Christopher Newport University Top Questions

The difficulty of being a college student does not compare to that of a high school student. Boy, was I in for a surprise! College has taught me the important of discipline, dependance, confidence, and passion. If I could talk to my high school self, I would make myself aware that things are never as bad as they seem. Most importantly, I would tell myself that life is not about being better than others, instead it is about being the best version of yourself. Going to a small private school made me feel intimidated and I always felt at competition with others. I would assure myself that the clothes I wore, who did or did not like me, and being rejected from anything did not define my worth. I would tell myself not to let emotions get in the way of my academics, and that every late night staying up to study was worth it. I would comfort myself by saying that everyone "fitting in" is much less rewarding than being happy with who I truly am. I would love to advise myself to absorb every ounce of knowledge that I can.

Read all of the required readings for class. You will do much better on all of the tests if you at least skim the readings as opposed to not eading them at all. Partying is fun, but do not party too much. Study a lot more than you did in high school. It is so easy to pass high school without studying, but not so much in college. Try not to skip classes if at all possible. The teachers you think are easy going and do not really require you to attend class, watch out for them because those are the classes you really have to make sure you do well in. Step your game up a lot more than you did in high school. You have to pay for this so treat it like it is very valuable.

Going back in time as a high school senior, transition from high school into college can be a tedious task, making sure the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and your ACT (American College Testing), scores are high, is the advice I would give myself. This plays a big part in your acceptance to the University of your Choice. Also transitioning from high school into college, I would advise myself to strategize; this is the approach to take to close the gap between where I am now and where I want to be in four years. Strategizing make the difference between a plan’s success or failure. Part of achieving my goals is always focused on trying to learn what my strengths are. Equally learn my weaknesses and how to manage or work around them. Developing a vision and goal for the success of my career, having a hard copy of my goals makes it real. Once it becomes a physical entity and not just a thought going through myhead, it has form, substance and reality for me. Staying focus and motivate, and keeping my priorities in order is a way I can set myself up for success in my college years.

Do not over stress about things, it always makes things worse and damages your health. Just take things as they come to you and deal with them at your own pace. Take time to enjoy yourself, it is not only about hard work, if you do nothing but hard work you will exhaust yourself and cause yourself greater pain.

Charity, be you. Do not let anyone try and change you or make you do something you do not want to do. Do not waste your time on people that do not care about you. Take time to do things for yourself -- things that you enjoy, for pleasure or for profit. Make sure to have fun. Down time is important and rest is needed. College does not define who you are as a person. However, work hard. Live in every moment and give everything, school, friends, jobs, your full effort. Let the unimportant things roll off your back and dig your feet in deep when the tough, important things come along. Remember that it is okay to fail. College is a learning experience and you will grow and change. Boys come and go, friends stay a little longer. Grades are important, but they do not make up your whole being. Above all, live every second. Enjoy the hard times because they grow and challenge you. Learn from professors you dislike. Experience heartbreak and use that to love others even more deeply. Enjoy the moments -- every single one -- because they pass very quickly and you never want to live with regret.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to have confidence. Confidence had always been a struggle for me throughout grade school. However, when I got to college I realized that I should have the confidence to succeed. It seems to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If I have the attitude to succeed, I can accomplish great feats. Before, I let my fear of failure and embarrassment get in the way of learning and moving forward. Holding myself back based on these fears was a mistake that I learned the hard way. If I were to go back in time, I would ensure that myself as a high school senior would push through with the confidence of a scholar because with the right mindset and confidence, I can achieve my dreams.

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to ignore all of the people telling me that it would be impossible for me to graduate college in 3 years. I was terrified of the college experience and being told horror stories of taking classes that don't count, not being able to find housing, and only making friends through drinking almost made me decline my acceptance. When I finally got to college, I realized all of those people were wrong and wished my high school self could have known I could accomplish anything I dreamed about accomplishing. I would also give myself the information that our second year of college would be the time when the Neuroscience program opened at CNU. I ended up transfering to the Neuroscience program the day it opened but I would have been a much happier student if I had that event in mind when looking forward. Most of all, I would tell myself to stop and breathe because everything will work out the way it is supposed to in the end.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to be my own person. Do not change for anyone. College can be a difficult transition but it is important to stay true to you. Another peice of adive is not to worrying about making friends. You will find people who you get along with and do not rush that process. Meaning that the first friends you make do not have to be your friends forever. If it does not work out with them you will find others who will be better matches, and it may take time to find the right people.

Please do not worry about the size of the school, just because a school is smaller does not mean that you will be more at ease. You are limiting the possibilities available to you when you choose a school with a small population and low diversity.

Don't wait for people to make friends with you. Go out and make friends.

To my high school self I would say learn how to prioritize your endeavors. College is a treasure chest of opportunities. Pick out of this chest just enough to wet your appetite, but not to much to the point where you are entirely too full. Also, more lessons are learned outside of the classroom than in the classroom. Learn to be yourself and take full advantage of the uniqueness of others. Learn to be tolerant of people who are unlike you because they will help you grow more than you will ever know. To my high school self, remember to utilize your professors. It would be a shame to go through your four years without a professor being able to say anything on your behalf. Moreover, use your career office for internships as these internships will provide invaluable experience that will help you determine your future career. Above all though, have fun college is TRULY the best four years of your life. As you are about to walk across the stage for your college graduation you will remember the first day of undegrad. Make sure the smile on your face is just as bright as day one.

Don't panic. All of those long, frustrating, tear-filled nights during high school payed off more than you could have realized. All of those times you felt like mom and dad were too hard, expecting too much, and downright cruel; it was all for your benefit. You are more prepared for college than you could have ever thought. You will not get lost on campus every day. You will make friends. People are kinder than high school teens ever were, and the environment is far less dramatic. Teachers will care about your success, and you will enjoy your English class like you never have before (Professor Cornette is incredible)! In fact, by the time you have finished the first half of the semester you will feel right at home and be thrilled to learn in a college environment. College will be tough, but you can do it and do it well. Be calm, and be excited for what the future holds. The transition will be easier than you expect, college will be more entertaining than you could ever imagine, and most of all, it holds unlimited possibilities for you. Dream big. Don't hold back. Embrace it.

Yasmeen, be sure to enjoy every moment of high school! High school is the last time it will be easy, set out for you, and carefree. Make sure to adhere to deadlines, it makes things so easy. Choose a college not on where your friends are going, but where you feel that you would fit in best, because you will make new friends. Make decisions based on what you want out of life – choose classes that interest you and you know what? Change your major as many times as you need to if you find yourself not liking what you chose. You will be stuck with that degree for your whole life and you want to be happy in your field of work. It all sounds cliché but it is all so true. Listen to adults, and not biased ones. Your advisor knows lots and is willing to share with you. Even talk to friends’ parents! They are the best because they are all different and have different advice with different majors. MOST importantly, learn to study well! You are going to need it.

I would advise myself to keep my head up, and to know that I am attending an amazing college where there would be friends, professors, and administrative faculty looking out for me. I was worried that college would leave me on my own, and the reality of the situation has been the farthest thing from that. I had a conversation with my sister earlier this week about the same things. She's about to graduate high school, and was terrified of the academic rigor and possible social isolation that was ahead of her. I believe I was able to relieve her of her worries. "College is so much better," I explained. "You are on your own, make your own decisions, and work toward things that are truly furthering your life and what you want to learn. I couldn't imagine anything better. Sure, there are more responsibilities, things are harder, but it's not like the school would design a curriculum that is impossible to succeed in. You just have to work. Go to class, keep high expectations for yourself, and buckle down and do your work every night." Those are the same exact words I would tell myself.

Evett Hearn, you need to go college and get a degree in the medical field so that you will be able to have success. Without a degree you won't be able to get a good paying job to support your family or yourself. so I advise you to take advantage of all the education you can get, but first you will have to get financial assistance to help pay for you tuition, books, and transportation. Then wants you get a degree, you will have a good job. The job that you will have will be enough to provide and save money towards tuition for the six children that you will have, then that way they can go to college and possible get a bachelors degree in what ever job field that they choose. You and your whole entire family will be much happier with a degree from college. Therefore , you guys can go on trips, buy a lot of things you want and need and even help out your community by donateing financial assistance, along with you working in Doctor offices and or insurance agency offices.

You love science, not fashion. You're going to hate playing Devil Wear's Prada in New York, but it will make you a stronger person. Never run from problems, you're more resiliant than you think. Forgive mom, she's in AA now and hasn't had a drink in two years. You'll need your mom, even in college. Save your money and take out as little loans as possible. You're not marrying Sam, so don't miss out on valuable college experiences waiting for a call. Most importantly, tell Dad how much you love him and that he needs to get his heart checked. If this is too late, I'm sorry. It may not seem like it now but it does get easier. I know he won't be there when you get your acceptance letter but he'd be happy to know you're going to such a great place. College seems scary, especially without him there to guide you. I can't tell you that you won't make mistakes, you will, but in the end you're going to be okay, I promise. Your life isn't over, it's just beginning.

Wow, what an eye opener college life has been. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would first suggest choosing a college that I could actually afford. I would tell myself to first attend at 2 year college and then transfer into a great 4 year University; it would have been the common sense thing to do. Secondly, I would give myself a 'pat-on-the-back' for maintaining way above average grades and remind myself; it was well worth it. Lastly, I would tell myself not to stress about adapting to college life, because the stressing was not worth it in the end.

If I could go back in time and give my 18 year old self advice, I would address several points. The first would be not to let any one person have too much influence on my decision making: not a parent, not a friend, not a boyfriend. Seek advice, pray, talk to the ones you love, but in the end, it’s your life, so do what you think is best. Second, I would tell myself to have a clear written plan for the future. Do research, make goals, and visualize how to achieve them: a lot of the mistakes made by college students happen because they don’t ‘plan to fail, they fail to plan’. Make adjustments as needed, but never lose sight of what it is you are trying to accomplish. Third, I would tell myself no matter how lonely or depressed you get, never surround yourself with people who aren’t good for you. It is worse to be lonely with people around than it is to be lonely when you’re actually alone. Finally, I would tell myself that I am special, capable, and loved. God loves me and with His help, I can achieve anything!

To be honest, and not to be narcissistic, I would have nothing different to tell my high school self about the college transition. I love the way my first semester of college went: I got involved in several clubs, got to know some great people and made great bases in my education. Through said clubs, I am getting even deeper involved. I am now the fundraising chair in the Ballroom Dance Society and am in charge of a tree planting project in Center for Wetland Conservation. If anything, I would stress a little more focus on grades, even though I came out with a 3.0! However, having that GPA, the great friends and extra curricular activites is enough for me.

1. Do not stress about it. I repeat, do not stress about it. Even though, it is a big step in your life, you shouldn't stress about starting college. There will be many resources and people there to help you along the way and make the transition into college. 2. Every essay you wrote and every scholarship application is woth it because college is expensive. You may not notice it now because she haven't start putting out money for college, but once you enroll in college and start living the college life. You will notice how expensive it is. Start saving money now and apply for as many scholarships as possible. 3. Do not think twic about your choice to live in a dorm. Living on campus is a way to get the full college experience and meet so many new poeple while having fun and becoming (sort of) independent. 4. During the first few weeks of school, speak to and talk to as many people as you can. You may not get to know everyone you speak to, but this will help you to become more social and meet people like you, and possibly you new friends.