Jefferson Community and Technical College Top Questions

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

Stacey

The advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is to try harder. When I first entered college I treated it like I was still in high school, and I got some grades that I wasnt to happy about. So I ended up having to repeat some classes, which meant more time and money that I had to pay. Also I would have told myself to be more of a social butterfly and get to know more people. Everyone that is attending a new college are nervous, but you shouldn't let that stop you from meeting new people and experiencing new things. There are so many different people out there that you can gain knowledge and experience from. You only have a few years in college so I would try to make them the most wonderful and infomative years of your life.

Colin

You've always been pretty good at making transitions, the college transition won't be unscaleable but you'll need to be careful. Is now really the best time to do this? Is there anything else you want to do? College doesn't need to happen directly after high school, and in many cases it shouldn't. I have travelled the whole country and seen much of Europe since last we met, and returned to college at 28 with a sharp focus and specific goals. I have seen friends get degrees that have nothing to do with who they are because they jumped blindly into college after high school. Can you specifically name what you want to do after college and why? Are you sure you aren't looking for the college experience implanted in your head from movies? I wish somebody asked me these questions, and I wish I had been honest with myself regarding my plans after high school. Your transition into college doesn't have to be from high school, it can be from anything at any time. You'll be far more likely to succeed if you know what you're fighting for.

leigh

If I had the ability to return to my high school self, acedemically I would tell myself to follow my heart, to follow my gut instead of doing the smart thing and getting a degree with good job outlook, follow your dream and attend school for your passion. My dream has always been to challenge myself acedemically in the field of history, so that one day I may achieve a master's degree or PhD. I have always been very passionate about history and want to work for a museum someday in artifact restoration or research. I want to make a difference in the world, and impact the lives of others through knowledge of our past and knowledge of cultures. On a more personal level, I would tell myself that things do get better, and to never lose the part of me that looks for the silver lining in life. Stay positive because good things are coming your way!

Kelli

My advice to me, as a high schooler, would be to keep your chin up, you love college. While writing essays and studying hours for an exam might not be a piece of cake, there are so many more challenges awaiting you. Don't ever forget that highschool is simply a stepping stone to where you want to be in life. Make sure to keep your grades up, and focus on that 30 ACT score. Without a doubt, with enough effort, you can do it.

Rachel

I was under so much stress throughout my senior year of high school. I had a part-time job and was cranking out scholarship applications so that I could afford to go to my dream school. In the end, I could not afford to go to that school. I instead enrolled in a 2-year community college. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself the following: We are living in tough economic times, and many students have to forfeit their dreams and accept that you do not always get what you want. Right now, while you are still in high school, spend time with your friends and enjoy every moment that you can. Do not stress so much over all of these applications or think that you are a failure if you do not get to attend your favorite school. You are still working to obtain an education and a better future. College life is not glamorous, and it involves hard work and studying. But in the end, if you put your mind to it, you will achieve your goals and end up where you want to be.

Amelia

I felt I prepared myself academically for college, however I feel I've learned so much more about my personal self since my arrival to college life. I was so academically goal oriented I forgot to make friends. You might consider that I was fortunate enough to move out of state where I had to make all new friends and not come into a place with a potentially stiffled reputation. I was able to create an improved self through my observations of my past high school experiences. I am now creating friendships and not putting limitations on who is "worthy" to be a friend. Everyone is given a kind gesture of friendship. As the years progress through college I realize that some friends will stray and some will need our close connection to stay on track. I hope to continue to develop both academically and emotionally in order to become a well-rounded and perceptive adult.

Jo'Nel

Looking back on my first year of college, the most useful advice that I could give myself is to have focus, but don't stress. To learn to live life to the fullest. There are many struggles that will sometimes get you down but through it all you have to learn how to bounce back and rise in the face of adversity. The transformation from high school senior to college freshman was a scary but welcomed change. I've learned that in order to be successful in college you have to work on your time management skills, because in the end they could possibly be your down fall, believe me, I know how you are. Another thing that I needs to be addressed is taking care of yourself. The hustle and bussle of going to college can often draw you in and you'll tend to forget about what's really important, like taking care of yourself. School is important, but what good is going to be if you can't even show up to class because your sick all the time. Though sometimes demanding, the college experience is everything you ever dreamed it could be, maybe even more.

Emily

Relax. Don't worry about deciding on a major or the best school everything is going to be just fine as long as you rely on the Father.

Alexis

If I could go back in time to my High School senior-self, I'd tell myself how the transition from high school to college isn't as scary as I had made it out to be. Yes, things are extremely different but just takes a while to adjust . Major things that are different is that going to college is an experience of choice rather than something you have to do. In college, no one will be there to monitor your progress, or get you to class on time. College is a time to express your independence, but also a time to grow up (mature) and take on more adult responsibilities. Your hand will not be held during the process of a college level education, you are learning how to take care of yourself by the time you are out "in the real world" and pursue the goals you have for your desired lifestyle. Successful tips I'd give to my senior-self would be to always pay attention in classes and put in the hard work and not play around. Due to grades and performance I could've earned scholarships to help me along in my journey through college .

Bethany

A lot of high school seniors stress about college. Thoughts become overwhelmed with, "What am I going to do for the rest of my life?" Looking back on myself as a senior, I would tell myself that a high school diploma does not mean that I need to have a finalized map of my life right then and there. The first couple years of college are designed to gradually figure out plans for the future. My biggest advise would be to explore all the different options.

Megan

Having the chance to go back and speak to myself as a senior in high school would make a big difference. I would tell myself to care about my grades more because in college thats what mattered, not my social life. Also I would have told myself that college is a lot harder than i thought it would be, but can be made easy with studying and keeping up.

Asia

Don't take a semester off. Go ahead and apply for your top five colleges. The worst they can do is not accept you. Do your best to get into the college you want. Take your time and do it right.

Mason

Senior year, the best year of my life, not only could have been fun, full of laughter and excitement but a great start to my academic future. I ask myself day after day what I would do different if I could go back to high school knowing what I know now. ?Was being the cool guy worth what I gave up?? ?Was those days I spent talking in class more important than my education?? ?Was going to that basketball game on Tuesday night more important than missing the ACT prep class?? ?Was there really not enough time in my schedule to fill out a couple of scholarship forms, apply to schools that met my needs, or even study for that test I had Friday morning?? These are the questions I ask myself time and time again, that could have got me off to a better college start. Due to the lack of commitment I had as a high school senior, I ended up having to start at a community college. This puts me in the position I am in today, struggling to raise money to keep me in school.

Chelsea

College is a time where many a events go on. Through highschool, you were dedicated to the convictions you had made. College is a time where those convictions and beliefs are tested and tried. Stand strong. One good night is not worth the years of regret you will have if you make a rash choice. Also make sure you sit down and plan. Plan in time for friends, plan in time for family, plan in a life. During college, you have so much to get done: classwork, a job, and friends. It may not seem like much now, but when you have homework, your working until ten at night, and your friends want to go out afterwards; it can get overwhelming quick. While it is important to study and work hard, it's also important to include your family and friends. Stay calm, you will get through it, it takes balance. Lastly make sure you sleep when you can. It won't be often, but your mommy won't be there to make sure your in bed, but i can assure you: you need all you can get. College is fun, but it cannot be a giant party.