Valencia College Top Questions

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

JENNA

I have always loved school, but when I graduated highschool, I wasn't ready to enter the "world of College." For a good two years, I slacked around with school, taking one class here and one class there and not really caring about it at all, or all the money I was wasting. Finally I got my act together and busted my chops to get an A.A degree in two semesters! If I could go back to 2006, I would tell myself just to go into school and just get it done, because you don't realize how much time you can waste. I could have been graduated by now from a 4 year university and starting my career. Also, I would tell myself to just take it slow in college and enjoy myself. Get involved with campus activities, go to a football game and just enjoy life. If you miss out on your college experience as a young adult, you can never get that back.

Danielle

It is ironic to think that if I could have known what I know now four years ago maybe I would have done things a little differently to prepare for college, which should be also thought of as the beginning of the rest of your life. As a senior in high school, I seemed to have my mind on everything else except college, not that I did not plan to go to college but I was afraid of rejection and failure so I played it safe. If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, I think it would be to have more confidence in myself. I had the good grades, I took the right classes, and I even had good SAT scores but I was so afraid of failing that I settled. Therefore, if I could go back I think my exact words of advice I would tell myself would be, ?Danielle you have so much talent you should give yourself some more credit and always go for the gold because the only person that is stopping you from succeeding in college or in life is yourself.?

Amelia

If i could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior i would tell myself that work is the key to success and that slacking off gets you know where. It is important to cherish the free education that you get in high school because its not easy to pay for. When you have the chance get with people for study groups and make friends. But most importantly enjoy yourself, because you know what they say college can be the best years of your life.

Leighann

Make times for your studies. It is very easy to put less important things in front of what you are trying to accomplish (hanging out with friends, being concerned with boyfriend issues) but they are all unimportant when it comes to your goals. In the end when you try to go out in the corporate world, you will need he skills and information learned in school to make it. Make school a PRIORITY and do not let it take a backseat to less important things.

Jessica

"Those big dreams you have? College can get you there." As a high school senior I had big plans and no will. I thought college would burden me with debt, take way too long and I'd have to figure this whole campus out on my own. I got lost in the work world and after spending quite some time trying to find my footing I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate where I was going. College became the answer and within a short time I had enrolled at VCC. I'm still in my first year but I have made great leaps toward my once faraway dreams. My instructors and advisors have been there every step of the way to make sure that I don't take an unecessary class and suggest options when the financial gravity of school becomes too heavy. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to focus on my dreams - to keep those in sight and use college as a rope to pull myself closer. I would tell myself that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

Natalie

Funny... this is something I often ponder about, actually I wish it could happen. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would be hard on myself. Basically, I would say this..."Natalie, apply for as many scholarships as possible right NOW. Don't you dare wait till the last minute because honey you'll regret it. Yeah I know mom and dad never talked to you about these things, well so what. Thats no escuse, you have counselors and teachers at the school that can assist you. All you have to do is ask questions. And Nat, make sure you do everything on time. Your FASFA and, college applications. Don't procrastinate, and plan ahead. These things are very improtant." Too bad I can't go back in time. I didn't plan ahead, I did procrastinate, I didn't ask questions till it was too late. Well im dealing with my mistakes that i've made, and im certainly learning from them. But if only, if only I could go back in time.

Cassandra

If I had the opportunity to turn back the hands of time, I would advise myself to take life by the horns! Life is meant to be explored and experienced. I would tell myself that adversity, whether in school or in life, is the best and most effective teacher; That trials will only make you stronger if you allow them to and wisdom is gained through struggle and life lessons. I can remember as a high school senior feeling prepared for college. I attended several different college preparation programs and classes and was very excited about higher education. I had my whole life planned out along with my desired undergrad majors, my career, and my route to success. Once I ventured off into college, I quickly began to learn that what I truly wanted and needed was a mystery to be found. I found myself being challenged in academics and life circumstances. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to embrace the mystery of life and to be open to learning as much as I can about myself and others so that I may find the right path to take.

katherine

If I could back in time, I would convince myself to look into more career fields rather than limiting myself . Another suggestion would be look for ways to save money in books rather than finding out about it when I have already used up the money. College is not easy, so I would tell myself to be more independent and start saving money early, because the scholarship that I will get later on will not cover a lot of college expenses. Be wise with your money! Also, to use all of my school's resources to find scholarships and get references from my favorite high school teachers to use for scholarships in the future. Save it, because many college scholaships require to have references and being a college freshman, professors won't know you like a high school teachers. Another good idea would be to have a campus map, so you will adapt on how to find classes and know where to go when you have a question. Last, but not least, relax and don't freak out, because you are not the only one who is starting college and everyone will have the jitters.

Christopher

Knowing what i know now about college life and making the transiton, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself would be to get prepared early. I would tell myself to apply for schools I want to go to early enough, to get an accpetance letter, and then have time to register for the classes I actually want, and need. I would tell myself not to be concerned with what my friends are doing, to focus all my attention to the future. I would tell myself to apply early for as many scholarships, and grants as possible. I would let myself know, that I need to complete my FASFA form early, to know their decesion, and to start planning on how school, and books will be paid for. The one thing i would really have to stress to myself, is to take college algebra in high school, so i could transition straight into a college level math class. I would tell myself not to be scared, just as long as I continue doing all my work, and go to calss every day, on time, I'll be fine.

aubrey

Aubrey! Your mind is so young, and you are unaware of what the future holds for you! Before you leave this high school and venture into that cold, heartless world, make sure you have a goal! A goal of what you would like to do in life,make sure you'll be standing firm on your feet no matter what comes throttling your way. Always have plans; plans keep things organized and stable, as if they were cheat codes to life that allowed you to already be aware of what should happen next. Start saving any pennies you have lying around the house, in between sofas seats, and underneath carpet rugs. Nothing is free so you better be ready to pay or work for any and all necceties you'll need to live. Begin filling out as many scholarships as possible, they will be your livesaver in the end! Finally and most importantly, have fun with the degree in which you choose to pursue. It is not about the pay rate or the money at all, what matters is that you wake up everyday exstatic to leave to work solely because you enjoy what you do.

Danielle

The first thing I would tell myself if i could go back would be to try and get as much scholarship money as possible because nothing is cheap in college. Then I would try and warn myself to be prepared because unlike most highschool professors these teachers will not hold your hand or pity you, once you are told what to do that is it just do it or fail. The last thing I would say is to make the most of your senior year in high school because that is the last time you really get to be a kid and once you enter college try to continue to have fun. Understand that passsing your classes is extremely important especially because of all the money you have to pay but at the same time enjoy yourself as much as possible.

Michelle

As a college students I would like to advice you on making sure to do all community services on time and study for SAT tests as much as you can. You want to make sure you qualify for a scholarship like Bright Futures. When you enter college, make sure to do the best you can so you don't regret it later on, and wish you should have worked harder in the classes. So do the very best and give it all your efforts to stay with a great GPA. That is very important to have, good grades and a good GPA. Also, Get involved in activities in school!!very important. You will meet a diversity of people and it will make it a better experience for you in the long run. Just remember to follow your dreams and do the best you can in your college career. It'll pay off at the end.

Samantha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would probably warn myself about the costs of school. I would tell myself to be more prepared about the future because if I think I have it easy now, that in the future it would be a different story. Also, I think I would let myself know that in college your professors will be nothing like your highschool teachers. Pay very close attention in class because in some classes you won't be getting the individual attention you're used to. Also to manage your time between work and school very wisely, never underestimate time that you'll need to study. Overall to just try my best. That would be some of the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior.

Sabrina

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships because there is so much out there. Also to study harder and be more serious about school. Bring my grades and stayy focused. Try to be independent because in college the teachers don't babysit.

Ryan

Assuming I had the power of a Flux Capacitor equipped Delorean at my disposal, and I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself how different my study habits would have to be. I would have to tell myself that college requires a different kind of dedication than High School. College work requires you to be dedicated to the quality of your work, and not the quantity. It is always better in college to be more sophisticated and thorough in your work, as opposed to the regurgitation and repetition of the traditional cookie cutter assignments you will find in high school. College requires actual thinking, and that is the point I would really make to myself.

Erica

I would advise myself to stay focus and motivated and follow through on all your plans. Life is hard , especially with no education degree to back that up. College is very different from High School, have to be career driven and self motivated. Set a goal for yourself and keep it and try and do anything you can to obtain and reach your dreams. You are the only one who can stand in your way. There are many people who are willing to help, i advise that you do your homework, go to class, dont slack for nothing and stay on top of your game. Use all the resources that are accessable and available at your dispense. Obstacles will be put in your road for sucess, though remember that what doesnt kill you will make you stronger. Do your best, college is a great experience, live life, explore and learn more about yourself and dont be afraid to ask questions or for help. Most importantly never give up and believe in yourself, do the thing that you fear the most., it will make you a better person and wiser. You will love college overall make it yours.

Triviana

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to stay focus in all my classes, to apply for scholarships and to take the SAT. During my senior year in high school i was too overly confident in myself and distracted with my first boyfriend that i did not look or apply for any scholarships. I knew i was going to a community college therefore i did not attempt to take the SAT, and because of that i was not eligible for Bright Future, which could come in handy right now. I didnt try hard enough and thought that as long as i graduated, i'm set for college. But now i'm struggling, and working ten times harder to come up with money for school, i have no help from my parents, and my chance to find a good scholarship as a college student than a high school student is very slim. I wish i knew all that i know now when i was a high school student, because it would help me out a lot right now.

Alison

Knowing what I know now, I would have taken high school a lot more serious. I have no regrets, but I defintely fooled around more than needed. I could have spent that time getting ahead. I reccommend taking as many honors and AP classes that one can handle. AP classes = less classes to take in college! Making a connection with your teachers is extremely important. If you understand where they are coming from you can better understand what they are trying to say. You need to be extremely selfish. Only worry about yourself and your own well being. (in a good way) What I mean is, not to get caught up in other people's expectations or needs of you. You need to focus on your own path and how everything you do today will effect tomorrow. If the people you surround yourself with are not going to be a positive influence in where you want to go in life, then I would not allow them to penetrate your daily life. Be responsible, and believe in yourself. It is very possible to get straight A's in college, because I am doing it. Be open minded and enjoy yourself.

Bradley

Dear High School Self, Listen to all those teachers that tell you that education is the key to your future. They really are right. Go to college, stick with it and your life will be much easier. Don't wait until your 40 to finish getting your degree. Do it now, while you can still remember your base education. A college education is vital not only for your financial future but for your personal satisfaction. You're very bright. You just need to stay focused. I know this sounds like the same things that all those lame teaches have been telling you for years but guess what? They were right. If you ever want to get a "real job", you're going to need a college degree. I'm sorry I had to be the one to break it to you. But really, who else would you listen too. Sincerely, Your Future Self

Samuel

If I was a High School Senior again, I would tell myself to "Don't sweat the small stuff!" Take one step at a time. Keep an open mind when meeting new people. I would also recommend that I take at least one course that I'm totally interested in and not just the necessary degree classes, for instance, Physical Education Class or a Dance Class or an Art Class. Keep it all simple and it will all come together as long as you stay up with the deadlines!

Alison

Knowing what I know now about college and making the transition I would advise myself to stay in Texas. If I would of stayed in Texas instead of moving to Florida I could of avoided out of state tuition fees and taking out loans. I've always thought that if you did good in school and you wanted to continue your education that it would be easy and obtainable. It's nothing like I thought. I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships and grants as soon as possible and to get a job that worked around my schedule so I could start preparing to pay for my college education. I'm sure there are many other things I could tell myself to change the position that I'm in but, the truth is that I'm happy. I might not be in the best financial situation but, i will find a way to succed and graduate college.

Raymond

Stop skipping classes, get your grades up and focus on your SAT and ACT tests to get the highest scores possible to make it simpler to get accepted by a good college.

Willie

If I could travel back in time, and give myself any piece of advice, I would stay on top of my school work. I would make sure that my grade point average was as high as it could possibly be, in order for me to be guranteed a scholarship to a great school. I would constantly remind myself to go above and beond on assignments, and on projects, and never do the bare minimums and just slide by. I would also believe in myself and encourage myself just a little bit more.

Dillan

I would tell my self to wake up and smell the coffee. This is no joke and i need to take at least an hour out of the day for the next month to find my major and set up future class schedules. I would get with my guidance teacher and work on my grades and gpa.

Jennifer

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself to not be so worried. I would also say that even though your highschool teachers didn't prepare you for what is to come in college, you, yourself, are well enough prepared for it. you have personally been waiting for this moment for as long as you can remember, and when you get their, you are going to realize that it's nothing like highschool, and you are your own responsibility in college. ultimately I would tell myself "Don't be scared, Jen. You're ready for this."

Zara

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would definetely mention the cost of going to college, I would research other colleges and apply, I would aslo fill out more scholarships. I wish I had someone motivating me to look at different schools and apply. I am the only one in my family to go to college and not having that brother or sister, mom, dad to walk me through it all was difficult. Honestly, I wish I would have saved up money for my books and classes. I have been taking six classes each semester and have been paying over $2000 a semester. Now most people think that it's not so much, but everyone has a different financial situation. I wish that I would have kept applying for scholarships but after filling quite a few out of them out and not receiving anything back, I had lost hope and never filled them out until today. SoI'm being optimistic this time.

Harryson

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School Senior, I would make sure to stress the importance of applying for classes early. I would tell myself not to procrastinate in applying for schools, and to make sure my transcripts get sent out early. I would have also retaken the SAT in hopes of receiving a better score.

Mariliris

If i could go back to when i was a senior i would tell myself many diffrent things. For instance sign up for more scholarships because it is expencive for just my mother to pay for school. Also when you first get accepted dont take it as a joke look into all the diffrent classes avalible,dont wait last minute to apply for classes,but most of all tour before you get there because its hard to find your way around a big campus. The top thing i would tell myself is what all my teachers try to me, college is serious there is no room for messing up grdes. So to work my hardest and not to think i can do it last minute because the work is much more difficult. Also have fun make new friends and to live a little.

Valeria

If I could go back in time and give myself some words of advice during my last year of high school I would have told myself not to rely so much on other people and to have a ?creator? mentality. As young adults we sometimes tend to rely on friends to get things done or to study without realizing how much it is truly jeopardizing our future. My first semester in college I enrolled into a student success class and I can truly say that it was the best decision I have made so far, having taken that class I learned how dependent I was on other people during high school and how much that was hurting me. Thanks to that class, I was able to realize the mistake I was making and adjust my ways. The other piece of advice I would have given myself was to be a creator in every situation and to not focus on the negative things. College gets tough and learning to be a positive in midst of negative situation can take you a long way in life.

Noraliz

Knowing how College life is, I would have advice my self to study more and accostume my self to do readings regularly so that it would not take me by surprise once I started college. In addition, I would have advice my self to save money because the cost of college is higher than what I had expected.

Graziella

I would tell my younger self to keep trying my best, but not to be so hard on myself. I would advise her to always strive for greatness and acadamic success and to learn as much as I can. However, I would remind her to enjoy the whole process of my academic life and that she will go to college not only because of a degree and a diploma. I would tell her to experience the journey of college life and have the time of her life.

Samantha

Give yourself plently of time. Time to make decisions, plan projects and do homework.

Julian

I would tell myself that time management is the most important thing in college. There are going to be those times where your peers go out and are going to pressure you to go out and party with them, but it is up to you to take responsibility and stand up for yourself and say no becaause you want to be something in life. There is going to be a lot of time to party after college, and all you have to do is give up four years of your life. I learned this the hard way. For my first year of college, I joined a Fraternity and partied all the time. I really put myself in a difficult position. I don't regret anything I did because all you can do is learn from your mistakes. Now I am working real hard in school trying to bring up my grades. I am not saying to be a book worm and study all day and have no fun because that is not what college is. The way I see it is study hard and reward yourself by going out when ever you can.

Rosanna

When I was a college senior I was depressed becasue I didn't have the money to pay for school, and I thought that I would never be able to go. I have since worked my way through a two year degree at Valencia, and have been accepted at Rollins to continue my four year degree. I may be 30 before I am done with school, but nothing is impossible if you work for it. I would tell myself that even though things look hard, and may be difficult and not very enjoyable, the rewards far out way them.

Jennifer

I would tell myself that college is much better than high school ever was. You are able to talk to advisors who can help you get the most out of your time, especially if you are undecided about a particular degree. You are also able to choose your own class schedule and take as many classes as you like to benefit your time. There is so much to learn, and while it seems overwhelming at first, it is easily adaptable. You will rely on study groups a lot more, but that also helps you make new friends and makes studying a lot easier. The semesters will fly by so fast, you will wonder where the time went. Overall, college is what you make of it, you can still have fun while learning and the feeling of independence and success is so powerful. I love it!

chantill

I would tell myself to not wait so long to go back to school, and just get it done with because the earlier the better. Also, I would tell myself to take the time needed to work on certain courses instead of trying to rush through them to get them done. Another bit of advice to give myself is to study for the college placement tests so I would not have to go through the time and hassle of taking prep courses and doing material I already know and could have tested out of. One other piece of advice is to not take that 3-hour long, Saturday morning 8 am algebra course, that was just a bad idea.

Katie

College is very rewarding, everything you do in college is a reflection of yourself and your future. The person that benefits from all the hard work and dedication is you. You are the one who will be successful. You are the one who will live out your dreams. It may not always be easy, and there may be times you will struggle with your classes, but it is all worth it when you finally have your degree. Be sure to utilize any resources available to you. Speak with your advisers and make sure you are taking the right classes. Make sure you stay informed about local events and participate in them if possible. If you have a class that you are struggling with, make sure you seek help with a tutor or communicate with your instructor about possible resources that will help you. It is important to take college seriously. Remember going to college is a choice. A choice you decide to make for yourself and for your future. When you realize your dreams and accomplish your goals, it is the best feeling in the world. You can do it, you have what it takes to be successful!

Bao

I would ask myself to visit other colleges and see what they have, compare them to other colleges that I have picked out. Talk to different students and teachers about how they feel about the school. That's the best way to find out what they like and dislike about the school.

Duverson

I would give myself the advice to start my college application much earlier, infact as soon as possible. to earlier you send the application to more chance you have on getting more money from that school. I would also try harder to achieve a much higher GPA.

Ashley

The best advice I would be two things. I would first give myself as a highschool senior would be to join the dual enrollment for vcc college program to get a jump on my college and have my career sooner in life. I also would tell myself to stop beating around the bush and read and actually do the work because it requires more work than in highschool. In the end, I have one more transfer to make and it is to an actual university where I no longer have a close bond with my professor, so In the near future I if I could go back I definatley may have a word or two to say.

peggy

I would have started when i was younger. Instead of waiting til iam 44. But i was a single mother raising my kids.

Danielle

My brief college background is that I have gone to three schools and had three majors so now I am a little behind in my graduation schedule. If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to jump into anything right awayto give myself at least a semester to find out what I really want to do. I would also warn myself that it is very important to do any classwork or homework that is assigned even if it is not for a grade because college is harder than high school and any practice helps. I would tell myself to make sure I ask for help when I need it from my professors or my councelors because for the most part they are all very willing to help. I would tell myself to get involved in clubs or groups associated with my major so I can get all the possible experience because that looks better for scholarships and jobs. Overall I would let myself know that college can be hard sometimes but it is also a lot of fun and a good time to find yourself.

Natalia

I would definetely start at a Community College instead of a 4 Year University the classes are smaller and it is a better transition. Being invloved in school helps a lot, study groups at the library always helps and meeting with the professors if I was having trouble in the class was a key to success. Financial Aid and scholarships keep the financial pressure off. High School is not everything in life. Community service and Internships help in the real world so get involve in that as soon as possible. Meeting people that work in th field helps to network and to realize if that is what you wanna do for the rest of your life. Get good greades, get involved in school , try something new like studying abroad and do not forget to have fun. College is all about learning and discovering who you are and where do you want to go.

Alisha

Be accountable for your actions, manage your time and remain focused. Don't let the troubles in life distract you from completing your goal. You can do it and you can actually make the grades you've always wanted if you focus on your education and not the problems going around.

Katherine

I always did well in high school,grades wise so there is not much advice I would give to my high school self, as far as buckling down and working hard. I would however tell my high school self that college definately is not like high school, your professors will help you, but not give you that extra push they did in high school. I would also warn myself that waiting to the last possible minute to do an assignment is not the way to go in college, there are even more distractions in college and you just have to ignore them and get that assignment done.

Michael

I would tell myself not to be so afraid of everything and that life is not as bad as he thinks. That he is as smart and as strong as any other student there and that if he is willing to work hard and sacrifice for what he wants he can achieve anything. He needs to believe in himself and not allow others to dictate his destiny. Edmund Burke stated, "No man could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little".

Santiago

You are a direct product of your enviroment. Seize every opportunity given to you and never give up. You are not the best student however your determination and your positive mind set will get you through life and provide you the ability to overcome any obstacle. You can be anything you want too be as long as you apply your self. Don't give up you have a very exciting life ahead of you!

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to work hard, keep focused, and make sure that I am pursuing the right things. I would also tell myself to listen to counsel from those who have known me a long time and to have fun learning and making new friends.

Peter

Retake the SAT and ACT. Study over the summer. Save up money.

anthony

Maybe pushed myself a little harder and took harder classes.