Gardner-Webb University Top Questions

I would advise myself to be more social in high school and to participate in more extracurricular activities. My freshman year in college was very hard to make the transition because I am a very shy person and focus more on academics than social affairs. College is still school oriented but being social and taking part in student activities is very important to obtain the optimum experience of college. As a prospective teacher, I must resemble the perfect role model and trying my best in school is very important, but it is also important to show students that they can make a difference in the world and succeed academically. I would definitely advise myself to take advantage of opportunities in my community that could help those who have less and make a difference in their lives. Although I did do some volunteer work in high school, I would advise myself to reach out and enrich my life by enriching the lives of others. Looking back, I realize that I focused only on academics instead of the overall characteristics in which colleges are looking for and thus was lacking in preparedness for college life.

The first thing I would tell myself is to take as many college classes while they were offered for free. Second I would inform the younger me that my parents are older and wiser in the aspect of life and living. Instead of taking the extra money for scholarships and spending it on any and everything you see is not the smart thing to do. Budget, budget, budget, it can not be stressed enough. What needs to be done is take the extra money that is given to you the first year needs to be put into a savings account after all bills are paid. The key is try and collect the least amount of debt in loans while in college. I was blessed enough to have college paid through my Associates degree. However, I would warn myself that finianical aid does not cover all school, only through your Batchlors. The last thing I would tell myself is to go ahead and put the time and effort in applying to scholarships and always pray/turn to God. For if you are willing to do the work he will provide for your needs.

I would go back and tell myself to find and fill out all of the scholarships possible and not expect the money for college to just appear. I would also tell myself to not focus on having a boyfriend going into college because the first year is a time of discovering who you are and what you want out of life. I feel like this aspect is an important thing to discover on your own. Lastly, I would tell myself not to try and control everything in life that happens, and go with the flow a bit more. Some things in life just have to happen and things have a way of working out no matter what it is. Things happen for a reason and if my high school self had a better understanding of that, she would have had an easier transition into college.

The best advice I can give you is plug-in to the community around you. People are what make the difference in getting a job and in real life.

Going back in time I would make sure that I took quizzes and met with advisors to figure out if my major was something I could see in the future. I would then tour each school that was in my top five choices. When I was touring I would find current students and ask them honestly what they thought about the school instead of only asking my tour guide. I would find people currently going to the school that looked like they would have similar interest as myself and ask them important questions such as; what they do on the weekends, if they could start from the beginning would they go to the same college, how is the food, and how is the housing. When touring the college I would then ask about the surrounding area and what the students do in their spare time. I would then see how the classroom setting was. After finding out all of these questions I would make a pro and con list to my top five colleges along with pricing and choose which college suited my personal taste. However, it is key to talk to students that attend the college currently.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would shake myself by the shoulders and snap my fingers until I get the past Tiffany’s attention completely. I would then remind her of the upcoming college decisions and everything they look for on the hopeful student’s application. I would remind her of the volunteering and work experience they look for. I would kick her in the pants for her to finish the Girl Scout Gold Award. Colleges do look for excelling academics, but they also look for students that will excel in social situations. They want students that can speak with others effectively, that have leadership skills, not a student that will hole up in their books, never to be seen until graduation. I would tell her that she needs to start working on scholarships now. They don’t just get handed to you. If I could talk to my past self, I would tell her to think of my future.

If I could journey back in time and speak to my high school self, I would tell him that every passing moment in a chance to turn it all around, and that anything is possible as long as you are brave enough to take that first step forward. I held back in high school, and regretably did not pursure AP classes. My future was planned out already in my junior year, I was going into the military. Even during my time in the service, I still held back and did not take advantage of the free college courses offered. I was afraid, but I did not know it then. Less than a year ago, I did not think I could pursure and succeed in an astrophysics degree. A field of study that brings me the most excitement out of any other subject in school. I do believe now, and I am succeeding. Better late than never, like some. Also, I would have to say, "Katie does like you, in case you were wondering. Why don't you ask her out? What's the worse that could happen? Follow your heart, it's usually right."

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to read as many books as I could to prepare for college, because there is so much reading in college. I would also tell myself to learn the best study methods for tests, because the tests are a lot harder in college. A final thing I would tell myself would be to start applying for as many scholarships as I can find to apply for, because college is really expensive, and it is good to start applying for them early so you will not be so far behind on paying for school. I do not want to have to postpone fulfilling my dream of teaching deaf students overseas simply because I do not have the money to pay off my school. This is the reason why the number one thing that I would definitely tell myself is to start applying for scholarships early.

If I could go back in time, I would give myself the most important piece of advice I know: learn how to manage your time. In college, you have numerous freedoms that weren't available in high school. You can now spend your time however you choose. It is important though not to spend this time ignoring your homework, essays that might be due, or procrastinating. Create a schedule where you spend equal amounts of time working on schoolwork and having fun.

I would have told myself to go! I have always regretted not furthering my education. After getting laid off from my job last year I decided to make my dream come true. I was a tough decision to make, but once I started I adjusted well and actually enjoy going to all my classes.