McKendree University Top Questions

I have learned more about myself and my intended career path of Occupational Therapy by taking Psychology this past fall and finding out more about the health profession in general. I feel McKendree has been a very wonderful school to begin my college experience, because I can go to any of my professors at any time of the day and ask for help. I have not met one unfriendly staff member at the insitution so far and I hope it stays that way throughout the next several years I attend McKendree University. I learned and gained the certainty Occupational Therapy is my perfect niche, I know I am called to help children through the wonderful gift of Occupational Therapy. From doing many critical thinking assignments in my Psycholgy class, I learned more about therapy and gained an even stronger interest in the discipline. The most valuable thing I have learned so far while attending McKendree is to make the most of my college experience and develop to my fullest potential to help myself out in the future so I can make a difference someday while helping children regain their daily life functions through Occupational Therapy.

The experience I need to excel in my career field.

I returned back to school after almost 8 years. I currently holda 3.88 GPA, which isthe highest I have ever gotten. The amount of support and the effort I have been putting in paired with great results has really lifted my self worth. I feel smart and capable and am so jazzed about my education path.

As a student I started out with no passion to learn, but was highly inspired by my high school psychology teacher, to better myself and society. I have not always had the best hand dealt to be in life, but learning from his gave me the passion to do much better in school and achieve great things. In my life I have seen a lot of people make a mess of their life, and I hope to overcome all obstacles to make sure I can make a better life for myself.

When I first got to McKendree, I was broken. I just got out of a bad relationship and dealt with a lot of other personal issues; at McKendree I was looking to start fresh. This place is beautiful, from the gentle fountain flowing in the center of campus to the professors that will print out an article for you just because they think it could help a student. When people think of school they think of the nuts and bolts, the classroom lessons. My lessons have come from outside the classroom. I have become this new person. This confident, humble, driven person. The activities here on campus have helped me blossom into the person I've always wanted to be. I want to be a teacher. Now I am more sure than ever of what I want to do with my life. I love it here. I will always hold this place close to my heart even when I'm gone. I would recommend McKendree to anyone, because without this place I don't know where I'd be.

I've learned that college is no joke, you can't do the same things you did in high school, it's a complete 360. I learned that I can't procrastinate an assignment, start the assignmnet early, I learned that studying in the daytime benefits more than studying at night. If you have an exam, cramming is a big No-No, It is valuable to attend because this school has bery small class sizes, that way you can interact more with students and the teacher, you get to have one-on-one meeting with your professors, if you are having problems in your classes like for instance, you're not doing well on exams, the teacher will provide you with extra credit and they will help you out in any way possible. This is what i love about McKendree, People around say that McKendree is the best kept secret!!!!

College is a new place filled with new opportunities to discover who you are and who you want to become, so it is important to leave all your preconceived notions at the door. At college, you will meet a lot of different people. It is important to try to respect everyone and not just those you happen to like. When you are settled in on campus, take some time to check out the actual town. Wandering into cafes, shops, and parks can be a great way to discover favorite places for nights out, good food, and quiet areas to study. When you aren?t studying, take advantage of all the experiences college has to offer, such as plays, speakers, and movie nights, which are usually free to students. The old saying is true, though; communication is key. If you are having trouble in a class, talk to the professor and go to their office hours to let them know that you are trying. Once they understand that the material is a challenge for you, they can usually help by either presenting the material differently or introducing you to campus services that can provide you with tutors and study tips.

Turn down your Army ROTC Scholarship. It's as simple as that. Save yourself from the five a.m. runs in Forest Park, and continually worrying about whether or not your scholarship is going to be taken away from you if you fail the next p.t. test. Save yourself from getting behind in classwork because your at drill practice, or work-outs. Save yourself from being exhausted and mentally drained, and save yourself the disappointment of barely scraping by with your grades. While the ROTC will help you become a better person by learning respect and the ability to push yourself farther than you ever expected, in the long run, it's just not for you. I know that you want to prove to everyone that you can do this, that your not going to back out. But it's hard. I want you to know that you would have been a great cadet, one of the best, you outshot every guy in the program with the M-16, but even though you were a great cadet, you were failing as a student. Being a good student will help you more than being a cood cadet. Period.

College will go by very quickly, so enjoy it, but work hard. Your future is in your hands, and the decisions you make for the next four years of college will be very impacting to your life. The rewards of attending college are limitless and the potential opportunities that you may gain are essential to the success of your career. You will laugh, cry, be sleep-deprived, stressed out, and most likely be diagnosed with senioritis, but as mentioned before, the rewards are limitless. College will be a time in your life when you discover and define who you are and who you want to become. You are not a career, so be sure to focus on what you believe in, how you define your character, and what motivates and drives your passions. Use these four years to become more educated and to discover what it means to truly love yourself and the world around you. People will challenge you and some may even knock you down, but dust yourself off and persevere. College is a new chapter in your life, and the decisions you make each day will impact your life in every way; enjoy it.

Senior year in high school was like a bird learning to fly. Once the wings were finally spread, the bird just wants to ride the breeze until it gets hungry or the breeze itself dies. As a senior in high school, I tried my best to stay on track but I knew that just around the corner I would be done with high school and I would be gearing up to go away to college to start anew. However, if I were to return to August 22nd, 2006, I would've given the advice not to wait. Don't wait for the week of graduation to start looking at and applying to colleges and universities. Don't wait until after the first semester to think about my future. Don't wait for a job to fall into my lap or for a lottery card to give me the big bucks. I would've told or shown how serious colleges and universities are to my future and how I could ride the breeze as long I had the correct wingspan and self-support under them to fly in the direction I desired to go and reach the goal I set forth.

Believe in yourself. In college, you're going to meet a lot of people. Some will believe in you and some won't, some may even belittle you, but stay focused on your dream and you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't skip class. I can't reiterate this enough. You may think it's ridiciously cool that some of your professors don't take attendance or even care whether you show up to class, but it matters. And guess what,? Most of them do actually care. Be involved, but don't try to over-dedicate yourself. Find out who you really are. Get to know your professors; they were once in your shoes and they may play an even larger role after you graduate in assiting you to find what is often referred to as a "grown up" job. If you want to change the world, you can. If you think you have your life figured out, you probably don't. College is a life-altering experience, and if you are open to it, college will not only further educate you but it will shape you into a better person all around.

One of the most important peices of advice I would give myself is to listen to others. Most high school seniors don't realize what great opportunities they have available to them as youth. The enthusiam, energy, and passion for life that young people have should be directed toward acheiving future goals. Parents, teachers, and older individuals have experienced failures and successes in the game of life. Because of their experiences, they can help guide and encourage young people to make good choices when it comes to their future. So listening to the advice and guidance that others offer to share, is essential to a high school senior's success. The second peice of advice I would give is don't worry what peers think about you. Peer acceptance is very important to high school seniors. I want them to realize that the world is made up of unique individuals who have all been gifted to do something special. Don't be afraid to be yourself and be unique. Believe in the person you are and your own talents. No one can live your life for you, your future is up to you!

Make sure you are doing what you want to do and study hard.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, the advice that I would give myself is to not take out student loans that I can't pay back and to find a major that intrests me the most. Before attending college, I wish I would have learned more about tuition, grants and student loans, and how chaging majors would affect me. That is the advice that I would give myself.

I would advise myself to consider going to a community college before going to a 4-year college or university, that way I can allow myself to focus more specifically on my chosen major and graduate with time efficiency. In addition I would advise myself to get more involved with the community. Also I would advise myself to be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort, don?t overload my course schedule with more credits than I can handle in a semester. Therefore, I need to learn to balance my schedule to provide adequate time for my studies, time for socializing and relaxation, as well as time for work to help support myself financially and learn responsibility.

If I could go back in time, I would tell the young me to get involved with everything she could. I see now that learning never stops and it isn't just in the classroom! There's a proverb that says, "To sharpen iron, you use a file; to sharpen a person, you use a friend." Making relationships in clubs, groups and classes can teach you as much as a professor, IF you'll allow them to. I would tell young Jennifer not to limit learning to what she THINKS she can do. Believing in yourself is power unleashed!

As I am starting my second semester of my first year in college ever, I look back last August. College was a way for me to live my life like I dreamed of doing. Then school acutally started. I had to completely transition myself from having my parents wake me up everyday at seven to be at school on time by eight. Now I had the chance of not even going to class, it was my decision. Although I never skipped classes, I would be lying if I said it was not tempting. But the advice I would truly give to myself back in high school is to learn better study habits/techniques. High school came so easily to me that studying wasn't a must. First week of college, I was in the library for fourty hours. I would just advise myself to really learn how to study. Studying can either make or break a class, it's that important. It teaches a student how to be responsible with their time and how to use it wisely. Yes, if I were to tell myself one thing about college, it would be to learn how to study well.

Dear Younger Sarah Beth, I know you are really stressed out right now about boys, sports, school, and especially college but I want you to take a breath. Focus on living life in the moment and don't stress out about the future. God has a plan for everyone and somehow it will all work out how it is supposed to. Right now you just need to worry about soaking in your last year of high school. Spend all the time you can with friends and family becasue they are the ones who will be there for you through thick and think. In soccer don't hold back. Play the best you have ever played and LOVE it while playing. In school work your hardest to be the best you can and be satisfied with it. As for boys don't even worry about it. Sorry to say but chances are you are not going to stay with them through college. As you make that decsion on where to go for college be confident because you WILL make the right choice and be happy with it. So, for now go with the flow and live life. Love, Experienced Sarah Beth :)

Dear Joni, I am writing you this letter from a different time in hopes that it finds you well. I am well aware of the fact that you know everything right now and that you have the next several years all planned. I do encourage you, however, to take a few minutes and consider the adivce I am about to offer: 1. Always remember to let your emotions be your guide. If you don't feel right about something, change it. The key is to be happy and feel good. Always. 2. The more you think about something, good or bad, you will have it come into your life experience. Good OR Bad! 3. Love is never ending and full of joy. There is an endless supply of all the things you want. And wanting is good. 4. Again, follow your emotions! I hope that these words make you stop and think. Spend some time re-reading this letter. From me to me, I know this is true. This advice is invaluable and applies to anything that you come up against or are involved. Sincerely, Joni

work hard you can do it!

If time travel were possible, I would go back to tell myself that I need to take writing more seriously due to the intense writing aspect that this school requires. Additoinally, I would tell myself not to worry so much about college, because it is fun, offers a wide range of opportunities, and fosters valuable relationships.

I didn't have the opportunity to go to college right out of high school, rather, I went back as an adult learner. The advice I would give myself now that I didn't know then was check out all of your options. There are definitely ways to get to college without many resources. It would have been a much easier transition out of high school when it comes to being prepared to continue school and complete assignments and the required work involved in being a college student. As an adult it has not been easy, especially raising a family and having to work a full time job. So, to my high school senior self I say, don't let the opportunity pass you by, find a way to get to college as soon as possible before life as an adult with responsibilities begins and your procrastination becomes a regret.

I believe the most important component of a person's life is his or her belief system. As a new college student, the fresh challenges and new ideas that accompany the college experience can shape and alter one's belief system. I would advise myself to make a critical assessment of my beliefs and decide which beliefs I wish to hold true throughout my life. A sturdy foundation of beliefs and values are needed when dealing and coping with new and demanding circumstances. This will prepare me as a student to give my best effort in the academic, career, and social areas of the college experience. However, I should also allow room for growth in my belief system during college. The knowledge acquired during this journey can have positive or negative effects on my belief system, thus I should choose the influences carefully, only allowing those that nurture and better the foundational belief system to have lasting impact. In addition, I should carefully guard and nurture the relationships that have had the most positive impact on my life thus far. These relationships will be vital to my success in the future, as well as the new relationships I will form.

My first advise I would give to myself would be to, not declare a major yet. Instead talk to the career center and discuss what major would best fit you and most likely find you the best job. Then once some choices are narrowed talk to the professors and some students that are enrolled in the major. From there you can make a decision about what to major in. The second advise I would give is to be involved in clubs, organizations, and social events. Next I would tell myself to network with everyone and be friendly. You never know where it will lead and what opportunities will arise.

I know this is hard for you to understand, but college is a very short part of your life and what you do during these few years will affect your quality of life for the rest of it. My advice to you is this; do not miss class, keep up with your studies, and ask for help if you need it. The professors are there to help you succeed. Show them you are interested in learning what they are teaching. Ask questions in class and do not be afraid to answer questions or express your opinions and ideas. Learn as much as you can and challenge yourself to do the best you can at all time. Be honest and friendly with those around you and you will develop true friends. Manage your time and treat college like the job you dream of having after graduation. Put in an honest day?s work (8 - 10hrs.) of going to classes and studying. I know you can do it. It will pass quickly and be over before you know it.

The first day of my high school career seem murderous. As fourteen-year-old girl I faced losing my best friend and the struggle to find my identity. I tried so many different things while in high school ranging from joining different clubs to going to house parties that I became more lost and alone. Once entering my freshman year of college, finding my identity began to reflect the values my mother and grandmother taught me at the kitchen table. They spoke of the values of leadership, standing firm in my faith, and surviving in a world that is unpredictable. Initially, I thought their words were funny and full of nonsense. Looking back now, I realize how important those words were in shaping me as and individual and if I could give myself some advice, it would be to be careful of who influences you. My mother and grandmother are great influences in my life but in high school some of the people who share our best interests or not the ones we listen too. Now is the time to start listening.

Dear high school Stec, Toughen up a bit, will you? Let's be honest: you let people walk all over you. When something stupid is happening, you smile and nod because you're too afraid that people won't like you. Who cares? You have great intuition and you know right from wrong. Once you get to college, there will be people (like your Homecoming date who thinks it's okay to drink and drive) that you'll have to stand up to (besides, once you dump him, sometimes a much better date comes along anyway). There's a strong young woman inside you - stop repressing her. She'll take you places. Also, you really need to smile more. All those years of orthodontia weren't for nothing - your smile is your best feature, and it wouldn't hurt to flaunt it. You have a lot of things going for you. Life is good. Smile about it. Laugh wildly. Sing in the shower. Dance in the rain. Throw your inhibitions to the wind because they're holding you back. Don't be afraid. It'll only prevent you from having the time of your life. Love, your future confident self

I wish I could have told myself as a high school student that I should embrace change, instead of resisting it. Entering college with the perception that these four years, or more, is simply a time of transition from high school to a career is completely false. Being a college student is the greatest opportunity for metamorphosis that any individual can have. I spent the first two months of college in bitterness and anxiety because I was torn between everything that I had regarded as valuable in the past, versus everything in the world that excited me and inspired me yet?was not the easy path to take. I wish I could have said, ?Jessica. Nothing will be definite or simple. Nothing will go as you plan. You will be angry. You will be lost. You will fight with your parents. But, you will also become a better person. You will develop and grow. You will learn to do what is true, not necessarily practical. You will also make your parents proud. Don?t search for yourself. Don?t dwell on what you can?t change. You will be truly happy for the first time in your entire life.?

I would tell myself not to stress out and overwhelm myself but rather to enjoy my college experience and do the best I can. My college years have passed much faster than I could ever have anticipated. So, I would tell myself that college should not be a hard, stressful time but one of growth and excitement. I would advise myself to join clubs and organizations, in order to make friends, to have fun, to learn and to grow. In addition, I would tell myself to make friends with the staff and professors, because they are there to help students. I have made many friends with the faculty and staff at my school, and they have been extremely helpful to me. I would also suggest going to career services to learn about available jobs and internships, how to make a resume, etc. I would also advise myself to become familiar with the library, with its staff and databases. Finally, I would tell myself to take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way. This would include getting involved in activities, going to concerts or hearing a special speaker on campus, and applying for a conference or convention.

I am one of the lucky people who picked the right college on the first try; however, it is a difficult choice and there are many different colleges from which to choose. A high school senior should definitely take campus tours and even spend a night in the dorms if possible. This way they can get a much better feel for how the campus life will be for the particular school. They also need to consider the size of the school. Small schools allow for better relationships between students and faculty, but it might be difficult to always get the perfect schedule due to the small number of classes available. Large schools will provide more freedom in scheduling but students might seem more like a number to their professors. If the high school senior plans to play on an athletic team at the school, make sure the high school senior meets the coach and team before a decision is made. Try and attend or watch a practice of the team as well. In addition, if the high school senior becomes more comfortable with the college before actually attending, the transition to college life will be much easier.

I think what I 've learned so far about college, and this goes along with all aspects of life, is you want to do what makes you happy. Going to a school because youre friend is, playing a sport in college just because you are good enough, and majoring in something your parents told you to major in, are only great if doing those things makes you happy. So the advice that I would give to myself would be to listen to my heart and not anyones elses. Sure its awesome if you have supportive parents and friends who can give you suggestions, but ultimately the decision should be yours. I would explain to myself that if I didn't go to school and major in what I wanted to, then I would regret it and not be happy, but if I did choose the school I wanted and majored in something that was interesting to me, than I would be set up for not only happiness but also success!

If I was able to go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell him that time management and proper planning is the key to success, both academically and socially. I would tell myself that balancing schoolwork, personal time, athletics, and social events will make you happier and a more well rounded individual. Getting the most out of life during your years at college will benefit you in the long run. I would tell myself to seize the day, carpe diem, because you only get one chance to do it right. Lastly, I would tell myself to follow your heart, remain strong, and trust yourself with your choices.

I would tell me to stop freaking out. When you are in highschool, everything about college seems so permanent and you feel as though you're losing stability. College is not as intense as everyone makes it seem. During the first two years, nothing is set in stone and you can make adjustments along the way. It is imperative that you never forget how important friends and family are. It is also just as important to never take them for granted and spend as much time with them as possible. Grades matter, even the ones you don't care about right now, but they are not the only thing. Academic excellence does help in a few areas, but doing your absolute best is what counts. If you try to give it your all, your grades will reflect that. It is important to not procrastinate and definitely do your best to stay organized. Don't put things off until the last minute, it evenutally all piles anyway. Also, always take time to enjoy the ride. Late night study sessions are actually fun! You're only in school for approx. 4 years, take time to take it all in!

My name is Jerri Prindable, and I am YOU in 2009. Jerri, do not wait to go to college - do it now, in 1993. In 15 years, you will have a family of your own and will be trying to balance children with studies, on top of a busy career, and it is NOT easy. At 18, buckle down and pony up to the call for education. Make smart choices, and never let the objectives of others cloud your judgement. Your passion is Enterprise Networking. Learn it. Absorb it, and make your move in this field early. At 17 I'm certain it sounds ridiculous, but it's not. It's a fulfilling career you will enjoy. Don't let the math scare you - believe it or not, you are good at this type of math and everything in this field. It's not nerdy. You are a smart girl, do not let your brain sit idle for over a decade. Don't sit idle for even 1 year. You can achieve anything you put your mind to, and the rewards are great. Move back to St. Louis and look for your future husband - his name is Jason :)

I would tell myself to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure about the school I pick and the program of study I choose. I would tell myself to take a variety of classes at least the first year to make sure I choose the right career path for myself. I would also tell myself to get involved. I would like to have joined more clubs, maybe a sorority and been more involved on campus. Being a part of these organizations makes it a lot easier to make friends for life, so I would most definitely tell myself to get involved. I think being involved also makes you a better student because you know what is going on with campus and the school, so I would tell me senior self to try as much as possible and join the different on-campus organizations. I would also tell myself to help other students out by being a campus tour guide or orientation leader. As an older student on-campus you are a great resource to new and prospective students. I would like to be able to pass my wisdom of the school along to new students and make them feel at home.

There are quite a few statements I would make to my former high school self. When I was in high school, my grades were ok, but I knew I could have done better. One of the best tips I could pass down is to give hundred percent in everything you do. Its much better to have good grades and be in a couple of extracurricular activities than be spread out too thin with organizations and group meetings. My second peice of advice would be to keep the important things important. Never forget that you're in college to get a degree, not to join the most popular sorority on campus or be a varsity cheerleader. Once college begins, most of the daily responsibilities lie in time management and how well you can juggle multiple problems and issues. Learning to balance school, life, and work is an invaluable skill that will be used for the entirety of your life. Occasionally, you also need to realize that not every task and responsibility can be completed in one day. Life takes time, so don't forget to take a breather every once in a while.

The advice I would give myself would first be to do what feels right in my heart. You will experience lots of pressure from your parents, friends, and schools trying to get you to choose a school. Make sure it is one you love the minute you arrive in the car, especially if it is more than an hour away from home, because that will be your new ?temporary? home. Next, pick the school for the right reasons for you. For example, although you may enjoy the big campus with lots of students, it may be tough to handle the homework because of the social atmosphere. You know yourself best. Keep in mind your strengths and weaknesses when making your decision. Third, decide your major early and work towards something. You can always change later. If you really cannot decide, take at least 16-18 credits your second semester freshman and whole sophomore year to take some pressure off the later years. Finally, try new things if they look fun! Do not let others discourage you from joining a club or studying abroad. Those are important experiences and will create unforgettable memories to help you be a well-rounded person.

Brooke, Relax and enjoy yourself and your friends. You get too caught up in exceeding expecations and being in charge of everything. You always want to impress everyone and never let anyone down, but think about your own happiness. I know you strive for other's respect, but you will continue to gain that if you just keep making the right decisions. You don't have to sacrifice so much just to make sure everything goes "according to plan". I know sports mean a lot to you and have molded you into the person you are today. Take those leadership skills you have acquired and use them in your future career as a teacher and coach. Although you sometimes rub your teammates the wrong way because of being so driven, don't let that get to you. The people who will matter most in your life are still in your future. Most importanly, continue to stand up for your beliefs and express your views; people are listening.

I grew up in small town, our school was definently not the nicest or the prettiest. We concentrated on sports, football in fact. If I could have went back and said just acouple of words to myself. I would have said, " Your education is like building a house. Junior-high is your supplies, high school is your base. Your base is the strongest part of the house and usually is concrete. Your base consist of the basic principles of your education. Math, science, and english are main properties of your base. You need to learn and go as far as you can in these fields. They will play a hefty role in the rest of the process. College is your structual skeleton, you can not start building your skeleton until your base has become strong. In college everything changes, you start building at unheard of speeds. You fly through chapters and lessons everyday and keep going and going. By strengthening you base while in high school and being sucessful this will only help you suceed in college and eventually graduate. By the time you are finished with school you should have a structually sound house. This house is your education.

Take advantage of all the assistance & guidance from the high school teachers and counsellors. Seize every possible moment and make the best of all opportunities to learn. You may never get a sceond chance. Learn to oragnize and take responsiblitiy for you work. The outside world doesn't care if you succeed, you must learn to depend upon yourself for success. Remember the following: Live each day as if it is you last. Parents are not as dumb as you think they are. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to fear the unknown. Remember life if not fair, its what you make of it that really counts.

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself the following things. I would say not to worry about what everybody thinks about you because after high school it will not matter what the status of the person next to you was. Also, I would tell myself that going to a junior college was the best idea. I would also tell myself to save money because it will not always be around when I need it. It is very important to do research on the college that you want to attend, and make sure you know in depth about the major that you wish to study. Bouncing from one major to another is not always the best idea. Also, the most important thing I would tell myself is to relax and have fun! You are only a high school senior once in your life.

Assuming I could travel back in time and talk to my senior-self, I would tell myself to keep working and that each moment I earn will be worth it. I used to think that once I got to college, it would be time for me to relax. I was clearly mistaken. I would dispell this thought and say, "Achievement is in you, whether you realize it or not, Lena. You won't be able to relax, so don't even consider it. You are capable of more than you think. The time you have invested into valedictorianship will be a springboard for college. You can do great things. Do not worry, but do not stop working." My senior-self would hate to hear this, but I would insist. This is what I needed to hear - encouragement and reassurance that my work will be worth all my time.

It's almost time for you to go to college. I know you're not sure whether or not McKendree was the right choice but just know that whatever happens, everything will be okay. Those things that mattered in high school don't matter as much anymore. You're so worried about what other people think of you but in college you are going to find people who will accept you just as you are. The fact that you were invisible in high school won't matter here. No one will even be able to guess that you're poor unless you tell them. After all, we're all poor college students! Just keep your head up and be strong. You can do it. Stay focused in class. The most important thing is to go to class. It's tempting to skip but don't! You'll get behind and won't be able to catch up. You'll get discouraged but your friends, the ones you meet here that will last forever, will always be there for you. No matter what- Do not give up! You can do this.

I know you feel ready to take on the world this second. There will be times where you question your abilities; don?t. Success is in your grasp. Utilize every resource available to you. Get out of your dorm room, and walk to the Writer?s Resource Center. They will save you heartache. I know you think being a high school choir teacher is your calling. However, when you are working in the Children?s Center sitting with a challenged kindergartener, you may find yourself longing to work with a younger age. God gave you a gift when it comes to teaching. Do not limit yourself to a particular age. Teaching a five year old is just as valuable as teaching a fifteen year old. When a boy comes up to you with sweaty palms and says hello, be nice to him. He will become your husband in three short years. He will see the immense ambition in you, and he will support your education in anyway he can. He sees things in you, that you sometimes have trouble seeing in yourself. Never be afraid to be bold. Savor every second you spend in a classroom. Learn everything you can.

The best advice that I could give myself if I were to go back in time as a high school senior would be take more time to read and analyze homework or supplemental readings. In high school, the majority of the homework is "busy" work which includes doing quick exercises from the textbooks. When I would get selected readings to analyze and interpret, I would struggle because we did not get enough practice. This struggle carried into college and still affects me today although I am getting better at it. Read, read, and read!

While a cliche and over-used phrase, "getting involved" is easily the best way to make the most of your college experience. To find the right college, exploring a campus and traveling may be nessecary, but don't let distance stop you. Just because your path to learning is not just 'in town' anymore shouldn't eliminate those places as options. When you find a school that, regardless of tuition, location, or status quo, strikes you as somewhere you belong and a place that gives you a feeling of fullnes, finding clubs or activities will open new doors to finding friends and finding yourself. I've learned that college is about finding who a person is, along with preparing them for the next step into life, and having the right atmosphere and friends will make that more of a possibility. Being involved can also open doors to the future of your academics; for example, I joined the theater at my school and have since combined tech work with my current art major to help design and build sets, allowing me to both express myself and practice for an artistic career. Keep your options open.

I would let students know that it takes a lot of research to find the perfect school for you. It isn't just about how the school looks on the outside, you have to know if you are going to a school that is known for having great job placement and a school at is academically strong and supportive.

To not just pick a school because your friend goes there. You have to pick a school thats right for you and your learning ablities. Also, make sure that you go to campus events because it's a great way to meet new people and make life long friends!

Make sure that you go and visit the college that you want to attend to make sure that it is everything that you want in a school and it offers everything else that you need. Make sure you talk to current students to see how the classes are and the teachers are and how are they about academic education. Make sure that you talk to students that are in the program that you want to go into to make sure that you will be getting everything that you need out of the programs especially since you will be paying for it. Make sure that it is an safe area. Know what it is like at night if you will be attending by yourself. Get familiar with the area around the school in the daytime so that you can know your way around.

Some advice that I would give parents and students about finding the right college would be to keep your options open and be open minded. Also, look into a variety of universities even if you think you want a big school, still visit a smaller school and see which one you like better. I would also say to talk to not only the facility and staff but students while they are just hanging out and see what they have to say about the school. In order to make the most of your college experience I would say is to study hard but still have a social life. You can't just sit in your room all the time studying, you need to put yourself out there and meet new people. This is such a great time in your life so enjoy it to the fullest.