Eckerd College Top Questions

My biggest piece of advice I would give myself if I could talk to myself as a high school senior to prepare for college would absolutely be to PLAN AHEAD. Not just in academics, but in everything about college. There have been countless times since move-in on August 9th. Actually, since before then. I would tell myself not to put off packing for college, buying the things I need, and saying my goodbyes to my friends. I would tell myself not to put off homework until the night before it's due, because it adds unnecassary stress. I would tell myself that if I get an essay prompt or project assigned at the beginning of the semester, do it sooner rather than later because there's nothing worse than having multiple projects and essays due during finals week, in addition to taking the finals themselves. But other than telling myself to plan ahead, I would tell myself that it is still so important to remember to have fun. Part of the college experience is having fun with friends, participating in campus activities, and RELAXING. Looking back now, I wish I knew these things going into college.

I would tell myself to go after my dreams, believe that I can in anything and stop stressing about my future and just have fun.

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself not to slack off, and be more outgoing. I slacked off in my English and Spanish four class for 3 quarters and it didn't do my gpa any good. I was never that outgoing so I never made that many friends to go to college with even though I'm making up for it now. I mainly wish that I had a higher gpa because if I did it would have been easier finding scholarships. I would also like to tell myself apply for scholarships as soon as possible because my parents are forced to pay my tuition and even though we make $100,000 a year we mainly use that money on medical bills for my grandma who has terminal colon cancer. My last year was like I was never there I was just going through the motions, but I have learned my lesson now. I know now that I need to be more outgoing, apply myself, study hard, and no procrastinating.

If I could go back in time to my high school self, I'd tell myself to not worry so much. As a senior in high school, I was extremely stressed about going to college. I worried about things like how I would find the money, if I would get accepted, and how I would get myself all the way down to Florida. On top of all that stress, I was loaded down with schoolwork from Advanced Placement classes, and I had to work at my part time job as much as possible so I could make enough money for rent (plus hopefully a little extra for college). Looking back at myself a year ago, I'm definitely proud of what I accomplished, but I wish I had just given myself a little more free time to hang out with my friends, and allowed myself a chance to relax.

My senior-age self would be taught this lesson: follow your heart. As a high school senior, I was highly focused on and motivated to work toward certain goals. I convinced myself that I wanted my future-self to be a certain person who accomplished certain things by a certain time. The problem was, I did not truly want what I was working toward. I spent my entire senior year of high school, my freshman year of college, and half of my sophomore year of college working toward something I never really wanted, and ignoring what I did want because I believed that it was not a "good enough" goal. In the end, I spent nearly two and a half years torn between where I was heading and where I was wanting to be. I was afraid to change directions, and I was afraid to continue on the path I had mapped out for myself. In the end, I discovered that I could only find true joy by setting goals that fit who I was. I found who I was by listening to my heart, and allowing it to guide me to the path I am now on.

I would tell myself that all of the anxiety and worry was not worth it. It truly is the most exciting time of your life. Everything works out in the end, and with so many people helping you the worry is not necessary.

I am back in school after many years. If I could go back in time I would tell myself, “ Don’t stop! Keep going! You can do this! Don’t be afraid! "

Eckerd College has enabled me the opportunity to develop and enhance my writing, verbal communication, and computer skills. The courses I have taken and continue to take has enhanced my yearning for knowledge; and are very valuable. The teachings of this school has taught me how to objectively review the values of society and relate them to a world view as well as my own personal value system, set priorities on diverse value, and how to reconcile value conflicts. I value this newfound knowlege and will utilize it not only in the workforce, but in giving back to the community.

I have learned so much from my art instructors. They have expanded my creativity by a long-shot and are helping me make my skills stronger. It's been valuable because if I didn't have a degree, then I'd be a girl who just likes to draw in her freetime instead of the woman who is making illustrations for best sellers. Instead of persuing my dream of being an illustrator, I'd probably have to resort to being a tattoo artist, and that's just not classy.

So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned to live independently without having my parents look after me. I have learned to compensate my needs with a roommate, and to intergrate socially with my peers. I have learned to be responsible with my choices and to also relax from stressful circumstances. My college education has provided me the opportunities to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I would not trade it for the world.

One thing my college experience has bestowed upon me is a great group of friends. That's not to say that the friends I had before weren't great but those from are on an entirely different level. Maybe it's the setting. Maybe it's the shared interests. Perhaps something else, but whatever it is I do know that I've made some of the greatest friends I could hope to have. Another way college has helped me is by giving me a sense of purpose and independence. Getting a higher education is one thing but how can you really be succesful and use that new-found knowledge if you aren't driven to do anything and asre still dependent on others for survival. There's nothing wrong with receiving help as long as it does not fester into a reliance. With self-reliance and purpose I will be more fit to starting the next part of my life of further, higher education.

Relax. You're young and have much of your life awaiting you. Spend time on your college applications and put your utmost effort into them, but remember that it is only one small portion of your life that is at stake. Do not be afraid of failure, for if you are, that is exactly what will greet you in the future. Not because you have actually failed, but because you planted a seed of negativity in your thoughts. Like an invasive species, these negative thoughts have strangled any hope.While applying to schools, it is paramount that you weed out all negativity?all thoughts of the potential ?failure? that might be awaiting you in the near future. Remember that you have control over your fate. There is always the possibility you won?t get into your dream school. Guess what? It was only a dream. You must face reality and do so with a positive attitude. You must deny that the concept of failure even exists. It is merely an idea that you perceive to be true. It doesn?t have to determine your future. Be an optimist. See the bright future that is standing within your grasp. Carpe diem!

Knowing what I know now, if I got the chance to go back and speak to my high school senior self the conversation would be rather one-way and sound something like this: "Just breathe. College life can be and is stressful there is no way around it. Time will pass no matter so do what needs to be done and just breathe. It is okay to fumble and make mistakes. Fumbling means you are learning. And no matter how big you think the fumble is when you make it, it really isn't that big later because you HAVE learned from it. Don't forget to balance school and play. No all school and work, make sure to get some play time to stay happy. Also, be you. If people are friend material, then they will like you as you are flaws and all. Because your flaws are part of what make you who you are. As for dorm life when you are filling out that dorm application write in all caps 'ALLERGIC TO CATS' trust me. You?ll regret that big time if you don?t and invest in a Swiffer early on. And remember, breathe!"

I would tell myself to stay in school and attempt to obtain the best gpa possible. I would also say not to let anyone or anthing deter you from your dreams and desires; to attempt to always pursue something that is fulfilling and enjoyable for yourself, and to try to be the best that you can possibly be.

I found that the college transition was relatively painless both socially and intellectually. However, the financial transition was, and continues to be hard for both myself and my parents. If I could go back and tell myself to apply for every single scholarship I could find, I would. So many scholarships are only available to high school seniors, and now that I have entered the hallowed halls of Eckerd College, all of those opportunities are simply gone. I graduated with 950+ hours of community service, was president of five different clubs, had a top GPA, was a Girl Scout, and a part of three honors societies. All of which helped me to enter college, but now I?m here all that means nothing, and those are the items scholarship applications look for. It is very frustrating seeing now all the scholarships I had a fighting chance for, and now I cannot apply for. If I had a time machine to my senior year I would tell myself, "Good choice with Eckerd, we fit in great, but PLEASE apply for more scholarships. We are not winning the lottery anytime soon. Hey, wait a second, actually, here are the lottery numbers..."

I remember how countless teachers would point out to us that in college we were only a number and no one cared if we pass or if we attended class ?all colleges wanted was our money. These crude remarks, made my body quiver and had me doubting if I was capable of graduating college or if I even wanted to attend an institution that was vain and impersonal. All these lies caused me to be terrified of success! Now that I have experienced two years of ?college? life, I exclaim: not every college is egotistic and money hungry, not every college is insensitive , and not every college hopes its student body fails. In fact, college is not only meant to help its student body develop into adults with professions, but transform them into thinking individuals that are educated in both a major and the world around them. Colleges are not only responsible for creating doctors and lawyers , but global citizens as well. Knowing now the defination of college I would tell myself, " college is not meant to tarnish our reputations or to imprison us in everlasting debt, but to teach us about humanity, ourselves, life, and how to pursue happiness"!.

Jenna, Eckerd College is NOT "high school, continued." The social pressure to be "in" the right group or have nice things is gone. You won't have classes for 6 hours a day -- you get to go to one, go back to the dorm, hang out, sleep, work -- whatever you need to do -- before your next class. No one is watching out for you, except you. This will be when you call on everything your parents tried to teach you but you wouldn't listen to, simply because it was your parents trying to teach you something! You will learn about things YOU choose. This is YOUR life you are planning, so you get to pick a major (even change your mind and pick a different one 2 weeks in, like I did!), take classes that sound cool, and pretty much head toward living life the way you want to. Most of all, remember that you are OK just the way you are. You don't have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life -- most grownups don't even knonw what they will have for dinner tonight! It will all work out OK.

I would tell myself to be confident and work on being more outspoken. I would tell myself to become more active in the community as volunteering is significant for personal growth and change. Volunteering would lead to networking with others I come in contact with. I would remind myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and do not give up even when I think it is hard. I may become more involved with extracirricular activities which would lead to being able to narrow down a few choices about a potetial career. I would consider playing sports as being active helps one to maintain a positive attitude and self esteem. I would talk with professionals in my community about their college experiences and how they chose their own career path. Speaking with my highschool counselor and college counselors more often than I had planned to would have reduced the stress about choosing a college. I would have reminded myself to set up a plan with my family to help pay for school so that I may attend full -time consistently. I would pursue an activity that would allow me to stand out as a leader and pass the SAT.

The things that I found most difficult in adjusting to college life were surprisingly hard to detect; they kind of snuck up on me because I had been too busy to pay much attention to the little things. I had to learn how to live with a roommate who has a completely different personality than I, for one thing. She and I spent far too much time together at the beginning of school (we did everything together), then suddently burnt out on each other's company. I would tell my high school senior self that I should take special notice of my own habits, emotional tendencies, and personal needs so that when any conflict arises between me and the people I live with, I can understand and resolve the issue on a mature, reasonable level. The second thing I had trouble adjusting to was the constant source of over-stimulation; whether it was from friends wanting to hang out, parties, endless campus activities, or schoolwork, I was constantly forgetting to find time for MYSELF. I think the most important advice ot give is to make sure you establish what it is YOU want from college and make time for yourself .

Congratulations, you have just made one of the most important steps of your life. Studies indicate that a college degree will likely bring you a higher quality of life, greater health, and more than double your earning potential. When it comes to choosing your major, select something that truly excites you. You will need the inspiration of your authentic interest to propel you through the more burdensome aspects of your academic journey. Take the initiative. Although many schools are eager to assist students, do not depend solely on college administrators for guidance. Do your own investigating when it comes to ferreting out scholarships, grants, and unique approaches to degree plans. There are many opportunities out there that are not widely advertised. Also, talk to your instructors and advisors about your ideas. Often, they will help you design curriculum to meet your individual goals. Most importantly, remember this is a special time, unencumbered by many of the obligations and responsibilities that lie ahead. A college education presents a unique opportunity to learn about the world from a perspective unlike any other you will experience. Be bold and claim your stake in life.