Emory & Henry College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Emory & Henry College know before they start?

roderick

My first year when i was able to come home i would because i kinda felt homesick, i think i should have given campus life more of a chance in the beginning but now its wonderful. It didn't take me long to meet new people and make new friends. I love this school and hope to financially be able to graduate from here.

Jermaine

If I could go back and repeat my senior year over again I would’ve applied myself a little better. If I would’ve known what I know now, I would be a little better off than I am. During my senior year I did not study nor read, I realized that those two elements would be essential to be successful in college. Reading and being able to interpret what you read by writing a detail essay shows professors that you are getting a complete understanding of what is going on. Another component I would’ve took advantage of is the many scholarship opportunities that were everywhere. During my senior year there were many scholarship listing that I completely ignored. I didn’t realize how expensive school was until I got to college. If I would’ve did just a few scholarships my cost of school would have been minimized a few thousand dollars.

David

I really wish that I could have gone back and talked to myself in 1993 when I started college. I was scared to death at the thought of leaving home and being around total strangers. I was dreading the classes I would be taking because I had this preconceived notion about college that was totally wrong. I would go back and tell myself about how college is totally different from high school. The class schedule is very flexible and we are literally in charge of making our own schedule each semester. Of course we have help from our faculty advisors along the way, but we are in charge of our destination. I would also tell myself to be prepared to make some of the best friends I would ever have in my life. I had several close friends from high school, but it was hard to know at the time that most of us would leave home and make our lives elsewhere so therefore we would most likely not see very much of each other after graduation. College introduced me to my wife and that alone made the whole experience all the worthwhile!

Taylor

In high school, I challenged myself by taking college courses through two community colleges around Rocky Mount, Va, and I also took Advanced Placement (AP) courses. I did well in the college courses (A grade average), but I could've studied harder and done better in my AP courses (B or C grade averages). Once I got in college, I learned how to study and ended up having all A's and B's on my report card. I wish I could go back to my high school self and teach myself the study habits I know now, because then I could have done better on my AP exams and the credits would have transferred to Emory and Henry, which would have caused me to enter my first year not as a freshman, but as a sophomore. It would've put me ahead in the long run.

Anna

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would immediately tell myself not to be shocked by the lifestyles of the students I was about to live among. I would strongly encourage myself to stay true to my morals and beliefs, to not allow anyone to change my personal faith. I would also advise my younger self not to allow others to dictate much in my life, explaining that I am responsible for my own actions. I would explain clearly that no matter how closely I befriend anyone, it is not my responsibility to make good decisions for them. My friends' health and success in college is dependent upon how much they are willing to work, not how much I look after them.

Lakyn

Knowing now how things play out, I would tell myself to get involved in everything I possibly could and render all scholarships from those clubs, lasting friendships, and the role of leadership. I would tell myself to not go too far away since my family means so much to me and I have an equally great opportunity close to home. I would say choose wisely who you make friends with now so you have a top knotch support system when you're homesick or chemistry stresses you out beyond imaginable. I would recommend applying to thousands of more scholarships despite the effort you already put in. Most importantly, I would tell myself to have an insane amount of faith in my own abilities and trust that I can do and will do whatever it takes academically, mentally, and spiritually to provide myself with a life that is just right for the perfectionist I am. I would make sure to instill the mindset to never underestimate the power of confidence and love for yourself as an individual.

Natasha

If I could give advice to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep my friend 'circle' closer. Now that I am in college, I have noticed which friends were real and which ones were just there to be part of the group. I still keep in touch with some of my friends from high school and others I have lost track of. The ones I have lost track of are the ones who did not continue their education in college. Therefore, all I have noticed them doing is partying and gaining a bad reputation - something that I am embarrassed of for them. I do not like to be associated with people who are looked down on in the community - I have great expectations. That is why I would have told myself to watch who I was associated with while in high school!

Katelyn

If I could tell my high school self anything, I would tell her to go into college as a single person. Being in a relationship upon entering college made it really hard for me to make friends and become independent. My boyfriend at the time was a controlling person who did not let me do many of the things I wanted to do during my freshman year of college. If I could go back and do it over again, I would have been more involved with my hall mates and less involved with him. I would have joined intramurals and clubs during my freshman year instead of staying in my dorm room. I would have not gone home as often on the weekends and would have sought out activities on campus instead. I would also tell my high school self to not focus so much on studying and to interact with peers more. While my strict schedule of studying and only hanging out with my boyfriend did contribute to a perfect gpa my first year, I could have used more social development.

Stephen

My advice to myself, if I could give it, would consist of two areas: public speaking and initiative. The first error that I made in high school was not overcoming my shyness as an orator. The demands of college courses require the preparation and presentation of relevant information; though initially at a disadvantage in these classes, I believe that my skill as a public speaker has been markedly improved. This is not to say that I forgive the shortcomings of my high school self. I would have been well served to be more vocal in class and volunteered for any speaking opportunities. The second problem that I faced upon entering into a college career was the result of both inaction and misinformation. I was informed that my application would not be accepted until a later date. Unfortunately, this information was inaccurate and the application was actually past due. The consequence of this error was that I did not receive all of the financial aid that I might have obtained. I should have been more dissatisfied with the answer of one person and proactively pursued additional information from another source. In the end, I am reminded that to err is human.

Joshua

If I could travel back in time to give myself advice in highscool, I would give myself little advice. The reason being is that I feel that when I first attended college the transition was fairly easy for me. However, it was a transition I needed to make by myself and learn from. I would give myself a couple of words of advice though. First I would tell myself that this will be the greatest decision you have made in your life. No matter how hard or scary it may seem, college will help you grow not only academically but grow as a man too. I would tell myself that friends will come in an abundance so do not worry about that situation. My final words of advice would be about academics. I would advise myself to work very hard in college because it means your future. Work is somewhat harder, however if one takes extra time the work will be easier than he thinks. Furthermore, I would tell myself to hold strong to my religion and have faith. I feel these few words would make my past self feel much better about transition to college.

Musiata

Look for help, while many students successfully find themselves attractive to businesses, organizations and academic intuitions by demonstrating their athletic abilities or academic abilities, there are many more that don’t have such abilities that can feel left out. You didn’t do poorly in school but you weren’t the top performer. There is an instant feeling that you are being left out as the cost of college looks prohibitive. This is when you can shine, by taking the initiative to do your research and find the guidance and help to get your foot in the college door. Once you’re in choose a major with the most subjects that you can excel in, the major may not be what you want in the long term, however by focusing on the subjects that you are strongest, you will not only be motivated to perform better, but you will start to cumulate an impressive GPA average that will open the doors to great funding opportunities that will enable you to accomplish your goals.

Johnathan

If I could go back to my senior year in high school. I would have told myself to focus on the reward which comes with hard work first. I would have told myself to study harder and play less. I would have told myself to use all the time I could to learn more words and crack down those hard math formulas I used to have in high school. I would have listen to my mother and kept it in mind when she told me to stay away from girls because they can throw your focus off. I would have told myself when you really want something its not given to you and if you want it you have to give it your all, you have to strive for it. Because its not just going to come to you, you have to work hard for it. An if I knew what I knew now I would have used that to help me build motivation and determination to make it through high school with better grades than what I did have.

Veronica

The first thing I would tell myself as a high school senior would be to stay focused in school and take advantage of every opportunity available. Having a career goal and starting much earlier on classes for my major would have reduced overwhelming myself towards the end of my undergraduate studies and allow me to remain focused. Even though at the time high school may seem to be the end, I would tell myself that it is only just beginning. I would remind myself to think long term and ensure that I knew now is not the time to slack off; instead, it is the time I must work my hardest. I would tell myself that hard work now does indeed pay off later, especially when it comes to grades. In fact, they are more important now than ever, because they ultimately determine what job and graduate schools I could potentially be elligable for. I would also ecourage myself to study for more than just grades and to always have a desire to learn and absorb all that I can for my future and my career, because ultimately this is what will bring the most long term success.

Laura

"Alright, now don't panic. I am you from the future and I just want to give you some advice about going to college. First, don't freak about about everything. You will make life long friends, you will do well in classes, you will feel like part of the campus community. Second, don't worry about buying everything you need before you even get there. If you do this you will waste some money and you will have no where to put it in the dorm room, trust me there is barely enough room in freshman dorms for one person, much less two. Third and finally, when you get there enjoy every moment. This experience is once in a lifetime, so instead of worrying about what tomorrow will bring or what people think about you from yesterday, concentrate on the present and you will enjoy the experience all that much more. Oh, and one more thing, you will love attending college because you will see that it is one of the best experiences of your life. Good luck, even though I know you are going to be fine."

Brian

Brian, listen to me. That last semester when you wanted to tour again just to see campus one more time, do it, you loved Emory for a reason. Don’t be afraid to tell your freshman advisor you want to triple major, he is there to help and will be more than willing to help. Don’t wait until the middle of your first semester to sign up for clubs, do it at Get on Board Day. Have fun, you don’t want to forget the reasons why you came. Go camping with the outdoor club you won’t forget it. When you declare your three majors don’t be nervous, you can handle it. Your advisors know what to do and don’t be afraid to tell Tal that you love Public Policy and Community Service, he already knows. Push yourself in independent study for PPCS the mural comes out great. When you get that letter from the Bonner Scholars call mom don’t reread it five times, it is true. Don’t forget to pick up your tennis racket and practice your trombone more. Remember why you came, don't give up you will make it.

Jalan

The advice I would give would have to be to buckle down and study hard. Also do not be afraid to try new things, experience makes you the person you are and could be. Grades are more important than you can ever realize so try hard at everything you do, it only lasts a semester anyway. Although grades and experience are great things,just relax and it will be a lot smoother of a ride.

Lauren

The greatest advice I could give to my high school self is to remember who I am. It's so hard going to a new school and not knowing a soul, so you have to stick to who you are. Never be afraid of what you believe in and where you came from. Take this chance to broaden your heart and your mind. Always speak up in class, don't let yourself be intimidated. In the long run, professors are looking for students who put themselves out there, the ones who try to get the most they can out of their college experience. Never compromise who you are as a person and take this opportunity to grow into a confident, successful adult.

Lindley

Up until my senior year, I was a very good kid. I always got my work done, school was a priority, and I was extremely family oriented. But my senior year, I started hanging out with a group of girls that weren't the best influence. I began to party and fought with my parents endlessly. Luckily I managed to figure myself out and realize that college was a priority before it was too late. And by some miracle, I managed to get into the college of my dreams. But along the way I missed out on a lot of things, including a great deal of scholarship opportunties, and caused my parents a lot of misery. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that partying only satisfies briefly, but an education gives one a lifetime of benefits. There is nothing more important to a young adult than their education. College and making a smooth transition into it should have been my number one concern. And investing my time into my education would exponentially pay off in the end.

Elizabeth

I would have told myself to be more open during my first year. I went into college thinking that it was scary, and honestly I wasn't ready to leave home. My first semester was rough as far as classes went and also with not knowing anyone. I didn't really go out and try to meet people. The next semester was a bit different in the sense that I joined a sorority and met more people that drastically helped improve my freshman year. Overall, I would tell myself to be more open-minded, more willing to make friends, and more dedicated to putting a lot more time into school than I would have originally planned.

Courtney

If I could go back and tell myself anything it would be not to give up on your dreams. I obtained my GED, and doing that just showed myself that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. I would also tell myself not to let petty comments define who I am. Someone is always going to have something to say and you need to jst brush it off. If someone says that you can do something, prove them wrong. I have proven my whole family wrong, and if I could go back and tell myself in high school that I would suceed and pass up everyone's expectations, I'm sure I would have been happier. Never let anyone define who you are, and go for your dreams no matter how big or small they will be, because once you accomplish one, the sky is the limit.