Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

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

Michael

If I could tell myself what to expect as an incoming frehman, I would say, "Listen up. Everything that everyone has told you about college is completely true. It is nothing at all like high school and you better be willing to put in extra time to focus on your studies. It's alright to socialize and have fun because that is the best way to make friends. Don't be the quite kid who doesn't talk to anyone in class, but do not be the kid who tries to make your classmates laugh with loud and obnoxious remarks. Everyone who is at college is there for a reason, and that is to learn and get a degree. Be kind, caring, and compassionate towards others because you would want people to treat you the same way. But most of all, work hard and study hard. College consists of four years that will determine the rest of your life, so don't mess it up. Believe in yourself and you will be able to accomplish anything you want. Good luck and most imporatantly have fun, because it is going to go by quicker than you think."

Rush

Whatever you do, take your classes as seriously as possible. If you don't, it is a huge mistake. Even if the class you're taking seems like an easy course, or it's something you've been good at since middle school, take it as serious as your most difficult class. If you don't, the class will surely take you for a turn, and that turn is definitely for the worse. College courses are much different than high school classes in which college courses advance much further into the subject, much quicker. I'll be easy one day and you'll blow that off and let your guard down, then it'll tear you down the next. Just, promise me, whatever you do... Take your classes very serious. Go to every class, every week. Take as detailed of notes as you can. Study every night for all your classes, even if it's just 30 minutes for each course. Just take your classes seriously.

Jasmine

If I had the ability to go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself not to be afraid of the unknown and have more confidence in my abilities. While I was in high school I knew that I wanted to go to college and I had quite a few local options. But I decided to go miles and miles away from my family and friends to pursue my education. But after my decision was set in motion I started to wonder if I had made the right choices. I would tell myself that even though the adjustment was frightening and stressful, it would work out for me in the long run. The choice that I made to move away has matured me and made me more optimistic. During my first semester none of my professors or classmates cared that I was right out of high school, so I had to adjust very quickly. But I did really well that semester and I was proud of myself. The faith that I have gained in myself has made me push myself further, and that push would have been great to give to my high school self.

Brian

The advice that I, as a college freshman in his second semester, would give to myself as a high school senior is very simple: show up, on time, for the whole time. As Woody Allen said: "Eighty percent of success is showing up". Students who show up, for the most part, pass the class. Those who take an extra five minutes of preparation to arrive early do even better. Individuals who show up not only to lecture hall but also make an active effort to pay attention for the full time period will find themselves in great standing with both their faculty and grade point average. Success in college is worked for, and showing up is worth far more than half the effort. The direct correlation between showing up and success is 180{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} true.

Joshua

The main advice I would tell myself is that changing your mind isn't always a bad thing. I changed my major a couple of times in school. Prior to starting school, I thought this was a horrible thing to do. However, I learned so much through exposure, and ultimately ended with a major that I enjoy. I'd also warn myself about the amount of debt that comes with school. Before attending school, I had one part time job that paid minimum wage. It was difficult to afford gas, insurance, food, etc. Since then, I've acquired a full-time job, which I wish I had done a lot sooner, to help me with the financial burden. Finally, I'd tell myself to calm down. Yes, academic success is important - but not to the point of phyiscal and mental exhaustion.

Morgan

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible! I now know that student loans add up very quickly and scholarships can help tremendously.

Whitney

I would tell myself not to worry about meeting new people and to just be myself. I am not the best at meeting new people, so I was really nervous the first day of school. There was really nothing to worry about because a lot of other people were feeling the same way that I was. Also, I would tell myself to read and type my notes because I learned how helpful that was towards the end of my first semester of college.

Paige

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely say to make sure to let go of the past and try to start college with a completely fresh mindset. I have felt very nostalgic about my high school experiences, and it has held me back in trying new things in college. It has been hard to fully adjust to college life, and for a long time I was feeling as if I still had to return to my high school at some point. I think that if I were to start my first freshman semester again I would try to be more outgoing and talk to every person I see. It has been hard to branch out of my comfort zone and try to meet new people because I have been so stuck on the people I met in high school.

John

The advice I would give to my highschool self is to be open to all of the students on campus. Be outgoing and become friends with as many people as you can because most of the people on campus are nice.

Corey

The primary piece of advice I'd want to tell my high school self is to start practicing time management early and to dedicate extra time to studying physics and computerscience, which I am majoring in now at Kent State. The biggest problem I have faced in the transition has been the amount of free time I have in college that has to be divided up into time for studying, recreation, and rest; finding the right balance to be successful in classes and to enjoy the college experience is important to staying motivated and happy. And as for studying the subjects I am majoring in now I'd like to paraphrase a certain saying I've become fond of in college, "We start off by learning a little bit of everything and slowly specialize ourselves until we reach the point where we know everything about nothing." There is a whole spectrum of potential occupations and interests out there and college is one of the best times to hone our skills in the fields that we want to work in, so why not get an early start and have a head start in college.

Eric

As a late life/return student, I would tell my high school self to perservere, to be humble, and to seek help from students who had made it through the college system. In the spring of my sophmore year in high school, I had a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, the health issues caused by my kidney failure also caused me to struggle to get even decent grades. Though my grades improved drastically after the surgery, I still had all the self doubt gained from struggling so many years in school. This doubt plagued me and motivated me to leave junior college before finishing my degree - a choice I am now paying for with far greater sacrifices than had I perservered and humbled myself to jump through all the hoops colleges require of students. Knowing that I would face bad academic advising from my junior college advisor, I would tell my younger self to not feel angry and defeated, but, instead, humble myself, and seek advice from students who graduated successfully. Given the opportunity, I would encourage myself to hang in there when classes seemed hard or when academic advisors failed me, and to seek outside help, especially from successful students.

Erica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would talk myself out of rooming with my friend from high school and tell myself to be brave and choose a random roommate instead. My friend and I got along for the first month of school and we did everything together, but eventually some major differences became clear to us and we started to have a lot of disagreements. Because we did everything together and didn't make many efforts to branch out and meet new people, we would be all alone when we got in fights and wouldn't have anyone else to hang out with. Plus it was awkward being in the room together when one person was angry at the other. As scary as it sounds to have a random roommate chosen for you, I definitely think it is the better option in the long run. Having a random roommate pushes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to meet new people with different interests than you instead of using your best friend as your crutch all the time.

Kimberly

Always follow your heart and don' t be afriad to be yourself. I know this is an incredibly cliche answer but it's so true. You will always find people who love being with the real you and who you actually have a lot in common with. Why would you want to spend time with people who like you only because they think you are like them? Well, the answer is you don't. So stay true to yourself and the world will start to open up into this big, beautiful place full of possibilities right before your eyes and you will begin to figure out who you really are and who you want to be.

Kearstyn

If I could go back to my senior year, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to actually apply myself in the classroom. I was the student that never had to try to get A's in high school. Going to college, it was a huge rude awakening. I never knew how to study because I did not have to, but now I am having to teach myself all the basics to studying to do well in college, when everyone else around me already knows. Also, I would tell myself to start and write and apply for scholarships at the beginning of my senior year. I never understood how much money was really involved with college until after last semester. If i would have applied for scholarships at the beginning of my senior year, I would not have to stress over all the money to continue to pay to stay in college now or the debt of college once I graduate. Little things that I never thought of my senior year could have totally changed my life in college right now if only I could go back and give myself a wakeup call.

jacquelyn

Dear High School Jackie, Just so you're aware, college requires more responsibility than high school. Being away from home for four years will make you the adult you have been wishing to be since twelve years old. With all of that being said, remember the word responsibility. Also, develop time management skills in senior year. Those skills, along with others, will make college easier. This next one may be the most important. SAVE MONEY. Learn how to save money for mom and dad's sake. Lastly, remain confident in yourself. That attitude that is getting you through senior year will aid you in surviving your freshman year of college. Finish senior year off strong and start your freshman year in college the same way. Sincerely yours, College Freshman Jackie

Emily

My advice to my high school self would definitely be to try and kick my procrastanation habit when I could. It was a challenge I dealt with all through high school and getting over it in college did not help with the adjustment. I have, however, done very well with getting my work done and studying this past semester. Another thing I would tell myself is to prepare for responsibility and independence. In college I am all on my own, without my parents or usual friends. High school is such a different environment than college, everything is essentially laid out for you and it's a big leap to have to do a lot by yourself.

Catherine

You are important. Value yourself. By this I mean, don't listen to other people when they tell you you're not smart, artistic, good, or pretty enough to do anything. We tell our children they are the future and they can do anything, well this is the time for you to do anything you want. Don't hold back, don't doubt yourself. Take that trip to Europe. You are free to explore and learn what being you means. Of coure everything in moderation. Temper your freedom with an understanding that every action you take IS leading you to your future. Whether it is the future you've dreamed for yourself, or a nightmare your parents warned you about, is entirely up to you and the actions you take now. The classes you skip, the date who doesn't treat you right, the friend who's choices drag you down, all of these things lead you to your future just as inevitably as good grades, a top internship and lifelong friendships will too. In the end, when faced with all the choices to come, remember that you are valuable and make your decisions based on that.

Rachel

I have gained a lot of knowledge while going through my first semester of college. Before leaving for school I was extremely nervous to the point of messed up sleep schedules and reduced eating habits. If I could go back in time to being a high school senior I would tell myself a few things that would have made the transition a little easier and a lot less stressful. First, I would tell myself that even though I am going to be independent this will give me a chance to prove my maturity to not only myself but to my friends and family as well as learn how to handle difficult situations on my own, such as time management. Another piece of advice I would tell myself is that everyone else is in the same boat as I am in. Every college freshman student is nervous and lost so it is okay to not know where to go or to ask questions when confused because chances are someone else around you is wondering the same thing. I'd tell myself college is definitely a learning experience but it is not something to lose sleep over.

Anthony

Personally, the advice I would give myself would be to continue to open up my mind. I would tell myself to work hard, even when time does not agree. I would have to understand that only I am responsible for my actions, and that I will have to think about how I spend my meal plan, and the money on my bank account as well. I would also tell myself to start saving money to buy a new saxophone as well, due to the fact that the one that is currently in my possesion is not recommended for professional use, and should be replaced with something much better. I would say to stick close to my girlfriend as well. Throughout my first semester, she has been the one to hold me together when stress was rattling me and ripping me apart. I would tell myself to tread lightly and never, under any circumstance, take her for granted. I would tell myself to complete not only the homework on paper, but also the homework that is assigned online as well. All of these words of advice from my older self to my younger self would help me greatly in life.

Kassy

As a high school senior, one of my biggest worries was about the transition into college. I worried about money and what classes were best to take first, and whether or not I would be able to complete my transfer degree in two years. Now that I have passed such a hectic time in my life, I would be able to go back and tell myself that everything would work out fine. Despite my biggest fears, going to a community college and getting my general education out of the way as well as completing my Associates Degree for Transfer was much easier than I thought. I learned with the help of my college’s administrative staff that community colleges are a cost effective way to get some of the more tedious aspects of college out of the way. That way, I could focus more on my major in a four-year college. Essentially, I would advise my high school self to calm down and remember to ask questions when in need of help. Additionally, I would remind myself that anything is possible, like completing my degree in two years, as long as I focused and set my mind to it.

Nicole

I think the best advice I could've given myself as a high school senior would have been to dive into the college experience head first. There were a lot of clubs and sororities I dreamed of joining and events I planned on attending, but never did because I was too scared. I convinced myself that as a freshman I already had enough on my plate, and that I had all the time in the world to participate in extracurriculars. After nearly 2 years at Kent, I have yet to join the sorority I had hoped or any clubs. They've always been highly accessible, but after waiting so long it became easier and easier to make excuses not to participate. While I have a good academic standing, I look at the life-long friends my peers have made in their experiences and envy them for taking the leap that I was scared to take those first few weeks of freshman year. As the song goes "I hope you dance," and if given the chance I would remind myself of this as a senior.

mohamed

The most important thing would be to take post secondary classes at Kent State University. Then research the university. Then get to know more about the campus. Then apply for the university. Then apply for financial aid. Then apply for many scholarships. Then research the major.

Rebeca

I was a very serious working senior as I was trying to improve my grades for college, I finished the whole year with straight A's to finish off high school. If I had to look back on that year of high school after reflecting on my college experiences I would tell myself to stop trying so hard because there will be plenty of time for that later. I would also tell myself to enjoy my free time while it lasts! In college I dedicate my time to my perfect grades and my perfect grade point average in hopes of finding that teaching job upon finishing my Master's degree. I would want myself to relax, have fun, and enjoy the days of freedom. This is something I truly miss and wish I wouldn't have taken those days for granted when I had them.

rong

When you enter college, the first thing you should do is work harder than before, because there are so many students that are so excellent. Besides that, it's necessary to make more friends on campus, meanwhile you should talk often with your professor, then you can realize that what's your disadvantages.

Kevin

I would sit myself down and talk about the road ahead. One of the pursuit of happiness and worthy goals. I would tell myself with a tear falling that I wouldn't become the person I wanted to but rather, one that clings to a title and position power. Being sure to describe that when the title goes so does that power and meaning. All that is left is family and friends. I'd look myself in the eye and grab my hand making sure to be clear that the path I am on now is one where I would give up time with family and friends. Letting myself know some will be lost for good for nothing more than a job than a thankless job that works you 70 hrs a week and forces barriers between your family and friends, your most prized possesions. I would also emphasize to really pursue what I am passionate about: Math, Science, Psychology, Writing; and, within that, to find the path of what makes me happy and to stay on it no matter what obstacles come along the way. I would conclude by saying, "always look in the mirror and see who are".

aribella

In college I have to never procrastinate, do assignments and study for test at least two weeks before due dates. read books ahead of even class start date. Its a college, not party center, no parties, no television at the end youll thank your self.

Braylon

That you may be worried but everything will be ok. You will have to strong and open to learn at all times. That college is a adventure with many twists and turns but as long as you go with the flow then everything will be ok. You will need your family's support at all times because this will not be a easy journey also you will have a lot more free time on your hands but you will have to use the time you have wisely. Also what ever you do make sure it is what you want to do. If you do not feel excited about it and are not being blessed by what you are doing then do not do it. Also to have confidence and be able to laugh becuase while everything may not going your way for now as long as you enjoy the adventure everything will work out.

Kathryn

College is going to be a lot more different than high school. You may think you are stressed now, but you have no idea what is in store for you in the future. Make sure you focus, and study hard. Remind yourself that you are paying to go here, it may be hard to have motivation to go to class somedays, but it is your career your thinking about now. Remember that the transitition of being away from home might be strange at first, but is good. Change is good for you and it will help you realize how it is to live on your own. It is important to be away from the people who have told you what to do your whole life, and make decisions on your own now. Stay motivated, study hard, and achieve the goals you went to Kent State University for.

Kendra

The best advice I would give myself is to focus more on the future instead of the here and now. I am and have always been so focused on what I am doing in the now and then when it comes down to me figuring out what I need to do to get to where I would like to be in the future, I am lost. I would tell myself to buckle down and research different ways that could help me get going in the right direction towards my career and to also never back down. You will not get to where you want in life unless you go for it yourself; no one will give you the life you want; you need do it to yourself. Stay strong and keep going on.

Amanda

I would tell myself to study hard, to give myself a good foundation in my education, because it is only going to get harder. Even though studing is not the easiest or the most fun thing to do, it is important because empolyers want to know they hired the best empolyee for the job. The most important piece of advice I could give myself would be enjoy this time, but stay true to your values and beliefs, do not compromise them because when you do this you will lose focus of who you are and what you are meant to do with your life.

Jason

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give to him would be that it is ok to make mistakes and not to stress too much about school. Stressing just makes things harder and turns into more stress. Another thing I would tell myself is to never put work before school. You go to school to get a career that you will love and that will last you the rest of your life. Your job in college is just a temporary thing. Then, the last thing would be to take time for yourself. You should get all of your school work done, but you need some "me time" every once in a while, too.

Tyisha

The advice I would give myself is that the best thing for you is Studyblue. It's amazing way to remember stuff that you need to know. Instead of buying note cards and spending money on them; internet flashcards. Also that you should listen to what others say about talking to your professor. If you don't talk to your professor, make as many friends in your classes to make up study groups. Working in groups will help you out more than working by yourself. Talking to people about the subjects also will help you remember the information. Don't have your major as geology. I changed halfway through my freshman year. It was fun but the major was not for me. Instead do psychology or maybe don't come and go to The Travel Academy in Minnoseta to become a flight attendant.

Dan

Go to a four year school before a two year school, i think you would learn more and stay consistent in the degree

Tyler

College there are both good times and bad, relaxing and stressful. Attending a major university like Kent State can be exiting and scary. If I could go back in time, and tell my high school senior everything that I know now—life would be very different. Here is what I would tell myself: “school is difficult, you have to work hard, and you can have fun, but don’t slack off. Save your money, university is more expensive then community college. Obama will try to get a national health care plan, start taking bets now. There will be something called Facebook, act now and you could make millions. Oh did I mention, President Obama is half back? How I Met Your Mother will for the most part be good until the last season. Fox will screw up Fringe, which will be one of the best science fiction shows on television (until the last season). In 2013 the government will partially shut down. Don’t live at home. Save your money and move out before your 25!!! Above all else, enjoy life, you have a pretty good one!"

MONICARUTH

As a normal student I'm not totally unaware in college from the first place. I know the fact that college is much difficult than high school years. If I could go back in time, I'm gonna tell to myself that I need to be more competitive than before. College years are not just a piece of stage in life that if you passed, good. Everyone should reach beyond what they are expecting. Its not all about how you enjoy today, its about how will you use what you have learned in college for the future. I want to encourage myself to be a responsible student. To be more sensitive and double checker on her works. To be more conscious about her subjects, about the reactions of her instructors. Its better if I hear and take the right advices of the people surrounds me. The changes between college and high school is not simple as others thought. College will be your way to the better future. I want to advice myself, that I should set my priorities and goals so I will not regret every chances later. Because for me, college is one of everyone's biggest fight.

Savannah

If I could travel back in time and give my old self any type of advice, it would be to learn how to study and to get involved sooner. In high school I didn't need to ever study, but that changed when I went to college. I had a lot of resources on campus to get academic help as well as learn study skills (I went to Supplamental Instruction Sessions), but I wish I would have instilled those skills earlier so I had more to build on. I would tell myself to get involved right away as well; I wish I would have jumped right into clubs and research my first semester until waiting. Now that I am involved I wish I could have done it earliear because its been so rewarding and fun. I also now realize how important research and extra cirricular activity is to my future and career and wish I had even more of it.

Seth

The transition to college life from high school does not need to be a stressful thing. You have worked hard up to this point and it is now time to reap the rewards. Apply for every scholarship that you can find. This is your golden opportunity to be able to pay for an education. Pretty soon you will be living on your own without the help of your parents so it is also a good idea to learn how to manage your money. Set a goal now to graduate with a four year degree without entering in to debt. Along with the financial preparation needed for college, another aspect of life after high school is the need for social preparation. There will come a time when you will have a roommate that you do not like. This is normal. Focus on doing your best and always trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Most confrontations can be avoided by following these two rules. Understand that people come from different cultures and that this greatly influences a person's character. Above all remember that the only person who can determine what you become is, and always will be, you.

Beau

I would give myself a lot of advice! I would tell my former self to take post-secondary classes to gain college courses because the core general education courses are very tedious and unnecessary to your major. I would tell my former self to be more involved in my school. Join more clubs, play more sports, just be more involved in extracurriculars! One of the biggest thing would be to tell myself to study more, you will be very social in college and that is where lifetime friends are made, so don't ruin grades in high school for some more social time. I would've told myself to save more money from my part-time job because I would soon find out that college is very expensive and if you want to go on a spree with your friends then you must have the funds in the first place! Lastly, and definitely most importantly, I would tell myself to learn good habits. Moderation between social and schoolwork, sleep schedule, and eating or exercise habits. These things would definitely come in handy if I only would've looked through these eyes now!

Courtney

When I went to Ohio State, I learned some lessons that I now consider to be purely priceless to me now. Young Courtney, you are so very shy and yet excited to experience the world. The place that you come from is so small and so close-minded that it saddens you and that just should not be so. After experiencing your college life, I can tell you that the amount of people that you will meet will be full of their own ideas and advices. Don't let them discourage you from what you strongly believe in your heart. Don't let them make you feel ashamed of your choices, for they were done upon pure courage and an inner strength you do not believe you have found. The secret it, Courtney, that you have had this strength all along. I wish I could save you from crawling through the sludge of their negativity which slows your blossoming spirit, but I know this only forces you to grow, learn to shake yourself off, and start over. My words of advice are : bring a jacket to shield yourself from their advices and keep smiling.

Brandon

Being a college student now I know what it takes to be academically successful. If I was able to go back and talk to myself senior year I would say, Focus on your school work. Nothing is as important as your grades and your test scores to get into a college. College isnt easy, it requires hardwaork and a lot of studying. And also, it's not free. You have to work for what you get and in order to pay for your education you either need to hit the books or invest in a job to somewhat help with your school and the debt you will have. Your college education is your key to your future. Your career depends on it.

Arisa

I would tell myself that interacting with people as many as possible because there are many people in college and you would meet with so many of them. It also important to find out what you really want to do in the future as soon as possible. I believe that making effort while going to high school and get as much as knowledge as you can from your high school experience because it worth it when you get into college. College is where you explore yourself for the future and become successful by yourself. It would have been so helpful if you study hard while attending in high school because knowledge from the past experience would have been definitely supportive to college.

Kyana

As a high school senior you don't know anythng about college. Your first year will be extremely rough but by your second year you will have made better friends and will have allowed yourself to come out of your shell just a little bit more. Don't be afraid to step into conversations with people, this is how you will make your friends. While you may feel like you're stuck in your career path you will discover what you truly want to do in life. College is going to prepare you to live on your own and deal with more adult issues. While that may seem scary it's actually benefitial. You will learn to ease away from being at home and feel better about having time to yourself and think. Always talk to your conselor. She will be amazingly helpful and help you pick which classes are really benefitial yo you graduating on time. She will recommend classes that you can excel and do well in. Things may feel like they are piling all at once on you but you will get through them one way or another.

Douglas

Self, I know that you have thousands of things running through your head right now, and I also know that college is taking a backseat to all of them. Oh, you are going to go to college, but when you get there your desire to rush through and just "be done" is going to poison your experience. Slow down, enjoy your experience and take your time; if that means you need to drop down to half time (or less) that is ok! Some of the most interesting people you are ever going to meet will be walking the very same halls as you. As you travel around campus, keep in mind that every person you meet knows something that you do not; engage people, socialize, and (most importantly) learn from them. The time will come where you will make the excuses to quit: you "can't afford" college, you "don't have the time", and a litany of other things. If you succumb to these excuses, it will be a long time before you get back to finishing your degree, so press on for both our sakes! Remember: slow and steady wins the race...

Malinda

Knowing what I know now about having a job I would lecture myself about the importance of getting your college education.It is so important to get your education for many of reasons. At an early age one should set realistic goals for themselves and aim to finish every one of them. Education should be the most important why? Because it will determine what type of life style you will have for you aswell as your for you family. It should be a self motivating experience to feel accomplished and to go to the next goal on your list. For me to go to highschool and then start with that foundation with the help of teachers encouraging me to do my very best, then going to college on my own mind to continue to strive for my best I can not fail but to live and be very succesful in what every I strive to do.

jessica

If i could go back as a high school senior, I would advice myself to make sure i attend college right after high school just like i did. Also, I would advice myself to take college more seriously because its not easy. My first two years got wasted because i chose a different major iand decided to change majors and used up important time and resources in school. I was not aware that students only had so many years/semesters to complete schooling. I would advice myself that each class i take needs to be given 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort. I would let myself know that i dont need to overload my schedule and be struggling to pass. I have three little ones that depend on me so finding the arrangements for them and times to go have already been such a struggle on me. I would advice myself that college can be done but i need to make sure i give it my all. My kids motivate me and that makes me want to better myself. So, I would advice myself to take it day by day, keep my grades up and the financial part is not a joke.

Matthew

Oh boy where would I start, when I was in high school I was always a good student but the thing was I did not think of life after high school. I never prepared myself for college and that could have been the biggest thing that could have gave me a big head start. I now understand everything that people meant about taking all those dual enrollment classes and community service. While in high school there was a lot of free time that was wasted which could have been used to prepare myself for the upcoming events. In college everything matters every single thing is important. Imagine this if I would have taken a duel enrollment class in high school that gave me a credit for medical term then I would not needed to have payed for the class or waste my time as I could have already completed that credit. Nowadays time is scarce back then I wish I would have done as many community service hours as possible as they do really help boost my resume.

Alexandria

If I could talk to myself back in high school I would want to tell myself that as a learning disabled student you will have to work twice as hard to than any other student to succeed in college. Do not let those honors students intimidate you because they lack what you have and that is creativity. Do not let them push you aside in those group projects when you are coming up with ideas, becuase your ideas are just as good and are just as relevant. You can see more to a project than just another assignment, you see a project to get excited and passionate about. You will find out that you can bring more to a project than most can, and trust me your professors will notice. It might take you a little longer to get the technique down but when that light bulb in your head goes off, your projects will stand out from the rest. Just keep working hard and remember your talent is nothing but unique. I am proud of who I have become over the past four years and you will be too.

Jaynell

Work harder. Hard work pays off and you got this, don't worry about the small things, there are greater things to come.

Christine

High school is NO JOKE! Mom was right, and lets face it she always is. As I stand here looking back at the last eleven years I know that if I would've just put in some real effort during those four years I might be standing in a different place now than I am. That is not to say I regret anything I've done over this time, I just wish that some of it could've been done different. Just think if your GPA was a 3.0 and not a 2.8 what colleges you could've applied for. You could've gotten into UNC-Chapel Hill. A lot of times during high school you don't think that you will ever have to use what you've learned. You don't think that the four years you've spent there could change the rest of your life. College is so important right now. You cannot get a job without it. I wish you would've listened to mom and really applied yourself. Because today, I am smart. I carry a 3.34 GPA and I can get into any masters program I want. MOM WAS RIGHT!

David

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I know exactly what I would say. I would say, “Yeah, applying for college is scary. Yeah, your life is about to change, but it’s all going to be worth it. You are going to meet great new people, you’re going to get to take classes you actually want to take, and you learn more about yourself than anything else.” I would say exactly that to my former self, because I was very afraid of college in my senior year of high school. My life was changing and there truly was nothing I could do about it. I wish I could go back and tell myself to stop worrying, because life is what you make of it. No one forces you to go to college, and no one forces you to do things you do not want to do. College is truly a time in your life when you learn so much, especially about yourself. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.