Central College Top Questions

College is expensive! Do not buy all those clothes, buy cups, forks, spoons! Save for books! Books are something that you never thought about before you got your schedule! Also, relax! The first few weeks are the only shaky ones. College life is so easy to adapt to, you'll forget you have a home in another city. Friends are easy to make, it's such a close-knit campus, and you'll have plenty to do all the time! Do not procrastinate. You push one assignment to the last minute, and you have to push others back to make time for that one. It's a never-ending chain! Do not sign up for free stuff online. Those people will rip you off and steal your card number. Those sites are not secure. Protect your identity. Don't panic when something bad happens. Breathe. Calm down. Relax. Think. You can't fix problems if you're huddling in the corner in the fetal position.

I would have made myself spend more time on homework and actually reading the textbooks in high school. Often times in high school, students don't think they need to read, and I was one of those students. Now in college, I have a hard time sitting down to read a text book. It is hard for me to read to much at one time and to know exactly what I should be taking away from the reading. I would have definitely taken the college prep class offered in high school, so that I could have learned more about what to focus on when reading large amounts, the best highlighting and note taking strategies, and many other things that would be very beneficial to me. To go along with never reading, I wish I would have been more structured in high school when doing my homework. It is hard for me now to set aside a specific time to do a certain assingment because I've never done that. All around, I would have spent more time on homework, planning ahead, and actually reading the assignments given.

If only I could bend time and space, then I would be able to talk to myself just a few years ago, before I graduated from high school. I would have benefited greatly knowing then what I know now. I would definitely tell my past self, were I able, that even though I am I highly organized person, I will get more out of my college experience if I plan less and just let myself go wherever life leads me. Some of the best experiences I have had in college have occurred by whims, and I have found that it is very difficult to plan my day out and not feel stressed. Doing so means I end up being less open to other options, which could lead to some of the most rewarding experiences here at college. I would tell myself not to plan everything out, for whatever happens, will happen, and everything that happens will be more enjoyable if I allow myself some time to experience life.

In life, you will make mistakes. Mistakes help you to grow and learn. Mistakes have created the person you are now and continue to mold you. College can be a rough transition depending on your attitude. It's okay to be scared. In the end you will be a stronger person because of the steps of faith you take. I know you are hesitant about whether you are going to the "right" college and majoring in the "right" major. But don't worry about all of that. You might be wrong, but you have so much time to learn and start over and try again. You will be a better person and learn more about yourself by simply trying new things. So don't be afraid of messing up. Embrace the idea of making mistakes. God is bigger than your weaknesses and he can use all of your short-comings for something so great you can't even imagine. As for right now, find your passion and run with it, there's always time to try again. I wouldn't change a thing; just hold firm to your faith and put your very best into all that you do.

I think if I could go back in time and talk to myself before starting college I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did. I know before coming to Central I was so worked up and nervous about living on my own with lots of people that I do not know. I would tell myself that everyone is in the same situation and if you are nice and friendly to people that they will act the same towards you. I would also tell myself to be open to different classes to take, as I arrived here with a set mind about what I wanted to end up doing and I have changed it numerous times already. I would also tell myself to just be who I am because once you get to college those are the people that everyone is drawn to--the ones who know how to be themselves and accept it and embrace it. The last thing I would tell myself would be to get ready for the start of a whole new world.

I would have emphasised to myself in high school was acctually sitting down more often and work on my scholarship applications. This would have saved me maybe a lot of time of working to make up the difference that I have to pay. It is not the fact that I have to work, but the idea of having loans and monthly payments that are sitting at the back of my mind do no help much when it is on your worry list. By filling out more applications I might have had more financial help now , but that was my mistake that I get to pay for with work and money. I know that I can fix this this year, but I would have helped me a lot my first year in college and would have made the financial transition easier.

If I went back in time to give myself advice I would tell myself one thing: 'Don't stress.' I would tell myself not to question my options & to go with my gut instinct; that Central college is the best choice. Central will instantly become home & it will be the best choice I could make. I would tell myself to live a little more & that I'm buying too many not very essential "essentials." All my problems will melt away when I take that first step on campus. Take that chance to re-invent yourself & make who you seem to be a little more true to who you are. You're not the geek you think you are. Your roomate will prove that you don't touch the word 'geek' with her StarTrek obsession. Yes, StarTrek. She'll never stop talking if you ask, so it's best that you don't. Even when you think it'll be a nice distraction from homework, DON'T. You'll never finish your essay. But if you do anything starting graduation day until the first day of college, don't stress, live a little, & 'To thine own self be true.'

Go to class. Once you miss one its easier to skip others. The things you learn in class help alot on homework/tests/projects. Plus lots of things are discussed in class that you miss otherwise. Not just notes but also changes to deadlines, test dates and project outlines. Keep track of homework and tests as well as extracurriculars and social events. Make an outline of project deadlines and test dates. Use an assignment book and a bigger calendar that you can look at everyday to keep track of homework, projects, tests and other commitments. Keep your door open and go to different events on campus. Try to get to know someone in each class they are a great resource if you miss class or if you're confused about something, they are someone to study with, and they can become a close friend.

If i knew everythings that i know about college now, i would definalty apply for more scholarships, i would take a Spanish class, i would participate in more extracuriculum activities.

I would say that one of the most important things in the transition is to meet your roommate before you move in so that you both know what to expect and just to make sure that you mesh well. Also, email your professors so that on the first day of class they recognize your name and then you will stick out right away and they will be more likely to talk to you.