Central Connecticut State University Top Questions

The advice i would give myself is too do more scholarships, and get a second job because college really breaks your bank. Also i would tell myself when i get too college to try and make friends, and that be pre-paired for more work and studying. I would tell myself not to focus on pointless things like playing pool with friends that only lasted a semester and focus on your school work. The last thing i would tell myself is not to stress but try my best because college is different, and don't stress if you don't get the classes you wanted right away because it happens.

You have presumably seventeen years to figure out what you want to study for four to eight years in college. But when you're seventeen or eighteen you may not know exactly what. College offers more than just courses. It offers networking opportunities, many chances to explore different career ideas, and a chance to grow as a person in a community. No single day should be wasted because taking advantage of the three concepts offered, could help you discover who you are, want to be and who you will be. Take note of every opportunity and know there are more awaiting in and after college. There will be good times and bad times, but utilize every challenge as a growing opportunity. Ask questions, explore, evaluate, analyze and discover for yourself. Every and any moment in college can affect your future, so stay focused, work hard, enjoy the journey and take the time to develop your current skills and develop new skills. Step out of your usual paradigm and try new things offered by the college because in the "real world" everything connects and there will be a use for nearly everything you learn, so learn well and stay optimistic always.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, I sure would have a lot to say. First of all, do not limit yourself and your dreams based on finances, distance, or whatever it may be. The sky is literally the limit. Apply for as many scholarships as humanly possible because any assistance at all is great. Keep your GPA in mind, but don't over stress about every little pop quiz because the pressure can make you collapse faster than you think. Being a commuter student obviously sacrifices some a part of the typical college experience, but don't fret, just do what you have to do. Keep your job at a manageable level. The last thing you need is to be working so much that your studies fall behind. After all, you're paying for it. Be a well rounded person; enjoy the campus, branch out and make new friends, get involved in student activities, and keep your focus in mind. Life will throw you quite some curveballs in the coming months, but just keep going and don't give up no matter what anyone says. Believe in yourself, please!

I would tell myself that I shouldn't worry on the transitition so much, I coped really well. But I would also suggest not listening to my parents and going to school for athletics, you end up being very unhappy and wanting to transfer to a more major specific school where you're looked at as a student and not a dumb jock (even though you're a very intellegent student). And your "team mates" enjoy taking advantage of you being nice, so you better grow a think shell and learn how to stand up for yourself.

When I was a high school senior, I really didn't have a firm grasp on the financial, emotional, and academic responsibilities that go along with college. I was concerned with my image. In order to have a good standing in society, I felt I needed to go to an out of state college with a good reputation. I chose to go to Ithaca College in Ithaca New York so that my twin sister and I would be together. But after three weeks of living in the middle of nowhere upstate New York, I dropped out. The entire college experience had completely overwhelmed me. In all the preparation for college no one warned me what a huge life-altering adjustment it would be. I discovered that I didn't like living in a dorm, that no one was friendly, that I had chosen a major I didn't even like. If I went back in time and told my high school self I would be living at home and commuting to CCSU my old self wouldn't have believed it, but it was the best decision I ever made. It taught me how to depend on myself.

Senior year can easily be the most stressful time of your life - the time where everything you do can affect your future. Going back in time would give me the opportunity to better prepare myself, to save stressful moments and agonizing waits. The first thing that I would tell myself would be to look at how much each college costs. Tuition plays a huge role on what college one can go to. For instance, the college of my dreams may end up being too expensive for me to even have considered. Keep your options realistic rather than wasting time on schools you may never be able to attend. Another advice would be to take care of FASFA and scholarships ahead of time. Do not get lazy when it comes to writing essays because they can be very beneficial in the long run. It is also very helpful for students to take advantage of summer programs offered by your chosen university. Lastly I would say to take advantage of the tours given around different campuses and ask as many questions as possible. Actually viewing the college before even applying can help make your decision a lot easier.

During my high school career I always talked about college and how I couldn't wait to go. I always pictured it in my head what it would be like, whom I would meet, how the parties would be. Now here I am in college and it is everything I thought it would be, but in a different way. I laugh and think back . . . at how I thought in high school about college, and I ask myself if I could give advice to my high school self, what would it be? I am keenly aware of how the typical person would answer this question; they would say "they wish they would have done better." But I would tell myself otherwise: I would say "learn how to appreciate education more; trust me, 'this future' self knows." Being in college now I find myself immersed in what i didn't take the time to appreciate then, which is: education. I have learned that a good education can give you a successful future. This would be the advice I would give my high school self.

As one of many students pushing through college financially without the help of my parents, it has really opened my eyes to the many trials and tribulations that fellow college students may go through that is never really mentioned when going through the initial processes of selecting the right college and developing a college plan for yourself. The first thing I would tell my high school senior self is go to community college first. I struggled to afford attending a 4-year university by myself in which I was unable to apply for any private loans. I got into CCSU's nursing program but ended up having to transfer to my local community college because that was the best way that I could afford to go school without stressing myself out so much financially that my grades would drop. My suggestion would be to earn my associate's in nursing first at a school that I can afford at the time. Once I settled into my career as a registered nurse, I would continue my schooling for advanced practice nursing. At that point in my life, I would be able to budget and afford my continued education.

I would tell myself as a high school senior to have more perseverance, to never stop moving forward. Never let go of your dreams. Life gets hard, you have to continue to push forward, good days and bad days. Nothing will be easy. Nothing will be handed to you. As an adult you have to continue to fight for what you want. You are the only one on the planet who is capable of giving yourself the things you desire. Not a single person on Earth is going to make you happy. Happiness is something you are forced to bring upon yourself. One muse preserve through the horrible rock bottom times. If you are at the bottom the only way left is back up. You have to force yourself to climb upwards, even when you’re scared and all alone. It takes a lot of personal strength and courage to face the ugly world, but you must do it for yourself. If not, you will go nowhere and only receive unhappiness. Chase your dreams. Force yourself to take the long hard road, it will be worth it in the end, even if you can’t see it now.

I would have spent more time connentrating on my school work in High School.

Diana, I am your future self twelve years from now who is here to advise you on your unhealthy environment which is affecting your judgment of character. I understand the circumstances surrounding the people in your life who are supposed to care about you. I know it is tough being part of an abusive family that includes, an under employed father, an envious brother who is a high school dropout and an unemployed and alcoholic mother who is a hoarder. It is even worse to have an abusive boyfriend. I know they are trying to brain-wash you into thinking that “family is the most important thing in life” but ironically they do not have your best in mind. In order to seek self-preservation, you must make some tough decisions. First, you need to put Diamond up for adoption. I know you love her but this is not the ideal time to care for a dog. Second, you need to dump “your so-called boyfriend” Mike. It is obvious he is a gold-digger meaning he does not sincerely love you. Thirdly, you need to consider being Robert’s roommate because it will be your step toward your independence.

I would tell myself everything is going to be fine. As i senior I was scared of the progression of life and intimidated by the thought of "growing up" or having to tend to adult responsibilities, so college definately had somewhat of a ominous presence at that time. This is a terrorfying thing for someone who didn't know what to expect moving on from a carefree life where the scariest thing would be getting an F on a assignment. I would inform myself on the atmosphere at college and that nothing really changes except for the level of Self Responsibility, Which is somewhat of a liberating thing to experience. Now I can't wait to keep exerpiencing this Change and so all i have to say to my senior self would be......Change Is Good!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself is to make plans on going to Capital Community College to achieve my Associates degree and Central Connecticut State University to achieve my Bachelors degree instead of working for seven years at minimum wage jobs that never lasted very long and then decide to start going for my Associates while holding a minimum wage job.

Go and follow your dreams. Don't let anyone deter you from what you love to do. Don't settle for less than what you want and need!

The advice I would give myself is to be able to speak more and engage in class discussions. You see I am a very shy individual and I have a speaking phobia that has made my life a living nightmare. I have so much on my mind that I would like to share, but I just can't do it in class. In college professors expect you to engage in conversations and class discussions. However, many students like myself are shy and have a hard time doing this. Ive been attending college already for four years and the most I ever did was probably raise my hand 6 times or so to speak in class. I wish I can go back in time and change this and enter college life being more social and participating more in my classes. I feel like I sort of wasted my time and I never spoke out and i really would love to. Some classes that I wanted to take required class participation and because I have a phobia of public speaking I have avoided those class and i wish I haven't done that. I wish I could go back and speak more.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would to become more prepared for the road ahead of you. In high school I didn't manage my time well, my work load wasn't heavy and I wasn't too much of a team player. I would let myself know what college is like, how much you need to learn and how much more is expected of you. Since I went to a technical high school, I didn't expect to go to college, then senior year I made the rash decision to go to college, but I didn't prepare myself. I would let myself know that I should do more sports, mature a little more and learn to manage my time.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would have alot to say. I would tell myself that I need to work harder and appriciate the free education while it lasts. I would tell myself to not stress on the small social things in life and be carrer focused. I would advise that i save my money and get my license sooner rather than later. Most importantly i would tell myself to toughen up and try to understand all the hard work will be worth it down the road.

The best advice I would give myself would be to get involved in more extra-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations. As a freshman, I did not feel the need to go out of my way to make friends or get involved in anything after classes because I had a group of friends from high school that went to C.C.S.U. with me. I had fun watching movies or playing sports with these friends, but I never broke out of my shell and met new people that I could potentially be good friends with today. Aside from meeting new people, I wish I participated in numerous clubs and organizations run by students at C.C.S.U. just in order to get out more and learn different things that may have sparked my interest. As a senior, I look back at my college years and I can admit I enjoyed my time, but my biggest wish was that I was more social and took more advantage of what my campus has to offer.

If I can go back in time knowing what I know now I would push myself even more and set personal life goals knowing how precious time is. I now appreciate the importance of being young with no serious responsibilities. In addition, going back in time and knowing what I know now I would not take for granted my youth. I would invest in it to suite my college career responsibly and in return I would finish with a better future for me, my family, and my community and at the same time finish with many dreams coming true.

While I was a high school student, I was aware that college would not be an easy experience. The transition from high school to college is difficult due to the responsibilities and the amount of work that college requires. College is a difficult stage during any person’s life, especially for someone who is planning to continue his or her education. If I could go back to when I was a high school senior, I would advise myself to keep fighting for my future no matter how difficult my education is going to get. Also, I would join some organization such as the soccer team and the basketball team in order to become more socialized. The degree that I am going to get after four years of college will be a tool that I will use to create a good future. It is time to start working on my dream of a successful career in computer science. I have been given a tremendous opportunity in the United States to achieve my dreams. It is time to work on the dreams of my future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to participate in more volunteer work. College has taught me so far, that if I had volunteered more as a high school senior I'd be better prepared for the interaction with large numbers of people I've never met before. I'd also tell myself to enjoy the time I had left because college is not as easy as high school was no matter how hard I thought it was then. I’d also tell myself to start early, complete as many scholarship applications as I possibly could because every cent counts.

I would tell myself to not fear success. My biggest fear in high school (whether I realized it at the time or not) was to try at something and actually succeed. After having my financial aid cut in half and having no where to live freshmen year I worked hard to stay in school, earn money, and get an apartment because I finally felt the pressure to do my best. I would tell my high school self to spend less time being envious of others. Life is what you make it, and if I don't work for the things I want no one is going to do it for me. I would tell myself to take in all that life has to offer, and that a genuine education is more important in the long-run than grades. I would remind myself not to take life to seriously, because its only just beginning. I would warn myself against getting involved with the wrong crowd and emphasize the importance of staying on task in school and at work. But most of all, I would advise myself to get the most out of every opportunity. Because thats what school is, an opportunity.

Hello, Mr. Northrup, I am you in 20 years. So I see you are daydreaming about girls again? Listen, this life is fast. You'll learn that in a few years when you become a funeral director. Yes, you become a funeral director. As for now, I have a simple mission -- to get your butt in gear! Look, girl "friends" aren't always "friendly" ; friends may come and go; your parents can't always help you; you will have children. That being said, PREPARE. You must be determined. You will want to find and support the "right" girl; your circle of friends will probably thin out to one or two best buds; your parents need to know you can hold your own; your children need a role model. Find and fufill your truth. Make your life count. Don't just goof off and "get by;" Seize each moment of opportunity with vigor. Man, go to college. Get a degree. It'll be worth it. All those relationships will be enriched. Most importantly, YOU will be enriched.

High School was indeed a difficult year for me. Freshmen through junior year of high school, I was caught up in the fixation of having a lot of friends and popularity, I wasn’t focused on long term goals, S.A.T’s, or even graduation. I was more concern of being the “cool” girl at school than being a student. If I could travel back in time, knowing what I now know about college life and making the transition, I would tell my younger self to put education first, stay positive, make the grades by striving for the best and not be mediocre, believe in myself more; stop thinking that I am not capable of anything, lastly follow my heart and not let anyone discourage me from achieving my goals or deterring me from my destination. Teachers throughout high school are preparing students for college, training them in academics and the “real” world, what many of these teachers fail to do is warn you about the transition from high school to college. That once you step foot into the college atmosphere the world is on your shoulders, you have the responsibility of an adult and more expectations from professors.

I would tell my high school senior self to be better prepared for college. I did not scope out all my options as to where to go to school that would best fit my major and be financially accessable. I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible so I would not be in the straining situation I am in today. I have no idea how I will pay off my next semester but if I applied to more scholarships my senior year of high school, I might have less of a financial burden. Definitely the amount of scholarships would have increased if I knew what i knew now: College is not cheap.

Now that I am an experienced college student I would have a lot to say to myself as a high school senior entering college. College is not what is displayed by television and a movie, college is hard work! The work load is completely different than high school but can be manageable if you are committed to working hard and staying organized. Sometimes it can be hard to stay committed to school work when there are so many more fun activities going on in campus but there has to be a balance. I have learned that you cannot attend every fun event on and off campus because school work comes first. It is important to have fun at college but it is just as important to get what you are paying for, an education. Organization is a key tool to help find the balance between school and fun. If you are organized, you will find the time for school and fun rather than letting one slip away. Schedule your time out for each and every day, putting school first, and then see what openings your day has for fun. This schedule will keep you organized, committed to school and happy.

Past Self, your idea of college was pretty accurate. It’s really like another version of high school, just with a more flexible schedule and no more living at home. Don’t worry, picking Central was the right call. You love it there because you’ve found a great Biomolecular Sciences department to study in and great classmates to hang out with. Try to get to know the grad students in your department as soon as you can, they’re really helpful and fun to spend time with. You’ll end up hearing conversations about current events in science that you’d otherwise miss. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is about housing. Please, oh please, don’t live on campus more than a year. For what it costs for food and housing, you can rent an apartment all year round right near campus. It’s important to get to know people that go to school with you and living on campus helps that process, but it’s not worth staying there all four years. P.S. I Already know you will, but make sure you get into an independent study program fast, they’re fantastic.

If i were to give the high school me adivce for going into college I would tell myself to take more AP classes that my high school offered. My high school offered many classes that if you were to pass the class counted as college credits. I took only one AP class which helped me out a lot actually in school. I recieved 3 credits in english therefore I had to only take 1 english class for my entire college career. I would also tell myself to get more involved with extracircular activites within high school like student government. There are many clubs in college that mirror those that are in high school. It would be a great benefit to just transition from a club I was involved with in high school to the same club in college.

The one term every college student should know is academic excellence. Academic excellence is the personal achievement of a motivated person who works to their maximum potential. Academic excellence includes good work ethics and a strong interest in your studies. It is a crucial goal to aim towards in order to succeed. Academic excellence opens the door to countless opportunities and leaves the individual with a strong sense of accomplishment. Before you work towards achieving academic excellence you must first master some important factors that will help strengthen your personal responsibility. One important factor in preparing yourself is to begin practicing good work ethics. Getting into the habit of practicing good study skills will only benefit you as you manage your time to survive and accomplish academic excellence throughout your studies. Procrastination is a major issue that most students struggle with; however it can be controlled through time management and self motivation. Take the opportunity to set up study groups so that you can push yourself to stay focused and gain knowledge from others at the same time. College is all about expanding your knowledge so that is why it is important to enter as a motivated and driven student.

I often reminisce about the memories before my college years. If I can go back in time to my high school witty self I would take a step back and educate self. From K12 to senior year in high school the school officials prepared us in the way they assumed what college would be like. I had no clue what I what getting myself into except going to Central Connecticut State University. How was I going to pay for college and debt? Will I get a job right after school? There is no preperation for school because it is a learning experience. However, my motto throughout my years in college is "work hard, play later." I will tell myself along with other students'' who plan on achieving higher education to learn about the different majors, research jobs related to that particular major. In addition, learn about the financial aid and loans. Try to get an internship and network appropriately, so there is a likelihood in getting started on a career. Strive for your passion and reach for the stars.

DON'T GIVE UP!!! College is worth it!! It's easy to slack through high school and not care about your future. You can do great things and you will succeed one day. College is hard work but it will all be worth it in the end. Do not worry about the money, you can find a way to make it happen!!

Jami, College is more important than you may think. Although community college is a great place to start, you should really consider going to a four year college in order to finish your degree with a well rounded college experience, rather than just commuting back and forth to school each day. I know money is a concern, and work has always been a priority in order to pay for life, including school. However, education is crucial, especially when you hope to become a teacher of our society's children. Not only are the classes smaller, the atmosphere of a community college just is not as rewarding as a four year college. It is important to make friends that will last a lifetime, and to go through the steps of becoming a teacher with a group of peers. The path you are headed on only leads to a focus on work and a struggle to transfer out of community college. Please be mindful of your options. There are ways to pay for college other than working all the time, and from the advice everyone has given me now, it will end up being worth it. Sincerely, Jami

Central had given me academic preparation to do college level work, like completing courses in personal and professional growth, closer interaction and attention with the professors and staffs, academic support, and developed a newfound confident in myself, in believing that I can succeed in college with a fresh start. Since I did EOP, an educational program over the same, entering to a new campus with new friends made me feel confident because I won’t feel discourage in making more new friends. The college life taught me how to manage my time wisely and follow a continuous schedule collaborting my social life, school work, work, classes, and family obligations in it. I learned that I had too much free time on my hands. I had difficulty in figuring out what to do every day because I have so much free time on my hand. I learned the hard way. I could have used my time to study more for my classes and I could had better grades. I could spent my time at the learning center, improving my grammars on my papers. I could have spent my time get to know the different department staffs and directors at the university.

I was the first in my blue-collar family to attend college, with dreams of being a teacher and teaching ESL. I have worked continuously full-time to support myself, help my family, and put myself through school to achieve that dream. My college experience has truly helped me to start with a dream, and finish with a future. I am now working towards a masters degree in teaching English as a second language, to help students also better themselves and become educated to contribute positively to America as I try to set that example through my own actions. My college experience has taught me to believe in the potential of people with a dream. I have learned from my experience that if one works hard enough, others will notice and eventually appreciate it. I work hard to be a role model to my students and those around me, so that one day I might become a teacher and teach English to change my community for the better. My college experience has helped me become more aware of challenges I face, and to see them as opportunities not obstacles to ultimately succeeding in living a life my children would respect.

Guilford Technical Community College had helped me in many ways. They are very welcoming and understanding of your questions. They help you with everything from finacial aid to determining your major. The professors and other staff are outgoing and have warm smiles. I have learned to never be afraid to ask a question. It is better for you to ask a question and understand that to not ask it and be lost. The professors take the time out to help you if you are falling behind and they make sure everyone in the class is somewhere near being on the same page. I have learned that going to a community college can be a great stepping stone for people who do not have the funds or the GPA to attend a four year university. A community college can be just as good as a university and it costs a lot less. GTCC has been a stepping stone and I am glad I chose this path to take.

My college experience has motivated me to network, stay determined, and gradually work hard and efficiently. Central Connecticut State University has opened up my mind to outlook the available resources in this world rather it be a colleague or a past employer. In addition, to Central Connecticut State University motivating networking is the ability for students to push themselves to stay determined and focused. Central Connecticut State University makes sure students are eager to learn. This is demonstrated by demanding students to take courses outside of their major. I have learned discipline from this school by making sure that my work is efficient and complete. My school has taught me to keep a clear, positive mind set and never to give up even when times are rough. I remember a course that I didn't think I would pass with a high grade but after going to my professor hours, tutoring, and studying every day I recieved a B+. it was Central Connecticut State University's environment, faculty, and sources that pushed me to work hard, which is why I have to say my college experience has been fenominal.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that you can discover your strengths when you work with other people whether inside the classroom or for a campus event. A major may change but that's okay because college itself was learning process for not only me academicaly but as an individual too. I feel that relationships between not only fellow students, but professors, Residence staff and club officials is valuable since you learn more about yourself and other people at the same time. These don't always have to be skills for the classroom but for life in general and post-college in general. The more involvement, the more well rounded I realized I have become.

I have met many important people since I have begun college. I have become close with many porfessors and administration because of the organizations that I am involved in. I have learned to put myself out there more and make myself more available to those neccesary.

By attending college as a commuter, I have learned how to balance my school and jobs appropriately. Since I work three jobs while being a full time student, it was important for me to stay on top of my school work and continue to recieve the grades that I was working towards. Attending college is important to me because I want to become a hairdresser and open my own salon, so i am going for a business management degree in order to make that possible.

When I reflect on what I have gotten out of my college experience thus far, on what has made my time here so valuable, I cannot answer in any other way but how much attending CCSU has increased my faith. I came to the college as a transfer student who was a born-again Christian, but I didn't really understand what that meant. As I was at the school one day in the summer getting everything in order, I saw a poster for a Bible study through the Christian club on campus. I was very excited because I was looking for young people who were Christians to meet with. I attended the Bible studies faithfully, and now, a year later, I am the president of that club. My faith has grown so much, and so has my joy. I am a better student academically and socially, all because of the support the club has given me. This is what has made my time here at CCSU so valuable, and it's something I continue to treasure day by day.

After graduating high school, I attended one semester of college and found that it was not for me. I worked in the mortgage banking industry for almost 4 years and was recently laid off. During this time, I realized that the reason that I was not getting enough out of college was that I was not in the correct major. I have started my studies in law with the intention of continuing to study Constitutional law in graduate school. Now that I am more mature and prepared, I am not only learning information related to my major, but I am also learning how to cope in an environment with a clear authority figure and in groups with no specific leadership, like study groups. College is developing mny social skills, leadership abilities, and expanding my potential knowledge.

"Have you learned anything?" These four words are much more than a Tiger Woods Nike commercial. Throughout one's college experience, it is apropos to ask one's self this very question. In ruminating upon my own college experience, I find that I am still working on my answer. I have had a rather unorthodox journey through academia, having returned to school after a brief hiatus. Despite graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English back in 2008, I decided to re-enroll last August because of my newfound passion for Health and Wellness. In returning to the classroom, I have realized that I didn't initially take advantage of all that college had to offer me. Instead of embracing new opportunities, I possessed a narrow focus and kept to myself. Rather than enjoying the journey, I was fixated on the destination. Having this "second chance," I have learned to be receptive to others, enjoy each moment, and treat everything as a learning experience. In embracing an optimistic and proactive outlook, I have gained confidence and learned to appreciate myself. Ulitimately, what I have learned is that I still have more to learn, and that is truly a beautiful discovery.

Being a non-traditional student, I started college not sure of myself and my academic abilities. My college experience has taught me to believe in myself. My teachers have been very helpful in telling me that I can do this and encouraging me to reveal my true potential. I am eternally grateful for my teachers and the experience of going back to school in my thirties.

I've received the confirmation that I am much more intellegent than I gave myself credit for. I'm dependable and focused, and complete everything that's assigned. I do the work, attend the class, and participate. Life is like that. Show up, do the work and participate with what's going on. I've gained an appreciation for those who are also in my classes, all struggling through life's situations. Single parents, recovered addicts, and those who suddenly found themselves without work in their chosen field. Everyone of us is engaged in preparing a new future for ourselves, even though our programs are vastly different from each other. I am blessed to have found my program at the college of my choice, so near where I live. What makes it even better, is the staff. They are there to support, instruct, and encourage... and they do. I have faith that I'll absorbe the needed information and be able to apply it in my chosen field of Medical Laboratory Technician. I'm not a young student. But I've always known that someday I would have this experience. I'll make sure my sons have it as well.

Through attending Central Connecticut State University I learned valuable skills that have helped me in my current education and work endeavors. Through my involvement on campus with other students I was able to learn what it means to be a team player and bring that into my current work practices. I am very grateful for the wealth of knowledge that I learned while attending Central Connecticut State University. I am currently attending the University of Connecticut to work towards my Masters degree and feel that my prior educational experiences have prepared me well to be able to continue my education. Through both Universities I have had professors that really made an positive impression on me. I have learned ways I can teach children in a method that makes learning fun and engaging. The skills I have learned through attending college I use daily when I teach students. The most valuable piece for me is knowing how to be a part of making a positive impact within the education system. Through my past education experiences and my current education endeavors I plan to use the knowledge obtained to help students in the class I teach reach their highest potential.

I would tell myself to look forward to the freedom but also know how to control it. I know college students that never have any free time, and those that seem like they are on a permanent vacation. While college can be a fun and exciting place, don't ever lose sight of the ultimate goal: to succeed.

I would tell myself to make sure that i keep in touch with my highschool friends but also to leave room to meet new people and make new friends. I didnt think that i would ever leave my highschool friends behind but you stay close to your closest friends and the ones that you lose you make new ones to take their place. So i would tell myself dont sweat it if you and one of your highschool friends arent as close as you used to be because you will make new friends. I would also tell myself not to be afraid of living in a dorm. That college will match you up with somone you can gt along with and they will be nice. I would say that even though living away from your family may make you feel homesick for a week or two you grow comfertable with your new suroundings and it is actualy a very enjoyable experiance. So I would tell myself dont be so nervous about going to college its jist one step forward to a new experiance in life.

Of all the years I have attended college, the most important piece of advice I would tell future college students (and my younger self) is to seek extra help as soon as it is needed. In my earlier college days, all too often I would not get the help I needed and needless to say I did not do as well as I could have. Talking to your professor after class time not only gets you the help you need to do well on assignments but also lets the professor know you genuinely care about the class and your grades. When it comes time for final grades, showing the professor you cared could be the difference in getting a higher grade. It also lets you get to know your professor which helps create a more friendly class environment, which is also beneficial to learning.

Making the transition from high school to college is nothing short of nerve-racking. When I drove up to Central Connecticut State University preparing to move in, I was extremely nervous. However, I quickly learned that there was nothing to be afraid of. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would ensure myself that college is not as scary and confusing as many high school students see it. Being scared the first days, even weeks, I found was detrimental to my ability to perform in class and make new friends. If I could tell myself to not be afraid to be myself and truly experience all that college has to offer, I am sure that I would have had a much more enjoyable time and would have performed better in class and with my work. College is sure to frighten anyone who walks onto the campus for the first time, but nobody should let that fear hold them back from being themselves or performing to the best of their ability. My advice? Get involved, be outgoing, participate in class, make friends; no matter how scary. You won't be sorry.

If I could travel back to the time when I was looking at colleges in high school, I would advise myself to listen to my heart. I would also make sure that if I did not play volleyball at the school, would I still enjoying attending. The environment and diverse group of people will have a huge impact in my college experience. I would also remind myself to stay focused on my goals and my career path. The college transition is difficult, but remember to take steps. It is important to develop a strong relationship with professors and classmates. These people will be extremely helpful down the road. I would also tell myself that wherever I attend school, it is my attitude and approach to daily events that make me happy. It is my choice and decisions alone that determine who i will become, not the school that I attend.