Carroll University Top Questions

College is a time when students are able to determine for themselves what is important to them. In order to be certain, one must branch out and explore new ideas and activities. If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to not be afraid to consider different concepts. Although I have a shy personality, I should step out of my comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity to learn about other ways of thinking. Stressing the importance of involvement, I would explain that it is okay if I don’t know everything, but to pursue every experience with a positive outlook so I can broaden my overall knowledge. Because I do stress about my school work, I would try to persuade my high school self to recognize that academics are essential, however, I need to spend some time on myself. Whether it be socializing, volunteering, or being a member of a club, my involvement should be something I enjoy, even if it is not relevant for my career choice. Lastly, I would clarify that there will be some hard moments. Nevertheless, everything will pay off in the end as long as I’m happy.

I would tell my high school senior self that I would really need to get my act together more. To start studying more and prepare more for school. Also to get more involved and join the sorority my freshmen year because it would help make the transition into school easier.

If I could go back in time to talk to my younger self about my experiences at college there would be many things to say. The main thing I would advise myself to do would be to challenge myself with everything I did. For example, I would take more advanced courses, because the basic level courses hardly prepare anyone for the work they are faced with during college. I would also advise myself to be more involved with school activities. Activities are a great way to meet people; they can make the challenging task of trying to meet new people slightly easier.

I would tell myself not to be so nervous about the first semester of college. Everything will work out, and even thought it is hard work and the assignments may seem impossible, you are good enough and you can do it. I would also tell myself to be prepared for homesickness, but do not feel bad about it. It is normal to miss your family; they are your greatest support system, and although you don't see them everyday they are just a phone call away. You are an amazing person and you can get through the first semester. No matter how hard it gets, you pull through and surprise yourself in the process. Make sure to take breaks and don't get caught up in studying. Band is the best outlet you have, and don't lose it because you will make great friends in that class who make you not just a better player but a better person aswell.

My high school years could be described as anything but difficult. I was a very blessed student, having the ability to naturally excel at almost every class I was taking without having to put an extreme amount of effort into anything. Little did I know, that this blessing could ultimately be my biggest curse upon entering my college years. Now, I would describe my college years as anything but easy. Because I did not have to study hard in high school, I do not have the proper study skills to help push through my tougher, science related undergraduate classes. If I could go back, I would tell myself to go above and beyond what was expected of me as much as possible, as it would ultimately work to my benefit in the end. I would also challenge myself to take classes I just may not have seemed interested at the time, as a few of those subjects ended up being requirements for my undergraduate degree. If I could have the opportunity to revisit my eighteen year old self again, I would give this advice without hesitation. Hindsight is 20/20, but proper preparation can also outsmart hindsight.

If I could go back now, I would tell myself to actually apply for scholarships. Everyone told me over and over to apply. They kept nagging me and told me how important it was. At the time I figured loans would cover everything and that I wouldn't need the extra money. I was wrong. I needed it. I have to work extra hard and try to come up with money in different areas to pay for the out of pocket expenses I have left over after my loans. I never guessed books and living expenses would be so much. Now I know what I wish I would have known then.

If I were to go back in time I wouldn't tell myself anything because if I would have I probably wouldn't have honestly listened. What I mean by that is that because in high school I haven't experienced college so I really wouldn't be paying much attention. It wouldn't hit me til I got to college when I would be like "Oh yes I should have listened to myself." I would like to say I should have told myself to work more, but I feel as if I worked as much as I could given I wanted to do sports and still do well in school. Finally I feel as if I went back in time I wouldn't be able to really make it clear what college was like because you just have to experience it to know what to expect.

I would tell myself to focus more on my grades. I would also tell myself not to wait til last minute to do task

First, I would tell myself to soak up every minute of my senior year in because I miss many of those times with my friends, coaches, teammates, teachers, and other community members. Next, I would say that the college classes offered at high school are extremely beneficial as you transition into college. Another good piece of advice would be to stay on top of emails and the entire college process. This makes it easier as you progress toward the start of the year. Do what you want to do and don't worry about what other people think. Don't second guess yourself so much and stay organized because it helps when you have so much on your plate. Talk to people about what you are stressed out about especially your parents they have excellent input. Share good times with your friends and keep those relationships. Also, thank coaches, teachers, and others that have assisted you in anyway with your senior year and college transition. Lastly, don't worry so much everything works out one way or another. HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

Dear Saera, I wish you did something you really wanted to do instead of hiding and did what your parents wanted you to do. When you did that did your life really turn out well? All you did was waste years of your life doing things that aren’t meaningful. Sure you got experience—great, but in the end it feels like you wasted a part of yourself. The money was o.k. and everything but your work didn’t satisfy you as much as you’d like. You should’ve known people like different things not just one thing. I’m glad you turned into a person who made o.k. money also but the difference was you loved your job. It’s ok you took your pace as you liked it. I wish you weren’t so serious in everything and getting angry at people for the wrong reasons. But I’m also glad you enjoyed being young having a great time with people. If you picked the wrong choices, you would’ve got yourself into more trouble. Frankly who knows what the wrong choices were in the extremes, I’m glad you followed your heart. Thank you

Being able to go back and give advice to myself would be extremely helpful in three ways. First I would emphasize the importance of investing into each and every class because the information that is given to students from freshmen year through graduation is extremely important. Secondly I would mention that being a "STUDENT-athlete" is important, becoming a successful student before becoming a successful athlete will allow you to reach all of your goals and better you on the field. To go along with that the importance of being in constant contact with the coaching staff and professors so that no class work is missed and that the sporting events do not take away from the education. Lastly I would tell myself that there is plenty of time for fun, the time that you spend outside of the classroom needs to be balanced and it has to be productive so that when an opportunity for fun arises you know that you have accomplished the important things especially the school work. These three things would be helpful for me if I had the opportunity to go back in time to speak with my high school self.

I was forced to quit college in 1996, looking back I should have pushed other parts of my life instead of college. Mother of 4, to show them the importance of education should have been a bigger goal. As i return in my mid 40's I am more sure of myself, and my goals. To work in a field I can contribute to, is my goal now. Helping others, especially children and elderly. I want to contribute to the world as an advicate and supporter of the human race. Choices, creating and celebrating our selves as people of the Universe. Life coach, writer, empowering peoples personal choices.

At the age of 18 I was a senior in high school. If I had the oppurtunity to go back in time and give myself some advice, I would have a lot of things to say. Most importantly I would stress to myself the importantance of doing good in high school because the grades you get in high school determines your placement in college courses. I would advise myself to do more studying then I did do. I would also tell myself to not skip classes, EVER! It is extremely important to attend each and every class and gain as much information as possible. Attendence is very important in college because so much material is taught in one day. I would remind myself to still have fun but to make school my number one priority.

I would tell myself that I need to keep in mind that college is hard but it is well worth it. It is important to not get discouraged and to always be outgoing. The relationships one makes in college can be the most important ones that will last a life time. College is a wonderful experience that everyone should have the opportunity to have. Also, living on campus is the best way to meet new people. Being homesick is normal, but you meet people that can help you through everything. And most importantly, never give up your dreams of becoming a nurse.

If i could go back in time the best advice I could give myself is to not slack off my senior year. High school seniors think that they should just take the easy classes but actually they should take the challenging classes to help them better prepare for college. Another important thing high school seniors should do is to learn to take matters into their own hands and do assignments and projects on time. In college they don't harp on you to get your work done you just need to do it on your own time. There needs to be a balance between fun and school.

I would tell myself that even when everything seems too much, it will get better. It may be hard to believe, but things will work out. You just have to keep trying.

High school was very easy for me and I excelled in everything I did. I would advise this high school version of myself not to get caught up in the illusion that college would be just as easy. Classes are harder, there are more assignments, and many more distractions. I would console my senior self by telling her that I would make plenty friends, have so many opportunities, and be so blessed by the way things have worked out. It would also be helpful to remind myself that mistakes are going to be made, and that its important to learn from them and move on, not dwell on things I can't change. I would also encourage myself to spend a lot of time in the library and to study hard, regardless of how easy they seemed. Eating well is also very important and I would remind myself to eat fruits and veggies to avoid getting sick and missing class. Continuing my involvement in community and campus activities was also very important and I would remind my high school self to keep better records of my involvement, as well as taking every opportunity possible to give back and get involved.

Save your money, keep up on paperwork, look for more scholarships, pace yourself with schoolwork, don't do homework in bed unless its reading, and take some time to relax at the end of each day. And go to bed at a reasonable time!

After finishing my first year in college I learned valuable techniques that I wish I would have been practicing throughout my senior year of high school. If I could go back and talk to myself during my senior year I would have made sure to tell myself to be organized. That cramming your papers into your textbooks doesn’t cut it in college. That I need to have separate folders and note books for every class. I would have told myself no more waiting until the night before to start studying for a test. That I need to look over my notes every night to make sure it is embedded in my head and refreshing my memory as the chapters progressed. I would have also made sure to tell myself to always do the readings. You’re professors expect you to do them so when you’re going over the information in class you will be confused if you don’t read. I also would have told myself to get involved in class as much as possible. You always want to stay on your professor’s good side; you never know when it will come in handy.

If I could go back in time there is many things I would tell myself to help with the college transition. The most important advice I'd give myself is that studying really helps. I went through high school without ever having to study because it all came to me so easy. Once i got to college I realized that there is alot more to remember and that the only way I could possibly hope to keep them in mind is to study. Studying would have definately helped me get the high grades that I am used to getting. I would also warn myself about staying up, and hanging out all night when there is class the next morning. It is easy to go out, and stay up all night with friends, but it is not as easy to wake up for class the next morning. The begining of the year is always the time where freshmans are sucked into hanging out and getting to know people. One can eaisly lose track of school work so I would tell myself that staying focused is also important in the college transition.