University of North Carolina at Pembroke Top Questions

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

Kayla

If I could go back to my high school self I would fill out scholarships and study more. The fact that I never had to study in high school, I surely am paying for it now. In college you have to study 24/7 and I have no motivation to do so what so ever. I would learn to pick up organizing techniques and read more books. Also college is not cheap, I would fill out scholarships to actually go to coastal my freshman year instead of suffering at a local university. I should have never doubted myself because I know deep down inside I could’ve have worked for my schooling but I was just too lazy and I am paying for it now. I may have made some difficult choices but I refuse to make the same mistake again.

Kristen

If I could tell my high school self one major thing it would be to take the SAT seriously. I was an honor student in high school and graduated top 10 in my class. I thought any college would accept me because of my grades and all the clubs I was in, so I made a huge mistake in not taking it seriously. I do not regret coming to Pembroke because it is closer to home for me and I love the smaller classes but I really wanted to go to the bigger well-known schools. Next, I would have told my high school self to enjoy and take every opportunity that comes my way and socialize as much as possible within college. Networking is very important to get anywhere in life. Also, I still carried the habit of second guessing myself within college and I feel it has held me back. Finally, I would have told my high school self is to always stay true to myself. My freshman year of college I pretended to be things I wasn't just to fit in with the people here and I feel I wasted my whole freshman year.

Taley

During high school, I was seriously set on moving away from college in order to get the "college experience". Because UNCP is literally five minutes from my home, I automatically ruled that out as an option. If I could give my high school self advice, it would be to appreciate the universtiy that is in my back yard and become more affiliated with it. I now love UNCP and wish I would have always planned to be a student there.

Kayla

If I were able to give my high school senior-self advice about college, I would firstly recommend to apply for more scholarships and financial aid. A lot of programs are willing to help fund an individual's education and I should have taken advantage of that. I would also tell myself to become more active and engaged with the community. It looks great on a resume and serves the beautiful, thriving community that serves me! I may have told my past self to invest in a second major, or at the very least, a minor. Having multiple degrees not only translates well on paper, but can be very beneficial and make you more well rounded. I would request that past me take advantage of summer courses, internship opportunities, travelling during the sumer for research purposes. Lastly and most importantly, I would tell myself to take advantage of the wonderful professors at university; they have such valuble knowledge and resources that they are willing to pass on to their students.

DeAndra

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would tel myself not to procrastinate, to do all my school work they day its assigned, to fill out any peper work the day I find out about it. Also I would tell myself to stay on top of my grades in high school and try my hardest and not just do the bare minimum to barely pass by. I would also tell myself to take advantage of every oppurtiunity that is offered to me.

Alisha

I would tell myself to save money. College is not cheap and everything is about money. Also, pick good friends and keep them.

Stephen

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more active as a student. I would inform myself that sometimes the professors are just as lazy as you, they are completly content with teaching you the bare minimum, but the bare minimum WILL NOT help you in the future, it will leave you regretting not working harder on your own time. I'd say "make sure you read your textbooks" you're going to be paying an arm and a leg for textbooks that your professor may not even use, however, those textbooks hold the key to information that could change your entire outlook on life. Furthermore I would tell myself not to believe everything you hear and read, just because one person says it doesn't make it fact, even if it is in a book, always dig deeper because if you just scratch the surface you may never find the buried gold. Younger me always remember, knowledge is power!

Kathryn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to teach myself how to study. In high school, studying for a test is not the same as studying for a test in college. When I was in high school, I felt like I could pass a test simply by listening to the lectures during class. However, when I got to college, I noticed that was not the case. If I could go back, I would make sure I taught myself a couple of study strategies that would help me to better prepare myself for tests.

Jessica

If I could go back to my senior year and tell myself what to do differently, I would tell myself to study harder and take classes that would transfer for college credits. I would tell myself that grades in high school are important and they can help me get into the college I want to attend. I would tell myself to stay optimistic and keep a positive attitude and when things do not go my way to keep pushing forward. I would also tell myself to be more active in clubs as a high school student and in college. Stay busy because studies have shown if students stay busy 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time their grades are higher. I would also say that in college if your friends go out and party that you do not have to go and to not feel presssured to do anything just so you would fit in. Grades are more important that going out and partying and making friends.

JoAnna

JoAnna, I know you may be wondering who I am or how do I even know you. The past four years may seem to have been rough. You've lost a few friends and family members and at times it seems as if you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Financially it seems as if you don't have many options after this but trust me you do. Hold off on trying to grow up too fast. You will experience heartbreak, tears, and disappointment, but believe me when I say this LIFE GOES ON. Don't stress about juggling work and school. Focus on your studies and the rest will fall into place. Join a sorority, make new friends, have new experiences, travel, and just enjoy life. Trust me you'll live with a lot of regret and "should've, could've, would've" thoughts if you dont! Major in what YOU want to major in, not what fits your work schedule. You deserve the upmost happiness ten years from now, but the choices you make today determine the person you become. Lastly, live your life the way you want to! Sincerely, Your Future Self

Laura

Go to college right away. Do not take time off.

Mary

If I could go back in time and give one bit of advice to myself I would tell myself to be inovative and inspiring. So many college students get caught up in the social aspects of campus life or deligate so much time into their studies that they fail to see the opportunities around them. I would push my high school self to step up to be a leader instead of a follower. College is a time that many people find themselves and begin to use their qualities to benifit others. Instead of going through the motions in college I would create my own student organization that would be a open forum for students to discuss a variety of topics ranging from polics and health care reform to gender inequality ect. Getting students involved in healthy debates and providing an open enviorment for students to discuss topics with each other is a great way for interaction and learning.

Candace

If I could go back in time and talk to my 17 year old self in high school I would tell myself to first listen to my parents. As a teenager I always let my parents advice go in one ear and out the other but I learned that 9 times out of 10 they are right. I would tell my self to not slack off. I was very slacked my freshmen year and I should have worked harder. I would also warn myself to think about my decsions and stop making impulse decsions. I would tell myself to save my money becasue college is expensive. I would also say to apply apply apply for scholarships. I would also make sure to take up for myself. With all of these tips I would have had a better freshmen year experience. However I have learned from my experiences from my freshmen year.

Haley

If I could go back in time I definitely would have told myself I didn't have to try so hard to keep my riends from high school. They were all great people but I felt obligated to act a certain way and could not state certain opinions without being judged. I have made many new friends at college who accept me for who I am and realize that nt everyone believes the same things, and that it is ok. As different high school friends talk to me now, I realize that I am better off where I am. I spent a long time stressing over peoplewho were only a small part of my life. When I finally had this realization, it was as if a weight had been taken off my s

Deidre

If I could go back in time, in order to offer advice to my “high school self”, I would say “Explore your resources.” I had so much free time over Christmas and summer breaks that I never utilized. I came to college and had no idea what career I wanted to pursue. My first year of college was spent taking classes in several different departments which I haven’t used. I could have used those credit hours to take classes under the curriculum I ended up choosing. If I had explored my resources in my free time during high school, I could have come to college with clear intentions on where my future would be headed. I knew that I always had an inclination toward healthcare as a high school student and that’s exactly the path I’m on. Now I spend breaks from school, exploring different colleges with their graduate programs they offer, and I research all sorts of scholarship opportunities. I would give anything to go back and tell myself as a high school student to make sure and use all that free time researching scholarships and colleges, in order to come to college with a plan.

Kara

Self, do not be overwhelmed by the processes to get started in your college experience. You don't want to be 45 years old and never having a career, only supporting your family with jobs to get the bills paid. Having a passion and making a career out of that is so much more fulfilling. Check deep down and get in touch with your inner desires for learning and go for it! Ask for help! Don't be shy! This is your experience of a lifetime and you must make the most out of it. Trust yourself to know that you are capable and can do this. So you've never had the leadership of your parents to guide you through this, so what! Do it! Be the change for your children and their children! You don't want to look back and ask "What could have been?"

Jerica

I would tell myself not to worry so much. College is a great experience and you need to relax every once-any-while. I would tell myself to study and pay attention a great deal more.

Derrecia

nothing really it's not much different

Alexis

Alexis don't assume that paying a high college tuition at a private institution means that the experience will be amazing. Now is the time to pick up a job to help take the financial burdens off your family's backs. Go in fearless your freshman year and don't hide in your dorm afraid of the new surroundings. Alexis, you can do this!

Jared

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school the advice I would give myself about college life is you have to have more self-determination as well as self-discipline. I would tell myself this because in high school you have teachers who are pushing you and kind of “riding your back” to get your work done, have it turned in on time, or to study for an exam. However, college professors are not going to tell you to do those things over and over. They consider you to be more independent and more of an adult, which this comes with having a college career.

Sarah

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give the advice that it is important to know who you are before you leave home and go to college. That way it won't be easy to lose yourself when you are meeting so many new people and having so many new experiences. I would reiterate to myself that staying on top of school work is very important because you won't always have someone there reminding you that a paper is due, or that you should get your homework done instead of procrastinating. Especially important is staying in touch with your family and your close friends, so that you have the independence you need, but you are not isolated from your background. Finally, I would tell myself to take a deep breath and take the next step because college is one of the most exciting times of my life and I am going to be learning so much about myself and the world around me... and that the decisions I make during that time will color the landscape that will become my future.

Lizbeth

Honestly, the perfect advise would be to challenge myself and dare do things that where not far from my own knowledge. There was a lot of opportunities that I had and for being shy I didn't achieve them. I am a person that is thirsty for adventure and for things that fill my life with excitement no matter what it takes, but I didn't realized that the only obstacle that kept all those wonderful things to happen was me. Another advise would be to take things more seriously and beleiving in myself and not keeping me away from amazing things that I know I can do. Currently, I'm in college and there are many others exciting things to do and I'm trying to defeat that fact that I'm shy by challenging myself, standing for up for myself and giving me a voice, a voice that no matter what it won't be turn off for nothing or anyone. I wish I could back in time and be more involved . I still beleive that doing more things with my life by then would have given me more opportunites and greater things than the ones I have.

Holly

' ANYTHING is absolutely possible! ' is what would come flying out of my mouth first if I were to counsel my high school senior self. I would then explain that success is not compromising for someone else's definition of success, and it is okay to let your heart make decisions even when those around you disaprove. I would have encouraged myself to move to California with a couple hundred dollars in my pocket and explore education outside of the scheme I was raised to believe as practical. Take a few months to enjoy the 13 years of education I had just completed and observe the world around myself to find in what and where I could excel and then act upon it with a passion. Embrace the people you meet and smile because you can. Understand that although baby steps towards a goal can be tedious and frustrating, it will reap its due rewards. Then lastly, time will indeed pass by as it always has, so be proactive now, make wise decisions and go to college and excel, finishing in a timely manner so you can enjoy a career that will benefit you and others.

jasmine

College is nothing compared to high school. Go to college ASAP!!

Stephen

Advice that I would give myself if I could be a high school senior again would be to go to college to prepare myself for a career that I loved. It is a known fact that if a profession is enjoyable, it does not seem like work and one is happier besides. I wish someone would have told me that when I was finishing high school, because what I was told was that work is a chore to be endured. As I got older, I realized the falseness of this concept. Knowing the truth of the matter, I look forward to bettering myself by going back to school. In this way, I can get a job where I enjoy myself and consequently, be happier. Another thing I would tell myself is to keep at it to finish school. It may not be the most pleasant, but it will be worthwhile when the diploma is received and the qualifications for a chosen career are met so that path may be embarked upon. I know this now because I have done it the other way. Seventeen years later I still regret not finishing what I started, and my job is not enjoyable.

Asia

Hey you....yea you! I know it's your senior year and all, but it's time to think about your future. College isn't like high school; no more extra credit projects, group projects, and teachers just letting you get by. It's time to grow up buckle down and start thinking about your future. Instead of procrastinating about studying for every test, study! Instead of going to the movies on Saturdays, study! Study, study, study, that's the only thing that should be on your mind. Yea I sound like your mom, but when you study you don't have to worry about passing that test. Oh no Ashley's party is Friday... oh well you have time to party later once you finish school. It's time to let the parties, movies, and shopping go to pick up the books. Look there are so many different schools to attend don't wait until the last minute and end up at a community college. I mean there's nothing wrong but you can go farther. Apply for scholarships join clubs do everything you can to stand out; try to be more than the "Average Student"! Good luck!

Ashleigh

College is crazy, and nothing like we expected it to be. Homework is so time consuming, but do it as soon as you get it! You don't understand how much trouble not doing homework caused me, well us. Don't be afraid to talk to that boy you meet during orientation, he'll introduce you to the love of our life. Don't be afraid of loving either, fear makes it harder. Don't get too stressed, a result from avoiding homework, it leads to more stress. Don't believe me? I lost our memory due to stress a month before finals, which led to almost getting kicked out of school AND double the course work second semester. Time managment is EVERYTHING. Love our friends, but know you have to do homework too. Save our money!! Getting low adds MORE stress, and yes that is possible. Do things that we love. Try something new, I waited too long to get involved with the worship band and Anthony's signing group. You never know what talents lie within us. We now play guitar and sing in front of crowds, we are so awesome! I guess in short, live it up!!

Lara

Take yourself seriously, Lara, take this experience seriously. I know you love life and want to experience everything that school has to offer and learn to be independent and live on your own, but remember these grades are yours. You earn them, good or bad, they reflect you and your attitude about this experience. You may not think that college will be any harder than high school and in some cases you might be right, but mostly they are harder....much harder. You will have to learn to study hard, learn to remember lots of information. High school may have been easy for you and you may have never made a bad grade, but if you don't learn to study you will go from great to average in a minute. Follow you instincts and find something to study that you love. Don't do what is expected of you and make terrible grades because you're miserable. There are a million choices and things to do. You will figure it out. Life doesn't go in a straight line, you may have twists and turns along the way to get you where you want to go.

Breeeonna

If I could go back in time, I'd have a lot of things to say to myself! I'd tell myself to "stop goofing off"" paying attention in highschool was probably the hardest thing to do, if I would have done so, I believe I would be more acceletated than I am. I would also tell myself "do your homework!" Now that I am in college I realize that homework is just more conditioning so that you can do well in the subject, especially if it's math (in my opinion) I need all the extra help I can get in math! Over all, I would tell myself to be more productive in school and "get it together!" I did well in highschool, but I feel as if I could have done much better!

Jaclyn

Prestige matters. A degree from one institution is not the same from another institution with a better reputation and is known nationally. Don't be afraid to go somewhat far away from home to college. It's worth it in the long run if you go to a better school of higher caliber.

Redonna

I would study harder for better grade and I would prepare more for college. Research my fields of interest and plan financially . Maintain and plan and follow through. Seek many resources with all needs and stay focused. After high school many students are tired of school. You have much time ahead to settle down. Get your education to be self sufficient and give yourself a good head start in life to be less stressed. Use a school resources that are available for you, max them. Be happy with your choices, but if not, know that you can change them. Always keep your future sight.

Terri

Be serious and stay focused on your goals. Before attending UNCP, I would tell students to really look into the offered courses and programs in order to determine the best fit. Don't waste time on courses irrelevant to their degree. Focus on the courses that are necessary and implement tutoring and computer services as much as necessary.

Erica

I would give myself the advice to listen to your heart, to go by your instinct, and to make smart decisions. College is the gateway to much in life and it's important to go in completetly focused. Transitioning is hard, especially if you are 17 and have never been away from home. It's important to pace yourself and to make that you reach your full potential as a college student. Having a great studious mindset will lead to you being able to truly succeed in life, so just stay focused and make good moves.

Julie

I am turning 30 in a few weeks, and the one regret I have involves the decisions I made after high school. I didn't put much thought into my future. I was admitted into a good school, but I didn't even try to do well. I took a few years off, and just had fun, without any regard for my future self. Now that I am older, I have realized that my education is important. I have recently gone back to school and am doing better than I could have imagined. I have future plans to attend graduate school and am looking forward to my bright future. If I could have a 5 minute conversation with myself, I would stress the importance of education. I would tell myself that I am smart, and I can suceed! I would mention that it only gets harder as you get older, and you may never have the opportunity to be in college again. I would warn myself that paying for college and trying to work full time is very stressful as an adult. Mainly, I would tell myself not to give up and it will definitely pay off in the end.

jazmyne

If I could go back to college as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself would be just to enjoy life. Too many students stress over the SAT scores and acceptance letters, however, if you were a student that was dedicated and utilized your time and effort throughout your high school career then you should not stress. Senior year of high school should be your best time of your life, making a smooth transition from highschool to the real world.

Miranda

I have always been an education driven person. From an early age I knew college was in my future but what I did not realize was the transition was greater than I had expected. College life is completely different from a small town highschool life. In highschool I was one of the few who took school work seriously but even that could not have prepared me for the college work load. The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to practice better studying techniques. Also work on your time management because when you're in college every professor will most likely give you deadlines all around the same time. Do not slack off, and use note cards. Notecards have saved me in college. Any vocabulary word or phrase that you need to know, put it on a note card and study it religiously. Over all it is important to have a strict work ethic or you will fall behind.

Kiara

If i could go back in time. I would tell myself to apply for all scholarship take all honors class and prepared for the life ahead. Dont be afarid of what is to come. You Cna strive to become whatever you want just apply yourself. You can do whatever your mind wants to do. Believe in yourself and the others around you. I will also strive others to do the same. Believe in themselves when nobody esle believe in them.

Toni

You are going to love UNCP & I am so proud of you! You're on the right track of studying, testing and having playtime. Life will try to stand in the way of your schooling, but don't get discouraged just keep going. Life is difficult enough, try making it without an education. You are such a responsible young lady so don't be afraid of debt or taking a loan. Never stop trying to do for yourself because others may not be able or willing to do for you either. The second most important thing... don't let love influence everything you do. Time flies faster than you do so putting your life on hold for anyone else can be tricky. Lastly, don't be embarrassed or too shy to try new things, just as long as they aren't dangerous. That's the fun in life. The point of college life is to expose yourself to new things, people, and environments. If you find yourself in a room of people, make it count. Possibilities are endless so continue to be strong. You got this & remember no one loves you more than me.

halle

if i could go back to senior year and give myself advice, I would remind myself why I was in school in the first place. I would tell myself that all of the drama is not more important than my homework. i would have told myself that the parties that went on last weekend should not break my focus in the class I was currently in. I would have told myself that no matter what was going on in my home situation should not distract me from my studies because doing well in school is what is going to get me and my family a better home life. and most of all i would have told myself that the boys werent worth more of my time than my school work. I would not have let my relationships take my mind off what was really important and what really mattered.

Linda

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there are SO MANY things I would tell myself. For starters, set realistic goals and dreams and design a footprint to get there. Be so good that they can't ignore you! Allow that voice in the back of your head to be heard as it's telling you that failure cannot be an option. What don't kill you WILL make you stronger. Ace your attitude! Now that your mindset is in the right direction, know that college life; the freedoms, the lessons, the challenges and the memories- can make you or break you. Don't let it break you but instead embrace this magical time of your life, recognizing that these college years play an important part in the person you become as you develop as a student and a young adult. MAKE IT COUNT. Listen, time slips away faster than a peaceful unannounced snowfall overnight. Learn everything you can. Everything. Don't just hear the words, absorb them. Remember, when times get hard you are not alone. Stay close to your family, even if the miles separate you. Know you are loved!

Kristin

The advise that I would give my self, would be challenge your self and try your hardest how it will payoff in the long run. Also I would have been more proactive in knowing what I need in order to achive my goals. And The biggest one, save money for school. Because I am not struggling to make ends meet with paying for school out of pocket. And I would also tell my self have fun, you only live once.

Karanja

i've gotten where i need to be now, the only thing i need now is finacial help, thats all i need to help my family

kristy

If I could go back I would tell myself an ear full. The first thing I would tell myself is to listen to the guidance counselors information and follow the steps they give. They have the map you need to succeed. Its very easy to get lost in the transition if you don't have a plan. Taking on more responsibility as a senior would help as well that includes getting school work completed on time, studying like you should, have a part time job, and just taking care of daily needs. I think a person who is more independent will transitioin better than one who isn't. I also feel like getting every last bit of learning can help make all the difference in you first steps of college. If you try to learn and get all you can in high school that will increase your chance of making better on the placement test for college which in turn will help you by pass the remediation courses. Last I would tell my self college is a different world and once you step out of high school its no turning back you either set out to pass or fail.

Kelly

Honestly, I think I did pretty well with the transition. After graduating, I attended FTCC to get my general classes, took a semester off to work full time, and then enrolled as a Musical Theater and English major at UNCP where I made the Chancellor's list for a GPA of 3.9, (I'm not a fan of their "A-" policy). My only advice would be to not rush things. As I graduated at 16 and am now only two credit hours away from being a junior at the age of 18, I feel like I've rushed through life. Just this morning I went back to my high school to visit a teacher and it hit me that I should be graduating tomorrow; I couldn't recognize any of the students there. If I had it to do over again, I would put more emphasis on my relationships with people rather than my goals. That being said, I don't regret my decisions or that I am who I am. I now have some of the greatest friends in the world and had I not rushed through high school, would not have the privilege of knowing them.

Joy

Do not doubt your instincts and listen to other voices, but do not forget to listen to yours. Build confedice becuase it opens up to new opportunities!

Hannah

Hannah, you have done so well in high school and you are going to a great University. At times, it will be very hard. Your professors will push you and you will cry, a lot. Right now, you think you want to be a psychologist but you will change your mind and become an accountant. Don't be scared because it is a different world. Study hard, this will be the ride of your life. Continue to strive to do great and go ahead and start volunteering in your community, they really need you. Hannah, you are a wonderful person and don't let anyone get in the way of your future. People will pressure you to drink and go to parties, but remember why you are at school in the first place. Go ahead and get ready for the stress of working two jobs to pay for school; you can do it. I am proud of you; if you could see today what you have become in 2011 you wouldn't believe it. You have grown so much, remember to always give God the praise for where he has brought you from. Keep up the good work!

Karen

I would tell my high school self to take a higher math and have more interest in more clubs. Also to get a job sooner.

Quenisha

My college experience has taught me life lessons that I could not have learned anywhere else. I have learned how to be independent and never need or want to rely on anyone but myself for my personal needs. I have also learned how to manage my time wisely and how to develop effective study skills. Although it has been quite the challenge, I survived my first year of college!

Brooke

College has definitely taught me how to mangae my time better. College has also taught me to be more of an adult and more responsible. College is not like high school where teachers hold your hand and make sure you turn in your assignments, in college you are on your own. Once in college you have to make your own decisions and do things for yourself. College is definitely a great experience and motivation for anyone who is wanting to both future your education and become an independent adult.

Jannaka

Family has been my moral support and backbone. My mama is my best friend; even though sometimes we could have been the worst of enemies. If I had a bad day and desperately needed to talk to someone, she was the first one there listening attentively and willing to give her advice. I was always her first priority, yet I never realized how much she did for me until I started college. My daddy will always be the man of my life. He has taught me so much. Daddy's lessons were always taught from a church?s perspective. He stressed the importance of having God present in my life, through the good times as well as the bad. His lessons have allowed me to set firm boundaries in college. Every decision I make is evaluated with the consequences in mind. Knowing when to hang with friends versus studying for a test the following day is a common dilemma I am faced with each week. And even though he is over 100 miles away, his words are close to my heart, guiding me in the right direction. Needless to say my family has helped set the foundation of my life.