Alverno College Top Questions

I would tell myself not to worry so much about financial struggles. I would tell myself to just apply for as many scholarships as you can and focus on being a well rounded student. I would have not waited so long to get involved as well. The sooner an individual networks and makes connections, the more fulfilling a person's experience can be.

The advice i would give myself is to work and study harder. I did not do well becuase I was not expecting the high school that I went to would be so academically challenging! I did not do well my first two years and I never really recovered. My GPA was a 1.9 and I would advise my senior self to improve her study habits and take school seriously. Based on my GPA my college gave me an acceptance scholarship. I was given the lowest scholarship. Grades do matter. However the classes that I took prepared me and I only regret that i did not focus more. The transition to college has not been hard due to me taking those pre college courses. So I feel that I am retaking the same classes.

If I could go back in time and talk about college life and making the transition, I would provide three pieces of advice: stay true to yourself and your dreams, become involved in a socical group, and don't be afraid to ask for help! By following one's own dreams, regardless of what others want for you, you will ultimately be more happy with yourself and in the future, doing what brings you the utmost happiness and joy out of life! Secondly, not being afraid to ask for help is important as it unveils your longing to learn more that what you already do, and in doing so, you will find assurance and become more confident in yourself along the college journey. Lastly, making friends and becoming part of a social group, whether it be just with one or two friends makes you feel more connected to college, especially if they are studying the same things you are. Having friends riding along with you on the college journey provides an unfathomoable amount of support, laughter, and happiness during the most exciting, frightening, and or frustrating times during the college experience!

If I could go back and speak to a younger version of myself; I would strongly emphasize the importance incorporating punctuality and organizational skills into my daily habits. I would elaborate further and explain the importance of: being on time, attending class, completing material in a timely manner, and staying well organized. As young professional I have learned that each of those skills are essential and aide in helping me make positively progression toward a bright future while achieving my goals.

I would tell myself to relax and that everything would work out. I was a chonic worrier and always expected the worst in my future. Knowing that everything would work out would have allowed me to really cherish my last year of high school and create memories that I would remember for a lifetime. Instead I now look back and laugh at how I was so worried and nervous about such trivial things, rather than focusing on the larger picture and what was really important.

After graduating high school in 2013, I took a whole semester off and didn’t start college until the spring semester of 2014. This was because I had no idea what college I wanted to attend or what I wanted to major in. So one thing that I would definitely go back and tell my high school senior self, is to start looking into colleges and possible majors sooner than later, and apply on time to attend the fall semester. I would also say that even if you don’t decide a major right away, it’s okay to start college with an undecided major, because the first semester’s schedule will be mostly made up of general education courses that are required for everyone anyway. At least that way you can get some idea of what you might want to major in.

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now, I would tell myself that college isn't as scary as I'm thinking, but that it's definitely as hard as I'm thinking. I would tell myself that the only way I'm going to graduate, and not just graduate, but graduate with good grades, is to not be afraid to ask for help. When it comes to school there is no such thing as a stupid question, because there is a 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} chance that someone else is wondering the same thing. I would tell myself to be confident in my work when I know I've done well and to set my pride aside and admit when I haven't done so well. College is no joke, it takes hard work and patience, and I'm not always going to be able to figure it out on my own, and it's okay to ask for help. I'd tell myself do what I need to do to succeed, because nothing is more important than my education.

I would definitely remind my 18 year old self that things are only going to get more challenging yet more rewarding. I would tell myself that being a nurse is your ultimate purpose so that I could have worked on my degree sooner. I would also remind myself of how much of a survivor she is and to never give up on herself. An added reminder would be given to be patient and continue to do what is morally right because then you could do no wrong. I would tell her to keep her head up and eyes open to those around her and cherish those who support her in her life choices.

If i could go back in time to lets say my freshman year in high school I would give myself lots of advice. I would start out with telling myself not to worry about high school and start looking for scholarships because college is expensive and time consuming. I would reassure myself that I can accomplish my dreams. I would also tell myself to stay focused and ignore the bullies that enter your path. I would also inform my self about Alverno and how it is the perfect school for me. It is not big and it is a focused school. I would give myself a hug and tell myself to stay positive. Without positivity everything will feel bad and not enjoyable. My final thoughts to myself would be that you are born to be a teacher and staying organize, positive, and calm will always keep your mind at ease. Don't sweat the small stuff, and continue on your pathway to success. You can do this, and everything will work out as long as you are patient and greatful for the opportunities you are given. Good Luck!

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to take any experience for granted. The social life and experiences of college are just as important as the academics. As you start to inevitably drift away from your high school friends, you’ll form new life-long friendships with your college friends. Even if you’re tired and don’t feel like it, go to the party or go out. Going out and meeting people helps with the transition because at one point everyone was going through the exact same things as you and you can bond over it. Think of all the experiences and people you’re missing out on because you’d rather sleep! College only lasts for four years and you have the rest of your life to nap or watch Netflix. Also, take any and all opportunities to travel because you’ll never get the opportunity again to travel to another country for so cheap. Even if you think you can’t afford it, make it happen by applying for more scholarships, having a bake sale, or getting a loan. Live fully the four years you’re in college!

The advice I would give myself would be to not be so afraid. The summer between my High School graduation and my Freshman year I was full of anxiety that I wouldn't fit in, that I wasn't prepared, that I wouldn't be good enough. When I got to Alverno however I quickly found out that it's a place that's really easy to fit into. People are friendly, helpful and understanding and the work load while heavy and challenging was also doable. Professors were helpful and ready to explain subjects in more detail if you didn't understand them. All in all the transition into Alverno was easier and actually a lot more fun than I expected. All the worrying I did wasn't worth it and if I could go back I would tell myself just not to worry and to enjoy what little time as a child I had left.

I would tell myself to do even better in school. Apply for more scholarships because Alverno is not cheap. Keep up the good work. Stay focused and motivated.

I would tell myself to take college more serious. When I first went to college I did not take college serious. It did not cause me to suffer any, but I would advise my senior self to study really hard for the ACT so I can get into the college of my choice the first time around.

Enjoy the time you spend with the friends you have made of the past few years because they might not always be there.

I would tell myself to take scholarships more serious and apply for more. As a senior in high school I didn't think that scholarships would help I was relying on financial aid to help and when it was too late realized that it doesn't help at all. To save myself the stress I have had as a freshman and sophomore college studnet if I could go back in time and advice myself as a senior in high school my top advice would be to do a better job in finding college funding.

Michelle I know that your teachers, parents, and highschool advisors are pressuring you to attend college immediately after you graduate highschool, because they say if you don't you'll never go back to school. But I urge you to not listen to them! You must take your time, and go when you are in a mentally, and financially healthy place. Equally important Michelle, do not let a jobs income influence your choice of major. It's important that you follow your heart and personal interests and desires, because only they will fuel your drive to complete college and excell in your classes. Last but not least Michelle, I know your social anxiety gets in the way of your ability to meet knew people, but you must not fear living in the college dorms. In fact I strongly reccomend that you live in a college dorm for one year, because it will help college become a home for you, which is a good thing trust me! The dorms will help you to make new friends and living on campus will keep you focused by providing a quiet study enviroment and friends you can relate to. Good Luck! I love you!

If I could go back to speak to myself with the knowledge I have now it would be a short conversation. I would start with saying college is all about you. Every decision you make from this point on will determine the success you have in college. It's important for you to start mapping out your long term goals now, if they change along the way its ok. Continue to know that your family loves and support you with everything you do’ even if it doesn't always seem that way. On your journey to a higher education you will face many challenges, but there is nothing you can’t get through. Keep confidence in yourself and wake up every day knowing you have a purpose in this life.

The advice that I would give myself at a high school senior is to just keep doing what I was doing. I would still commute the two hours everyday to my university, I would still work full time, and I would still work just as hard as I did. Who I was my first year of college made me who I am today. I now have my first year of college paid off and I am now living less than one block away from my school with enough scholarships to where I can pay off my second year of college.

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is that I have found the person I am, a strong, determined, inspiring young woman. Also, escaping my shell and making friends that I consider family. Throughout my high school years I had struggled academically and never would have thought about going to college because I considered myself "not smart enough." Walking through Alverno's doors, I had a feeling that I was meant to go to this school, every faculty at Alverno was and still is supportive and helpful. Alverno has a variety of resources and opportunities to become successful. With the small classes, I get more one on one interaction with my classmates and professors which is better for me to learn whether than being known as a number and not knowing my classmates. Alverno is very valuable to attend because they don’t use letter grades to grade you, they have successful or unsuccessful. Also, every assignment you do whether it is homework, assessments, or quizzes the professors gives you feedback on areas you did well on and what you need to improve.

Alverno College is the best choice for me. I am a full time mother and employee that is able to have a flexible school schedule and still be able to achieve 18 credits per semester. Alverno has made me into a strong, confident woman that is not afraid to pursue her goals. I have become a good role model for my daughters.