New River Community College Top Questions

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

Hannah

College life is so much more fullfilling than high school life. Now you are frustrated with peer pressure, trivial classes, and massive workloads. Here, you take the classes that you want, for your future. Your work is done on your terms, and while things can be more difficult, the rewards for your efforts are that much greater. People around you are more relaxed and accepting. Keep your chin up, things do get better.

Peter

"Peter" I'd say to myself, "college is going to be a crazy time for you. You're going to learn a lot about the world and yourself. There's also going to be a lot of hard times for you too." I would look myself dead in the eye and tell myself "You are going to really need grow up quick and take responsiblity for your own actions. You need to understand that procrastinating is gonna hurt you in the long run and you sure as hell can't keep not studying for your test. In a lot of ways Pete, you are going to have to step up and be the man you know that you can be." More than likely I would warn myself about the dog I end up getting and how much I fall in love with it. I would talk all about how great is it to be on your own, but how much it sucks to not have mama's home cooking everynight. While there is a whole lot I would make sure to tell myself about, I think I would leave a lot out for past me to experience on his own.

Casey

Do not wait to go to college, its ten times harder when you're older and have kids. Make sure you take your academic career seriously and do your absolute best. Learn as much as you can and never stop learning, use every opportunity you can to learn something new because knowledge truly is power. The real world is hard without a higher education and job opportunities are few and far between. Pursue your dreams, don't wast your time doing what everyone else wants you to do because you'll only end up unhappy and resenting others with a lifetime of regret for what should have or could have been. Work every day at bettering yourself on a personal level and as a fellow human being. Don't sweat the small stuff because in the end it won't even matter. Be kind and accepting of others and put the golden rule into practice every day. Don't sell yourself short, with a little effort you can accomplish great things. Don't allow yourself to get bogged down with anger, jealousy and resentment it clouds your soul. Live life to the fullest because its the only life you have.

Toya

My experience at Virginia College online division has been wonderful. I am a single mom returning to school at the age of 36. The staff knows how important it is for me to be a student at this time. My daughters are my insperation and the reason it is so important for me to get my degree at this time in my life. Being a single mom is hard enough and I do not have the support of their fathers in any way. This is why I chose to take online classes. I am able to study at home and still be there for my girls. This is less of a strain for me then having to be on campus at a certain time and I also don't have to deal with the frustration of finding a daycare profider. I am able to spend more time on my studies and am currently maintaining a 3.00 avarage after being out of school for so long. If I could just say one thing it would be; Thanks to Virgina College instructors and staff it is truly a wonderful experience;.

Beth

After going back in time to my senior year, I would tell my much younger self that the transition to college is not that scary or hard. I would tell myself to let go of any fears and doubts and just do it. I would give myself a pep talk that would make a cheerleader jealous. Having strength to continue even when the tough times happen is always easy but, with the right motivation and encouragement it can be done.

Briggs

If I could go back and talk to my self as a senior in high school, I would begin by telling myself that college is the biggest leap in responsibility until you are a grown man. I would explain the importance of good study habbits and testify that being organized and disciplined will go far in helping you graduate and succeed as a person. I would stress the importance of being active and managing your free time. I would have to reluctantly admit that everything your high school teachers warned you about is true, and that college will indeed be the four (or maybe five) fastest years of your life. I would describe the workload and explain the difference between high school and college as I have known it. I would have to give myself a few pointers on note taking, because I didn't have much practice out of high school. As for adjusting to the social life in college, I would say that it is everything you've been waiting for and more........freeeedom!!! And the final piece of advice would be to utilize the office hours, because teachers will always teach if you're willing to learn.

Samuel

I would advise my High School senior self to do great in the class and take in all of the opportunites college will have to offer. Use your time wisely and be sure what you want your future to be and make the decision to go to school where you feel comfortable. Don't listen to what other people are telling you and do what you feel is right and what you wanna do. Be sure of your college major and what you wanna do in your future. Also, be sure to let all of the teachers know how greatly they have affected your schooling and that it was a true honor for you to be taught by them.