves and figure out what kind of impact they will have in the world, whether they become a lawyer, doctor or engineer. College is the first step to becoming an adult, and although it can be scary to make the transition between high school student to adult, it is also liberating. My younger self would be glad to know that his future self loves the college that he is attending, and also he would like to know about how his future self is even more excited about continuing his education and eventually becoming a lawyer, which is a dream for both of them.

Taylor

My advice would be to explore all schools before you make a decision. Carthage College was my last preference, but my mom forced me to visit. I ended up falling in love with the campus and everything about the college. I now am exceling in grades and finding great opportunites through classes that will help with my career later in life. You need to test multiple schools until you find the one. It's like relationships. You are not going to find the one most of the time. You usually date other people before finding the perfect fit. So, don't pick a dream school until you have visited all of them.

Kristin

I would tell myself that it isn't as scary as you think it's going to be. Yes, I miss my family but I get to go home a lot than I thought I would get to. Also, there are so many supportive people here to talk to if you ever need anything. I would just tell myself to keep my head held high and stop over-thinking things.

ashley

As a senior, I thought the only way to get the real college experience was to go away from home and live the college life as my peers were doing. After a few semesters at a local community college I made the jump to a very large college in the city of Chicago. Even though city living, especially away from my family, wasn’t for me, I thought this was the only way to experience college. After a short but daunting semester, I decided to look at my options closer to home. I found Carthage College and decided to apply. I immediately knew I had found the perfect fit at Carthage. Three years later, I am almost finished with my degree in business and have worked for my company the whole time I’ve gone to school. I was able to take the lessons and work ethic I learned from Carthage and apply it to my job. Just last year, I got offered a corporate position provided I finish my degree. If I could go back I would tell myself not to worry about what everyone else deems as the "real college experience" but do what feels right for you.

Paola

College life is the best experience that someone can live. It teaches you stay focused and determined to do your best in everything you do. Before going into college be sure that you are prepared to be faced with new challenges and have a open mind to learn new things and meet new people. Living the college life can be easy as long as you are determined to stay focused and responsible with your school work and social life.

Paul

With the knowledge that I have today and given the ability to go back in time I would have changed few things during my senior year of high school. I have always been a dilligent student who prides himself on reaching exceptional levels of achievement. Given the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself of the great things that come with a college education. As a senior I was torn between the numerous schools wanting me to attend their fine establishments. The constant phone calls and letters in the mail created a difficult decision for me. Being the first college student in my entire family I was lost in a sea of misguided advice and college recruiters. If I could go back I would have told myself to take a deep breath, focus, and folllow my heart. Fortunately I ended up attending a great school wiht great people. I dont think anything can truly prepare a high school student for college. However, I wish someone was there to tell me to follow my heart and make the big decsion soley based on what was right for me.

Timothy

If I were to go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to make sure that I am open to anything that presents itself to me because there are many new ideas and people and things that come with college. I would also tell me to end things with my girlfriend at the time on good terms so that we remain friends and I don't start my college career on a bad note. I would also make sure to tell myself that I need to make sure to study hard and get good grades and do homework and projects when they are assigned instead of procrastinating until the night before assignments are due, but don't stress over grades too much. The last thing I would tell myself would simply be, "be happy" because sometimes in the midst of it all we forget to enjoy all the little things thaat make life worth living.

Megan

Dear Self, Don't be afraid to get to know people. Get involved right away and you will meet lots of people fast! You won't be "alone" for long. Try not to procrastinate on your homework. Try to stay ahead and do all the readings! Your work load will get more intense as you go through college so be prepared for that! You will meet some really great people and some not so great people. Hangout with the ones with similar values to you. Don't give into the typical college pressures! I know you can do it! Being in a sport will not be too overwhelming and you can do it!

Angela

When I originally attended college in Chicago in 2001, I was fresh out of high school. Very rapidly, my interest in college escaped me, as I was more interested in boys, big city life, and freedom! What I would tell my high school self is to just enjoy the day, and look for the beauty that lies in education. I was so eager to get out of that place and get to college, and because of it I remember so little of what I was supposed to learn, and did not appreciate what school had to offer. Take time to figure out what it is that you are passionate about, and do NOT be afraid to pursue your goals, even if they seem completely unreasonable. You have so much time ahead of you to reach for those goals, and however overwhelming the path may be, you have time. So just dream, dream big, and then go for it. You can overcome any barrier that blocks the way.

Katharina

If I could, I'd go back to my high school self and say, "Even though life is hard right now and it seems like nothing is going your way, just keep on going. Keep walking and don't look back. Apply for scholarships, believe in yourself. You have your whole life ahead of you, don't stop now." When I was in high school, my parents were going through tough times, both finacially and in their relationship. I blamed myself and went in to a self inflicted depression and I never achieved mygoal of getting in to the University of Maryland. Now that I'm about to graduate with my associates degree, I believe it's time to take those steps I was too afriad to take before and go for my dream.

Euriah

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self some advice, I would tell myself to get on top of applying for scholarships. Back then, I did not realize just how important scholarships were when it comes to paying for college. I would also tell myself to get more involved in the community. Community service is very important and can make a huge difference in whether or not you are picked to recieve a scholarship.

Dyah

If I could go back in time as a high school student I would tell myself that life is what you make it. You determine your own happiness. I would have made sure my grades were good so that I could have gone to a 4 year college and actually had a chance to experience college life. I would not work a full-time job if I could help it and I would not accumualte alot of debt. Most importantly, I would not let anything interefere or get in the way of my education. I've made mistakes in the past and I wish I could undo them, but honestly I wouldn't be the woman I am today if I hadn't made those mistakes. At least now, I can teach my younger sister and be a role model to her and her friends about the importance of having an education. In my thirties I have put things into perspective and I know what I want out of life and that is to become a nurse and help people. I used to down myself alot about my past, but it's never too late to become what you wanted.

Sara

Never ever give up yourself and always strive for greater. College life is not easy, but make the most of your education because it is your investment future. Always get involved in clubs, meetings, and people at college. It doesn't matter if you started college right after high school like myself, or years after high school increase your potential. If you believe, you can achieve!

Hannah

I would give myself advice on attendence and studying. In high school, I would skip class a lot and not study for quizzes or tests. That only hurt me once I began college. If I could go back in time, I would love to have learned what I missed in the classes. Also, I would have loved to gain skills needed to study for exams more efficiently.

Ben

High school might seem like a chaotic place where you don't know what the future holds; however, just sit tight and continue doing well in school and being an active person in the community. Once you get into college, all you have to focus on is getting a job and staying focused while still having a good time. College isn't as hard as people say, just don't do anything dumb.

bianca

It is important that you choose a school based on field of study. Developing great study habits early on in life is a helpful tip. There are many unknown expenses in college. Develop budgeting skills before attending college. Applying to an affordable school is the best idea. Enjoy the transition to adulthood. Working together in a great chance to form networking skills. Prepare to work at your best level.

Cody

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself advice that focuses around academics. Because my high school underpreparred me for college, I would tell myself to really focus on learning from the faculty and staff and not the books. I would tell myself to find a better method of taking notes, and also to learn a different and more effective way of studying. By knowing these three things in high school, I believe that I would have been more preparred for my present and future college years. I am now learning how to comprehend structured lectures, take better notes, and I have even found a better, more efficient, way of studying. It's a slow process, but I believe that, with the strength and motivation, and I put my mind to it, I can do it!

Jenna

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself not to worry about finding a supportive theatrical community. In high school, I bonded with my drama teacher. He understood my passion for theatre, musicals, certain performers, and he helped me a lot in preparing for my college auditions. I was nervous about coming to Carthage because I had such a firm foundation in high school. However, before my first semester at Carthage was over, all those worries faded away because I was reminded why I was attracted to Carthage in the first place. The small atmoshpere at Carthage provides this supportive theatrical community that truly cares for one another. As competitive as we get for auditions, we are genuinely happy for each other and encouraging. Now, I feel more confident and prepared in auditions because of my classes. I have found professors who are not only well-experienced in "showbiz", but teach with a passion and eagerness to see us succeed. They provide us with resources and contacts, and encourage future training and performances. Knowing what I know now, I wish I could have told myself that college is filled with teachers who truly want to see their students succeed.

abbey

If I could give who I was as a high school senior advice, it would be not to wait. College is hard enough, but do it right away, before you have to begin to balance working full time, going to school, a relationship, and on top of all that coursework. Life is hard, do not make it harder on yourself if you do not have to. Also, just relax and stop stressing over everything. The higher your stress levels are, the harder it is for you to actually get things done. Sometimes, you need to take a few minutes to yourself and just relax, calm your nerves and then begin again. Another pointer, give yourself less to stress about, be organized, explore different time management strategies, to allot the time that you spend on homework and the time that you spend in your lesiure. Most of all have fun.

Brianna

Dear Me, Get ready for this new adventure. It is not as easy as you thought it was going to be. First of all, try to make connections with people now, so that when you get to school you already have some friends. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. And the weather is completely unpredictable, so bring all forms of clothing so you don't freeze to death. Polish up on your studying skills now and get in the habit of studying daily. This will really help you out in the long run. You can't spend the first month of learning how to study because by that point it is too late. Talk in class now so that you are not afraid to do it in college. Teachers like student led discussions, so be ready. And lastly, set your boundaries when it comes to guy. You don't want to do something that you might regret. Just be yourself and you'll make true friends. Good luck!

Brittani

If I could go back in time to my senior year I would tell myself to get more involved in school activities. As a senior I played on the varsity soccer team and thats about it. I wish I would've participated in more clubs such as student council. I would tell myself to partcipate in my school as much as I could because I believe it would have encouraged me to join clubs in college. Being involved in your college community is very important because it helps you meet friends as well as improve your college experience. I clearly remember recieving advice from teachers and friends telling students, like myself, to make sure you get involved in college because it will make a difference. However, I never thought anything of it because I felt like it wasn't as important as everyone was saying. I feel like if I had the opportunit to tell myself to become involved I feel like I would be much more inclinded to listen.

Brenda

That I should have taken a vocational college courses and made better grade in high school and ask for help from teachers and felloe students when I struggled with my school work.

HEATHER

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, now that I have taken college courses, I would tell myself to pay more attention in class. I would apply myself, and take my classes more seriously. I have been taking dual enrollment classes since my junior year in high school while earning my associates degree through my local two year community college. I have realized the importance of a good GPA and SAT scores. If I had the opportunity to do things over, I would work harder to bring my GPA up. By taking dual enrollment college credit classes, I have had to work hard and apply myself. I would also tell myself to job shadow, and decide on my career as early as possible. Job shadowing is a very good way to see if the career you have chosen is right for you. There are so many opportunities, and I don't want to waste time or money because I don't know what I want to study. I would also tell myself to be prepared for change. It's up me now to make a difference.

Miranda

Go for it. It's going to be rough. You'll make friends just to lose them later. You'll have to fight for what you want. But I promise that you'll find a life that you love, and love in your life. You can do it.

Desiree

I know now that self worth is a necessity if you want to do anything, be anything. Back in high school I was ruled by insecurities, doubt and haunted by the wrongs that have been done to me. But I’ve realized that we all must go through such trials. If we want to learn compassion and love, we must feel pain and suffering. So I would tell myself it’s ok. I would tell myself to let go, and to see the blessings I have before me. I would tell myself to believe that I am worthy. Because life is not a spectator sport. I would also tell me, to not be afraid or ashamed of myself. I am who I am. What matters is that I accept myself. And once I’m capable of that, true happiness will follow. Lastly, I would tell myself to believe in myself. That will be the only way to succeed, especially with the career path I’ve chosen. I’d also tell myself to get a head start on Music Theory. Goodness knows I could have used it.

DeAnna

Thinking back to my senior year there are so major things I would tell myself. I would start by telling myself to take an easy class in the morning, why are you taking AP Chemistry that early? I also would tell myself that grades are important, having over a 4.0 is fantastic, but they are not everything, give yourself some free time, and let yourself enjoy society. Have fun, do not stress about everything little thing; let yourself enjoy life. Your senior year is going to fly by, don’t forget who you’re real friends are and that if they are true, your friendships will not break. Do not work yourself to death; life is short; try your best that is all that matters. Take every opportunity given to you; you may never get to go to that place again. Stop worrying about your appearance, God made you beautiful and someday someone special is going to see that. Have a strong faith, never stop believing, never doubt because he is the one who got you to where you are. Be grateful to every teacher who believed in you and for every moment given to you!

Kiley

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school self, I would have a lot to say. Even though I would have a lot to tell myself, one major thing I would tell myself about college life and the transition would be not to worry so much. As a high school senior I stressed myself out so much about making the right choice and looking back I knew the best choice for me long before I actually made my decision. Another thing I would tell myself is to be more social in making the transition. I was so nervous about choosing the right friends for me that I missed out on meeting some amazing people at the start of school. Also, I would tell myself along with being more social, I would tell myself to get more involved in clubs and organizations or activities to get myself out of my dorm room a little more often. Even though, I would tell myself all of these things now, I don't think I would change anything and miss out on the memories and experiences I have had so far.

Zack

If I could go back in time to give myself good advice about being in college, I would make it clear that I need to work AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE throughout the summer so I could pay for my car insurance as well as anything else that comes up along the way. Money has been the biggest issue since I started college, not just for school and books, but for everything else in lifre as well just because I don't have as much time to work as I once did. I'd also tell myself to let go of some of my old friendships and such. They really dragged me down up until December, and that's energy that I won't get back that could have been reinvested into work and/or school.

chantay

I would tell myself the same thing I tell my daughters. Don't make any majors decisions quickly. You have time to live in the real world , enjoy this time to explore what you want to do with you life. You can work now, but go to school. Sure , you will be broke most of the time, but 10 years from now you will have a degree in a field you chose and probably love . Of course you won't listen, you want to be free and you need a change so you will join the military. 20 years later you will be going to college after you retire from the military. The best part is my daughters are following my advice even if I couldn't.

Anthony

If I could rewind to the past and advise myself, I would encourage myself to study hard for the ACT and SAT tests and to get plenty of rest so that I could do my absolute best on them. Along with that, I would make sure that I was filling out scholarship applications back to back and putting forth as much effort as humanly possible in order to get a college education for free. Motivating myself to focus on my future and not let anything distract me would be the single, most important priority. College is not cheap, and it is also not the easiest task to mark off your "to do list." It takes money, effort, time, dedication, and lots of lots of faith to get through. Looking back, as a high school senior, I would have also looked at having college soccer coaches to come out and watch me play for my high school team and hopefully offer me a scholarship as well as a spot on the team to play throughout my experience at the college. If only I could go back in time, these are the things I would tell myself to do.

Molly

I am a rare breed of college student in that I don't drink any alcohol at all. The transition from high school to college was scary because I knew that much of the college social scene is based on alcohol. I ended up making friends with a great group of people who, although they consume alcohol, understand my personal reasons to not drink, and accept me for that. If I could give a few words of advice to my high school self, I'd say, "Don't be so worried about being the only one who doesn't drink. You will find an amazing group of friends and have just as much fun without alcohol."

Tammie

I would advise myself to go back to school right away and not wait, it is harder to go back to school at an older age. I would strive to be more academically advanced in order to accelerate in the college. I would push myself to take more classes that would pertain to a career outside of school and not just classes to get by and get my credits to graduate. I would think more about school than getting married.

Jonathan

Assuming that I could go back in time with the objective of giving a younger version of myself advice about college, I would advise myself to only take classes that pertain to English, Foreign Languages, Teaching, and International Studies. I also would tell myself to apply for scholarships to pay for Schoolcraft, thereby lowering the amount of loans I would take out when transferring to a University. I know that the goal of this survey is to help prospective students wade through the raging ocean of college requirements, deadlines, scholarships, applications, and possible career paths, but the truth in it all is that I would not be Jon at 21 years of age without experiencing what I had experienced during my 19th and 20th years. Wisdom is not just knowledge, but knowledge that has been refined and directed through experience. Schoolcraft academically offers above and beyond what is expected at its price-point. Professors are not estranged from students due to research or tenure-tracks as in Universities, which allows mentor relationships to develop, to which I am a witness. Jon of 2009, I advise you to take the path I did, grow in your character, trust in God.

lizeth

Save up for money, take the courses you want to take, and have fun! Going into to college I thought I was going to be able to get scholarships at the last minute, but I realized it is not that simple. I was unable to go to my first choice for financial reasons. I know you have been wanting to take French and physics for your last year, but you were afraid it was going to be a work-overload. Take them, get a head start on everything. Lastly, manage a little fun in to your last year with all your friends. You will not see many after high school.

Elizabeth

Knowing what I know now about college life and college expenses; if I could have gone back in time and talk to my self when I was a senior in highschool, I would have told myself to fill out more scholarships. I would have told my self to fill out more scholarship so that when I would have gotten to college life, I would not be as stressed out about paying for college.

Kelly

Always come to class prepared no matter what! That means reading EVERYTHING your teachers tell you to. Also guess what studying helps with finals! And it makes you feel so much better before you go into the final. When you come to college make sure you bring everything you need to be away from home but not too much because your dorm will then be crowded. Don't worry about not making friends because you will make tons! And these friends will last for a lifetime. I also would have told myself not to even bother looking at the big city schools because a smaller campus with the student to teacher ratio like Carthage has is more than I could ask for in a city school. In the city schools you feel more like a statistic than a person that is actually cared about. Another thing would be take responsibility for things on your own I have watched my friends that barely knew how to take care of themselves without their parents. It wasnt pretty. Otherwise college is fabulous and get excited!!!!!!

Rebecca

If I could go back and tell my prior self-anything about college, I would tell myself to be more organized. Here in college, organization is everything. The professors don’t hold your hand and tell you when everything is due. You need to keep a planner or calendar and keep track yourself. Also I would tell myself to start keeping a watch or having the time more accessible to me because I have missed a couple classes from not setting an alarm or not being conscious of the time. I would tell myself these things because then I would have time to try and make it a habit to complete all these tasks and make them a day to day routine so I wouldn’t be stuck. It’s a challenge, but has been easier to deal with as schools gone on. I just wish I didn’t have to deal with this the first couple months of school.

Rachael

I would probably tell myself to relax, pack way less than you think you need, and to get to know your roommate over the summer. First off, RELAX! College only happens once (for most of us) and so you need to enjoy it! Take the time to get to know people on your floor, grab a bite with a stranger, and just be YOU. Also, definately pack as little as possible. I know the dorm rooms look great and spacious, but really, in college less is more because it fills up fast. Finally, talk to your roommate. Not on facebook, or the computer but in person (if possible) or at least over skype or the telephone. It really pays to know that you will at least have one friend at school when you arrive and for many people their roommate becomes their best friend on campus.

Michael

"Trust me. You're thinking that college is a lot of hard work. Well, it is, but I promise you that you will also discover that it will be a very rewarding experience for you. You will meet people that you never thought you would meet. You will see things that you never thought you would see. You will learn things that you never thought you would learn. And you will discover things about yourself that you never knew before. You will find that in time you will become so much more than you are today. You will f eel things about yourself that you thought could be possible. Do you really want to find out what your life would be like without a college education? I am here to tell you that one day you will even amaze yourself with all that you have done, can do and will be able to do in the future. Kid, don't ruin this for me. I was once you and felt how you are feeling right now. Yes, it will be a lot of hard work and in the end, you will know it was all worth it. Trust yourself."

Brittany

"Remember you are strong, reflect on your goals and embrace every challenge!" That would be my first and foremost advice to a high schools me. College brings obstacles which expand and strengthen you, but these obstacles can also take a toll on how you view yourself if you do not approach them with the correct mindset. A high school me would need to be told that it is acceptable to fail sometimes and that it is impossible to please everyone. Moreover, I would tell myself it is best not to please everyone. It is in the moments of defiance of the common trends or pressures where you really define yourself. Those are the moments that shape who you become and fortify your heart and soul. College is an opportunity to break free from labels both internally and externally assigned. My advice would be to never run away from a challenge and never doubt you will grow each time you push yourself. College is a time to rise to every occasion, question everything and above all become the kind person you always admired. It is a time to push excuses aside and act.

Kelly

In the future there is a lot of academic opportunities for you. Regardless of any situation the comes your way, have a goal and stick your guns to it. People may try to influence you to lose your principles, but you should do your own thing. Do not become a fake person. People who will matter in your life will accept your choices and individuality. Your individuality will gain you a lot of respect and attention.

Brian

Going to college for your first year is both the easiest and hardest thing you will ever do. All the new experiences you will go through will be wonderful and freeing and scary. Remember to call both of your parents once in a while, and remember to put fabric softener sheets in the dryer, unless you want to feel like you're sitting in a field of cardboard.

Paul

when my teachers talk to me about college and thier college life i got surprice that it moves to the next level and in my senior year they took me to ucla and san diego state university and saw how college/university life can really be and i really got surprice and i know when i gratuate from my high school i know im going to the next level and i thank god for the second change i have for life of the tragety that i suffer in 2008 i almost died from a surgery but thank god that im alive and i can go to college i want to be the first family member of my family to go to college and gratuate from university and i know in college life i need to study hard go to learning center if i need help save money when i need it have a part time job to help. in my situation my family dont work my father is disable and fafsa is not enought and i know when i go to college life this scholarship will help me to be a succefull person for my family and my future

Taylor

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself my senor year I would stress the importance of staying focused on academics. I used to be lackadaisical about my school work at thought that simply getting by was good enough. I would encourage me to be more active in extracurricular organizations. Also I would encourage me to tough it out and not quit the volleyball team because it was good exercise and keeps me out of trouble. Lastly I would tell me to really focus on what's important to me, and steer me away from the major that I switched already.

Anna

Dear Anna, I would like to tell you to relax and that you can't make a mistake in what college you choose to go to becasue they all have something great to offer. You need to be prepared to have the time of your life and meet some of the most amazing people this world has to offer. School is not going to be all fun and games though, you will have many late nights and you won't always see eye to eye with your professors. There is going to come a time where all you want is to go back home and be with your family, but you will get through it and get to see them soon enough. Don't be afraid to try new different things like geology club or switching your major. Experience everything you possibly can or you will regret it later. Most of all just have fun and find yourself becasue this is what the college experience is about. Find out what it is like to be independent. love, your biggest fan p.s. Don't eat the cafeteria food because you will hate yourself an hour later.

Spencer

Don't stress. College is awesome. It's a great an inviting environment. Work on finding scholarships, they seriously help and your work pays off. I didn't work as hard as I could, and now I'm constantly looking for anything I can. Be ready for one of the greatest steps of your life!

Joey

Request a different floor. Everyone here is noisy -.-

Kasey

Dear Kasey, Senior year will be filled with difficult classes and demanding schedules. Don’t worry because it will be worth it. But please don't take anything for granted. Appreciate the musical talents that have been given. Because in a few short years a freak accident will take that ability away. And you will regret not making the most of music when you had the chance. Cherish the people in your life. Don’t be afraid of death when it starts picking away at your family. Soon, family will die. And you will spend the rest of your life regretting not having the courage to say goodbye. Don’t shut doctors out. I know you have been sick since you were little. And it’s painful to relive all the memories of doctors abandoning you. But no matter how many times doctors fail you, don’t give up. You will be healthy one day. Because for every ten doctors, a few will actually listen. And they will fix your broken body. But most importantly, have fun. Don’t spend hours stressing over those AP tests. You will do fine. Instead, shut those books and dance in the rain!

bhakti

Actually, now i am currently enrolled in technical school for my medical assistance programme(associate degree).I literally work tirelessly in many academic and leadership roles. I sleep no more than six hours a night because of my desire to expertly meet my many commitments. Throughout my life, I have worked as long and as hard as I possibly can to effect beneficial changes in both school and society.In addition to learning science, I recently lectured physics classes on special relativity at the request of my physics teacher. After lecturing one class for 45 minutes, one student bought many books on both general and special relativity to read during his study hall. Inspiring other students to search for knowledge kindles my own quest to understand the world and the people around me. Clearly, I have devoted my life both to working to better myself and to improving civilization as a whole. Throughout the rest of my life, I hope to continue in this same manner of unselfish work. Just as freeholder Crabiel dedicates his life to public service, I commit my life to helping others and to advancing society’s level of understanding.

Lauren

The transition from a small, community high school to a college setting sprouts numerous seeds of uncertainity in adolescents. However, there are many keys to help rid the mind of these worries both before arriving and on campus and afterwards. Prior to moving into on-campus housing, fill photoboards with pictures, ticket stubs, and other items that remind you of your high school days and home life. This will help with the transition phase to living independently. Additionally, bring special items from home such as specific books, picture frames, blankets, or even a stuffed animal from your childhood. It is important to surround yourself with reminders of home and comfort when entering a new environment. Finally, before arriving on campus, communicate with your future roommate as much as possible, and really try to get to know them. This will help make the first meeting exciting instead of nerve-wracking. After moving into the residence hall, attend the university's organization fair and orientation programs. While it may not sound like the most fun thing to do, I guarantee you will leave having met other freshmen like yourself and being more comfortable than you ever thought possible.