Valencia College Top Questions

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

Rubie

Assuming I went back in time as a high school senior. My advice to myself would be to have better grades and to concentrate more in school. Then I would keep in constant communication with my school councelor to seek all available scholarship. Being that I come from a broken home (divorce parent), I would do my best to help both my parent get me through college with out it being a financial burden to them with scholarships. What hurts the most is knowning that my father would want to emancipate me because he feels he's not responsible for my education. If I would have known my perdicament for my furture then I would've work even hard at school to have made better choices for my future education. Now I'm letting my younger siblings know the importance of school to get scholarship for their future.

sohail

Read. Read as much as you can. It will help you in your SAT, ACT and FCAT but also it will help you at the college level. Now many schools allow high school seniors to take vocational school and college level credits while they are in high school. Please use this opportunity and take these classes you will thank yourself in the future, in addition, you will have many resources to pay for it. Most of the time you do not have to pay a penny for tuitions while you are taking these extra classes.

Phat

Many will said they gained multiple experiences from college, they might make it all fancy or even exaggerated. But what i have gotten out of college is quite simpe. I realized that everyone have the potential to pursuit a college education and to advance themselve regardless of age, backgroud,gender, etc. During high school, all my classmates are all of the same age but since I have started college my classmate come from a variety of ages and location. From this simple mixture of classmate I have came to aware that anyone could pursuit an education if that want to. This made me value the determination of everyone that going to school to achieve an education regardless of their age, ethnicity, and social condition. I have came in contact with numerous people traveling internationally for their education and even grandparent returning to school and expand their knowlege. I have came to value and respect these people for going to college againt any odds.

Michael

Nothing so far. I went to a major university, got a job and it never went anywhere for me. The recession hit and I got laid off just like everyone else. Its sad when a degree is supposed to mean something. I often wonder how bad it is for the people who never made it out of college or never had a degree. How did they become managers? What is wrong with this world?

Kenny

I have learned many lessons during college life that would be useful in the rest of my life and the development of my future.

Brooke

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the awareness that I am surrounded by peers who are as driven and dedicated as I am. I want to share knowledge, thoughts and ideas with people who, like me, want to go above and beyond in everything they do. While I do possess concrete skills, namely acute time management, I do not seek solely to improve upon myself. I want to share my abilities and thoughts about the world with the people I meet, and have them share with me in return. Ideally, this creates a community of people who wish not only to learn from their professors but to learn from one another, such that they can make each others’ lives better. This is my definition of the college experience, and so far this is what I have achieved. Why stop here? Why not keep going so that other people can have the same opportunities that I did? This is the goal that I have set for myself-by the time I leave college, I hope to retain this trend of honor and support that I have started, and to give the same to others.

Jairo

for me to go to college, it has meant that i have work. i have realize that to get a better life, i need a education. i might not be the smartest student, but everything i do, i try to do it my best. i learn this from my family, and the Army. college have open my eyes to a world of possibilities, and not just working on a warehouse, or factury.

Samantha

I really cant say nothing wrong about the school yet because i really havent been in any classes to experience anything.

Leticia

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about college I would. I would tell myself to be more wiser and to save money for college tuition since it's so expensive. I would also study more for the CPT since I didn't do so well on it. Also I would of attended the summer term as soon as I graduated and I would of had my A.A already. I could of been in the nirsing program already. As for my academics I would do everything the same because I'm doing so well in college. I just wasted time and money in college prep courses.

kasandra

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself on many things. One thing that I would say, would be to do duel enrollment. Duel enrollment would have not only given me the opportunity to take college credit classes for free, but also would have gotten me used to being in college and knowing what is expected once I entered. Another thing I would say to the "senior me" would be to do as many scholarships as possible. Costs of books and attendance gets pretty rough and I'm sure my parents would have appreciated it more if I had gotten an outside source of income to pay for it, like a job, or entered scholarships in the hopes that any money could help.

Eunice

I am so excited about my future; my goal is to become one of the best employers, creating businesses that will put folks back to work. Not just one type of business but several companies to fill needs of our communities. My first business will be in creating a Childcare University for infants and pre-school age children, next some that would be in create community entrepreneur programs, full service relocation business, and international export in business, the list is long and opens to all kinds of possibilities. Just to have the opportunity to have options is quite wonderful and I eager to pursue and use all the knowledge that I have gained in school as well as the internships that have allowed me to learn by experiences in the real world of business.

David

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would share a few key concepts to college success. First, I would impress upon my younger self to search for a college that I would desire to attend even if it's slightly more than I could afford (not a lot more). I would encourage myself not to take out student loans but to hunt vigorously for scholarships and score high on the SAT (never did well on the ACT). Second, try to stay at home for the first two years, attend a community college, and then transfer to the university of my choice. Hopefully, during that time, I will have acquired enough funds from scholarships, had a summer job, and saved money to live comfortably while finishing up my last two years. Last, but not least, I would insist that my more naive self should not meander or spend time frivolously. This is one of the most crucial times of my life, a time that requires great self-control and sacrifice to start my future on the right course. I must be steady and unfaltering while constantly seeking council from those deserving my respect.

Anthony

The advice I would give myself would be to maintain or raise my GPA. Involve myself in school events and do community service based on my major to gain experience.

Nancy

If i were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say that studying hard is the key to success. If I'm having difficulty in a class then I would ask for help from my classmates and professors or go to the tutoring center. I would plan and write down important dates and deadlines in my planner so I wouldn't miss out in anything. Keeping myself up to date on my general status is also important, such as having any holds on my financial record or filling out my FAFSA. Applying for other scholarships is a highly financial benefit and helps you pay for your career as you go along. Getting involved with the school is recommended because you can update yourself on upcoming events which may benefit you in various ways.

Aimee

Time to grown up and straighten up. You have no idea of the importance of an education. High school was child?s play. College is the real world. It is the foundation for your future. It is how you will get what you want in life, and what you go to school for is your life. Living off of small dreams or settling for less without an education is unrealistic, unpretentious and unambitious. Your presence will not shine in the world nor will you change it for the better. Why be at the bottom where most people exist, when there is plenty of room at the top? Why settle for less when you can have it all? I know things went down hill since 11th grade, but there is nothing and no one to blame but yourself. Pick yourself up so that you won?t wish you could go back in time, because you can?t. You can?t rely on others to get you through life. Have pride in your amazing abilities and independence. You can only get what you want if you work hard and be true to yourself. It?ll be alright. I believe in you.

Alexis

Do you best.

gabrielle

My advice to my self would be to change my time management ways while i was in high school. During high school I was all about sports and activities and my friends and now that I am in college I tend to have trouble balancing fun from work and also procrastination because of my bad habits from high school. My friends from highschool and the sports I use to participate in are no longer really apart of me now so I wish I wouldnt of made them a big priority back then because it affects me now.

Hector

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, it would be complicated. It's only been 4 years. I published my first book after graduation and I started work for one of the biggest video game franchises in the world (Electronic Arts) a year after graduation. I've been pretty adamant about life and decision making since that year, so I've been doing a lot that I am very proud of. I can't remember any lottery numbers from that time, so that's out of the question. So I suppose the only thing I could do is to actually give real advice. Advice from the future; advice from MY future. It is then when faced with myself, if the very fabric of the universe does not get ripped to oblivion for defying the laws of matter, that I would tell myself only three words. "Do not hesitate."

Deondre

There are many beginnings to life and college is a great opening. I would start off with that and then go into detail on paying attention is vital in class. Many instructors dont have time for just you they have a whole class to teach to and note taking plays an important role. Going back and telling myself this is important because not only was it a shock to me now. If i could change that i would deffinately use these helpful tips and when i get to the point i am at now i will be even more successfull.

Normile

If i can go back into time i would tell myself to be ready for college because it is no joke. there is a big transition from high school to college. I would have to study alot becuase most classes based their class on exams. It would be a good idea to take what teachers have to say about college because it is true. I woud tell myself toget prepared of long classes becuase some classes can be from and hour to almost three hours and some classes move fast. I would have to get myself ready to walk fast because the campus is alot bigger then high school and some classes would tart like 10 or 15 minutes after my first class.

Lia

Know that your potential far exceeds endurance; never underestimate the power of a dream and never give up when there is an obstacle in the road. All men get stuck at an obstacle, but when you WORK HARD, endurance increases, and you'll be surprised where you can go after you have won. DREAM BIG, big dreamers accomplish big things. AMBITION is where your dream is born; without ambition you lack the focus to ATTEND TO YOUR ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES. Remember that your professors and collegues will be your best friends, but if you BALANCE YOUR TIME in a social setting as a young scholar you will watch your educational progress soar. Now that you have ambition, your MOTIVATION MUST MATCH YOUR AMBITION. Any man can dream, but he will never achieve it unless he has to motivation to do so. Once you have the ambition and motivation to reach your dream, you must be DEDICATED to it, meaning you are applying a steady and consistent effort to be successful in your college career. Your life is beginning, but success is infinate. Sucess= Achievement + Recognition + Upgrading.

Dakota

If I could go back in high school and offer advice to myself, I would say that it?s not as easy as you think it?s going to be. You?re doing great, continue to do so. Keep your grades up. Work hard, college is expensive! Listen to Dad and look for scholarships. You?ve been waiting for this your whole life, and now you finally did it, you?re graduating! College is fun, but it?s not an easy road to get there. As much as you?re annoyed by Mom and Dad constantly staying on you about your grades, you?ll appreciate it, I promise, those good grades are going to matter to you. Don?t take it too lightly, but don?t stress yourself out. Take time to enjoy your senior year, but don?t slack off. You?re going to go places and you?re going to do well if you continue to work hard. Do what you need to do, don?t put it off. You?ll be just fine, I promise. By the way, you never thought you'd see yourself wearing orange, but guess what...Go Pokes!!

Shadell

Study Study Study is the key phrase that I would tell not only tell myself but other seniors as well becasue studying in high school is nothing like college becasue in high school you were able to blow off studing but in college you won't be able to do that becasue some nights you will have to stay home and not club or run the streets with your freinds just to study and it may sound like it's boring and a waste of your time but when making that transititon to college most of your nights are spent studing just so you can become the next scientist or even something more small and changing like a world peace speaker. Thank You Shadell Clayton

Jamesy

I would advice myself to get more involved in the activities offered by the school, try to join clubs that pertain to my fields of interest or enhance my transcripts. Begin to participate on plays or join a sport, since these activities create a wider sense of appeal to scholarships, and Universities. Take summer classes in order to advance my high school education, and open the doors for Dual Enrollment possibilities. Begin my community service early and not let it all gather for college. Sit down more often with my counselors and get more information on the different college?s option, and their available degrees. Finally, I would get some letters of recommendations from my teachers for my resume, transcripts, or school applications.

nigel

High school is where "Joking Around" was buried. College is where you decide whats right, and that is graduating with bachelors or higher.

Luis

I would tell myself that college is not that scary and that i shouldn't be scared.

Tiffany

?Class we have a quiz tomorrow,? the teacher would say. ?Make sure you study.? After hearing that, some of my classmates would jot down a note in their planners, while others would write it on their hands. I personally would write it in my memory. When I would get home, I would do everything but study. I surfed the internet, ate a snack, took a nap and so on. Right before bed time I would study ten minutes then convince myself that the allotted time was sufficient to pass. If I could go back in time to my senior year, I would tell myself: Tiffany, you need to read the chapters in their entirety. I know it?s something that you rarely if ever do, but you would be wise to start. Also, you know those test dates that you call yourself remembering, well, you?re going to mix those up. You?ll study for an English exam but neglect Math whose test is tomorrow. Next time try writing the dates down. However, with less procrastination you can be an exceptional student. Remember, procrastination is the thief of time!

Dustin

If given the opportunity to go back and talk with myself during my senior year in high school, I would give myself numerous pointers such as studying frequently and self-discipline. However, the most valued advice I would give myself would be to stride harder to be admitted into a four-year college university. At the time, I was aware of the convenient location and cheap tuition Valencia Community College had to offer. Therefore I became less motivated throughout the rest of my high school career. In addition, my parents couldn't afford for me to go off to a four-year college, with all of the expenses such as tuition, room and board, food plans, books, and other fees. Little did I know, there are millions of scholarships like so that are put in place for students like me to be able to go off to college and experience a once in a lifetime event that many people would never be able to so much as think about. With that said, I am now in my second semester of college, and I am striding to transfer into a four-year college this coming fall.

Alicia

I would tell myself to stay positive and do my best. I think a lot of college seniors think that their hard work will not pay off but it honestly does. Take part in as many school functions as you can because this last year of high school does go by fairly quickly. College isn't as tough as it seems, it is really just a continuation of your schooling. Be ready to do college level work. And cutting class is not a good option because it really hinders you.

Brion

If I went back in time to talk to myself, we will have to have a serious conversation. I would first of all tell myself to not worry about so many other people. I say that because I was always helping and not getting it. I fell short at times with my work and school, so I was really busy. When it came down to me graduating I didn't have all my credits, but that didn't stop me I went to get my GED. There will also be a conversation on leaving the guys alone and focusing on getting my education. Because I didn't do that I am a single mother now but I am so determined to finish my education. I know now that education is very important and if I would have followed that education is first rule I would have been finish by now. I also would tell myself to get more involved into church because that is what has changed me and my look at things so much. God is so good and nothing is possible without him. I would also tell myself to get involved in the community, it is important.

Loudy

If I were able to talk to myself back when I was a high school senior, I would focus mainly on scholarships and financial aid. I knew what they were but didn't know there were so many oppurtunities and that it would be useful in my education. Recently, my country of Haiti had undergone a mass earthquake that has destructed most of the country including my family's homes and businesses. Even though my parents are here in the states with me, they still are the ones that have to support the rest of my family back home with financial support. Perhaps if I would have applied for scholarships and took them seriously I would have not been as worried about how am I going to pay for tuition, books currently and housing next year when I transfer. Another thing I would talk about is time management and organization because it is crucial to your success . Not only knowledge is the main format to be successful in college but organization and being able to balance them as well is a key part to a ny college students college education.

Shannon

The best advice I could give myself is to first of all, enjoy college. It's a brand new experience, so don't be afraid to try new things. The second, don't let the little things bother you. If a mistake happens, learn from it and move on, don't dwell on it. That's just wasted time and energy. This is a chance to meet new people, get involved with different clubs, and try something new. You're just starting out, so you're bound to make some mistakes, but those mistakes make us who we are. And last but not least, have fun, enjoy it, but keep your goals the main focus.

Haley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there is so much advice I would give to myself. I really messed up after high school, and if I could go back and start all over again I would. I would tell myself not to give up at the beginning. I would let myself know that it is going to be hard, but in the end it will pay off ten fold! Another thing I would let myself know is that if I do not take advantage of all the opportunities I have now, such as financial aid, scholarships, and student loans, that a few years down the road I will regret it. Lastly, I would tell myself to work hard, attend class, and always study for my tests. Because, in the end, all the hard work shows!

Holly

If I could go back in time, I would have paid more attention in school, starting with my freshmen year. As a freshmen in high school, no one really tells you the importance of taking ap classes and studying. I probably would have not done as many extracurricular activities so that I could focus on what really mattered. I would tell myself to ask for help when I need it and to realize the fragility of keeping up my gpa. I would also tell myself to not care what anyone thinks of me because it's your independance that will take you places. Last but not least, I'd tell myself to never give in and that there's really nothing that I can't do regardless, if no one else has faith in me. Most importantly, I would stress the importance of applying for colleges on time and starting applications early, knowing that this, can be the most stressful part.

Hab1ib

After getting through my sophomore year of high school. I will sit everyday and study the SAT book back and forth to make sure I knew how to answer each question in proper and timely manner and to achieve the highest score possible. Also having the ability to make new changes to my study habit of not staying up all night the day before the test trying to scramble text into my brain preparing for my exam the next day. Learning great experience in how much time I had waisted surfing the internet pretending to my parents I was doing work while only being on there to chat and being on myspace and etc. All that changed my study habit and waisted my time and I will not only focus mainly on deleting all those non-important and waistful sites out of my attention, but focus mainly on my family, work, and create a schedule that best fit all my needs in timely manner and finish all school work on time. I would also learn to read and study my notes and text each day to be prepare for the test ahead of time and have straight A's.

Ana

I am currently a Highschool Student Doing Dual Enrollment, so I would prctically tell my self to do what I am currently doing. First, to always apply my self on evrything I do, because later in life I wont want to have any regrets. Second, to keep looking for scholarships because I will not let money be the factor that keeps me from getting a higher education. Lastly, to not get discourged by any failures because in the end I have to get through it, the difference is if I learn from it or I let it affect me and bring me down.

khang

I would tell myself to pay more attention to my studies, spend more time for studying instead of having fun, because college is very fast paced and if you do not have a strong base, you will likely drown. I wish I had known more about college back in high school so I could be better prepared.

Rebecca

I would tell myself not to be so shy. That there is a lot to get involved with on campus and that I should make the most of it. When you are working full time and trying to go to school as well, school activities kind of get lost in the shuffle. It's important to be involved on campus and to make time to volunteer, you meet some of the best people you could ever imagine and you get to know your professors on a more personal note. The better you get to know your professors outside of class the more you actually learn and are able to take away from the class. It's a really amazing experience.

DaShanta

I would tell nmyself stay focused!!! I messed up my college time due to one whole semester of mess ups!! Focus!!!!!

Joshua

If I could go back in time and talk to myselft as a high school senior knowing what I know now about the college life, the advice that i would give to myself would be find better ways to study and find better ways to manage your time . I would tell myself to practice being open to others because you never know when friends won't be there anymore. That's what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

Jeannette

My biggest advice would have been to enjoy high school more , join my activities and clubs and take both biology and chemistry because it covers biology in college.

Kristen

Keep with it, Kristen. You have worked hard and long for this opportunity. If you don?t stick with it you will be disappointed in yourself for not going to college, also do what you want to do in the career decision. It?s your life, you control it. Get to it don?t make any decisions you will regret. Don?t quit and work and think you will be happy because you will just end up disappointed. Go to school that?s the only way you will truly be happy for the beginning of your adult life. Kristen you love school, that?s why you want to become a teacher, because you love everything school has done for you. You belong in school its where you fit most.

tonya

I would tell myself to practice typing more using the computer. enter into SGA or other ype of club and played sports to get noticed at games for scholarships.

Melanie

I would have choosen nursing as my career. I would have not dated while in school and I would have followed my instincts.

shakiyla

Dear shakiyla, Its finally that time in your life where you are now going to face the real world and the adult stages of life. Yes college is filled with fun thrills and new adventures in life with out your parents holding your hand in everything you do but college is also about facing new challenges, obstacles, and struggles to help you grow up in life and take on the responsibilities and priorities that will help you succeed in college and in life's everyday amenities. College is all about sacrifices that you have to make and deciding what's right and what is most important to have a fulfilled life and career. It is very important that you save and invest in your money well and do your very best in school because even though its rough being a high school student, the reward of doing well in school will get you far in life. Being a christian you also know that having faith in God and believing and praying through any circumstance, God will supply you with the finances you and your parents will need. Have faith, trust in yourself and trust in God and you will overcome.

Bianca

It is the best thing ever. It's a whole different vibe that you do not recieve in high school. My favorite part of it all is the freedom I have. Although it may be a tad bit more difficult when it comes to taking courses, all that needs to be done is study. There will also be no one there to make sure I go to class, and no one to blame but myself. In a way, I kind of feel alone, but yet ahead of most of my peers. Also, I would suggest not to follow my friends to schools they want to go to. I need to do what I want for my life, and what is best for me. No one will have influence over my education like the way it was in high school. There is also no room for adolescent foolishness when it comes to college. I shall save my play time until I have my highest degree with my high paying job. So until this time comes, there's nothing to do in my free time but study.

Susanne

Hi Susanne, You might be weirded out by this since time travel is a sort of novel idea, but I have some advice. Knowing that next year you are out of highschool and into the college life, I think you need to focus a little more and take more dual enrollment courses. These classes will save you time as you're trying to pursue the tedious major of chemistry for pre-pharmacy. The more you take now, the lower your cost, and shorter your time in the long run. Also, you really need to understand what quality studying is. I don't care if you spend sixty hours doing this, studying while listening to The Beatles on your bed generally isn't a good idea. How about sitting up at a desk? Oh, I know you haven't really been into excersizing too much but it's REALLY important you do this regularly while in college. If you don't you're going to get really stressed out, and weaken your immune system. In other words, bomb a really big trigonometry exam; no bueno. One last thing, have fun. If not, you'll run yourself down. Good Luck! -Future Self.

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself that there is so much the staff are willing to do to help you. If they don't know the answer to the question you are looking for then they will do the best to their ability to help you by pointing you to the right dirrection. I would also tell myself to keep an eye for those deadlines because a lot of your financial aid and the classes you are able to choose depend a lot on the deadlines so try to meet them.

Michael

I would tell myseld that even when I thought I wouldnt make it to think the opposite. That it is always a good idea to have a good attitude about the future because that is what we work for. I would tell myself to never give up and to always strive for the best even when things are looking gloomy. Also, I would have told myself to join more clubs and to interact with more students to be more socialable. As college is a huge social complex and it something that you wont learn in a classroom.

Shira

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student I would have advised myself to get involved in more programs or school activities. I would have advised myself to find out the various scholarships that were offered to high school students. I realized the college is very expensive, therefore being a student without wealth there is no way I can afford it. Being a student in high school being rasied by a single mother who struggled to raise me and my sisters I should have took it uopn myself to find out the things given to high school students to ease the worry on myself and mother.