Freed-Hardeman University Top Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.