Austin Peay State University Top Questions

In my senior year I was attending a high school called Middle College at Austin Peay State University, where I attended normal high school classes, and took college courses all on the Austin Peay Campus. The advice I would give myself is to take more college courses related to my intended major, instead of taking mostly elective classes. I would also tell myself to more actively search for schoalarships, so that I could afford to move out of my parent's house and into a dorm sooner. I couldn't give myself any advice about making the transition, becasue I think that going to high school on the campus for two years, made it much easier to make the transition from high school to college.

I would tell me self to go ahead and attend college after you graduate and not wait almost 11 years later before you decide to go to college. After being out of school and a certain routine, its hard to get back into it. I would tell my self you can do it. You better do it while your parents are paying for instead of doing what I'm doing now. Not only am I paying for it now but I also have to work full time, go to school at night and I have a family to take care of. Its better to go to college while your young.

I would go back in time and tell myself to study harder in school and pick the career path that you want to and not my parents picking. I would also tell myself totry to make as much friends as possible in college.

I was very prepared for college, thanks to sites like CampusDiscovery. I could search schools nationwide and I did. I applied to 25 schools and based on sports, size, programs, towns--all of it narrowed it down to where I am now and it is a perfect fit. I would have NEVER heard of my school if it wasn't for sites like this. One piece of advice I would give my high school self is to listen to the adults in your life. Not only with financial decisions, but they know you the best. My parents were right about what I would like, where I would excel and how to manage money. My goal is no debt, and their advice is invaluable. When you are 18 years old, you think you know everything--but trust me, you don't. The adults in your life only want what is best for you and for you to be happy--SO LISTEN!

If I could go back in time and talk to 18 year old Marina I would tell her to not stress the little things. As a freshman at Austin Peay I took human anatomy. I had just moved from Germany to America and had attended german school my entire life. While my english was good I remember feeling overwhelmed by all of the terminology that was being used in class. I worried that I would not do well in my classes. I had moved here not knowing anyone and longed for relationships that would cure my loneliness. I soon began making friends and could not beleive how friendly everyone was. The fact that I came from a different environment interested people and I soon realized that many other students had moved from afar as well to get their education at Austin Peay. My sophmore year I joined a womans fraternity. Now I am living with two of my sorority sisters who have become my best friends while I pursue my masters degree. While getting my degree frightens me I take comfort in knowing that a couple years ago I was afraid to get my bachelors and achieved that just fine.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would make myself study harder and not slack off. I would say when you get to college you will have to study much harder than you even had before. I would also tell myself to think that college is going to be hard so when I get there it won't be. I would also tell myself to save and use my money wisely.

Talking to myself as a high school senior I would say, “Listen, I don’t have much time. I know you thought college was expensive and you were right but you don’t realize how expensive. The money you have saved up is only going to get you through the first semester. Take the ACT again you need one more point to qualify for the valedictorian scholarship. Apply to be a Resident Assistant and don’t give up the first time you don’t get the job, they like you but you need a GPA before they can hire you. Being an RA on campus will help you in more ways than one. You will be able to pay your way, but more importantly, become involved, learn about all the campus has to offer and meet a lot of people. The experiences you have with those people is what makes college so memorable. Take advantage of the time you have because the four years will be over before you know it. There will be some bumps in the road, and you make some mistakes, but you are smart and determined. Never give up and know everything will work out fine.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to better prepare and develop better study habits. The college experience is nothing like high school. It challenges you in ways that you have never been challenged and allows you to grow as an adult. I would recommend every upcoming freshman to develop study habits and come into college with an open mind, and be ready to learn and engage in the college atmosphere.

Dear Erica, It’s me. I’m you – only older and, because of experience, much wiser. You are about to graduate from high school and I have some advice to pass your way before you make the transition from high school senior to college freshman. 1.Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Your college campus is much bigger than your department. If you stay tethered to one building, you will miss out on part of the college experience. 2.Your high school friends/boyfriend may or may not still be your friends in college, and that is ok. You all will change as individuals. Don’t stifle your personal growth holding on to people just because you promised to be BFF’s back in junior year homeroom or because you were high school sweethearts. Don’t be afraid to grow up and to do what’s best for you personally, professionally, and academically. 3.Life is not all work, but it’s not all play either. Seek BALANCE and don’t let your work or your play make you lose focus. Best of luck to you! Ms. Erica Boyd

Dont take anymore class than you have to. Making the grades is the easy part, looking for scholarships are the hard part. Apply for scholarships as quickly as possible. Look for schools with your major. Other than that everything is good.

Work first, play later. Freedom isn't to be abused. The more freedom you have, the more responsibility is required. In college classes, take notes. Make flashcards or cute little memorization acronyms if you need to. That may sound "kiddie", but it helps. People are probably going to tell you to party and indulge in the "college life", but seriously, get your work done first. You'll appreciate it so much more when you aren't cramming to get work done. Time management is probably one of the most valuable lessons to learn going into college. Learn to properly manage your time and I guarantee you, it'll reduce a lot of stress. Communication is important too, especially with your classmates and your professor too. A good relationship with your professor is good in the event that you begin to struggle in class so that you wont feel awkward when its time to seek help. I know Im making it sound like all work and no play right now, but if you do it right, you'll enjoy yourself in the midst of your success.

I would tell myself not to slack off and attend all of my classes unless it can't be helped. And that not everyone is your friend so when it comes to homework or missed assignments some of the times you're on your own, so be sure to ask the professor what you missed so you can catch back up and not fall futher behind.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give my high school self would be to learn my studying technique. This was the hardes adjustment for me; learning how to study on a college level. also I would tell myself to take the time to enjoy campus/ colllege life and to be more involved in campus activities. I would also tell myself to explore classes that interest me instead of focusing only on those courses that wer required for my major so that I could have expanded my horzions more. I also would tell myself to take advantage of study abroad programs.

Having the knowledge of life in general that I do now I would tell myself so many things! First I would start by telling myself to APPLY FOR EVERY SCHOLARSHIP I COULD FIND! I didn't think it was that important in high school and therefore didn't apply for hardly anything. Looking for scholarships now, I find so many that I would have qualified for then, but don't qualify for now. I had to take out loans to pay for school when I probably could have gotten so many scholarships, had I just applied. Then I would tell myself to start volunteering at all kinds of places off campus near the school to get more involved. I just started doing that recently and it is so much fun! I wish I would have started sooner. I would as tell myself to look into a lot of clubs and organizations when I got into college. I'm doing that more now and it is such a great way to be active and get to know all kinds of different people. Most importantly, I would say to myself, "Enjoy the ride!"

Out of my college experience I got training and learned things I did not know before. One of the things I learned is the different styles of writing and which one newspapers use most. I also have a broader understanding of the usage of communications in the society of yesterday and today. It has been valuable to attend college because, even though I have yet to find a career with my major, It looks good on a resume. I also feel great when I am more educated.

My college experience has been more fufilling than I could have ever dreamed. I love my degree and the classes are so much fun. I pretty much get straight "A"s and I love to attend any and all history courses. I am the first one in my family to go so far in college and I intend to earn dual master degrees. My experience at school has made me a better woman. I never thought I could come so far (from homeless to honors), and now I intend to go all the way. College has given me a new wonderful life, a second chance to excel past my peers and family, and has given me hope, a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

My college experience allowed me to grow as an individual and find my place in the world. I discovered more about who I am and what I am meant to do in this lifetime. Not only was I able to grow individually, but I was also able to develop intellectually. I would not change anything about my personal college experience.

I have learned many life lessons from college. College gives you the right to be independent. In college, you make your decisions. I have learned to live with someone that is not my family. I have learned how to manage free time and school time. I have learned knowledge about many subjects beyond what I ever thought I could learn. Going to college has forced me to grow up, to mature, to be independent. College has enhanced my life in ways that I can't even put into words. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world!

i have learned that college is a huge difference from high school. The professors are no longer your second parents, they are there to help you but now everything is determined by you. I also learned that work is harder and more detailed than your regualr high school papers or work. It is valuable to attend because its getting me prepared for the real world and getting a better understanding on my goals in life and what accomplishments i am trying to obtain. College is also showing me how to get a good job, network with other people, and focus on my weakness and strong points in myself.

I have motivation because of my experience at Austin Peay. My professors inspired me to try harder and to be stronger. One professor made me see the connection between real life and all the literature I read. Another showed me the pleasure of research. My favorite professor simply allowed me to break down under the stress one semester, and then she helped me get back up again. I have found friends in people that once scared me with due dates and grade calculations. They inspire me everyday to enjoy what I do and never quit, despite all the financial and academic stress that entails. I found a second home in my English department; I found myself in literature classes. I fully intend to continue with my education until I can be on the other side of the desk, encouraging students to learn. My experience at Austin Peay has made me believe that is an attainable goal, and it has made me want to work as hard as I can to get there and be a professor myself.