North Greenville University Top Questions

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

Kaitlyn

I would tell my self that my grades are more important than anything and that leaving home is harder than expected. I would tell my self to prepare for a long and windy road, and to never give in to other peoples input and to just go with what i think is correct.

Heather

I would tell myself to adjust my study habits to work better with the college atmosphere, as the amount of freedom in the college lifestyle makes it easy to forget the work required in comparison to high school.

Kristen

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is much harder in terms of school work and to not take the classes lightly. I would explain how important time management is and how making the right decisions will really pay off in the end. College student's freshman year can really hurt them if they do not put forth their best effort, and I would tell myself to work as hard as I possibly could and associate with a good group of people.

Betsy

I am the type of person that has to learn from my mistakes. Honestly, I do not think that I would listen to myself if I could go back in time. But, if I would, I would tell myself to follow my dreams and not be what my parents want me to be, not matter what.

Adam

I would advise myself to save as much money for college as possible. I would work on making great grades and looking for scholarhips. I would work on being more sociable and feeling more comfortable around people that I don't know. Also, I would be more involved in the community so that I could become very involved in college functions once I made the transition. I would work on getting to know people and not being too trusting of people I don't know well. I would tell myself to work hard and to do the best that I can in all things - in classwork, in relationships, etc. College has been and continues to be a wonderful experience, and I believe if I had known more of these things then the college experience would be even more amazing.

Malorie

I would tell myself and that it is not as scary and overwhelming as it appears. To watch out for deception along the way. And live for God and God alone. He has a better plan even if you don't understand it. He will reveal it just trust Him.

Pamela

Jill, you have had your parents to lead and guide you to help you in your decision making up until this point. Now it is up to you how you will manage your time, choose your friends and handle yourself. Make good decisions. You will be making a lot of very important life decisions over the next ten years and where you choose to go to college is the first of them. Hear your parents out. They have known you your whole life, so do not leave them out of this very important time in your life. Trust yourself. You are on the brink of adult-hood and you are smart enough to make good decisions. The lack of making a decision is making a decision. Lastly, live. Truly live. Do not fear the future, embrace it!

Jessica

Dear Self, It is hard to believe you will be going to North Greenville University next year. For you, it will not be difficult to transition from high school to college. It is easy for you to make friends, and you will do well academically. However, in the midst of seeming as though you have it all together, you will struggle with one important quality: endurance. Although you will make good grades overall, you allow grades below an “A” to bring your confidence down. From one who has been there and done that, allow me to give you some advice. When the grade turns out to be anything less than perfect, take pride in your work because you know you gave it your absolute best effort. It is easy to get discouraged but take pride, hold your head high, and conquer the next assignment. Remember, even the most famous men and women in history were not perfect. They may not be famous for their imperfections, but they are famous for their endurance of overcoming them. So, endure through all those imperfect grades; it will help strengthen you in preparation to face all life’s faults. Sincerely, Me

Jennifer

You need to be motivated and work really hard. You need to push yourself daily to be as successful as possible. And never give up. If you have the opportunity to go to college, you should seize it!

Courtney

Look into a bunch of colleges. Don't just choose one because of the way it looks. Looks can be deceiving. Check into how much each school is willing to give you for financial aid. Start looking at colleges during high school. College is a major decision. Don't take it lightly.

Isaac

I would tell myself that the choice I would soon be making about college would be in the top three most important choices I would ever make in my life; therefore, the decision would have to be made wisely and correctly. Although money is certainly a priority in choosing a college, the education that will be received at the chosen college must be my primary factor in my final decision. Also, I would tell myself to research what alumni in my particular major from my optional colleges have gone on and accomplished. I would want to know the difficulty of finding a job those alumni had as well. Finally, I would tell myself to make as wise of a financial decision as possible. If I must take out loans to get through college, the plan would be to be able to pay off those loans within five years upon graduation.

Lauren

My senior year of high school was great. I managed to maintain involvement in all of the activities I wanted to and was still able to acheive all my goals academically. I am very thankful that amidst all of the stress I never had to compromise what I love most; relationships. That is exactly what I want to encourage current seniors to be careful of. It is hard to recognize just how fleeting our time with certain friends is when we are all looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. In the midst of our excitement for college though, we must make sure that we don't waste the chapter of our lives that we are currently in. Despite all of the promises that we would talk after going to college and that we would visit during breaks from school, there are so many friends that I have not been able to maintain contact with. These aren't just casual friends either. These are people that I spent every day with since kindergarten; people I love. College will bring new groups of friends, so make sure that you take full advantage of the time with your current friends.

Megan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, and honstly know about college the way I do now I would have probably learned more about other colleges and what they offered. I would have really asked my self how far am i willing to be from my family and friends. North Greenville being a private Christian school they have so many rules that you have to follow. I would have really talked to myself and asked is this really the school that i want to attend, somewhere that not even my dad can come into my doorm and visit. When I got ecepted to NGU I just settled with it instead of having my opitions open. I look back now and wish I would have really search and prayed to where I really need to go.

Ana

I think we should make the most of the time to train and become better people every day, because the power is in knowledge and this makes a difference in the lives of people. Never too late to start and do the right thing with our lives for a better future, we must constantly study and pursue a better future for humanity

Sloane

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, knowing what do now about transitioning into college life I would tell myself do not let fear hold you back, be more outgoing and open to making new friends. I would say come into it standing strong in your beliefs and values but be willing to accept others as well because everyone is different. Be caring and willing to listen because you will find even some of your best friends come from very difficult backwards. It is important not to let people hold you back from dreams and goals you have set. Figure out who you are and do not let others determine that. Planners are your best friend, figure that out fast! Once you know your schedule each semester use your time wisely. Make time to focus on your studies and to have fun, get that down and things will go smoothly. This will help you not to procrastinate, saving you some stress. Do not forget where you come from, be yourself, give your studies your best because that is why you are there and are paying for, enjoy it and laugh alot, it helps release stress!

Amanda

Be social and don't get wrapped up in your major. Music education is a hard and time consuming major but you still need to have friends and you still need to have fun. You will have friends in college but make sure you keep them close, you will need them and it is ok if they pick on you, they all love you. Make sure you don't let others get in the way of you doing the best that you can, especially when it come to practicing your flute (including other flute players). You will do great. You always do, but if you don't thats ok, God has a plan.

Holly

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and I knew what I know about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to stay focused and remeber my main goal's for going to college. I would mention to stay focused because college life coming from high school can be challenging and overwhelming. I would also mention to remember my main goal's for going to college which are getting an education, finding my passion for becoming an educator, and making lifelong friendships because personally that is my main purpose. So far, this advice has done well for me at North Greenville University. I am earning a well deserved education, as a junior, I am so thrilled to only have two more years left until I become a teacher and I have met amazing people who I look forward to cherishing their friendships the rest of my life!

David

Haha, this is probably pretty unusual but I would say to myself, "Keep seeking God and walk in the fullness of Him, He will take you into to the places He desires. Trust in Him and don't worry about what lies ahead, He already knows the plans He has for you. Keep on seeking Him and spending time with Him so that all that He has for your life will be completed and fulfilled because that is His promise."

Muriel

A new step in my life is about to start after this year. I have to act like an adult now. I have to focus on my college work, take good grades, never fail a class, and make my parents even more proud of me. I want to go to a smaller school, so I can be close with my professors and succed in each class. At the same time, I want to be in a environment where people are friendly, enjoy worshiping God, and have the same perspectives in life as I do: succeed in each year at college.

Lora

I would teach myself the value of studying and push myself to do my best

Lindsay

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to study more my freshman year.

Michelle

don't be afraid to do the things you are interested in just because you think they may be too hard for you

Erin

I would tell myself to try everything that the campus has to offer. Don't let the actions of others affect you and make your own path to follow. Make sure you stick to your guns and don't let people mess with you. Take pride in what you have done and what you will do. Don't be afraid to talk to someone new and make new friends. Also, don't be afriad of the teachers. They want to help you achive everything in your field and will make sure you do your best as long as you work for it. Make your dorm as homie as possible, you will be spending a lot of time there! Don't let the little things bug you. Get connected with a church and get involved. Just have fun and do your best.

Valencia

Dear Valencia Baxton: I am your future. You are my past. I am here to prevent you from making my college mistakes. John Adams once said, "There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live." In High School, we had poor study habits, and we were procrastinators when it came to completing assignments and preparing for tests. We will fail in college and in life if we continue with this learning style. After I was placed on probation and threatened to be kicked out of college for poor grades, I straightened up rather quickly! If I was kicked out of school, Daddy's dreams for us would be shattered. We know how important it was to him that we graduate from Purdue University. We will be the first person in our family to ever attend and graduate from an accredited university. My motivation to do better was hearing Daddy say (in my head), "My baby's going to college!" Don't let him down! Take control of your college education early. Allow it to teach you how to make a successful living and how to live as an independent woman.

Cameron

Cameron Joseph Ventura as a senior in high school looks much different than the Cameron who is writing this essay. The younger edition of me, standing roughly twenty pounds heaver and face more naked, could theoretically gain greatly from a brief conversation with present day me. I would simply remind myself of the importance of remaining true to what I believe is right. I have not made any giant mistakes that I greatly regret, yet there have been times within the past that I have let myself hold back from what I should have fought for, as well as other times where I have let my atmosphere and desires lead me into being far too passionate about what I should have let go. I would like to believe that a simple admonition would be enough to encourage me to stand true to what is noble, and let that guide those around to pattern what is excellent, rather than allowing the less honorable to set the stage for how those around choose to exist.

David

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School senior I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships, to try harder, and to not procrastinate. All three of these things are essential in college life. School is expensive and I wish i could have realized that last year to be more prepared for the years to come with loans. I did not try my best throughout high school and i regret that. I wish I could tell myself to buckle down and put some initiative into my work to be proud of it. Since I have started college i have learned to do my work days ahead of time. This is less stress and worry on my part when the due date comes up. If i had known how to do this last year, I would not have lost as much sleep due to worry. I am proud of my accomplishments in school, but I would do those three things differently if I could talk to myself one year ago.

Erin

I would tell myself to first off, and most importantly, stop taking my mom for granted. I never realized how much she did for me and how hard it is to begin living on my own and making tough decisions for myself. I would have known how to do a better job at putting myself out there. It seems that the only people I hang out with in college are people that live in my dorm and that is tough because when you live with people sometimes you need to get away. I would also remind myself that going home is okay, sometimes it is what you need and not to feel bad about it. I would also remind myself to enjoy the rest of my senior year, but get excited about college, yes it new and scary but it also a great experience and exciting.

Erin

Looking back as a high school senior I would have told myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible before entering college. Also, I would have recommended saving a lot of money during the summer and not spending it on unimportant items during the school year. As far as having a car on campus, I would have told myself not to drive home every weekend because it saves money and allows positive social interaction with other students. Staying on the weekends encourages branching out and getting involved with other organizations, students, and churches. As far as dealing with the transition between college classes and highschool, I would have told myself to study for tests greatly beforehand instead of cramming information the night before. Also, I would have encouraged myself to talk to professors if I was having a problem because this creates a name-to-name basis and when it comes to the end of the semester for final grades, if they noticed how hard you were trying they would boost your grade just enough to make a difference. Overall, I would tell myself to remain practical, have fun making lifelong friends, and work hard.

Ashley

I would tell myself to not worry about college or what the future holds.

Tricia

There are a few things you need to succeed in college: focus, willingness to learn and tme management skills. First of all you must have a clear goal and stay focused on it. This will help you as many distractions will come your way. It will also hep you when times are tough. Hang in there, stay focused and you will reach your goal. Secondly, you must be wiling to learn all kinds of information. Look at each class as an opportunity to expand your horizons. Also be willing to ask for help in learning when needed. There are plenty of places to go for help on most campuses. Lastly, be diligent in your time management. Use an agenda or a calendar on your wall. Watch your due dates and work ahead when you can. In the middle of all your hard work, also make sure you take some playtime. You will make friends that will last your lifetime. Spend time nurturing these relationships. If you listen to this advice, you will finish strong, do well academically and enjoy your experience while you are in college. Good Luck!

Tiffany

I would tell myself to have paid more attention in my spanish and science classes.

Emily

College is the greatest experience you can have. It teaches you how to become a mature, responsible adult. You will meet lifelong friends and will understand the meaning of a good work ethic. You will face challenges that you may not know how to handle, but ultimately they will help mold you in to the person you become. Do not let bad things that my happen to you define who you are. Instead, realize they are mistakes and learn from them!

Emily

I would give myself as a high school senior more than two hundred words of advice. Therefore, my advice is limited on this page. When I was a senior in high school, I was very specific on what type of college I wanted to go to and what I wanted to major in. I would have told myself to stop trying so hard to find the "right school" and start looking at all schools. I would tell myself to start looking at every school instead of narrowing down the list. I say that because the school I am at now was far from my list. It did not meet my standards I wanted in a school. My excuses were, it is too close to home and I know too many that go to school here. It did not seem like the right choice at the time. Now that I am at North Greenville University I know it is the right school for me and I wish I could go back in time when I was a senior and tell myself to stop wasting all that time worrying about where I should not go instead of where I should go.

Anna

Don't try to do too much. College can be a big adjustement, so take it easy your first semester and figure out what you want to be involved in and where your priorities are. Make sure you keep in touch with your old friends and your family.

Michael

Know thy self. You must see what works best. If you are not a selfish person, you must learn to be one. Take this time to learn how to teach yourself the material set in front of you. Know that when you are done, your friends, family, and everyone else in your life will be there when you get back from this awesome journey. This is not a race, go at your own pace. If you think about how long the average person lives, four, five, or even ten years of school is nothing. I’m 28 years old, I started college when I was 25, and I’m still going strong. Keep yourself healthy, mentally and physically. It will benefit you in the long run. Never take the easy path. Learn instead. The stuff that you learn early will help make it easy in the end. If you get frustrated, change subjects, and keep moving forward. Make new friends for networking only. Sit in the front. Or at most two or three seats back. Don’t be afraid of your professors, there obligated to help you, it’s their job. Lastly, know that people change and so will you.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as I was beginning the stressful journey of filling out college applications, I would tell myself to relax a little. I would tell myself to not stress as much about my college decision and to just choose the college that I felt was the best fit for me. As a high school senior, I was so worried I would pick the wrong school and not be able to make a smooth transition from high school to college. In the long run, I could have saved myself from a a lot of stress. I ended up choosing the college I felt was best for me, and it worked out perfectly. The transition was easier than i expected. and it was very easy to get involved and make new friends. I could not have picked a better university to attend, and I would not change that "stressful" college decision I made as a high school senior. In the end, everything will work out and you will end up in the college that is right for you.

Carson

If I could go back in time and tell myself anything about college, I would tell myself to live on campus. I was a commuter and that makes it so hard to make friends are really find a group to fit in with because I was only there during my classes. To really get the college experience and make all the friends I could, I would really encourage myself to take a step outside of my comfort zone and live on campus!

Sarah

Do not be afraid to be as smart as you know you are. Say no to people who want to go out when you have homework and please, please, get involved! The people here were so nice once you gave them the chance to be, they won't hurt you. Don't let the teachers get you down, you are talented, just shy.

Rebekah

I would say learn to study and create a personalized way to prioritize and organize schoolwork. In addition I would tell myself to relax. College is a wonderful opportunity, nothing to be afraid of, but at the same time something that should be mentally prepared for. In all honesty there was nothing particularly outstanding that i should have done differently .

Rebecca

Do not be nervous about anything. God is in control and all of it will work out. Take every dual-enrollment class you can in high school because it will pay off. College life is expensive so apply for every scholarship out there! Your odds go up when you apply for them. Do not procrastinate anything; you will regret it. Do not be shy when you arrive to college. Everyone is looking for someone to hang out with, not just you. Do not room with your best friend; it causes way too much trouble. Lastly, spend time with your friends from high school, because they are easily lost. Also, spend time with your family, and soon you will discovery mom and dad are right. Have fun in college. It is so much better than high school!

Shana

Dear Shana, As you are preparing for such a critical and exciting time in your life, please take note of these extremely important suggestions: 1. As you balance sports, choir, family, church, praise band, etc., perservere to organize your time and responsibilities to the best of your abilities. College life and school work only gets crazier! Try using a calendar or your phone to record reminders and important dates. 2. Instead of just cramming the night before a test or quiz, make a habit of studying the material several times that week so that you will not be stressed come test/quiz day; learning how to study is pivetal in college. 3. Have confidence in who you were made to be. Entering a new environment with new people can be intimidating. Do not let it get the best of you! From the first day of college, BE YOURSELF; embrace who you are and always strive to be sweet and humble to everyone. Do not let others or fear cause you to conform. 4. Please, please, please do not put off looking for scholarships or miss opportunities to take the SAT/ACT. Take advantage of all of your resources. Love, Shana

Shelby

I would advise myself to begin taking actual classes at North Greenville. Since I took Advanced Placement classes in high school, I felt prepared, and I was but I would have like to know the routine of normal classes before going in the fall. There is not many things that I would change. It was a great learning experience.

Nicholas

I would probably tell myself to try to pick a college a bit closer to home. For the most part, I am very happy with the choices I have made and there is not any particular important advice that I feel would be important to tell myself.

Christina

If I could go back to my high school years and tell myself how to prepare for the college experience, I would tell myself to not commit to a degree until I was completely sure of the area that I wanted to study. I would have started with only general education requirements and let myself acclimate to the university without stressing out about what my major would be. Then after taking those first classes and settling into campus life and the difference between high school class work and college class work, I would focus in on finding out what I felt was the best area of study for me.

Clayton

Being at North Greenville University has been a great asset to my life. I have connected with several internship opportunities that could turn into jobs. My professors want me to succeed and are willing to connect me to industry professionals in their networks. Student Services provides a wealth of activities, but I choose to spend my free time with friends just hanging out and having fun, like a trip downtown or to the movies. Our security force ensures a safe campus 24/7. The president even walks around campus and will give you a hug and ask you how your day is going! The atmosphere is just incredible. I am excited about graduation because I look forward to what my education will do for me.

Andre

My first semester as an incoming freshman at North Greenville University I've had the pleasure to interact and involve myself with other peoples' lives. People who I wouldn't normally converse with have become my friends strictly based on sociability skills I've gained while attending the University. I also learned that as a college student you must become more independent, because you are one step ahead to becoming a full adult who must be able to financially support themselves throughout the years. This school has thought me to no longer rely on my mother to support and overcome every struggling obstacle especially being a single mom with her anually income. As an individual in todays' society it is easy to just give up and quit the diffucult situations life throws at you. Instead of giving up I'll continue to pursue my education purposes and finish what I've started and intended to do from the start which is to be successful and make my moother proud of the seed she's raised all these years.

Justin

I have really learned the value of a good education because I have had to work very hard to pay my own way through school. I have received little to no financial support from my family. It is valuable for me to attend such an uplifting university because not only will I graduate with a degree that will enable me to go into the field I have chosen, it is also allowing me to meet new people that will be lifelong friends. I am thankful that I am able to attend the university of my choice and I will not take that for granted.

Olivia

Returning to school as an adult has been very eye opening. My first attempt at college was not taken very seriously, and I did not do a very good job with thinking things through to the future. Now, I am a wife, a mother, a small business owner, and I much more focused. I do not take my time for granted and I see the importance of learning new information. Every moment of my college career is important. I am not only going back to school for my own well being, but to better the life of my family as well. My path is set, and there are definite challenges ahead of me; my husband and I are living 200 miles apart; I am facing the need of an early hysterectomy that could throw my timeline of course, but I am trying tostay focused. Every moment is important; every class is important. I am lucky to have this opportunity again in my life, and I am glad that I have growm enough to apprecite it.

Haley

My experience as a college student this far in my journey has been the most rewarding, unique experience of my life. I feel that through the many different experiences I have been exposed to it has grown me as an individual. I no longer look at things through the same eyes, but have broadened my opinions and have become more open minded to new ideas and cultures. Some say that college is really where poeple start to discover who they really are. This idea has proven to be true in my own life. While being a college student, I have discovered what my true passions and desires really are. I chose to continue my education so that I would have the tools necessary to become the most successful contributor to our world's society. I feel that my experience as a college student and choosing higher education is preparing me for this task. I have also been inspired to have a greater love for learning like my professors, who have already traveled this same journey. I am thankful for this opportunity that was awarded to me through schollarship contributors, like you, who have made my dreams possible. God Bless

Mary

During my experience at college, I have learned to interact with other students from different backgrounds, what to expect out of life, and how to reach my goals. Interacting with people from different backgrounds is very import. God created us all and we all need to learn how to interact together. Life is too short to spend time on figuring out how to achieve this task. This university has helped me be extremely independent. I can count on myself to complete task, make plans (organized), and budget my money. North Greenville has also helped me plan my career and what i need to do to reach my goals. My advisor made a track for me and has been there for any problem I have faced. Over all college has been a great experience; socially, benefitically, and learning experiences.