Howard University Top Questions

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

tameka

Dear Tameka, You are a strong girl. These high school years have been rough and have taken a toll on your grades, but you never spoke up. As you proceed to the future I want you to know to never give up. There are rough waters against you and many vicious winds of doubt, but please do not give up. Today you may not have the desire to attend an HBCU or let alone Howard University, but I promise you will not regret the choice you make later on. You will have to attend a community college first, but Tameka, please do not take it for granted but use it to your advantage. Forget the parties, fight through your depression, and never skip a day of your anxiety medication. Work harder than before and soon you will be in a famous Historically Black University with hopefully no worries. Remember that education is the best investment, apply for scholarships everyday and never give up. Remember that you are doing this for your mom. Your single mother who works for you! Who slaves for a penny for your education! Fight Tameka, never give up. see you soon Future Bison Tameka

Emilia

To take my time, and not trust as many people.

Draylon

Even though high school might seem simple, don't put off time for anything that can be done today whether it's homework, studying, cleaning or anything else. Always stay independent and never rely on another individual to help you out because they may not always come through on their word. Your GPA is important so make sure to keep your grades first because that is your number one priority and it will aid you in the long run. I know you're very active and like to try new things, but just join a couple of organizations instead of being in everything because time management is a hard lesson to learn if your schedule stays busy. Peer pressure is common everyday, especially in college, so don't hang with the wrong crowd or do something that you know is dishonest or just plain wrong. Last, but definitely not least, put God first in everything you do, stay faithful, and keep praying because you're going to need his help daily. If you stay by God's side, you will become successful along the way and make your parents more proud than they already are.

LeAnna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself what to do and not what to do up to this point. I would tell myself to pick the pharmacy technician major as soon as I could get out, instead of switching majors in the middle of the year, so I could be finished with school and start even more sooner at MUSC to become a pharmacist. I would tell myself to take my classes more serious, so that I could make straight A's is all of my classes. I would also tell myself that it is not as hard as it seems that you will be able to make it through and get to your dream job of being a pharmacist. If I were able to go back in time, this is exactly what I tell myself, to make sure that I would not make the same mistakes that I did now.

Alicia

Dear Senior in High School Alicia Crooks, Please do not take the following advice lightly.. 1. Fill out 3 scholarships every day until you have received your Ph.D., paying for school is the hardest and most depressing thing to do in life. 2. Do not feel pressured to take math early. 3. Run for something in student government, you love student government. 4. Try-out for the dance teams for the band, you are a beautiful dancer don't feel intimidated. 5. Ask questions in class, to older students, to falculty, staff, and teachers if you confused on ANYTHING. 6. Study every day EVEN if you do not have hw. 7. Rent the books orborrow from someone all the time and actually READ the book. 8. GO TO ALL YOUR CLASSES. 9. Always take notes and record the lecture from your phone. 10. Never forget that you are an intelligent, beautiful, positive, spiritual, sexy, kind hearted, and driven young woman. Love, Your future 2014 graduate self

Briana

I would advise myself to spend more time taking advantage of more scholarships than I did. The opportunity to attend college is not cheap and I wish I would have understood that more in high school. I have always wanted to attend college out of state since I believe the experience is an incredible one. I would advise myself to brace myself and stay focus. College is still school and that is what is important. Do not waste time. I would advise myself to make the best of this opportunity each day because before you know it, four years of school are gone and all you are left with are memories. Take advantage of each and every opportunity as they present themselves

Patara

I would not take summers off, and use that time to further my education so as to never loose focus or momentum educationally.

Samantha

The advice I would give myself is this. Try your best. It helps you out in the long run. Volunteer, you will need this to get a job. Don't waste time. Start college earlier, you have your whole live ahead of you but that doesn't mean you can wait a year before starting college.

jason

When you go to college next, just try and stick it out. It's hard but we both know you can do it! Life will be so much easier if you do. If you don't then 10 years from now you will be so unhappy with yourself that you didn't follow through! It only gets harder if you try and go back to school ten years later with a stay at home pregnant wife and two children all while going to school full-time at a fast paced vocational school. Don't get me wrong, you're going to love your life, with your amazing children and the best wife you could possibly ask for but the school portion only gets harder! Good luck, i know you can do it.

Ariel

In school I was a high achieving student, so oppurtunities came easy to me. In college you join an elite group of students who in high school were all high achievers. The advice that i would give myself is to live by the principle of: if i can't find a way, I will create one. College is the land of oppurtunity, but there are a multitude of other qualified students going after the same opportunities that you will be interested in. Just because you don't get those opportunities does not mean that you are not worthy. Don't be afraid to start your own initiatives, because sometimes they will take you a lot further than you can imagine.

Makenzie

If I could go back to my senior year of high school i would tell myself to quit thinking about how bad I wanted to get out of that place and enjoy the time I still had to be a kid. I would do as many school activities as I could and attened every school function that was put on because once you get to collge there are few things that bring everyone together like high school events do. Second I would tell myslef to take TONS of pictures. Every thing you do senior year is special because you will never have another senior year where the only thing you have to worry about is going to your senior prom what your senior pictures will look like. I would tell myself to embrace every moment, good or bad, and remember that your senior year is the last time that you will have to not worry about life. Once you walk across that stage, everything changes. Priorities change and so do we. Looking back, I should have listen to my mom when she said high school would be the best time of my life, a time I can never get back.

Genessa

If I could have given my high school self some advice about making the transition, I would tell myself to talk to everyone that you can during Freshman Week and work hard to maintain those connections. College is too stressful to go through with no support. The friends you make the first week are going to be the strongest connections you'll make in college because you experienced something new together. They will understand what you're going through when things get tough and, hopefully, will have good advice or at least some encouragement to give. Also, GO TO CLASS. You're not going to feel any better if you don't go to class, no matter how much more sleep you may get. You're just going fall behind and regret losing the points for any assignments given that day. Speaking of falling behind, keep up with the reading even if your teacher doesn't bring it up - you'll understand concepts much better. Besides that, I'd just say stick to who you've always been. There's no magical transformation for college students; we're simply high school students who're proving that we actually value education.

Ebony

Work hard and remember college isn't about what everyone around you wants. it's not about what your parents want, what your siblings want, it's about what you want. Do what YOU want to do. Live your life for yourself and don't let anyone tell you no. Be as assertive as possible. Be yourself. Don't lie to fit in. Be an individual. Everything comes with time.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to really think hard and consider the decision that I am about to make. As a college student, I am struggling financially and it is added stress to my already stressful college life. I am not as financially stable as my peers and I often find myself staying in while my friend are out simply because I can not afford it. In addition to financial struggles, I would like to inform myself as a high sdchool senior that the distance is a harsh reality. I would also like to inform myself that I need to put my happiness first and not concentrate on the things that people are trying to persuade me into doing. Make the decision that will make myself happier instead of what would make my family happy because in the end, I will be the one that will have to live the life that I chose.

Rosa

Dear Rosa, You are a very talented individual. Do not be afraid to move ten hours away to a place where you don't know a soul. It will be just fine. The first day you will meet a group of ladies who will be your friends for life. Also, it is good to get away from home. High School was very difficult and it is time to find yourself. Work hard and do not slack off because you have so much free time. You are smart and you have the ability to excell if you put your mind to it. Procrastination will be your worst enemy, so watch yourself and be strong. If you keep steady, the reward will come in the end. Do not worry about boys too much either. You must love yourself before anyone else can love you. Be brave. Do not hide from your potential. Be bold. Make your presence known. Be Active. You have the power to enact positive change. Your family will be such a wonderful support system, but also try to establish some independence. You are entering the inbetween to being an adult, and trust the inbetween is gone in a blink.

Ariana

Be smart about the decisions you make. Its perfectly ok to have fun and party and socialize, but do it in moderstions and always put school first. Thats the reason why your there, and no matter what take every class seriously. That one credit course makes a difference, and dont take advantage of the time, once its gone thats it. Make every day count and have fun... these are your college years- make them memorable and NO REGRETS Bye bye P.S. there are some people youll meet who youll befriend for the rest of your life, and there are others you will meet who aren't who they seem to be- know the difference and remember who's had your back since day one... basically dont sweat the bulls**t! Tootles! :)

Ebony

Throughout my life, I have had a terribly hard time "fitting in". Unfortunately, I experienced racial discrimination and social isolation at a very young age. Additionally, I never thoroughly understood why I am not good enough for my father to show that he ever loved me. The hardships I have endured in the past undeniably modified my perception of self-worth. I never felt good or pretty enough to be loved by anyone. Thus, I spent most of my youthful life ashamed; ashamed of my physical appearance, my intelligence, even my faith in God. Sadly, I hated everything about me, from the pigment of my skin to the emotions of my heart. Nevertheless, upon arriving to college, I reignited my faith in God. At that very moment, I transformed into a confident, social, exceptional young woman! Now, I am overwhelmed with joy and understand the significance of genuine happiness. Furthermore, if I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to be strong and understand that after hardships, joy will follow. Through times of trouble, God will always provide shelter. My life's purpose is to serve God and through Him, I will reach goals.

Destiny

Knowing what I know now about college life I would give myself three essential pieces of advice. First I would stress that I choose a major in a subject that I am most passionate about, undergraduate majors are supposed to be enlightening never stressful. Many times as a senior I thought because I wanted to go to medical school that biology was the correct major even though I knew that I wanted to study the field of english for undergrad. Secondly I would advise myself to stay focused, going away to college offers numerous distractions and it is very easy to get off track. Last but not least I would tell myself to relax in times of stress; it is hard adjusting to new people, administration, residence life, cafe food, midterms etc. In times of chaos it is always best to just take a deep breath, relax and write out a plan of action.

Jasmin

As a high school senior I would tell myself to keep applying for scholarships no matter what the outcome may be. As high school students people always tell us to apply for scholarships and that there is so much unclaimed money that is waiting to handed out. Applying for scholarships was a tedious process so getting rejected or denied makes it hurt even more. It discouraged me so I stopped. I would tell my high school self to keep trying until you can't try anymore because in the end you're going to need all the money you can get. Other than that I would tell myself to enjoy all the moments with your friends and family while you can. Going out of state for college can be a big transition and you're going to need those people to keep you grounded. Cutting them off or isolating yourself from them will only make you feel lonely which is terrible. Finally I would tell myself as a high school senior that you can do anything you put your mind to. Never doubt yourself and always work hard because people are counting on you to do your best.

Ebonee

Ebonee ! Relax. Enjoy life. Dream big. Remember these three aspects as you finish your senior year, because it is vital to appreciate the blessings you have now. You need to LIVE LIFE and ENJOY your friends, because you will never have a chance to go through Senior Year in high school, ever again. Don't worry about rather or not you will be accepted into college, because you will soon be accepted in the right university for you; but try to focus on finding scholarships to help you pay for your education; you don't want to take out loans. Do you ? As you are transitioning into a different world, remember: 1. Relax. Enjoy life. Dream 2. You're beautiful and intelligent, so be CONFIDENT! 3. If you want something, go get it ! NO EXCUSES 4. Always set goals for yourself 5. Stay True To Yourself ! You have a bright future ahead of you, just make sure you continue to work hard and stay focused. Always remember, "20 years from now, you will be more disppointed in the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did do," so don't be afraid to explore, dream, and live.

Taylar

Taylar, I need to have a talk with you. So far you’re doing a great job picking a college to attend, but I need you to listen to me real quick. You are going to get into wonderful schools so you don’t have to worry about that. I know that you know that there is life outside of Texas but just know you will not be able to come home often because mom can’t afford it. You will miss thanksgivings and maybe a spring break or two. That’s not going to be fun. It’s going to hurt not being with your family. Another thing to really take a look at is your financial situation. Work on getting a full ride to college. It’s a real struggle paying for college and mom doesn’t have the money to pay for it. Don’t let that stop you from reaching academic success. You can do it! You have a full life ahead of you. Keep on the right track and God will open doors for you. I believe in you!

Josue

You have no idea just how much of an impact your choices now will have on your future. Continue going to class, get rid of bad influences and keep getting all As. It may seem pointless right now, especially since you don't even know if you want to go to college, but in the end, you don't want to end up eliminating that possibility, now do you? Keep up the good work. It's worth it.

Cierra

I would tell my self to ue my free time wisley and dont procrastinate. When you have alot of free time and do work as soon as I get it, it leaves time for other things and also it leaves time to study more. I would also tell myself to consider the people I hang around from the start. The people you are around can either make you or break you. They do influence your actions and will influence other peoples opinion of you. I would have also told my self to go into college with an open mind. Do not eliminate any options becuase you really do not know what fits you. I would have told myself to try everything. I would also telll myself not to let anything affect my school work.

Nicolette

Dear Me, Take a second to just breathe. I mean a deep inhalation of serenity and a therapeutic exhalation of all the white noise. Everything will work in your favor, forget what you want and revel in what you need. First, let's acknowledge that despite your excessive search for knowledge you don't know everything. In fact, you don't have a clue. So when you do step on campus, remember your morals but don't be hesitant to experience the spontaneity of a new chapter. Second, your GPA is NOT the beginning and the end. It is a number. Granted, it's important but the experiences of life far outweigh any numerical calculation of your success. So those heart-wrenching grades you will receive are nothing but a sign that you are heading in the wrong direction. Which leads me to say, find your passion. You are a hippie at heart that suffers from physical and mental wanderlust. Thus, take that plunge into studying abroad, it will change you beyond what you could ever imagine and aid you in gettings things into perspective. In the end, you will be exactly where you need to be. Love, Me

Shamelle

I would tell myself to not be afraid and believe. Don't worry about other people and fight the fear of rejection and failure. To ask for help and talk to people. Even if you don't need anything just talk, talk, talk because you never know what someone else knows that might help you. Work hard to get a scholarship and apply for them as well. Evaluate every aspect before choosing a school. Don't be LAZY!! Enjoy high school while you can because college is a whole different ball game.

Dana

The college life gives you a taste of what the real world will be like. You’re living on your own with many responsibilities. Do not go to college thinking you can behave the same way you did in high school. My four years of high school I rarely studied and still got all A’s, in college that is not the case. Once you step foot on a college campus, no matter what your rank was in high school everyone has to study, there is no easy way out. I wish someone would have told me to ask for help before I needed it. In chemistry I waited until I felt I was going to fail the class to get help and I barely passed the class with a C. I might have gotten an A if I would have asked for help before assistance was crucial. Going into college you have to be mature, responsible, and know how to prioritize; these three things are crucial for surviving the college life.

Kayla

Dear High School self, You are about to embark on a tremendous journey. Do not be afraid to make friends. And listen, do not go home every weekend. I understand you have never been away from your mother and you're scared, but everything will be fine. You will gain a sense of independence. You cannot live under your mother's shadow your entire life. I know it's hard. I know, but it's for your own good. I will give you some quick advice to make your college life more fulfilling. Advice #1 - Network, network, network! Unfortuately, if you don't know people who know people, you won't get very far. This is especially true in D.C. Advice #2 - Study Abroad! It will be a great experience. I'm sad that your future-self didn't take advantage of it. Advice #3 - Save your scholarship money! If you have any left over, you'll need for senior year. Trust me. And finally, have fun and study hard. Your future self got two Bs sophomore year. If it weren't for those, she'd have a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Chanel

If I had the chance to travel back in time and give my high school self advice, I would tell her a couple of things. Firstly, I would tell her not to do a Varsity sport while in college. While she can manage it perfectly fine, her experience would be better if she doesn't participate. I would recommend that travel the world and study abroad. I wouldn't want myself to miss out on that chance again. Another thing I would tell her is that life is too short to follow other people's dreams. Don't pick a major or a career path because that's what all of your friends are doing or that is something your father wants. Start volunteering early because you will find your passion for education much earlier and be able to plan for your future much farther in advance than I did. I would stress to my high school self to hold onto the friends you can't live without, because if you just let them go, you will regret losing them from your life. Finally, I would tell her not to miss out on anything because she is afraid to fail.

jeremiah

I would first pray to God for guidance in making my college decission.I will sit down with my parents, high school advisors before i rush for college. Take time to grow mentally, work hard and take things serious in high school. Apply for scholarship and ask information for more scholarship before i i rush to apply student loans.

Jordan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college, I would tell myself what everyone else told me back then. Take it seriously! I heard it so many times my senior year of high school and even my freshman year of college, "take it seriously, you don't want to be wasting time." Even though I told my family and friends I was not going to waste time, I wanted to go to college I would pay attention and go to class I lost interest after my first semester. In each class on the first day we have to get up and tell everyone what we were going to school for and what we wanted to do as a career, my answer was I am not sure. I was just attending college because that is what your suppose to do after high school, so I started slacking and wasting time. Now that I know what I want to do I have to go back and retake so many classes because when I took them I did not care. I would be sure to tell myself to just focus on the present.

Tiffany

If I could give my high school self advice, I would tell myself to consider the advantages and disadvantages of advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses and how it would affect my college degree. Advanced placement course credit is not earned if the student does not do well or pay for the test. I decided to take the test for World Literature because in the fall, I knew my major would be English. Another piece of advice: check what advanced placement score is acceptable for the department. I had no idea that Howard was so selective. I found that my former classmates all earned below the score of four and that was accepted by their institutions. The English department at Howard will not accept anything below a score of four for advanced placement course credit. Essentially, I wasted time and money on that test because I earned a score of two. Secondly, I would tell myself to dual enroll at a university that is compatible with Howard. I have dual enrollment credits that will not transfer to Howard because they are incompatible. The courses at the dual enrollment university are considered inferior and unacceptable.

Paige

There are absolutely 3 things I would have done differently: 1. Attended Howard University from initial acceptance. 2. Live on Campus. 3. Apply for more outside scholarships even before entering college. I attended another university before transferring to Howard and I am elated I did so, however transferring makes you behind the curve. What should have taken me 4 years to accomplish has taken me 6 years to accomplish. Although transferring is not the only reason for the time extension, I also had my first child in that time. I chose to live off campus throughout my entire college career, I realize that living on campus gives a more in depth experience of being college. There are things I can never attest to or explain because of that choice. You are more attuned to your college by living in that environment 24/7; as an off campus student you work 10 times harder for less of a reward. Money is key to your success at any college. Scholarships provide a stability and worry-free form of funds. Education should not be a burden, so doing the work beforehand, during and after will make college life all that more enthralling.

Alana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, some advice that I would give myself regaurding what I know about college life now would be to ask for help! The first failed test, quiz, homework assignment that you need help with, go to the library, tutoring, ask your professor, or a peer for help to get on the right track. Being and staying in college takes serious work; if you do not understand something, there are plenty of people there to help you so don't be affraid to ask. Also, enjoy the experience by meeting new people, going to parties, events, and exploring the city/town! You are only an undergradrate once, live it up!

Briana

Even though I have had my share of worry during my freshman year of college as anyone else entering a new level of adulthood, in no way do I regret my experience. I feel that it was a once in a lifetime experience that every new student must face to set the bar for academic years to come. I have adjusted quite well and acquired knowledge that I feel would have been of great advantage for myself had I been aware while I was in high school. The most essential piece of advice I would stress to my high school self is to never lose focus. I made an initial decision to pursue my dream of attending an out of state college despite the fact that was coming from a low-income household. During my freshman year, I experienced a constant battle between the financial aid building and myself, which had a huge effect on my stress levels and fears of being removed from college. What I didn’t understand at the time was that major financial opportunities would come with remaining focused on my education despite the financial roadblocks. In other words, my academic achievement would not go unnoticed.

John

I would tell myself that I have the Drive, Passion, and the Permission to pursue the college life after High School. WhiIe I endured many from that time to this moment (Depression, being Homeless, trying to help my Mother through her drug addiction, being unemployed for a year, etc), I never gave up on my goals and dream of becoming a Federal Agent (FBI or U.S. Marshals), and because I put in work the last 6 years here at Howard and at my previous school (Bryant & Stratton), had I made the choice to go to college from the offset, I would be done by now and I would have done just fine. While I am now having financial trouble in this last year of college, I believe I would not have had an issue getting through in the regular 4 years it takes to finish.

Aline

Dear Aline, Some advice for the next couple of years is D.I.E. Before you rip up this letter hear me out. Think of this as three steps to surviving college: D.I.E (Distractions, Involvement, and Enjoy). Distractions have the ability to blend in with your surroundings. Making them harder to distinguish, they can come in the form of a cute boy on campus or a party the night before a test. Remember why you got accepted, it was your personality along with your grades they wanted. Staying involved has been rewarding for you throughout high school, stick with that, because the busier you are the more focused you become. Continue competing in Speech and Debate it will be the outlet you need when things get difficult. And get involved into organizations that allow you to explore your other passions including: different cultures and giving back to the youth. College is more than exams and frat parties. So my last piece of advice is to enjoy college. Meet new people and take advantage of this chance to find yourself. If you follow these steps you will surely survive college. Sincerely, No regrets

Sean

If i could go back in time to give advice to my senior self i would advise that I stay on top of things and gain more cofidence to be able to achieve total networking opportunities. If it is one thing that I have learned while being an undergraduate student is that it is not what you know, but who you know. I have learned that all it can take is talking to someone about your passions and dreams and you could be one step closer to obtaining your ultimate career goals. I would have liked to known this sooner but I am making up for lost time. It would also benefit my high school self to know that waiting til the last minute to do something makes life so much harder. Even right now, Im dealing with it, trying to find an apartment and more financial aid for my last semseter. Hopefully my past self would benefit and take heed to my words and go out and acheive complete and total success!

Alicia

Howard University is all about who you know so I would tell myself to take advantage of my Howard network and to put myself out there as much as possible. This would come to my benefit with financial aid as well as getting the things I need for school such as recommendations and book discounts. Had I known then about the importance of networks, I would have reached out to some of them instead of just waiting for school to start. Come out of your shell to meet as many people as possible because they'll help with the things you'll need later on in your college career. Take advantage of the summer and use those networks to learn more about scholarships and apply to as many as possible. Don't forget to save your money because those expenses add up: save for the events, food and club fees that are to come. Try to get a headstart with subjects that you feel will be a problem when school starts. Most importantly, RELAX, try to have fun and learn to balance work with play. Enjoy senior year and get ready for college.

DeForest

Wow! It's still amazing that I looked the same as I am today. It's good that I came just in time, right before you are signing your signature on that Howard University application. Look DeForest, I have to tell you a few things before you put your name down on that piece of paper. Do you know what your future goals are? Exactly, I had the same confused face when my peers and guidance counselor asked the same very question. That's why I am here before you now. College is not only difficult, but is also demanding and very challenging. Going through my first two years, I didn't take my college experience as seriously as I should have. I have to concur with your efforts of achieving something greater by leaving North Carolina and attending a great university, but I have to upbeat your potential by making sure you set your career goals in order. By you having a set plan, the college experience you will go through would be grand and fulfilling. So put that application up for now, start planning those career goals and I hopefully I'll become different later down the road.

Taylor

Go for the scholarships. They make a world of difference when you've graduated and realize that everyone is not bombarded with the reality of paying back student loans. Also, get into as much as you can in college. It's the only way to create the lasting memories and meet people who will make a huge difference in your life during school and beyond. You're literally building a new family!

Jennifer

During my high school years, I had very little in the way of money or family support, but I thought that education would be my ticket to a better life. However, despite hard work to achieve good grades in high school, my family refused to help me financially for college. In addition, I was young, naïve, and without proper guidance regarding financial aid or the college application process. Although I eventually found a local technical college and acquired an Associate’s Degree, I was left feeling as if that phase of my life was unfinished. I knew that I had the potential to do well at an institution of higher learning, but I had stopped short of the goal. I was deeply disappointed in myself. If I had the chance to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay the course. Don’t give up! There is nothing worse than living with regret.

Jennifer

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to think about college sooner. I would say to not focus so much on basketball but also learn to play the piano well. I would say don't put all your eggs in one basket so soon when it comes to considering your future. Think about back-up plans and plan the back-up well. I would also tell myself not to worry about things that I cannot change. I would also tell myself that everything will work out just right, if I stay focused on grades, family, and don't rush to grow up. I would tell myself to read more books. Save money. Other than that, I would pat myself on the back--we did well! The time you have to yourself is invaluable. When you look back on your life, you will smile because you made your own decisions and you had faith and love. There is so much more to experience--and you will. You have so much to give to the world and the community. Just live and keep an open mind. You go, girl!

jeremy

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start college right out of high school. I feel this way because you have less debt or other obligations to hold you back. If I would have started college out of high school, I would be done and graduated from a university. I would have also told myself to listen to my heart, and to go with my gut feeling on every decision. Knowing what I know now is good, but I still have a lot to learn about life and its adventures. I am excited starting college, and I am ready to learn so I can better my future.

Tayler

Our first year in colleege is not like we thought it would be . College classes are harder than is was in high school. You have to do more homework and studing It is so much to do before you get in the college like have the money to pay for tuition, housing and food. You have to get your classes that you need and don't wait until the last minute to sign up. This is really important rethink who you want to be your roommate to be because the one I had stole from us, had bad hygiene problems and had a negative affect on me when i went there. When more days go by in college you will start to miss home, and also don't let stress effect in your class work. At Middle Tennessee State University there are so much to do like go to sporting events, step shows, and plays. The people up there are so different that we are use to seeing, for example you might see this young man walking around with no shoes even in the winter time. College will be rough, but by the second semester you will be just fine.

Rebecca

College is an adventure and only a small step in this journey we call call life. Remember you are a student first and foremost. You're here to learn and educate yourself. The classroom and those $200 textbooks are no longer your only resources to enlightment. The people your surround yourself with everyday can teach you more about the world then you ever knew was possible. Remember to take a deep breath and relax when times get rough. Not everything will be easy, especially not the infamous financial aid office. Just like your mom taught you, everything happens for a reason so just keep on pushing. You are resilent, caring, and brillant. No one can change that. Live a little. There is nothing wrong with a party and friends to help you relax. HOWEVER "girls gone wild nights" are never the answer to the end of a stressful finals week. Your friends are your family away from home. You need them and they need you. College is the time for you to discover yourself. Who are you? What are you meant for? What's your passion? Dont worry, you"ll find all the answers soon enough!

Jazzmond

I would tell myself to stay true to myself and don't get caught up in what every other person is doing!

Jazmyn

Dear Miss Harmon, You have so much potential to be better than you are, so just do it! Howard is a wonderful school, and you are going to adore all that it has to offer you. Do not let the competition discourage you from achieving your best in student organizations, class, or even student government. Please get to know your professors and form a relationship with them. It will make it easier to present them with questions and also recommendation letters in the future. Do not give up on anything! Strive for the A on every test, quiz, exam, and project. This way you will not be stressed one bit when it is time for the final grades. Being that you are so far away from home, you should get extremely involved on campus and make friends. But do not let extracurriculars come before class and ensure that your friends are your SUPPORT group away from home. So choose wisely! I believe in you, and I know you will do great things. Go to class, LEARN, and keep your eye on our future! Good luck! Sincerely, Jazmyn Harmon

Danielle

As a high school senior, I would give advice to myself to not quit school. When I was in high school, I quit. I did not think ; I belonged in High school. When I realized, I could not make it in the real world without an education, I went back to school. If I would have graduated and went straight to College, I would already have my education finished. Having to do everything all over again was a big challenge, and I would have told myself to stay strong. When I get finished with my career, I will be extremley proud of myself. Everyone needs to have a great career, and there are many people that will help you do that.

Taj

Knowing what I know now I would go back to my high school self and tell her that she needs to learn how to network. I would also tell her to start look for internships and places to intern as soon as possible. My high school self would have to know that speaking to her major advisor and her university advisor is a must as a freshman. I would tell my high school self don't try to find true love her first year, that's how hearts get broken. Also long distance relationships are extremely hard to maintain. Basically it's better to be single until graduate school. I would tell her to make sure that the friends that she surrounds herself with are goal oriented. The final thing I would tell my high school self is to have fun college should be the best four years of your life.

John

DO YOUR WORK KID. When I first got to college i had trouble finding a balance between my work and social life I also was under the impression that i could get y on good test grades. I had trouble accurately managing my time and my first semester grades reflect that. I would also tell myself that things aren’t as hard as you think they are that most of the problems that you are going to face in college you can figure out the answer to as long as you work at it and stay focused you'll get through just fine. I would encourage myself to take me more risks be outgoing and that as long as you continue to be yourself you'll be fine.