Arkansas Tech University Top Questions

I would have encouraged myself to learn to love learning sooner. Toward the end of my Bachelor's Degree and certainly now in the midst of my Master's Degree I have learned to love learning. And it makes all the difference.

I would tell myself Jacob, Life does not always go the way you think it should. Just because you think the Job you are currently working is the where yo want to be. Does not mean you should put your College Education on hold after just an Associates Degree. Jacob I know you are really busy at work and think you dont have time for college, but the truth most colleges are working hard to provide you with more online classes and new inovative ways to lean than ever before. Jacob I know your current Job told you, college is not necessary to be successful but ask yourself this? What if you wake up one day and the Job you are working at has changed? Last when you find a subject you are struggling with or your find the material to be dry. Look for real life events that relate to your classwork apply it to your daily life so you feel like its life or death for the individual. I know you love people Jacob and if you apply your excitement and passing about people to your work. You will be successful and learn so much more.

I would really only give myself one piece of advice if I were to go back in time and talk to myself: do not change a thing. I get that many students make mistakes, but why should you change anything? I have made my fair share of mistakes, but had I not made those mistakes, I wouldn't be the kind of person I am today. I'm working harder in my classes, I'm pushing myself to be successful, and I'm just all in all a better person. Why would I want to do over anything if I am a better person because of mistakes I've made in college? So, to my past self, don't change anything, don't do anything over, and don't give up just because you make a mistake.

I would tell myself to always double check what you are told and do not delclare until the end of my freshmen year and take a few random classed that you are interested in to check out a those remaining majors you are still considering. Once you declare a major you will have few opportunities to take them and they offer diffrent ways of thinking. Once comitted to a major you get focused on one way of thinking and thats not bad but you will miss out on those other oportunities which really make the whole experience complete. Even if you take classes for you intended major take a few others. You might find your true path. Also do not procrasinate because it can get away from you very quickly. Also always have faith in yourself. You get the grade you want if you really try. But most importantly, that you can drop classes with a "w" if you aren't doing well in a class and it would't affect your gpa. It is a great if you get get one of those professors that don't teach the way you learn. And don't specify an orientation.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior I would share two valuable things I have learned so far. First I would say to my high school self, "practice on planning your study habits." Now that I am in college I realize managing your time for your study period has to be something that has to be done on your own. In high school it is planned for you; go to school at 7:00 A.M. leave at 3:15 P.M. In college no one is going to hold your hand and say "go study at this time" or "hey I will give you an extra day to do this assignment and still give you full credit." After saying that, I would also say to myself "you are going to make the right decision to go to Arkansas Tech University first instead of accepting an athletic scholarship for track and field." Turning down the scholarship was big for me, but it was the best decision I have ever made. It has helped me prepare for college academics so that when I do transfer for sports I will excell in both.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would start off by saying I'm proud of you for making it this far. Then, I would continue to say, in high school you did not struggle that much in your studies. However, once you get to college it is a whole other ball game. You need to study and do not procrastinate. Also, have fun and make amazing friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't listen to what dad and mom say about pursuing the Medical Field. It's not your "cup of tea" instead pursue what you're passionate about, Graphic Design with a minor in Theatre. Trust me, everything is going to be on the internet in the next 10 years. The classes will hone your artistic skills even more, and you'll learn new techniques and experiment with different mediums. It's going to be fast paced so be ready to work. There would be many late nights working either on writing plays or papers or art projects. By the time you get to my age, hope you will be at Pixar. I'm not given up yet but my road is much harder than yours because of the decisions I've made. I have to learn the things you would learn in half the time, so that's why you should go straight to Graphic Design. Once you're done, applied into an advance art program to develop your craft even more. Here's the title for our first animation, "Brotherly Love."

I would tell myself that college isnt a scary experience. I believe a lot of freshman feel that way, and that they are going to be judged so they should tred lightly. I would tell my high school self to stay true to who you are and be comfortable in your own skin. Because you will never be happy acting like someone you're not. College is a place to find yourself and love who you are! Every one is different, so it's okay! Put yourself out there and be you! People will be fine with it, and it will give you the experience of a lifetime. You are going you for the rest of your life, so now is the time to find out exactly who that person is, and own it!

Sweat the small stuff... We always hear those famous words of our elders,” listen to what you're being told, you'll go far”. It’s so true, although we would like to think that the are just being bossy. As seniors, we tend to think that we know all there is to know because we have been “educated” and are graduating. In order to smoothly transition into college successfully and life thereafter, my advice would be to start early and stay on top of it. Take ownership, it's your future after all. You begin this new chapter by believing it's someone else’s job to complete the paperwork that follows your submitted application to the college. However, the truth of the matter is, no one will take your financial, educational or future desires as seriously as you would. They have already been there and committed to only those details that within their job descriptions. Many of them are unwilling to go the extra mile to assist someone new with these processes. It’s quite possible that no one did it for them, why should they push for you. Be persistent, push for results, be a pest.

I often think about this question and the first thing that comes to mind is that I would have told and adviced myself to evaluate the importance of education first before making that step into going to college. With that ingrained in me, i would tell myself to research on courses and take additional classes to challenge my intellect and boost my confidece from the onset before enrolling in college. Going to College in the southern part of the country was great because of the set up and structure of the university. I always beleived that i had to pursue a course that was my sole interest but from what i know now, i would tell myself to take interests in other fields to make myself marketable when i graduate. I would also tell myself to ask more questions during orientation and surround myself with a lot of resorce facilities and people who are accustomed to the system.

From deep within the crevices of my mind, I would have told myself to work harder instead of messing around. I thought it was a game up until this point. I find I was dead wrong. I wish I could have warned myself. That if I kept doing what I was, my future was bleak at best. I have realized now, that through hard work and responsibility, you can succeed and make something of yourself. It is just that last push to get you going is the tough one. But once you are up, you start moving. You make mistakes, we all will and do. Being able to share that piece of information with myself would have been quite helpful in gaining more knowledge of what not to do. I would have learned and have learned a valuable lesson of knuckle-crackng work and effort. Success is not going to just fall into your hands. You have to work for it. Every single time I could have done something different, I would have scorned myself for not being responsible. Because I know I can be. For those who believe it is a ride. Get on or get off. That simple.

I would tell my younger self that, even though you might not choose a school based on the best reason, it will end up being the best decision of your life. Following someone to the school they choose is not usually for the best. By making this choice, however, you will sometimes end up in the best situation you could have possibly imagined. Change is terrifying, but things will work out for the best. The people you will meet and the experiences you will have will enrich your life and make you a stronger and better person. Thanks for that.

College is one of the most important learning experiences of your life. You will learn a wealth of knowledge about your career but most importantly you learn a lot about yourself. You have the choice and freedom to do whatever you desire. You have to be self disciplined to study but also create time to enjoy college. No one is there to tell you to go to church or classes, or to not go to an event. You have to be the mind of reason. Each choice you make has consequences. The world is waiting for you to decide your path. You will see many different options, whether it be sexual orientation, religion, etc. You must choose your own path. Don't let others influence you because some of these decisions can affect the rest of your life. You come from a small christian town so be ready to see and hear some things you didn't even know existed. Be cautious but don't be afraid to try new things. It's your time to make a name for youself and start the rest of your life.

I would give myself the advice to be more confident, that everyone has flaws and that they are so busy worrying about their own problems they won't bother you about yours. I would also advise myself to take a couple of the prerequisite courses for college like Algebra and English during summers. I think getting ahead of the game would of helped me a lot. I would of told myself to take more diverse classes and to join more clubs and to be just as active as possible in the community.

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I would give myself the advice to look for scholarships. It was not easy for me to pay for college at first, and although I did find that playing soccer would pay for my school, it was almost a little too late. If I would have found more scholarships beside soccer to pay for my school, I would not be struggling to pay for my University now that soccer is not my option. I would also tell myself to study more because altough college was not that difficult, it was still hard and I can only imagine how much harder a University will be.

enjoy it

Being the oldest child in my family and the first to go to college in over twenty years, I have had to learn a lot on my own. If I could go back and give advice to myself as a senior, I would do so immediately! I would tell myself to finish the race strong. With the economy the way that it is, and education becoming less easily attainable, I would tell myself to save as much money as I can, apply for as many scholarships as I can, and look into financial aid options in depth. I would tell myself to apply to more schools and analyze all my opportunities. Then, go visit more institutions, see more counselors and advisors. I would encourage myself to be less shy, and not to be afraid of asking questions because this is my future and it is in my hands. I would remind myself that hard work is rewarding, to never give up, slack, or be discouraged—the best things in life take time. In high school, I was young and nervous. I would tell myself there are oceans of knowledge, to take control of my future, and always push forward.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would say many things. I would tell myself first and foremost not to take any day for granted. I would explain to myself how important it will be to get A's and B's in my classes, therefore to actually study for tests. I would give myself a goal during college instead of "just graduating" the goal "to keep a GPA of at least 3.6" so that I could wear the golden rope on graduation day. I would tell myself to stay involved at the Church of Christ Student Center and accept an internship with them even if it meant that you and your boyfriend will breakup. I would tell myself that the most important thing in my life always needs to be God because you will just lead yourself to unhappiness and destruction. Do not listen to the devil when he says turn the other way. Lastly, I would tell myself to watch how I spent my money and to not blow my money on rediculous things that I would not even have after I graduated.

Keep your nose in the books and pay attention to the formulas used in algebra.

Advice for my highschool self ranges from everyday practices to conceptual frameworks. Reflecting on my high-school persona I'm not sure how much I would listen to myself, but here are messages I would attempt to convey: You don't need all the answers, besides you'll never have them. Explore what you want versus expectations others set for you. Don't lose touch with family. You are about to make lifelong friends. When they tell you you'll have to study -- you will Find a quiet study place. Be single... for awhile. As important as your studies may be so is your well being -- take time to RELAX. Integrate reflection into your experience as a way to recgonize how you are growing in this process. Keep a journal. INTERNSHIPS! Study abroad! It will go by so quick you won't know what hit you. Keep your scholarships. Party but not as hard as you want. Become active in your community. College isn't the only pathway. Most of all be you, love you, and never stop exploring you. Finally, take everyone's advice (including your own), but with a grain of salt, because ultimately it's your life.