Christopher Newport University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Christopher Newport University know before they start?

Agyeman

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.

Brandon

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

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.

Nathan

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

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.

Danielle

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.

Tarah

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.

Kristen

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!

Colleen

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.

Teanna

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.