Brookdale Community College Top Questions

Giving advice to ones self isn't easy. On the other hand, after my experiences in college, it is. Lisa, please do not stress out about working and going to school at the same time. You are a strong woman and can handle any challenges that come you way. If you take the time to study, you will be fine. Please do not stress that you do not know anyone. You will meet so many lovely people in college that you will know for years. Even though high school is boring and tedious, college will have so many fun nights when you stay up to study. Enjoy your life, as you know, you only get one chance to live.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is don't become complacent meaning set a goal and stick to it. I started at Brookdale Community College as a stepping stone and thinking I'd be gone after 1 semester as soon as I found a 4 year college. Then I began to take advantage of living at home and working and saving money and almost not wanting to experience the college life. I'm disappointed that I've been at BCC for 2 years and am now graduating this semester but still don't know what college I'd like to attend. I feel if I had set a deadline or a goal for myself early on, I'd be at the school of my dreams pursuing the degree for the career of my dreams.

The advice I would give my former self would be to take almost the exact path I am taking right now with the exception of changing majors. I would tell myself from the past about how important a very general and broad type of major such as liberal arts is compared to something too specific. I have learned about the importance if networking with honorable and knowledgeable individuals that will absolutely help me in my years after college, something I would also relay to myself in the past. I am happy and proud of all of the challenges I have faced and accomplishments I have made, especially the ones having to do with my rise to president of Brookdale's honor society. Leading a group of nine board members and 100 members has been the biggest tests of patience and logic of my life, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

I would tell myself to learn how to study better and keep up with my work. College requires constant studying to stay on task and limited procrastination. Stay focuses, keep yourself on task, go to every class unless theres a circumstance where you absolutely cannot attend, and keep up with your work. Every paper, class, lecture, and lab counts. Minimal studying, effort, and time given will show in your grades. Also, only take on as much as you can handle. Four classes is considered full time and that will take up most of your time. If you want to stack classes, think seriously about it and make sure you can handle four first. You can always take that extra class in the summer. Keep in touch with your professors and use the resources college provides. The staff is there when you need them, but only go there if you cant figure something out yourself. Try to be independent if you can help it and solve problems yourself if its possible.

I would tell myself that college is a major adjustment and that taking it slowly by first beginning at a community college is a smart idea. It enables you to learn what college-level work is like without the demands of adjusting to a dorm situation and being away from home. College-level work takes time and learning how to study properly is one thing you will learn well during your first year of college. Always remember that college is full of learning experiences and what you learn during your first year will serve to benefit you for the remainder of your college career.