Texas State Technical College-West Texas Top Questions

If I could visit with myself as a high school senior I would tell myself how important it is to take advantage of all the resources available to me. I would have more conversations with my counselor and with my teachers, who were very dedicated to helping me find the right college. I would push myself harder to make better grades and take as many college classes as possible, not only are they less expensive but are taught by a teacher who knows me personally. I would also take a college day to explore the different campus' I was interested in, allowing me to learn more about the different student activities available at each college. I would also explore the churches in the area, so that I would be surrounded by a good group of friends. I would get a part time job so that I would have money saved up to buy things that I needed for college. Lastly, I would spend more time asking my parents for important life advice. I would learn how to cook more foods, and how to balance a busy schedule.

If I was given the oppertunity to go back in time to my high school years and talk to myself advice about college life and making the transition I would say to not drop out of high school and take as many transferable credits as available.

The advice I would give myself would be to go to a technical college and take all your basic classes and then go to a college to take your major classes needed for the degree you are working towards. I say this because I went to a 4 year college for one semester which cost me out of pocket $4,400.00. So now I am attending a technical college which is more affordable and I feel like I've learned alot more in 3 semesters than what I learned in one semester through a 4 year college.

Do not worry about whether you have the intelligence to succeed. Persistence rather than pure smarts is the goal to making it through college with good grades. You will often feel like you are flying by the seat of your pants, but if you stick with it you will make it through. Facts can be learned, technique can be improved, but persistence must be there from the very beginning. Aside from persistence, however, there are a few skills I would suggest that you brush up on now if you have the time. First, practice writing. So many other weaknesses can be made up for if your writing is professional and compelling. Like anything else in life, the best way to write better is to write often. Second, learn to budget your time. There simply is no other way to succeed in college than to place limits on some of the things you want to do. It is a sacrifice, but it will pay off in the end. Also, remember to have some fun! This is a unique time in your life; you will meet opportunities that you will never have again. Do not let them pass you by.