Belhaven University Top Questions

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.