Davenport University Top Questions

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

Samantha

Take time when choosing a college and deciding what you want to go into. I have changes my mind three times with three years, luckily I was doing generally the same thing. Also, so away to school. Staying home to save money is a good thing but you will soon regret it when going away to visit friends. There is so much more activity going on a big campuses and so many more opportunities. You can join more organizations and meet so many more people. Instead of living at home and trying to figure everything out on your own you will the more chances to experience new things. Be smart with loans! Your parents make too much money to help you but not enough to help you pay for school! Start putting even $50 out of every paycheck aside to help pay of student loans while in school so that you do not run out. Be smart and pay attention in classes, you will need to know this stuff when you graduate and actually try to find a job! Have fun and enjoy it, once you graduate its time to be an adult.

Gabe

The first thing you need to know is how to study. Don't take your brains for granted and think you can coast through college just like you did in high school. It is nowhere near the same. My second piece of advice would be to learn how to budget your time. You have to make time for homework and studying regardless of how much you want to party and hang out with the new friends you made. The last piece of advice would be to not give up. Even if you hit a rough patch in school, put your head down and stay focused on the task at hand. You can do anything you put your mind to.

Brandon

The work load has increased and you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel any more. High school is dragging you down and things can only get harder from here, right? Surprisingly, your best choice right now is to keep yourself together, work harder on that english paper, put more work into that math problem, research the thirty-first president of the United States. When you get to college, everything is what you want to do. Working hard in high school will prepare you well, college will be a breeze. The only new knowledge you are required to have is in the field you love, Everything else is an easy review. By the way, you will meet real friends here who understand what you are saying when you talk about your latest programming project. You have more free time than you think and the free time is nice. High school is your chance to get ahead, take it because it will never come around again.

Melanie

When looking back there would be a few things I would tell myself. For starters, make sure you are recieving adequate information before making a decision on which college you want to attend. You have to apply to more than three schools and ask every question imaginable before making a decision. Also, you cannot form an opinion about a school until you find out everything it has to offer. Next piece of advice is to not take on too much when you start college esspecially with moving away. You have to settle in and figure out the ground before you get involved in too many things. Do not try to take on all your classes, work, a few clubs, and a honors project all at once if you have never lived away from home before. Eventually, you will find yourself overwhelmed and needing to quit something. So, take things slow and figure things out before you get your feet too wet. Lastly, keep an open mind about the college life. Remember school work always comes first and parties second. Also, make sure you know who you are hanging out with before you find yourself alone with them.

Destiny

If I could go back and give my senior self advice about making the transition on college life I would say; "Destiny, take heed to the many pearls of wisdom others have given you about life and moving forward. Remember, nobody will baby sit or hold your hand. Take learning into your own hands and not wait on the instructor to instruct you to the next thing. Stay grounded in your morals. You can't miss what you never had." I'd continue and say, " Stay guarded and focused. Don't let barriers of culture, and language eat you up. You keep going. The college life portrayed on Television is not always accurate and realistic. You have a great heart but not all the time can you let emotion cloud logic. You can't help anybody if you can barely help yourself. Not everybody was born the same way you were. Not everybody is honest. People can be nasty, rude, and misleading but never lose sight of a goal and that's educate yourself, polish your skills and share your abilities with the world. Lastly, if something don't look or feel right LET IT GO!"

Matt

My biggest worry then was playing baseball in college. After my injury, I was devastated. My biggest advice to myself would be to stop worrying about what I cant control and simply focus on school, family and friends. I think I isolated myself for awhile, dead focused on rehab and training. Looking back, it just doesnt seem like a huge deal now. As far as transition to school, I would tell myself to read the chapters before class in college. I never read the textbooks in high school and figured I could do the same in college. This was not the case! I learned that lesson sometime mid-freshman year. Overall, the transition was stressful simply becasue it was a transition. I would tell myself to enjoy the experience and only worry about being the best friend, boyfriend, and son that I could be. Thanks for considering me! -Matt Rozelle

Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,So many years have passed between us. Years filled with emotion and experience. We’ve already made mistakes but you are doing it right. After 3 children and a failed marriage you are back in high school. You will succeed and the work you do now will get us into college and be an example to our children in the future. They are all college grads. You will be proud. We will have struggles. We can make them easier. The first lesson is that no one can rescue us. We’ll pull our self up by our bootstraps but keep looking for that knight in shining armor. There isn’t one. Still all that hard work pays off. In failure, hard work teaches lessons. Next, respect and believe in yourself. We can be a Doctor or Nurse or anything else we want to be. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you our heart is wrong. Weigh all decisions within.Finally, the travel was worth it and education will be some of the most rewarding moments of our life. Don’t change those.Love from your future self,Rebecca

Kenneth

I would tell myself to take Senior year as serious as possible. It isn't a joke! Get a job on top of sports, not only for the income but also for something to put on a college application. Take more risks that won't get you in trouble with the law. It is okay to have some fun and try new things, don't be afraid to go through a little pain and enjoy the experience of how you got there. Ask the girl out that you wanted to, it might not have lasted going into college, but knowing you took a shot with it is better than just sitting on the sidelines wondering what if. Start that small food fight you wanted to. Yeah it might have gotten you in some trouble with the school, and some of your record, but what kid doesn't see a movie with a food fight and the lunch room and says lets try this? Take part in activities that might be deemed nerdy, for example, chess club, math club, or the debate team. Since your motto is go big, or go home, why not give it a shot.

jerry

thank you

Evelyn

I was a high school drop out and decided to go get my GED in 2005. If I would be able to rewind time, I would have to rewi nd it to my freshman year and try to take advantage of my full education. I would definately attend Davenport University again, it was the best fit for me. I'm currently going back to that school again. College is hard but it is definately worth doing. Education is the most important part of life, and it opens many doors for people.

Jaclyn

Don't change a thing. College was a blast and you will have no regrets. Going back to school in your thirties is just part of life's journey. You wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

Faith

I really knew what I wanted to do my whole life. I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I spent a lot of my own time in the salons because my aunt and good friend of the family both worked in salons. I was able to attend hair shows with them and watch them work. I think having that passion really has prepared me for doing what I wanted to do. However, I really didn't take the time to think about paying for college. The advice I would give myself was to put away as much money as I could. I immediately started working the day after I turned 16. I have tried not to be a financial burden to my family. I should have been saving money all along to help me pay for college. That would have helped me so much. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. I will not let you down if I am chosen.

Sally

If I were to go back in time I would have told myself, focus more in school and join an after school program. As a high senior back in 2009 I wasnt involved in any school programs, nor did I participate in any sports. Now that I am in college, I had to pay my way through school and it was very hard the first year. Many schools offered scholarships for students who participated in sports and were involved in programs like DECA etc. I never really gave life after high school much thought. I was just 18 years old trying to hurry and graduate. Now that I am 22 years old, I have faced reality and now I am finally graduating with my asscociates degree this summer 2013. I recently got accepted into University Of North Texas and will be attending in the fall. I am overly excited to attend school in the fall and start working on my major Fashion Merchandising.

Daniel

Don't choose a college by what other classmates are doing. Check out colleges - visit , and if possible ask current students about their experiences. Don't put a lot of pressure on yourself to move out and live in the dorms. Living at home can be a great cost saving option if it's close to the campus. Living at home also gives you more opportunities to continue to pursue your own interests on free time - like hunting, fishing, biking, etc. College doesn't have to redefine who you are - keep it in perspective. The goal for college should be preparation for a good job or career. Choose a focused college that will help you meet your career goals without adding the stress of added liberal arts curiculum that you are not interested in.

hope

Do my best in all courses never give up. Research colleges first before graduating from high school so you won't be lost finding your future. College life is different so make sure to make wise decisions. Going to college and graduating is the most important decision any senior will make in their lives. Education is the most important goal all kids should achieve. Not having a college degree will keep you in a bind of debt, low paying jobs, stress and considered non-competitive in the workforce. Having a college degree can open more doors to more jobs, offers, success and blessings in your life. I am the first person to graduate from college in 2012. My parents, or grandparents or great grand parents didn't go to college. I am so proud to becoming a soon to be graduate knowing I will be more productive in the workforce above high school graduates. Go for GFS= Go For Success!!!!

Michael

I would have told myself to continue my education. I would tell myself that there are no obstacles too large and that I could do it! I would make sure I had resources to give to my younger self to make getting that education easier. I would also have to tell myself that no matter what I am telling myself, it is wrong. I am smart, I can do it and my family is wrong. I can do anything I can set my mind to.

Joseph

As a current college student, I would focus on the element of college as more of a social convention than an educational choice. College has become seen as a given, a natural next step after high school that one finishes after four years, probably with now-sizeable debt. I myself have taken a slightly different path. I have gone to two different colleges now, and have come to realize that my choices as to where to apply for college, and what to major in were more driven by trying to impress my friends than by choosing the most fulfilling path for me. I am now going into my first semester at a four-year school where I will complete my BA in Psychology, hopefully with Honors. To my high school senior self: ignore what you think everyone else thinks! Don't be rash in this; others can have constructive suggestions, but don;t for example go into engineering because it seems a proper manly major or pre-med because it sounds like a nobl struggle, instead choose the path of light, the one that says "I am happy with my life and what I am doing with it."

Bethany

To complete my degree directly out of high school. I attended a two year college and decided I was done with school. Several years later, I realized that without furthering my degree, I was not going to be able to progress my career life any further. It was important for me to advance in my career field. Even though I have now completed my degree, for the time being, I still wish that I would have stayed in college through the Master's program. When we graduate from high school, one of the first ideas that several students get is to begin working and start college after a couple of years. From personal experience, this mind set is a horrible belief. If I would have known how difficult it is to go back to school and get back in the mindset of studying every night, I would have completed at least a bachelor's degree right out of high school. To say "I can go back at any time" is a very untrue statement. When life begins and it is necessary to work everyday, going back to school becomes further and further from one's reach.

erica

The advise I would have to give myself is that high school is not just about fun and games. In high school I never took anything to serious and I wish I would have. I believe that I have the brains I just never used them in high school. I was to worried about my friends. If I could go back in time I would have turned those B's and C's to A's and B's.

Heather

I would tell my self to relax and not stress so much about the acedemic challenge, because it does nothing but allow me to grow and understand the world, and I will end up doing a great job! I would also tell myself to become involved in many activities on campus such as clubs or theater because it would introduce me to many new people and ideas which would help shape me into the well-rounded person I aspire to be. Lastly, I would tell myself to always carry an unbrella because walking across campus in the pouring rain is not fun!

Terri

I have been attending schooling off and on for 15 years. I am a Career Consultant working with adult learns and high school seniors. I always share with high school seniors to embrace college, live on dorm, and don't stop! From my own experience, I had the oppurtunity to live on campus and without question it was the best experience of my life. Learning how to life with and meet new, diverse individuals was priceless and immediately helped me to be a better employee, business owner, etc.. There are so many wonderful expeirence in college from joining groups to voluneteering that help to provide you with a rich and fullfilling expeirence. I wish all people had the oppurtunity expeirence college and college life. Lastly, I would share my own expeirence of how challenging it is to stop and go back to school. When you are eighteen, four years sounds like a life time. But in reality when a career and family become part of your life, going to college is the last thing that you want to fit into a busy life. However, in today's age you must have a degree to be successful in a career.

MELISSA

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that my life is my own, and that I should follow my heart and do what I want as a career and not to listen to anyone who attempts to steer me in another direction because I would be following other people's hopes for me and not my own. That would cause me to change my career path which means it would take longer to graduate college because I would be tempted to take courses in other areas that would lead up to the degree I want and not what I was supposed to be taking according to other peoples hopes for me. College is expensive and every course I take that leads to a degree in something other than what I want to do in my career is a waste of time and money. Following my dreams would allow me to want to go to college, love my courses and look optimistically toward the future.

Katrina

I would be more focused on my study habits. The habits we use in high school orchestrate the habits we will use throughout our educational career. I would organize better by listing the assignments and readings as well as assigning a day to complete each of them. I would make sure I have time for mysel so I'm not burned out. And I would network more to find students with my same courses or interests to help me with a support system. Lastly, I would have more dedication to my education going straight through instead of taking breaks.

Lorraine

What I have gotten from my college experience - hope, inspiration and plan. I am not the typical student. I am 48 and a mom of two teen daughters. Less than a year ago, my job was eliminated. In search for a new job, I learned that my resume had to match a selection of competencies - one of which, a college degree, to advance to the next round. Regardless of my 22 years of international business travel, companies using online job application with criteria match - college degree, I do not get past go! I reached out for help. I called Davenport University. On hold for the next advisor, fear grabbed me, doubt appeared too and then, reality ... OMG, I must be crazy. Its 30 years since being in a classroom. Almost to hangup and bail on the whole idea, a friendly voice said, "Welcome to Davenport". In that phone call, I got more than just help, I got hope. Inspired by the diverse student body and dedicated professor's, I signed-up and have a plan to my degree. The value to attend will come when I mark the check box - college degree and get past "GO". Welcome to Davenport University!

Cassandra

College has opened my eyes to the world of responsibliity. I had been quite responsible during my high school days, but in college there are so many more thing that you have to take care of on your own, or with little help. Being financially stable is now in my own hands and it's a lot more work than I had imagined. Now I can picture how hard it was financially for my single mom to raise me alone. Finances are a big part of college, and my expericence dealing with them is very valuable to my future.

Meagan

I have come back to school after working for a few years. I found that being an artist was what I really wanted to do with my life. I am attending the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After only one semester, I have confirmed that belief that art is my calling. I have already learned so much not only about artistic techniques, but also about how to be a professional artist. I have had teachers that are extremely supportive of my ideas and are excited about what they teach. This makes learning so much more interesting. The school has already given me opportunities to start my career as an artist through a school wide art sale. This showed me how to talk about my work to potential clients. I have already learned a lot and am excited to learn more in the upcoming years.

Heather

Davenport's Health Services Administration program is helping me to expand my experience and knowledge of the healthcare industry. The courses I have completed thus far, are already assisting me in my every day job. I am currently employed for a large healthcare organization and plan to stay within this organization after obtaining my Bachelors Degree. In my current employment role, I am witness to the fact that Davenport is teaching real values and policies/procedures one can expect to see while working within this industry. Attending Davenport University has been a valuable experience to me, as I am learning more about the industry and am able to apply this knowledge to my current work. In addition, the flexibility of Davenport's online courses are the only way I was able to go back to school since I work full time and have two school aged children.

Angel

I am a single mother of four. I was pregnant with my first born as a senior in highschool. I graduated around a week before my son was born. I didn't have the opportunity or the motivation to go to college back then. I have struggled my whole life trying to provide for my children on minimum wage jobs. Last year it dawned on me that I am close to 30 years old now, and I have no benefits, no retirement fund, and no future. How do you put into words the value of a second chance? Once I get my degree, and the opportunity to gain a career, I will be able to give my children the things they lack now, and most of all, an example to follow. Its never too late to better yourself. Attending Davenport has not only provided me with an education, but a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Marco

College to me is one of the main key points to your success in life. I also believe the more knowledge you obtain in school can take yyou closer to reaching your goals. Ive gotten alot of experience with going to college. I am able to turn the valuable experiences there into skills for my future. Being able to go to school changed my life because i come from a family that is very very low income. I feel with going to college I am able to succeed higher than what i was raised with and be able to contribute back to the community.This why any sort of scholarship and experience i gain in these college years I consider valuable to have a better future for me and the community.

Jessica

Prior to attending Davenport University, I had taken the first half of my degree at another private university in Omaha, Nebraska. While the experiences at my first college were not bad ones, my true college and learning experiences did not start until I enrolled at Davenport. The education at this university has gone much further than just the basics one might need to graduate. In fact, attending this school changed my entire life. I now apply critical thinking skills I have learned through Davenport University in the real world. The things I am learning are not just textbook examples, but rather, they are teachings that I can apply to my own life, to my future and due to that, feel I have truly accomplished something in my life. Going to this college has been the most rewarding thing I have done so far in my life, and I know that no matter what, I will always look back fondly on Davenport and how it has and will continue to positively impact my life and in turn, the lives of those around me.

Tamra

I have learned not to give up and always stick it out! My life has taken many turns and I have ended up on dead end streets only to back up and start over again. I am excited to be so close to graduating and I can't wait to be able to apply my knowledge that I have attained in a real life setting! I want to help others so much!

Linda

The number one thing I’ve gotten from going to college is self-esteem. It has enabled me to become a valued asset for the company I work for, it has provided the framework for a secure future for my family, and it has allowed me to earn a vision of myself as a competent and successful member of society. Before college, I lived in the moment and ran on intuition - poor planning and inadequate comprehension were my constant companions. College has taught me to think before speaking, before acting, before implementing any major or minor changes in my life - and for that I am grateful. Some people have a clear vision of what they want to be when they grow up but all I knew was that I didn’t want to grow up. However, life doesn’t give us the option to stop time - the option before us then is how will we march through time? I decided to pursue an accounting degree and with the help of good instructors, family, friends, and supportive co-workers I’ve been able to make major changes in my life and put myself in a position to live a successful life.

Nivea

The class sizes are smaller and the instrutors are very helpfull. Most of the instrutors have or are working in the profession that they are teaching so you will have an insight of your field of study for the real world.

Abir

College is something needed for anyones future, especailly with the economy these days.

Jessica

Davenport University has provided me with such a valuable college experience. Going back to school as an adult was terrifying, but when I was accepted into Davenport, I received an advisor who walked me through everything from financial aid to using the student website to sign up for classes. Through my advisor, I learned that not all universities treat students just as another number. My advisors and professors have taken time out of their day to help me in every way possible and because of them I?ve received an amazing experience at Davenport. During my classes, I?ve learned that their Health Information Management program would be fast paced and would prepare me for any health administration career in any hospital. I?ve gained knowledge in subjects I never thought I?d get a chance to learn, such as medical law, and with every assignment I complete on time and well, I?ve gained a confidence in myself that I didn?t have before. I know that through my education at Davenport University I?ll be prepared for what the future holds in terms of my life and my career.

Mark

I choose Davenport because it is a great school for adult learners, the Professors and student there are very nice and willing to teach. My reading ablity was low when I first started at davenport and now I'm reading at a normal adult level and I love every minute of my college life.

woody

i will work on my experience the one i've learn about it and i choose to attent because there's no life without school

Megan

Even though my collge experience has been short, I feel that is has offered me a way to break out of my shell and meet new people. I am a shy person, I do not like to talk to people I do not know. College has made me stop and talk to new people because I am surronded by people I have never met. College has also made me make new friends. It has made me more confrable in new situations, so it was valuable to attend.

Latisha

Ever since I made the decision to return to college while pursuing my education to the next highest level, my experience has been nothing but a motivational enlightment. My reason for saying so is because of the knowledge and detailed information I gained from each of the courses I had taken. Going back to school has been a valuable experience for me because it offers a greater chance to succeed in the future. This plays a role of importance in my life in order to strive for excellence during my studies.

Andrea

I have gotten so much out of attending Davenport. I have met so many wonderful people. I have a much larger self asteem and can now take on tasks that almost seemed impossible before starting school. My life has more purpose and I am a happier woman. I am more organized with all areas of my life and I can now take on projects and complete them from start to finish. My outlook on life and my future is such a possitive one that my children now see their mom happy,focused and determined to succeed in all areas. The value has been tremendous. I am so happy that i decided to take the step to attend college after eighteen years of being out of highschool. I can't thank Davenport University enough for this oppourtunity.

Frank

Attending a University is a momentous journey in a young person's life. Important decisions are made there, and professional knowledge gained for use in the future. A successful University experience should shape a person. Rigourous studying and discussion mold the mind's of our open-minded future. I'd like to think I have gained a large amount from this experience. I not only feel more confident in my field of choice, but I feel more confident in life overall. Being University educated doesn't just mean you're smart, it means you're a well rounded individual ready to tackle the biggest challenges life has waiting. After all, if I can survive four years of college, what CAN'T I do?

Husam

Well I have gotten many things like learning to listen and understand what others people are talking about. Most of all know how to solve the issue not run away from it. My years in school got me to be a better person to life and the people around me.

Michael

If I could go back to my high school and speak with myself, I would encourage myself to concentrate fully on the educational experiences of college. I would advise myself not to work more than a few hours a week during the school year, so that I could really do my homework and enjoy the experiences of education and relaxing with friends. I might recommend that I go away to school, and live on campus, rather than staying at home and attending a local college. I would recommend that i experience as many new things as possible and to share those experiences with friends. I would encourage myself to drink deeply at the well of learning, for there is a wide and wonderful world out there, that offers so much to the person who seeks for more than just an education, more than just existence, but rather the one who gives his best effort to finding his place in the world and making the best of it. I'd also say, relax, enjoy the journey, and savor the joy of knowing you finished the race and did your best.

Robin

Be determined, be confident, be strong, think positive, and press on no matter how difficult it may see. Not all classes are difficult. College is only a few years of your life, but the benefits and memories will last a lifetime.

Andrei

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice that i would give myself would be to work hard and apply for college early. Putting college off or being indecisive about what school to go too is the largest mistake one can make in life. In order to ensure the transition is an easy one, a student needs to understand that college is totally different. Nobody is there to remind a student that something is due or to give punishment for being absent or late. College involves a whole sense of responsibility that one should have developed before applying. A student needs to be aware of what is going on, when assignments are due, and what is going on in class. Developing a daily schedule and being sure to allocate time to reading, studying, and doing homework is essential to survival and not falling behind. Putting things off will only derail a student planning to go somewhere in college and in the future. The most important piece of advice I would offer to my younger counterpart would be to plan ahead, prioritize, set goals, achieve them, and strive for more knowledge.

Tanya

I would tell myself to attend a university in my hometown, one with dormitories in order to soak in the academic multicultural atmosphere. Take advantage of every opportunity to help excel my academic standing and future professional career. I would also tell myself to get more involved in community projects, internships and volunteer opportunities. Joining a sorority would be nice, not only for the camaraderie, but as an excellent networking source. Overall, enjoy the time spent during my academic pursuits, create meaningful friendships and use this time to network and secure beneficial contacts.

Sherease

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I'd give myself sound advice. I'd tell the younger me that the teachers really do want us to succeed. I would encourage my younger self to take advantage of study groups and any extra time that your teachers are available to help. Lastly, I'd tell myself to take my education more seriously. Instead of worrying about the extracurricular activities, I should be focused on the best grades and GPA possible.

Danielle

I would have told myself to let go of all the pain, and depressing moments in my life, and do my absolute best in high school. Because if I do, then later in life it would all pay off. Maybe I would've been accepted for a better job. Maybe even saved money for college a lot better to avoid joining the armed forces. Maybe I'd be an extraordinary chef right now instead of working on it.

Lynnellyn

If I could talk to my "high school senior" self I would tell me to pursue higher education early in life. Although I had three amazing children directly out of high school (and I would not change that) I would advise myself to continue my education at the same time. I am not sure if this "talk" would have been effective back then (in the 60's) because the educational opportunities were not as available, practical or doable to non-traditional students as they are today, but I believe if I had the insight as a teenager regarding possibilities that furthering my education would have presented, I could have convinced me to follow a passion that I had to wait for 30 years to realize. College is an experience that can only make you grow and in my case would have made me a better all-aroung person that could transfer the desire to learn to my sons at an earlier age. I could have been a role model instead of a cautionary tale.

Josh

If I got into a time machine and traveled back to my senior year of high school their would be so much I would say. First, I would say that your parents are right, GPA is everything. That most schools or even scholorships wil not except you if you have less then a 3.0 GPA. I would say that you better start good habbits now while you are in high school because in college it is ten times hardered and bad habbits are hard to break. The second thing I would say is don't pick a school through sports because in the long run it doesn't pay out. Sports only get you so far and if you don't like the school it self then you just wasted your time and money. The final thing I would mention is to consider going to a community college for your first two years, it's cheaper and you are getting the same education. Unfortantly I will never get that chance to go back in time to talk to myself to fix my mistakes but that is where we learn. "Experience is the name that everyone give to there mistakes"