Chesapeake College Top Questions

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

Brianna

If I could go back in time like I so deperately wish I would tell myself stop playing around and take it seiously. Buckle down and get serious about college. Apply to all the scholarships you can and don't worry about what your friends are doing. School first and play later. Not everybody is who they say they are so focus on yourself and school and the rest wll come in due time.

Chase

Knowing what I know now about college life I would have done a few things differently in high school. First, I would have taken advatage of duel enrollment through community colleges. I could have taken the classes I am enrolled in now and streamlined the process of getting to a 4 year university. Second, I would have pushed myself more by taking AP classes to also gain college credit as well as learning more rather than taking easier classes as a senior. Third, I would have developed better study habits. High school came easily to me so I never got in a good habit of studying for tests and learning from a textbook. Now in college I find myself teaching myself how to learn and with the work being much harder than high school it makes learning to do so very difficult. All of these things would have better prepared me for college life and I have been telling my 3 little brothers to learn good study habits and take advantage of the opportunities they have in high school to get a head start on their college education.

breann

The advice I would give myself is to work harder on my studies, as well as look into many different school. I would tell myself to fill out as many scholoarships as I can. I would just want myself to focus more and work my butt off to earn better grades.

Brittaney

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself in highschool, I would have told myself to try harder. I know its so cliche to say this, but

Erica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would most likely tell myself to go away to a 4 year school right after graduation. I believe the process in transferring is somewhat of a challenge and it would be much easier just to get all the credits from the same college. Living at home while going to school and holding a job is very demanding. You do not have as much time to focus on your studies because you have a normal life that you need to keep up with and continue to maintain. If I were to go away to a 4-year college upon graduation, I would have more time to focus primarily on my studies while experiencing a different living environment.

Michael

If I had the ability to go back in time to my senior year, I would motivate myself even more to apply for colleges and emphasize the importance of scholarships and higher education. I would also take advantage of my senior counselor because counselors play a great part in the transition of graduating high school and preparing you for college. I?m thankful that my counselor and I had a nice relationship because even though I?ve graduated, I can still call her for advice and any other concerns I have. Whether its help with sending off my transcripts or just helping me further understand the application process to college and what to expect. In conclusion, if I could advise the Michael Taylor Jr. of 2008-2009, I would tell him to stay focused on your dreams and take advantage of all your surroundings and support.

Kristin

If I could go back to my senior year I would do several things. I would tell myself to expand my horizon. Apply every where that I would ever dream of going. Sure, sometimes I may want to go to Florida for the sun or South Carolina for the atmosphere. At the time I might not have wanted to go there, but I would have choices in case I did. I also would tell myself that I should still try my senior year even if I was going to community college. I wouldn't have to worry about credits before I transfer because I wouldn't be scared for prospective schools to see my highschool transcripts.

Tyesha

If I could take a trip back in time, I would tell teenage Tyesha that whatever your dreams are they are worth fighting for to achieve. College should not be looked upon as an opportunity or possibility that only other people get the chance to experience. I would tell her whatever your situation in life is now, does not guarnatee that it will be that way tomorrow.Never ever give up on your dreams and your drive because without these two qualities your path to happiness, success, and the American Dream will go from being difficult at best to alomst nonexistent. I would also remind her that she is not in competition with others, but she is in a race against herself. She's sprinting from the person she use to or could of ended up being into the person she always knew she could be if only she believed in herself as much as she believes in others.

Stephanie

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are many things I would say . Now at the age of 45 I would tell myself how important school is for my future. That I need to pay attention and keeping up with my friends should not be my first priority. If I pay attention I can do well and achieve anything I want. After goofing off through all of my high school years and making some very poor choices in my life, I am now going to college with a 4.0 GPA and making the dean's list for this past semester. I am very excited about school and keeping my 4.0. I love being in college and meeting some of the people I have met, the staff and students have been great. One of my teachers talked me into applying for the position of tutor for the college, after much pushing I applied for the position, and got the job (huge ego boost)! Had I known my potential when I was younger who knows where I would be today. I finally see a wide open future for myself. Thank You

Jennifer

I would say, "Jennifer, do this now. You are a gifted student who is more than ready for the challenges you fear most. Don't let the cost of college intimidate you. There are an abundance of scholarships and grants available if you'll take the time to investigate (and follow through with the necessary applications and essays). Furthermore, there are folks in place at the school that are gifted in helping students obtain financial aid; counselors that will guide you through a career plan, and liasons that will even walk you to your classrooms and show you where everything is. While I completely understand that the thought of going to college is scary for you--even daunting--I can promise that you'll regret it later if you run from your fears now. You can do this...no, you must do this. Don't be overwhelmed by this next step in your life. Embrace what you perceive as an impossible trial. You'll find you love it, look forward to it, and excel at everything college requires. Dream big! And, psst, take Communication 150 with Ms. Childs. The class rocks!"

Chelsea

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself many things. My plan in life is to join the Coast Guard and study Marine Science. Right now I attend a two year community college about an hour away from my hometown. First I would tell myself you should have been saving up some money for college rather than spending how much you make. I would have done things way differently. I would have told myself to strive for straight A's rather than settling for average grades. I would have told myself to set short term and long term goals rather than having no goals. I would have told myself to stop wasting time and look for scholarships 24.7 and write a better essay when applying for colleges. I would have told myself whatever I do now, determines my future for its best or for its worse. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I wish I could go back in time and give myself advice.

Tricia

School, career first than start living. You can take a life time adding to your family, but once your family starts it takes a life time to finish school and you might be a grandmother by that time. Remember to start and do not try to know all the answers now. They will answer themself in time.

Jeffery

Don't be afraid of change, that would be my only advice to myself if I were able to travel back to 2004 and speak to 18 year old Jeff. Self confidence is a struggle for me to this day, but having embraced change and accepted challenges head on I have found that I am a better person because of it. In my 23rd year I am starting to realize what I wish I had long ago. Perhaps I could have saved myself some pain and frustration along the way. I wouldn't; however, have told myself to do anything different. I am happy with who I am today and proud of who I am becoming. I wouldn't clue myslef in on little hints to make the future easier, I'd just give myself that pep talk about change then carry on with the rest of my years. Besides, how much of a future could I look forward to if all I'm doing at 23 is telling 18 what to become.

Mary

In his song, "Letter to Me," country star Brad Paisley says, "I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be. I'd say have a little faith and you'll see. If I could write a letter to me." This quote perfectly sums up what I would tell myself as a high school senior. I was homeschooled all twelve years of school, so I did not know what to expect when I went to college. As a high school senior, I was scared to death about college. I knew I wanted to go, but I did not what it would be like. Most high schoolers were able to make the transition easily, but I did not have that confidence. Looking back now, I realize that I worried for nothing. I graduated with a great education, and was adequately prepared for college. I would tell myself to relax, and to have more confidence. I've come to realize that having self-confidence makes a big difference in academic performance. Those who have little self-confidence tend to perform at a lower level compared to those who have more self-confidence. Using this advice, I could have transitioned more easily to college.

Ryan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to modify my work habits. Throughout high school, I always worked hard and did my best in every class I took. I was never really taught, however, that there is more to knowledge than just the memorization of it. Now that I am in college, I look to use information that I have attained in my classes and put it to use, make it practical. As a high school student, the majority of information learned was learned through memorization and repetition. As a college student, I have learned that memorized information is very well and good, but it doesn't mean much if you can't use it. College has pushed me to use my prior knowledge as well as my new knowledge to really assess problems and make informed decisions on issues. Also, I would stress the importance of reading textbooks. In high school, my teachers never really stressed reading the textbook. I have found that textbooks are extremely valuable resources that help reinforce class lecture points.