Carroll College Top Questions

Prepare to be upset. I know... its a foreign and wickedly horrible emotion to us. High school is a breeze and will not prepare you for the intensity of college level work. When your first ever D is given to you, remember that you tried your hardest, but sometimes you can't win all the battles. Math is so far the greatest challenge for us, but don't let one subject hurt you're pride or depress you. Plus, your friends are always willing to help you will it! Calling mom is the best solution to everything! She will always make you realize how smart you really are. To her, we are everything, and she constantly reminds us how much of ourself we always put into our work. Give your all to everything! I know you will be shy and socially challanged at meeting new people, but don't get down on yourself because the greatest people you will ever meet actually love your personallity. One day you will meet someone who will always remind you that "Everyday may not be good, but there's something good in everyday. So find it."

I would tell my senior self not to procrastinate. Procrastination will be your down fall. You need to make sure you get everything done by the due date that way you will have it easier in college. If you don't procrastinate you'll have better grades thus bringing up your G.P.A. That will help you get into a good school. Also, you need to save your money. Don't spend all your money. Save some back for a rainy day or for an emergency. You are going to want to save your money for something in the future, it may help buy something you want or need.

If I could talk to my senior self I would stress the importance of finding a balance between athletics and academics. I would let myself know that grades are more important than practice time. I would tell myself to be more involved than I was. I would tell myself to watch out for those puny little freshman and stand up for those kids that didn't have anyone to stand up for them. If I could go back in time I would definitely keep my eyes open and learn to live in the moment and enjoy it.

"Don't listen to any of your classmates who say going to community college is social suicide. Don't listen to anyone who asks, 'why would you go there?!' Anyone who thinks paying $40,000 a year is superior to gaining credits for $800 a semester is ignorant. Social ranking of colleges doesn't matter, all degrees are equal. Save your money and start small, work your way up to those 'bigger and better' colleges. You're completely distracted your freshman year in college anyways. You're making new friends, trying new things (good and bad), and creating a new you in hopes of finding out who you really are. If I've learned anything at all, it's that others opinions don't matter. Do what you want, be happy, save your money, and prove those ignorant people wrong. When you're making twice their salary with an AA degree from a community college, a BA from a state college, and your MA from a distinguished university, don't forget to ask them why they went where they did and what they learned."

Be prepared to study hard, not eat good, and have very little privacy or time to yourself. Pack what you need, but remember that dorms are small. Be kind to others, be yourself, don't let go of your morals, stay out of the drama of the dorms, and don't party because your studies are way more important.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pursue Nursing instead of Biology. Nursing deals a lot with people, and even though I love biology, Nursing is really the ultimate fit for me. After spending a lot of time as a CNA, I realized how passionate I was about health care. The health industry is fascinating, and if you are a compassionate, caring person it is where you ought to be. I would also tell myself to join the National Guard a lot sooner than I did. I would probably realize that nursing was my path a little sooner, and that the Army Nurse Corps was going to be a dream. I would also praise myself, for putting myself first over a relationship. I know a lot of people who would have gone back and not been stuck getting married young and having a family so soon. It works for some people, but I am sure it would have not worked for me so I am glad I waited so I wouldn't have to rely on other people. I only rely and depend on myself.

Don't change a thing, the path you are going down is the right one, and you will pick an amazing school where you belong. All the drama and hardships you faced in high school will be nothing the second you set foot on Carroll College campus. You will succeed.

Don't try to grow up too fast. You have your whole life ahead of you, and the memories you make will remain with you. Learn about who you really are and what you want out of life. Make as many new friends as you can, but make sure to keep in touch with your friends from high school. You're a long way from home and you can make decisions without your parents, but keep them in mind when you do make those decisions. These years will not last forever, though it may seem like it at times, especially when going to an early morning class on only a few hours of sleep. Start exploring your career options now and branch out to learn new things. Just because you feel like you can't do anything other than what you've chosen doesn't mean it's true. You may have to work in another field before you get your dream job. Make the most out of your education and enjoy learning. You are smart, beautiful and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Hello me! I know you’re scared about the future, about never seeing the people around you ever again, and about choosing the wrong career that could forever risk your happiness in life. But that’s why apply to the many places you want and write down deadlines so you won’t be stuck at a community college as me. But even if you do end up here, don’t regret it. Never lose that happiness and cheerfulness you carry within, for I know that the future is scary but the journey is what counts. Just make sure you study hard and take every opportunity of extra credit given, even if it seems nerdy. Always stay true to yourself because that is what makes you unique, and others will love you for that. And never under any circumstances lose sight of your dreams no matter how long it can take. And if you ever feel sad and lonely just have hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Finish what you start!