University of Montevallo Top Questions

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

Andrea

Pick a college that you are interested in and not what your friends are interested in doing. Make sure you don't waste your money.

Bree'Anna

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself to stop, breath, and just live. During my senior year of high school, I pressured myself to dream of college and how amazing it would be. I would have given myself advice to strive and be more involved in high school. I would have given myself the advice to just have fun and stop worrying so much because once you get to college worrying just gets worse. Looking back at high school, I had it easy, school was not hard and life was simple. College confuses a lot of things. The last bit of advice I would give myself would be to enjoy life as it was then. I got so caught up in trying to get through it, I never once look back and see that I enjoyed it. College is fun, but it is more stressful with money, deadlines, and being really involved in clubs and organizations. I would tell myself to enjoy the easy work load and make sure to pay attention to my english teacher more strategically, papers can be a struggle.

Hannah

I would advice myself to work harder on my ACT test and apply for more scholarships---School is expensive and most scholarships are for freshmen!

Lindsey

My senior year consisted of insecurities and loneliness. I was made fun of everyday in school because of my publicly-known faith and because I'm very socially awkward around intimidating people. I hated going to school; I started shutting everybody out except for my two best friends. I sat in all my classes and put in my headphones, did my classwork, and passed with all A's and on B. I was ready to move on to Montevallo, but I was sad I'd be leaving my two best friends who were staying home and going to UAB. We promised each other we'd always be friends, no matter the distance. I was so sure we'd stay best friends. I gradually grew apart from them and was making new friends at Montevallo but thought about them everyday, and still do. They never reach out to me anymore, I was always the one making the effort. They of course are still best friends, and I'm starting to learn that it's a good thing they have each other. My advice would be to not rely on people. Make new friends, but remember that people come and go.

Shaina

An old saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." But I say take the lemons, put them in the pantry, and return for them only if you are ready to drink lemonade. The same advice can be appied to a high school senior. Do not rush your transition into college. Many people fear such a big change and attempt to find ways to make it easier. Instead, allow time to get comfortable with your new surroundings, classes, and freedom. Forget what you have heard about college life. Everyone is different and everyone's transiton will be different as well. Before joining organizations and clubs, do your reasearch, talk to previous members and students of the organization you are interested in. Once you have had time to get situated with this new chapter in your life, these decisions will become more clear. College does not have to be scary. If you are wise in how you go into it, it will make your transition much easier. So during the first week of your freshman year when the two blonde, cheery, upperclassmen girls hand you a pamphlet for their club, ask yourself this---"Should I really be drinking this lemonade?"

Aubrae

The years at Montevallo will fly by. Cherish them and make them count. Do your work and try not to procrastinate, even though we both know you will. You will hate roommates, but it gets better. Just have fun and don't stress too much.

Jerrisa

To remember to always work hard and do not take anything for granted. College is a privalege not a right.

Stephanie

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would prepare myself better academically. High school really is the building block to your college career. I would have created better habitats by studying more, doing all of my homework/classwork. I would have stayed at my friends houses more to get myself used to not being home as much. Homesickness is one of the biggest transitioning problems for freshmen. Also, I would have listened to my teachers, and applied the advice and tips they gave me for preparing myself for college.

Amber

Chill out and take a breath. College is very important, but it is not as scary as you are making it out to be. Everyone there is trying to help you succeed. You can do this!

Mary

I would tell myself to really focus in trying to obtain any scholarship money through academics. While my parents have been the primary benefactors in paying for my schooling, there is only so much money available until I may have to take out student loans. After a recent survey at UM, 64{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students are on some kind of financial aid. My primary goal at this point is to work hard in school in hopes of completeing my undergraduate in business management and later my masters in Business Administration. With this I hope to also remain debt free before graduating, so that I have a steady financial foundation in the future. Please consider me for any scholarship monies available.

Darian

I would tell myself to not be afraid to reach out to others. Everybody else is in the same boat as you, and there is no need to be scared of getting to know new people. College is an entirely new world, and people really are not as concerned with who is and is not popular the way they are in high school. People will actually want to get to know you for you, not for what you can offer them. I would also tell myself to stay on top of my school work and not procrastinate. You do not have your parents around anymore to make sure you get school work done. You have to be your own motivation. Professors do not take make up work. I would also tell myself to remember to stay healthy and eat and sleep in ways that will be most conducive to having the energy I need to make it through the week.

emily

Always wear a friendly smile and don't be afraid to eat lunch alone. No matter what, don't forget that your studies come first, but make time to be social and participate on campus, (you're going to love being so involved). It's hard to remember sometimes, but call home atleast three times a week. You will miss your mom and dad more than anything, and that's okay, they miss you too. Surround yourself with friends when you are homesick. Stress crying is a real thing, and you will do it during finals. Start studying for a test far in advance. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Work out three times a week; it will relieve stress and keep you healthy. Most importantly, all the future plans and goals you have will change, and that is terrifying. Through these years of college you will grow and mature and find who you really are and who you are meant to be, and that might be different from your original plans and goals. So most importantly remember; change is scary but it's also good.

Margaret

The advice I would tell myself is take risks and chances. I've learned that being afraid to try something new, or not talking to that unfamiliar face can keep me from living life or even making new friends. Do not follow the crowd, be yourself. I would tell myself to do what I am comfortable with, but also go out of the comfort zone once in a while. Each person is in control of their own happiness, so if I am not happy then I can fix it. Do not be so afraid to make mistakes because not everyone is perfect and if you do not make mistakes then you never know what to learn from them. Most importantly, I would tell myself to live life to the fullest each day and love myself through everything, because in the end I'm always going to have myself to love and this is my life.

Emily

Do not stress out. College is very important , but it is also meant to be a fun, memorable experience. Do not be afraid to ask questions and make sure you find the answers. Do not procrastinate. It is important that you make friends at whatever college you attend. It really makes the transition a lot easier and more pleasant. Apply for scholarships and work really hard to earn them. You will love college as long as you do not make it a job. Choose a campus that fits for you and do not let anyone persuade you to go elsewhere.

Laken

Considering I had my daughter before I began college, I was unable to join a soroity or be apart of college life. Knowing what I know now about the college life, if i could go back in time, I would definitely wait to have a child so I could enjoy college life and focus more on my academics. It is very difficult to study, do homework and succeed in my academics while being a mother. I would advice anyone not to take your life for granted and the opportunites that you can be given. Your future is extremely important and with that said, put your academics first, and your enjoyment last.

Rachel

I find it interesting that this is the prompt chosen for this scholarship as it is now a research project I am working on: the transition into college. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not rush headlong into getting involved in everything possible, but rather to do some extensive research, both about the positions and the organizations on campus and internal research. The key to life is knowing yourself. I would tell myself to spend some intense quality time with myself in order to know for sure, without a doubt, what I want out of life, and the steps to getting there. This would have prevented all the Major changes I made, and I would've started out in the major I love: Communications. I would also tell myself to not concern myself with other people's opinions in the sense that I need to love myself for me and not let anyone affect that. Finally, I would say to take advantage of the gift given, and embrace the college life and community around you.

Jordan

The number one thing I would tell myself would be the demanding feel you get form the academic level. It's far different from high school and if you don't know how to manage your time, you will have a long and painful experiance. Academics first, fun second!

Molly

More than anything, I'd want to remind my younger self that she has time. There is no need to rush into anything. See the world, try out a few jobs, explore different hobbies, make lot's of friends and date lot's of people - there is something of value to be learned from every experience. It is imperative to understand yourself before you can hope to make solid life decisions. I would tell her to utilize her college counsellor as much as she can and to take the SATs seriously. I would advise her to pick a school that she loves - not just the most convenient one - and then to stay there, since, apparently, the more you transfer, the less federal aid you will get. Finally, I would tell her to live in the moment. Don't waste time regretting what can't be changed and don't waste energy worrying about an unpredictable future. Right now - this moment - is all there is, so give it all you got.

Emma

I would tell myself not to worry about being prepared to take on the next phase of life. In high-school I was so terrified that I would get to college and fail at every aspect of it. I didnt know if I could keep up in the classes, and I wasnt sure if I could make friends like I had in high-school. Every part of college scared me to my core. But looking back on my life just a few short months later, I can see that I really was well prepared for everything I have faced here. College is awesome. It is a fun time but also an exciting one. I am deciding what I want my future to be. I have all of these unlimited possibilities that not one living soul could keep me fom reaching. If I had been able to see that from the start I think the transition into college would have been much easier and more productive.

Winny

I would tell myself, "Even though it may stress you out and seem like a burden that you paid money for, it will be worth it in the end. Dont give in! Take baby steps if you need to! Its still another step closer to your goal".

Thuong

Don't be afraid. College in real life and college in movies are not the same. People are really nice and they're not vicious as portrayed on films. It's okay to ask around for help if you don't know anything. You can always call Angie and ask for advice if you're not sure what you want to do with your life. You're probably not going to know for sure what you want to do until your junior year and that's okay. People figure out where they want to be at different pace so don't rush into a major just because you feel pressured to. Most people here don't know what they want to do but they're following their heart. You should do the same thing. Do what make you happy and the rest will work itself out.

Betty Mattelyn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself to keep doing what I am doing. I feel like I made the right decision by finishing high school as Valedictorian of my class, going to a junio college for two years to finish my basics, and then transferring as a Junior to the University of Montevallo. Going to a junior college as a Freshmen taught me how to handle college without feeling overwhelmed like most 18 year olds their first time in college.

Caroline

I would tell myself that college is such a short amount of time, relatively speaking. Make the most of it and don't put so much pressure on myself to be perfect at everything. Having a few close friends, a decent GPA and most of all, a healthy self confidence about myself is worth the most.

Robin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself several things. First, I would tell myself to never sweat about the small stuff. Who you are is not determined by which "click" you belong to or whether you were a cheerleader. Second, I would tell myself to not rule out ANY career choices. Not many 18 year olds truly know what they want to do with their life. Just because it sounds cool to tell people you are a pre-med major doesn't mean you would actually like the job. Third, I would tell myself to choose a school and major based on my own strengths, interests, and investigations, not what my parents expect or want me to do. Last, I would tell myself there is a reason schools have books. Most of them have some pretty valuable and interesting information in them. Reading makes college so much easier!

Amber

I would tell myself to prepare myself better and take some things more serious. I would also tell myself to enjoy that time more and not rush growing up so quickly. I would tell myself that I have to be organized and know my schedule every day for majority of the time if possible because you will always be busy, but make sure I still have time to be with friends and enjoy myself every once in a while. Most importantly, I would tell myself that at times I will be very overwhelmed but as long as I hang in there and keep trying I will get through it and it will all be worth it.

Ashtin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take college seriously. I would tell myself to not take anything for granted and to try my hardest at all of the classes I was taking. It is so easy to become distracted while in school surrounded by temptations and freedom. I would tell myself to stay on tract and to try and recieve scholarships.

Marina

I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did initially. It is different than being in high school for obvious reasons. You can not see your sister or mom all of the time, but it gives you the chance to grow as a person. Being on your own is not a bad thing. You make amazing friends along the way and learn new things about different subjects and yourself every single day. There is no need to worry. Just work hard and get things done. Do not hesitate to try new things with your artwork and most importantly remember to believe in yourself. You can be and do whatever you want to do. Just do it. Always strive to create amazing things.

Jessica

I woul advise myself to simply hold on and enjoy the ride. Providence has taken me through so many different experiences and they have all proven to be essential in my development as an individual. I am a returning student so my experiences are very different from my peers, but our differences allow us to learn from one another. It seems as though you learn each lesson at the exact time that you need to. I woul advise myself to be patient and strive for excellence, but to also realize that I am continually learning. Enjoy the ride, seniors.

Joshua

Don't be afraid to be pushy. When you need something and you need it bad don't worry about other's feelings and their problems. Being a nice guy will always be a better choice but when it comes to college you have to think about yourself, and that means cracking a few skulls if that's what it takes to get them to listen to your problems. If you don't do this you're going to end up with loans that you have no way of paying back, the minimum amount of classes possible, the scary possibility of having to drop out, and losing your dream. They have thousands of kids pass through the financial aid doors, make them listen because they're too numb to the pain to pay you special attention. Oh also, definitely keep your major that you wanted in the first place, you end up with it anyway.

Taylor

In all truth, I would tell myself,"it gets better". High school was a depression, you have to conform to the statusquo. I would say "it gets better, you can be yourself, and they can help you at Montevallo" . " Dont worry so much about High School, you tried your best with what little resources you have, you dont have to be ashamed of living in poverty. Just be glad you get to live the experience, you will look back one day, and just laugh" " you will find your nerd and geeks, that will be best friends forever. you will be friends with a Athlete, yep a Athlete, and a musician, and you will be the best buds. not to mention a Artist and a Politician in the making" I can see it now, Laughing at myself back then.

Ronald

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pay attention to everything that the teachers are teaching inside and outside of the classroom. I would also tell myself that what you invest in life is what you will get out of it. Forming a good study habit is crucial to performing well within the classroom and becoming more active within the community is the key to becoming a well-rounded student. Also, never procrastinate when things are do and keep your priorities in order.

Cecelia

If I had the opportunity to give myself advice about attending college from what I know now, I would emphasize the importance of choosing a school based on meeting my personal needs over choosing a school for superficial reasons. After I graduated high school, I attended Auburn University. I chose that school for its popularity, and because I had always been an Auburn football fan. I also chose it because it was my mother's alma mater. I had dreamed of attending that school since early childhood. What I did not consider was whether or not Auburn University was a good fit for me. I have since learned that I am someone who needs to attend a smaller school, with a much smaller student to faculty ratio. I enjoy being able to easily meet with my professors one-on-one, and form a close professional relationship with them. I would love the opportunity to tell my younger self to make a more informed and conscious decision about where I chose to continue my education.

Paul

I would have studied more in High School and taken more college prep classes. I spent too much time in extra-cirricular activities...which were a lot of fun and seemed like the thing to do at the time, BUT everyone that I know that paid more attention to their studies in high school has succeeded more in college and in life than the students that played sports and spent time doing extra0cirricular stuff.

Kimary

I would advise myself to just be me. Although learning how to do laundry, use a map, cook, and clean for yourself are valuable assets when attending college, the most important asset is the ability to just be yourself no matter what others think. In college, you question your own beliefs just as much as others do. It is a part of growing up, but never lose sight of yourself. Take this journey as a chance to discover what makes you happy and what you want out of life. Discover what motivates you, what you are passionate about and run with it. Use that passion to make a better future. Do not worry about what others think of you. I promise that in the thousands of people attending, you will find at least one person who admires you for just being you.

Eboni

Dear College Freshman Self, You are about to enter an unfamiliar world of a broad variety of people. These people will be your mirror until you find yourself in the midst of all the college chaos. As you sit on the corner of your bed trying to add up the amount of debt you will have at the end of four years, I want you to keep a few things in mind before it all begins. Understand that no one has life figured out right now, not even the seniors so it is perfectly okay if you become confused. Remember that boys will come and go but your GPA will forever follow you even through the heartbreaks. There is no way you can be fully prepared for the tiny world of adults striving to accomplish this milestone in life but you can be different if you wish. Determine what your motivation is and run with it because some nights, it will be all you have to push you. Smile very often even through the long nights at the library because it will be worth it one day.

Triston

To trust yourself and those around you. It hasn't been a long time, but I have opened up and learned to trust people I've held at arm's length. This directly lead to depression when I was younger, and that is definitely a cloud of doubt that no one needs when you are apply for college and scholarships. I would also encourage myself to apply to many more scholarships. I'm not embarrassed to say I did very well in high school, and could have saved my parents a large amount of head and heartache had I really attempted to find scholarships. I was lazy, and I'm still growing. My lack of initiative in high school crippled my potential, and even though I know I would have come to Montevallo regardless, as it's the best fit for me and what I want to do, I could have avoided student loans entirely. The ACT doesn't lie. Finally, I would tell myself to do something that I managed to do without prompting, but had my doubts about at the time. Stay honest, and keep your clean slate clean.

Illyssa

Having the knowledge that I do now, if I could talk to high school senior me I would tell her to stop stressing so much. I would tell her that everything is going to get so much better. I'd tell her, "You're going to get infintely happier. Yes, you'll still have down days, but you'll have a set of friends who will always be there to love and accept you. Once you move, it's going ot feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Don't ever fear being yourself. College is going to be a lot easier and less stressful than you imagine, so loosen up and enjoy this last year. It's gunna go by fast." I would make sure she knows that she is loved and accepted and that she can and will make it through to a better side.

Hallie

When you make a mistake, bad day, or don't do your best in a class, forgive yourself. It's not the end of the world and it doesn't define you. College is hard and it's a great time to find out who you are and what you're made of. Try new things but don't go party crazy, you can't always go back to how you used to be. Take each new day for what it is, a new beginning. DO YOUR SCHOOLWORK AND STUDY.

Hillary

My advice would be to enjoy these years of my life because they go by so fast. I would advise to always study and make your schooling your top priority. I would also adivse not to give up. It gets hard and sometimes you think you will never make it but you will and it will make you that much stronger of a person!

Aubrey

In high school, you're constantly being told exactly what you need to be successful for that class. However, they don't teach you what you need to know in high school. They teach you that your test grades will always determine your success. In college, you're on your own. But effort plays a huge role in your college education. Getting up to go to class is never easy, but the rewards for showing up are worth every cup of coffee. Going to college is a choice, and it's up to you to make it worth it. Life isn't all about the grade you make on the test. Balance is the most important thing. College is a time to discover yourself. Between studying, partying, taking care of yourself, visiting family, and just trying to figure out what you want to do, there's a lot of room to mess up. But when you make the commitment to further your education, you're making the decision to further yourself and open up new doors.

Kimberly

I would tell myself to be sure of what I was doing and not jump at the place with the prettiest campus and smallest classrooms. I should have taken every chance I got to apply at different schools and for evey scholarship I could find. Comfort is important and nobody wants to be somewhere that they feel out of place for four years but that is not the only thing to look at. Everyone tells you that there is money out there and you can always get loans or grants. Other people make it look like the easiest thing in the world. It isn't. It is stressful, terrifying, and exhausting but in the end it will be the best decision of your life. All of the stuff you go through and debt you put yourself in for four whole years will make you the person you want, no, you deserve, to be.

Patti

Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed as a student. Allow yourself to thrive, to be challenged and to evolve. Give back to students, community and the environment. And never give up on your goal to obtain an education- persistence and committment will allow you to graduate. How do I know this? I have put myself through school without having a supportive family or parents. You can change your life if you believe you are worth it. Good Luck!

Ashlyn

Get ready! You're about to take a crazy, awesome journey to a completely new world. I know, it is stressful, but it is truly not as bad as it seems in your head! Instead of worrying, focus on all the cool people you're about to meet, and how much you're about to learn! Stop getting annoyed when people ask "where are you going to college" or "what are you doing with your life" because, let's face it, it's going to happen forever, especially when you're in college. Please take a self-defense class because campuses are dangerous. Make sure you are educated on safe-sex and drugs. Even if those are not things you're in to at all, you will be surrounded by it more than you can prepare for. Don't forget that you are going to college for an education. Education must always come first, but don't forget to be social. Join clubs, sit with new people at meals, and go to parties! Most of all, don't forget about your parents! They made this possible, so don't be ashamed to kiss your Mom goodbye on move-in day.

Lauren

During my senior year, although I could not wait to graduate, I was extremely terrified of the college experience. I was worried about making friends, acing my classes, and finding where I belonged. I spent the weeks leading up to moving in constantly thinking and wondering what would happen when I moved out and how I was going to make it without my family and friends. Finally after two short summer months it was time to move in at the college of my dreams. I moved in and it didn't hit me that I was a college student until the first day of classes. Before I knew it I had friends, had aced my first few tests, and had found exactly where I belonged. If I could go back to the months leading up to college I would tell myself not to worry about the unknown. I worried for no reason. The college experience can be extremely intimidating and scary, but if you believe in yourself and work hard you can achieve and succeed in anything you put your mind to.

Brittany

My senior year of high school, I had to have extensive surgery on my left calf/ankle/foot. There are many things that I wish someone would have told me then, and if I could go back in time to that year, I would tell myself three things: "You aren't alone," "Never Give Up," and, "Have fun." Since I was in a wheelchair for five months during the school year, and unable to participate in many things, I felt very alone, and abandoned by friends. It felt as though no one wanted to be my friend anymore, when in reality I still had three good friends, that still wanted to hangout with me. I would say "You aren't alone" and "Have fun" to myself then, so that I could see that I still had friends, and would not have been nearly as depressed. I also would say to my self, "Never Give Up," because I greatly wanted to then. I had so much make up work to complete, was in a wheelchair, and was at a very dark place. It is always nice to be reasured to keep moving foward when you are at such a dark place.

Hanna

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give the advice that college is a big world. I would teach myself as I graduate high school and take on college there are many new responsibilites that I will have to take on, and there is nobody to there to catch me when I fall because I am an adult now. I would tell myself to learn better studying and note taking methods as there is no easy study guide to help you fly through the test. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships early to avoid student loans. Lastly, I would tell myself that when things get tough do not give up because at the end of all the studying, misssing home, and adult responsibilites it will all be worth it.

Jonisha

My advice would be to start your education at Montevallo instead of school hoping. To complete your degree before getting married and having kids. Live a little more. Explore the world and to take advantage of every opportunity the world has to offer. Don't try so hard to grow up so fast, because once you start living life as an adult you will never get the chance to be a kid again. You are capable of doing a great many things, just belive in yourself. When times get hard know that you are an overcomer. The world is yours to master. Overall to remember to laugh, love, and live

Kylie

Looking back, I wish I had taken more chances. It took me until junior year to become involved in SGA and theatre, and they are where some of my fondest memories took place. By reaching out to these unfamiliar places of my high school, I was able to connect with people I had never even really known existed. I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a place in the (literal) spotlight and I thrived there. I wish I had been involved more - done show choir or taken a semester of Family & Consumer Science. By focusing so much on grades, I missed out on opportunties that are no longer just there for the taking. Being more involved could have helped me to not make the decision to live off campus, which is stressful. College is for learning, but knowing how to let loose is also important to life.

Spencer

First of all, I would have tried a little bit harder in high school so I could have had more scholarship money coming in. At that point I would tell myself to be who I want to be and forget about what everyone else thinks.

Alexis

Oh goodness... I would tell myself to take academics more serious. Now that I am a college student struggling to pay all the expenses coming my way, I regret not trying my best. I had the mentality of a typical senior, senioritis was kicking in full force, so all I thought about was that bell ringing at 3 oclock each day instead of my school work.