Emory University Top Questions

First, take a deep breath…matter of fact take a couple. College is astronomically important absolutely, but it’s just one chapter of life. You have a right to mess up and you have a right to change your mind –you’ll do both. Just enjoy and absorb every moment. Don’t worry so much about the illustrious yet frightening Future; no decision you make right now will plummet you into poverty after graduation or immediately solidify you your dream job. So just try to relax and think clearly. Don’t rush or overdo it. The fun events and social activities aren’t going to evaporate if you don’t soak them all up now. Neither will the classes you want/need for your major. You have an obligation to yourself to enjoy this experience. Which means: get out of your comfort zone, take that class that’s full of upperclassmen, get to really know a professor outside of class, find your go-to study spot (which doesn’t have to be the library), eat dinner alone sometimes, figure out what you’re really passionate about, and mostly, focus on the good and enjoy college to the fullest. Good Luck!

Dear Jayde, Wow, look at you. You're about to graduate from high school, congratulations. I know you may have felt awkward throughout the past four years and looking back on it, you know you've made some pretty crazy decisions, but all is not lost! The best is yet to come for you. College will allow you to blossom in ways you didn't know were possible! You're going to go to a great school and meet people who become the greatest friends. Of course you're nervous right now, but once you get over that transition, you're gonna soar. You'll learn so many things and see so many new things. You'll get to have more graduations than the average college student considering where you chose to go to school! And you'll have your dream of going to nursing school :) You'll continue to work on yourself and nursing school will help you do that. I think you'll find yourself the most there. So don't worry so much! You'll do just fine. You always have :) Love yourself! Sincerely, ME :D

Cup ramen (or ramyun in the Korean variety) is what I lived on for most of my freshman year in college. I know, I know, junky food like that is typical for college students, even when tasteless and sodium-free meal plans are forced down our throats (at least that was the case for my school). And yet, even though I don't mind eating "fast food in the purest definition", I think my first year would have been much more enjoyable if I knew how to cook. My dorm had a great kitchen, and we had a sustainable garden right down the street. Knowing how to utilize these resources would have made for some more tastier nights.

During my senior year of high school, I wish I had known how to properly treat advice. As I considered myself a very independent person, I insisted on conducting my entire college search by myself in order to assure that the school of my choice would be the right fit down to every detail. This way of selection is not very useful when you are often wrong about what said "details" you need from your school. I graduated from high school quite proud and also anxious for the new college life that awaited. Needless to say, it was nothing like expected. Fearing the difficulty of college that many people reported to me in conversations about my search, I chose a college below my academic levels, while a misunderstanding of the wonders of financial aid pushed me toward a public school for mostly commuters. After a year of ill-fitting classes and no social environment to enjoy on the side, I finally decided to fix my mistake and transfer to the right school for me. As a high school senior, I would simply tell myself "Listen to your guidance counselor!".

Grab ahold of the concepte that you are fully on your own. Grasp the feeling of exploring and let go of what teachers and parents say. Listen to yourself, but use the tools they have bestowed apon you. Find out your major or calling in life. Research the best school program and what the school cost. Make sure to look into all options. University, Vocational, Community, Institute. After, dive into options In state or out of state and how much the school will coast additional to out of state cost. Do you want hands on or class environments. Then see what your school of choice can offer you as far as programs to help further your education. Also if you have an orientation day, ask as many questions to the people guiding you around the camps. Such as, "Is there a good student to teacher ratio?" and "Is classmate or online help available If I don't understand how to complete a task or a homework site if I miss class?". Make sure to not be too far from home, you still need laundery done, but remain independent and try to do as much while your setting up your future.

I would tell myself to be more diligent in my efforts in school when I first graduated. I did quite poorly in my first year of college in 2002. I have had to struggle greatly to improve my GPA as I have transferred to several different schools. I would also tell myself to be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.

During the week, spend a couple hours each day in the library. Even if there isn't work due tomorrow, it can help to do some work every day in a productive setting. Realize that classes are important, but so too are the relationships you will make and the things you will do. Make your college experience one that you will remember fondly. Choose good people to be around and relish your time with some of the closest friends you will ever have.

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself to not have a cow. College is fun and exciting Where I was, all the people were very inviting. I would tell myself to cherish my seniority and final days on top, Because as a freshmen you’re at the bottom of the pot. Go to college with a blank slate, Make those appointments and keep those dates. Be sure to spend time with mom and dad Because you WILL miss them and be sad. Keep focused until the very end, And with friends, make amends. Trust your instincts and your college decision Don’t regret or cut yourself with an incision. Because everything happens for a reason And the reason will reveal itself in season. Also, the college ads for specially priced dorm gear, laundry services, and yearbooks- beware Because once you get here, nobody cares. (And they’re actually not cheaper). Oh yeah, and be wary of cupcakes and heavy meals Because freshmen 15 is real.

I believe that the biggest mistake that I made during my first year in college is not taking advantage of the resources that my school offered. Coming from a highschool where I barely had to study to get good grades, I believed that I might be able to do the same thing in college. That was not the case. College is very different from high school and requires so much more work. Even when I thought I was doing everything that I could do, I really wasn't doing enough. I would just advise myself to take advantage of the writing center to help me with my papers, take advantage of the tutors that are available to help all students at pretty much any time, and to take advantage of creating personal relationships with professors by visiting their office hours constantly whether it be to ask questions or to just have a normal conversation with them.

I would tell myself to learn how to use an agenda. Writing down homework, activities, and meetings is important in college. It seems easy, but there are more than just 2 homework assignments and 2 meetings to remember. Writing down everything helps you get organized, too. I would also tell myself to be open-minded of people. Some of our best friends in college are people we never would have spoken to in high school. This leads me to think that there are lots of people I’ve lost the opportunity to know. Communication and organization has been the most important changes in my transition to college.