Thomas Edison State University Top Questions

18 year old self I want to tell you to go directly to college. That there is assistance you can qualify for if you take the time to look. Get to know people in your chosen profession and actively seek out mentors. They will help you along the way and never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something you have set our mind to.

Set a clear path for either a full 4 year university or join the military full time, not just the Guard. Stay focused on the task at hand and not change your path several different time. Look at more of what your interest are instead of the pay day at the end of the program. Choose a path that you will enjoy rather than only looking at the career opportunitys.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would say to study hard and apply to a lot of colleges because the more options the better. I would also say to practice good time management skills so there is a lot of time for college work, studying for and taking exams, and time for family and friends.

Throughout my high school years, i was very motivated and driven. Very few times did i miss homework and assignments and the times i did, i would make it up and recieve some credit. However, i was not as confident with my social skills as i was with my academics. From freshman year to senior year, i was very shy with many people in my graduating class. The only people i had good relationships with were my teammates from baseball and other outside sporting activities. I would tell my high school self to not stress over the friends you dont have and enjoy the time with friends you do have. Those years would have been much more enjoyable if i was aware of that.

I would tell myself 2 things. First, invest time into trying to find a school you would like to attend, be it traditional or non traditional. Secondly, I would tell myself that it's okay to not know what it is that you want to do. Making the transition into adulthood is very difficult and the pressure can really weigh you down. Knowing that it's okay to not know what I wanted my life to look like exactly would have relieved alot of the stress in my life. That being said, I would have told myself to get out there and try different things. One of the problems I think lots of people face is not knowing what to do, so they then do nothing. This is a dangerous pattern and one that doesn't lead to a proactive lifestyle. In the end, invest in the time of trying new things and taking the plunge to experience different ideas you have about what you want to do in life. Don't take the back burner and wait for life to happen.

I know you think that you have no idea what you want to be in life, but you just have to shoot for the stars. Take the first thing you think about in the morning and run with it for the whole day. If things work out for you, keep on trying. If things don't work out for you, keep on trying. The only reason you should give up on your dream is if you wake up one day and you realize that you are just plain unhappy with your life, and what you thought was your dream was never really your dream to begin with. Pick a passion, you will love it. Pick a direction, it will bring you far. Happiness won't come from finding the right path for you, it will come from finding happiness on the path you are on. Love yourself and love those around you, this will make you happy.

If I could go back I would say to take more courses in a cheaper community college and then transfer to Thomas Edison. I would also tell mself to work more and save more, which is easier said then done. The simple fact is that college is costly and needs to be saved up for. But it is worth it, I am learning a lot and know it will ultimatley lead me to a great career.

I would say to myself, "Jamie my darling, don't be afraid! Plunge into your future like a duck into his favorite pond!"

Go for high quality education, not just low price or less time. Education isn't just the degree or diploma/piece of paper; it's the wealth of knowledge that you will immerse yourself in.

College is way different than high school. Time management skills are a must.

Relax and take time to really think about what you want to do. There is no need to rush. If it takes you a little longer than planned, that's ok. College is expensive and should not be approached without a plan.

College is for a brief time. As difficult or unpleasant it may seem sometimes, always apply yourself. The quality of your degree stems directly from the time and effort YOU YOURSELF put into it. Work hard, do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today, and do your homework so tests aren't so hard or as crucial to your grade. Always go to bed feeling as though you've earned the right to rest because you've worked hard. Only spend time with friends who push you to excellence and have the same priorities as you. Of course allow yourself time to rest your mind and body. Schedule some fun, splurge a little, exercise regularly, eat well and laugh often. You will come back to yourstudies more alert than ever. Don't over commit yourself and sleep as much as you can. Good luck, and know that there is a profitable end in sight!

I did not go straight into college. I went into the Army. I never really attended college until 4 years later. Just knowing that I would have the desire alone would have allowed me to prepare better. My high school self did not believe that I was college material. I would love to tell myself how much I enjoy learning and that it would not take long for the fear to subside. I would tell myself that meeting new people is not bad as it seems. There are many things I would like to tell myself. I would give myself tips on saving money on books, food, clothes and other necessary things. I would give myself advice about diet and exercise. I would reassure myself that my love-life can wait and that a good man would not want to rush a commitment. Above all I needed to know that it helps to live in the moment and let the past go.

I think I would have worked at little bit harder academically. I did come out of High School with a 4.0 and in the top 10 of my class , but I know I could have done better. I would have worked harder on my SAT scores. I would have been involved more in extracurricular and community activities. I didn't realize how that helps to round out a person. I would have paid more attention to available scholarships and application procedures. I think my transition to college life has gone really well as I am commuting to a local community college at this time. It might have been harder if I had gone off to a 4 year college immediately out of High School. I think attending college locally will help with my transition when I have to transfer to a larger college.

Go to college, go straight to college. Stay at home and earn credits. Take tests for college credit. Cut costs where ever you can. Do not waste time. Apply yourself and you can do it.

I would tell myself to slow down. I was in a rush when I was a senior and chose to follow a girlfriend to college. I was prepared enough to stay the course and I chose to join the Army. If I could do it all over again I would have joined the military straight out of high school so I could immediately develop the discipline needed to finish college. After my initiail term I would then use my MGIB with other scholarships and grants to attain my BA in History. In high school you are taught subjects like match, science, english, and history. What you are not taught in high school is how to manage your time alone or how to handle the college atmosphere. Those are the traits that take time to develop and I would go back and develop those traits.

My college experince reinforced to me the timeliness and responsibility that the real world takes on and prepares students for undertaking the next step that comes when they leave the classroom and step into the working world. It was valuable to me to go to TESC because of how they maintain a strong dicsipline towards beneficial education without interfeering with the lives of adults with careers and family. My college experience has not been without the benefit of peer and professor interaction, despite a virtual classroom, and the various discussion forums keep us connected and networking ideas, which is one the my favorite parts of the learning experience. I feel that not only has the benefits of gaining a bachelors degree been beneficial for employment opportunities in the real world, but I was able to find a program that I felt comfortable in, with people I could relate to, and at an affordable, reasonable tutiton cost while not sacrificing on the subject matter or level of education. Thomas Edison State College has been an excellent choice for me, and I highly recommend it to the serious, responsible working adult.

I have completed my degree, learned how to endure challenging academic situations and a sense of fulfillment make my college experience valuable.

My college experience has been a life lesson. I used to take education for granted but now I understand that health insurance and opportunities for career advancement is limited without the proper education. The idea of going to college seemed too extreme and I initially believed, like some young people, that college is not for me. After a series of car accidents my outlook on life itself changed and I realized with a college education my life could be different. The sceptic in me said college is too hard yet despite my misgivings I decided to pursue my education and I'm grateful that I did. I've learned so much. The teachers that I have encountered have helped expand my understanding of the world and it's vast cultures. I've realized that each small block of knowledge that we learn in every class allows you gain understanding in another class. I've also come to realize that whether you have health insurance or opportunities for career advancement, though they are important, the value of knowing something for yourself is priceless.

My undergraduate experience was beneficial and inspired me to continue my education and attend graduate school. Thomas Edison was the third college I attended, and it was a long and tedious journey to find a school that had exactly what I was looking for. Thomas Edison is best known to have accelerated classes for working adults. Throughout my college years, I worked full time in an emergency room as a nurse's assistant. Somehow I found the time to excel at my job and also do incredibly well in school. Thomas Edison provided me with the convenience and flexibility that I needed to complete my Bachelor's degree in four years. I recommend this school to anyone who is thinking about going back to college or is looking for a more personalized college experience. I wish I would have known about this school years ago because it really changed my life and I am so proud to be a graduate of this prestigious college.

My college experience has helped to put me back in touch with who I am as an adult and to restore my confidence. I have been out of school for a while and recently decided to finish the degree I started long ago. This experience has been so positive for me. I had concerns about feeling "too old" or not fitting in with the other students and those fears were alleviated very quickly. To anyone out there who has some "unfinished business" in the academic arena, you need to get out there and finish your degree. I promise you that the feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment will be worth the investment.

I've learned many things about myself through my college experience. I've learned not to give up and not to quit. I am an older student, and working a full time job and being a full time parent is challenging. Going to school put more stress on an already hectic life. But the saying that whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger is indeed true! I learned that I can do whatever I put my mind and body towards. I learned to keep on keeping on, to fight through the end and I will succeed in my goals. That is the reason I am applying for this scholarship - to continue the good fight by starting the Master's degree program at the University of Denver. I've learned through taking care of an infant and my other four children that sleep is overrated at times and that through a determined spirit and strength from your family one can succeed. That information was worth more than the knowledge gained in class and by completing assignments. Thank you for your time.

There are so many things that I would tell myself if I could go back in time, and visit myself as a high school senior. The main thing that I would tell myself is that I need to follow what my God given talents are. I had been told so many times that I was a great listener, and that I should be a nurse or couselor because I was caring. Then I just ignored those compliments, because at the time I did not want to be either of those things. I felt that I wanted to do something "cool". After I graduated I had no clue what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life, and I hadn't even applied to any universities. It wasn't until 4 years later after I had been working in the hospital for a while that I finally came to the realization that I was meant to be a nurse. I am now currently in nursing school at ITT Tech in Norfolk Virginia, and I haven't been happier. I just wish that I could go back at tell myself this and save myself the trouble.

Absoulutely none! I am happy with my life the way it is now and would not change a thing. If I changed anything, there is no gurantee my life would be better. I would still have good things and bad things in my life. There is not "perfect life" and I have nothing but fond memories of my past. As a high school senior, I received all the advice I needed for college; study, study, study. There is no substitute.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself one of the most important things to have in college is a good support system. I would advise myself to keep living with my parents rather than striking out on my own, to make sure I focus more on school and less on fun (though there definitely needs to be some fun to break away from the stress of school). Having done both online classes and attending classes, I would tell myself that my learning and lifestyle preferences are better suited to a online degree program. I would encourage myself to keep school as my focus and to remember how importat it is to my family (especially my grandfather) that I complete my degree. Most importantly, I would remind myself that I need to look out for myself and what will benefit me most in the long run -- and that's completing school, making smart decisions, and keeping my family close.

Things have really changed since I was a high school senior. I've been out of school for almost 30 years and have decided to go back to get my degree. There are many more opportunities now then there were way back when. I find that it is best to set specific goals and have a strategic study plan that you will be able to stick to. Make sure that you have a competent advisor to assist you with these decisions as that will make things go much more smoothly. Once you know what classes you will need and in what order, things will fall inline.

If I could go back in time to my high school senior year i would give myself a long lecture about not being lazy and push to make my studies count. I was very easygoing in my high school years and did not realize that if i applied myself to my school work that it would really pay off in the end. My laziness (yes, it was more lazy than easygoing) came back to haunt me when I had to retake some basic courses in my freshman year. Retaking some very basic courses that many of my friends could test out of held me back from diving in to courses that would fit into my degree. Remember, Mom is usually right when she tells you to focus on your homework!

If I were to go back in time to give advice to myself on transitioning to college life I would say what I tell the young people that currently work for me: "The degree that you choose makes little difference, just that you pursue a degree of some type. Don't find yourself at 35 years old trying to return to school with nothing to show for the past 18 years. You can always go back again later and pursue a separate undergraduate degree or continue on to a seemingly unrelated post-graduate degree, but do not walk away from your youth with nothing. When you reach my age, what would you like to do, assuming you don't need to earn money from doing it? What career path will put you in a position to be able to do that? Pursue a degree toward that career path while you decide..."