bergj
College life is about having fun and trying new things, but it is also a time when you need to study and work hard. There are a lot of responsibilities that come with graduating high school and going to college. The best advice I can give you is to focus on your assignments and complete them on time. This is an important lesson that needs to be learned before you enter a university. College professors do not accept late assignments and there are no second chances; therefore, if you don’t complete them you are wasting your time and money. Take notes and attend every class, these are the skills you will need to be a successful student in college. There will always be distractions, but it is learning to use your time wisely in high school that will reflect and allow you to be a good student when you graduate.
Christina
Attending college has truly been a rewarding experience. I have learned so many valuable lessons, from time management and importance of keeping up with reading and homework, to learning new subjects and broadening my perspectives on school and life. Being a non-traditional college student has definitely proven to be a challenge on many levels, one must learn how to balance the responsibilities of work, home, and school. However, once you learn how to balance your time for these things, you are able to open your mind and enjoy the journey. From taking English Composition, I have learned how to properly write and format essays and term papers. While taking Psychology and Interpersonal Communications, I learned how to better understand human behavior and group dynamics. As well as learning about the human body and how to document various conditions and diseases from taking Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology classes. Attending college has helped me grow as a person, learn how to be a good student, and has put me on the right path to earning my nursing degree. Without a college education, I could not be on my way to a successful and fulfilling career in the medical field.
Darrian
so far, i have gotten a lot out of my college experience such as, me building substantial college essay writing abilites. for example i haved learned the (P.I.E structure) which is a useful tool for forming good paragraphs. Also i have become a much better writer overall for instance, when i was in highschool i never used to be able to start off an essay but after this first semester, i'm starting and finishing them with no problem thanks to my college experience. I also beileve my college experience has made me much more mature and a overall good student because, before this experience i never really used my outside time for school but now I am on a time management schedule and i devote atleast 3 hours of my outside time to school everyday, whether it's studying or reading a couple of chapters out of my textbook either way im getting in my productive 3 hours. this has been valuable to me because college has really shined a light on my potential because , for the first time i have won an acadimic award for being most improved and that honestly boosted my confidence.
Yvette
The most important thing that I have received from college is a sense of accomplishment that I was able to go back to school after 10 years. It is so valuable for me to attend because my children will be attending college soon and it is my job to set the example of what is expected from them. My current course of study is aligned with my immediate goal of attaining a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, and my long-term goal of owning a business consulting firm within the Orlando community. This ambition is certainly attainable as my academic achievements will validate, and my intellectual ability and work ethic are certainly attributes which contribute to my potential for success. My penchant for knowledge has been obvious since my high school days, and my ability to excel academically has once again been demonstrated in my college classes. It is without doubt, I believe, I will be successful once given the opportunity. To that end, I beseech you to give my consideration to and scholarships and grant assistance accordingly.
Anya
I love going to college. It has given me a chance to discover myself and learn more about the world and people I am surrounded by. It has given me a chance to shape my goals, dreams, and a future. It has given me chance to discover what I stand for in different social and political issues. College helps me to become a better worker, citizen, and overall person. Attending College makes me feel sucessful and acomplished and like I can be a great addition to the community I live in. College challenges me and helps me to become more diligent and responsible person. English is my second language. I never thought I could learn English in 6 months; howevr, college has helped me do that, and I did! Thanks to the challenges at college I feel very confident and excited about contoinuing my education. I cannot wait to become a teacher and hopefully make the kids excited and confident about education, just as college has made me.
Stephan
The things i have gotten out of my college experience is being responsible, taking care of myself. It has been valuable to attend this school because this school teaches you how to survive out in the real world.
Katie
There is so much that I have gotten out of this first semester. I am sure that the semesters to follow with keep continuing to teach me things. This is one reason why I have choosen education. I love the looks on faces of people when you teach them new things and thier faces light up like a young child opening up a Chirstmas gift. I come from a single mother who raise me and has help me become the person that I am today. It is vaulable for me to attend college because my mother wants the best for me. What parent wouldn't? I was excited to call her with my midway grades and she praised me so much. I know that she is proud of me. I remember how she when I was little, how she taught me to ride a horse,tie my shoes and other things. I can only say that I hope as a teacher I can touch one child in the way that my mother has taught me, one of her greatest gifts is patience.
Jennifer
The college experience is one that can be fully found at Delaware Valley College. Starting out as a freshman Equine Studies student, I did not know what to expect when it came to an agricultural school. I had visited city colleges and universities before but never had I fully experienced what it was like to attend classes where some of the classrooms were barns, fields, and stables. Delaware Valley College is completely different from other schools, but in a good way. It gave me the hands-on experience I needed to get the experience that I would not find from reading a book. At the same time, DelVal has a wide array of clubs and organizations that made making friends easier and being involved in the school an easy task. I joined the Dressage Team and made many friends through the tryouts and club meetings. DelVal also had many activities and events. Pride and Polish is where clubs pull up their sleeves and do mini projects around campus to "clean up DelVal" or there's A-Day which is where everything throughout the year comes together. I got to show my family how much work I put into my year.
ashley
I always wanted to be a vet since I was 4 years old. I feel that Delaware Valley College is letting me learn with hands on experience to be able to live my dream. The faculty and students work together to make this experience enjoyable , while learning all I need to make me the best Vet possible. I find it incredible that I can learn while doing. This gives me the experience and confidence to do my profession on my own. Delaware Valley College inspires me to be the best it has been a life changing experience. I would really appreciate the opportunity to win this scholarship because my Mom is struggling as a single mom to be able to make me live my dream. Thank you Ashley Serridge
Rachael
If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to expect to be sad when moving away from home. Living apart from my hometown, friends, family, and pets was really the hardest part of making the transition. I never realized how much I loved where I lived until I was away from it. Not that living in Doylestown is bad, but it is definitely a change from living in the coal region. I would tell myself to spend more time with my family and friends before I left and to tell them they make sure to keep in touch. I would also say to prepare for the work load that college puts on you. It is a different story than being in high school. I would need to set aside whole nights for studying and homework. All in all, I would just say to enjoy the time I had while I was still having it. College is the first step into the real world and I needed to be prepared.
Chris
If I could go back and warn myself not to be afraid. I would tell myself that college is not as horrifying as it seems, and to make friends because they are there to comfort you in college. I would also tell myself that school is important and to keep up with school work, and perhaps take a few AP courses to make college easier. But overall be a highschool student, because these are the times thatare fun and once in college you are paying for your classes and school work is well your life, so be diligent in school now and rewards will come but be a kid untill college.
Shannon
Becoming involved in school activities is a huge part of college life. I would tell myself to sign up for even more extracurriculars than I am already involved in. So many amazing people attend my school, and if I had broadened my selection of activities, I would have met more of them. Also, I would have told myself to prepare to have a very busy social life. I was thrown a curve ball when I was asked to go and hang out with the people I had met almost every single night. It would have been nice to have been prepared for the rapid increase in social activities. Finally, I would have told myself that it would not be as hard as I expected to be away from my family, friends, and boyfriend. I did indeed live through not being able to see them every single day.
Emily
As a senior in high school there seemed to be one particular noun that engulfed my life: worry. I can remember constantly worrying about college. I was worried I wouldn't get into the competitive major of my choice, worried about how I would pay for college, and I was worried about who my roommate would be and if I would make any friends. Also, what if my classes proved to be too difficult? If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself many things but above all I would tell myself not to worry. I would walk confidently to my seventeen year old self and say "You can't spend all your energy worrying about college. You will survive college. It will be overwhelming at first and yes you will miss your friends and family very much, but college offers many opportunities. You'll meet dozens of new people and travel to places you've never been before. You will develop new and exciting friendships. Bad roommates can always be replaced. If you do struggle with classes, help is always offered. College is fun, so go enjoy it."
Christopher
Looking back at myself after this past semester, i would tell my highschool self to stay focused on your school work and than sports and everything else will come after. Do not procrastinate and wait until last minute to get your assignments finished. The sooner that you get your school work done the more free time you will have to yourself.
Vered
I would tell myself to relax and not to stess out about making new friends and moving away from home. It was a lot easier than I thought to make a few lifetime friends at DelVal. Also since it is only an hour away from home it made it easier to know I could go home at any time if I needed to. I was also very worried about what college classes would be like and how I would do, but it turns out that I am doing very well, so I would tell myself not to stress out about grades because it will all work out for the best.
Nicole
My advice would be to trust your instincts when choosing a school and to visit as many schools as possible. When visiting, really be honest about if you feel comfortable walking arond the campus. Plan an overnight visit so that you can see what campus life is like outside the classroom.
Don't go to a school just because it's where all your friends are going or it's where your family went. Go to the one that speaks to you and will allow you to excel. Don't be afraid that you won't meet new people or succeed. Remember, all freshmen are in the same place and everyone is trying to figure college life out.
Go to a school that will offer you enrichment outside of the classroom, whether it's through sports, student clubs, employment, community service or regular campus events. A relationship with your school outside of the classroom will help you to achieve in the classroom.
Find out what type of career assistance they offer, it may not matter to you as a freshman but it will four years later.
Lastly, have fun, enjoy yourself, and don't stress it will all work out.
Elizabeth
I would advise parents and students to look closely at what they want out of their college experience and what they would like to learn rather than what they would like to do after graduation. The final plan is flexible at this point and can change at any second do to endless reasons, so it is important to make the best of the experience, and to grow as an adult. Also, by sticking with what you want to learn rather than what you feel you have to learn, you will be more inclined to focus on the material and will naturally do better in your classes.
Tyrice
If i cold give any advice to any of the students or parents, I would tell them to think outside the box. To the parents, you need to allow your once cherished and well proected child/children to enjoy their stay at the college by not being a bug. When I say bug I ment it as the parents not calling all the time or comming up for frequent visits, allow your child to grow and mature. I mean this is probably his/her first time away from home for a period of time. As for the studens theres not buch to say but be you and enjoy it while it last, because before you notice you'll be a senior and looking down the barrel of reality and the real world!
Tim
Do your research and visit the school. Talk to students and professors before you make the decision.
Elyse
Knowing yourself is the most important aspect. Having a complete understanding of what you are looking to study, what size campus you are looking for, and your current financial situation are critical aspects of this process.