Rockland Community College Top Questions

I did not have the opportunity to go to high school. I grew up in a strictly religious, Hasidic, community where education, at least secular education, was nonexistent. I lived in the U.S. all my life, yet didn't get to speak English until I started learning, on my own, at age 15. After finally getting my GED and applying to college, the hardest part was over. I cannot advise high school students on how to transition to college, as I transitioned from a strictly religious community where the only language understood is Yiddish, to a U.S., English speaking college. But I can say this: you're fortunate enough to be in high school and get a fair education. Not everyone is as lucky. Take advantage and make the best of it. Education has to be earned, it's NOT a given. Work hard, the reward is worth the effort. And this is coming from a U.S.-born citizen who could not speak English until his late teeanage years. If I can do it, so can you.

I would tell myself to not lose focus on my academics. To attend Rockland Community College after graduation ad upon graduation from Rockland Community College transfer to another 4-year university.

I would tell myself this: There is no such thing as perfection, and making mistakes now and then does not mean you're a failure. In college, don't be so hard on yourself. There's no need to overload on credits, and when you want to avoid attending classes due to not having done an assignment, realize that professors can be forgiving, but also that there are services which can help you with time management and study skills. There is a lot of support available, from counseling to tutoring to academic advisement. Try to keep a healthy balance, so as to not burn out quickly as you've tended to do over the years. Keep your priorities straight, so that you meet the standard for progress with financial aid, and don't end up having to take a private loan. Even if you find yourself in a dark place, hold onto hope that things will get better.

College is nothing like high school. Firstly, there are no hall passes, no school bells, and if you move out, no parents. You maybe overwhelmed by the amount of freedom you have, but be wise. There is an equal amount of school work. In some classes, attendance is mandatory, and failure to maintain a good attendance record can result in an 'F'. Do not try to be brave and fit all the work into the last week of the semester. Trust me, it is not good to pull three all nighters in a row. It is not good to pass out after finals. It is definetely not fun to write paper after paper, eyes glued to the compute screen, and fingers banging at the key board.

If I were to give myself advice as a high school senior I'd have many valuable suggestions in order to stay on the right track. The first bit of advice would be to not always sweat the small things, life is too short to constantly dwell over insignificant bumps in the road. Making sure to focus on your education and to prepare yourself for what's ahead is something I wish someone told me years earlier, for it could be the key to fighting long, overwhelming nights. Procrastination is not your friend, waiting until the last minute can be an exceptionally dreadful idea that I guarantee will be much regretted. Lastly, I'd be sure to tell myself to be open to new, and diverse opportunities because these are the stepping stones to becoming a brighter, more knowledgeable individual. Having been in college for two years now I have learned helpful life lessons and experienced an immense amount more than I ever did while getting an education in high school. Senior year, one of the most stressful times in an adolescents life, would have been increasingly easier with the guidance I wish I could have given myself.

If I could travel back in time and be a high school senior again, I would have told myself to choose college with a bit more thought. I am sort of backward socially because I have autism, and although I have good grades and get along great with classmates, I tend to shy away from participating in outside social activities. I enjoy hanging out at home, playing video and computer games and so I chose to be a commuter. If I could do it all over again, maybe I would have suggested to check out schools farther away. Since my parents are divorced and my dad is basically a dead beat, all the finances have fallen on my mom's shoulders. Knowing money was tight I chose to go to Rockland Community College, the Honors Program, thinking I could get 2 years under my belt, keep the expenses low, and transfer all my credits to the next school. If I could do it again I would warn myself to not be so naive. I would advise getting your entire curriculum mapped out to avoid taking classes that won't carry over to the next school. The surprise factor.

If I could go back in time to counsel myself as a senior in high school, I would most certainly urge my younger self to take higher education more seriously. As someone who put off a college education as not necessary for the workforce I was headed into (veterinary technician/equine business management), I would strongly advise myself to rethink those ideas. It has been a definite uphill struggle to exist and succeed in today's economy and I wish that I had taken advantage of some of the opportunities for education that were easily available as a graduating high school student. As evidenced by my desire to win this application/essay for scholarship funds, I am having to work very hard at present to return to school for my Associates Degree while also holding a full-time job and supporting myself. They say hindsight is 20-20, but I really wish that I could have the chance to counsel myself about the future and the difficulty that arises from putting things off.

Kevin, Stop slacking and hit those books! Knowledge is Power! Quit copying homework and taking the easy route because you'll regret it in a year or two. Cheating on tests and work is just cheating yourself, literally. You can get a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and in the end know nothing; while the kid who got a C, B, or A at least obtained knowledge. The next level of life doesn't accept no cowards. They got the knowledge, now let?s get ours! Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything.

I would tell myself to study as hard as I can and put as much into school as possible. The real world is brutal and unforgiving if you dont have an education. I would tell myself that even if the chips are down it all pays off in the long run. You only have one life and one chance to fulfill your dreams. You can not count on other people to make you happy, true happiness comes from within and self satisfaction and fulfillment is the best way to attain true happiness. Life will pass you by if you are not equipt to succeed. Study, study, study and be a good person because everything comes full circle. You never know when you may need the people in your life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study harder and learn better studying techniques. I would also tell myself to put school ahead of entertainment and not to stress the little things.

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to worry less. Worry less about the college process and if I would be able to handle it. I would tell myslef to enjoy the experience more. Make more friends and go out more instead of studying all the time. I would tell myself to trust people more as now is the time when you make the friends you'll stick with for a while. I would also tell myself to laugh and smile more. As I have done pretty well academically, I would tell myslelf not to worry about those few bad grades and not let it upset me as much as they had. I would also tell myself to listen to my gut more and switch out of those two classes I had a feeling were going to be troublesome for me. I would also tell myself to be more assertive on issues that come up and to stand up for myself more when in a sticky situation with someone who was suppossed to be a friend.

Making the transition into a local community college seemed like an easy task as a high school senior. I thought the two years would fly by and I'd be off to a four year college pursuing my dreams in no time. Living at home with my parents has been the most difficult transition, as I am in young adulthood and would like a bit more independence. Some days are difficult when I come home and my mother still has a laundry list of reminders for me. It can be frustrating because I am trying to pave my own path for the future, and it seems as if my mothers voice will be right alongside with me. My advice to anybody that finds themself in the same situation is to get involved! Going out with friends on the weekend is not always enough when five nights of the week are spend with parents who want to know every detial of my personal and educational affairs. I found myself doing service work, and I hike with friends regularly. There are numerous clubs and programs available to fill in the gaps. Take advantage!

Dear Jamise, Take your studies seriously. Don't try to cram a weeks worth of work into one day while walking to school just to study for a test. The habits you are forming will affect you when you are ready to attend college. Also, be more attentive in class. You will need these skills to get you through the important facts that may appear on a test. Go to bed in a reasonable time. You will need some sleep to keep you motivated throughout the day during those long lectures. Staying up all night to catch your favorite episode can wait. Lastly, surround yourself with people who are positive and want to get ahead in life. Negativity will only slow and hinder your goals. Family is an important key. They will assist you in this process and should be included in your "circle of positivity". Your children will admire you for your perseverance, dedication, and tenacity to continue to be a leader.

My transition from being a high school senior to college student brought about a significant change in my life- my involvement in extra curricular activities. Unlike in high school, in college, I seem to be actively involved in several clubs and organizations. If I could turn back time, I would first and foremost advise myself to become more involved in extra curricular activities. Through my extra curricular experiences in college I have learned that there is tremendous potential to make a difference not just on campus, but also in the community. I would advise myself to tackle some of the world issues not generally discussed in high school classrooms such as various human rights violations: modern day slavery, clean water, etc. The potential to bring about change exists at just about all levels of life. We as Americans often take it for granted we possess a voice and a decent degree of freedom of speech. I truly believe that positive action should begin in high school. High school students, if motivated and focused, have the ability to accomplish many great endeavors.