Stevenson University Top Questions

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

Kacie

I would first tell myself to relax! Transitioning into college is scary, but everything works itself out and the school is willing to help make the transition easier. I would also tell myself "You are not alone." There are many many freshman that are going through the same process as you are. Everyone is nervous and everyone is looking for friends. This takes me to the next piece of advice for myself, be confident. Because everyone is new, find the courage and confidence in yourself to go to the school socializing events and meet as many people as you can. Knowing people around campus is a great feeling, being that you are away from home, having a large amount of familiar faces makes campus more comfortable. So, relax, be social, and enjoy every minute of it because time flies!

Jaimie

Dear Jaimie, You know there's much more work to be done, but stop for a minute and breathe. Look at where you are and realize how far you've come! You're a senior now! You did it! Be excited! You've kept your eyes on the future and you're on your way! And while you excitedly prepare for college, which will help you get one step closer to your goals, remember this: Your goal of earning your degree and getting a career is not the endpoint, but a step in your (our) life's journey. On your journey through college, you will be faced with new challenges, new experiences, and new uncertainties--existential crises. But crises does not mean failure--it means change. Embrace the change. Embrace the challenges. Embrace the experiences. Embrace the uncertainties. Uncertainties lead to opportunity, to creativity, to new possibility. Look toward the future, but also look at what's happening to you in the present. Accept the uncertainty, the crises, and see these times as what is molding us to become who we are in the future. Enjoy this time. Enjoy this journey. You're on your way.

Vatekia

To be yourself,study hard, have faith, and be brave.

Jai

If I could talk to myself as I high school senior I would tell myself that college will become overwhelming, but you will be able to do it. I would tell myself to take time with your work ask a lot of questions and study study study. Also remember that now you are actually paying for your education so try as hard as you can. I would also tell myself that you have a lot of freedom so you have to motivate yourself.

brianna

Do not get lazy and work to the best of your ability thruought the entire process.

David

The chance to go to college is the American dream! However, the ways you can get there are all dependent upon how dedicated you yourself are. When teenagers are seniors in high school, they are completely blinded by how critical their efforts towards getting enough money and going to college really are. If I could go back, I would most definitely cover how important money is when in college and convince myself to sign up for all those available scholarships and grants that I passed on because I thought they were too small, not enough and not worth my time. Senioritis truly does ruin the chances for a senior's future. We all know how lazy Seniors can be, and this is why so many college students say they missed out on a lot of money they could've used on college and never will have another chance to get them because of not being a high school senior anymore (including myself). As far as attending college, the whole purpose of getting the money, I would just tell myself and others: Just find and be your own self. There's nothing more successful than being your own person in life!

Andrea

Looking back, I was always worried about the future. Being the first of my family to go to college, the entire experience always seemed so daunting. Even though I did well in high school, I was concerned that I would not be able to continue this trend in college. Was I good enough to succeed in college? What if I did not fit in, socially? However, these were the concerns of a teenager who never had the chance to fully experience life. Knowing what I know now, I would like to go back and just remind myself that almost everyone going into college is scared for a variety of reasons. But it is also exciting to be able to take this next step of your life. I would remind this teenager that feeling scared, nervous, excited, and an entire whirlwind of other emotions is perfectly alright. Even being three years older than I was then, I still am not completely sure of a lot of things in life. However, that is normal. Life is meant to be a journey where you make mistakes, but along the way you find out more about yourself and the world around you.

Michele

I would tell myself to get out of the state to get a new experience and to go to a bigger school. I would also tell myself not to go to a private college since they are expensive and the one I currently attend is not very accommodating to students. Another piece of advice I would tell myself would be to do research on the professors before choosing courses.

Shahrose

I would tell myself to go in with an open mind. Be open to all the possibilities surrounding you, especially your first year. Join many clubs because there are several that pertain to your interests. I would also tell myself that when you do join clubs and also have classes, learn some good time management skills. Divide your time up each and every day, choosing to do the most important things first, especially academia, otherwise your grades can suffer. I would also tell myself that be very respectful and nice to your roomates but do not let them walk over you either. Learn to communicate with them effectively and when you do have arguments, see the argument from their point of view. This well help solve many problems in the dorm. Just remember that you are here for four years and make the most of them.

Tyler

I would tell myself that, hey you only got 4 years here. Don't try to rush through every single moment of it. Yeah it sucks having to be up at 5 am to do your medicine for your Cystic Fibrosis just to make it on time to a 7:30 am class. Cherish everything you do here, it's all being done for a reason. I would tell myself to study a little harder and challenge myself a little more than I did because it would have better prepaired me the rigorious college classes I will be taking. I would tell myself to live life to the fullest even in the worst of times. Live, laugh and love harder than you ever have before, you only get this high school experience once. So live it up, hang out with friends, play sports, work hard in school, but most importatnly, do what makes you happy.

sierra

If I were able to go back in time and speak to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself how important it is to prioritize and work on time-management, I cant stress that enough. Without your parents reminding you what you need to do and get done college can get rough. Personally through my college transition, I spent some time getting myself together and realizing that college is real life and I need to grow up and get it together. Also I would have told myself to fill out more scholarship applications. pays off in the end.

Katie

Going back and visiting my high school self, I would tell myself to remain focused and continue to study hard because it will truly prepare you for college. I would also tell myself to have as much fun as possible with friends, after studying, because when you get to college and you have a job, you are now in the real world and it's just not as fun. I would also tell myself to learn time management skills, because those are deffinately needed when it comes to college.

Travis

I would go back and give myself an ultimatum. Either you work harder in school and actually do your homework, or don't even worry about college because you won't be successful even if you do graduate doing well. I would make sure that I understood the consequences of not doing the schoowork and studying, because no one ever really taught me the danger of not doing it. I would also tell myself to be prepared because all of the responsibility will keep getting harder and that the stress levels will keep rising.

Nathaniel

Keep clear the fall semester of your senior year.Keep it clear of all the extras as you will be busy finaling college stuff. Possibily doing college applications, essays and the like. You will not have time to keep your grades up enjoy the fall High school evenst and do all the college stuff at the same time. Time mangament skills are a must this sememster so make it easier fo ryourself but taking out the extras. Then after you are done with college applications then out those extras back in if you want or miss them. For one sememster of a clear schedule helps make a clear mind.

Melissa

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would stress the importance of not procrastinating. That, I believe, is the number one problem that freshmen in college face. I would explain that there would be less time for going out because my studies would be my number one priority. I would also make sure that I understood that no one will be there to wake me up, tell me when to go to class, when to eat, or when to go to bed. If I were talking to myself as a senior I would definitely mention some tips on how to live with a room-mate, how to share a bathroom, and most importantly how to respect someone else's space, daily routine, and quiet hours. I would explain to myself the level of responsiblity that comes with being a college student. The most important thing that I would discuss with myself is how to manage my money so that I always had food, emergency money, and a little spending money. That is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

kelsey

Definitely don’t doubt yourself! Studying really does work and hard work does pay off. The feeling of earning an A by using free time to study, figuring out how to make sense of material, and giving 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort is worth it. I would tell myself that C's are not acceptable, even if a C is passing; they really hurt your g.p.a. Look into internships by sophomore year. Don’t procrastinate! When you break up with Todd don’t let college come second to your emotions. Devote extra time to studying. Social life is great and it is important, but college isn't high school. Having a lot of friends isn’t always the most important. Surround yourself with more people that are in college because the friends that aren't in college won’t understand the importance of getting good grades. Apply earlier to colleges, have more options. Otherwise everything really does happen for a reason, and considering the obstacles, college is demanding, pressure and anxiety will increase but you’ve always known who you are. As long as you study and manage your time you will be just fine.

Sydney

If I could go back in time, I would work harder to create successful study habits for myself. Within this transition to college, studying has been my biggest obstacle. When classes first began and the first exam approached, I did not know how to study. In high school I took fairly easy classes that required little studying, however I realized college was very different. Now that my first semester of college is over, I understand how to study and have improved my study habits. Another peice of advice that I would give myself is that college is NOT one huge party. College is a time in my life where I can have fun every once in a while, however school is my number one focus especially since I am paying so much for it! Nursing is my passion and without full dedication and motivation, I will not make it. Staying positive and inspired is the key to success in college!

Katie

I often reminisce on my high school years and wish I did have someone to better prepare me for what was to come. Highschool prepared me academically, but there is more to college than just academics. If I could go back, I would tell myself to prepare mentally and socially. College is different from high school in so many ways! For example, in college mommy and daddy are no longer waking you up for class, it becomes your job to wake yourself up and be to class on time. Another example is homework, in highschool homework was mandatory, if your homework was left undone you were promised detention. That was incentive, motivation! In college, that extrinsic motivation doesn't exist. It is up to you to do your homework. With College comes responsibility, it really forces you to grow up and make grown-up decisions. Given the oppurtunity I would make sure to emphasize the importance of remembering why your going to school. College to highschool children means parties, it wasn't until I actually arrived that I realized college was the key to my future and if that meant saying "no" to a party, then so be it.

Sumit

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that high school is important. Important enough to get you to a good college and enough scholarship money. I didn't do so well in high school and I regret those years so much. I wish I could go back and tell myself to study and not put anything off because now I am struggling to pay for college that accepted me but is so hard to pay for. If I would have stressed high school enough, I would have had more options even less expensive options. I didn't want to go to community college because I wanted to start a new life at a University that I can be proud to go to. All I can think of is how I am going to pay for it and that is honestly my motivation in keeping good grades. I am a freshman in college maintaining over a 3.5 GPA and hope to keep it that way.

Holley

As a college student now, I would most definately tell my highschool self to learn how to study effectively, prepare to be stressed, but also to learn how to relax (and don't be afraid to relax). During highschool I was a student that never really had to study, and this hurt me coming into college. What I should have done was discover my specific learning styles while in highschool, that way I was prepared once I reached collegiate level courses. Stress was something I expected to face, however the level of stress that college poured upon me was surprising. I think I would have told my highschool self to learn how to suck it up, and simply do my best through stressful times (even though it seems as if the world is ending). Lastly I would have shared the most vital piece of information - Learn how to relax. College, as I said before, is very stressful. However, constantly running at 200mph is not healthy. My advice would be to learn what helps you relax and stick to it. Being able to relax every now and then rejuvinates the mind and allows for more success later on. Good luck me!

Brittaney

I would reconsider my financial state. I am a 5th year senior now and I am living out of my car and funding is limited at my school. It's almost impossible to go to another school because I would have to start over. I would have done more financial planning and chose a cheaper institution.

Erin

If I knew what I know now back in high school, I would have changed thing in my academics. I do not feel that I was well prepared for college. Not enough emphasis was given to the amount of work that college takes. In high school I did not feel challenged and at times, just whizzed through the work to get it done. I wish I had worked harder and set higher goals for myself. I feel that if I had worked harder, I would have found college so difficult. I am working harder that I have ever worked. I feel great when I get good grades because I believe that I am earning every grade that I am getting. Looking back I though high school was so hard and a drag, but in reality, high school was simple.

John

Hello seventeen year old John, you are about to start the most important semester of high school; junior year. This is where you need to start truly finding yourself, and what your interests are. You will start applying for colleges, financial aid, many scholarships, and possibly even making a decision on where you want to go, and what you want to study. What you need to know right now however is that you need to make sure you are passionate about what you want to study, and love what you do. Start trying out new things, join new clubs, explore new possibilities. You never know what you will end up liking, and the more diverse you are, the better you will look to colleges, and scholarship opportunities. Another tip I want to give you, is if you plan to go to community college first, make sure the credits you take will transfer to the university you plan to attend after community college, don’t waste money on credits that will not transfer. Good luck, and enjoy your last two years of high school, and keep working hard in college; it will pay off in the end.

Margot

Knowing what I know now I would tell my high school self to really think about what I wanted to do. Don't give up on yourself or your dream college just because of obstacles that can be avoided. Pay attention to the people you hang out with and the way you behave yourself because college is really a whole new level. People in high school are different from people in college. You need to be mentally prepared and emotionally prepared to be on your own and independent because thats how college is. Also make sure you have a calendar or a planner with you at all times. Professors change the date an assignment is due or when the next test is when they want to. Study for everything, even if you don't want to. College is not a place to mess up a lot. You need to get your head on straight and look forward to this experience.

Michael

If I were able to go back in time to give myself some advice before making the college transition, I would have told myself to search and apply for every scholarship offered to high school seniors since they're pretty easy to find over the internet. I would tell myself to do some more research on financial aid, loans, and grants because they will determine how I need to pay off my tuition bill. I would tell myself to focus on my SAT's a little more because it could be the deciding factor in how much scholarship money each school is willing to offer. I would've told myself to apply to more out-of-state colleges instead of looking for in-state colleges. The opportunity to move to another state would have been a great adventure and a great way to network with a wider group of people. I would said a couple of thing about studying abroad for a summer and being able to learn in another country while adatping to a different culture. Too bad the mystery of time travel hasn't been discovered yet but if it did, I would be set for college.

LeighAnn

I would most definitely tell myself to "GO TO COLLEGE!" When I graduated high school in 1999, I didn't have the ambition or the drive to go to college and earn a degree. It took most of my 20s to realize that I need a good education to get a good job. One day in 2007, I decided to take an American Sign Language (ASL) class. That decision changed my life. I was encouraged by my instructor to go to an interpreting program for ASL. I did. I enrolled at a community college that had an interpreting program and started my journey. In the course of my time as a student, I also decided that I wanted my bachelors. It has not been easy to be an adult student, but I know it is worth it. 2013 Leigh Ann speaking to 1999 Leigh Ann: Leigh Ann, go to college and go now. Find what interests you, find your passion and enjoy education. These moments are precious and they quickly vanish. You will greatly benefit if you go get an education now. Plus, you will save yourself a lot of money! Most of all, you can do it!

Brandon

The advice I would give to myself is to apply for scholarships. If I had applied for more scholarships then I did while I was a senior in high school, I wouldn't have been in the financial situation I am now. With the GPA I graduated with, I could have got alot more money than I did.

Sarah

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, there would be many things I would tell myself. First, I would make it clear that in order to receive most scholarships I must bring up my ACT score and therefore work harder at that. Second, I would tell myself that applying for every scholarship possible is important! You never know what you might be awarded! I would also tell myself that what I thought is studying is not even close. I always had over a 4.0 GPA, and I was always working hard for that high GPA. However, college is a different level of working hard! With those tips of helpfulness, I believe I could become a well rounded college student!

Maya

Looking back on the high school senior, version of myself, I would pursuade myself to take more AP courses. I would specifically tell myself to take AP Biology and AP Chemistry. I am a nursing major, and currently am enrolled in vigorous and extremely difficult science classes. Although I am managing in my entry level Biology and Chemistry classes, I believe if I would have challenged myself in high school to take more AP science courses, that the classes that I am enrolled in now would have came more easy to me. In high school I was an AP Statistics and well as an AP US History student. Both of the AP courses that I was enrolled in, in high school have made it so that the entry level statistics class and history class that I am in now, have been no trouble. Seeing that these AP courses payed off, I feel as if enrolling in the AP science courses in my high school would have done the same. I would have told the high school version of myself to take these courses so that they would have played a roll in the future of my college academics.

Megan

I would tell myself to keep an open mind. Be ready to meet new people, and no matter how they present themselves give every one a fair chance. Make sure to always put your work and studies above everything else, but still be able to have a good time with the friends you will make. There will always be endless amounts of food, so use portion control wisley. Since your on your own, and there is no one to tell you what to do, make sure you keep a neat room as much as you can. College is all about the experience, so take it for what its worth.

shakiera

I would've told myself to work on time management.

Brooke

You need to work harder in high school in order to get more scholarship opportunities in high school. SAT scores matter a lot more than you think, so retake the test. Start to apply for colleges the summer before senior year and research different majors to know which one you would like. Pick a cheaper school!

Shannon

If I could tell my seventeen year old self anything about college I would tell me to apply to the schools that I now wish I had. When I was receiving all the solicitations from local colleges I tossed out the ones from the college right here in town deeming it “too close” and the ones from a college a friend applied to because it seemed “ghetto”. I know lots of people that are gratefully attending the colleges in town and my friend at the “ghetto” sounding college LOVES it. That school in fact was written up in a list of best colleges in my state. I am attending the school that gave me the best financial aid package, but since I didn’t apply to those schools I don’t know what they might have offered. I applied to the local college this year and was offered a decent package, but it was likely not as much as I would have been offered as a freshman and I am not automatically eligible for their honors program as a sophomore. Like my mom always says, “People regret what they don’t do more than the things they do in life.”

Teresa

Take your college career seriously but have fun also. Interact with the other students and form strong bonds with them. These could be lifelong friends and collegues. Treat college as the beginning of the rest of your life. Get to class on time and always do your best. Also, be involved in the activities and clubs that are offered. These students will share a common interest with you and could also become good friends. Enjoy this time in your life before you have to settle down and have a full time job. Make the most of each day and of each class. There is always somethign to be learned from each class, from each teacher and from each student.

Lynsey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would explain the importance of education. At that time I was more worried about pleasing everyone around me by succeeding rather than succeeding because I wanted to. Education is very important to me now, but if I had this mentality in high school, then I could have made more self- oriented goals.

Kristin

To go directly to Stevenson (Villa Julie College). I went to a Community College first for four years, because I did not know what I wanted to study. When I transferred to Stevenson, I immediately felt at home.

Natasha

I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity that comes to me; whether financially or an opportunity that could be life changing. Also, I would tell myself to try and find internships in the field that I am interested in before going into college so that I will already be exposed to my desired field. I would also tell myself to carry a planner so that I can keep all of my tasks neat and organized so that I do not miss a deadline. Also, I would tell myself to read the textbooks that the professors advise us to buy before the course starts so that I will have some background on what is going to be covered in class. I would also tell myself to not only stay in academic clubs, but to branch out and join social clubs as well. I would tell myself to make sure that I have a very good relationship with my advisor so that they can get to know you and they can tell you about certain opportunities that would benefit you based on the field of study you are going into.

Vendela

I've gained a lot of knowledge by attending college. Meeting new people and learning things that I know will help me in the future. I am going to school because of my passion for Graphic Design. Since the first day, I've learned many new tricks with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Graphic designing helps me use my creativity and school helps me do more with it. In the future I hope to work for a large company and become a lead designer.

Chelsea

So far, considering I am only a college freshman, I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have made new friends, taken new classes that are really fun and have been involved in many activities. It has been valuable to attend college because I am learning new things and having a great experience. College is meant to help achieve knowledge in order to be able to make it in the "real" world and it is a lot of fun.

Chanaye

I have learned alot of valuable information that i can use in the world and it is important to attend college because you further your education and you establish a future for yourself.

Chelsea

I have only attended for half a semester but I already know that this was the greatest and best decision of my life. I am very happy with it and I will attribute every great thing in my future to my edcation. It has been valuable to attend beause in this world, no matter the amount of street smarts you have, book smarts are what will get you places.

Yanita

What I have gotten out of my college experience and what makes me attending college valuable are the learning beyond opportunites and career architecture. At Stevenson Unviersity (previously named Villa Julie College) they pride themselves off of learning beyond opportunities. I am thankful to have been able to experience the benefits of learning beyond when I was selected to go to James Madison University this summer in order to conduct research in the field of organic chemistry. I was able to present my research at the annual American Chemical Society Exposition as well as I was payed a very nice stipend! This research experience allowed me to get a taste of what I could expect in my field of interest (chemistry and forensic science). I was also able to apply the knowledge I acquired during that summer of research to the following semester when I took Organic Chemistry for the first time. This learning beyond experience helped to mold my perception of the real world and what to experience in my career and for that, I am forever greatful.

reginlad

My college experience has literally been the best and worse thing I've gone through in my life. On the positive side, I've experienced things I would have never been expected to experience. Especially growing up in the inner city of Baltimore where almost everyone in my class in elementary school is either dead, in jail, or pregnant with atleast two kids. But on the other hand this experience has had a dark side. I felt a lonliness and heartbreak over my time that I never thought I would feel. This literally almost killed me but now it is just another memory I can put into my book of experiences. So as my college experience near and in I kinda relate my life to Lou Gehrig's final words in his speech. " I've had a few bad breaks but I've got an awaful lot to live for."

Brandon

1) Do a lot of everything, so long as it's legal and relatively safe. 2) Nowhere else in life will you be around so many different people with such diverse and similar interests at the same time. Reach out to people; you will make lifelong friends and grow tremendously during this period. 3) Don't take college for granted. It will pass you by before you know it, and you can never really go back to that stage in life without feeling awkward.

Megan

When I was a junior in high school I decided to persue a major in Graphic Design. Although I had some experience with digital art I was terrified knowing I had to take drawing and painting classes. I have always been creative, but by no means am I Picasso or even close. However, diving in I realized I was not half as bad as I assumed. After finishing a few drawings and paintings I could honeslty pat myself on the back. I couldn't believe I had actually completed some of my art assignments myself. I learned to never under estimate myslef, becasue part of the college experience is exploring ideas and talents out of your comfort zone. I read a quote that as a artist I really grew to appriciate. "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." The best part about being a designer is having the freedom to be original and having your own style is ok. An effective design never starts out as a master piece. It's a long process of making mistakes and growing. When I graduate I'm ready to step out of my comfort zone.

Amanda

My time at Stevenson University (formerly known as Villa Julie College) molds me into a precise and well-rounded student. During my studies, I learn pertinent life and career skills needed to adapt and succeed in my field of study, which is Accounting. With my challenging major and general education courses, I obtain a higher level of analytical and critical thinking skills. Within each of my classes, I must maintain a high level of work ethic, while truly retaining the information through studying concepts learned in class and applying the same concepts outside the classroom. Through applying concepts in and out of the classroom, I embark on a journey to sharpen my critical thinking abilities and reach greater mental status. By achieving this complex mentality, I will mature into a stable and successful citizen that is a valuable to society.

Brian

A year ago, I was sitting in my twelfth grade classes waiting to be at college. Now, I'm sitting in my college classes soaking up information I know will be used for my career. I definitely had ?senioritis?; I was ready to be out of High School, and in feeling that way, I know I probably did not pay as much attention as I should have the final months of school. Knowing how hard college has been and how intense the work load is, I would tell twelfth grade self to not slack off, to shape up and get used to working long arduous hours to reap the benefits of success. It can be said I breezed through senior year, but there?s no way I can say that about freshman year of college. So if I were able to talk to myself a year ago, my apathetic and anxious self, I would say, ?Shape up and sit up, don?t think that this is not worth your time. Senior year will ease you into freshman year if you let it. Don?t let the work push you away this year, or it will pull you in next year.?

amanda

Take more medical courses as you can in your last year of high school. Don't goof off in your car so you will have transpertation to and from school in chattanooga.College is not like what you imagined.it is a lot more fun than anyone said it is.you will like it

Matt

Don't wait.

Shaniqua

First of all, DO ALL OF YOU WORK. Just because you have a class that may be dramatically easy does not mean that you slack in doing your work and turning it in. If the work is so easy then it should take you no time to do it. Second, Make sure you don't miss to many classes. Although you are paying for school and think that you can miss class whenever you want does'nt mean that you will not miss information thats told in class. Last, but not least , enjoy college. There are so many things to do. You can watch movies with your friends, Go out to eat at wonderful restaraunts, and sleep late in the morning times. But, with all of that said don't forget about you PRIORITIES which are paragraphs one and two. You'll do fine as long as you follow through with what you say.