Clemson University Top Questions

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

Madeline

Do not be afraid to put yourslef out there. Yes, grades do matter, but if you let yourself get too wrapped up in making straight A's you're going to miss all the beautiful things that are around you. Talk to people. I know you think you and your roommate are polar opposites, but you're going to become best friends. Reach out to peope. But do not let these people get in the way of your academic sucess. It's okay to stay in and study so you can do well on that test. You have 4 years here, and plenty of time to do all the things you want to do. The transition will be hard, but make friends who you can talk to about it, and things will be so much easier. Don't go home all the time, you'll miss out on so much and it will make things harder. You can do it, and you will succeed at it.

Andrew

Knowing what I know now, what would I say to the highschool senior version of myself? I would tell him to be clever as well as being intelligent and strong. I would tell him that no matter how hopeless and/or difficult a class or objective may seem, there is always a solution to solve the issue. I would also tell him to be careful, and not to let minor distractions become obsticals of his main objectives, as back then he was rather absent minded, something I still strive to improve on to this day. Most importantly of all, I would tell him to stay on the path he's currently on, that while it may be difficult and stressed, it is worth it, not only in terms of recieving an education, but also in building him as an individual.

Madison

I would tell myself that you don't need to try to go into a major where you know you'll make a lot of money when you get a job after you graduate, but you also know you don't really want to do that for your life. I would tell myself to go into something that is a mix of the two. Choose a major that sounds interesting and piques your curiosity but also has classes in subjects that you like and/or you're good at. I would tell myself to avoid random roommate matching and to study every day in the library, even if it's only an hour. Bring headphones to keep yourself focused on your task. I would tell myself to not be afraid to have a conversation with a stranger, you may just end up with a great friend. I would tell myself to go to bed early and wake up early because if you don't you'll more than likely be late. The main thing I would stress to myself though, is to enjoy having the opportunity to learn more. You may not always like it but it'll pay off.

Jenna

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school self to be true to myself. Make friends with people that you actually want to spend your time with—these friends will soon know everything about you and be with you all of the time. Don’t make decisions based off of your friends’ future intentions; if you want to do something, DO IT. Whether it’s studying abroad, interning, or going out for an organization, don’t let them hold you back. You only have a few years at college and you don’t want to miss out on what it has to offer. Just like in the real world, you will meet people that you don’t necessarily get along with—that’s okay. Be courteous and kill them with kindness. However, the great thing about college is that you don’t actually have to be friends with them! You will also learn that friendships will come and go and if they truly mean that much to you, MAKE TIME FOR THEM. No one said college would be easy, but boy, is it fun and rewarding.

Kayla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would start by telling myself to forget considering that degree that I am not really interested in and pursue what I love. At the end of these four years of college, I have to go out in the world and if I spent four years in misery studying something I do not care for, those years were wasted. Also, I would tell myself to get more involved. Senior Year goes by fast and it can be hectic with International Baccalaureate classes and extracurriculars, but you have to enjoy yourself and get involved to make it count. Another thing I would stress is the importance of applying for scholarships. As a student from a low-income family that is paying my own way through university, money is the key to everything. Scholarships can make or break you and cause you endless amounts of stress when you have to worry about where the next payment from school will come from or how much you will owe in loans afterwards. Overall, I would tell myself to do what I love, get involved, and focus on scholarships now rather than later.

Diana

There are two types of colleges you will encounter, Diana-- liberal arts colleges and public universities. The two can be compared to a diner and a downtown restaurant area. Since you chose Clemson, you chose a downtown restaurant area. With diners, you have all the choices given to you and you can make decisions at a leisure pace whereas with downtown restaurant areas, you must find the place you want to eat and go after the choices on your own. I want you to say yes and go on a whim at times even if you have that doubt creeping in the back of your mind. After all, if you don't move out of your comfort zone and shell, how do you expect to grow as an individual? Of the utmost importance, release all resentment and bitterness because that will hold you back. If you were to think over every mistake and play out the what if scenarios, you will regress into a cycle of loathing and emptiness. Go after what your gut tells you and seek help when you need it. One final lesson you should keep in mind is that you are here for yourself.

Maggie

Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Do things on your own timing and don't try to rush the most important memories of your life just because everyone else has already done it. Learn to embrace who you are as a person, and don't change to make others like you more. The best friends you'll meet, will be the ones that accept every quirk and supposed flaw that you have. But most importantly, enjoy your time in college and take every chance to seek new opportunities. You may make some mistakes, but thrive off of those mistakes, and learn to appreciate them. Maybe they weren't mistakes at all, and will lead you to the path you were always meant to follow.

Caitlin

I would tell myself to study more, I never had to in high school and I wish I had tried more during my freshman year. I also wish I had participated in certain clubs from freshman year onwards, and maybe broken out of my shell a little more.

George

Learn how to study. Despite what high school teachers and administrators may tell you, they do a poor job at preparing you for college. Not having to study in high school does not mean you will get by as easy in college. In fact, a study at Clemson shows that if you put in only as much work in college as you did in high school, you can expect your GPA to drop by a factor of 1.7. Studying daily will improve your chances for success and will enable you to thrive in the collegiate setting.

Lauren

Be outgoing, college is not as scary as people make it out to be. Don't stress, have fun and enjoy the moment.

Jordan

One of the most enlightening components of this question is that I was able to ask a random pool of Clemson classmates what their answer would be; then, I formulated this response. The beauty of starting college is that you're starting a new chapter. It's important to close the chapter of your high school life and strive to fill the next chapter with even more than you've already accomplished. If you were more self-taught in high school, try helping others in classes. A candle loses no light when lighting others, and college is ultimately a team-taught environment. Review notes when you get back from class so it remains fresh in your mind. If you want another muffin from the cafeteria, go to the gym for an extra 15 minutes to avoid gaining the "freshman 15." I don't care if you're not a sports fan, go to Clemson football games. Study the extra couple hours during the week to allow yourself to enjoy such a wondrous and spirit-filled tradition. The fact that I can ask my peers for such responses shows how distinctly culminating Clemson University is as a whole.

Hillary

Have fun but don't forget that you need to study more than you did in high school.

Anna

My high school senior self thought I knew it all. I thought I was invincible. I expected to go to USC, join a sorority, and balance studying and partying, but I was rudely awakened. A male student who I was fairly acquainted with started threatening me and saying strange things to me. It ended with him threatening to kill me and my family. He was arrested for stalking and trespassing. I transferred to Clemson for the spring semester. If I could go back to my high school self before this incident, I would tell myself that I am not invincible. I would tell myself that not everyone out there is going to like you. But I would also tell myself to keep going. I would tell myself to be open to new ideas and new people, because there is so much more to college than getting into the sorority you want or graduating with that perfect GPA. I would tell myself to find friends that help you grow on both a personal and intellectual level. I would tell myself to make the best of these years, and to never give up. Only you can control your fate.

Ella

I would tell myself to keep working hard and let myself know that the work may not get easier, but that it becomes more rewarding. I also would tell myself that I would find some of the people who I will be friends with for the rest of my life will be met at Clemson, and that they care for you and accpet you for who you are. Also, never pass up on the opportunity to do something that is a little out of your comfort zone, because you will meet some of the brightest and funniest girls who are willing to bend of backwards to help a fellow STEM sister out. Finally, I would tell myself that sleep is your best friend in the world and that coffee is a very close second.

Caitlin

I would probably say to make sure you do all your reading, it's really important to the course and actually learning something. Don't spazz out and don't sit in your dorm all the time. Eat with friends and do more extracurriculars.

Olivia

One of the main things that I would tell myself is that although you feel grown and mature in high school that life really starts after high school. Be very dedicated in your schoolwork because your grades really affect where you will be accepted for college. Enjoy every moment of high school because you will miss the friendships and carefree life you had there. College brings much more independence but also much more responsibility for yourself and for your actions. Be friends with everyone in high school--even those who seem 'nerdy' or 'awkward'. Some of these people will turn out to be some of the best adults--and maybe even your best friend later in life.

Philisa

The most important piece of advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to find the college that is best fit for who I am as a whole person and not to make a decision about which school I attend based solely on convenience, whether that convenience is based on the amount of financial aid I receive or the school's location. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to live at home instead of placing more responsibility on myself by having an apartment and having to work so much which takes time away from my ability to study. The last piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to follow my heart and not the salary when choosing my life's work; I want to be happy in life, but money doesn't always bring happiness.

Peter

Just as in high school, every year of college counts. Opportunities will present themselves starting day one of college, opportunities that can shape the next three years of college as well as the rest of your life. Do not hesitate to get involoved or to try something new. Jump right in the moment you get there! Yes, college will be busy and school work will be more challenging, but having a full schedule will only help you manage your time and stay on top of everything else. Expanding your horizons will help to reach places and do things you never imagined, so do not be a spectator as opportunities come and go.

Rebecca

Rebecca, This is your future self. I just recieved my Associates degree of Liberal Arts from JCCC. I am now in the process of transitioning to Pitt StateUniversity to major in Music Education. There are a few things that I should tell you about college and what you should be doing right now. You need to be filling out scholarships or you will have to take out a lot of loans when you go to Pitt. I know that you do not want to fill out scholarship applications or job applications, but you need to so you can have plenty of money. Go ahead and go to JCCC for your first 2 years; but in your last semester there do not take World Regional Geography, you will not like it and you do not need that class for any of your degrees. Finally do not be shy, make friends and be part of Intervarsity at JCCC, have fun and work hard for good grades. Love, Rebecca

Katherine

open up a little more, and try to get out and do more things on your own and getting involved with other students.

Sherece

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to not be so nervous when attending orientation and to not be intimidated during the first couple of weeks. I would tell myself to be confident in my intellectual abilities. During the first couple of weeks, we were told in a lot of our classes that majority of us would fall and three-fourths of us would transfer to different majors. I would tell myself not to listen to any negativity and to not be afraid when I chose to follow my heart and change my major. I would advise myself to not let that decision weigh so heavily on me because the outcome turned out better than I could have imagined. I would also advise myself to take financial aide seriously and to continue looking for aide even while in college, because debt impacts the rest of my life.

Joseph

I would stress time management in my discussion. You do not fully realize how much your parents do for you while you are living at home. Whether it be food shopping, laundry or all the little things you are now responsible for performing. Balancing new found freedom with new responsibilities is the key to thriving academically and socially. Another bit of advice I would give myself is to get involved right from the start. Greek life, sports, clubs, etc. all make the transition to college life much easier. Finally I would encourage me to look for a job preferably on campus once I had settled in and was comfortable with my schedule.

Gisselle

I would advice myself to take matters more serious, high School is a pivot place for new oportunities. I would also try really hard to get straigh A to be able to take advantages of all the scholarships the goverment offers. Even though the High School Period is a transition from childhood to young adult, with hormones changes, and responsabilities if i would have Known how important my performance was I would really have made some changes. Another really important advice I would give to Myself, Would be to get to know myself a little bit to be able to identify my Kinesthetic learning style. At 24 years old was when I found that I'm a Tactile-kinesthetic learner, I just wish I had knew that earlier.

Tristian

Tristian Smiley 843471-4970 Assume you could go back in time and talk to yourself as a high school senior. knowing what you know now about college life and making the transition, what advice would you give yourself? If i were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself that life is more important than it seems right now.I would tell myself of the constant push and drive i would need to have, to succeed at my studies. I would stress to myself my surroundings and myu choices that I make in my personal life, to prepare myself for the future. I would make it very clear and critical to myself about my studies and what classes are important. i would tell myself of all the things that I can avoid to prepare myself even more in the future. finally I would also let myself know to have fun in moderation. studying and partying excessively is not the way to go! i would tell myself to choose my classes wisely to maintain a good study schedule. To maintain that study schedule so that I can maintain my work schedule.

Rashaud

Dear self, Please do more extracurricular activities and volunteer work while in high school, because most scholarships require both of these. Also, APPLY APPLY APPLY for more scholarships because college is expensive and the hope scholarship isn't going to cover it all. Academically I would tell you to don't just settle for (College Prep) class but takes some (AP, Honors, or IB) class that can be transferred over to college, so just in case you don't do as well in college your first semester you have credits to fall back on, therefore, you would be able to keep your scholarships.

Victoria

I would tell myself that I don't have to know what I want to be. All my life I wanted to be a marine biologist, but after barely passing AP Biology my junior year, I realized that I had to change my mind. I was distraught because I had no back up plan, and I wanted to know my whole career before even applying to schools. Now I know that most people don't even end up in jobs having to do with their major! I would tell myself to just take the classes I was interested in, and the right career oppurtinities will find me. The transition between living at home and living at school is quite a shock, so I would also tell myself to appreciate the home cooked meals and love that my family gave to me. It's very cliche but I really didn't realize how well my home-life was until I left it in Rhode Island as I travelled 1000 miles to go to college. My overall message to my high school self is to just relax and not worry about all the minor details and just appreciate the big picture.

rebecca

Focus on your classes and worry about work less!

Shane

College isn't just about coursework, it is about learning how to think. Currently, there is no shortage of graduates with degrees and fantastic grades-- but creative thinking is what sets apart those who want to make a difference from those who want to make a paycheck. The individuals who make lasting change are those who have cultivated the ability to use and combine lessons learned in other fields to synthesize a novel approach that may be unusual, and possibly risky, but just the kind of solution that would solve problems baffled by 'common sense.' I've had a tumultuous academic career until now, and I've learned the value of setting aside my pride and learning from other people of various disciplines and applying their wealth of knowledge to my own efforts. The rigid procedures and experimentation of the sciences and the unfettered freedom of the arts both challenge individuals to fight their preconceptions and explore alternatives. College is the place to experiment with different approaches and embrace the unexpected. Education isn't a one-way street ending with a college degree, it is a winding dirt road that leads as far as one is willing to take it.

Natalie

I would allow myself to be more of a free-thinker, to embrace my own personal beliefs and stand firm in what I think. I’d tell myself not to be fearful of change, but to embrace every part of it, from the time of transition to the outcome; many moments of growth come from times of fear and change. College is an opportunity, not mandatory; therefore it is a gift to be treated as valuable and priceless, not to be squandered or wasted. Finally, I’d make sure to tell myself to value those around me and to enjoy their company, no matter how long they are around. Others are precious, and allow yourself to be challenged by your peers!

Danielle

I know most people say something like, "TIME MANAGEMENT!" or "KEEP YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT!", but for me, I think I would tell myself something completely different than those kids. Instead, I'd make sure to remind myself to keep in contact with my family more. My family is one of the single most important aspects of my life and when I headed off to college, my time was consumed by everything BUT family. It was new and I wanted to tell them all about it! Unfortunately, by the end of the day I was unable to call because it was too late and my 4 younger siblings would already be sleeping. I missed my family dearly but I always seemed to have something more important or interesting to fill my time with. I was able to call my mom every couple days for about 20 minutes, but that wasn't enough! I wish I could go back and tell them all of the exciting, funny, and embarrassing things I witnessed everyday, but I can't. I regret not making time for my family and if I had a chance to, I'd call them daily if I could go back.

Joy

My parents were very good with preparing me for college ever since I was in middle school. I knew that hardwork and dedication were key to success and in order for me to have a fulfilling future I needed to excell in school. I worked hard throughout high school to ensure that I would be able to receive an acceptance letter from the college of my choice. I was more than happy to achieve that goal;however, if I could go back in time and tell myself one piece of advice it would be to stop and enjoy people and life. While working hard in school, there are times where you overlook the joys of being alive. I learned at Clemson that grades are very important but life experiences are just as important. I have become more open to people, I have become happier, and I have grown as a person overall. Without Clemson University and the community that I am now surrounded by, I don't know if I would be the person I am today.

Merry

High school leaves us with a painfully small worldview that desperately needs to be expanded or we are destined to live out the arrogant, American stereotype. College years are typically marked by personal growth, so take advantage of this natural expansion in worldview. First, establish a set of morals/values with which to govern your life (these could be dictated by a religion or personal standards) and then embark on a journey to gain new experiences. Hold fast to your principles, but don’t evaluate these new occurrences based on your personal values. Rather, step outside of yourself and appreciate all culture for what it is rather than what you think it should be. Travel to become culturally savvy. Achieve fluency in another language to better express yourself. Question everything to fight intellectual complacency. Take care of yourself by eating properly, exercising often, and napping when you are tired. Most importantly, take time to talk with and invest in other people; each individual you encounter has a wealth of unique life experiences from which you can expand your worldview. Only by truly experiencing other cultures is it possible to gain a better understanding, and ultimately an appreciation, for our own.

Diane

From what I know now, I would like to say to myself to prepare more than what I am preparing for now. Honestly, when I look back I am glad I made the decisions that led me to where I am. Yes, I am a year behind my major, but I do not regret it. I had the chance to meet the people I met and it was all worth it. All the classes I took to transfer in was perfect and the transition was very smooth. I would urge myself to be more confident and ask when it needs to be asked. Anxiety is normal among everyone, but how we overcome them are different. I would tell myself to be not afraid and stand strong. Find a way to provide for my family and study harder. Learn as many study techniques as I can and do not procrastinate. Practice and buy any books that would help me be two steps ahead of everyone. Keep practicing and improve my flaws. The flaws are what may be holding me back/behind everyone, so if I want to be ahead DO NOT BE LAZY. There is no time for my flaws...

Theodore

You're going to love college. Relax, don't worry about classes being too difficult, just focus on meeting the right people. Relationships with other students are the best thing about college. Friends can help you study and ace tests or relax and forget the stress of a challenging schedule. Just know that you are going to be fine and have a great time at Clemson.

Judea

I'd tell myself, "Don't fear the unknown. Sure, there's always a chance things may not turn out like you planned. But, there is always a chance that things could be better than you ever imagined. If you make decisions based on fear - fear of leaving home, fear of not fitting in, fear of failure - every decision you make henceforth will be driven by fear. But, if you take a chance now, do the slightly uncomfortable, and make the decision that feels a lot scary but also a lot right, not only will you be surprised at how well it can turn out, but you will grow, and live life without shrinking back from that which you may not know or have yet to experience. Easy and safe, are exactly that, easy and safe. It is our challenges, our struggles, and our risks that make us. I'm not saying it won't be hard, and I'm not saying everything will turn out just right. But I am saying no matter the outcome, it will be worth it. You'll have no regrets, you'll respect yourself, and you'll be better for it."

Angela

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply to Clemson instead of Erskine. (I went toErskine College for a year before transferring) I would also remind myself to get involved on campus during my first year of college instead of waiting. College is more challenging than high school, but when you find a balance between social activities and academics, you will be fine. Apply for as many scholarships as possible right now!

Jessica

I would give myself the advice to be myself, not worry about popularity, and to dedicate myself in all aspects of school. I would seriously want to take more part in high school activites and apply myself more in class. I always did great in high school, but would want to put more emphasis on the importance of school becuase you are on your own in college and the more you apply yourself the better off you are. I would apply myself more to school on an AP level so that I was ahead for college. I would give my self the advice to participate in student government and aspects of leadership ooppurtunities. These bits of advice would be a more sturdy foundation for me to have when I entered college.

Gretchen

As a college senior I only went to school 3 classes and then worked the rest of the day. If I could give myself advice I would say, take all 7 classes and get involved with the things at school, that will keep you out of the trouble you are going to get in at home. Stay away from that boy you think you are "in love with" because he is bad news. I would tell myself everything. I would say " hey Gretchen, he is going to get you pregnant and leave you." Oh well, if I knew then what I know now I wouldn't have a wonderful 13 year old son and had the opportunity to learn some of the greatest lessons I have learned. I wouldn't change one minute of the life I have, I just wish I would have waited a few years to start it and done college first. I probably wouldn't be struggling so hard to pay for it if I would have been able to go right after high school.

Sierra

The advice I would give myself if I could tell myself as a high school senior is to enjoy every waking moment of your high school life, go to football games dressed in the high school colors, make plenty of friends, try going out on the weekends and not stay stuck in the house studying for a test that will happen on Wednesday, do my homework as soon as possible so that I could do the things that I enjoy most, read more books that entertain you, break out of my shell and try new things that I think I would never try before, and keep being the person that I am every second of the day, because it keeps you going, even in college.

Kheri

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the advice to take more Advanced Placement and dual college credit courses. I would let myself know that challenging myself before college would give me a great advantage in the college classroom, and I would challenge myself to study and research topics applicable to my future major. I would make sure that I saved money every month, make a budget, and ensure that I apply for as many scholarships as I possibly could. With the academic and social obligations, I won't have much time to employ myself in the work field as much as I did while in high school. I would give myself the advice of remembering to build stronger bonds with family and close friends, and I would make sure to push them to excel beyond societal expectations. I would also research all possible extracurricular activities at the institution of my top choices, and I would plan ahead and decide which organizations I would join. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, as a high school senior I would advise myself to take advantage of every opportunity.

lina

College will teach you more than just business, it will give you a sense of direction. Don't let the uncertainties of life distract your studies, work hard and God will direct you toward a purpose. Although your performance in high school proved your inteligence and dilgent work ethic to be sucessful, you must work even harder in college. Don't get discouraged by the academic challenge it is doable! Learn how to manage your time, accept the challenge even if you dont succed the first try. Understand the sacrifices you make will be worth it in the end, don't participate in activites that can worsen your SVT. Your college degree isn't as far as your think, soon you will be able to do God's work through bettering the corrupt healthcare systems, and giving children like you affordable medical care that you were never able to recieve. The academic transitions will be more difficult, your well rounded personality will transition beautifully but academically Clemson is more demanding, and it is your responsibilty to step up. Try your best even when you feel you dont know what your working towards, all the hard work will show you direction.

Jessica

Don't underestimate your courseload. Just becuase you excelled without much effort in high school does not mean you will do the same in college. GET INVOLVED and do it EARLY! Don't wait until your sophomore or junior year to try to get involved. Volunteer and have pride always for your school. Be single and don't isolate yourself from anything, be open to change!

Diane

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that time cannot be bought. The time that I have at the moment is so important to the point where it could lead me to the decisions that may benefit my family and myself. The fact that I did't push myself to the furthest is already regretable. To think that I could have done so much better if I studied and put every effort to getting higher achievements reminds me how lazy I was throughout high school, and I want this as a lesson I like to learn from. Don't say that you will do what needs to be done and do a half-job effort. There's a reason why teachers and coaches are saying to work 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in everything you do. Most importantly believe in yourself and know when to ask for help when you are lost. There are helps out there in the world where somebody would love to help you in your needs. Keep those who help close to you because they are the few who in life will guide you in right paths.

Megan

If I could go back and have a conversation with the 17 year old me I would first tell that young woman to relax. When I was trying to figure out college plans all I did was stress. I used to think that I needed to have it all figured out right then or else I would fail miserably. The truth is though, even through my excessive planning and researching I still ended up at the wrong school for me and you know what? That is ok. I learned from it. If I could tell the younger me the truth about life it would be that it is not our successes through which we really find our strength and joy, but through our failures and how we bring ourselves back from them. My first college was all wrong for me and at the time it put me into a real low point in my life because I just was not happy, but when I picked myself up and found a new school I have never been so proud of myself. I took a bad situation and out if it found true joy and there is no greater success than that.

Carl

keep your head in the books and take to heart what the professors have to say. Also ask questions in class, the professors will help, they are there to teach, its their job. You can have a little fun but make sure not to procrastinate, because once you get behind it is hard to catch up. Stay focused and on target with your goals. Don't let one bad grade get you down. If it seems overwhelming at times go and talk to the proffesor about your issues, they are willing to work with your course work and scheduled exams. finally remember that Clemson University students and faculty are one family. they are willing to help if you ask.

Natalie

Attending Clemson was one of the greatest periods in my life. Not only did I get a valuable degree, I gained lifelong friends and priceless experiences. Being accepted to one of the top public universitites in the country was a dream come true and it lived up to my every expectation. I was challenged academically; the teachers at Clemson are passionate and expect the same passion from their students. Clemson provides learning opporunities outside the classroom with school-sponsored trips, study abroad, and guest lecturers. The opportunity to spend a semester in Spain changed my life in countless ways and taught me the value of learning from my peers and environment. My peers became invaluable friends who accompanied me to all the sporting events, concerts, etc. that Clemson has to offer. "The Clemson Family" is something that is mentioned from your first day on campus and in the subsequent years you truly learn what that means. Just by walking around campus you can feel the pride that every student has in their University, their home. I have since moved on to start my career, but not a day goes by that I don't think about Clemson University, my home.

Raven

My college experience has taught me time management, personal motivation, and hard work. Those are very valuable skill in college, without these traits, the brightest of people don't make it through college. College is valuable to attend because I know how much farther it can take me in life. I know that at the end of this experience will i only get a degree but I will acquire valuable character traits that will be helpful in life.

Amanda

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience so far. I took a giant leap and chose a school in South Carolina when almost all of my friends and everyone I know chose schools in Connecticut or up North. I picked Clemson, a school where I knew no one, and was ready to start my journey all on my own. I was met with an extremely welcoming but different culture and environment which I had to adapt to. I was up to the challenge and quickly dived in to the new culture meeting many new types of people and having lots of new experiences. I joined a sorority and experienced the extremely different greek life and all of the additudes and beliefs that many of the people in the South shared. I have gained valuable knowledge from the school, my new found friends, and the different adventures that I have been on in my time at the college. I have learned how to adapt to new environments and situations and how to be independent since I really only had myself to rely, only going home for Christmas. So far my experience at Clemson has been amazing and invaluable.

Laverne

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have gained professional development through opportunities to teach with professors to mentoring young children. This experience has truly shaped my life and helped me to really see that education is the field I want to pursue. It has been valuable to attend college because once I graduate, I will be able to achieve so much more as opposed to just having a high school degree. I will be able to help underrepresented students to achieve higher levels. I will be able to make a difference in the life of many students and challenge my students to be the best that he or she can be.

Tiffany

I have very quickly learned more than i could imagine. I have also grown up more this semester than ever in high school. I feel like college at Clemson is difficult, but life changing and beneficial.