Craven Community College Top Questions

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

Jessica

I would tell myself to focus only on school

J ason

The advice I would give to myself is to not be afraid to make mistakes and to take chances. Failing or making mistakes is a fear that a lot of people have. I think the fear of this becomes more and more prevalent as you get older. While in High School you will make mistakes and those are the times that you can learn the best lessons in life. I wish I would have been less afraid of failing and took some chances on things. One thing I wish I would have done is started up my own business in high school. Starting up your own business is a scary thing but I feel that I could have learned a lot by doing this and potentially been further along than where I am now. The risk of failure is still there but the outcome of failing in high school is much less impactful than failing when you have nothing to fall back on such as your parents, or if you have a family to provide for.

Samantha

Hey "High school Samantha" stop thinking so much about that boy. You know, the one you THINK you love? You haven't found your prince charming yet, trust me. Stop focusing on how your hair looks or if Cindy is talking bad about you. Hear that little voice you're putting off right now? Yeah, that's the teacher and she's actually giving you wise advice in class but you're worrying about pointless stuff. Stop worrying about the small things that won't matter next week. High school is a big deal, yes, but it should only be a big one because it is a milestone in your future life. High school teaches you valuable lessons for college. Although college and high school are alike, the studying, presenting, and learning skills are imperative. The better you do right now and focus on the important things, the easier it'll all be when you go to college. Like I said, trust me.

Andrea

As a high school senior I had a reduce schedule and started taking courses at the community college. The great thing about that is those college courses are free when taken while in high school. I wish I would have taken more, because the three classes I did take helped financially and also helped me get ahead. I do wish that I would have got involved more. I was on the step team but we never even got to have one performance because the leaders quit to join track. I was a cheerleader in middle school but in high school I never tried out because I was too busy working. I wish I would have tried out for the team so I could have more memories. I was however a member of junior civitans and fellowship of Christian athletes. As a high school senior the most important thing I could have done for myself was apply for grants and scholarships. I applied for a few and still two years later I haven?t received one and I am working two jobs to pay for tuition and books. I should have started much sooner because earning scholarships is a competitive process.

Jennifer

If I could go back in time, I would first tell myself that I do not need to have a lot of money to go to school. That there are more resources out there for me and to use them. That just because my parents can not afford to pay for college, does not mean that I can not afford it. I would also tell myself that the anticipation is the worst part. It will be okay once you start going, and just get your foot in the door as soon as you can. Other wise I will wait 8 years and have 2 children before you get back to it. Then I would end up not only having to worry about paying for school, but also day care. Not to mention the hours that will be taken away from my children and husband. When you already have a family, the stress load will be much higher and the hours will not be ideal. With hours being mostly at night, not as many classes are offered so it may take even longer to get your degree. Finally I would tell myself to take a "no thank you" bite.

Joshua

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to take classes offering hands-on experience for the field I was interested in. This would give me more experience, and help understand the classes at the college better.

william

I think i would tell myself to go to college right out of high school, because I could join the Marine Corps after college and become a Commisioned Officer instead of enlisted. I enjoyed my time in the military but i was unaware that there were officers or how to become one before i enterred. Now knowing this I would pursuade myself to go that route. I would also try to convince myself to save some money and have a plan for going to college. I think one of the best things I could tell myself is to have a plan after you get your class schedule(set study time). There are so many things that now knowing could have helped then. A significant thing would also be. You don't need something new everyweek save money for the overpriced books you are going to have to buy for class.

Megan

The first thing I would say is "do not over stress" highschool teachers prepare you for the very worse things that could happen. College professors know what they want, and they give you an outline of it all. You literally get an outline in balck and white, and do your work based off of that. If you ever have any questions, do not be afraid to ask, professors like to answer questions. Obviously there will be homework, but there are a lot of study groups you could join. So whether it is a professor or another student someone is always there to help you. You meet a lot of interesting people in college, and the best thing is there are no "clicks" like in highschool. Everyone is very friendly and keeps to themselves mostly, it is drama free. College so far has been the best part of my life!

Lakeisha

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say take your time in planning your future. So many high school students feel pressured into going to college either by family or by friends who are applying for college and they are not ready to go. Sometimes it takes being out on your own and experiencing the world to figure out what you want. Take time out to actually research careers to find out what interests you. The biggest mistake is choosing a career based on money. If possible, talk to some experts in careers you are interested in and find out what it consists of. They may be able to stop you from making the mistake of choosing a career thats not right for you. Get to know the real you. Be willing to stand on your own as a person and be willing to work hard. Nothing good and nothing worth having comes without hard work, dedication, and determination.

Crystal

Students today in highschool try any and everything to get in and out as fast as they can. Remember college teachers are not as acceptable to late homework and they frown upon students who do not apply themselves. College is your last step to your career and highschool is your final step to college, so remember to take each day as a lesson learned in every subject and apply yourself. Take time in writing the best english paper, take time in studying for that math test and take time to learn every step in the science lab. Everything that a teacher offers in highschool will help you work towards the degree you will like to achieve for the future in college.

Garry

If i could go back in time, I'd tell myself to join more constructive clubs, join ROTC and go into the reserves when you first get out so the military can help pay for your schooling, this gives you two legs up over everyone else in life off bat. Being apart of the Military and having a College Education is an unstoppable force. Stay in shape, parties and girls are still going to be there later on in life you dont have to be at every event. Study and keep up with your school work be more organized and efficient about things, and most of all dont activate any of those credit cards they're going to send you in the mail!!!

Claudia

I would tell myself not to wait or put off college. I would explain to myself what a wonderful experience college life is and what it allows my future to hold for me. I would tell myself that I am giving myself the opportunity to learn and see new things as well as give myself the opportunity to have a better life for myself and my family. I would tell myself about what all I have missed out on by waiting to attend college because I wanted to start my family and take time off. Taking time off from school between high school and college for most means that they will never go back or they will be the age I am now before they decide to go back. I will explain to myself about all the opportunities I have missed out on for bettering my situation because I had not attended college and did not possess the degrees I needed to get the job of my dreams.

Amber

If class starts in the early afternoon, make it to school by 0800 and use that time to study. Home life gets in the way of study time and studying in the morning when the brain is not tired helps with memorization and comprehension of material. Do not get involved with large study groups because they socialize more than study. Just find one or two people to study with before tests. Make sure they are people who want to study quietly and then ask questions to confirm or clear up confusing information. Make sure to eat healthy breakfast before a test, it really will improve grades.

Amanda

To study harder and take every advantage available to get grants, scholarships and loans. Focus more on the work at hand and not allow others to persuade you into something else.

Garry

Join as many Clubs and follow through with as many Extra Curriculum Activites as you can! You don't have to go to all the parties and games and what not because when your out the only thing thats gonna matter is a party called Graduation.