Cedar Crest College Top Questions

I am currently finishing up my first semester of college, freshman year. I obviously have much education left to complete; however, I have already learned so much from my first year at community college! So far, I have realized that in college, a student must be accountable for their own study habits. I have nobody holding a textbook to my face, yet I understand that if I don't sit down and force myself to study, I won't get an acceptable grade on the test! I think this epiphany will guide my studies throughout my college years. The other valuable lesson I have learned, as of now, is time management. You really have to make time for important activities, and eliminate time-wasters. I manage this by giving myself timelines for everyday activities, say, two hours allotted for doing my English reading assignment, and a half-hour reward and break of watching a television program. I've found that this balance of work and play keeps me focused throughout the trying school week. I am very excited to complete my college experience; I thank you, wholeheartedly, for taking the time for read my submission.

College has helped me to find myself and where I belong. I never fit into a group or had friends in high school. Once I got to college I felt like an outsider until I found where I belonged. Now, finding what I love to do and making friends has helped me become who I know I will always be. I have grown so much by coming to this school and I found my real potential in being here. I never realized who I was or what I was going to do, until I found my place here at this school. Being a student at Cedar Crest has been a life changing experience that I believe every student that attends here experiences. I believe we all were alike in high school and found out who we were/are by coming here to Cedar Crest. I finally feel as if I belong and that I will survive in the world outside of school.

My college experience has been one of understanding and self realization. Coming out of High School I knew I wanted to do something big. I applied for West Point and was able to get my congressional nomination. After attending there for a semester I discovered that the military was not for me but yet I wanted to pursue my love of computers. Getting my Associates Degree was a great feeling but I want to go back and obtain my BS in Computer Science. West Point showed me what I wanted to do and gave me the determination to do it.

I have gotten self-confidence from this school and friends who will stick with me for life.

My college experience so far has taught me how to manage my time wisely. I have to balance being a full time student and working almost full time to help pay for tuition. Also it has given me a sense of self respect. I believe in myself now and I have become more confident as a person. College has given me a new outlook on schooling. I now will sit down and do my homework and stress to others the importance of school whereas in high school I slacked off not knowing how important school really is. I am ready to help those in the community and I cannot do that without schooling which is why it is so valuable to me. Without schooling I would not be able to become a licensed social worker. I want to better others lives and give other children the lives they deserve. College has mostly been vaulable because it shapes my future. Without it I have no future.

Its not as easy as it seems. You can not be a slacker. If you choose something follow through. Do ALL work at ALL times.

If I could go back in time I would most likely tell myself to take Honors English instead of regular English, and to pay more attention in all classes. I would also tell myself to take any/all opportunities in helping the community and to take leadership lessons. College is a rough transition but as long as your open minded you will get the job done and of course met new people along the way.

Simply, I would say to write out the important factors in accessing your educational goals and take time to consider each option. This is not to say that I did not take certain precautions before I made a final decision. But I do believe that I should have given myself more time and more options to choose from. I wish I would have really thought about what it takes to achieve a degree for me; whether it is more important to be close to family, long term financial impact(of college itself), and what I expect to even get out of obtaining the degree. Thinking back, I only felt a sense of hope for the future. It seemed as if nothing was set in stone, but that college was a place of opportunity. Within the college itself, there are the factors of professionalism and respect. It is important to really access your environment, getting a sense of what will have an influence on your life(whether it be religious based or something else). Currently, I feel the best decision was made with what I knew at the time; with the realization that you always learn more as you get older.

I would tell myself to apply to more schools and do everything I possibly could my senior year in high school. To enjoy the time that I have with the people I am with and get all out of it I can. Also to think long and hard about going far away and what kind of impact that is going to have on all of my relationships. Once you get to school take a chance and meet new people, as hard as it is to reach out put a little bit of yourself out there and make new friends.

Take your time, don't worry too much about growing up right away, because college is a time that is meant to be savoured. Take notes in class, pay attention and don't be afraid to ask for help (in class or out). Get involved, but not because it will "look good;" do it because you want to - that's the only way you'll enjoy college and truly make a difference. Remember to study, but don't take life too seriously. Your four years of college will be gone in a flash and the only way to slow them down is to enjoy the moments. As for those first terrifying days of being away from home, deep breaths - you'll make it through. It's okay to be sad for the era of your life that just ended, but only for moments. There's a whole chapter of fresh pages to write on, so make them good ones. Get out and meet people, discover yourself. People will ask you for the rest of your life "What college did you graduate from?" Make sure these four years are worth that publicity for the rest of your life.