Clark State Community College Top Questions

First let me start off by saying to you it gets better. I am aware we decided not to go into the Army, because marriage to your high school sweetheart seemed to be the only thing that made sense . College should have been our first choice, we should have had the chance to learn ourself without being told who we are. When your first child comes into the world being a military wife whos world revolves around everyone elses' feelings and thoughts won't support you when things go wrong. You will be told what to do and how to do it until you can sneak school and work in while he's deployed. And when it's done you will be an "uneducated" single mother, struggling to work full time, finish school, and raising your child. We could have made it easier for ourself knowledge really is power, but at least now we have the knowledge to teach and show Kaleigha. We have to let her know how important school is she can't be trapped, we have to stop the cycle.

I would worry more about my studies and my grades also e more involved in sports

If I were to go back in time to my high school self, I would probably tell myself to get involved in more extra-curricular activities and clubs. Not only do they help when searching for a college and a major, but they are strong character-building activities that are useful for later on in life. However, that is probably the only thing I would say, as the experiences surrounding searching and applying for a college, however difficult they may have been at the time, were valuable life-lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Not only did I have an amazingly supportive family who I could look to for help and personal experiences, but having to plunge headfirst into the college search process taught me an important lesson: college (and indeed many other things) may seem daunting and impossible at first, but anything can be accomplished with hard work, faith, and strong moral support. So while the experiences surrounding my entry into college may have been difficult at the time, they formed a strong moral foundation that I will continue to build the rest of my life.

I would go away to school and live in a dorm. When I graduated high school in 2006 I did not want to live in a dorm. But now that I have been to visit my friends who do live in dorms, I feel like it is something I missed out on. I do think that it takes a lot of self dicipline to live in a dorm and maintain a high GPA. But I do think that college life is something everyone should expirence.

I would advise myself to take more advance classes and to take part in post-secondary. I would also advise myself to focus more in bringing up my grades as well as my GPA. I would fill out more scholarship applications that what I did before. I would have advised myself to look into more colleges and to look at the programs that they offer for my major. I would have started a lot more sooner in college applications and scholarship applications. I would have also payed more attention when it came to information about FAFSA, so that I could teach my mom about what you're suppose to do when filling out the FAFSA. I would have advised myself to not let the negative things and unneccessary drama distract me from focusing on what was improtant at the time. I would have advised myself to make sure that my top priorities were completed and then have all the fun that I wantd to have.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her to figure out a plan to pay for school; use any student loan money for tuition, books, and supplies only; and finish the program I start unless I am absolutely sure I want to pursue a different career field. Taking out more student loan money than you need and using it for expenses other than for school will lead to a higher amount of debt and those are typically federal loans which means they will have to be paid back no matter what and you could spend most of your adult life paying back student loans. While you are taking your basic courses in college, try to really figure out what career field you want to pursue and stick with it. Don't give up. Although not impossible, it is a lot more difficult to go to college when you are older and have more responsiblities. However, always pursue your dreams, no matter what age, and don't give up.

I would make sure that I understood the importance of not only starting but completing college the first time regardless of the situation. I emphasize how hard it is to maintain grades high enough to gain entry to medical school while having 4 children at home. I would tell myself to work hard, don't be afraid to say up for days preparing for a test, because ultimately it will all be worth it. Boys, love, children...all of that will wait. Work hard, be dedicated, and do more than is expected...every time. Never give up and never settle for less than the best grades. Prove yourself to only those that matter - yourself, God, and your teachers and parents. That's it. Never let people get you down. People want you to fail because they regret their own failures. Do what it takes at all costs succeed, as it will be easier now than later. The money you spend now will produce the dividends larger than any get rich scheme or day job. If it dosen't require an education, you WILL be replaced.

TRY HARDER! Get better grades, focus on school, not friends or boys, school. Education will be there in the end, not your boyfriend. Research scholarships, grants, and loans starting your freshman year of HS, not when you are 25 years old. Do not start a family before finishing your degree, and most of all FOCUS!

Well Id say don't wait to long after high school because life can sure throw you a curve, and then before you know it your 37, and now that the kids are all grown and on there own, you decide it's my turn so you try to go for your dream and man is it hard. Trying to figure out how to even go to college, who to talk to, how to apply, I mean these people do this every day, and they think i should know what I'm doing. Then trying to figure out what a quarter is and a credit hour, come on this is really hard unless you can find someone who doesn't treat you like a dummy. If your out of the loop to long it's very difficult to get back in. Then come all the test. There you find out how much information you didn't retain from school (big whammy) so now there's a whole list of classes you have to take first .There's another year, and so on and so on.

I wish I could travel back to 1993 and talk to my high school senior self! I would ask her what college she was planning to attend--then wait while she rattled off 100 excuses explaining why she wasn?t going. When she finished I would look into her eyes and say, "Charidy, you are worth a better education. Don?t be so afraid of change and failure that you don?t allow yourself to move forward! Granted, moving away from your family to go to school isn't easy, but earning a living without a college degree is much harder. Yes, the classes are harder and the workload will be heavier; however, you?ll find that the faculty and staff at your college want to help you succeed--all you have to do is be willing to ask for the help. I realize that there are financial issues too, but there are scholarships and other financial aid available that can help you pay for your schooling. I know you have the capacity to be successful student. Please don?t allow your fear to get in the way of further schooling, and, ultimately, your future success.?

Sasha, The real world is coming for you whether you like it not. High school is truly the best time of your life and I want you to cherish it. Go out, dance untiil you collapse, get drunk, do stuff you wont remember in the morning, play obnoxious games, sleep but dont forget to send off the acceptance check. Okay? Because honey once you get to college all the bad behavior must ease and decease. There will be no more fun. There will be no more sleep except for on the hour long train ride of course. There will be no time for anything but school work and work so if I were you and I am. I would get all the fun out of my body. Take as many pictures as possible, write about these great nights, and tuck it away deep in the closets of your soul and get ready to focuus on the beginning of your education. Remember I love you and I'll always be there waiting to come back out.

I don't have many complaints due to the fact that I have taken the safe and money savy choice for school. When I graduate I plan on have no student loans. This is something that many people at my age don't take into consideration but this from my choice of college and degree. I am quite happy with how things turned out and hope for a wonderful year ahead. Just trying to make it like everyone else!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and the transition based off of what I know now, I would first off listen to my peers. I would listen to my high school councilers advice on staying at the University of Cincinnati, ang continuing in ther college prep classes. I would live on campus all the way to my junior year of college. I woud stay the way I am, and keep to myself to focus more on what is important, rather than letting the college life take advantage of my social mind. I would also go back to my Upward bound program and give more speeches and advice to the lower class, on how to prepare and not allow guys/girls interupt thei academics. I would maybe get more involved in highschool so that it would help out once in college. I would get more interacted in the school prep rallys, sports,clubs, and other after school events. Last but least I would enjoy the assistance I received from Upward Bound College prep program at the University of Cincinnati.