Cornerstone University Top Questions

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

Lindsaymae

The thought of college can be very scary. I know my senior year of highschool, I was very nervous for that process to start happening. I watched my mom drive away after drop off day, and I knew I was by myself here. Determination was flowing through me at the time. I was ready to conquer these next four years. I soon realized that I had a lot to do in these next four years; that realization started to weigh me down. Looking at my college career all together was a strategy that was not woking. This is one peice of advice i would give myself: take one day at a time. Dont look at every class and credit you need to take over a span of 4 years. Plan your day, go out with determination, and finish everything for that day. Setting smaller goals helps to keep me on track, and working towards a realistic accomplishment. Don't overwhelm yourself, but instead encourage yourself by accomplishing what you set out to do each and everyday.

Regan

My advice to me back in time, would be pretty simple. Don't stress so much about where you are going to college, if it is truly terrible you can always transfer. Be yourself when you get to college, don't worry about what other peole think and find the friends who will be there for you and who you enjoy being around the most. Use college to help guide and figure out what you want in life and feel free to be somewhat selfish. In regards to athletics, start lifiting because everyone is bigger, faster and stronger and get in shape!

Evan

Hey senior self! You are about to go to college, congratulations! When you get there, it is going to be intimidating and you might even feel a little uncomfortable- that's okay. College is an intimidating place- living with a bunch of people you don't know, having more homework than you're used to, and for you especially, you have to handle playing soccer at the same time. Concerning dorm life, don't be afraid to leave your door open when you're in your room and to venture into other open rooms; it will really help you make friends quicker than you might expect. Concerning academics, do what you have always done. Be diligent, do your work well, and ask questions. It might be scary asking questions in a big class, but don't be afraid to put yourself out there. It will be worth it. And concerning soccer, it is your job as a teammate to make your teammates better and the team as a whole better. Be the best teammate you can be and be the best example you can be. Have fun, and remember to do everything you do for God's glory.

TJ

I wouldn't give myself any new advice. I didn't go in expecting college to change who I am already. It hasn't changed me and I wasn't blown away by anything when I got there. I didn't go in with any expectations so I wasn't bummed out when they were wrong. So to go back in time to advise myself, my advice would be to keep thinking the same thoughts.

Kaitlyn

Pace yourself with your academic schedule and if you plan on doing a sport realize the commitment that it is and be prepared to give your team, coach, and school everything you've got.

Kimberley

Dearest, Nieve Kimberley, Work hard. Work for what you want, and when you don't know what you want, work hard for the inevitable: finding your dreams and striving for goals. Study hard, don't procrastinate, and don't let funds stop you when there are endless opportunities. Make a transfer to your dream university a possibility right after graduation! Finances can't stop determination! Nothing in life gets simpler, but why let laziness or procrastination dash your dreams? People say you can do whatever you set your mind to, but they are wrong. You can do what you set your mind on and work hard to obtain. Work hard towards your future, so that you can love it. Blessings, A Wiser You

Hannah

You're going to be thrown into a world full of those who do no believe in the same things as you and that's alright. You need to keep an open mind and look at both sides of every decision, belief, and counterblief you or someone else may have. The transition will be rather simple, since you were always good in school and adapt well to learning enviroments. Do not fret about the little things, such as leaving friends behind in your hometown. By the time you get to Grand Rapids, you will be glad that you decided to go away to school here you will meet plenty of open minded and spiritual people who are pursuing more than a college education. Your senior year may have let you down, but speaking to you from the future, you will be just fine in college; so much so, you would rather repeat the first semester of college than the entire four years of high school. It's perspective that you've never had before. Keep on going and keep the faith that your future is more than an acceptance letter and diploma.

miracales

Good lord, I don't think I could put enought emphasis on how much I would change my high school years. If ever a time machine is invented (which I would love because my major is history) and I could tell myself a few things, I would be overjoyed. And my advice would go a little something like this: The most dangerous weapon in the world isn't tanks or guns or knives, it's your mind. Your mind will decide if you're going to pull that trigger or put the gun down. Your mind decides if today will be a good day or a bad day. Your mind is mainly in charge of everything. However, even though your mind does most of the tricking, there are ways you can trick it as well. For instance, when that fear of what people will think if you wear this starts to creep into your mind, move on. Block it out. When that fear of what people's response will be when you say that one joke starts to take over, keep smiling and say it anyway. When you find yourself in a state of crippling anxiety, fight back.

Allison

Looking back on my high school senior year, I would tell myself that the study habits that I created freshman year of high school should still be carried out through senior year of high school because having to restart study habits in college is harder then simply continuously carrying them out. I would tell myself that the transition of high school to college isn't as steep as others have told you it is, especially if you continue your hard work ethic. I would also give myself the advice to create a ballence between school work and friends because even though my high school friends all went to different colleges, the qualities and importance of friendships makes a world of difference when you make the transition of stepping onto a new campus, that you will spend the next four years at, not knowing anyone. I would remind myself to not be so self absorbed into my future but to look up and be thankful to those I surround myself with.

Delaney

If I could go back to the high school Delaney I would tell her to work harder. College is hard, it really takes a lot of you and you have to learn how to push yourself. College is not impossible, you just have to have the mental mind set that you are going to push yourself and continue to fight for the degree you want. I know in high school I didn't really care what I was learning and didn't want to study ever! But I think that if I would have cared and studied more I would be better off in college. So I would tell the high school Delaney is work harder, study more, and care about the things you are learning.

Audrey

I would tell myself not to limit myself to a few colleges and not to make the decision quickly. Colleges are like jeans: Some of them look great when you see them, but when you try it out, it really is not your "fit." Make sure to visit more than a few times, meet with students, faculty, and advisors, and even stay overnight in the dorms to get the true feel of what the college is like. A college search should be thorough, not just scrolling through their "fast facts" pages on their websites. Then you will be sure to find the right college for you!

Heather

I would tell myself to save as much money as I possibly can because going to college full time and working two part-time jobs can get frustrating quickly. Especially when they are in two different cities. I work in Grand Rapids during the week and I drive home every other weekend and work in Jackson. My social life is nonexistent and my studying and homework take up all my extra time. I know in High School I thought it was a waste of my time sitting home on weekends doing scholarships. But I did do them and they paid for my first year. I only wish I would have done more my Freshman year because now I'm working to pick up the difference. I would also tell myself to visit multiple schools and not pick the first one you visit. Colleges hype up visiting days and give the prespective students an unrealistic view of what campus life really is. Research the school and find out if the courses are available for your intended major. Otherwise you will be changing majors as I did from Pre-med to Education. The closest Cornerstone got to Pre-med was Biology.

Brenna

Brenna, just breathe. Relax and don't get yourself so worked up. I know you're stressed and don't feel ready to grow up and get on with life, but believe it or not, you are going to absolutely love it. In the first two weeks of school, you're going to spend everyday there, even the days you don't have to go in, just so you can spend time with everyone there. The transition is going to be easier than you're building it up to be and before you know it, you're going to be in such a schedule, you can't imagine going back to your high school days. If the next 3 1/2 years are anyting like this year has been, you're in for some of the best years of your life. Just don't stress, don't work yourself up, and feeling like your life is over is nothing to worry about because in reality, the next chapter of your life is just beginning. It may seem terrifying, but buckle up, because you're in for an adventure, and one you're going to cherish forever.

Jennifer

Dear Reader, College students spend four years of classes with professors we may or may not like, classmates we may or may not come to know, and material that will sometimes overwhelm us. Study what you love. College life is doable: you find your strengths, ablities, and limits. It's okay to work within limits you already know. It is good to celebrate your strengths. We can seek help; we can continue to learn to help others. There's a chance we'll meet best friends, but don't stress about meeting them the first day; some will find them, some won't. College stretches, but also fills. Don't just become what you will be, also spend your years being what you already are. This is a chance to start over, but you carry all of yourself with you when you step onto a college campus. It is our chance to look backwards, but remember you can't write a second draft of the past. We can revise our life-styles now: don't waste it. Live today fully while preparing for tomorrow. Work hard. Relax. Miss home. Find home. Love with all you are. You'll be okay.

Amy Marie

Enjoy this moment in your life, just as it is. Make it count and do something with the time that you have, because all too late you will realize that nothing will ever be the same again. You will never have the opportunities that you have again, so take them. You will never have the expiriences that you have again, so enjoy them. Your relationships will never be the same again, so savour them. Take each second that you have, and live it. Most of all, do to one as you wish you could do to or for all. Be the friend you wish everyone could have. Help the people who are around you, and even step outside of your comfort zone to meet someone in theirs. Live the life that you've been given, because it's only yours to live and it'll be gone before you know it.

Kiristin

Don't hold back. Put yourself out there and have fun!

Shylia

I will tell myself to take the SAT early. I would tell myself in order to get ahead in Psychology I should take General Psychology earlier so I can study Adnormal Psychology my Freshman year.

Cassandra

I would say go out and be risky. The only way to get out of your comfort zone is to take risks. Meeting new people and being in a new enviornment is not an easy thing but if you step out and see what is out there, you will find so many things that you never knew exsisited. You meet new friends that you know will always be there for you. That is what I would tell myself.

ashley

Looking back now to high school me, I would tell her that planning and determination is everything. I've always had the passion for what I want to do, but so far that hasn't gotten me in the best position academically without the motivation or dedication to back it up. All thats gotten me is dissappointment from my advisors. Although, my advisors still seem to believe in me, so that has influenced me to believe in myself more than I have. Knowing what I know now, I would tell high school Ashley to focus on the future and dont let depression or your family get to you. I am who I am through those mistakes though, and I am who I am from my hardships with my family. I believe that is why I will be a great marriage and family counselor, I can do this! I havent been awarded any scholarships yet this semester, and I would strongly appreciate it if I got just one! Thank you for looking this over and considering me.

Clarissa

It's true what they say: college will be some of the best years of your life. What high school conselors are failing to tell you right now is that those years and how they go for you are dependent entirely on YOU. Don't doubt yourself. Don't get so wrapped up in the financial package and moving away from home and all the things that could go wrong. Enjoy the journey of going somewhere new, and be confident that this is the place you are meant to be. You'll make a lot of mistakes your Freshman year (and throughout life!) but those mistakes will only define you if you let them. I don't want to pack too many cliches into this, but you really only need to be yourself. You are a bright and unique individual, and college is the perfect place to grow and become who you want to be. Don't stress, ok? Life is beautiful, and these are going to be some great years, kiddo. Good luck.

sarah

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would simply tell myself to be comfortable with who I am and be myself. This sounds like odd advice, but during my first semester, there were plenty of people who had the "fresh start. I can be who I want" mindset. Then when second semeser comes around, people are back to being their old selfs. I think the concept of a fresh start is great, but I do not think people need to chance themselves. People always tell me that the friends you meet in college are friends for life. If they are frineds for life, they deserve to know the real you. College is the time to figure out who you are, what you believe, what you want to do with your life and so much more. BE YOURSELF. No one else gets the chance to be you. I would tell myself that I am perfect the way I am and I was born to be who I am today. Never change who you are because no one is better at being you, than you. Thank You!

Jamie

I would absolutely love to go back in time and talk to myslef as a high school senior. The number one thing that I would tell myself is to get involved. There are so many opportunities in school, and even more after high school and in the real world. That is so important because opportunity is what leads to success. Getting involved means playing sports, joining clubs, community service and anything else that is available. Trying new things is how we learn what we like and don't like and essentially what we may want to do with our lives. Sometimes it can be hard to step out of our comfort zones but it is worth it. College presents many opportunities and they lead to some great experiences, it can be a very scary time, but it is what we make it. I would tell myself to do what scares me. When we miss an opportunity we look back and see what could have been and I dont want to live like that. I hope that I have the courage to take whatever comes my way and live life to the fullest.

Johanna

When I look back on high school I think about how scary the future seemed. I knew I was going to Cornerstone to play volleyball in the Fall, but that is all I knew. I had no idea what was in store for me. I had absolutely no idea I was going to make such amazing friends and create such amazing relationships that will stay with me forever. If I could give myself advice as a senior, I would tell myself it will all be worth it. Being terryfied of moving on to the next chapter of my life was scary and I was not sure what the outcome would look like. I would be sure to tell myself to push through and perservere because in the end, it will be worth it and I will have an amazing opportunity to build a life that matters.

Jacob

I would encourage myself to take advantage of scholarships right away as a freshman. College gets really expensive, and you don't realize it right away until you accumulate too much debt. Do research on scholarships and apply, apply, apply. Also, be in great contact with your academic advisor. Make sure that you know what classes you NEED to take, and take them at appropriate times. Get a clear idea of what you need to do in order to graduate on time, and act appropriately when scheduling classes. Be involved with the school, because it will make your time much more enjoyable. Make friends, and don't let school consume your life.

Amy

Dear High School Senior Self, The next year ahead of you will be both one of the best and one of the hardest years of your life. You will discover who you are, make many new friends, and learn to be more independent. College is full of new experiences and oppertunities. Don't be afraid to try new thing even if you fail. There are people to meet, things to learn, and things to discover. Enjoy this next year because you are only a college freshman once.

Alyssa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that there's more to life than who you are in high school and the labels that are placed on you there. I would say that college will open up so many doors that you could never imagine - it's a clean slate that you can use to be the person that you want to be. There will be temptations, hardships, and struggles that will sometimes lead you to cry or yell in anger, but college is the time where you really learn about yourself, so don't be afraid to go through all of these things, even with the risks involved. The shy, fearful, and intimidated girl you are will grow to be a strong and independant woman who learns so much about herself, her faith, and how confusing yet amazing life is. So the most imporant advice I would tell myelf is to not be afraid of being yourself are and to always have courage, because who you become is a person that you will be so proud to be.

maria

assuming that I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to stop being afraid. To take that leap of faith and go to a University as I had planned. I would advise myself that with scholarships and a job I can afford it and my family will be okay. Thinking back to my young high school self I know that I was afraid of a lot of things, how will I pay? where would I live? will my parents survive financially? Will I be homesick? Is it worth it?. So many questions run through my mind, and no one was there to answer them. So I would say, go, go to school and make your dream come true. Belive that you can do it and you will find a way because nothing is impossible and a dream should never be ignored.

Emily

The advice I would give to my highschool self is to challenge myself more. Instead of focusing so much on having a fun senior year I would challenge myself with harder class. Transitioning to college wasn't as easy as I liked because I didn't have the proper study habits. The advice I would give to myself would be to focus on school work, take challenging classes, and have fun doing it.

Austin

"I will do it later". This is along the lines of what I thought to myself when it came to applying for scholarships to help pay for my college tuition. However, if I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself "Do them right away, and do as many of them as you can". Furthermore, because I did not do this I am behind on one of my first semester tuition payments, and I am not sure how all of my second semester tuition will be paid. In conclusion, as a senior in high school it is not only important to find the college that is best for you, but to also prepare for the financial obligations that come with attending a college/university.

Kodi

If I could go back in life and tell my high-school senior self a few things, I would probably laugh at myself and tell my senior-self to take a deep breath. I was worried about being an outcast in college, not making friends, having too much to worry about, and not being able to get everything done I needed to. I was worried then about teachers telling me everything was on me and my life depended on only myself. I would tell my senior-self to take a deep breath and relax because college is not something to be too excited about but its not something to freak out about. College is important and amazing, but it is only a few years of your life and these few years will not kill you. I don't drink or do drugs and I was worried I would be ridiculed, but I would tell myself back then not to worry because being an individual in college is perfectly fine. I'm comfortable making my own choices and being independent. I would tell myself that everything will be okay, because in the end it all will be.

Martin

Dear Martin, I’m writing you from my second semester of college, it’s not half bad so far. Allison is still with us and the anniversary is coming up soon. You aren’t going to be seeing many of your old friends though; maybe you’ll see them in passing, but all of us are busy trying to make a place for ourselves and pave our own paths. Your first semester is going to go fantastically, you’ll land an awesome internship with a strength coach and the work load of college is way more manageable than high school. Just remember what Dad always says in his stern Spanish accent, “Do not worry about anything but yourself, school, family, and Allison.” Keep your head up and remember to stay focused. With all my love, Martin

Nicholas

I would tell myself to take as many Advanced Placement (AP) courses as possible. These classes would have not only prepared me for college level courses, but they would have also given me the opportunity to receive college credits. I would also tell myself to be more outgoing. If someone is more outgoing, they will be able to make more friends. When you are going to a new place where you do not know anybody, it is important to be outgoing and make as many new friends as possible. Another piece of advice that I would give myself would be to try out multiple different studying strategies. If someone tries out many different studying strategies, they would be able to find out which strategy would be most effective for learning large amounts of material in a small amount of time. I would also tell myself to make sure that I became a good writer. This is because a large amount of assignments in college are papers. The final piece of advice would be to make the most of the time left with my current friends because you do not know the next time you will see them.

Caitlin

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself that college is going to be hard. I would say that even when all your friends are hanging out and partying you are going to need to study, and you’re going to have to be okay with that. I would also say that you’re going to need to be self-sufficient, your mom isn’t going to be there for you to make you chicken noodle soup when you have a cold. I would tell myself to talk to, and introduce myself to people, because the transition is easier with friends. Lastly, I would tell myself not to be nervous, to brace myself, and to enjoy the rollercoaster.

Allison

She sits on her bed surrounded by aqua walls, blankets wrapped around her, writing poetry- the only way she knows how to deal with the pain. It is her last year at home before she will go to school almost a thousand miles away. This school is her dream, but how can she leave her family? I breathe out, and her eyes flicker toward me and widen as she sees herself two years older. I put my arm around her, and her pen stops. “Can I do it?” she whispers. “Yes. And you will love it. You will get homesick and long for home. You will sometimes want to give up. You will have hard classes and a professor who will think you are too young for her class. You will be lonely. You will watch friends go through so much sorrow, and will see some leave. You will go three long months without coming home.” I smile. “But you will thrive at school. You will make wonderful friends. You will learn more of the craft of writing. It will become another home. So keep dreaming. Keep writing. And know you can do anything.”

Charity

If I were to give my highschool self advice, this is what I would say. "College is not going to be anything like you expect it to be. It is harder than you think, but at the same time will give you more satisfaction than you expect. You will experience some of the hardest things you have ever experienced. But, those very same things will help you to grow and become the woman that God wants you to be. Every seeming step backward is actually a step forward. Don't get discouraged. Just use you inborn determination and push through your struggles. Life will seem harder than you can handle, but you have a God that is greater than everything that you will face. Lean on Him and you will make it through everything that life will send at you. Last, remember to have fun and be yourself. Don't worry about not making friends because you are about to meet some of the best friends that you will ever have. College is tough, but you are tougher. Remember that and you will be fine."

Camitri

Compared to most young adults my age, I would have to say that I am very pleased with how my college career (and career in general) has turned out. However, no matter how well you do as a person, we are all flawed and sometimes wish we could do things differently. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start by telling myself "live up to your potiential". I feel that that would be my very important piece of advice. I know what I am capable of, but I don't always apply myself the way I should. Keeping your eyes on the prize is the most important thing you can do when trying to achieve your goals! Real friends and relationships will still be there after you reach your goals.

Shalayna

The ability to go back in time and tell myself what I know now has always been something that I've dreamed of. When I was a senior in high school I took easy classes and tried to just slide by. I thought that it was my time to relax and take it easy, I had tried my best for three years straight, now was my time. Since I have been in college for only one semeseter, I've realized that "taking it easy" my senior year in high school did absolutley nothing for me. I did not take any challenging classes or even classes that really made me think. When I was a senior all I wanted was to graduate. College life has changed that perspective dramatically. If I would have taken more challenging classes my senior I feel as if I would have been more prepared for the college life. Our brains need that contiunal learning process to keep us on our toes. Heading into college that first day I felt behind imediately. If I could talk myself through my senior year, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to not take the easy way out.

Tranaya

Before beginning my freshman year of high school, I was constantly reminded of one thing: “The next four years will fly by in the blink of an eye.” The reality of those words is still hard to grasp. In a flash of time I’ve managed to cross a bridge that connects the world of familiarity and carefree innocence that was my childhood to the world of endless possibilities and responsibilities that is my future. Knowing all that I know right now, what would I tell my I-can’t-believe-I’m-finally-a-senior self? It took me a moment to think about what I’d say, but in the end my choice was clear: Nothing. To tell her of the obstacles she would face her last year of school so she could stop them from happening would be tampering with God’s perfect plan for our life. I have learned lessons one cannot get by simply sitting through lectures by overcoming obstacles. If I had the chance to go back to the me of my senior year, I would go to our locker and leave a note to give her encouragement for the tough times ahead.

Mariah

I would tell myself to apply to lots of different colleges to give myself many options. I would say don't limit yourself to a few colleges because if you don't like any of them then you will be stuck with having to go somewhere you don't love. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. They may be a lot of work but they are so worth the time and effort. Looking back now I wish I could have told myself to study more in high school to get ready for what's coming in college. In high school you can often get by without studying, however, in college you cannot. It is a big change and transition from high school to college and studying habits are important. Another thing I would tell myself is to go with your heart. I would say don't listen to everything that people tell you because ultimately college is your own decision since every person in different. Don't let others persuade you to go to a certain college no matter what the reason. Follow your heart and go somewhere that feels like home.

Camille

I'd say to myself ' brace yourself because college is nothing like high school. It's hard work, you'll have sleepless nights due to the fact that you stayed up all night trying to finish assignments due the next morning. The food at the Cafeteria will be different from what is served at home. However, it will be all worth it, because when you get on campus and start meeting friends you'll form a wonderful bond unlike no other. Cornerstone is a great christian centered institution, going there i've meet so many well-rounded individuals.' Quite frankly, i love Cornerstone and that is why i'm apply for this scholarship so i can continue to pursue my education there. Best decision of my life to attend, and i wouldn't change it for a thing.

Katie

Looking back at my senior year, the first thing I would tell myself would be to not slack off and take easy classes. While it seems like fun at the time, taking challenging classes that push you really makes the transition to college level courses a whole lot smoother. The second thing I would say would be to cherish the friendships that you have now, and be open to making new ones in the future. When you graduate and your friends goes off to their separate colleges, it can feel so permanent- like you're never going to see each other again. However, without sounding too cheesy, the friendships that really matter will last. Along those same lines, I would tell myself not to hold on so tightly to the past that I close myself off to the future. Finally, I would remind myself that I don't have to have my whole life planned out at graduation. It's okay to take things one step at a time and enjoy learning and experiencing new things, figuring it out along the way. While it can seem scary and at times overwhelming, college is an amazing experience. Enjoy it!

Christina

I'd tell myself to enjoy high school more. Looking back, there are a lot of amazing opportunities that I missed out on because I was just waiting to get out of there. I'd tell myself not to wish my life away and to do a better job honoring my parents. Having been away at college this past semester, I've realized just how amazing my parents really are, how hard they've worked for me my entire life, and how blessed I am to have such loving, godly influences like them in my life.

Ciera

Follow your heart and remember that it doesn't matter where you go, it matters what you do when you're there.

Janine

As a former NHS member, I took my grades very seriously. However, grades are not everything. I would have taken advantage of training in technology, as I believe that it would have made variuos school projects easier for me now. Also, I would have taken courses in public speaking, because I believe that the power of the spoken word and how we deliver our message to those around us are extemely important. While I was involved in various school activites, if I could do it over again, I would have taken a more active role, because I believe that by doing so, it can improve one's people's skills. How we interact with others in a professional business setting can have a great effect on our overall success.

Dionne

Dionne, Please have all of your practice tests and esssay probabilities complete within one week of day one. Even if repeating cxoursework is allowable as provision, as christians we do not waste time, money, resource, and we heal at night and even in the morning. And remember that you need 80 hours per 2 week cycle just to study. Recall to hydrate, read recreationally and renew as you did in high school honors classes. Do not listen to anyone who interferes with your goals. You reason well, you study hard and you read severally. Try to get all coursework done before that first day of class.

Abi

I would have worked harder on getting a 4.0. College, expecially the first few months, are scary but very fun. Don't be afraid to make as many friends as possible and then filter from there. Choose a college where you can get involved. Look at the location of the school and see if it's in an area that you can benefit from with internship opportunities.

Tobey

"If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams." You're going accomplish more than is expected of you during high school. You'll spend hours upon hours planning out schedules, homework, and timesheets. You're going to apply for scholarships, jobs, and sometimes you'll succeed and sometimes you will not. You're going to develop a hunger for Film Production. Keep in mind, as you start to take responsibility for yourself, stay hungry. You'll be on track. You'll earn college credit. You'll finish your Associate's Degree at the same time you recieve your High School Diploma. I promise. Just stay hungry. Dig deep to learn about the industry. Be aware of the strength of your hunger- don't let anything or anyone get in the way of you and your ultimate dream.

Alex

College is an exciting time! You're going to have a blast. You'll make a lot of friends and learn great things. Some of your professors will be complete idiots. This is normal. They've been in school their whole lives, imagine the toll that takes on the human psyche! Some of your professors will be great. You'll be so surprised with a science professor's ability to teach you some transcendental truth. I know that you're worried about that math class, let's be honest, math has never been our strong suit. Want to hear a secret though? A logic class covers your math credit for your generals. Junior college isn't where you pictured yourself after high school. It's really your only option though. You could drown in debt but that just means problems later in life. It's not glamorous, it's a little childish actually, but it's worth it. You'll transfer out of here soon and be off to real college. Good luck, You

Christina

The advise I would give myself is to learn to relax. I am typically a serious student, but college has tought me ironically the opposite to my sense of discipline: it is ok to have fun. There are many successful ways to balance a good student life and time for fun and communion outside the classroom as well. Being involved in extracurriculars and spending time with other students leads to an expansion of ideas and friendship. In addition, it helps you discover who you are, what you like, what you dislike, what your talents are, and how to relate to others. It can be a great stress reliever to be able to leave the classroom mindset behind at times, however, the key is balance; it is important to do the best job you can in your classes, but it is also necessary to allow yourself time to recharge and enjoy college.

Alyssa

As a senior in high school it is quite easy to breeze by exerting the least amount of effort to pass, but I strongly encourage high school seniors to persevere knowing that creating good habits in high school is incredibly helpful in college. In high school there are often others advocating for students whether it be the teachers, principle, counselor, a parent, or another passionate individual; however, in college you are your own best advocate when it comes to researching classes required for graduation, scheduling those classes, discussing grades with professors, or anything in between. It is important to feel comfortable advocating for yourself, not necessarily in a rude or pushy way, but by being thoughtful yet persistant.