Bellarmine University Top Questions

Not to waste time. College seems like such a huge deal but it is such a small part of life if you take a step back. I feel like I made the transition well because I came here knowing I was going to have to put in way more time studying then I did in high school. Even then, the complexity of the work shocked me a little bit. Being a collegiate athlete made it that much harder as well. Not only did I have my coursework but I had practices and weight training sessions to deal with. Learning time management is such a essential tool to being a successful college student. Nothing you do in high school prepares you for the freedom you will have in college. If you dont want to go to a class, you dont have to, no one will hunt you down. However, the consequences of not going to class are far worse then missing a class in high school. In conclusion, the advice I would give to my high school self is to budget time well for school, sports, and free time so you are successful in everything you attempt in life.

My first semester of college was picture perfect. The campus was gorgeous, the dorms were quiet and clean, and everyone I met was kind and beyond helpful. My only difficulties came after I moved back home and chose to switch colleges. Due to some misinformation on my part and a bit of naivette I wound up in a year long contract that made finding a new college very difficult for me. Now, the problem is being handled, but given the opportunity, I would be more than happy to warn myself to be far more discriminating in my decisions, particulary involving money. Otherwise, I would tell me to simply soak in the moment and make the most out of one of the most pivotal experiences of my life.

I would look myself in the eye and say, "Take a deep breath, because I know you're scared to death." I would tell myself to not worry about making friends, or adjusting to life away from my family. Leaving home is not as bad as it looks or seems, it's actually quite easy. To stop worrying about everyone else and pleasing people. Living up to their expectations will only stress you out, you have to be doing this for you. Pick a major that you want, one that will keep you interested. You have to be willing to let go of the old life, and be willing to embrace the new one. The course load is a lot, and the work is tough, but with enough drive and want, I can do anything I put my mind to. You don't need to worry about failing, because the professors, with help from you, will make sure you succeed. Lastly, I would tell myself to just enjoy being a senior in high school, to stop wondering about where I'll be ten years from now; because that's what college is for.

The advice I would give myself as a senior in highschool would be simple. I'd tell myself that the best thing to do when it comes to deciding a major, have a couple of ideas. Then when you start taking classes to sign up for that major, but mainly gen. eds. That way if I decide to change my major, I haven't fallen behind. I'd also let myself know that making friends is easy. I'd reassure myself saying that, it's best to be yourself, or even a little more weird than normal, because, everyone in college is weird. I'd also say that if I were to act a little more weird than normal, and it didn't work out, then I could just be normal and others would think that it was just me being nevous the first day or attribute it to something else. Either way I wouldn't have the pressure of being someone I wasn't and could have friends who like me as I am.

I would tell myself to get more involved in student activities. I went to a large school and mostly found out things from my dorm-mates. However, there were so many more activities. There was a whole theatre department that put on wonderful plays and concerts that I was not exposed to until I was a senior. I wish I had found these nuggets earlier on. I did several co-ops and internships and I would definitely do that I again. I would recommend internships to anyone as it is a great leg up when applying for jobs after graduation. I would tell myself to live on campus for at least two years. It is a great way to meet life-long friends. I would attend sporting events as supporting a team is great fun! I would make sure that you make some time during the week to study. Even though I wasn’t a big partier, I would go out on the weekends to socialize. Know that Sunday is the ‘day of study’. Everyone holes up in their corner of the commons area or the library and studies like there’s no tomorrow.

I am currently going for my second Bachelor's degree and in the accelerated nursing track. I first went to a bigger college in Louisville and wish that I would have chosen Bellarmine from the beginning. I would tell myself that size of college is not that important and whether you went to a big high school or a small high school that is not going to matter when getting to college. College is a completely different world than high school and hard to adjust, chose the school that is best for you and that you can handle financially. It is very important to look into what you are going to have to do to graduate on time and to look at the application procress and competitiveness if you do have to apply to an upper division program in your undergraduate career. Go with your gut but listen to your heart, picking a college can be stressful but be sure to look at all your options!

If I could go back and give myself advice about making the transition to college, I would warn myself about the importance of dealing with stress and change, especially from being independent, peer pressure, handling extensive amounts of school work, being in a new environment, etc. Unknowing to me, swimming in high school was a way I had subconsciously dealt with these types of stress before. Unaware of this, I assumed that continuing to swim in college would add stress to an already stressful time, but in reality, ended up causing me to have an even harder time dealing with change. Not knowing how to cope, I was under so much stress that I unknowingly weakened my immune system so much it caused me to develop over fifteen food allergies, some so serious that I am now at risk for undergoing life threatening reactions, even by close contact. Although I learned the hard way, I realized the importance of developing ways to manage stress in the future so I can prevent in continuing the vicious cycle that has started. Determining ways to cope with stress is key to succeeding in college, as well as in a healthy and successful future.

If I could go back and talk to a much younger me I would first say "High school is almost over Emily! Don't give up hope, never surrender, Because these next four years will be the ones you'll remember. Prepare now, so that college will be a breeze; Study hard, get the grades, and ask for help, please! Follow your heart, and make your dreams come alive, But be sure to make a pathway first so that you may always thrive. One last thing that I would like to say before I go, Keep on smiling, try your hardest, and always let it show."

The most important advice I would give myself as a present senior in college would be to take as much time as possible to really enjoy all the opportunities college life offers. I would also recommend taking more time to decide on a major, and not rush as I fear I may have done. While college is very intimidating--especially to a first generation college student, it's important to take the time to enjoy every new experience and not become too overwhelmed. Just like we shouldn't rush to grow up too fast, it's as equally important to not rush through college. There are many opportunities only available to college students such as on campus activities, dorm life, community involvement, and even promising internships. As a present senior, I now recognize the importance all these opportunities have in the life of any student and young adult. College helps define and mold us into the adults we will soon be. That's why it's important to completely immerse yourself in college life and experience every opportunity available. Take your time and enjoy it, you will find yourself in the real world soon enough!

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is always have a method and plan in mind. Be prepared, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, and take leaps to achieve the next mile. Do extensive research and be money wise when it comes to college, money is everything, so don't waste it. The advice given to me from parents, teachers, and friends are motivation to strive harder in college and to make myself someone I'm proud of.