University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

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

Kaylin

Going into college my first year I assumed it would be very similar to my high school experiences. Ironically, my high school teachers were right when they said college would be totaly different . I learned that just because I was living on my did not mean i was an adult or living independently; I still needed my parents help in descision making and important choices that will impact my future. I had to learn that living on my own not only meant that i had to be accountable to myself but also modivate myself to do well and keep my grades up. My first semester also taught me that i had time to consume myslef with activities that interested me and to be open to trying new things. USC has been very valuable and will keep helping me grow as an individual. I think that learning how to manage my time and experience life at USC will help me obtain the education i wish to have so that I will be able to pursue my goal of working in the medical field.

Dafina

Sydney J. Harris once said “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” I believe that throughout my college career I have read and studied many different subjects and topics, which have helped me develop my own opinion towards many things. By seeing things through others eyes I can better understand and communicate with them. I have taken classes in many different fields and I love learning. I feel that it makes me more whole as a person, and broadens my horizons. It’s really refreshing to sit in a class where everyone wants to be there, and understand that they need that class to fulfill their future dreams. I believe that my college experience has brought a new sense of responsibility to my life. It’s a step closer to the real world and I am getting very prepared for it.

Codi

I have grown immensely while in college. Sure, there are fun times but as many freshman and sophomores learn the hard way, you don't go to college to just have fun. I, for one, learned that the hard way. Eager to get out from beneath my parents wings I went blindly into college. Luckily, I did well and maintainted good grades, although I could not decide what I wanted to do with my life. After five majors, and five long years, I fell in love with photography. I would never have found this love had I not had the college experience that I did. There is a lot of wandering you do the first few years, not really knowing who you are. As you continue to grow, you begin to take on responsibilities and realize this is YOUR life and it's the ONLY one you are going to have. Once you reach that milestone, things begin to fall into place. I owe my career path to my college experience. I also know I am who I am today because of the many lessons and trials I went through as a college freshman, sophomore, junior, and finally a senior.

Elizabeth

College has been a time of great exploration for me. When I first started USC, I was a Pre-Med Biology major. I felt that being a doctor was the only way for me to affect positive social change. While the Biology courses were challenging and interesting, I felt compelled to reach out into other areas of academia as the university offers a myriad of majors and courses. I took courses on Mesoamerican history, HIV/STI prevention, environmental justice and social marketing. These courses opened my eyes to the great possibilities for contributing to society. USC also has a vast number of student organizations and, as a classmate and I have done, students are encouraged to create new organizations. As president, I have learned about my abilities as a leader and about caring for marginalized populations. Professors at USC also encourage students to explore different concepts and topics. Overall, USC has allowed me to develop a clear understanding of who I am and which career suits me best. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would with no hesitation.

caroline

I went to USC as an international student. My experience brougt me the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people and to study fascinating subjects.

Catherine

Initially, I dreaded recieving my education at an instate college. My heart was set on a change of scenery, and the University of South Carolina felt too close to my home in Charleston to provide that for me. Arriving at a university with over 4,000 students in the freshman class after graduating from a small arts high school where I was number 4 of 126 to walk across the stage on graduation night was intimidating. I was afraid that I would not make friends comparable to those I had found in high school, that my living quarters would fulfill all of the dingy dorm room horror stories I had heard up until that point, and that I would struggle to keep pace with the academic rigor of the Honors College at USC. I was mistaken on all accounts. The people who I have encountered during my first semester at the University of South Carolina are some of the kindest I have ever met. My accomodations in the brand new Honors Dorm are beautiful, and the professors who taught me daily strove equally as hard as I did to ensure that I achieved academic success at my new home.

Raven

So far throughout my college experience, I have learne how to dedicated myself completely to a task. At USC it is imperative that you work hard for everything you get, whether it is an on-campus job or a grade on a final exam. Once college began, you begin to realize things about yourself and about the world that you never realize you didn't know to begin with. For example, aside from learning how to dedicate myself, I learned you have to be determined before anything you want will begin to fall in to place. Specifically, the University of South Carolina has shown me how people from all different social classes and countries go through different routes to accomplish the same common goals: to first be admitted into the university; second, to succeed in maintaining an acceptable gpa; and third, to graduate and find a job. Though we all come from different backgrounds, once here, we all essentially work together to accomplish these three goals and to begin our lives in the adult world. USC has given me a valuable glympse as to what the real world actually is: all types of people working together for one goal, success.

Lauren

I have met many new people and already have formed lifelong friendships. College made me truly appreciate home and the morals my family raised me upon. College has taught me to balance my time while also networking with other in order to have a social experience as well as academic.

Tiana-Rae

Attending University of South Carolina has allowed me to grow in ways I had not been able to back home. I came from a small island. Moving to a huge college campus has allowed me my first taste of independence. It has allowed me to hope for, believe in, and pursue my dreams. I hope that I will be able to continue the rest of my college career at this university, because the people I've met, the experiences I've encountered, and the courses I have taken have allowed me to believe in myself. USC has given me the chance to flourish into the person I am going to be. It has presented me with the opportunity to express myself freely without fear of what my parents or the people back home might think. USC in a way has awarded me a freedom of sorts. I know that no matter what the experience that I've had here will have shaped who I will be for the rest of my life.

Dawn

Through my college experience I have learned that I am a creative, goal oriented, and hard working student. I have realized the importance pursueing an education nad a dream. I have also discovered that I enjoy the learning process immensely. I have proven to myself, at 46 years old, that it is never too late to pursue an education. Going to college has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Deidre

College has been a wonderful and valuable experience by giving me a broader look on life plus it has introduced me to people from all over the world and their cultures. It has opened my mind to think outside the box and that there is something more out there other than the tunnel you look through without a college education. I don't feel I would have learned about Darwin, Milton, Dante and the like if I had not went. It is a whole new world that can be hard or it could be easy, but it is so worth it.

Michaela

I have learned true team spirit at the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina, which brings the students very close creating many friendships. I have learned to adjust to a small town with a lot of community support , and being a city girl all of my life, I have learned to love farm animals, horseback riding,and all the wonderful things this small community has to offer. The whole college atmosphere is very kind friendly and respectful which I think is very University of South Carolina specific. It will benefit the International Business major student because it is number one, and in this jobless time, it will increase chances of getting a job. I have gotten International Business, study abroad, caring community, team spirit, and a brand new honors college dorm, what more could you want?

Christopher

Whether as a student or in my position as a Resident Mentor, my experiences at college have been memorable and invaluable. As a student, being forced to use untapped reaches of my mental power to overcome challenges I never would have thought possible, I have gained confidence in myself and my ablilities. I have learned my limits. And I have learned that they are not near as restrictive as I once thought. As a Resident Mentor, doing my best to enrich the college experience of my fellow students by offering assistance, advice, and my presence as a leader, I have learned to look beyond myself and towards others, especially those in need of a helping hand. It is especially as a peer leader, but even so as a student, that I grow exponentially each day in ways that I could not anywhere else. The ideas, skills, and relationships I have gained and built while I have been here are priceless and I cannot imagine getting them anywhere else.

Kelsey

The most important thing I've gained from my college experience is the drive to push myself to succeed. Although I had always been a straight A student, I nearly didn't go to college after high school. I realize now that had I continued without furthering my education, the impact on my life would be completely crippling. I nearly settled for a sub-par experience, and one in which I had little to no intellectual or personal growth. Since returning to school, I had rediscovered my love of learning, and the thrill I get from expanding my mind. I've also been reminded of my long term life goals, which would have been near impossible without the education I'm now receiving. I'm currently working on a degree in both English and Secondary Education. I hope to one day inspire students to grow, learn, and set high goals for themselves in the way my teachers and college professors have inspired me.

Cailin

Though my experiences in college are just beginning, I can already tell I am going to get a lot out of my education. The University of South Carolina has so much to offer, I would be a fool not to take advantage of these great opportunities. USC has over 300+ student organizations and countless internship and abroad opportunities. As long as I use the resources at hand, I will be successful in whatever I choose to do. After being in school for only five weeks, I have a good idea of what I want to do with my education. I am looking forward to spending the next four years of my life here and discovering even more of what the University of South Carolina can offer me.

Robbi

I can't really speak about USC, but I used to go to MICA in Baltimore. Its the top painting school in the nation and I am a painter so it was absolutely perfect. I guess just the opportunity to learn from some amazing artists is what I enjoyed most. It was such a learning experience. It changed my life forever.

Emily

My fall semester has not started yet, but I did take summer classes at Minnesota State University. It really helped me prepare for the upcoming school year. Because of this experience, I was able to manage my time better and found out a way of studying that was beneficial for me. I learned that whenever I don't understand some of my schoolwork, the professors will be available to help me out during their office hours. That helped me connect with my professors and showed them that I am eager to learn. These classes also brought me closer to my classmates because we would end up forming little study groups. The classmates then became my friends. Overall, not only did I learn a lot from my professors, but I also learned a lot about life in general.

Kevin

The college experience has allowed me to expand my worldview and explore my own opinions on the world with others who are both like-minded and completely different. I feel I've also been able to help others with my experience, which is something that I find rare in life; the individuals on campus are open to new ideas -- seeking out experience and knowledge. This is not to preclude the fact that I have also learned a lot from other students and faculty. Simply taking courses outside of my scope of knowledge or comfort zone has challenged me to "rewire my brain" in ways that allow me to successfully complete the course. I have yet to have one of these courses attempt to teach me anything I'd deem unworthy of retaining. The value of attendance transcends future monetary gains due to a degree; indeed, I have accumulated some debt via my attendance. I quit my job to attend full-time and have not once regretted it. The rewards of attendance are deeply personal in that I seek to better myself, and through that, better the quality of life for others. It's been paramount to increasing my self-worth.

Margaret

I've learned a great deal about the field I want to go into. I also gained a loyalty the University of South Carolina and identify as a gamecock.

Kaitlin

I went to a school six hours from home, and it forced me to be independent and to grow up and face my fears. During my time at USC I have made the best friends I've ever had, I've participated in more community service projects than you can shake a stick at, and I've actually joined (gasp!) a music sorority that has already opened doors for career opportunities. I was recruited by Off Off Broadway, a musical theater group, and was able to sing onstage for a musical! I was drafted to play in two operas and more orchestra concerts than I care to remember. Every Saturday I performed a marching band show in front of 83,000 screaming fans! Really, it's been the time of my life. My perspective on everything has changed dramatically, and that never would have happened if I hadn't gone to an out-of-state school. I am not the same person I used to be, and I never want to go back. I want to keep changing and growing and using the things I learned here to make a difference in the world.

Melissa

So far my experience has been great, now I just have to do well in my freshman year.

Janese

I have not started college yet. I will be a freshman this fall. However, I look forward to having a wonderful college experience. I know that it's going to take a lot of hard work and determination in order to succeed in college. It is valuable to attend college because it is a great necessity in order for me to progress in life and have a great career. I plan to have a successful career as a Pediatric/Labor Nurse, and I certainly won't be able to do that without attending college and getting my Nursing degree. College is an important part of starting my life, and I absolutley can not wait to start this August!

Patrice

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. As a freshman, I learned that procrastination is the worst enemy and everything should be done on time if you want to turn in good quality work. I also learned how to prioritize and balance academics, my social life, and athletic commitment. It has been very valuable for me to attend to college because I come from a small town and have been exposed to several new things. I am more outgoing and able to be myself without being judged. Lastly, I now know who I can trust and what to watch out for when I head out into the real workforce.

Joseph

College is one of the most important steps any young person can make in their lives. College is the first step towards freedom for young people and helps them figure out just who they are while also furthering their academic career. College is also a key step into making friendships that will last for the rest of my life. So far from my college experience I believe I have became more well rounded as an individual and a member of society. I have had to learn how to balance my finances and learn key time management skills to excel in my college career and future life after college. I also believe college has helped me with the ultimate quesiton any young teenager and adult is faced with, what do I really wish to do with the rest of my life after high school. College helps us discover who we are and how we plan to spend our lives one day when we finally become functioning members of our society. College based on my experience thus far is a key developmental step that any young teenager and adult should experience to better round themselves as an individual.

Keyanna

With me coming from a family that strongly believes in furthering your education after high school, I believe that I made a very smart decision with continuing my studies. This experience has already taught me many things about life in general, what to expect when I get out of college, the many career paths available for my major, and simply the do's and don'ts of life itself. Looking over our society today makes me realize that without a high school diploma and a college degree, there is no way you are going to make it without help from the government or a highly educated person from your family. My question to myself was "Why do this when you can have all of your accomplishments and earnings for yourself?" I wanted something to have to show my children that they are more than what they are exposed to in the streets and if they choose to be successful in life and do the right things, that everything else will then fall in place. I am a proud alumni of USC Columbia and I will continue to fulfill my dreams and goals and exceed way above my expectations!! Thank You!!

Christopher

My college experience thus far has opened up my eyes to the world around me. I have lived in South Carolina all my life and the day that I came to the University of South Carolina made me feel like I can make a difference in this world. I came here straight from high school eager to start my college education in engineering after the first semester I switched majors to marine science and I must say that I could never imagine doing anything else. I have finally found what I am passionate about, once I complete my degree I plan to travel the world to help regulate coastal resources. This field not only involves marine science but involves the bussiness side of it as well as making huge decisions that can change the worlds oceans as we know it. If I were to attend a technical college or university I would have never been exposed to such research; so to me this college is more than just an experience, it is the start of me begginning my own life. I feel as if I'm the best candidate for this scholarship because I'm a driven and independent individual.

Geoffrey

I came to college searching for a degree, a key to a more financially successful life. What I found astounded me. The degree is proof that I was here however what I have learned will live with me forever. I have seen the unbridled passion of a student who is truly involved with a project that has meaning. I have seen myself become engrossed with a scholastic project because it wasn't just for the grade, but for the experience. I learned that because my peers and professors helped develop the possible paths while I chose which to follow. In essence, I came for a degree and I will be leaving with an experience.

jeanette

I have already learned so much from the six weeks i have gone so far. I would li=ove to be able to continue going and getting bachelors in human relations.

Elizabeth

Out of my college experience I have learned what the "real world" actual means. I have become a much more responsible person, and more dedicated to my education. An education that not one human being can take away from me. From high school to college, it is a major transaction which involves so many emotions at once. Overall I would agree that it is the best experience ever for me so far. I have started to find myself and am still in search for what I desire from this experience. I strive to take advantage every minute of it. It has been valuable to me to attend because I am actually the first person in my family to attend a university. I hope to become successful one day but most of all desire to make my heroes proud which are God and my parents.

Michael

I've not only made a great group of new life long friends but I've also gained a lot of knowledge from my short time here. I've learned so much at South Carolina that I will take with me into my life later on. I bleed garnet and black and this university will always have a special place in my heart from now on. I've had the privledge of being a founding father of Beta Theta Pi, a University Ambassador, Captian of USC Water Polo team, as well as many other incredible experiences. This universtiy has given so much to me and has cherished me with so many memories that I will never forget. Thats what the University of South Carolina has done for me, and thats why I attend school here.

Eva

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far,is how to manage my time between my classes to do my work that is assigned from my instructor,and also how to study in between times when I have finished my homework assignment for the night or for the week it all depends on how much time is needed for the assignment or assingments for that day/night or week.

John

So far, my college experience has taught me to better myself and for my future family. College has made me become a better person to my family and friends. It has also increased my knowledge in computer technology and helped me on seeking a employeer in my career field. Between peers, professors, and staff members at my college, they all have been a great help to me for being proactive in my efforts of a better future. This is why college is so much of a value to me.

Kyndal

Before college my mom would always remind me to study for tests, or help me with projects. College has taught me how to be responsible and independent. I have learned how to balance my schedule and prioritize what it most important. Not only have I learned how to do many things on my own, but I have learned many new things in the classroom as well. I love learning and the valuable lessons and knowledge that I have learned in college will someday help me succeed in not only my future career but life in general.

Caroline

My college experience has yet to begin. I have learned numerous things about myself during the application process, though. I am dedicated, I am deterimed, and I have my number two pencils. I am ready for college.

Michael

College is fun, and also difficult. Even going through an Associate's in Arts in a Community College, the array of work mixed with the work of the class and work within the workforce is hard to manage. In the years that I've been going to college, time management is a key perspective that I wish I would've mastered or at least excelled in before the start of my college career. First, time would have been saved for me. I'm currently in my third-year for my Associates Degree. If I had learned more about time management , I believe it would've been easier and less stressful to finish with it. Secondly, Time management includes plans after college. Once the years go on, it becomes easier and easier (and maybe faster) to get a degree. After this year, with the knowledge of time consumption, I may be able to complete a minor in Japanese in less than three years. In conclusion, time management helps in saving time and also time consumption in the long run.

Whitney

The hardest, yet most rewarding part of college has been leaving the comfort of my home and putting myself in a brand new environment. I have met more people than I ever have in such a small amount of time, and each person I meet is completely different than the last. I love the diversity of college life and it has helped me grow into a more independent person. This is especially important to me because I was raised in a small southern town where everyone is similar in interests and personality. It is great to have new friends that make me want to go out and try new things. In four months I will be traveling to Hong Kong and I will be studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong for 14 months. This is a very ambitious study abroad plan and I can't be certain that I would still be going to China if I had not lived away from home for the past 5 months. The independence I have attained these past few months has given me the confidence I need to pursue my goals and aspirations.

Cayla

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a lot of things I would tell that person. I would tell her to spend a little more time studying and practicing her instrument than surfing Facebook and looking up the latest gossip on all the stars. I would tell her to be more outgoing when it comes to talking to new people at the All-District band event, instead of just sitting with all of her friends from her school the whole time. I would tell her to be more patient with her mom, because she's having a really hard time coming to terms with the fact that her daughter is leaving this August for a school that's four hours away. But most of all, actually, I think I would tell her to have a little more fun. Yes, studying to get a perfect score on the SATs is important, practicing her pieces that she's going to perform for admission into the School of Music is vital; but, so is spending as much time as possible with family and friends before starting the next phase of the journey called life.

cara

Donot panic. Things will selttle down. Expect large classrooms. Do not wait til the last minute to buy a laptop. Have the programs on your computer before classes start. Do not second guess yourself. Roommates are only temporary! Walk around campus and learn where your classes are before they start. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to class. Get involved. Do not rush. Girls are just as inmature in college as high school. Take good notes and remember this is not high school anymore.

Nikita

When you pick a major, don't just think about the short-term effects. Think long-term: will this create a stable future for myself? Will it be stable financially? Pick something you'll not only enjoy, but also reap benefits from. Be those benefits personal, professional, financial -- make sure you build yourself a strong foundation. Expose yourself to things you would never try normally. Take classes outside your major; you may find yourself wanting to get a degree in something different. Don't always go for the safe choice. It takes small risks to make big changes. Be careful who you choose to make friends with in college - they'll end up being your best friends forever! Build your professional network, even if the person you meet isn't relevent to your choice of career (you never know when they can help you!). There are people in college who are smarter, funnier, more experienced, etc. than you. Learn from them ... they'll inadvertantly be your best asset! Most of all, take advantage of being in college. Never lose sight of yourself and always, always have as much fun as you can, because it'll go by quick.

James

I would tell myself "Parker, now thats its time to go out into the real world there are some things you should know. College, no matter how exciting it may sound right now is a place where complacent corperate suburbanite zombies are bred. Stay true to your ideals, and dont be swayed by the pressures and temptations of those around you."

Amanda

Dear Senior Amanda, I'm just here to add a few things to your list before you head off to college in the fall. You need to really start appreciating two things: mom and dad and home cooking. Mom and dad are not going to be there to help you build your resume up or to clean up after you. I know you appreciate them already, but this is just a double reminder. And home cooking.... I cannot express to you how much you're going to miss mom's chicken and biscuits. Home cooking becomes somewhat of a delicacy in college. Homemade baked goods that people bring back to school after breaks are precious and envied by all. But if anything, I want to reassure you that your hard work in high school will pay off. The fact that you already taught your self and practiced good study skills is going to make your college classes manageable and will let you have fun in them too because of it. And as a side note, don't get involved with anyone over the summer because there are lots of cute boys at college too! ~Good luck!

Jennifer

Girl, get your head on straight! You've been a straight-A student since first grade, and now is NOT the time to start messing up. I know how easy it is to get caught up in all of the parties and skipping classes and sleeping in, but you know thats not you and you're better than that. Finish what you started at the end of sophmore year. Just get your applications in, apply for your scholarships, and make that college money. I've always been the one to get homework and papers done early for classes, jus because I knew it would benefit me in the future. I've always thought ahead, thinking, "If I get this done now, I'll have more time to do math homework next week.". Or something along those lines, so it's not so much the academic advice I would give myself, as the actual experience advice. I'd tell myself to envision what I want, and just go for it. Don't follow the 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of freshmen who fail out of classes because they're wrapped up in the experience. Know what you want and BE STRONG. You'll be okay.

samantha

I'd encourage myself to be more socially outgoing. As a freshman, I was more timid in social situations, and I feel like I missed out on part of the college experience because of this; only recently have I realized benefits of being more involved. As I've made friends and become involved in Nihon Club, the Japanese student organization, I learned to put myself out there, to the point where I've been an officer of Nihon Club for three years, even serving as president for the past year. I'd also advise myself to be more financially aware. While I've held a steady job since freshman year, and have spent cautiously, I recently went on short trips to Japan and England and replaced my broken laptop--fulfilling, but expensive. I wish I had investigated scholarships in addition to those the state and university awarded me. Next year--my fifth and final--my current scholarships will expire after their four-year limit. Because I don't earn enough to cover school-related costs and have a brother also in college, my family and I are left with few options besides loans in addition to those I already have.

Emily

The main piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior about making the transition to college would be that everything they taught you in school up until now was pretty much useless. Now this may seem harsh but when I sit in my classes surrounded by 300 other students while the professor talks at an unimaginable speed, writing every couple words I can actually understand, I think to myself, "THEY NEVER PREPARED ME FOR THIS IN HIGH SCHOOL!" There are no bathroom passes or make up work assignments, no "teacher workdays", or lunch times. Every time a teacher in high school says, "Now this is how the professors teach in college" is wrong. College is tough, but with quickly learned diligence and the strive for keeping your eye on the prize, YOU CAN SUCCEED! I believe that college is something that no one can really prepare you for because everyone's college experience is different. If you work hard, be yourself, strive for success, and wake up everyday saying, "I will conquer today, today will not conquer me", then you will succeed and you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Nicole

I would tell myself to never give up. The college life is worth it and it will change your entire outlook on life. I would let myself know about all the amazing people I have met in collge and that I should always leave time for some fun. I would tell myself to allow people to see and understand my scars, because while some people in your life will turn their backs on you when you need them the most, there are people out there who will love you and your scars. And, that while moving away from all the people you have known will be the hardest decision of your life, it will help turn you into a stronger and smarter person.

Stefanie

I would tell myself to get my time management skills down, so that it wont be a major problem once you get to college. When you think about how many hours a week you go to school in college compared to high school its much less but at the same time its way more distractions and if you dont know how to wisely manage your time then you will never succeed in college.

Akil

i would tell my self not to ge too comfortable with being lazy and do more work than is required to graduate

Peyton

College is going to be amazingly wonderful with endless opportunities, so go ahead, go crazy, and do as many new things as you possibly can. Transitioning between high school and college is one of the most exciting, frightening, and character building shifts of your life. Enter with no expectations as well as an open mind, because college is nothing and everything you imagine it will be. Make use of all the resources and opportunities the college has to offer whether it is clubs, student government, internships, and the newspaper it does not matter just get involved. Meet as many new and interesting people each day you can, because you never know who could make an impact in your life. Study hard and do not let your grades slip or else we both know Daddy will bring us back home very quickly. As far as class goes get up, dress up, and show up prepared. The professors want you to do well but good grades depend on doing your part. Also, participate in class so your professors know you by name. Live it up in these years you will make memories that last a lifetime. And do not forget to SUCEED.

Danielle

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, the main thing that I would emphasize is the importance of staying focused. As an undergraduate, there were many distractions and, although I was fairly successful in avoiding these, there were many times where I lost sight of the true reason I was in school. Education, preparation, and experience are the main focal points I would discuss with my high school self. In addition to this, I would also encourage myself to explore other classes and areas of interest. I think that when I was in school, I was always under the impression that I would study art or learn another language at another point in my life. I now wish that I had taken the opportunity to do this in school because once I entered the difficulties of every day grown-up life, I realized how difficult it is to complete all the things I once dreamed I would.

Derek

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I should have studied more to get prepared for college instead of taking the easy way and procrastinate on every essay or homework assignment. I applied for colleges, but my ACT score was miserable. My work ethic should have been better. I am not the study, hit the books hard, type person. Even though playing sports and doing school functions, I wish my GPA was higher than I expected. Even though it was a 2.8 GPA, thats average for me. That's telling me that I took the easy way out and I should have done better. Thats why I want to concentrate more on my studies when I am in college getting my physical education degree. I am excited to get my foot in the door and ready to get my life started on the right track.