Drake University Top Questions

Do not worry about what they think of you, but don't get self-righteous either. Yes, you are awesome, but you need to keep in mind that other people who do not share your views and opinions are also awesome. Of course you want to try to find a group of people who you feel you "fit in" with, but please, please, please don't spend all of your time worrying whether or not you have found that group yet or not! If you love the people around you, stop looking for other people just because you might find something better. On an academic note, job shadow. Job shadow the heck out of every career that pops into your mind and doesn't sound half bad, because otherwise you are going to spend your whole first three semesters stressing out about the Google results of "What to do with a ________ degree" and it will do you no good. Also, just remember that your salary is not going to determine your level of happiness, so stop Googling that. Most of all, have fun and learn how to love yourself and others!

I would tell myself to be patient and open to new experiences. College isn't going to be easy at first, especially if you don't know anyone. You have to be patient and trust that you will find your place and make friends. It will get easier! Being open to new activities and experiences will also help you find new things you like and make new friends. College sounds like a lot of fun, but don't be surprised if you find yourself lost and confused at times. It's OK, you will relax and figure it out. College is a time to make something of yourself! Be confident knowing that you are who you are and that you are loaded with a future of success!

One point I would make clear to my high school class is to take as many college credits as possible while still being in high school. I took a fair amount of college classes but I didn't challenge myself as much as I could have. Getting those credits in high school not only saves money, but it also would have helped me to pursue my major sooner. Instead of spending time in art or history classes, I could have been taking classes in my business degree and been working towards a triple major. I would also tell myself to be confident in my decisions. Showing confidence in any subject or are can make people believe in you, and that in turn can help you believe in yourself. College is an adventure, work hard in high school and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Breathe. Everything is going to be okay, that little test you had yesterday, it's okay that you got a B. Your friends here will always be your friends, at least that really matter and care about you. You guys will have late night skypes and phone calls that will let you laugh at memories. But remember, college is the time to make new memories. There's no point living in the past when you have such an exciting future ahead of you. Friends? Don't worry about those, there are so many friends waiting for you who are just as nervous and awkward about meeting people. They will love you, and you will love them Together you will all grow. You're independent now, but remember, sleeping until 2 pm won't get you A's. There is a lot of hard work ahead you, but trust me, it is nothing you can't handle. Every second you spend in the practice room, the library, the drawing room, your dorm lobby, it will all be paid off with high success. So take every moment you have and either laugh or work your hardest to achieve your full potential.

The advice I would give my high school senior self is to start aiming your focus because when I first got to college I was focused on being new. Trying to figure out my schedule, trying to make new friends, trying to adjustt o sharing a room with a complete stranger, I guess I was focused on the wrong things. I should have been focusing on how to interpret a syallbus or how to decode a message that the professor was giving us to warn us about pop quizzes. My focus wasn't where it was supposed to be and I had to learn that lesson the hard way.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to not take things for granted. I was one of those kids that never really had to study for a test. Of course, sometimes I would study for one, but it would never be more than an hour at most for a test. I took my learning for granted. I didnt' ever really look at the material outside of class either, unless it was to study for a test. This has led to a few problems in college, because professors expect you to spend most of your time on the subject outside class, as opposed to inside class. One other thing I took for granted in high school was my grades. Of course, I was really concerned with getting an "A", but I never really went out of my way to get that "A". I never got below a "B", but I never applied myself as much as I should have. If I had applied myself more, procrastinated less, I would be better prepared for college.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my senior self to try out for more scholarships. As a senior, I was swampped with homework and marching band the first semester. I had little tim to fill out applications for grants or scholarships. However, my second semester was so much easier. Most of my teachers were lenient by the time the second semester came around and I didn't have as much work to do. However, I was done with applications. I filled out so many applications and wrote so many essays that I was exhausted. I really didn't want to search for more scholarships because I was just done with the whole application process. I do regret this decision now since I really need the money in order to attend school. The idea that I am going to have to pay all of this money back is daunting and it scares me. Now that I am in college, I have even less time to fill out applications. I really wish that I had filled out those extra applications and I tried out for more competitions.

When I think back on my senior year of high school, nothing positive comes to mind. That’s not to say that there weren't good moments- there were- but they have been overshadowed by experiences that are best left forgotten. I could dive into details of deteriorating friendships and rumors, but it is easier to say what it resulted in- my loss of faith in people. My advice to myself? Don’t lose it. You are about to walk onto a campus with genuine, motivated, likeminded people. They want you to succeed. They take pleasure in seeing you happy. They go out of their way to help you reach your goals, and are the first to congratulate you when you do. They know what it means to be a friend. I know- it seems unlikely or surreal, but I ensure you that these people are one-of-a-kind, and YOU are one of them. You'll discover you have everything to be thankful for; your family, LOYAL friends, and the high school years that made you strong. So, leave the memories and those people at your high school’s door; forgive, forget, and you'll have faith again.

Take a deep breath, you're going to make mistakes, but you're also going to learn from them. Everything you do is a learning experience, from doing laundry to studying new information. But do not let this overwhelm you, it will take time to get adjusted to living on your own. Just remember, you are not the only one going through this. Being the social butterfly you are is great, but remember to manage your time. Twenty-four hours in a day may seem like a long time, but once you calculate your nap, shower, meal times, and eight hours of sleep in there, it does not leave much. You do not have mom nagging you to get your homework done, so make sure you leave time in your day to study hard and efficiently.

Given the opportunity to go back in time I would tell myself a few things first, I would tell myself to learn how the manage time better. It took me about half way through my first semester to figure out how to use my time effectively. I found myself staying up doing homework instead of during the day. I am very active on campus as the SGA President, an honors student, a volunteer and a social media intern however I get easily distracted. Now I set specific time frames and days when I can use social media for personal purposes, read a book or nap and I schedule times for my homework. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to plan better for the future. Unfortunately the first school I attended was too expensive so I came home to finish at community college. I am planning on transferring to get my four-year degree but I am unsure I can cover the cost. If I was wise I could have gotten more significant scholarships due to my accomplishments in school. Now, I find myself in a difficult situation trying to finance school on my own.

College is a place for you. It is not for your teachers, for your coach, your counselor; or for your friends or your parents; college (and the experience that comes with it) is completely molded by you. Your motivation and the efforts you put into your academics are what will establish your GPA and your ability intellectually. The classes you pick will determine what you will be able to learn; which teachers will have the opportunity inspire you, build a relationship, and teach you something new; and what classes you can take next. Your social life will be completely dependent on the environment you create for yourself; the familiar faces in the library, the collaborative groaning in study groups, or the devotion to your team. You cannot compare your college adventure to anything your friends or family have done. College is undergone by you and for you; so pick a college that represents yourself. Pick a college that fits your needs, whatever they may be, and be proud of your choice.

I would tell myself to prepare better in all my classes especially in my math so when I would take my accuplacer for my college classes I could score higher. In English so I would have better practice in writing for when I would do my homework I could have a better understanding in writing. Also government classes so I can have better knowledge of my current classes in college and make it easier to pass my classes each semester. Also to take leader ship to have a more confident attitude when presenting in front of my classes in college and it can help when I would take an EPY class which would help me in feeling more comfortable when writing papers and also to have confidence in myself when working with other people in class. Pay more attention in the economic class that was offered in high school so that I could take higher classes in economics to be able approach it with a more confident and understanding attitude.

Worrying about which college to attend is only half the battle: financial aid, orientation, and learning about the ins and outs of college will challenge you in ways you never expected. In high school, you often worry about fitting in to one certain group; in college, people don't care about those kinds of things. You truly can be who you are, and you will find people who share the same values as you. Conversely, you'll encounter many people very different than you. The stress coming from all the scholarship applications is definitely worth it. There is no better feeling than realizing that you can pay off your next year of college without having to take out extra loans. Worrying about your grades and extra cirricular activities isn't as big of a deal as you think they are. While they make you look good on college and scholarship applications, becoming burned out while still in high school is not a smart idea. You'll wish you learned better study habits in high school, but having friends to help you develop good study habits. Last but not least, have fun! These next four years are worth it!

I would tell myself over and over again just like I did back in high school, "everything happens for a reason." You will fall into place no matter what happens. Take that extra time to study for the ACT's, get extra help absolutely whenever in doubt, and literally never waste a moment on pointless things. Stay as involved as you possible can and always reach out and meet new people, because it literally is all about the people you know that will take you places. After all the heafty measures of grades, tests, school work, never forget to manage your time and leave lots of space for growing as a person individually. It may not always be about making friends, but it is about living and structuring you as a grown up individual. Be strong, be happy, and always be you!

You're going to make mistakes and you're going to make them often. There's nothing wrong with that. You need to not be afraid to admit when you've messed up. If you can't face that something is wrong you'll never be able to fix it. Also, don't let the fear of failing stop you from doing something that you want. Most importantly, don't listen to negative people. No matter how many times you change your path in life, your real friends will support you. You'll find these friends eventually, even if it takes an entire year and changing schools. Find the friends who will love you for each and every quirky thing about you. They're out there, I promise. It's a little more difficult to find them but once you do it's worth it. You'll never find them if you keep judging people so quickly, so cut that out right now. Forget labels, forget your past ideas, forget what everyone else tells you. You are you. Do what you love and live your life passionately.

Enjoy your last year of high school as it lasts because it goes fast and college is so much busier. Even though it is a lot more work than high school it is way more fun. Even though you are shy make sure to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and be outgoing. It may seem tough to do but you will get it eventually and it will help you in so many ways. Even though tests in high school were a breeze don't overlook exams in college. They will surprise you but it is nothing you can't handle. One of the most important things I can tell you is to keep excercising and eat healthy otherwise that freshman fifteen will creep up on you. Keep working hard and pushing yourself and everything will turn out great.

I have gained much more then an education from my college eperience. What I have gained does not have a price and will be with me forever. I have gained a sence of who I am. I have discovered myself and who I want to be for the rest of my life. This is the time of my life where I have been experiencing some major changes and my college experience has helped shape the paths that I will take. The professors, the curriculum, the students, and the environment have all had an impact on me. I have discovered that there is much more to the world then I previously thought. I have found that there is so much knowledge out there that is still to be learned. My mind has been exposed to the wonders of chemistry, biology, music, and literature. I am now seeing the world though a much richer and more complete view. I am now asking questions about and anaylzing the world around me in new and mature ways. My college experience has shaped who I am. I have been placed into an environment of learning and knowledge. I hope to forever be in this environment.

I have gotten alot of things out of my college experience. I have learned that the instructers are they to help you. I have learned that if you dont study or show up to class you are setting yourself up for failure. It is valuable to attend college so you can have a successful future. I am a single mom of two and I just got laid off. No matter what I am going to pass so we can have a better life. It is valuable to attend college so that you can do something you like to do instead of settling for something your forced to do. I am attending college so my boys and I can have a good comfortable life and I will do anything to achieve this.

My college experience has given me the opportunity to find the perfect balance between my academic life and my social life. I also have taken on a stronger role of responsibility considering that I am living on campus which is in a different state from where I originally lived. Now that I do live on my own away from my parents, this gave me the opportunity to take more reponsibility for myself with tasks such as managing my time and making smart decisions for myself. It has been valuable for me to attend because I know that this is the path that I must take to create a successful framework for my future. It also allowed me to put some of my fears to rest about making new friends and living on my own. Making new friends was easier than I thought because going to college was like starting from a clean slate and you are bound to find someone who has similar interests to your own. You know that there is going to be someone else at the university that is in the exact, if not, close to the exact situation or position that you are in.

Although I've found that the Drake student community isn't the most friendly, the surrounding area, faculty, and alumni that I have met have grown into open and friendly people to interact with. I am also learning life skills towards my profession that will give me an advantage over other pharmacy graduates from other institutions.