Vanessa
You are smart and you can do "this" !
You do not have to be ashamed of the poverty that you have grown up in, or your dysfunctional parents.
Do not allow your circumstances to dictate who you are. Who you are comes from so much more than
the "family" name known in a small town.
Figure out the direction you want to go then surround yourself with people who are on the same journey, and people who have already successfully traveled the path you have choosen.
If someone wants to help you it does not mean that they feel sorry for you, want to use you or abuse you. They may see the spark in your eye, the drive, the ambiition. It is okay to accept help. Part of being idependent is knowing when you need help.
The destination is worth the journey!
God is bigger than all else.
Sarah
To straighten up and actually try. Go to college right after high school and save your self time and trouble, study computer science.
Kayla
The very first thing I would tell myself would be to start saving more money and to apply to every single scholarship possible. I am getting ready to make the move from West Virginia to Texas and a couple extra grand would be very nice. I would recommend applying to more scholarships so that I wouldn't have had to take out so many loans. Graduating debt free would have been one of the nicest things to happen. I would also tell myself to start preparing for graduate school much sooner. I wish I had an extra year now to apply for scholarships, fellowships, grants, etc.
Lashley
I have learned how to put more effort than I thought I could. There is a point when you are staring at the homework monster wanting to give up and cry because you know 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of this won't be on the final, only 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} will be on the test and in the long run it won't do anything more than remind me of this moment of pain you are having. The teachers know the homework isn't the best way to test your understanding or abilities, you know it, the entire school system knows it. Yet they still want it all turned in word -perfect and right then, at that moment, you just want to give up and give in. Instead you pick the easiest thing first and work it, then the next and the next and the next until all you have left is an essay that is a thousand pages in a style you've never heard of. Next time you pick the hardest thing first and when you wake up late for a test the next morning, skidding into your seat seconds before the teacher, easy is all that's left and that's beautiful.
Cody
Ive learned alot about my field of study and that I also plan to minor in math.
Amanda
My college experience has helped me to become more knowledgable. Prior to attending college I had a one sided view of politics. Through my educational experience I was able to see how differently others feel about the political leaders in office. I learned to respect their opinions, listen more and not feel the need to defend my position. I also had a very rewarding experience of seeing how not to treat those who are less fortunate than myself. I saw first-hand how the homeless are treated in the mall, and it was very disheartening. I was able to learn not to be so quick to judge people based on the testimonies I heard in class and those I experienced first-hand through class projects. These lessons have been very valuable to my future career as a social worker. It is very important for me not to judge my clients based on what they wear, or on their educational background if I expect to be an excellant social worker. I also need to listen closely to what my clients have to say, not only in word, but also with their body language; which will help me understand my clients well.
Natalie
I have gotten lots out of my college expience. Ive learned alot about myself and what i want to do. I have gotten involved in many charities such as battered women and invisible children. I started out thinking I wanted to be a lawyer so I started with my basics planning to major in Political Science. After lots of time worrying and stressing i found out that I didnt like it so much. I found i really enjoyed working with children through the charities. After taking several classes i decided it was more rewarding to myself to work with children and educate the children of tomorrow. I have learned so much about life and working with others in college as well. team work is really important along with giving back and helping others once someone has helped you.
Thank you for your time.
-Natalie Young
Marisa
I started college with my major in English Education and minor in French Language, but in my first few days, I quickly changed it to a double major in English Literature/Lanugage and French Language. I discovered that both of these programs were really fantastic and I would be more malleable in graduate school with those degrees. But, after speaking with my advisors, I was convinced to add American Sign Language as another major. With three degrees and fluency in those languages, I can reach my goal of becoming an English professor, while also having two other specializations. Just in this aspect of discovering what I am passionate about, I am excited about my college experience. I know that it will not be a waste of time and I know I will go far.
Nancy
I have learned more about how the world and society work. I have learned the value of volunteering. I have learned to become a better person. I have learned the value of a degree.
Neisa
The college experience has helped me to grow and become a more mature young adult. Unlike the small high school I attened, I am now among the hundreds of students I pass everyday. With many more responsibilities thrown upon me, it is hard not to learn what being a young adult is really about. It has been valuable in the memories I cannot replace. Situations that arrive in class and out with my friends I will have to take with me and learn from those experiences. I must admit that, yes, it forced me to get my drivers liscense and become more responsible in getting myself to and from school. I finally could make decisions that I could not in high school, and I was thrilled to have so many choices to choose from. I may not be the smartest student or get the best grades, but I put forth the effort. Fairmont State understands that some learn faster than others. They have been a great help in providing classes that meet your needs. Overall my college experience has been about average, but I am just into my second semester and Im sure that there is more to come.