East Carolina University Top Questions

Dear Caroline, Don't be sad and don't be nervous. Your family is only a phone call away. Don't worry about failure. Our parents raised us with wholesome, strong values and you know you are a strong young woman. Don't forget that you can be great at anything you want to do, so don't be afraid of choosing the wrong major. It's more important to be happy in your career than it is to be rich from your career. While you are taking classes and filling your time with "important" things, don't let yourself think you are the center of the world. Always remember that other people can always use your help. Therefore, don't ever stop volunteering, teaching, and nurturing your faith. You may sometimes feel alone because your friends will forget what they already knew about life and love, but don't let that sway your thoughts and actions. Don't ever let this feeling overwhelm you and remember that people love you for your kindness, caring, openness, and faith. One last thing, make sure you keep a craft project going at all times to keep your life balanced.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pay attention. This is not saying that I didn't pay attention in high school. I'm saying that I paid attention, but not to my full extent. As an actor, I'm expected to be immersed in the world I'm living in as the character onstage. I'm constantly encouraged by my teachers/directors to really take in what's happening when I'm on stage or how another character is treating me onstage. In the past 3 years of college, I have learned the depth of which I can focus and pay attention to other people, my surroudings, and myself. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to pay attention to everything that happens during the day and to take it and and experience life much more fully.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to go to an event or help session. These events are extremely helpful in numerous ways and even if going alone, there can still be benefits.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college life, the first thing that comes to mind would be that upon graduating high school, go staight to college while the mind is still fresh. Before graduating , be considering or already have in mind which career field would be of the greatest interest to me. I would also say to always set high standards for whatever goals that are planned out. Always know that all things are possible in life if I only believe in myself and do not give up. Don't be afraid to speak up about what I want to do and be in life. I would say to have good time management skills and not be a procrastinator. Procrastinating only prolongs achieving the goals that you have the best intentions of accomplishing. There are so many opportunities awaiting for me to get the best educational background knowledge and skills if only I take the time and effort to reach out and grab a hold of them. I would tell myself that the ending results of going to college will be well worth the challenges that are to be faced during this career journey.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to be prepared to be challenged. Meaning I would let myself know that some classes are chalenging and those classes are the ones I need to be prepared for. I would also tell myself that I should be more outgoing and be prepared to meet people who will make a difference in my college career and my future goals. I would let myself know that sometimes I will be lonely but that as long as I have my family and others to support me I will be okay. I would tell myself to cherish my friend although I may lose some of them on my way. I would also let myself know that college is not easy and that not only does it challenge your mind but it also chalenges your social skills and your physical abilities.

I would make sure that it is understood that while college can be completed in 4 years; for most students that is not always the case. Most college student complete their undergraduate degree ranging from 4-6 years. I would inform that it is not like high school and the grades you may have received there might not be the same as the ones in college. Cpllege is more independent and you are responsible for registering for classes, going to classes, doing homework on time and making sure your tuition is paid. There is no one to hold your hand or make sure you arrive to school on time. There is more freedom but it must be taken in modesty because any mistakes made from freshmen year will follow you throughout your collegiate career. You have more choices on deciding what you want to eat, do in your free time or join. There is much diversity so you should be open-minded to that and willing to learn about things which may be different than what you are accustommed to.

I would let myself know that just because I had a good GPA in high school will not mean the same once I got into college. I would emphasis to always remember my true purpose of being in college. I know many times students main purpose of once they get to college is to party all the time and they tend to forget about their studies. I would want to tell myself that it is okay to have fun but know how to balance it out with school work. I would let myself know to really work hard on eliminating the habit of procrastination and to work harder on time management skills. I would warn myself of the upperclassmen males who tend to hunt after naive freshman girls only to leave them not feeling so great about themselves. I would say it is fine to go on dates but not to be concentrated on trying to settle down with anybody since that time in life will come eventually. I would emphasis to join a club or sport in order to meet the variety of people on campus. The best advice is to enjoy college since it goes by so fast.

I know you are stressed and worried about things that you think will change the world for you. Let?s get serious. The boy who broke your heart will soon hurt too, and not all of your friends are as honest as they come so you must keep the true ones close. I know you hate that teacher, but he has a lesson for you, just like your parents do. You?ll appreciate it one day. As for the rude, immature, and conceded people that surround you, let them know they have a lot to learn too. I know you?re having a difficult time with family situations, but don?t let that interfere with your grades. I promise that it will all eventually pass, along with the pressure of where you?re going to school and how you?re going to make everyone proud. Worry about you. This is your time, and you must prosper in it. There?s a lot ahead of you, keep a strong head and a positive attitude, and only look at the bright side of situations because that?s the only solution to success. Most importantly: DON?T GIVE UP.

Most incoming freshmen have many preconceived notions about the dorms on campus and dorm life in general. Some may be true while others may just be common misconceptions. This is a major turning point in many young adults? lives, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty and apprehension. This is the first time many students will be on their own, solely responsible for themselves with no assistance from their parents. There are many adjustments to make and hurdles to overcome that first year of college, including living in a new environment, sharing a space with a roommate, and learning to survive without the familiarities or luxuries of home. College life has to ultimately be personally experienced to obtain and grasp the full reality of it all. The idea of living on one?s own and adapting to student housing may seem unnerving, but it is truly easier to adjust to then one might anticipate. Therefore incoming freshmen should not be intimidated by moving onto campus. Students should be optimistic and embrace this new chapter in their life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus more on certain AP courses. I opted not to take more because I wanted an easy senior year. I was not thinking I could have gotten college credit. Also, I tell my self to save more of the money I earned. College is very expensive. Take the time to build friendships with not only other students but with the faculty. These bonds may be crucial in your future--whether it was for a reference or just someone to talk to. Keeping in touch will also be important, whether it is through the phone or on Facebook. Hind sight is always fascinating but everyday, you live and learn. Take the opportunity that you have now because it may not come again.