Oakwood University Top Questions

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

Khalia

If I could go back in time and speak with the high school senior I was... my my my! I would honestly have picked up better study habits. I maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout my senior year, and although that is great... High school studying, and college studying is something completely different. Also, I would have told myself to prepare for any and everything.

Jenelle

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, I would tell myself that a plan is always needed. Don't think that everything will fall into your lap because it won't and that I shouldn't take it too personally when they don't. Be responsible for your actions and try not to wait until the end of Freshman year to get serious. Look forward to a good experience. Please do not focus on guys too much, they will come. Don't think for a moment that just because you attend a school with like-minded people that The Mr. Right is in your EN 201 class and no he is not that aloof musician either. Be patient with yourself and your journey; trust the process of growth because it never fails. Understand what it means to be an adult, you are moving away from Mom and Dad and their problems belong to them. While you are at school take this time to be just a little selfish, guard your time, guard your emotions and guard your study/review time. Its your best friend. Love thyself and to thine own self be true.

La'Rell

If I had the abillity to go back, and tell my High School Senior self some crucial advice it would definitly be to apply for all the scholarships possible. I would tell myself to apply to more colleges so I would have more options. In addition to this I would also tell myself to do really good my senior year, and get the best GPA possible. These are the key things I would tell my senior self about college.

jasmine

Dear Jasmine, You will be attending college next year, and there are a few things you should know. College is a place where you are learning about who you are more and more each day. You will not know right away what career path you should take, and what your future holds. It is ok to be unsure about what God has planned for you. This is a chance for you to do research on different majors, and discover what things you are really interested in, and what would truly make you happy. Don't ever get distracted by looking at other people and what they are doing. You are your own person and have to make decisions for yourself. College is a place where you become independent, and learn how to handle big problems without the help of your parents. It is time for you to prove to yourself, and to the world that you are capable of being the best future professional that there is. Don't let anthing or anyone hold you back from making your dreams come true. Be confident and know that you can achieve anything with God's help.

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, College is full of life lessons. You are about to embark on a journey that will strongly affect your transition from a girl into a woman. You are a college student now! So that your journey can be as smooth as possible, DO THE FOLLOWING: The first is to ALWAYS talk to your advisor. Your advisor helps to keep you on track at all times; helping you make sure you are taking all the right classes you need to fulfill the requirements of your field of study. The second thing that is important for you to do is to create a study schedule for yourself and stick to it! You have to discipline yourself to be successful academically. The third thing is to be mindful of the people you surround yourself with! Friends have a big impact on the decisions you make so be wise! The forth thing that's important is to ask for help! Never be afraid to ask for help! There are always people willing to give help when you need it! Fifth, have fun because you remember your college days forever. Always trust God. ALWAYS PRAY.

Caryn

Dear high school Caryn, you are about to face a big transition—and for you to be prepared, I composed a list of things that you should know before you go to college: 1. Do not spend an exorbitant amount of money on things for your dorm room ! You will be okay with just one pillow— the multiple fluffy ones that you will spot in Target aren’t necessary. Plus, you’ll need that money for later expenses. 2. Keep up the organization ! With deadlines that aren’t much repeated by professors, it’s imperative to use your phone or planner to keep up. Be sure to weekly schedule your readings and assignments or else you will end up being the student who is empty-handed when the professor is walking around collecting papers. 3. Stay true to your beliefs ! There will be people around you who want to “have fun” instead of studying. Know that there is a plan for your life- you would do well to follow it. Stay focused and don’t let appealing Saturday night rendezvous stop you from studying ! But also, spend time doing things you enjoy—college is a great place.

Denzel

I would tell myself to prepare for everything that you do in high school. the better prepared you are the better chance you have on doing well in that subject. Never do last minute cramming because all its going to do is have you tire for the test the next day. Try to do your best in breaking up each and every test through out the week so you wont have to worry about it and become stressed. I would also charish and enjjoy your time with your basketball team. Being a captain isn't a easy task fr everyone to complete so just try your best at what your doing. If you want to be the number one player in your class then you need shoot the ball a little bit more then you have so far. Last but certainly not least you have to play your very hardest during the state championship game. No matter how far down or up your team is don't lay back. Continue to attack them with all your might. Good luck.

taija

I would do more reseach on college because my senior year of high school all that was on my mine was getting my high school deploma and just live life. but i am glade that i stayed focus on shool after all i have been through. i was homeless living on the streets still making it to school every day doing what i had to do to get through school. nothing could stop me from doing what i was doing not even living on the streets. school was my motavation . I even let others know what i been through when they think school is to much for them i ket them know that if i can live on the streets and attend school every morning then you can to.

Genokristo

If I could talk to myself in my senior year I would tell myself to really focus on developing studying strategies. In my first year of college I spent most of the year learning how to study. Although the information wasn’t particularly difficult, I had a bad habit of studying in places I knew I would get distracted. In that year I learned that I learn best when studying in a group and I remembered the information best when I had to repeat it verbally or explain it to another person. One of the most important lessons I would tell myself would be the importance of being detail oriented. In both my biology and anatomy classes there were a few tests I missed a sizeable amount of points on because I wasn't as detailed as I could have been in my preparation.

grace

Don't let anyone impact what you think about yourself. The dreams and career goal that you have for youself a within reach. The are realistic and you don't have to settle for career that other's think are realistic. Some people won't understand the vision you have for youself but that's ok. Keep pushing toward your goals even if you feel inadequate. Don't let fear or failiure keep you from reaching your goals. Change you attitude. Have confidence in your ability to succeed. Push for a higher GPA, apply for internships, audition with confidence, network, attend LSAT prep and GMAT Prep. You'll be fine.

Karis

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would first emphasize the importance of proactiveness.I would tell myself to be proactive in everything that I do, including my studies, choosing a career and what college to attend. Especiallywith financial aid and scholarships, and in planning my life. I would then recommend myself to pay more attention in class and not to settle for a "B" or "A-" but to strive for an "A". One of the most important things I would counsel myself on is not procrastinating, because procrastination will surely lead to my downfall. I would stress building a great work ethic and developing good studying and note taking skills. Finally, I would then tell myself to take a deep breath and to go out and enjoy college life while it last.

Kendrika

College life is not just like high school life, college is like an organic chemistry final two minutes after the review. So the characteristics and habits that you developed in high school will be what helps or hurts you in college. So if I were to have the oppurtunity to to go back in time to my senior year I would advise myself not to procrastinate, expect pop quizzes, and always remember where I am going. In college procrastination is like a huge wall that if you don't start climbing in the beginning you may be the last one there, so I would change my tendency of waiting to the last minute to do certain things. Pop quizzes become a lifestyle in college as opposed to high school, so I would tell myself to always stay current in my studies. In college there are guaranteed to be some grades that make you feel like your major is too hard, so I would remind myself of where I am headed. All in all I would tell myself that college is not for the weak or easily persuaded, but for the strong and strongwilled.

Camille

The coming transition that is coming in your life seems gargantuian. There are several aspects to college that are not only mysterious to you but also terrifying. Do not worry becuase your roomate will be amazing and clean! The most useful pieces of advice that I can give you about the future is to work incredibly hard but with the least amount of stress possible. I know you. Somewhere along the line you have misunderstood what hard work looks like. Stress and chronic worry will leave you drained. Learn now how to enjoy the work that you will do. In the years to come there will be enough stress and unexpected tragedy to worry about. This is uncontrollable. But understand that you are much stronger than you think. Your future will be less complicated when you begin to trust the path that you have been put on. Finally, the most important lesson I can teach you is that success is so much sweeter when you accept that it is not going to be given to you. Entitlement will discount any type of success you achieve. Life more fulfilling now that you accept that all worth having must be worked for.

Crystal-Mae

Simple : School is not a joke . Take it serious and APPLY FOR Scholarships

Nephthali

No I wouldnt because life is all about making mistakes and the mistakes that I have learned has strethenged me

Jeffry

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to spend more time studying for tests and doing homework. In addition, I would tell myself that I should not wait to do an assignment one day before it is due. Homework should be done at least two to three days before its due date so that I have the time to go over it and fix any mistakes and so that I can receive feedback from my peers and tutors. Finally, I would tell myself that I should devote some time to spend with God and do the things that I love doing and spending time with family.

Lesly

I would really consider my undergraduate career to be a huge life changing learning curve. If I could go back in time and give myself advice i would of told myself to be serious and take high school very serious.The only way to improve your life is to improve yourself. I think that once you begin this journey everything else in your life will seem to balance. There are many steps I had to take on this journey of self-discovery. I needed to define and understand my values and why they are important to me. Then I started to think about my immediate and long-term future and started to set some personal goals. I realized that I was waiting for my future to just happen. My life in retrospect has had many changes and twists; it is in a constant state of development. The process of getting ready to write this essay was very challenging. It really forced me to focus on my life and how it has changed as I have matured. Setting goals has forced me to take a look at my values. I would also tell my self to stay focused on the goals.

Mariah

I would tell myself to follow your heart and do what you love. Do not let other people tell you how your life should go. Take it easy! College is not the end of the world or your fun. Be yourself and take everything a day at a time. Everything will work out as long as you remain positive and focused on your goals.

Candace

Hi Candace! Just a few more steps, and you'll be out of this place. But this was only a small introduction to what life we'll really be like. High school was the easiest part. You'll have to completely change your mindset once you're all settled into that dorm room, starting a brand new life without mommy and daddy. That 3.6 won't come as easy as it used to; you're gonna have to be dedicated. Go out and have fun, make new friends, and of course make wonderful memories. But at the end of day, you're gonna need to heavily prioritize in order to be successful. Take a Saturday night in just to do some extra studying! I know that doesn't sound fun at all, but you will SURELY thank me in the long run once those scholarships and awards for a high GPA start rolling in. Think of your academic life the way an athlete would his sport. You're in it to win it; all or nothing girl. You can be the best if you put in the work and train. Work hard, and enjoy. It WILL pay off.

Camilla

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax and focus on doing what you love. People are going to tell you about "practical careers" and the "best paying jobs", but what they forget is: The best paying job is one that pays in happiness.

rose

Dear Rose, Rose Rose, Rose my dear self, sweet heart make sure when you get to college you put your school work before you social life. It is wise to make sure you study at least two hours a day for each class that you are taking. Pick your friends carefully that have a bigger impact on your life then you may realize. Remember to always take time to smell the Roses, if you spend your every moment in a book, you just might miss out of the beauty life has to offer. Make sure you are nice, and kind to all you encounter you never know if that person could help you greatly down the line. Lastly put God first and He will fight all your battles for you, and smile against all odds, life will just keep getting better and better.

Princess

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to take the next step in life seriously. I would tell myself that the fun comes after the hard work. I would admonish myself to attend all my classes on time and do all of my assingments and give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. I would tell myself to balance my work load and my fun, but to prioritize. I would remind myself that if I work hard after high school, I can play later. I would help myself understand that anything in life worth having takes hard work a deligence and would mentally prepare myself for the journey of completing my education. There comes great responsibility with college, but there is also a great reward once completed. I would encourage myself to ask for help if needed to guarantee my success. I would make sure that I knew the transition from high school to college is not an easy one, but once it is made it is achiveable. Ultimately I would tell myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to and that includes completing my degree.

Thierry

I would tell my high school self to work harder and get a higher GPA. I would have also told my younger self to get more organized and to strive for a closer relationship with his Lord and saviour. I would tell him that the girls are not going anywhere that it's best that he focuses on his school work. I would also tell him to not procrastinate and to be more studious.

Jayde

After years of experimentation, my time machine is finally complete. I check the fuel gauge, pull some levers and press some buttons and I'm off. I've reached my destination. It is the summer of 2012 and just as I suspected, my 16 year old self is nowhere to be found and neither is the floor of her room. Pulling out a sheet of paper, I begin to write a list for my younger counterpart. It reads: 1. Keep taking that ACT ASAP and don't settle for that 26. You can do so much better. 2. Apply for scholarships now! It is NEVER too early to get free money. 3. Please please please do not forget to sign up for the PSAT and become a National Merit Scholar! 4. Two words: time management. Do not stress yourself out because you are a compulsive procrastinator. 5. Have fun! I toss the note on the floor of my bedroom so as to not disrupt the space-time continuum too much. One final glance around the room and I journey back to my own time hoping that I will clean my room soon. But I know that won't happen.

Jazzmin

In the distance it looked normal but as I got closer it started looking stranger. As i reached my hand up to peak in the glass windows it disappeared and I was pulled into this spinning vortex. When I awoke, I was in a yellow and pink flowery bedroom. It was my childhood room for years ago. I heard a voice say, "I just don't know what to do, it's college!" I had been to college and I should probably help this poor soul, so I turned in the direction of the voice and saw...ME! Wow! I was so young and naive. I spoke up, "Um hi, I couldn't help but over hear your statement about fear of college. Could I suggest a few things?" "Of course! I need all the help I can get!" little me said. "Alright well frst take only what your absolutely certain you'll need. Pack your stuff in plastic boxes and suitcases and bring a small bag for trips. Be friendly and smile, participate in study groups, don't take on too many activities, and most importantly don't let your past determine your future. You can start brand new."

Jewel

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to make sure that I develop great study habits sooner than later. If I had a better study method I would have been able to successfully complete any class. I would also tell myself to do as many volunteer opportunities that become available. It is very important to have alot of research experience and things of that caliber under your belt. These are the types of things that people look at when they are trying to hire you or even give you a scholarship.

Allyssa

If I could speak with my high school self I would say..pray! Pray, pray, pray! Ask the Lord to lead tou where it is HE wants you to be. While advice from others can is valuable do not be persuaded into something you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure about. Being bombarded with too many opinions can be stressful. Visit every single school you apply to. Speak with admissions, financial aid, and an advisor at each one. Try to sit in on a class and picture yourself there. Explore the town and get a real sense of what it's like living there. Begin shawdowing so you have a real idea of what you want to major in and ultimately have a career in. Consistantly look for scholarships! Complete you FASFA ASAP! Don't wait until the last minute to get anything done for school. Create a budget, begin getting yourself organized, and have fun now, while you're young and school is free!

natalie

Hey girl, I know what you are going through is tough right now and you wish that you didn't exist. I know what has been on your mind. What good would it be if it were all over? What would you have proven in life? You have a goal to reach. Since you were young you were always talking about making a difference in life, doing something that no one else will do. What makes you think that being just like everyone else, dressing in the latest fashion, having the latest electronics or gorgeous body, most popular, will fill a void that is already full? What you value most in life is God, your parents, respect, dignity, purity, abstinence, perseverance, wisdom. These are the things that you must worry about. These are the qualities that will get you where you need to be, where you want to go and who you will become in the near future. Trust me, it may be read easier than it looks but it works, stay true to who you are and don't let anyone define you. Set your aims high, and whatever it is that you are searching for will find you.

Audra

Stay focus and make mother proud! It may be hard but never give up! It is a time to have fun but there is definitely a time to get serious and take care of business. Procrastination is the enemy and stay very far away from it. Those are the exact words I would say to myself as a high school senior.

Shawnee

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to believe in my abilities. When I entered college, I oftentimes acted like I didn't want to be involved in school activities. I didn't want to try out for choir, was hesitant to join clubs, and didn't want to give the appearance that I was smart. I hesitated, because I didn't think that I was as talented or smart as other students. Fortunately, I got over my apprehension in my sophomore year of college and discovered that people thought that I was good enough. I ended up being the president of the pharmacy club, the soprano section leader of the Dynamic Praise Gospel Choir, and set the curve for some of my classes. If I was able to go back in time , I would tell myself that I am talented and smart. I have the ability to be as great as anyone else. If I did well in highschool, I can do well in college. A small fish that succeeded in a small pond can move to a big pond and succeed as well.

christine

I would encourage ,mentor ,motivate others to deem it a prevalige to be in school one and to ensure that they make the best of those golden years,because it only get firmer and more stringent as you climb the lader of excellence. Pair up in groups dont be afraid to ask question,dont get distracted easily use your time wisely and read read read because you will need it . If you dont understand a matertial go get the necessay help needed,be a team player and enjoy extracurricular activity and also mke youself friendly. learn new words and build up you vocabulary for you will need it. Dream bib dreams and set hight goal and work at achieve them because a chain is stronger than it weakest link. LIVe LOVE and Laugh school can be fun only you have to make it.

safiya

Dear Safiya, It will seem as if everyone around you knows what is best for you, but listen to their advice with a grain of salt. No one can predict or foresee your path. The obstacles you will encounter, the goals you will achieve, and the dreams you have, they are uniquely yours. From your academics to future career to your social life and personal relationships, the decisions ahead of you are yours alone to make. Discouragement and scrutiny alike will come from all sides and out of the mouths of those who you least expected. But keep your head up and use the mind God gave you! Remember how you slacked off freshman year? Not a good time. But remember when you caught yourself, kicked it up a few notches, and was moved to the honors track or when you stepped up to the plate of Yearbook copy editor and cranked out the best yearbook yet? Both fantastic decisions. Learn from this and do your best to make the right decisions. College is more challenging and so are the work and choices that come with it. But it's nothing you can't handle!

KC

Hey you, it's me! I know you're not liking school right now, especially math but you can do this. Not only can you do this you need to do this. It may be the last thing on your mind right now, compared to your current boyfriend (who will be irrelevant in about a year) your friends that you eventually no longer speak to and all of the petty things that high school comes with, but it'll pay off. See I know this because I am you. You're in college right now regretting just about everything you did wrong in high school. You should have turned that portfolio in to the geometry teacher, you wouldn't have had to take geometry another two times. You should have paid attention in chemistry and not dropped out of it. You should have given Latin a chance, because now you're wishing you did. Also, why didn't you go to prom? No sports? No clubs? Lets get into those before it's too late. You're definitely not happy with your decisions from then but it's okay now. We're getting things now, we know our priorities.

Dionne

I would tell myself to beware of the company I keep. The friends I knew previously don't necessarily have to carry over from Highschool into College. I would be more open to meeting new people and get involved in more extracurricular activities on campus.

Eleanor

This is rather tricky to answer as I skipped high school and started college at age 13. But I do advise my friends that if they are going to take college credits make sure they will count towards any degree if you do not know what you want to major in. I would also stress that they should map out thier goals and how they plan to meet them while taking into account expenses. I just completed two years at the community college and am in a university now. Not only did I save greatly on tuition, the classes are smaller and students get more individulaized instruction. Lastly, I would recommend that they enjoy this experience and point in life as we prepare for our futures.

Chelsea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I do now about college life and making the transition I would say, "Wake up". Stop wasting time hanging out with friends and watching television when you know that you have a paper and homework due tomorrow. Manage your time wisely because it will be one of the most important things in your college career and if you paid attention to it now, it will save 'us' in college. Realize that going to sleep at 2AM in the morning is no longer acceptable, take care of the body God gave you so that you can instill good habits for your future, exercise more and eat healthier. There is no problem with joining clubs and being a leader, stop being afraid to lead because it will be vital to your future in college and beyond. Make time for a relationship with God, have devotion everyday and help others come to know Christ by your experience; it brings joy to the soul and will help you and others through life's daily stresses because God is in control. Study more, do more, and enjoy.

Ashley

Dear Ashley,I know you are enjoying yourself as an upperclassman, but I wanted to give you a few tips that will help you along your journey into college. First, since you are working, budget and save your money. If you don’t tell your money where to go, you will look for where it went. Include a specific area for savings in each of your budgets. It will give you peace of mind to know that all of your necessities are taken care of, and that you still have funds for an emergency.Second, this is the perfect time to apply for scholarships. I am past your age now, and I can tell you that the scholarships for us “non-traditional students” are slim pickings. Use all of that hard work that you put into making good grades and serving the community to help you propel through college. Many scholarship donors seek individuals with your drive to award funds to.Lastly, stay focused! Keep your studies first, and fun things second. Keep pressing towards your goal, no matter how hard it may seem at the time. I can see greatness in you, and I know you can do it!

Daynia

Balance is key. Too much work and no play makes for a dissatisfied human being. Too much play and no work can also make one dissatisfied. It is so important to be able to have a perfect balance between the two. It's good for high school and will definitely help you in College as well. Prioritize. Boys will always be around, but special opportunities won't. Take full advantage of the time that you have. Don't let it go to waste. Be wise in your decision making. Believe it or not, one bad decision can impact you in a big way. Don't be hasty when it comes to making big decisions. It's okay to ask your parents for help. Remember, they love you and only want the best for you. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but strength because it demonstrates that you know you can't do it all. Most importantly, keep God first. This verse will save your life: "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

Reece

If i was to go back and talk to myself in high school, i would tell myself to manage time better. Working full-time and being a full- time student is difficult. Working full -ime leaves virtually no time for studying or preparing for classes. I would suggest to myself if i had to work to only work part-time and make sure to put school first regardless of what is expected of you in your day to day life. School is your future and you need to spend as much time preparing for your future if you want to succeed.

Farshid

please do your best, if you want to be best! thats it!

geordi

I would tell myself to pay attention in English class and be prepared for big writing projects. Be more outspoken and confident in your own opinion and personality. Photography make be a good hobby to look into.

Charles

So, you thought it was a bright idea to throw away those high school grad scholarships and enlist in the Marine Corps? Almost a good idea. Bum knee, bad back, and a howling void of debt threatening to consume the wife and I at the slightest chance makes me want to time hop and slap some sense into you. If I have any solid advice that you might be able to get through your thick skull, drop the 'I want to be a hard ass' attitude, and do the smart thing. Take the scholarship, go to college, and than consider enlisting in the Marines. You threw away what could have been a golden oppurtunity. A good solid college education, officer school, and you still would have been able to play soldier, stomping around the world looking cool. But, but, no one likes an officer that comes straight out of college, they're green and arrogant, and full of themselves. Were you like that though? No, if there's anything good I have to say about my past self (YOU), it's that we've always been a humble, common sense driven individual. You would have made a fine officer.

Lauren

My advice to myself in high school would be not to take the work lightly and ask for help. Throughout my high school career, I took the work lightly. I didn't have to study by reading my book, all I had to do was use my teacher's in class notes to study and complete homework assignments. So I would definitely encourage my highschool self to get into the habit of reading material for further understanding. Because in college, especially as a Biology major, your professors won't give you everything you need to study. You, yourself will have to study and not only know the information but understand and comprehend it. Be able to relate it real life. Lastly, ask for help. I know that you were always scared to ask for help from teachers and even peers, but these people are here to help you. They wouldn't be teaching you if they didn't want to help you. In college professors will encourage you to ask for help,so don't be afraid and break that habit because professors are your best friends in college when you do not understand an assignment or fail a test.

Belinda

I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. I cannot get away with turning in late assignments, and that I have to become organized. I would say that discipline plays a key role in going to college because I would have no one to actually make me go to class or tell me to do my work. I would tell myself to learn to stay focus on my school work and not to be lazy. I would also tell myself remember my future goals and plans and as I achieve my goals to make new ones throughout my college experience. I would tell myself to be careful who I would consider a friend, and to make sure my friends have the same outlook and ideas as I do about making good grades and always working towards goals. I would also tell myself that it’s okay to step out of my comfort zone. I would tell myself to have fun but be responsible.

Ariel

If I could go back to my senior year in high school there will be many things that I would change. As the list can go on and on the main thing I would change would have been how serious I took the year. My senior year I was ready to go. I did not take school as serious as I should. I was already receiving acceptance letters so that was really the end for. Instead of thinking about the big transition I would be making from high school to college did not cross my mind one time. Th e way I treated my senior year as it was nothing or not important, was the same I treared my freshman year in college. It was all about having fun, I was not prepared at all. If I could go back and change I would go and prepare myself before going off to school.

Danika

If I could go back in time to my high school self I would tell myself to manage my money and my time for intelligently. The class schedule in high school is completely different from the class schedule in college. Therefore you may have more time on your hands. Have fun but also be mindful of how much time is spent on fun. It's good to set aside some time for school and studying that way you won't have to cram before a test or quiz. Even if it's just reviewing notes after class, every moment counts. When it comes to managing your money, you should set a budget for every month and try to live within your means. If you want new clothes set a budget for that and don't spend any more than that. Remember that you are not working so each dollar spent has to be worth it.

Mary

The time set for this essay is 1983; I have already filled out for certain colleges I would like to attend and I am waiting to see if I am accepted. I know somewhere in the nursing field would be what I was looking at, possible becoming an R.N. Attending college directly out of high school is how a career needs to begin. Studying is so much simpler when you are younger than waiting later in life. I would be excited about college moving away for my education, establishing myself, earning my degree, getting a job in the medical field. I have always been interested in the medical field and fascinated with surgery and the things that can be performed on the human body. I know that the future holds a lot of new technology for the health care field, and I am going to be a part of this new and interesting technology. Yes, the work will be hard and I will have to study hard instead of going out with my friends, but I know in the end my career will be worth all the effort that I put into it. I am so excited. Mary Ward

Krystal

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would say to take my education slowly. I enjoyed school growing up and took accelerated classes. When I reached high school I had the opportunity to take college classes and later used those credits to enter college as second-semester sophomore, knocking three semesters off of my college stay. Attending school away from home for the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed my college experience. I went home for the summer only to anticipate what the following year would bring. What I didn't know was that my next and final two years would be filled with yearbook editor and student government duties, leaving me very little time to experience the life of a typical college student. Going back to to give myself advice, I would say to not take on so much responsibility. I am very appreciative of the opportunities I was given and learned a lot from the experiences, but holding such a time-consuming responsibility for two years made me miss out on a lot of typical college things like club outings and movie nights. I want to give myself the opportunity to have a full college experience.

Cherillee

Keep doing what youre doing. And dont feel bad about not having maney friends. Atleast you'll have more time to study.

abigail

Dear 18-year-old me, In a few months you will be taking one of the most important walks in your life at your graduation ceremony. You have so much promise and potential that you are unaware of, I just want to give you a heads-up of things to come. In choosing your next venue of education, be smart, think about costs. Is the school that u choose well worth it? Consider the traveling and many months spent away from home. Also, my youth, once you start something, make sure to stick to it. Quitting is not an option. There is a world awaiting you with oppurtunities to be had and mastered, choose wisely. Don't forget what your mother taught you, remember the Creator while you are yet young and put Him first in all that you do. Sincerely, the 21-year-old you