Jacksonville University Top Questions

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

Steven

Up until now, you've had people tell you all about how great you could be. You are used to people telling you how smart you are and how much potential you have. But, what have you done? You were expelled from your elementary school, you almost were asked to leave your middle school, you spend all your time playing video games, and now you're here: at the foot of highschool's door. Steven, I don't care how "smart" you may or may not be. In the real world, people are the things they do, not the things they could do. Out here, people are the things they have become not the things they could be. Our innate abilities are only useful to us when they manifest themselves in a tangible way. There is no medal for the man who could have won and there is no ceremony for potential heroes. No more living in your potential. Stop being satisfied surrounding yourself with your fans and start taking on challenges. Endure struggles, and in your enduring, you will grow strong. Steven, become the hero of your own story, do not live as a background character or a prop.

Elizabeth

If I could talk to my senior self, I would say that since you are taking a year and a half off save money for a new car. I would also say in order to have gone in the fall that you should have done more research and looked into scholarships. Do not get lazy about funding for school because you are going to spend thousands from your own pocket. I would have tell myself to go straight into the dance program at the community college because it is free college money assuming you would have made it. Looking back I would have said to never be afraid to take chances and to say no to the things you know were going to end up being bad. Another thing I would have said is to not care what people think because it is your life not theirs.

Hope

First, I would tell my younger self to join the military. The training that you receive is nothing compared to the civilian work force and the amount of education benefits that you get are unmatchable. Four years serving your country is an honor that you can be proud of and use in persuing a four year degree.

Amy

The one thing I would tell my high school self is this. Give your all in your studies and don’t give up on your dreams. Going back to school in my thirties has been difficult. The hardest personal struggle I have encountered is how much my grades back then are impacting my life now. Even though I have a 4.0 GPA now, my B’s and one C are a constant reminder of how I didn’t put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into my early college years. “Keep focused on your school work, Amy. There will be plenty of time for fun later on!”

Dallas

I would tell my high school senior self to apply for as many financial aid scholarships as possible both on line and scholarships offered by Jacksonville Univeristy.

Kathleen

Don't get discouraged. Th school system isn't going to keep you down. You will get to college anyway and on your own merrit. Your mother taught you well. The best thing that you can do now is push forward and not give up. (Also, try getting a computer that doesn't have sticking keys.)

Kemoy

If your an athlete. Only go for free. If your a student go to community college, get grants, scholarships whatever you can so you can go for free. To hell with loans. They are not helpful at all.

Regina

Knowing what I know now I would have many things to tell myself as a high school senior. The most imprtant thing I would have told myself, was to start saving up money, and also start looking up scholarships early instead of procrastinating. I would tell her that money is going to be an issue in the future if you don't find a way to manage it properly while you are in hig school. Besides the money I would also tell her to quit worrying about failed friendships, because with the personality that we have we can find better understanding friends in college. College is a gold mine for new and exciting friends that believe in the same ideals as you do. The last thing that I would probably tell her, is to focus on school work and nothing else because you want to aim for the top ten and not the top twenty. And to stop procrastination on homework because it will only hinder your performance in the long run. Other than that my senior self was everything that she could be.

Krista

I would tell myself not to worry so much about it. Once you're here everything just sort of falls into place. You might feel homesick at times but over all it's not that bad of a transition.

Katelyn

If I could go back and give myself advice about college I would tell myself I know right now all you can think about is how am I going to do this? Trust me everything is going to work out! You will have friends and family there who will support you in those times of need that are going to come your way. Also, stay focused on your main goal on why you are there. If it helps many doors will open for you here and you will soon see that every late night at work, every struggle, and all your hard effort is paying off here. You have so many people to make proud and you are doing that.

Shanese

I would tell myself to relax more and enjoy the senior year fun because it does not last long. The real world is serious enough and the things that are happening are tough but you can make, you will make it stay positive and have fun dont wait until the last week of senior year to enjoy because you will have regrets. Live a lot, love a lot, and smile a lot life gets better from here!

Stephanie

If I had to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would like to know that you can not stress about grades in college. Some professors are not going to grade you based on the success of your work, but on qualities that they find suitable for the field of study, and they all have their opinion. I would tell myself to always keep all of my assignments, because the professors can calculate your grade wrong, especially if they do not know how to work the online grading system. As a high school senior, I would like to tell myself that it is more important to focus on academics at a university over having an extravagant social life. Going in as a commuter has really made my social life on campus non-existent, but my grades are amazing. At first, I wanted to go to a school where all my high school friends were going, but choosing a university where nobody from my old high school attended was the best choice.

Christopher

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior to stop what you are doing and look for scholarships. College is one of the most expensive things that you will come across in life. I am truely amazed of the cost. My high school senior grades I am sure are good but you should still prepare for what is to come. College is not cheap at all. So high school senior stop watching televison, stop playing basketball, stop eating you have ate four times today already, and go scholarship searching. Now!

Chris

The advice that I would give myself is that although I was a senior, instead of having a case of "senioritis," continue to work hard to reach your goals.

cheryl

My advice to myself would be; Don't be scared, there will be people to help you along the way, but you will need to do your part. Ask for help, people in the school office really do want to help--but you need to ask. When you feel overwhelmed--stop--take a deep breath and remember every problem does have a solution. Find a professor that you trust and talk often Look for what makes you excited-for there is is your passion for life will be And most importantly--It is OK to fail, it is not OK though to accept failure--by failing--you become a better and stronger person, if you never know failure--how can you ever know success!

Kyla

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would have a few things to tell myself. I would definitely start by telling myself that the most important thing to always remember is to never doubt myself. That one piece of advice goes for many situations. If something seems impossible, believe in myself. If there is a tough decision, trust myself. I would also tell myself to stay true to who I am. Never do something that I don't agree with because someone else thinks that I should, because I know myself best and what I think of me is more important that what others think of me. I would tell myself to remember that ultimately I am the only one who can make me happy. I control my own happiness. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy life - every moment of it, good and bad. Life goes by too fast to worry and fret over things that don't go the way I want them to. Instead, appreciate everything that comes my way and see the beauty in all of it.

Michelle

Don't Stress! Keep a level head, stay focused, wake up everyday and do the best you can and you'll be just fine! Sometimes it taked a big fail to learn the lessons you need to be a HUGE success!

Akinlabi

My college expereince has exposed me to many things. Not the least of these is the ability to positively interact with others both in and outside of my profession. Being able to accurately communicate is an important aspect of being able to function in my profession and I continue to grow and improve in this area. My college experience has also opened my eyes to the many situations and advancements being made in both science and in education. I hope to be able to utlize the knowledge I have gained in both areas to teach others how we can continue to close educational gaps in science and ultimately use this knowledge to improve conditions in our society and environment. Overall college has been valuable to attend because it has allowed me to observe how different career paths can often converge. Whenever I walk into my classroom, I am always ready to tie something I learned from college to what my students are currently learning in their lessons.

Rudy

From my college experience I have learned that life is to short to dwell on past misfortunes. I realize that there is a bright future for me as long as I endeavor to reach academic excellence. I have been shown that I should not only try to better myself as a person, but others around me as well. Through my college experience, I now know that, true happiness can be obtained. Jacksonville University has been vauable to attend because, attending "JU" took me out of the situation I was in, back in New York; I was unhappy, uninspired and tired of being around the hardships I faced in the "ghettos" of the Bronx in New York city. Going to "JU" was a way for me to start a new life and pursue my dreams of not only one day being the first to graduate from my family, but hopefully helping my mom financially, through the career opportunities I will have from graduating from a University. I value attending Jacksonville University because it has given me a new perspective on life, that there is hope for positive change. I just hope that I can be financially able to continue attending "JU."

Rogelio

Going to SJVC has been the smartest decision I have ever maid, I now know how to work with elictricity,gears and bearings,programable logic controllers and hydraulics. These new skills that i have give me a new sence of felling for life, like anything is posibile and not far from my reach. My current GPA is 4.0 and Ionly have one mounth left to graduate

Kerry

In college you dont have mom or dad coming to live with you. When you go away to college your gone until you decide to go back or finish. I started out thinking away from home I know I can handle this. About two or so months later i realized it was getting to me. The time spent away from family really makes you appreciate the next time you see everyone. My college attendance is a must because of three things I want to achieve during my life now and later. First, I want to help the JU Mens Basketball Program in any ways I can to become 4-time A-Sun Champions starting this year. Second, upon graduation with my Bachelors Degrees in Sports Management and Accounting I plan on taking the most fit job in any area of sports. Why, because sports aren't just a hobby to me, they are my life. Finally, I wish to help my mother with her financial problems as well as my grandmothers. The only way to get all of these things done is to graduate Jacksonville University and take life by the hand and run with her.

Allie

I have only been at college for a semester but my experience has been great so far. I have met so many new people and have learned to be more responsible. I don't have my parents to wake me up for class or tell me to do my homework anymore. I love being on my own to prepare me for the real world. My mom is helping me pay for college while helping my twin sister pay for her college education too. I know she does not have much money so this education is really valuable to me and I feel very lucky to even have been able to make it to college while other hard working students just don't have the money to attend school. I am working very hard to keep up my grades and make sure my college education is being put to good use.

Jennifer

There were many factors that played into my decision in returning to school this year. The biggest one was my fear of being able to take care of my family if anything were to happen to my husband. He has always been the sole provider for our family. Over the years, I have tried to find a job to help supplement our income; however, my lack of education always eliminated me as a viable candidate. My husband and I decided it was time for me to put the time aside and return to get my education. After this first semester, I am truly amazed. I never felt I was a great student. I have learned that I am smart enough to compete with others in the current workforce. This semester has also taught me that if I am determined, no matter how hard it seems to get, I can do it. Do I wish I had taken this path at the correct time in my life? I would love to say yes, but if I had, I would not be where I am with the family I love. I have no regrets about my life. Thank you.

sean

I have learned alot since I have been attendind college. I am the youngest of 5 children and lived in the middle of the woods about an hour from town. When I started to attend college i had to learn how to things for myself. I learned how to do laundry, cook, shop and clean up after myself. At school I learned I had to take care of things myself, that my parents couldn't do it for me. Since attending college I have learned to open up and speak for myself. zi have grown up alot in the past year and I still have alot more growing to do.

Nathan

Shortly following my high school graduation, I moved 3,000 miles from home to begin my year of service as an AmeriCorps member. It wasn’t immediately obvious but I was embarking on an adventure of self-discovery that would ultimately embody my subconscious desire. The opportunity to mentor at-risk youth and serve as a positive role model was more rewarding than I was able to comprehend as I prepared for my journey home. My year of service ended yet my heart’s desire had not been satisfied. Returning home allowed me to continue working with at-risk youth in my own community. Witnessing hardships on the streets of my youth left me with no alternative but to devote myself to "community". I accepted a job with a local non-profit counseling homeless youth but I knew further initiative was required. I was fortunate to have discovered and been accepted into The University of New Hampshire’s Community Leadership Program which is enabling me to embrace a career in service. Lessons I have learned are already enhancing my ability as a homeless youth case worker and with less than a semester completed I’m confidant in my approaching future.

Grace

There are several benefits to attending Jacksonville University. First and foremost, it offers aviation majors, which few universities do. Also, the small class sizes have allowed meto get to know my professors well, which is especially important in my major. They are very helpful and always available. One other benefit was that I wa able to start flying within a month or two of starting at Jacksonville University.

Christian

My college experience, though it is just beginning, has been incredible. I am already expanding out of my comfort zone and trying things I never have before. However, I was accepted to many of the larger universities in my state but could not afford to go to them because I live in a single parent home and it is difficult for my father to send me off to college. We did not receive much controbution from the government but a scholarship would allow me to go and prove myself at a large University where I have always wanted to go to.

Alyssa

I love Jacksonville University, not only have I made a lot of great lifelong friends, but I have also gotten a valuable education that I know will get me the job of my dreams. I love the atmosphere of Jacksonville; there's JU's campus with the Spanish moss covered maple trees, then there's the beaches with the warm water and sun, and there's Downtown with the tall buildings and the Jaguars Stadium. This university has broken me out of my shell, both personality whise and potential wise. I know that I will be doing great things in the future and even now I am proud of the work I have accomplished. I don't believe that I could have any of these things at a diferent university.

Candace

In the time I have attended Jacksonville University, I have learned a great deal about my major and gained a copious amount of friends. I have also attained a new sense of responsibility and have adapted to a place out of my comfort zone. JU provides great campus security and provides many programs to help students settle in such as buddy programs, clubs, and social events.

Dominique

I have learned to be a more responsible person. College has taught me how to not depend on my parents and becoming more of an adult. I learning how to manage my money and when to make certain decisions. College has shown me how life would be 300 plus miles away from my family. It helped me to learn to appreciate and value my family more. Without my family I wouldn't have made it this far and continue to make it. It has been valuable to attend college because of all the life lessons I have learned here so far. College is the time to mess up and make mistakes in life so I can learn from them, and I will know what not to do when I enter the real world. I appreciate my college experience and without it I don't know what kind of person I would turn out to be.

rina

To be honest, I was very disappointed with this university. I feel like it was a waste of money. I did not get any help from advising and they actually made things worse for me and now I can't even graduate when I was supposed to. If I was to do this again, I would not attend this university.

Sarah

Dear Sarah, You are only a few months away from starting the journey of a lifetime. College will be like nothing you have ever experienced. While the classes and your grades will be vital for your success, take the time to form relationships and get to know the people around you. You will regret time spent studying on a Friday night when you could?ve taken a little time out to spend it with your friends. Also be independent but don?t hesitate to ask for help when you need it?even if you might feel embarrassed. You cannot do everything on your own and you need people. You will be surprised the kind of help you will receive and the people you will meet if you simply put yourself out there. And lastly, just be you! You will not truly be happy or content with college life unless you stay true to yourself. Live in the moment and say what you are feeling?regardless of what people might think. Enjoy being you! And if you keep making people laugh every day?know this: you are doing something right. Love, You Know Who

Deanna

I would tell myself "Deanna do not take for granted everything your mother and family have done for you." I'm not even going to lie, I miss my mom making me study and reminding me to do this and that. I learned the hard way you have to make yourself study or your grades will show it at the end of the semester. I have never mad below a 3.0 gpa. I was so crushed. But I have learned from my mistakes. The advice my family gave me repeatedly my senior year about college, I am now taking seriously. As a young adult I have to make better choices and learn to just say no to going to the club when I know I should be studying. This spring semester I plan on doing a whole lot better.

Christopher

The year 2006, there?s a young man standing on the threshold of a brilliant future, but doesn?t know it yet. He has just graduated high school and knows everything there is to know about everything, right? Probably, but then again he hasn?t met me or more appropriate himself. After the initial shock he asks one simple question. What does our future hold? I reply; it holds what we make of it but, remember these truths. Keep the faith, the moral foundation established by our parents is our guide and our identity. Place trust in God and stay on his path. Be patient, this being the most difficult as it will take patience to work a part-time job to pay for all the part-time community college credits we will receive?eventually. Yes, we are a gifted conversationalist however, to be successful become an even better listener. Especially listen vigilantly to our parents, family, friends and future co-workers it is their short comings and failures that will be the driving force to our success. We must work hard to make all of them proud. It?s our success that will be a shared treasure for all.

Tatiana

Being a sheltered child in high school with no experience what so ever in partying, drinking or even boys for that matter, I would return to my high school self and ensure her that there is nothing to really look forward to in the party scene but instead it was a waste of time that took my focus away from bigger priorities. I was a straight A student in high school because I strived above and beyond and wish I would have continued that way throughout my college career. I would tell myself that there is plenty of time for partying after my studies and after I graduate the top in my class instead of just being average.

Shandon

Coming up in high school I was aware of college but not to its full extent. No one in my family had been and my school was not so big on college. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have plenty to say. I would want to make myself aware different aspects of the schools. Different colleges have different aspects that I did not know as a senior. I was unaware of how financial aid works. I was unaware if how loans worked. I was also unaware of all the school that offered my major. If I really could go back I would have planned ahead. I would tell myself to research a lot more. I would need to find out more about the different schools. I would have also told myself to apply to many more schools and more scholarships. With that being said if I could have went back I would be a better college student than I am now. I would be in less debt and be more aware of where of the different options I could have taken if I didn?t like one school.

Patrick

The two main points I would tell myself would be both pack lightly and make contact early. When I left for Jacksonville University, I packed too much (as much as a soccer mom van full). Once it was all transferred up to my room, I was left alone to unpack and settle in. Needless to say, I was in over my head with clothes I'd never wear, and folders I wouldn't use. The other point I'd make to my high school self would be make friends as soon as possible. There are several different ways to come in contact with university students that are transferring there, whether it be Facebook, or the assigned roommate(s). I, unfortunately, did not take advantage of this, and went into college blind, so to speak. Be social early, often, and try to keep it up, because with more friends and familiar faces, life in college gets to be pretty awesome.

Harry

Dear Self, Apply to more schools! Do not settle for the first school that accepts you, you are going to want to be somewhere challenging! I know you may not be motivated right now, but when it comes time for you to apply for a career, you are going to wish you attended the best University into which you were capable of gaining acceptance. During college you will see yourself mature greatly from a kid who wants to be 'cool', fit in, and do nothing but party. In college, you learn responsibility, realize that standing out makes you 'cooler' than fitting in, and that if you do nothing but party, when you graduate you will know how to do nothing but party (and partying is not much fun when it is by yourself, on a street corner, and the people you're begging for money are not your parents). In short, the best lesson to learn is to accept that the 'cool' thing to do is to work hard and find motivation to become successful; and where you attend affects that motivation greatly. Besides, I've never seen anyone driving a Bently that wasn't at least pretty cool.

Amanda

In high school I wasn't too concerned with going to college and told myself I could always go back. I ended up taking classes at a community college and online to get my Associates Degree, but didn't really enjoy the effort it took. Now that I have actually gone away to school, I actually really, really enjoy it. If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to definitly look into going away to school. Not only is it about getting a degree, but the friends I have made in the past 4 months as well as just experiencing a new part of the country has been something no one should pass up.

Brittaney

If I could go back to being a high school senior I would tell myself to not worry being a freshman and being intimated by upperclassman because they were once a freshman once and they know what it feels like to be the new kid in a new place. I would tell myself to take the time to fill out scholarships; I would tell myself that there will hundreds of other freshman who are away from home and missing families just like myself and it is not just me. I would tell myself that high school is not the four best years of my life because I have four years coming up that I truly believe will out shine high school.

Josh

Don't underestimate your abilities in football. You can play at a better school closer to home with a better Computer Science Program. Football isn't the most important thing, you need to choose somewhere that is known for their computer science program. There is just as much fun in Orlando as there is in Jacksonville, and you'll be closer to home. Don't let Coach Kerwin Bell fill your mind with lies when you visit JU. Get more of your parents input.

Nicole

If I could have a few words with my high school self. I would say, relax. Enjoy every moment even the tough ones. If you work hard you will suceed, so work hard all the time, but never lose sight of whats most important. If college taught me nothing else, it taught me that there the most important things cant come from the university but comes from within you. How much you can really handle, how much you can really process and get done. You will suprise yourself at how much your capable of. Allow youreself to adjust and assimilate into the surroundings. Go with the flow. Have fun.

Chris

I would say that you need to keep your focus o your first semesters solely on your grades cause it is so hard afterards to get higher gpa averages and that you not take a break.

Anesha

The college you choose should reflect what you feel you want to be in life. For instance, if you want to be a singer, you should go to a school that concentrates on developing vocal technique. If you like dramatic arts, go to a college that focuses on theatrics. Let your college be a reflection of you. It's important that you be happy advancing in your education. Once you get into that college, you have to get involved in the things that you are passionate about on your campus, so that you can maintain a social life in college. It is true that most lifelong bonds are formed in college so being open to difference (culture/ethnicity etc.) is something you should come prepared to experience.

Alexandra

Keep your options open and really look into the fine print of your University's housing contracts.

Jennifer

What do you do when you are faced with the decision of picking which college is for you? First, you must decide what it is you want out of your college. Do you want a strict academic learning environment or something a little more open to change and free speak? Do you want a big college or a small college? The questions go on and on and are never ending. Well, once you have some answers, try to narrow down your college search to about one or two or maybe even three colleges/universities. Your next step should be to go to these schools and take a guided tour of the campus and you may want to prepare a small list of questions. After your tour, ask your guide any questions you had on your list that they may not have answered and any new ones you may have. Therefore, you will have a greater understanding of what the university is about. Finally, you just have to think to yourself, what is the right school for me? Ultimately, you have to make a final decision and just make sure that you will be happy at the school of your choice.

sara

I would give the advice of starting early on all forms. Just keep filling out scholarship forms till you know for sure if you have enght money. And to remember to breath it will all work out in the end.

Timothy

The main thing is to visit all of the schools that are considered and if possible sit in on a couple classes to get a feel for what is expected. Also if you plan on joining a greek organization or any other group/club to get as much research about the one on each particular campus and talk with people who are currently involved; this will give the opportunity to evaluate each school from a different perspective. When choosing a school you need to determine whether you want large lecture hall or small classroom instruction depending on how your learn most efficiently. Sure money comes into play but typically more expenisve private schools offer larger scholarships and are more willing to give it out. Then if you are torn between a couple make a check list and score each school and see if the scores for each help at all.

Samantha

To perents I would ask them not to forget their children. It really stinks to be the only person at the lunch table without a card or care package from their parents. To the students, when searching for the college, don't settle. If you want a program go for it and apply! Thats how I got to JU where I couldn't be happier. While you are there remember that this is a time of change. You may not end in the same major you started out with, and that is perfectly fine. This is the time to find the balance between work and play. So, when you make a mistake keep pushing forward. Find you and find what makes you happy.

Rachele

In order to find the right college for you, or your son/daughter, chose wisely. Students- do not focus on a college that your parents would prefer you to attend; they may have your best interests at heart, but if you are not completely into a college, do not use it as your top choices. Parents- the opposite applies; do not push your son/daughter into attending a particular college if they are not all into the one you desire for them. It is alright to nudge them in a certain path, but the ultimate decision lies with the student. When chosing a college for the first time, have your career goals in mind. You should be asking, "Does this place offer my major?" and "Are the professors here knowledgeable in my areas of interest?" Do not base your decision primarily on the quality of the dorms, or the social life on campus. However, make sure that the college you do chose have some activities you are willing to participate in. Attending campus events and meeting people with the same interests you have is a great way to make the most of your college experience.