Stephen F Austin State University Top Questions

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

Cecily

Since I started college through the dual credit program when I was sixteen, I was able to make the transition from high school to college much more smoothly than if I had started simply jumped in as a full-time student after grauation. However, I would definitely go back in time to help my past-self decide which major to go into, and to tell myself not to worry about my future as a career woman. Before attending college, my only career leaning was artistic, which is a notoriously competitive and poorly-paying field. For this reason, I had a lot of anxiety about my future. However, attending Stephen F. Austin has led me to a new passion - information technology. I am very excited about my future career, now, and my past-self would probably be very happy to know that it has all worked out so far.

Briana

Briana, you have finally made it to your senior year of high school. Even though this seems like a time to panic and stress, this is the time to relax and focus on connecting with your friends. Your college acceptance is based on your junior year results, so as long as you make grades that show effort, your acceptances into college are final. It's going to be a lot harder than you expect to gain true friends and be accepted like you want to your freshman year, so stay strong, hold you head up, and make good use of the friends that you have now. College life is still definitely cut out for you. This high school pushes you so hard that your freshman year will be surprisingly easy. Like I said, there is no need to stress. The only thing you need to remember is that time management is the key to college. You can be involved in anything you want with no rules, just make sure your work gets done. Even hard core partiers can have great grades. And one last thing: Briana, actually go to the gym. The freshman 20 is real. Axe Em Jacks!

Sarah

I would tell myself to treasure the times when books and going to school were free. I would also recommend to myself that I should get a job because I'm going to have to pay for college myself. College is a unique experience so loosen up a bit and enjoy the ride. You're going to go to a school that you love for a career that you are passionate about. Don't lose sight of that, and try not to stress yourself out too much. Also please stop being so scared of driving; you're going to spend a year biking two miles every day to campus in heat. You almost were hit twice and nearly fainted in the summer, so get over it already.

Chelsea

Being away from home has opened my eyes alot. I thought going into school i was capable of doing anything on my own while handling the responsibility of maintaining my studies in school, but i was wrong. While i maintained my studies and did well in all my classes i had the wrong idea about being away from home. There were days that i was homesick, lost or needed the comfort of seeing familiar faces and places and while i felt like i was the only one who felt this way i held it in and would sometimes cry myself to sleep. I continued to remind my self why i was here for school and school only and while i had fun and made friends thats all that mattered at the end of the day, considering i was the first of my sibilings to attend at a university. So with that being said i would go back and tell myself to enjoy the last momens with my family and friends and to capture memories i could take with me to help me get through the rough times and to help make it feel more of a home while away.

Oswaldo

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to take advantadge of all the resources that were available to me at the time and to not be so scared. The counselers that could have helped me with financial aid, the seminars on how to apply for scholarships and aid and the dual credit classes that would have allowed me get ahead in my degree plan and saved me money in the long run. Time and time again I think back to all the general education classes I could have taken in high school and all the stress, money and time it could have saved me. I was scared I would not be able to handle it it high school but I should have followed my dreams and not been so scared of failing.

Shelby

Going into my freshman year of college, I thought I knew everything and that nothing could get in my way. But, man was I so wrong. If I could go back to the day I was graduating high school and give myself some advice I would tell myself three things. The first being it's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to fail. Failure is inevitable in this new, scary, exciting adventure. I would also tell myself that in order to succeed, I must step out of my comfort zone and into the unknown. Nothing good happens if you're not willing to take some chances. The last thing would be, school's hard and extremely important, but don't let it be the only thing you focus on. There are going to be so many amazing opporunities in college, take advantage of them. I've only been in college for one semester, and I'm sure I will learn much more these next three and a half years. If I had known these three things, my first semster of college would have gone much more smoothly, but I also would not be the person I am today.

Kaylynn

Hello Kaylynn. Okay, first thing is first: Study, girl. Seriously, studying is your savior and you need to remember that. Also, read your textbooks. Yeah, in some classes you never even touch them, but in the classes where you do use them, textbooks are the greatest things in the college world. If you want to make friends and not just stay up in your room watching Netflix, talk to people! They are not as scary as you think. Make sure you make time for studying and doing homework, but you also need time for yourself and for friends. Now, your roommate is amazing. But her boyfriend... not so much. If you're getting annoyed with him, remember the library is your safe haven. This is your freshman year, make the most of it, but be smart. Make sure you pick the best classes for you and you pay attention. This first semester defines the rest of your college career. You have so much ahead of you and a lot of people on your side. I believe in you and so do they. Good luck.

Chris

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would say start early! One of the biggest mistakes students make as seniors is underestimating how little time they actually have before college starts. I applied early to my college, but after that, I did not do as much as I should have with getting prepared for college. My high school self would be told to apply for as many scholarships as possible because college is not a cheap experience. Once I took out student loans, I realized how big of a mistake it was to not apply for more scholarships because any financial assistance would have made a huge difference in my budget for college. So my advice to myself as a high school senior would be to start early and to not be as lazy as I was when it came to paying for my education.

Samantha

"Hey, don't worry about anything, Sam." I would say. "You'll have the help you need." I was so worried about my classes, the cost of attending, how I would pay for it, if I would be alone for my whole college experience, and what I should do about declaring a major. The people there made it clear to me that I didn't have to settle on a major yet. I was helped during a session that advised a small group, one from the group befriended me, and was told that my Freshman year will be taking my core classes. So I didn't have to decide 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} yet on my major. I was also advised financially. My grades have helped me achieve scholarships, but it wasn't enough. I would tell myself all of that and this: That I should trust that God will provide and lead me down the right path.

Andrew

Do not waste all of your money and save some of it. Also, you will make a lot of great friends and do not be afraid.

Morgan

If I could give myself any advice for the precollege me, I'd simply tell myself to go enjoy, imbrace, and grow as much as I can. I spent a long time trying to go down paths that weren't right for me because other people said I'd be good in that field. If I could of just learned to trust myself I'd be further along in my education. I do not regret not knowing this, it is simple wisdom I have gained througt my college experience.

tanya

This is my summer before college and after high school yet i ahve learned so much that I should've done in high school to make things easier as well things that i will do in college. Something that i truly regret is not taking any college credit classes like dual credit. Taking a few AP wasn't enough i could have done way more and pushed myself alot more. I would advice myself to think over and actuallly challenge myself more. Being not so great in math was always my excuse to not take higher levels in math but now I know i coul've done it. Now that high school is over I realize that i also should've applied to scholarships early for my college. I kept putting things off and off. I started looking into college my junior year when i realized I needed to get my GPA up to get into a good college. Freshmen year you have no idea what a gpa is unitl its too late though I was able to get my gpa way higher I wish i could go back and tell my freshmen self what a gpa was.

Chandra

I would tell myself to learn how to study better

Zenia

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself to start taking college level classes right after graduation. It is a difficult transition to make after spending the summer not being productive. I would tell myself to learn methods in which to better prepare for classes and tests. I would advice myself to look into programs offered on campus before getting there and learning about the many different community service organizations available. It is easier to meet people and to get connections with staff if you are active in your school and community. Another important advice I would give would be to learn how to manage my finances better; college is very expensive and it is very hard to keep track of the money you have, and it is very easy to spend it in a short amount of time. The last piece of advice would be not to procrastinate! it is very easy to not study for tests when they are so far apart from each other. Once you know it, test start piling up and you have very little time to study.

Mark

Make sure you make a huge effort towards getting scholarships, no matter the award amount. College is known to be expensive but professional school costs are even more jaw-dropping. Work hard towards your goals and don't procrastinate as much as you do now, you won't always get an A by studying the night before the exams. Don't be discouraged whenever there is an obstacle that seems to be impossible to overcome, you'll get through it with determination and learn from the experience. Enjoy the college years instead of dreading them and you'll have a great college experience.

Riley

Though I may not be the best at everything, and though I may struggle with things sometimes, I am capable. I can overcome all of my anxieties, and I'm won't let mental illness get the best of me. College is an experience that could be amazing or terrible. So far, I've experienced both, and though it's been challenging, it's worth it. Through every single tear and late night of guzzling way more coffee than my system could handle, through every night of staying up until five in the morning studying and doing homework just to wake up two hours later for class, it's been worth it. It hasn't been easy, but if I wanted to take the easy way out, I wouldn't be doing anything for myself. As terrifying as it is, being away and braving through each day as if it were a battle, I'm being courageous. I'm doing this for myself, and in the end, myself is who I need to worry about pleasing. It's my life, and I need to do what I want with it.

Brianna

If I had the chance to go back in high school to give myself advice about college I would take the opportunity to tell myself that it would not be as easy as I thought. I would let myself know that being in a few advanced placement classes at a time it was not just hard to get my grade point average up, but the courses were actually preparing me for college. I would let myself know that not all the classes I take would be close to the rigor of AP, but a couple would be and I would have to learn to study in new ways to make the grade I hope for. I would also tell myself to learn how to make friends with out the help of other friends because I did not know how hard it would be to do so. Luckily with the little knowledge I already had, I have made it through my first semester and a half with new friends and great grades.

Alex

I would definitely tell myself to try harder to find a job, and that just applying to a position does not even come close to gaurenteeing a position. I might say to study more but I was already having no troubles with school. I'm not sure it would have made a difference, or if it would make me resent studying even more than I do now. I would have told myself that there are online resources such as Youtube tutorials and Wikipedia and Google. That definitely would have made an impact. I also probably would have told myself to think of stuff to tell myself if I had to tell my past self stuff, in the future, to prepare my past self for the future because of stuff I learned from the future so that I didn't have to sit here for hours and think of almost nothing from thinking about it aside from sleep deprivation.

Victoria

If I could go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to calm down. Instead of freaking out about every appplication and checking for an update everyday, I would tell myself to step back. My senior year I lost a lot of my social life, because I was so focused on preparing for the college transition. I would spend hours researching college statistics, and trying to guess if I was going to get in, instead of allowing myself to relax and enjoy the last year I had with my friends.

chelsea

College is nothing like high school. It's your responsibility to go to class, keep up with your homework, just like you did in high school. Believe in yourself and take chances. Do not be afraid to meet knew people and show them who you really are. Nursing is a very competitive field. You need to work hard and make sure the teachers know who you are and what you are trying to do. Make sure that you are being the best you can be even if it's below your believed expectations. Always know that you have supportive people behind you and that God will guide you in the right direction as long as you have faith. Stay focused and don not let anyone or anything stop you from accomplishing your dream. You can do it.

ashley

If I had the opportunity to go back to my senior year of high school and give myself advice….I would tell myself that now is the time for making a foundation for your life as a future college student. Life is all about planning, so setting long-term and short-term goals are mandatory at this time in their life. Begin your planning by pinpointing things and/or places that bring enjoyment to your life as a whole and branch out from that. Lastly, working hard in everything that you do is always rewarding (in more ways than one) and receiving the feeling of accomplishment. Creating a master plan, continuously engaging in activities that meets your goals, and understanding that this is your life so let every choice, mistake, correction, and opportunity invest towards your foundation of planning for your college years.

Oyindamola

If I could give any advice to my high school self it would be to take every class seriously from day one. I would inform myself of how crucial maintaining a high gpa can be. It is easy to bring down but hard to bring up so it's best to start off strong and finish even stronger. I would express the importance of taking advantage of all resources to aid in making the best grades. I would also recommend doing internships and volunteering as much as my schedule and classes would permit. Internships will perpare you for the working world as well as provide you with experience and help develop connections. I woul remind myself that networking is key and to constantly get to know people that could possibly help me in the long run. Lastly, I would tell myself not to stress and take breaks when feeling overwhelmed. Tough times will arise but its not worth worrying yourself sick. Overall, make time for fun but dont forget your purpose for attending school.

kayla

I would most definitely make myself take the AP classes offered. Back then, as a senior, I wanted to "take it easy" and just have fun my last year with the people I grew up with. I should have applied my knowledge and skills to higher level classes. Because I was too lazy and wanted to spend time with my friends to do this, my GPA and class standing were affected. However, I will give myself credit for taking dual credit college courses my junior and senior year in high school. Another thing I would tell myself is that go and get as much scholarships you can because school is going to become your first piority. Since college, I've applied myself to think outside of the box. I have become better in math and I absolutely love it. I thought I would never say that. This may sound too good to be true, but I love school. One more thing, I would tell myself to listen to my mom when she said, "If you want nice things get a college education". For me, this has really hit home. I believe this is the reason I've gotten far today.

Holly

The most important thing to know then would have ben to not stress! College has been such a n amazing experience and there is no reasom to spend your senior year stressing about it. Everybody thinks that they have to go to school with a friend, but I found it great going off and meeting all new people. If I had the chance to tell myself this a year ago, I would have never been yanking my hair out like I did.

candace

The first and most important piece of advice I would give myself is to be serious about my grades and learn consistent study habits. I had a hard time in a few classes starting off in college because I did not know the proper way to study and it got me behind in class. The next piece of advice I would give myself is to learn time management and to never procrastinate. There are so many opportunities in college to get involved and I have learned that if I procrastinate it doesn’t get done because I eventually forget about it. Some more advice I would give to myself is to not get lazy and apply for as many scholarships as I could. The process can be long and tiring but is completely worth it. College is expensive and the few extra bucks that you do have can go by quickly if you don’t budget. Lastly, and also important I would say to become as independent as you can because once you get to college your parents are not there to help you or keep you out of trouble. I wish I would have known all of this beforehand.

DeShae

Advice I would give myself is to be prepared to have to balance your own life. Parents are not there to tell you what to do. Be mindful of your time and create a weekly schedule of things that need to be done. Don't be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there. There are going to be times when you fail, but learn those from experiences and use to fuel future successes. Have fun!

Alexis

I am currently looking at my roommate, who is taking 6 hours less than me this semester. However, she has 15 more hours than me ,over all, without a worry in the world. Her secret… Duel credit classes in high school. As I look back at 17 year old me, a senior at Vista Ridge High School, I notice the same worry free characteristics my roommate fulfills. I would go to school, late I might add, and just think about my friends, soccer, and when lunch was. Little did I know, that attitude towards school would bite me in the butt later on. I mostly made all A’s, however, the levels of toughness were not particularly high. Although I worked to get an A in my classes, I did not put much thought into the classes I was taking. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take classes that would help my future in college and even beyond that. Maybe I could be hanging out with my roommate now, rather than frantically trying to keep up with all of my classes.

cheronda

But when it comes to school work. I wish i have tryed harder and actually gave an effort. I've always given minumum effort and i havnt studied for a test until 3 days before exam and i have a 2.83 gpa at the of my senior year. Like all Bs and Cs pretty much. Now that I'm in college . I regret doing all that, because if i tried harder could have been an A student. I also wish I had not spent so many nights sitting around doing nothing because I didn't feel like doing homework. I would get out there and do more extra-curricular activities. I would have forced myself to study more diligently senior year. As hard as it is to do, (and believe me, when you get there, it is hard to do), I looked back the other day and realized what true potential I had, only to recognize that I wasted a lot of it. I ended up doing pretty well in high school, but looking back, I feel I could have done better. Since I'm college it is whole new world from high school it totally different .

Alexis

Make sure to apply for colleges early as well as housing and classes. Be sure to attend the FIRST orientation session and DO NOT procrastinate when applying for scholarships. Get them DONE and it makes your senior year a lot less stressful. Also, take dual-credit classes; it helps you to avoid taking more classes at the university and paying three times the price.

Aubrey

I would tell myself not to worry so much. As a senior in highschool I was terrified of what was to come; I didn't want to be away from my family or my friends and I was not a fan of change. I would tell myself that the little things that I was no picky about wouldn't matter once I got to college. I would tell myself that college would be the best years of my life and not to worry about the friends i was leaving behind because the ones who matter stick around and you will find a way to still be best friends even if you live eight hours awy frome eachother. I would tell my self that the classes are not as difficult as everyone promissed me they would be and that I would make it through all the tough times despite my learning disorder because of all the helpful staff that was always ready to help me. Most importantly I would tell my self that I would make it, I would go to college and love it and I can do anything I put my heart to.

Destinee

The advice I would give myself is apply for more scholoarships and strive for better grades.

Clifton

If I could have revisited myself during high school, I would have told myself to take algebra seriously. Now taking a college course which is more rigorous than what I have been exposed to during high school, I wish at least around my senior year I had used the additional exerises, activity multimedia, calculator tips, and the mixed review more seriously. College algebra is not that difficult a subject in mathematics but from experience the material always stretches over your critical thinking skills. For example I had to use matrices to solve linear equations in three variables. When I was a senior in high school, I really wrestled with using the given textbook methods. I could not use the substitution method so I had to learn how to use the Gauss-Jordan method by multiplying and adding elements. The word problems are my shortcoming in math . One time I had to solve a problem on exponential growth. It involved a business trying to build a 350, 000 facility in 8 years investing 200,000 that pays 5{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. I thought of creating a formula by diving the rate over the principal times natural logarithmic times one over the return.

Rebecca

I am only in my second semester of college, and I have already learned a lot. I have learned how to be responsible for my homework and studying. I have learned how to receive help from professors and best utilize my school's tutoring options. I have learned what is tasty and revolting in the cafeteria. I have learned how to happily share a small dorm room with someone completely new to me. I have learned countless lessons that have made my daily life more cohesive, but most importantly, I have learned to ask for help. It sounds like such a simple solution, but it is not always at the forefront of my mind when I have a problem. My instinct is to attempt to solve issues alone so that I do not bother anyone else. College has transformed that thinking. Between academic advisors, on-campus counselors, and even staff to find organizations relevant to your interest, SFASU has shown me that all I need to do is ask. They will help me with any and all difficulties, particularly those specific to college.

Jaime

College has been an intense transition in my life. If I could travel back a year to when I was a high school senior, I would have studied much harder to practice better habits for college. Also, I would have put in more hours at work so I could save more money for school. Paying for my own rent, school, gas, groceries and other needs is not easy when I am doing it all on my own. I would have applied for scholarships in high school so I would have never had to take out a student loan. My focus would be extremely different if I could start all over and better prepare myself for college and life itself. I would practice managing my time so that when I got to college it would be easier to balance working 30 hours a week, studying, and doing all my homework assignments. College would be less stressful if I had more money because I would not have to work as much and I could use the extra time to organize for all of my classes.

Alyssa

To learn to enjoy life and the time I had in high school. In high school I acted like work was everything and as a result my studies and friendships suffered. Things will work out, one way or another, so I would tell myself to let go and not spend time worrying about things that are out of my hands but to also recognize what is within my control and work on those aspects of my life instead. Nothing is more important than my education and although I never did poorly in my high school academic career I do wish I had used my senior to develop study skills, habits, and knowledge through self-discipline so that when college did come around I would not have had such a hard time adjusting. Lastly, to just be me and not worry about what everyone else is doing because they won't be the important people in my life a year later. In summary, I would tell myself to relax, develop discipline and be more discerning in all aspects of my life.

Rhiannon

Apply yourself. Even though that final year of high school seems to be never-ending, you really need to do your best and excel in your classes. I feel I would be eligible for more scholarships had I gotten better grades.

arayiel

I would start by telling myself to stay focus. Making the transition from high school student to college student may seem easy, but it is definitely a change, and if you do not prepare yourself well failure may come. I would also tell myself to take advantage of all resources that the university offers as far as study groups and such because they make a big difference.

melanie

I would tell my high school senior version of me that preparation is vital. To be mentally prepared by makingsure that during the orientations that you talk and ask questions. Look at everything as a whole and try to notice every nuance and thing that would be out of place. Practice awareness at all times.

Gria

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to put too much pressure on myself. My first semester of college was very difficult for me. I took on more than I could handle at once. I didn't give myself a chance to figure out how to adjust to the differences of being a college student from a high school student. As a result my grades suffered and I was extremely stressed and frustrated. My second semester was a lot better because I had figured out how to handle college life in a more productive manner. I learned to balance all the aspects of my life and I taught myself to handle stress better. My grades have improved significantly since then and I am enjoying my college experience now. People had told me how much different college life would be, but I didn't take their warnings too seriously. Perhaps if I had been able to warn myself I would have heeded their advice.

Eryn

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a lot to say. First that an animal science degree is not the way to go. Psychology is better. Second to never stop playing the harp. I would also tell myself that if I don't get serious about financial aid and stop resisting my parents when they talk to me about the future I will regret it. Most of all I would tell my high school self to try to become a little more independant and self reliant before graduation. And to not sign up for more than 13 credit hours in the first semester of college or chemistry, take biology instead; its more enjoyable. And abouve all else never stop trying to be helpful.

Sara

Dear Sara, I’m Sara, from the future. Pleased to meet you. You turn out a good individual, just keep doing what you’re doing- taking Pre-AP and AP courses, staying heavily involved in organizations, working on community service. But, coming from experience, try to work just a bit harder on applying for scholarships. There are far too many out there that you’ve missed out on, that you would have made a worthy candidate for, because difficult to find. Oh, no matter what, avoid taking 13 hours only for a semester. Even if it happens unintentionally, (it very well may), try desperately to avoid that- I know you, you will be bored out of your mind! Hmm… surprising as this may be, Deaf Education is what you want to major in. Music, Digital Media- as appealing as they are, you’re not meant for them, nor they for you. Other than that, don’t worry, have fun, you’ll make friends much more easily than you know. Also, never forget the words of Douglas Noel Adams, “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”

desiree

Desiree i see that you are going to college. Here are a few tips; study extremly hard and never give up. Your grades must come first and you must be determined to succeed in order to graduate. Staying focus is the key and never give up when times are hard. If you need help speak up and dont be afraid to talk to students that have already passed or are doing well in class. Get a great private or group tutor and trust me you will do very well!

LaDyrian

Most definitely I would tell myself to never give up no matter what and to not be close-minded to new experiences or diverse activities. I would also say to be involved on campus as well as in the community, because it will make your college experience more fulfilling and worth while. Don't forget to gain close bonds with your advisors and professors for they have the abiilty to help you in the future as well as in the present.

Julia

College has taught me to find my voice and place in my world. I have learned that every action whether positive or negative has a consequence--thus I try my hardest to make positive choices, to obtain positive consequences. I have learned to multi-task and prioritize. When I started college I also started working full-time. I have truly learned the value of a dollar and the benefits of budgeting. College is a privilege and it is something that you have to work hard for continously and not take for granted. There were so many people who wanted the opportunites I've been given so I've learned to put my work and education above getting caught up in all the negative sterotypes of college. College has been the most valuable use of my time and money, because I know that I'm building integrity, strength, and a better future for those who come behind me.

Christina

So far my college has taught me about resposiblity courage and strength. It taught me more responsiblity since no one is making me go to classes anymore. It has taught me more self will and detremination if i want to become that nurse then i will have to put forth the work that it takes to be a nurse. I have obtained great friendships that help me through my hard times. Knoing that if i attend this school i have a better chance in getting into nursing school since it is one of the best.

Brittany

Although I would like to have learned more, I really did learn a lot throughout my college experience. It has been valuableto attend because I have learned about so many different topics and now want to learn about new things. For example, I never like history/political science before college. I am now considering getting a degree in International Affairs because of my International Politics class. Also, instead of just teaching us things out of the textbooks, many of my professors shared stories that could help us relate topics to the real world. I feel that I am now very knowledgeable about everything that is going on in the world and will be able to somehow relate to things that take place every day.

Charli

The most valuable part of my college experience has really been learning. While this may seem like an obvious statement I mean it very broadly. By attending classes I am learning if my field of study is what field I want to stay in, or if maybe a different field of study would be better. More importantly though is what college is teaching me outside of the classroom. College is teaching me that I need to know more before I could live completely independent of my parents. College is teaching me the value of money and the importance of saving. It is teaching me the importance of having someone to confide in. It is teaching me to be more accepting of other peoples’ race. College is helping me to become an independent woman capable of making her own decisions.

Mary

Independence is thrusted on any person who decides to attend college. I at first awaited freedom, but soon came to find that with this freedom comes much responsibilty. Being forced to schedule my classes and buy my own toilet paper has been a slap in the face by society. These things are truly easy and my struggle to get it all done is quite pathetic. I've discovered that it is of major necessity for me to know these things, and not only that, but that my life is comfortable and I now greatly sympathize with those who are less fortunate than I. Though college is place one learns many things, I truly believe that the most important of these are independence and the understanding of others.

Ashley

Beyond the classes and making the grades, college life has really taught me how to be reliable and self-suffiicient. Back home, my mom babied me by doing my laundry and providing dinner every night. In college, that sort of thing just doesn't happen. I never had the problem in high school of neglecting my homework, so the transition to college life in that way didn't phase me. College life has taught me how to manage my finances. My freshman year I overdrafted on my checking account twice and had a tough time financially because of it. I teach privite music lessons in order to just fill up my tank to drive home. Finances were the biggest eye opener of college. The college transitionial learning experience has provided a perfect medium between living at home at living on my own. College has proven to be a valuable experience because it has forced me to grow up and take charge of my own life (my finances, grades, reliability) in order to be a successful member of society.

Ashton

The fact that I don't go out and party, but have quality friends who accept that about me, has given me the opportunity to dedicate much of my time to my studies and be able to spend time with them working together, in the library for example. Because I've been able to work so hard on my school work, I recently received my acceptance letter into the school of nursing here and will be starting in January. That is by far the greatest reward I have received from my college experience so far. I also value my professors because they dedicate much of their time to helping us students succeed, and will take extra time grading or explaining things to us in order to be as fair and understanding as possible.