Tidewater Community College Top Questions

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

Ariel

If I could go back in time, I would let myself know to manage my time more for studying, join more clubs or sports, and prepare myself to apply for Universities or 4 year colleges before the deadline. Managing my time more would help me in getting a higher GPA. Joining clubs or sports would help my resume for entering a 4 year college. Not procastinating would help meet the deadlines for the colleges. Overall, high school was a good experience, I just wish I worked harder to help my future education. Now that I am in college, I am more focused and have a better motivation to strive for my goals.

DeNiro

Hey it's your future self here, I want you to read this carefully and adhere to my advice. Stay focused on your grades this last year and most importantly the material taught. You actually need to know this stuff in order to get through college. I know it may seem useless in the real world but it will help spare you from the countless hours of studying. Some of it you will need to know if you still want to become the great engineer we both know we're capable of. Also get a job and save your money and dont waste it on useless junk. Now is the time to start applying for scholoarships not later. If you have to take some time off from sports and focus on your academics then due so. We can do it, you just have to stay focused on our goal and keep pushing forward. Your going to have a fun time, and learn many new things and hey, good luck kid.

Amber

I would just tell myself that you dont have to know what you have to do yet. Not to stress out about not knowing what your doing becuase everyone else doesnt know what they are doing either. I would tell myself to do and go to what ever school I wanted to and not worry so much about the money. Loans are going to be unavoidble. I would tell myself to workless and go to school more, I would make myself study more and get better grades. I would also tell myself to go to the portsmouth campus more its a great place to be. Number one thing I ave learned though is that I cant do everything, to not take that full time job and think going to school full time will work. It didnt work for me. Oh and take more online classes so I could get better at them.

Emily

I would tell myself to start better studying habits and to enjoy your high school life while you can. While I was attending high school I would always to dreaming of the time I finally get to go to college but now I wish I spent more time just enjoying myself without worring to much about the future.

Lauren

To attend college as soon as i got out only because with time and evolution things change in the job market in the business field. I would change not trying to be in the lime like and be in my own like so i could excel as I am now. To have faith in my knowledge and blessed testimony to give back to a commuinty who is forever failing. I would push myself unlike those kids who think the streets are the best answer only, because it's fast money not thinking of the consequences to follow. I would take more consideration to the fact my mother worked hard and gave effort into finding the best teachers to make sure my education was given to me in a manner where i would graduate and become someone like she has for herself. So knowing what i do no that flash forward back then might have saved the lost years of a time in life where i made decision i coul dhave changed.

Jonathan

Dude, I'm you from the future, and I don''t got as much time as I'd love to have. See the resemblance and ID and everything? Yeah? Good. So here's what I've got to say to you. There's alot of stuff you gotta do, but its okay to mope for a couple of minutes when something goes wrong, no need to always fake a smile or else you'll burst one day. But don't linger on it too long or you'll wind up hurting yourself and others. As far as appearances and friends go, you gotta get out more. Its okay to be a little passive, but you gotta take the initiative sometimes. if you wanna explore and try out some new things or even invite a friend over. Ditch some poisonous friends though. Clothing and jank? The inside may be what counts, but the outer normally reflects the inner, so stay classy. Do some self-discovery, research, and some cynical analysis and figure out what you wanna do in life. Find out early so you can get started early, and remember to rely on others for help, you aren't alone

Keyanda

I wish I would have went off to a 4 year college and pursued nursing off the bat! I graduated high school 2005 and here it is 2014 and im not where I need to be. I spent alot of time just wasting time. I should have been applying to universities my whole senior year.

ALICIA

It is unquestionable that the Alicia 36 has multiple gifts of information for Alicia 17.Narrowing down the different areas; I will speak about parenting, education and fashion. At my current age, I can appreciate what it takes to become a successful parent. Between the day to day, extra- curricular activities and medical appointments I stay busy, not to mention the stress of being a full-time employee and student, wife and mom. I would explain that the lessons my parents taught me about being appreciative, developing good work ethic and importance of family are beneficial and not “STUPID”. The whole I send you to school to learn phrase and not a fashion show means more to me today then in 1994. In 1994, I refused to wear clothing without a name brand, carrying a book bag what not allow passerby’s eyes to take in my . Little did I not know that these passerby’s eyes were not looking at me but past me. The algebra classes would prove beneficial applying for mortgages. Solving for “x” determines whether I will be bring my lunch or be able to take a nice trip to the café in my office building.

Henreese

You must apply for scholarship.

Chelsea

Overall, I am very content with the decisions I made in high school. I took courses that gave college credit, allowing me to have a much more flexible schedule currently, and I took pride in my good grades. However, I would tell myself to improve my concentration skills. Focus on what the teacher has to say while still taking good notes, but make sure not to listen "too" hard. I found myself trying to interpret every last word that my AP Biology teacher said, as if there were a hidden meaning. There wasn't, and there were many times where I ended up missing a lot of information! Just focus on the big picture, and if a detail sounds important, jot it down. Don't get carried away!

Christina

If I could go back to 2001 I would have tried to convince myself to go to college after High School. The economy is terrible right now and trying to find work is next to impossible for people who don't have college degrees. I would have told myself that continuing education would have been the best way to secure a career in the future, a career that I would have loved to work in, one that would have been part of my waking life. I also would have tried to teach my younger self to be more patient and not worry so much about things we cannot control in life, to treasure friends and family more because I will wind up losing touch with some of the most important and influencial people I have ever known. To tell myself its okay to stand out, to be different, never lose touch with who I really am; that losing yourself to make others happy is no way to live. To never give up and settle for less than I deserve, to use my full potential and never sell myself short.

Krystal

I would tell myself to be more on the ball and don't procrastinate. Also working hard really does pay off in the end, even if it seems like theres no use. Lastly I would advise myself to not do more than I can handle, take it slow.

Luke

Every human being allocates each aspect of his or her life into a mental hierarchy of importance. With age, these rankings of what one deems to be essential are subject to great change as experience and wisdom affect one's outlook on life. As a typical high school student, the preoccupations that I often regarded of inestimable value typically centered around my daily appearance, hoping for social acceptance, and wondering whether the most popular girl at school would ever reciprocate the feelings I had for her. The common trend of these trivialities dealt with what others thought about me. With what little knowledge I have acquired in my two years of pursuing higher education, if I was granted the chance to speak with my former self, I would advise myself to shift the structure of the aforementioned mental hierarchy and exchange my frivolous goals for ones with substantial and beneficial outcomes. I would suggest that these new goals include academic achievement and improved planning for higher education. Had this conversation taken place, the odds are that I would not be attending a community college and writing essays in hopes of financial assistance for the latter half of my undergraduate education.

tericka

I would tell myself go to a junio college first. Apply for as many scholarships as posisble. Get involved with campus activities and dont be afraid to venture out and try new things. I would tell myself to stive hard in high school and develop study habits.

Kristleena

Plan your time wisely and do not put off your assignments. There is only today to do the school work because tomorrow never comes and you eventually fall behind and get snowballed.

Catherine

Having been one of those students who just got by, college was not where I wanted to be. Sitting back and seeing me then, I know it was all about fear of the unkown and stepping out of comfort zones. College can be a wonderful place to build the foundations of your life. To fine tune what you have accomplished the last twelve years, or to give those years an educational purpose. Many people do "get by" fine without that college experience, and lead healthy, successful lives. But, college, whether two or four, or beyond, can be the firing mechanism that helps you reach for so much more than 'here and now'. It can change your life. More so , it can help you change the world around you. College is about learning about life. Don't be afraid of what could be. (And if you think you're afraid, you can bet you're not in that boat alone!) So, no, don't stay in the boat of "ok". Get out and experience the joy of the water!

Deborah

If I couold go back in time to the time I was a senior in high school, I would have been a little more assertive about talking to my high school counsellor about my further educational options. I would not have let my social position and perceptions of the type of people who go on to college prohibit me from doing that. I had let me preconcieved knowledge and lack of knowledge and understanding delay my college until later in life. The transition to college from high school would have been smoother and not quite so initimidating as it was after having three children and then going back to school.

Amanda

I couldn?t go back in time to my senior year because I only made it to ninth grade. My family became homeless after my parent lost their jobs to the over sea market. I had a choice to help support my family or school. Many years later, I study hard and received my GED. If I could go back in time it would be to my freshman year of high school. I would tell myself; not to give up yet, because college is so rewarding. I would tell myself; that there is no chance to live a comfortable life with out a college education. I would give myself all the most know skinny on all the professors! That many of them will lock the door if you are late, so always be on time! Never get discourage, because there are many people in college that is going through the same thing, and they will move mountains to finish college. The number thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time would be never give up!

Tricia

I would tell myself to take a lighter class load the first two semesters, until you feel like you have adjusted and can handle a heavier load. Try to narrow down a major/majors as best you can. That way you don't find yourself switching majors mid-way. Don't slack off in any way. It is easy to do because you are incharge of being there on time and keeping up on your grades. No more parent/teacher confrences! I would tell myself to get more involved in campus organizations/ committees. Ask for help once I noticed that I was struggling in a class or area of study. Take advantage of every opportunity to get assistance and utilize study groups, fellow students or tutors. I would also strongly recommend that you set yourself up financially(scholarships, grants,etc.), so that you don't have to work two part-time jobs to pay your way through college. It is very stressfull when you struggle finacially and it makes it so much harder to concentrate on your classes. Last but not least, even though college is serious, have fun and enjoy it!!!

Xavier

Xavier, High school is just another step in life you have the ability to conquer as long as you stay focused. The advanced placement classes are just a taste of what college can be like. Do not quit now, you have gone too far and done too much. Your teachers are going to be a little rough on you, but just push through it, all will go well. Also, enjoy your senior year, it goes by way too fast. You only have one life with very short time to live it so, make the most of it.

Lawren

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to wait so long. I am currently active duty military, and I have been out of school for over six years. I am a freshman, six years later. I would tell myself not to worry as much about college as I did. I would make sure that I applied for scholarships, and grants and did everything that I could do to have the money for college. I was too scared to go striaght to college, thats why I postponed it over five years. I remind myself to have the confidence and the faith that everything would work out, and that college was not as scary as I portrayed it in my own mind. Have faith that all will work out and it will.

Brandon

i would tell my self to jump on the ball and really prepare myself. I would tell my self to work even harder and to aim high,not to lose focus and let anything stop me. Before I left high school I would visit my counselor for more advice so i would know of the things to come. I also would make sure that i feeled out as many scholarships as I could because of my financial situation.

Kandice

I would tell myself not to get distracted by college life because it can cause you to slack off. Be prepared for the unexpected by not waiting till the last minute to study. Reading assignments are there for a reason, even if you have to read it more than once. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask them. If you need help, don't be ashamed to ask. Get plenty of sleep because lectures can make you tired. Read and review the course's syllabus. Don't let one grade get you discouraged.

Liana

The advice I would give myself would be to get all of your classes, books, and financial stuff done as soon as possible. It is best if you meet with a counseler so that you know what classes to take and when to take them. When you apply for your classes make sure that you make a good schedule with your classes because if you don't you will be lost on what to do and when to do it. As far as your books go, you don't always have to get new books. You can get used books which will be cheaper and you can also return them or you can sell them. All fo your financial stuff should be done as soon as possible. If you have to get Financial Aid you should do that months before tution is due and before classes start. The sooner you get stuff done, the better it will be for you. That's the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time.

Dana

I would say even when you think working full time and going to school is hard take a minium of two classes at all times, so that when you start full time using my GI Bill as I am now I will have more credits completed as well as to take the math classes first and get them out of the way!

Anna

To have motivation, give your 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, don't slack off

Chih-Yao

I am so glad to go to college to get my education because that's the teaching from the prophet of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. Now I realize how important to study for I can make my country and family better. The reasons why I mention about this situation are 1. The knowledge at the college is deeper and wider than in a high school, and it can explore your mind and thought. 2. The way you pursue the knowledge from the books and the professors will make your attitude and sight different so whatever you will do in the future will be more sufficient and more successful. 3. The relationship with everyone surrounded you will be closer because you guys are pursuing your dreams together. 4. You will get more chances to have a good job. I am happy to have a chance to get a higher education in my life and I know it will make YOUR life more vivid.

Matthew

If I were able to go back in time to talk to my high school self, I would enlighten myself to some things that would be coming around the bend. I would have encouraged myself to be more concerned with my grades and attentiveness to school. I would share with the younger version of me how much easier the transition to college would have been if I took college level classes in high school instead of taking the easier route. My best advice for my self would also be to align my classes and goals in high school to achieve my goals in college. I now know that a career in medicine is my goal and to make it into a medical school. I would share this with the young me, so that I could get into the medical program offered by a local high school as opposed to slacking off during my senior year. Hopefully these pieces of advice would help the high school me enough to make the transition to college just a bit easier.

Sandra

You have your whole life ahead of you. You can be, do and have anything in life if you put your mind and heart into it. The experience and knowlegde you would gain from going to college is priceless. Think about all of the fun you would have running the halls of the dormitory. The forever bond of the friends you would make and keep is extraordinary. College would be alot of hard work and you must put forth a lot of time for your studies. But, If you do what you have to do, you can do what you want to do in the end. High School is not the end of your like it is just the opposite. Going to college is the beginning of the rest of your life. Take this opportunity and enjoy being young and don't rush to grow up you have plenty of time for that. Be smart and don't hesitate to ask for advice and guidence from your parents or another adult. Your education is your number one priority and don't let anyone stop you from getting it.

Angela

In High School I took cooking classes but did not take the educational path of Culinary Arts serious at the time in my life. I had a son while young so my focus was directed more to graduating and taking care of him rather than pursing my career. I am proud that I was successful in maintaining the welfare of my son and keeping up with my grades resulting in graduation but I really wish I had continued on the path to Culinary Arts. Even though I never stopped cooking and never stopped dreaming, I definitely would be further than I am in my area of specialty. Having influential people in my life encouraged me to stay in the field that I love. I not only encourage myself , that are in doubt, all that have responsibilities of family and all single mothers to never give up your dream.

Bettyn

If I had the chance to go back and talk to "little Betty", I would sit and have a SERIOUS talk with her. First of all, I would tell her that in order to get into any good school, your grades have to look like you care. Bad grades will only lead to an average life. Knowing "little Betty", she wants more in life than that. There are countries to visit, famous people to meet, delicious food to eat, and in order to be able to experience the best of what life has to offer you, education comes first. I would also let her know that she needs to start searching for scholarships to schools. There are hundreds of grants and scholarships out there that are just waiting for the ver thirsty student to apply and persevere for. All we have to do is look. She would know that the world is tough, and if you do not have an education to back you up, you will have trouble finding a good job. I would let her know that a career is better than having just a job, because people pay more for you when you have a career.

Stephanie

Knowing everything that I know today about college and the real world, I would have told myself to be more prepared. I was not very motivated in high school, hence why I did not attend college right after graduation. I would have looked for more scholarships and loans so that I would not have to deal with the stress of working full time and attending school full time, when I was not prepared. I should have been more organized, and I have learned my lesson from that.