Belhaven University Top Questions

Being in my 30's and going back to college, I only wish I had known in high school what I know now. I would tell my high school self to decide what you want to do with your life and stick with it. Follow your heart and do something you are really passionate about. Don't let "life" get in the way and try to derail your plans. Think about the future and not just the day by day. When you're in high school, time is still on your side, so you don't think of it as an enemy. The older you get, the more time just works against you. It is so important to do what makes you happy but be smart with your choices because the choices you make now will affect you for the rest of your life. The most important thing is to just be open to new experiences, new people, make new friends that can help make the transition easier because they are going through the same thing. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Asking questions is the only way you will learn and grow. And have fun!

I would encourage myself to do the things I dreamed of doing. There the were silly things; wearing high heels, getting the local dance company I was a part of to perform the Waltz of the Snowflakes at the outdoor mall as a flash mob, choreographing a dance for the spring recital. Then there were the more impactful ideas; teaching dance classes at the local women and children's shelter, writing a book, volunteering at a neighborhood elementary school. I was too afraid to try and make a difference, too scared of rejection to be myself. When I began college, I realized that I could be whoever I wanted to be, and that people would either accept me or reject me. It did not really matter what they thought, as long as I was being who I was created to be. I can now do the things I dream of, but many of the earlier opportunities I had to make a difference have passed. I attend school far from where I grew up, so I am not as familiar with the community. I do not have a car, so I cannot go out and do things like I could have.

It is your senior year and everyone wants to know what you are going to do with your life. Where are you going to go to school? What are you going to study? You have probably come up with a fluffy answer to get people to stop asking questions, and you turned in a few applications all the schools you visited last year. Well my friend, I am here to tell you to stop listening to the world’s expectations for you. I know it feels like everyone is expecting you to get it all together and figure out your future, but what no one tells you is that this is an impossible feat. You cannot predict what your life is going to look like, nor can you choose a path and expect everything go to plan. Instead of fearing the unknown, see it as a vast road of unbridled opportunity. Take leaps of faith. Go against the grain every once in a while, and no matter what, find who you are and be yourself. Everything around you is about to change, and in many ways so will you. Find what matters to you most.

I would have devoted most and much of my time to studying and focusing on the requirements for college. I would have participated in some social groups. Also I would have gotten advice from a few teachers on what to expect in college. Because my mother did not graduate from high school and neither did she attend college. I often made good grades in high school when I wasnt distracted by my surroundings. But overall I dont complain much the few mistakes I've made in high school and in life I have corrected them. I am very proud of myself I currently have two degrees and I plan on working on my third this fall.

If I could go back as a high school senior, there are several advice tips I would have talked to myself about. The first advice is I would have told myself to go on more campus visit trips before deciding where I wanted to go. I believe that visiting more college campuses would have gave me a more variety of chooses and options to choose from. The second tip is I would have told myself to apply for as many scholarships and grants that I could and was offered instead of passing them by. I know for a fact that I would have received more money instead of having the owe the school some money now. Overall, though, I am happy and pleased with the decisions and choices that I have made concerning getting into college. I know nothing would not have been possible without God on my side and knowing him as my personal Savior.

I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seemed. It may seem overwhelming at first but you will soon get used to it. I would also tell myself to bring more clothes because it gets really cold in Jackson!

If I had the opportunity to be able to go back in time as a high school senior, I would first tell myself that I have a bright future ahead of me. However, in order to be successful as a college student, I must over-achieve time management. I would inform myself that knowing which classes were required in my major can benefit time and finances. I wouldn't only tell myself, but my fellow graduating class as well that continuing education pass high school is extremely important. Education and knowledge is the key to success. If I was able to tell myself about the transition from high school to college life, I would mention how processing and focusing in high school really does pay off. The government “forces” students in grades school to attend classes. However, as a college student, no one is forcing you to have an acceptable attendance. Therefore, I would tell myself to prepare for early adulthood, accepting the responsibilities and study habits as a college student.

If I knew that I could go back in time and counsel myself on future college considerations, the first thing I would discuss would have to be financial planning. Today, colleges and universities can be very costly especially regarding the field of study they provide. Second, I would advise myself to take as many preparatory courses geared towards ACT and SAT testing in hopes of raising my test scores, which would consequently raise my chances of getting more scholarships and better acceptance into academic universities. Also, the preparatory course would better prepare me to the transition of traditional college life. Furthermore, it would be wise to attend as many transferrable college courses that my high school had to offer. That way I would have a better chance of transferring my basic college credits by the time I did start my college career. By doing this, it would lower the amount of credits that needed to be taken to finish my major. In conclusion, considering financial planning, preparatory courses, and taking college courses while in high school are probably the best decision a high school senior could make.

Through all the difficulties I have experienced socially in the last year and a half, God has revealed to me that He will always be enough for me. Overall, college has been a lonely experience, but in my loneliness, God has made His presence known.

I have matured in my years at Belhaven. It has been most valuable because of the connections at the school and the alumni.

What have I gotten out of my college experience and why it has been so valuable to attend? Is such a great question, and my answer is simple. After returning to college after 17 years of a hiatus, it has taught me so much about myself and how determined and focused I can be. I have to admit, it was extremely scary to go back, especially because since I was gone from it for so long, but this experience has truly changed my life and I haven't even graduated yet. I graduate with an Associates in Occupational Therapy in April, 2010 and I can't wait for my new life to begin. Soon after I graduate I will be taking my NY State Board Licensing exam for Massage Therapy and I feel so prepared and blessed to soon have the privilege and the honor to add L.M.T. to the end of my name and begin changing other peoples lives by utilizing the healing power of therapeutic touch. All because of the courage I finally found to return to school and not quit. I hope we all can feel this way when it's all said and done.

Really, I've learned to adjust and function in a completely different atmosphere. I went to a very small high school (much smaller than Belhaven), and by the time I graduated everyone knew who I was. It was really strange to go to Belhaven and be a part of the English department. It's such a small, out of the way department, and no one is really aware of the academic achievements of our English majors, except our English majors. It was a hard thing at first, but it's definitely been a humbling and worthwhile experience. Despite it's smallness, the department is excellent, and our professors are brilliant. It has been a privilege to learn from all of them.

Relax...enjoy the moment...breathe. One of the most important things I could have done entering college last fall would have been to better utilize the first week of school to meet more of my freshmen class. Take advantage of those first few weeks to develop friendships with all sorts of people--not just those similar to you. This would have helped to broaden the scope of my first semester.

There is no better time than NOW to go to college. Class subjects will not be as fresh in your mind. Study habits will never be better. Ability to learn will not be easier as you age. The process of marriage, work, and children will get in the way or delay college. Don't be afraid to go, NOW, it is worth the cost!

That opportunity to take a year off and work as a volunteer for OM should be seized with both hands! International exposure is one of the best things to give yourself when taking those first steps into adulthood and independence...use your experiences to your advantage. College is all about flexibility and adaptation! Keep a clear head on your shoulders and face every new decision with courage - don't back down. Also: COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Don't let fear get in the way of asking for help. God has put you where you are for a reason - even if you don't know exactly what it is yet, a year or two down the road, all will be made clear.

I would tell them to take college seriously from day one because it is so easy to fall behind. I would also tell them to be sure what classes are required for their major because I wasted a lot of time taking classes that were not required for my major.

Every student can find the perfect match for them in a college. You just need to do your research, well in advance of when you wish to attend school. Visit every campus you are serious about; often a school can seem excellent online but have serious problems in real life. Talk to students to attend there and get their honest opinions as well. Once there, take advantage of everything the college has to offer. Do not be afraid of the professors-more often than not, they really want you to succeed. Establish valuable relationships with professors and staff because you do not know which connections you will need later. Choose your friends wisely, and remember why you are school. Do not waste your time and money partying because you need the life skills you will learn. Look for things like internships and research opportunities; those are the things employers really care about. Care about what you are learning and realize that it is more than just a GPA number. Most of all, enjoy yourself and don't hold back. These can be some of the fruitful years of your life!

I would advise students to not just look at the largest universities or those with the best athletic programs, you must choose a school that fits your personality. For instance, I love an intimate setting in the classroom so I chose a school with a small student to teacher ratio. Basically choose a school that fits you, not your friends, and not your parents.

Go visit the campus and talk to students about their experiances - don't just take the admissions counselors word for it. Choose a school that has a viable major for you, or that will at least help you towards a goal. Choose a school that has a supportive, helpful atmosphere, both from fellow students and factulty - it will really save your butt sometime when you are under lots of academic pressure. lol

I would let parents and future college attending students know, that there is never a wrong way to approach choosing a college except for not choosing one at all. In the generation we live in today, college is a very important part of life. Keep up with your grades in high school and take every part of it importantly. Then when, and I do say when, you get into a wonderful college, suitable for you, keep up with the grades and be as involved as you possibly can. This part of your life only comes once, and it's the time you enjoy ending your dependent days and starting your independent ones. Well good luck in choosing the next important part of your life. And make every decision to become the most successful person you can.