Sam Houston State University Top Questions

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

Bradley

I've gotten the persistence to finish. I was able to learn a lot through hands on study and working in the field for the newspaper. Sticking with the studies through the hard times built and appreciation for education. It was valuable to attend because of everything that has taken place after finishing. Coming into graduate school my mindset about life and education was completely different. I have a greater respect for university, and in turn my graduate GPA is the best I've had in college. I had no plans to go to graduate school, but when I got into my senior year it seemed like the only way to go. I can say that without my undergraduate experience I would not have had the desire for higher education.

Halana

My college experience so far has taught me many things. The value of friendship, and allowing yourself to be open to new ideas and beliefs. Being actively involved on campus opens doors to new aspects of the world and has helped my preparation thus for in my life.

April

College was never not an option for me. I just always knew I would go to college. When I was younger I thought I would be at a big University. I am glad I went to Community College though, because I have seen growth in myself through the information I have gained in this college system. The staff and students around me have been very encouraging, easy to work with and informative for me personally and for my education. I feel that my steady upward pace in growing with my knowledge is okay and a lot of it has to do with the ability to slowly view all my options and feel comfortable about my future with those options given to me by my college. I now have become very excited and motivated to continue this growth and further my expansion as an educated person through the college systems. I cannot describe how valuable college has been to me. Life seems in order with college and gives me a direction I feel good about.

Jana

I have gotten so many things out of my college experience. I found out that I love to work with children and those that are in serious need. I want to be able to help as many people as possible and make their lives more complete. The networks that I established in college have opened up doors for me and given me a way to realize some of my dreams. The more I look back on my undergraduate years, the more I see that I have changed a great deal. I am more patient, understanding, and eager to learn as much as possible.

Angela

The most important thing that I have obtained from being a college student, besides an academic education, is respect for diversity. I don't simply mean diversity in terms of race either. I have learned how to work in groups of individuals that I would not want to be associated with simply because of our vast lifestyle differences. Some people are not taking school seriously and others can make college seem like you are back in high school dealing with peer pressure, bullying and popularity contests. Throughout my college experience I have learned to keep an open mind all the while staying focused on what is important to me. I have learned to not let others influence me or make me feel like I have to fit in with their standards. The nice thing about college is I get to be who I am, myself. I attract the kind of people I do want to be associated with when I am myself. As for those individuals that I prefer not to associate myself with I treat them with respect but never waver from what I believe in. The popularity contest is OVER!! I am VICTORIOUS!!

Brittany

I have obtained more knowledge on how to be of first hand assistance to the community and individuals within. This campus is surrounded with so many caring people from the staff, professors, and students, that it is impossible for anyone to feel alone and or fail out of school. They campus all the way around is friendly to the persons who inhabit it and very "user" friendly so that people will not get lost. My experience has been amazing, gaining the opportunity to intact with this campus has been one that I will miss after I graduate. The course work is not too difficult and if you are having trouble the professors are always their to extend and hand to ensure that you will prevail over the material. Sam Houston State University gives anyone the experience of a lifetime and fulfills a sense of belongingness to the community.

Jimmie

My college experience has provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully navigate through life. I have obtained education that will allow me the opportunity to have a fulfilling and successful career. I have found that this knowedge has also helped me in other walks of life. I have truly come to understand wisdom of the phrase that "knowledge is power." The vast variety of courses that I studied have helped to open my mind to different cultures, subjects, people, and even generations. In addition to all of the knowledge and wisdom I have gained, I also developed many qualities that are important success in life. Having to balance my class load with my family responsibilities forced me to develop self-discipline with regards to my time and responsibilities. This required me to develop my ability to prioritize tasks and have a very strong work ethic. These soft skills are invaluable assets that I will continue to develop and use throughout my college career and utlimately my future career along with the education I received from college.

Luisa

My college experience has provided me with an enjoyable learning environment, ongoing activities, and non-stop fun. As well as professors who become involved in my personal life and push me to succeed. I have made friends who help and tutor me when I need help with a certain assignment. The dorms are also comfortable and suitable for a college student which provide me with everything I need to ensure a successful education.

Katrina

I started college courses for my degree in September and since then I have learned how much more responsibility there is than high school. Attending college is a stepping stone in life. Not only is it something that has to be done to get a successful job but also to help a student mature and become more independent.

Katharine

At Sam Houston State University, I have received an excellent education. I know know exactly what I want from my future. I want to be an educator in Texas. I am far along in the Educator Preparation Program at SHSU and need extra assistance to complete my degree. Once I obtain my degree and certification to become an EC-6 Generalist Educator in the state of Texas, I plan to work in low-income schools. I want to make the world a better place one child at a time. I hold high expectations for my future students because I know that each of them will be capable of anything in which they set their minds to. These children are the future and the future is unknown. However, I will prepare them for this unknown future to the best of my abilities by giving them a great education and help them develop a hunger for learning. My hope is they will use this hunger to fuel their learing and be able to handle with excellence anything the future brings them. I will give my students the tools they need to be successful in this forever changing world in which we live.

Kymberly

I have gotten many things from my college experience. One the thing that happened was that I developed into an adult. It was my first time living away from my parents and I was forced make decisions for my future. The professors and the advisors were always available to support me in making academic decisions such as choosing a major. Sam Houston State University offeres many educational options. I had the opportunity to take different courses and to be exposed to many things that I had never heard of prior to college. For example, I had the opportunity to complete course work in geography and cultural studies. I have been able to use that education as I enteract with people from different ethnic groups. The most important thing that I've received from college was a degree. A college degree opens so many doors to opportunities that one may not have otherwise. I have had the opportunity to work in a wonderfull profession that I love. I also been able to continue with graduate studies and that would not be possible without the completion of my bachelor's degree. Completing college was one the best decisions I've ever made.

Amanda

I think college has helped me to grow up alot and really focus on my future and goals and how I will get there. I have made a lot of semester friends or in class friends, but only a couple real friends and lost alot of friends since I moved up here to go to school. I guess it really helped me find out who my friends are. I have met my future husband here at SHSU though and if I would'nt have went here I would not have met him, he is the best person I have ever met. Another thing I have learned here at Sam is how to see through people and determine if they are real or fake. Over the semesters I have encountered numerous fake people that are still stuck in high school immature mode, and it makes me wonder how they will do in the real world once they have responsibilities like I do. I have learned how important teaching is, and how one bad teacher or class can ruin your day, even if before that class you had the best teacher ever. I think I have become a wellrounded person overall.

Christee

I have absolutely loved my college experience. The first couple years I built so many friendships and even though most of the people I made friends with have now graduated and moved on I still stay in contact with them. These last couple years I have had the opportunity to engage in research studies and hands on experiments and it has peeked my intrest and made me so enthused to come to class and learn as much as I possibly can. I feel like I have learned so much valuable information that when I graduate I will be able to take and use in the profession I persue.

Aimee

By attending college, I have gotten what it means to work hard and how much I want to succeed. Thus far, I have been constantly working towards my degree since finishing high school. I have had hardships and struggles in my home life due to living at home with a stay-at-home mother and a developmentally disabled brother. I have had to find what is most important to me and my life and make adjustments and sacrifices accordingly. It has taken me this long to know what I want to do, but I would not change any of the the things I have gone through in my life. I may not be as far along as I thought I would be at this point but everything I have gone through has made me a much stronger individual and much more caring and understanding of what other people are struggling with.

Ashley

Besides a great education, i have gotten the experience to work with professionals and watch the 'masters' at work. On and off campus this campus is a tight knit community that invites everyone in.

Velichka

I have improved my writing, reading, and skills in science. It has also taught me how to be independent because I am 1,000 miles away from home and cannot just fly back and forth to see my family. Everyone needs to experince living on their own at some point in life.

Brittany

I've only been in college for about a month now, but that being said I've had an amazing experience thus far. I've become more outgoing than I was previously and my maturity and responsibility levels have increased substantialy since I've been here. The feeling of being independant and on your own is amazing, nothing tops it. My classes are great, the professors have been wonderful about being there if you have questions or need help. The students are very friendly and the campus is absolutely beautiful. Sam houston State University is an amazing school that I'm sure hold great things for me in the next few years. I want to be a Graphic Designer, and this school has one of the best programs for my major. My education means the world to me, I know that through a college education comes a brighter future. This I am positive of. I am proud to be a college student, better yet, I am proud to be a Sam Houston State University Bearkat!

Hilary

I've learned that learning is important, but its up to ourself to pull through. We can't always count on other people, but having friends makes all the difference. In the end everything is important no matter how big or small.

Aurelia

I learned a lot about myself and about the field that I want to go into to. It has made me appreciate the opportunites given to me everyday.

Allyssa

While I've been in college, I've learned more about myself than anything. I've made many mistakes but without college I would not have made them. I am so grateful for every mistake I've made because I have matured as a person. Stress is also something I becamse familiar with and all types of ways to deal with it. Everything is not going to be easy. I've learned about different types of people with different types of personalities. It is so valuable to attend to college because it gives you the necessary tools to go out their and deal with the real world. Nothing in this life comes for free. I believe that college is valuable because it helps you achieve the goals you want to in life. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything in this world because it has made me into the person I am today. Many people do not take college as serious as they need to. It is not something to be taken lightly. I value my education because it will help me get to where I want to in life.

Tamitha

I have found a purpose for myself at Sam Houston State in the least place I expected, my freshman English course. My first assignment was to write a personal narrative over the previous summer. That was the time when I transferred to Texas. Hell is a quaint word to describe what went on during my household while packing up our house. I had recently been transferred from a private institution as an insecure physics major. This was my first college English course. An epiphany came over me as I was reviewing my final draft. I was writing this sobering tale through my eyes, realizing the true extent of my father?s coercive and manipulating nature that I refused to see in the beginning. Suddenly my priorities and aspirations didn?t make any sense any more. The university was flexible where I took philosophy and literature classes as electives to explore who I really was and what I wanted to do with my life. And I walked away each time with a higher level of awareness about the world around me, making my previous life a mere shadow. I have learned more about life here than I could've possibly fathomed.

Polly

I believe that furhtering ones education is the best way to secure the future for your family (sibling, offspring, etc.). Advancement opportunities are not always available with lesser educated individuals. Knowledge is power. You must continue to learn every day of your life. I want to further my education in order to secure my place in this ever-changing world as well as allowing me to provide for the education of my children.

Aryelle

The most important thing that I have recieved in the past four years is the knowledge needed to make it in the real world. Going to college far from home forced me to do things for myself. I learned everything from paying bills, to taking care of a home, to learning how to fight for what's really important. I realized the importance of achieving goals and the hardships that can get in the way of those goals. I was faced with challenges to find ways to stay in school and I learned the meaning of the saying "where there is a will, there is a way."

Brian

I have refined my ability to manage my time and think critically about situations. I have learned that education is not all learned in the classroom and that the social aspects play are very large role in your educational and intellectual development. But I think the most critical thing I have gotten out of my college experience is to not take life too seriously. Relax. Work. Do what you have to. Do what you want to. Don't worry about the little things or what everybody else thinks. But try to do the right thing, to do your best. Live life.

Norma

I am the first one in my family to attend college, and so far it has been a great and rewarding experience. I have learned many things, educational and about the real world. I look back, and see myself in a different evironment, and with no knowledge at all, if I had decided not to continue my education post high school. My college experience has also been a challange, due to the fact that I do not have anyone at home to assist me with any questions in reference to school, yet with what I have learned, I am able to assist and encourange those in my place. I have also faced financial obstacles, being from a single parent home is hard, yet the hardest it has been, the more I value and appreciate my education. Having to work and attend school is not easy, yet is a rewarding experience; it also gives me more opportunities in the job market. I know, success lies ahead of me, if I continue working hard and dedicating to school as I have done so far, and then I can assist my older sister and younger brother to finish their education as well.

Kizzie

As a highschool senior, I was not educated as much about college and its processes. If I could go back, I would be in the front rows of college awareness meetings. I would have educated myself on where to go for things like financial aid, grants, and scholarships rather than wait for someone else to push me to investigate on my own. I would say," Kizzie, get up now and finish that essay for your scholarship. It needs to be post marked by tomorrow," or "Push harder!" If I could go back I certainly would have done more community service. Pushing for valedictorian would have been my goal. WhenI was a senior in highschool I didn't mind being "average" academically. Looking back now the best piece of advise to give myself would be to inform myself and push to my fullest potential.

Christopher

Try your best to show your friends now that you love them so when you get to college you won't regret the time you spent with them. Get to know the Lord as much as you can and be open for new sides of God that you have never seen before. Be thankful for what you have and don't take the time you spend with your family for granted. Make an impact on the underclassmen in high school so that they will have a lasting impression of you when you graduate and earn a respect for you that will enable you to have an impact on their lives in the future. Hang out with your younger brother as much as you can, and when you visit home while in college, don't make plans with friends until you first ask him if he wants to hang out. Listen to your older sister, she has already been there two years and she can help you find what you need and who you should hang out with. Pray about what you need to do in order to prepare for what's ahead. You are a good kid, I love you.

Patricia

I would tell my senior high school self that it is important to get an internship early and to get a job on campus as soon as possible. I would also say that it is important to save your money and to not waste it on things that you do not need for college.

James

I would tell myself to do what I did. I found a career path that I am incredibly happy with. I found people that understand and know what I'm going through. My high school life wasn't very good but i certainly do enjoy my college life. I love attending SHSU. I would definitely do the same thing I did. I am quite happy with myself as a student and as a person. I love working with the people that I work with. I love attending the classes that I attend. College is a big step, however, the decisions we make are very helpful for our future. I stopped telling myself what I loved doing and started exploring what I do love doing. Theater is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I would absolutely do it all over again.

Lacey

If I could go back to my senior year in high school knowing what I know now about college life I would give myself a lot of advice. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to listen to my mother. My mom gave me so many opportunities to learn, grow, and experience things but I took them all for granted. I missed out on those things that would of made college easier and more fun. I remember argueing with my mom about taking calculus. She wanted me to take the course but I didnt want to take it. I won that fight but now Im struggling to keep up in my math class. Secondly, I would listen to my high school teachers and study harder. I could pass most classes with ease but never put in the time needed to really do well in class. I settled for a B instead of working a little harder for an A. Finally, I would advice myself to do more community service. The earthquake in Haiti was a wake up call to me. It made me realize how much I could do right here in my own community.

Nicholas

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the transition to college when I was a senior, I would tell myself to really reconsider my priorities and to buckle down and start to study hard immediately. When I was actually going through the transition I wasn?t as focused as i am now. In fact the changes, as well as my courses made the transition a time in which I had to almost learn how to study and time-manage all over again. Time management is very important in college because this can be the determent factor between a high grade with smooth sailing and a low grade along with rough seas. Studying every night as well as reading the chapters before class is a tremendous help and I wish I was able to tell the senior me to go ahead and buckle down.

Jorge

I would tell myself to be ready to study. High school is a breeze compared to college. study skills are essential to make it through college, especially your freshmen year which is when most people drop out. time management and budgeting is important too. you need to set times for when you need to study in between class and other activities you have throughout the day. Read your Syllibus for each class. They will answer all your questions. Don't be scared of your professors. They are glad to answer all your questions and help you with school work. When applying for housing, financial aid, or anything else, do it as soon as possible because usually it is first come first serve.

Hailee

"Is this for real?" I ask myself blatantly. "Of course this is for real. Why would I lie to you? I am you. I have come back from the future to tell you all the things you need to know about college life!" I stare back blankly. "Anyway, first things first, do not wait until the last minute to apply for housing. You will get the leftover dorms that smell terrible. Second, make sure you set aside some money from working. Being a broke college student really sucks. Third, do not, I repeat DO NOT, be lazy and not go to class. I saw a lot of friends forced to drop out simply because of laziness. Fourth, make sure you study for your Biology AP exam. That 3 or higher can get you out of one really boring Biology class. And finally, make sure you learn how to talk to a financial aid office worker; they are probably the most un-helpful people you will ever meet on a college campus unless you prompt them with the proper questions." My future self turns and vanishes into a flash of pure white light. "What just happened?" I ask myself increduously.

Chelsea

If I could go back in time I would deffinately tell myself to stop and think about what you want to do. Dont take classes that you know you wont be interested in. I would also tell myself to focus on what is in your future compared to what will disapear. If I could go back to my senior year I would have taken more math classes so that when it was decission time; I had my mind made up.

Kim

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be more frugal with my money. Had I known that my dad would have a stroke and be out of a job in a matter of months, I would have saved my paychecks instead of buying unnecessary items. I would also tell myself to be a wise decision maker and not jump at opportunities without thinking through them more clearly.

Sarah

Going from high school to college is a totally different experience for every senior graduating. In high school you rely on parents, teachers, or coaches to help make your decisions and they supply you with the choices and supplies. With that statement, you must be prepared to be resposible and take care of the important things first, other than what you want to do. Doing your homework at the last minute in college is not acceptable verses doing it late in high school. There are no "make-up's", or points taken off for the lateness. Organization and priorities are the most important part. You can not exactly rely on your mother to wake you up to be at class on time, so going to that awesome college party the night before an exam is not exactly a great idea. To put it in simple words, college is a time to grow up.

Adrina

Honestly, one thing that I would've done that I didn't do, is to fill out more scholarships. I knew that college was going to be costly, but had I taken the need for scholarships seriously, I wouldn't be attending college on just loans. People told me that I needed to apply for as many scholarships as I could, and I only applied for a few. Therefore I didn't recieve any money. I also didn't recieve any financial aid that is why I am using strictly loans. I am going to have to pay those loans back once I graduate, and although I can still apply for scholarships, I wish I would've taken it more seriously before hand.

Josie

Girl I know it is your senoir year, but you dont need to play around and lack off so much. You should work hard after high school either its you go into college with a strong head knowing what you want out of life or there's no college living a average person life. Bring to college with you those strong study habits you have created. Take advantage of the library and look up careers reassuring your career path is straight. You are in a talent eduaction search program take advantage of the counselors and use the resources offeres to pick you degree. If you want the money for school you got to go out there and get it . The scholarships are out there. As much as you can log in to facebook everyday and check your messages, you can apply for a scholarship as well.

Joqueleana

Every day we wake up is an opportunity to learn something new, but if I could go back in time and counsel myself on preparing for college I would encourage myself to get involved in student organizations. I still would have tried to save money by attending a community college first, and finishing my major at a university with a great internship hire percentage in my field. I would also maintain a part-time job to purchase the necessities I will need to live on campus. The biggest mistake I made is taking a break. I think that it would have behooved me to continue instead of taking a break for a year because it is hard getting back in the mode of being a studious student. Being studious is something you acquire through scholastic career which allows you to stay on task and value your education. If it was possible to councel myself for college knowing what i know now, these are the tips I would give myself .

Miriam

I would first begin by telling myself to be OPEN MINDED. I would make it clear to my younger self that life is about acceptance and loving on others. Another point that I would make clear is that diversity is a good thing and that religion is NOT what defines a person, but just a part of who they are. I know that it is impossible to go back in time to tell myself these things now, but I am capable of telling those that need guidance of what difficulties lie ahead and aid in cautioning them against avoidable mistakes. If I could really speak to my younger self there is so much more that I would say. One major thing that I would tell myself is, "you WILL make mistakes, that is inevitable, but it is how you handle them that really matters."

Kaylee

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to never get overwhelmed and to just breathe whenever things are getting tough. My first semester of college had many moments of worrying and sometimes just pure panic. Moving to a new town was definitely scary, but when I finally relaxed and adapted to the change I discovered many new friends that were there for me. Starting college classes was intimidating, but when I took deep breaths through all the exams and the essays I found out that I was capable of a 4.00 GPA. So, if I could go back to my high school self I would say to just "Pause, relax, and breathe" and things will work out.

Jacqueline

The advice that I would give myself is that I need to be committed to actually doing what needs to be done homework wise. In high school the work came to easily for me and I spent most if not all my time reading books. While reading helps in the long run by speeding up my reading time, and giving me new vocabulary words, it doesn't help with keeping up with the now much harder and larger work load that you get in college. My once easy to get A's and really high B's that required no work have turned into A's and B's that I have earned with each paper and assignment.

Rachael

First off pick a school that has your major. Look at State Schools vs. Private Schools, Church Affiliated Private Schools have manditory chappel time, religion is subjective so be careful with your selection. State schools do not have this element. Another major consideration is to not play Varsity sports at college. Do recreational intermural sports for fun. This leaves you with plenty of time to study, have a job and enjoy college life, and get involved with your school and community. It is very rewarding making the connections with other college students from all walks of life and to get out of your own comfort zone. You develop into the person you want to be. Your not a kid anymore your a young adult with your life ahead of you. Take advantage of the next 4 years to find you and be ready for graduation and your new job with confidence, skills and hopefully a good place to start your foundation for the rest of your life.

Tiffany

If I could go back in time with the knowledge that I have now, I would tell my senior self to stop slacking off. I would tell myself that I really need to study and do homework. And that doesn't mean to wait til the last possible minute to do it. That means to do your homework as soon as you get it and to study as much as possible. Yeah college can be fun but if you want to succeed you need to focus which is clearing a skill that I need to work on.

Susana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definately tell myself to try a lot harder. In high school, teachers are constantly reminding us when assingments will be due. In college professors don't even tell you, it is their responsibility to hand us a sylabus, and we take the responsibility to read it, and be responsible for any assignments listed. I would also recommend myself to of had joined some Advanced Placement classes, so that I could of been better prepared, to on top of my game, and to simply give it my all. College is not free, wait did I even mention the price of books? I would remind myself to be ready to make the most of an education that my parents will be paying for. My parents have been saving for my education since I was born, so I would take advantage of all that they have worked for and prepare myself to leave my nest, my home. To know that I will no longer be living with my parents, but that I have to work twice as hard for the future they willoffer me.

Stacey

I would tell myself to not stress out about going to college. I would tell her that although you still have to keep up with your studies, the teachers are very enthusiastic about their subject and are all more than willing to help you in your need. I would say that you will meet a variety of people, and to get to know as many as you can, it will make college a lot more easier knowing people are going through the same thing you are going through. I would tell myself that the food is great and you have many choices to choose from including healthier meals that are homemade or quick meals from subway and a sushi place as well. I would tell her how close and convenient the dorm is to campus, and that I will enjoy having my own room, but will still like the idea of having a roommate whom I will get along with very well, and may even become friends with further into the year. Lastly, I would say to enjoy every minute of college, because time flies by so quickly you don?t even realize it.

Monique

If I was able to go in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would let myself know that everything is going to be okay even if my mom is six hours away. Not only that, but to go out there and socialize, do not be afraid of starting college because everyone in the class with you is going to go through the same feelings you are having. Apply for every scholarship thrown at you and have fun once you get there!

Heathe

When I was a senior in high school, my desire in life was to go to college, be awarded scholarships, graduate with honors, and land my dream job, all within four years. It is now five years later, I have changed my major for the last and final time; I transferred university three times before I found the institution that covers all aspects of my idea of what I want to do; I have racked up almost forty thousand dollars in student loans; I am almost certain there is no honors program for Mass Communication majors. If I could advise my senior self, I would first recommend staying in the junior college until all of the pre-requisite classes were complete, that way I would only have to declare one major one time. The next order of business would be to make sure I know how college is going to be paid for before enrolling in classes, and to avoid private loans as much as possible. The final piece of advice I would give myself is to never back down on any dream. The minute the dream is stashed away, it is lost forever.

Sarah

Take more advanced placement classes and STUDY for them so I come to college with more credits.

Aaron

Well i would tell myself, Aaron college isn't hard it's easy. But you have to be real organized and not procrastinate. You have to study in order to get good grades. And most importantly have fun at college, experience it but do good. Also get good grades during high school so you could have tons of scholarships awaiting you.