Lincoln University-Jefferson City Top Questions

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

Ger'ae

Looking back on myself as a senior I would tell myself That college is nothing like highschool. In college there is no one here to hold your hand along the way like in highschool. You are now a young adult with alot of resonsibilities and the only person to be held accounted for is yourself. You dont have time to be worried about your peers or whatever the latest gossip is because the work professors give I guarantee will take up the majority of your time. You actually have to sit down and marinate on your classes your taking until your brain hurts. Procrastinating is a major hurtle in college and you can not find yourself doing it because it will come back and bite you hard. Just stay focused, eat brain food, stay positive and dont be afraid to ask for help when you need it because no one got to where they are now without someone elses help.

Paige

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would shed some insight on how college really is, and what to look out for. Being in college has shown me so many things, and if I could go back in time I would let myself know, to be careful of people and my surroundings. When I got to college I was always to myself, and a few people who I was cool with were similar to me. What I found out was that everyone who I thought was cool wasn't in my best interest. Back in high school I had friends that looked out for me and was there. When graduating my high school friends faded away, and reality struck. Going back in time to high school would be a wide awakening for me. I'm a nice person who doesn't mind helping, and I've been that way since high school. Coming to Lincoln has made me see that I was being taken advantage of, and it really hurted my feelings. My college self would tell myself to "Be wise because people come and go." Reality is real!

Shagonda

When attending college, always stay focused on your courses, and try to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Also donate your time and patience to variuos school activities and community projects. Be of service to those less fortunante, and always look to help others.

Charlene

I would tell myself to get involved in something that interest me. By doing that I would get a more broad veiw of the college life and it will also help me organize my time. Also I would say get a study group together it is more important than you think. Having a study group will help you alot in those classes that you may struggle in. lastly I would say talk to student about what classes you and taking and the professor that teach those classes. When you do this you can get a feel for how the student perceive the teacher and maybe even how the teacher teaches .

LaBradford

Please saty focused! Make sure that you get involved. If you are involved then you are REQUIRED to keep a GPA and should your gpa fall, you can be removed from the organization that is all about what you love to do. Its going to be paingful to watch some one else do what you love to do. So being involved challenges you to keep a great gpa, network and learn how to conduct yourself in a business professional world.

Kat

If I was able to go back and give my past self advice, I would definitely take advantage of an opportunity of that magnitude. There haven't been any terribly earth-shattering transitions into college life; I live at home and attend community college to save on expenses. I would go back and give myself advice to act as a catalyst to change this lack of change. In highschool, I was terribly afraid of making decisions and essentially just coasted on my good grades; then, when the time to actually pick a school came around, I had missed scholarship deadlines and hadn't made any solid choices about actual instituaions to attend. I had been too preoccupied with notions of 'this school is too far', 'this is out of state, the tuition will be too high', this instituion is private', 'what if I don't even like it?', and the things of that nature. Therefore, I attended the local communtiy college and continued on in my routine. I would go back and tell myself to apply for scholarships like crazy, and apply to institutions with reckless abandon, just to see where I would be accepted, to escape this monotony now.

Breonna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself; it would be amazing. I would make sure I get the most important message across and that is to not worry about being away from home because you will make friends and your family will always be there when you really need them. Also I would tell myself that I need to be open to change because going to college will open your eyes to a whole new world and so many different types of people. I'll also tell myself to work really hard to get a car that summer before college because college would be so much more fun if I had a car. One final thing I would tell myself is that your first room mate is going to be a wild, but loving female and with her make sure you set all the ground rules about sharing a room at the beginning of the school year. Before I am done talking to myself my goal would be for me to always remember everything happens for a reason and never sweat the small things in life because pain is only temporary.

Victoria

I dropped out of college when I was 18 after three months. Now I am 23, a single mother, going to college full time and working full time, while maintaining a 4.0 gpa. If I could go back and talk to myself then, I would tell myself to never doubt myself. Always follow what I know I should do, and never let others tell me where I should go with my life. I would tell myself to stand firm, know myself and who I am; know what I want and where I am going, and never let anyone or anything keep me from following my dreams.

Annika

If I could go back as a high senior in time giving myslef advice as to how college life is I would tell myself appreciate everything about high school. For example, high school is a free eduaction and it can not get no better than that you have free books, lunch, bus trasportation and sometimes free events within the school. I also would tell myself to appreciate teachers more and their teaching skills because high school is a step to get you prepared for college. Where teachers really taking time out helping you wanting to see you do better and further your education, really explaining things for your better understandments in high school the teachers was always there for us as students not for their own benfits but for mines and that's what I would tell myself looking back now as a college student.

Annika

The advice I would give myself if I could go back into time as a high school senior is take the free education I'm giving as a high school senior a blessing because once you enter college nothing is free to the students. I also would have told myself appreciate all my senior staff who were willing to help get me into college taking free time out their day just to help me. Looking back now as a college students I would have told myself appreicate everything about high school and the future it prepares me for to become a college student.

Michael

“Nerd,” “geek,” “weirdo” - these words were very familiar to me throughout high school and college because I was a virgin. For 19 years I kept away from many temptations and carried myself with pride. However, when I entered into college I let my peers get to me, and as a result I will be a father come October. Although, I do not regret my baby girl’s soon to be birth, I do regret that I let the lie of the male stigma get to me. It is a lie, that “a man isn’t a man, until he has sex." A real man is defined by standing his ground, and taking responsibility for his actions. In fact, being a virgin is one of the rarest things life has to offer, and unfortunately, I gave it up. If I could, I would take it back. I would tell my high school self, “be proud of who you are, and don’t let anyone take that away from you.” However, although, the chances of me traveling back in time to speak with my younger self are near impossible, at least I can tell others the real truth about virginity.

Victoria

Peers and prior college students say that college is hard and you will have some of your best and worst times in college. All of that is true but the only person that will hold you back from experiencing one of the best times of your life is yourself. College isn't that hard, it's what you or I or whoever make it. Get involved, study, volunteer, and have fun. Chose the right people to hang around and be wise. Always remember, "NO ONE IS WORTH YOU LOSING THIS EXPERIENCE OR WASTING YOUR MONEY TO BE HERE!" It's not a highschool where they're lineant and give you chances or suspend you for doing silly things that you could of avoided, they will kick you out and take your money and wouldn't think twice about it because it was your fault to fight, or not wake up for the classes that you chose at that. Work comes first and all the rest will be there even friends. If a person doesnt do anything to ehance your life or uplift, you need to re-evaluate and elminate. Show me your friends and I'll show you your future!

seantavia

If i could go back and talk to myself as a senior i would have talked to myself about a job, being more prepared, and traning my self for a nee surrounding. I choose a job because college is a very expensive place. Although i recieve financial aid I dont have any money to servive off of while living on campus. My parents both work at minium wage paying jobs so they bareley make ends meet. But if i had a job things would be so much better. Next preparing for more work would have been something i talked to myself about. I know you can do anything you put you mind to but somethings things get etremely hard for me. Lastly training for something new. i live in a poor city (East St.Louis, IL) and i have never been away from home. So going off to school i was afraid for a change in the beginiing. Now i love it because it ia very dangerous where i come from. As i stated earlier i love my school but these are jus a few things i would have talked to my self about.

Sancerea

I would tell myself to work harder to keep good grades, so I can get into my first choice schools and win scholarships to help pay for tuition. I would explain how going to all the basketball games and after school events were not important as I made them seem to be because in the long run they would just cause me to lack in my academic work. Really going out and trying to find a job will be more helpful than just buy new clothes, shoes, and going out with friends. Having a job, having a steady income will help start a bank account and pay for things I may need when I go off to college. The biggest advice I would tell myself would be to prepare much harder.

Jared

I have attended Lincoln University for almost one year. In that one year college has helped me find myself. College has given me a lot more than responsibility and independence. It has given me the perseverance i need to succeed in what i want to do. I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Lincoln University. Once i graduate Lincoln i plan on going to graduate school to further my education. I hope to one day help other people in ways that i can make society a better place. I have grown up surrounded by people with different struggles; whether it be alcoholism, or certian medical issues. I consider myself a very strong person, therefore i always find myself putting people in need before what i want or what i need. I think my inner drive to help other people has led me to pursue what i want to pursue. That is why my college experience has been valuable to attend. I may have not found my best place in society if i wouldn't have went to college. Finding myself is just the beginning of a long journey called life, and i will be ready for every step.

Jennifer

So far out of my college experience I have gained a new love and admiration of myself. As a wife of ten years and a mother of two boys ages 6 and 8, I feel I may have lost myself and who I was while devoting all of me to my family. Once my youngest started full day school I made the commitment to goto school. I have learned so much about myself these past 5 quarters that I will carry with me forever. I have learned I am a smart and talented woman (I have maintained a 4.00 GPA to date), and I have learned that I can be the mom, wife, daughter, student, and woman that I want to be. I have learned to appreciate myself so much more and give myself the credit I deserve. I am in love with my education and I intend of following my dreams and achieving my PH.D in Psychology while still participating in the PTO and my children's school and making my husband dinner every night and I FEEL and I KNOW I can do it!

Aquino

The biggest thing I've learned in college so far is definility responsibility. In college, mom or dad is no longer there to wake you for school in the morning. You have to take repsponsibilty to get in bed on time and get up on time. Also, no one is going to tell you when or where to do your homework. Again, you have to make these decisions yourself. Another thing I learned is that, to be a college student you have to be able to focus. There are plenty of distractions, from girls to frat parties. It's fun and okay to party and meet girls, but at the end of the day, you have to put more focus on school. The third thing I found out is that if you work hard and study hard, it'll all work out in your favor in the end. All of these things will help me to become a better person, and I will continue to apple these lessons throughtout life.

Stephanie

I'm attending a historically black college. All throughout grade school and high school, I've attended schools that have only had white people. I think that attending Lincoln University as made me more open to culture. I've never been hateful towards African Americans but attending this school has made me have a deeper appreciation for everyone - no matter race, ethinicity, and/or background. It's been a valuable experience because I'm not only earning a great education, I'm gaining many cultural friendships.

Candi

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I have great taste in friends. I would tell myself to make sure to sign up for classes early if possible and keep doing my work and strive for the best. I would also tell myself to look out for those who try to point you in the wrong direction in life and stay focused on the goal ahead and that is graduating with your degree so that you can get a decent job. Lastly, I would tell myself to make smart choices and listen to yourself and not others because no one knows you better than yourself.

Camille

I would love to go back and tell myself to take high school classes alot more serious i and to take some honors courses. Also to form a great pattern of studying. I would let myself know that there is a lot more to life than high school i would say take in the experience and have fun but don't let the fun get in the way of grades. I don't think i would try and stop myself from doing anything differently because everything I've been through was worth the learing experience. The most important advise that i would give myself is to keep faith work hard and study lots and lots, because life will take a toll on you and i want you to be prepared every way possible.

Jerrell

Oh how I wish I could do so; to go back in time and tell myself to realize that high school and college are two completely different things. If I could go back in time and coach myself, the first thing I would do is tell myself to stay focused no matter what; the work is much more strenuous than normal and it requires a high degree of diligence to make all A's. Second, I would try to explain that college is a place of oppertunity, and that I should take advantage of EVERY resource that's available to me. You never know what kinds of doors you can stick your foot into when you just ask, and what better place to do so than a college campus? And last, I would remind myself to be optimistic and to not give up no matter what.

Deshauna

If i could go back in time i would tell myself to apply myself alot more in college then i did in high schools. College is not that hard if you stay focus and apply yourself each day. Dont procrastinate. Thats a big problem have in college is procrastination. The more you procrastinate the more you goin hurt yourself in the end. You only get out what you put it, so if you dont put effort into studying hard and staying focus dont expect to have all A's. Slacking is not an option when you slack is when you fail. Also dont get discourage when u flunk a test really bad because everyone does bad on at least one test. That just means you have to work harder go to extra tutoring or ask for help but never give up.

kristina

I would tell myself to take school seriously and pay attention in class, study for the SAT and ACT because it will really help you out. The better you do in high school the less stress you will have in college. Its okay to have fun but be serious about your work. Know that its a time to play and a time to be serious. Believe in yourself and school is the best option.

Katlyn

I am only able to wish that I could venture back in time and tell myself all the life lessons that I have learned. However, since time makes it impossible to go back and venture into the previous years of my life I will take a trip down memory lane instead. Therefore I have written a letter to myself as a high school student: Dive in head first and live life with no regrets. Know that all the struggles make you a stronger person and that treating everyone equal is important. Study hard in math because you are going to need it. Always keep in sight the goals that you hope to keep and never let anyone tell you that your not deserving of the best in life. Most of all do not let people run over you and know that if you treat others well you should be treated with high quality too. Put your heart out there and do not be hesitant. Oh and those creatures that you think go bump in the night are actually all figments of your imagination. There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.

LaShonda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, knowing what I know now, I would most definitely tell the young senior in high school to start working and saving up for the simple college expenses. I would tell myself to make sure I filled out more scholarships and grants than I wanted to. Also, it's best to love yourself and be sure of yourself before going into college, because the college world can take you for some twist and turns. Do not let others influence you into doing things you do not want to do, stand your ground and remember your ethics and morals as a beautiful young lady. Remember the reason you went to college, to grow as a person and to most of all get an education. College is a big step from high school making the transition into college, growing up can't come at a better time. Put your all into it because now it is NOT free! Make it worth your money and of course have fun every now and then. You can do it and prove the people who doubted you wrong!!

Jasmine

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time would be to pay more attention and focus on good study habits. I would say pay mre attention to subjects, because in college the same things are repeated. I would tell myself to focus on good study habits, because in order to do well you must study; there are a lot of exams and papers to take and write.

Arielle

Some advice I would give to people who knows they will be attending in the future, is dont pick the first school you choose, have different options. Also go on their web site and look into the actually school. If your intrested in sports make sure that certain school has that sport. Make sure the school that you attend has your major. Look on how big or small the school is, because some peopke cant work in a really big school. And dont be nervous.

Cassandra

Well research and visit the campus. Talk to the instructors as well as the students. Find out if there is a certain organization you wish to be apat of is active there. Look at the retention rates. And to make the most of of college experience, I'd say get involved with the campus. Find an organization you like and can relate to and stay active. Be smart when choosing friends and in the activities you participate in. Make sure the program you choose is right for you and that there is a future in it. Do intenships. That can't be stressed enough. And simply, study hard and play hard.

Barbara

I would like to inform all parents and students that they should pick carefully when choosing a college to attend. The rest of your life is depending on how well you do in college. Just make sure it is the right college for you and that you will be comfortable and secure.

Montia

Allow your children to make mistakes because if they never learn from their mistake then how will they learn.

Vince

Make sure you visit the college first and ask the surroundings.

Pamela

I would tell parents/students to look at the cost of the university first. Make sure that the University is for the interest of the students. Also, look into the extracurricular activities on campus because this is an enviornment in ehich the students will be in for four years.

Alisha

One of the most common trands I have seen in the past four years is the transferring of students from one school to another becuase they do not feel comfortable socially. For many students it is priority that they move far from home to experience new things; but remember that college is a whole new experience, much different from highschool, and having a solid support system is vital to your success. If you go far from home, or even somewhere fairly close, just make sure that you will have a solid support system around you as you grow into a new person. It can be very difficult to experience a whole new world when there is nothing familiar to hold onto.

Dominic

Select the right type of school and be prepared for whatever happens

Robert

I would say study and do alot of research before making that decision.

Erica

Never Choose a college based on the tuition if you do that you will never enjoy your college experience and could lead to you missing some things that you wish you had done. Always make the most of everything you do, get good grades but have fun at the same time. Work and go to school if you can so you can have some fun money to do what you would like (go to movies, eat, concerts, etc) Most of all no regrets, go all out enjoy while you can!!

Joyce

I would start off by saying that it is important to start looking early! You don't want to rush into a school that you aren't for sure that you would like to attend. Apply for plunty of schools so that your options are open. I would also say that you need to get things ahead of time. Don't wait until the last month to get all your supplys. It is diffrent when you move out of the house and into a dorm, you need lots of diffrent things that you might not have went out and bought for yourself like wash cloths, dishes, glasses. Its a good idea to start early so that the cost of it all isnt hitting you at once!