Freed-Hardeman University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Freed-Hardeman University know before they start?

haley

I would tell myself just to enjoy growing up more. I was so ready to begin the next step in my life that I think I may have missed some of the "high school experience". College is great, but it goes by way to fast. I would tell myself to just stop and smell the roses every once in a while.

Kayla

Don't be afraid to ask for help and do your best in everything. Make sure to make new friends and get involved in activities these are going to be great years. You will have ups and downs but always keep the Lord close to you and you will do great.

Jessica

I would stress the importance of organization. I have learned a lot about staying on task and being organized. I would also tell myself that my grades matter. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the three hour phone calls and crack the books a little harder. All in all, high school went pretty well be there is always room for improvement.

Brittany

Study, study, study. The teachers in highschool do not prepare you for college at all. You MUST know how to study. and get as much sleep as possible, you won't be getting much at all for the next 4 years.

Kierra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry so much about leaving home and leaving my home congregation, but instead, focus on the good things that will come with college life. Leaving home is sad, but you are starting a new chapter in your life, and exciting introduction to independence. Take the ACT and SAT as many times as possible, and study for them to try and get your score as high as possible. Enjoy senior year, and get excited for college!

Elizabeth

I would tell my hign school self so many things about college life. First, I would say "don't sweat the small stuff". Nothing is worse than overreacting when things don't go as you plan. Most of what happens to you in life will be different from what you expected. Second, I would tell myself "be yourself". I would make sure I knew that I had so many things to offer others by being nothing more or less than what I am. Thirdly, people disappoint you and you disappoint others. Sometimes this can't even be helped, but as long as you know this ahead of time, you will save yourself a lot of long nights worrying. Lastly, I would tell myself that college is a place where you meet some of the best people you'll ever know and they will become your lifelong friends.

Brittany

My social skills have greatly improved. In college, everyone is an adult so you are forced to grow up quickly. I've also learned valuable study skills that I'll be able to use throughout my college experience. I've learned that procrastination is NEVER the answer and that Taco Bell's fourth-meal isn't a joke, it actually exists and it's miraculous. College has made me a better person. I'm more patient, more understanding, and more accomidating to others. It's changed me from a rebellious teenager to a well-rounded and responsible adult. I've also grown more spiritually. I finally know the genuine definition of unconditional love, and that, is worth all of the time and effort I've put into my education.

Brittney

I began my college experience at Freed Hardeman University as a collegiate basketball player. That was a life long dream. I chose communications as my career as I was considering law and felt communication was essential part of being an effective lawyer. I didn't have good sports experience as I had numerous surgeries on the same knee and eventually was told - it would be too much for my knee to continue. Basketball is a true passion of mine so I struggled with this news ; I had always thought I would be playing for my entire college life. I made mistakes after this news but I know my experience there was invaluable as it taught me about true accountability and perserverence to get up and do what is needed despite a dream being destroyed. It also taught me to lean more on God to get me through and try to learn what I needed from this. I have since changed schools and majors. I have changed to Education / English and I am pursuing a teaching / coaching career. Looking back, this experience has allowed me to experience life on my own and make realize what my passions are.

grace

I have learned so much already about my future profession and am thrilled for the future. I have met so many people that have changed my life for the better. Living on my own has been an experience that will help me in many ways. I look forward to leaning even more about life and how to live it in a positive way in my next two years of college. College is very expensive, but I think that what I have learned both formally and informally at Freed-Hardeman is invaluable. Living well spiritually is very important at this school and I am learning to be successful at that as well as in my chosen field.

Adrian

Were I able to travel back in time, I would first tell my high school self to begin immediately researching schools in the area. Travelling far away for college may seem exciting, I would continue, but in the end, homesickness and a lack of a feeling of belonging will eventually lead you to think otherwise. Before you even contemplate attending college, wherever you may decide that to be, you should first look into scholarships and financial aid. Paying for college has been an immense struggle, and with your GPA, you aren't eligible for many school awards or grants. But above all else, I would conclude, make absolute certain that wherever you attend, it's somewhere friends can be easily made. Whether far from home or within walking distance, gaining friends in college is vital, not only for companionship and social opportunities, but for business opportunities later in life. So begin now laying the foundations for your transition to college. You will need the ground work in place before you try to build your education.

Amber

College flies by faster than high school. It?s a wonder I?ve made it so far in these last few years. My advice would be: Enjoy the years to come. Everything you?re about to experience is new and exciting. There?s nothing to be afraid of. Get involved in activities, be outgoing but never lose your true self. You know what?s right and keep your eyes focused on God. He will take care of you through the easy and the difficult times. Also, go ahead and declare your major as English. You?ll waste a lot of time trying to decide if you don?t, and in the end, you know that?s what you want to do. Ohio Valley University is a great school and you will make many lasting friends, but don?t be afraid to branch out and transfer schools. Freed-Hardeman University will bring you a lot of joy and you will be glad you made the change. In everything you do, trust your instincts and don?t let regret cloud your memories. You will make something of yourself. You have a lot to look forward to.

Shelby

First of all, I would tell my past self to pack more socks. Laundry is not so fun when you've got four exams to study for and and a class to get to in half an hour. More socks equals less laundry. My second piece of advice would be to get to know everyone, and I mean everyone. Once you get to college, it's a whole new world. You don't have your parents, your old teachers, your friends from high school, you're on your own. Which means you need to branch out. Don't just look for people who were like your group of friends back home. In fact, look for people who aren't exactly who you would peg to be your friends in high school. Figure out where they're from, what their major is, what their favorite color is. You might find someone who can help you study for Calculus or likes the same kinds of movies as you. The people you meet when you get to college are going to be your family away from home, and they'll help you grow into the person you're going to be.

Benjamin

If I could talk to myself when I was a highschool senior there would be a lot for me to say. I would tell myself not to worry so much on the fun things those will happen no matter what you do and you'll have time for them. You'll meet the best set of friends you've ever had and find the most wonderful girl in the world. Worry about the important stuff. The whole reason you are going to college is to get a degree and find a good job at the end of four years. I know you haven't done a lot in the past and you'll realize this when you start looking for scholarships, but trust me it will help you a great deal to study hard this semester and receive great grades. No matter how much you hate it write every essay in english class, put your best effort into every speech you're assigned and remember your quizzes due every friday at five. Bowling won't be the only class you'll enjoy this year. Just remember grades first, relationships second, fun third,

Jonathan

I would advise myself to become more structured. Become more organized. I would remind myself that I need a to-do list and that I need to make a schedule of when class time is, when I need to study and do homework, and then add free time. I would warn myself of the many distractions that are at college, away from home. Besides those few things, I would not give anymore advice. There are some things that one needs to learn on their own. People need to learn from their own mistakes. Isn't that what life is about? Taking your mistakes, your weaknesses and making them into strengths. Life is full of oppertunities, full of excietment, full of lessons. Why take that away from myself?

Emily

Dear Emily, College life is great; you will love it! All those things you're expecting, it's true. However, there is some advice you could use. First, talk to your future roommate more. Get to know her better. You might want to consider finding a new roommate. Secondly, though you will love college, you need to realize that it is a big adjustment. Living somewhere new with not many people you know takes some adjusting. You'll be fine, you will adjust great! Just don't let it get you down. Next, be confident in yourself. You have so many opportunities ahead of you and so many great potential friendships. Don't let your insecurities get in the way. Not everyone you meet will be your best friend, but keep meeting people, your best friends are out there. Also, stop trying to be friends with the ex-boyfriend. It's only going to frustrate you. Lastly, listen to dad when it comes to applying for scholarships and getting a job. You won't want to constantly worry about paying for college later, so do it now. And remember, with God first everything else will fall in place. Love, Emily

Ramona

The first thing that I would tell myself is, "Ramona, don't wait to go to college. Get into it right after high school." And once you get there, be like a sponge. Soak up every bit of knowledge that you can. It may seem like earning a degree will take such a long time, but it actually flies by! I wish would have done just that. Because, I decided to take a break after high school, I got pregnant, got married, and worked in dead end jobs. I ended up taking a 26 year "break". I would definitely encourage myself to go for it immediately. College life is very exciting and fast paced. It requires a tremendous amount of discipline and dedication. The transition would have been so much easier had I went to college when I was fresh out of high school.

Gary

Given the chance to go back to my senior year of high school, I would have definitely fought harder to not succumb to senioritis! Adjusting to ?college life? has not been a problem for me, ever since I got to school; nearly everything about that aspect has come easily. However, I got a few B's where I should have gotten A's during my senior year, and it cost me thousands in scholarship money. But beyond that, I would have definitely tried to look harder for scholarships. As much as I love attending school at Freed-Hardeman University, It seems that I never have a nickel to spare, I owe it all to the school. My parents credit and my own lack of credit makes it so that I owe the school a large sum of money that the bank will not let me borrow, so every penny counts. Trying harder on my grades and in my scholarship search during my senior year would have made attending this great university much less of a hassle financially.

Casey

I was one of those people that really coasted through high school. Nothing was that tough to me, and what I called studying was reading through the book or notes the class period beforehand. If I could go back to give young me some advice, it would be to learn then how to study effectively. It was a really hard transition from high school to college, and especially harder because of my inability to study correctly. Thankfully, I've started to get the hang of it. I wish I'd known how to study like this back in high school.

ania

To study hard and stay positive about everything, make room for friendships, and join as many groups as u can. Be consentrated and focused and listen to advice from older people who know what there talking about.

Courtney

When you are in college, make sure youo prioritize well. Once you procrasinate, things get piled up and then you lose sleep and concentration. Make sure you take naps during the day if possible. Work hard and do your best at every task given. Lastly, have fun ! :)