The Community College of Baltimore County Top Questions

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

Stephen

Work a lot harder and have more confidence in your abilities. You can only be limited by what you think you cant do.

Shanaye

I wish that I could turn back the hands of time, and be a mentor to myself in high school. The knowledge and wisdom that I have now, that I am in college; could really help her out. I believe she would really thank me for looking out for her best interest. First, I would tell myself to keep herself highly motivated. Motivation is a key part in your academic success! Successful students are goal-oriented, and believe they are responsible for their own rise or fall. If you aren't enthusiastic about your own academic career, then you could possibly let yourself down. Always wake up ready to attack the day! Being on time is also important. It shows that you are serious about your life, and your future as well. Visualize your success as you're preparing for your quizzes and exams. Always put forth your very best, and apply yourself while you're studying. It is hard right now, but really worth it. Once you walk across the stage to recieve your diploma, you'll understand why it was a struggle. Your transcript will show your college professors that you're ready to take on the world.

Emmanuel

I would tell myself to prepare for the workload, and expect it to be hard to balance school life and social life. And don't forget what I learnd in past years because it will come up in college or other schools.

Matthew

I did not go to college right after I graduated. I went to work. I am 55 years old and enjoy the experience of going to college. I recommend, if you have a chance to go to college, take it, go to school, get a degree, but get a degree that you will use in the future. Knowledge is power. A person can not get enough knowledge in their life time, so take advantage of the opportunity to go to college. Wil the government's help with financal aid, loans, scholarships, and grants, there is no reason not to go to college. The skills you will learn in college will aid you throughout your life. Learn to write and speak properly in today's job force. And most of all, do it for yourself.

justin

When I was a kid in high school, I was very much into joinning the military. I thought I had my life planned out for me, and I had no intrest in going to college. In the years since I have worked hard job for miniumal wage trying to support myself. It took until I was almost twenty two to attempt the scary monster that is college, but now that I am here I have no idea why I was so scared. College is the best thing to happen to me. I would go back in time to show myself that it is possible. College is no an unachievable feat if you are willing to put in the work. I would tell myself that I can do it. Confidence is what I need, and I never had any. I would tell myself to buckle down and put in the effort. Hopefully I would have someone who believe in me even if it was myself.

Amber

If given the chance to go back and talk to the younger me, I would tell her to focus on school and stay with her parents as long as possible. I was fortunate in that my parents had managed to save enough to cover my entire first semester of college. Unfortunately, the act was wasted, as I had chosen to focus on starting a second job, trying to become more self-sufficient, instead of the education they’d worked to provide for me. This decision, understandably, started a series of arguments between us that resulted in me choosing to live on my own, still working both jobs, rather than staying at home and making school a priority. Now I have to force school between the schedules of a full time and part time job, and I'm unable to enjoy the same college life as my friends. I battle between registering for classes and paying rent, and as recently as this past semester, I have had to drop classes just to pay other bills. This choice has had, by far, the largest impact on my education, and I would do anything to keep the younger me from making it again.

Keighley

I know its tough now. Dont stress you tried your best. Soon it will all be over and you can get out of this town. Once you get a new job after you move, and get some more money saved up., you can take some college classses. Save as much as you can, you will need every penny. The feeling you will get from doing college your way and not having to rely on that "mother" of yours for anything, including college money, will be so worth every struggle you will come accross.

Olufunmilayo

I would give myself a lot of advice but the three most important advice I would give myself would be: "Never compare yourself to anyone else". I had always compared my success and or failure to how everyone else was doing in the classroom and did not realize how destructive it was until recently. I never did my best because I was one of the few people in high school who was getting the highest scores in class. Even though I knew I could do better, I never tried as hard as I should have. Another advice I refused to listen to was one which my mum gave me about four years ago. Now I am in turn going to give my high school self this advice; "Whatever your hands find to do, do it well". This advice is almost the same as the third which is "Work as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God". Thats the greatest advice I could ever give anyone who is going through life because the harder one works for success, the more likely the person is going to attain success.

Omoabhiena

My college experience cannot be compared to nothing else but progressively fulfillingand maturing.I have always likened school matter to a growing baby who first starts by learning to sit,then crawl,then holding on to things around it to stand up.After a standing period,with more support,it starts taking its first step,then walk,then it becomes "independent" to move and run without any support - it now decides where his legs will take him. Such is my college experience.I have been progressively molded and shaped over the periods,maturing into my "independent" stage, believing and knowing that I can do whatever I so decide to do without supervision.I am now mature and confident.

Magda

College is a new process, that allows you to learn a lot about you and the world around you. It has made me a better person to experience some of the things I have while on campus, and for that, I am proud that I have embarked in the process.

Tiffany

Tiffany, you are really smart and extremely capable. When you get to college next year, the work will be more difficult than what you're used to. Don't worry and don't panic! You can handle it! You will have to focus and make sacrifices. You will have to study hard and you will reap the benefits. Whatever you do, do not give up! Trust me, you'll be really mad at yourself if you do. Also, try to have fun. College is not all about academics. It's about meeting people and learning about who you are and what you are made of! You are gonna be a great college student! See you on the Dean's List!

Keva

I would tell myself to never procrastinate on college scholarships or opportunities. Waiting for the last minuet will always get you no where in life. I would also advise my young self to not get caught up in what everyone else is doing. You can't go on in life, constantly worrying about what other peopl are doing. You have to live your own life, make your own mistakes, and learn form your own experiences. These two things would be the only pieces of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior.

jawad

The advice i would give myself would be to concentrate in every class and do the best you can. Pay attention in every class because you're going to need it in your freshman year. Study hard and make sure you do great in every quiz and exam and get your gpa high so you can earn more scholarships. Also, study hard and make sure you aim and get a high score in the SAT's.

Angela

The advice i would give myself is to not procrasnate when it came to doing my school work, and to not be afraid ,ashame or intimated to talk to my professor whenever i was having trouble with assigments. I also would recommend to myself, is to not do any studying at home because you will get distracted with wanting to watch tv, taking a nap or putting it on hold intil later. I also would tell myself to join clubs and get involved my first or second semester there, but the number i advice i would most defeintly give myself is to college right after highschool, because time do fly by.

Toni

If I ever had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be several things I would say. For example, now that I have actually had the opportunity to experience what the college life is all about, I know some things that I did before would definetely have to change. I would tell myself to not follow my friends and to continue to strive for my best although it was my last year. Although senior year should be fun and exciting, it should not be a time to just give up and stop striving for your best. I personally thought the transition from high school to college what be as easy as it was when entering the ninth grade. I was wrong beacause my first couple of weeks were difficult. I thought I could be successful by using the same habits as I did in high school. For example, like staying up after 1 in the morning and not studying for exams. Those habits were no longer useful, so I had to immediately change my mindset and begin adopting new strategies if I wanted my college education to be successful.

Hannah

Part of learning is having to experience it on your own. By going back in time and telling myself what to except would be un fair. I want to go to a college and experience something and say I learned something while being their. If I already knew what to except when I went to college I would not have learned and grown from the experience. Going to college for me was an eye opening. High School was a joke and then, once I entered college I came to realize, that this was it before entering the real world. If I would have already known what to except before going into college, I would not have made the great progress of beign a college student that I am now.

Tiffani

I was not a traditional high school senior in many ways and because of this I missed out on the many joys that a high schol senior experiences and learns to prepare them for their future. I entered my first year of high school a teen parent to a one year old, and because of this I made alot of decisions that weren't very carefully thought through concerning my education and my future beyond high school. So from my experiences I would have to tell myself to make a life plan and stick to it, then set both current and future goals and follow through with them. When life gets a bit confusing and demanding just step back and re-evaluate the way you are handling things. NEVER GIVE UP! Instead keep positive thoughts and rearrange your list of priorities in a manner that works for you. And last but not least I would definitley have to tell myself to don't be afraid to ask for help. Until you ask for help, you will never know who in your network of family, friends, neighbors, school and community can be of assistance to you and in what manner.

Tiffany

I think you should still attend a four year college because you save alot of money and you still can experience a four college once you get your associates degree so your off on the right path. Once you get into college right away write down your goals your trying to reach, include all of them because some will dop off because you chage your mind and some youwill actually meet if you stick to them. On the other hand I think your doing an excellent job with college and your future Tiffany.

Joy

If I now and I then stood face to face, only one single thought would come to mind. It would chime in like an old hymn for the Baptist song book. Rattle my nerves a bit and my right foot would begin to tap ever so gently on the floor. Of course my younger self would do the same but not for the same reasons. She of course, is bored. I would look upon her with a my distraught face, my lips pulling to one side of my face, my eyes would widen just a little and I would say what I was thinking, ?Mother to Son.? Her eyes would meet mine, she?s intrigue, and then she catches herself. I would smile and say ?Langston.? She nods. I continue with, ?Don?t let anything stop you. Stay focus, because life by itself is hard. School can be fun and interesting. Just don?t allow outside drama to consume your whole entire world. Don?t turn back, reach those landings and keep climbing. I can?t promise that the transition is easy. But, I can promise you that if you stick with it your life will be enrich.?

Jennifer

I would tell myself that now is not the time to get senoritis, you need to stay focused and concentrate on graduating and getting ready for college, because college is nothing like high school. I would also tell myself that because college is nothing like high school do not get overwhelemed at first, it is going to be a challange, but some challanges are good for you and as long as you keep on striving towards your goal and the end, it will all be worth it.

Jennifer

MOST people have no idea of what they want to be, and choosing a degree will not LIMIT you to that field. There is nothing to be afraid of. Failure is not in your future and you can be whatever you want to be. The best thing to do is ask questions and get as much guidance as possible. Life in the real world is pretty competitive and having a degree will give you the edge you need to survive in life. You pick up quickly in the workplace, so if you have the degree, your experience will speak for itself. Don't hesitate when it comes to your education, it will be the only thing that holds you back from becoming what you want to become. Even when you're 30 years old, you still may not know what you want to be, but you'll have the power to be what you want.

boston

If i could go back and talk to the person i was my senior year of high school i would tell myself to take more college credit classes while i still can before the prices sky rocket after i graduate! I would also tell myself that college is so much fun but to be smart with my time and decisions. I would tell myself not to date boys named matt (haha). I would make sure that i understood the importance of getting some sort of scholorship before i graduate so that my college days could be a little less stressful. i would tell myself that everything will be okay.

samantha

Hey, you know when you decided you were gonna go to college because it looked like fun? Well, it is. Not because of the parties that are thrown, but because of the learning experiances. Be ready to learn when you walk through the doors. If you hope to pass, you must do your homework and study hard. Study harder than you did in high school. You will make friends that will last longer than those from high school and you will make memories that will influence your decisions for the rest of your life. There will be some tough times but there will also be times of triumph as you work toward your degree. Dont be afraid to fail. Think of it as a chance to do it over only better than the last time. You can do it. Just keep faith in God and do your homework. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your dream. Good luck, Sam! See you in the mirror in a few years when you've made it! Oh, by the way, you'll make it. Just believe.

Josefina

The advice I would give to myself would pertain to time management. I would tell myself that college is a very exciting experience, but time management is very important. It is important to set goals and then to break down those goals into smaller ones and find a schedule that works for me to accomplish the goals set. Without setting time aside to study, I will only distant myself from accomplishing so much. I would stress that in order to obtain good grades and to further my chances of finishing school, time will have to be managed properly. In the end I would remind myself to welcome the challenges of being a college student brings, but to also enjoy the wonderful expereince at the same time.

Robert

Hey Rob: Hope you are doing well. Now that high school is over you seem to be looking toward the future. Even though you may think that the last four years were the greatest, the best is yet to come. College is so much different than high school. Remember that you are in college because YOU want to be there. Don't take it for granted. Money may be tight, but your tenacity is strong. Don't take it for granted and always remember that while your education is important, family is too. Maintain your friendships while staying focused on your goals. Your journey will be a great one.

Toni

Hi, nice to meet you, my name is Toni and I just want to talk to you a little bit about the college life I experienced for a semester. College is very very different from High School because you have to do everything on your own. Of course there are guidance counselors and advisors, but they don't help you as much as high school counselors because they expect you to do everything on your own since you're an adult now. As far as the professors, they could care less about you. If you don't show up to class or do your assignments, that's your loss, not theirs because they've graduated college and recieved their degree. If there's anything that you should take with you to college, it should be FOCUS. If you are focused, then you will be fine. Don't let distractions such as parties and friends get in your way of your education, because you will get left behind. Good luck!

Danielle

When I first started college, I was afraid of failing and I decided to major in Fashion designing because I was good at art and horrible at science and math. I would love a chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would do it all differently if I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school. I would tell myself to not be afraid to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, and tell myself that it is ok if I am horrible at certain subjects. What matters is what I do to become good at what I am horrible at. I would tell myself that procrastination is merely the fear of failure or uncertainty. Instead of procrastinating, I need to just get it done. If I do it wrong ahead of time, I can go back and make it right! I would tell myself that a positive attitude will help me to succeed at whatever I do. I would tell myself that I do have it in me to succeed and to reach whatever goal I want in life. I would say to never doubt myself!

luke

I waited almost a decade to college after high school. I would tell myself to start earlier. I don't rergret the off-time, I just wish there was less of it. Spending time working as a carpenter or backpacking around the country were great experiences that taught me alot but the lessons could have been learned just as well and as thoroughly in half the time. However, I met my fiance during my travels and I wouldn't trade her for any amount of schooling. In the end, I suppose I'm pretty happy with my life, the decisions I made since my senior year of high school, and the results of those decisions, so I probably wouldn't tell my past-self anything; I wouldn't want to inadvertantly change anything about my current life.

Jessica

If Icould go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd advise myself to be strong, patient, and wise. College work is not difficult, however, being your own motivator is because you have to manage your time to read numerous of chapters every week, no one reminds you regularly when assignments are due, and although teachers are there to help you, you have to be strong enough to push yourself. Also, college is not cheap and with your major, books will likely be at least a hundred plus each so work over the summer and save up; summer is no longer a three month vacation. Once you've settled on campus, get involved in clubs and organizations so that you will feel a sense of self worth as well as gain friendships. You may have neglected social activities and only focused on academics in high school but in college, trust me you will appreciate the comradery of others for they will be your support system and allow you to feel relaxed. I want you to enjoy and take advantage of your college experience, don't stress, you can do it.

Dana

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say would be, "Brace yourself". College isn't going to be a cake walk like high school was. It's all about independence and with that comes responsibility. You are in charge of your own potential. Whether you do well or you fail, it is completely up to you. Laziness is not an option. Don't take on more than you can handle and take your time. It's not a race. Try to enjoy the college experience in a responsible way. Explore all that college has to offer and challenge yourself to get more out of your education. And most importantly, make sure that you major in soomething that will make you want to wake up in the morning and bring you happiness for many years to come.

Joshua

Assuming I could go back in time and tell my past self as a high school senior. What I know now about college life and making that kind of transition. I would tell myself to first go to a coomunity college and get all of the general education classes out of the way. It's way cheaper and also it's accredited which is an important word when dealing with any college. Another thing I would say is concentrate on the on the journey ahead of you. Because that will help you out more in the long run. I would tell myself also to be brave and bold in spirit. To use a quote by Albert Einstein " If an idea at first does not seem absurd, then there is no hope for it." And with that in mind the next thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to fail. In fact it is only considered a failure if you stop trying to succeed at what you started. The more wrong answers you run into the more chances you'll have for that one yes. Which is all you really need in the first place.

Mark

My parents were pretty smart in telling me to enjoy my senior year. They allowed me to do a research and development course which really helped me know what I wanted to do in my future and allowed me the time to be with friends and enjoy my last year of school and being a kid. This year the real world has hit me in the face. I have been working hard in my classes for eight weeks and then out into my internship and working everyday from six to six for eight weeks. Those are long days sometimes but now I know why people look tired at the end of a work day. The automotive technology program I have chosen fits me and I do enjoy working at JBA Chevrolet. I have seen how to put what I learn in the classroom into use in the real world. I have experienced how to deal with peers and other shop people as well as customer service. The best advice I could give myself would be to chose an occupation where you will enjoy your job, have challenges and goals and be happy for the many years you have to work.

Kristin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say stay focused during the semester. I would tell myself its easy to lose focus because your friends do not have the same goals as you do. Your friends ambitions not to take college seriously can have an effect on you if you begin to put their needs first. I would also tell myself to pay attention attentively so I can make better decisions. Paying attention will enhance my learning capabilities and I will recieve better grades by doing so. Knowing these key factors will help me be a better student and it will help me achieve my career goals.

Tiffany

If i could go back in time and talke to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself would have been to try to get better in certain subjects. They made seem the same in college as they are in high school, but acually they are so much different.

Charles

do it hard. time never go back. achive your life goal.

Elizabeth

I would tell my myself to not proscrastinate about looking up scholarships. The other big thing I would tell myself is to not overreact about picking out pricy colleges. I know now that you can go to community colleges to start out and get the same eduacation as a major 4 year university.

Christina

I would say, keep your eye on the ball. It is very easy to get distracted and to take the easy way out, but don't. You can do it and you know you will. Everyone who say's you can't will be proven wrong and you can and will succeed. You know all you want is to be a nurse and after working at the hospital you know that is what you are meant to do, but to get to that point you must get through school. So get through this.

Tara

I would have told myself not to worry but think about my major.