Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

I would advise myself to learn good study habits early on. Preferable before the start of college. I would tell myself to not live at home and commute to school because it makes it more difficult to make friends if you do not live there. I would advise myself to have looked harder at the programs offered at different schools, so that I would have not had to change majors three years into college.

Girl, you did it! You have made it to the twelfth grade! This calls for a celebration; but this is NOT the end. It’s time to prepare for your future. Do you know what college you are attending? That’s great; but do you know what SAT score you need to make in order to be considered for their Presidential Scholarship? It’s important to make sure that you apply for every scholarship humanly possible so that you don't worry about dropping out of school because of the cost. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help from your family and community, whether it be for a financial contribution, questions about the college experience, or dorm supplies. Ask and you will receive! Be confident in who you are. The transition will be different and you will have to be self-sufficient. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Make sure you have your alarm clock! The little things make a big difference. Make sure that being punctual, persistent, and playful (sometimes) are at the top of your list! The crowd is never right so don’t follow them! Follow your heart.

If I could go back I would defintly tell myself to start college and finish right after I got my diploma. I say this because I have 2 children now and a lot older and I think it would have been easier to accomplish my goals younger and smarter. But because I didn't know then what I know now I am doing it just a little different. I study when my girls go to bed and do what I have to do to accomplish what I want.

If I were still a high school student, there would be a lot of advice that I would give myself about college life. It is important to understand that college has to be taken seriously. It is important to be on time and present in your classes. Missing a day can cause you to fall behind in class. College classes are much harder than high school classes. As a student, you have to pay attention in class and be on top of your work. Homework will take up much of your time. It is also essential to get involved in clubs or groups. This is a large part of your college experience. You will make a ton of new friends in college and being involved will help you gain new ones. It will also help you gain communication skills and other skills that you will need in the real world. It is essential to remember that college classes need to be taken seriously, but it is also important to remember that college is the time of your life, and you should enjoy your time there and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.

As a high school student, I was introverted. I had a few good friends, but I never went out of my comfort zone to meet new people for fear of not being accepted. Looking back, a year from my high school graduation, I now realize life is a beautiful, fun, and exciting place. I have learned life should be lived with zeal and without inhibitions. I should have never worried about what anyone thought. I am my own person, and I am special and unique. If someone does not like me or something I do, then they do not deserve my attention. This year, I have discovered that we all deserve the chance to express ourselves and be happy. My self-confidence has grown tremendously in my first year of college, and I wish I could have felt this confident in myself as a senior in high school. Instead of worrying about what others thought of me last year, I should have shared my personality and love for life with everyone I met.

Study hard in high school!!! Do not slack off. When you get ready to go to college, you're going to have to hit the ground running. Take more AP classes so you can get college credit for them (if you pass the AP exam). Have a blast your senior year!

If I could go back in time to tell my high school self anything, it would be to worry less. I have come to see, over this past year at Anderson University, that worrying can do nothing. I learned that worrying about money, grades, or fitting in, only makes these things more difficult. I know now that instead of worrying about these things, I should spend my time working hard to accomplish what I want in life. For example, in high school I would worry about my grades, having enough money to pay for college, and fitting in. Once I stopped worrying and got a job, started studying, and started being as friendly as possible, everything fell into place. My hard work has gotten me scholarships, several close friends, and straight A's this past semester. What can worrying accomplish? Nothing! All it ever does is give you a feeling of hopelessness and fear about your future, whereas working hard does the opposite. When working for what you want, you feel a sense of pride, and even if the end result isn't quite what you expected, if often ends up better as I've seen in my own life.

If it were possible, I would definitely take advantage of time travel to start the high school process over again. To make the transition easier and less stressful; I would recommend that each student develop time management skills and personal study techniques. One of biggest downfalls of a college student’s career is procrastination. Procrastination can result in absences, late work assignments and failure. Many teachers in high school are much more leant than instructors in college. It is better to be 15 minutes early to class and 2 weeks ahead of schedule than to be 15 minutes late to class and 2 weeks behind on a project. I learned that there is much more to studying than reading over notes and browsing over the assigned text. Students must learn to develop a system of studying to best fit their needs individually. There may even come a time that it is necessary to read pass the assigned text and write more detailed notes to be fully prepared and understand each aspect of the lessons. There is much more to learn during college years but each individual has to capture the key aspects and set ranges of importance.

As I reminisce about my high school days, I wish that I could go back in time to give myself some advice. I would start by encouraging myself to continue to persevere and work hard for a 4.0 grade average because it truly does pay off in the end. Yet, I would caution myself to not find my identity in the grades that I make. I would congratulate myself on establishing a good work ethic and helpful study habits because both of them will serve me well during my college years and throughout the rest of life. I would be sure to assure myself by saying, "You are ready. You have been well-prepared, and you will continue to do well in this next season of life." Above all else, I would say, "Enjoy the season of life you are in right now because it is quickly coming to a close. Life will never again be the same."

If I had the chance to change one thing in my life regarding high school, I would have focused harder on my dream to become a lawyer. I was very strongly involved in orchestra all of my life, and pursued a degree in music education from Anderson University. I had always had a dream to become a lawyer, but did not think that I had the skills necessary to become one. Once I began college, however, I pursued the law path to the greatest of my ability. I changed my major from music education to communications and professional writing, and worked outside of school to study the LSAT and gain factual knowledge of American law. During my senior year, I took the LSAT and applied to several law schools. I will be attending the South Carolina School of Law in the coming fall semester, and couldn't be happier with the success I have earned. If could go back in time, I would have pursued my dream from day one instead of settling for second best.