Bellarmine University Top Questions

I waited ten years after high school graduation to attend college. This is a decision that has made my life very difficult financially, emotionally and has halted many life goals, like starting a family. If I could go back in time I would tell myself how difficult life is without a college degree. That without a degree you will live paycheck to paycheck, never being able to use the money you work so hard to get for the things you want in life. People will never take you seriously without a degree, no matter how intelligent you are. There are so many benefits to going to college straight after high school, scholarships, fraternities, and maybe the most important, time to decide what you want to do with your life. All of these are unreachable when you decide to go at thirty. The most important thing I would tell myself is the one thing that I truly needed to hear after high school, you are smart, you can be successful, you can do anything you want in life, and not having a degree is the only thing holding you back. The only great failure in life is never trying.

If I could go back in time to my high school years, I would give myself a reassuring hug and say, "Don't be afraid." Everyone says that college is the most exciting time of a young adult's life, and it's true. But, being a timid person by nature and consequence, I did not take full advantage of the opportunity of a fresh start at Bellarmine. I regret not getting involved in Psychology club, STAGE, and auditioning to be in a student production of the Vagina Monologues my first year. Instead, I spent my freshman year in my dorm room, studying and wondering if I was cut out for college. I was too afraid of looking foolish, of what others might think of me, of not having friends, and not measuring up to my academic standards. After a successful first year, despite my expectations, I gained the confidence I needed to ignore my fears and became a part of everything I wanted to join my sophomore year. I thrived. As cliche as it is, if I had known then what I have learned from experience now, I would have started my fresh start sooner and happier.

As a high school student, I felt very anxious about college. I am the only child in my immediate family to attend college out of a family of 2 girls and 3 boys. I did not think it was possible, considering my family was low-income, and I had no idea what to expect. Now, I have graduated with two degrees, and will be attending Edinburgh University in the fall to attain my Masters Degree. I would look back at my high school self, and tell her that it was going to be difficult, but well worth the fight. That I would continue to fight and work for financial aid, and that studying hard and going to conferences is worth the stress. Working hard is worth it, and it will show. I would tell myself to continue to research, and to never stop the willingness to learn, the eagerness to learn. I would tell my self, most importantly, that money is a small issue. Because my family cannot afford to help me, doesn't mean I am not worth this education. Pushing and fighting for what I need to better myself academically is worth every moment and every penny.

Time travel is something everyone wishes for. If I had this power I would go back to my high school self as a senior and prepare myself for college. I would tell myself not to worry about not knowing anybody. The search for friends really made me mature and find my true self. I would also tell myself to continue to push myself in highschool to learn the most I can. What you learn in highschool can truly help you be ahead of the game in college if you strive to remember all that you can. College is a big step but a great learning experience. I would tell myself to take the shock of moving away from home one day at a time and be open to new things and everything great and amazing you can experience in college will follow. I would add, to keep your head high, your mind open, and get involved, and your transition to both social and educational aspects of college will be easy and a great experience that you will never forget or want to forget. These words were exactly what I needed to hear and wish I had knew as a senior.

I would tell my high school self to branch out and meet all different types of people because it is a wonderful experience to learn about every different culture that there is. Also, to prepare for time management better to keep on task with everything that is to come. Stay involved because you never know who you will meet and what references you will need for the future. These people will be your lifetime friends and colleagues so respect everyone's opinion whether you like it or not and learn from these ecperiences with all these different types of people. I would also tell myself to never pass up any opportunity that is in reach because you may never get another chance to experience something so wonderful and especially with the poeple you are surrounded by!

Being able to confront my senior-self would change everything. I would tell her only one thing: talk. I have always been the shy kid who needed a little more time to warm up to the people around her. By my senior year in high school, I was bubbling and bouncing off the walls; I was involved in countless clubs, held several offices, and walked down the halls knowing everyone's name, greeting them. Of course, that took me three years to achieve. I was so sure I wouldn't make that same mistake in college, but I did. I shut up. My freshman year, while still amazing, was stunted. I was not in clubs. I had a small circle of friends. I saw myself slowly starting to break out again over the summer, and realizing my mistake, I sped up the process. Now I'm involved, outgoing, and spunky again. But I still regret my shyness. I'll always look back on my freshman year and think it could have been much more. That is what I would tell myself.

I wold take my career path more serioisly, and complete my education earlier.

I would tell myself to work harder at getting scholarships. I'd say that the college you end up attending costs a lot and it would help immensely if you could fill out more scholarship applications. I would also tell myself that everything would end up working out in the end and that even though you're moving during your senior year, it doesn't turn out as horribly as you would think it would. You get into a good college and even get scholarships. Have fun and enjoy the remainder of your high school days.

I would tell myself that everything would be just fine and that I was headed on the right path. I would also say that college is admittedly hard, and you have to work for it, but there's not much that's too surprising. Study more and don't fall behind, but always remember to have fun with what you do. Even if it isn't going to make you a lot of money in the future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college I would tell myself that I need to do what's best for myself. I need to choose a college that best fits me and is financially smart. College is very stressful and a busy time of your life so I would like to prepare myself for all the studying time that is required. It was a very hard transition from my little bubble of my home and going into the dorms at a huge university.