Harding University Top Questions

Calm down. Once you get there you will love it and it will change your life for the better. Don't buy so much junk food and pizza. You paid for the meal plan so use it. You didn't need as much stuff for your dorm room that you thought you did. You should go with the bare minium and go to a local store if you need more. Join only a few clubs because you will be juggling too much if you don't cut down.

During my last year of high school, I worried so much about how difficult the college transition would be. I was constantly stressed about who I would room with, how I would make friends, and most importantly, what I would decide as my major. As a Harding student halfway through my freshman year, these anxieties seem so unimportant and unnecessary. If I could go back a year and simply tell myself not to be anxious about this monumental change in my life, I would have been much better off. I would tell myself that everything works out exactly as it is supposed to, and that change is not to be feared. Knowing what I know about my Harding experience and the wonderful memories I have made and will make, I would advise myself to enjoy every moment and worry about nothing.

As much as you dislike school now, do not give up on it. Do not find stupid excuses to quit going. It will be worth it and then you won't have to take 20+ year detour from your dream. At the same time, give it a chance and give your best effort as it will pay off in the end.

Dear High School Brittany, I am writing you this letter on behalf of all the experiences you have now had. You had absolutely nothing to worry about regarding your transition from homeschool to college. Your grades are superb, and your parents could not be more proud of you. I would suggest that you do not take any classes you do not find easy your first semester due to the amount of workload that you will endure; however, since I know you, I know that you will; I respect you for that. Please remember to call your mother at least twice a week--after all, she is sacrificing so much for you to be here. Also, even if you do not want to do it, get up and go to chapel everyday. Experiencing a sermon everyday of the week may sound tiring, but trust me when I say you will benefit from it more than you know. Remind yourself everyday of the goals that you have, and never stop working towards them. God loves you, your family loves you, and I love you. Keep your head up, beautiful, and enjoy the ride.

Get priorities straight

It’s perfectly acceptable to be exhausted and it’s perfectly acceptable to be stressed. Don’t let those things keep you from taking a chance or trying your hardest. It’s stressful to meet new people and make new friends but it’s worth it. Balancing multiple extracurriculars while keeping your grades up is going to leave you stressed and exhausted but it’ll be worth it in the end. Talk to that cute boy, try that new style out, put on makeup when you feel like it, let yourself have that bad hair day. Failing to be perfect doesn’t make you a failure it makes you human. Your life won’t end if you try to do too much and are forced to downsize after a little while. Try new things; Be fearless; You’ll thank me later.

I would tell myself, save your money becuase college is not cheap. Even the community colleges are expensive. And to understand that the placement test is NOT pass or fail. It tell's you where you sit classes wise. IF you need 101, 102 and so on. Not never sell myself short even though I do have a learning diability and are a slower learner, If I graduated from high school with a diploma, then I can do the same with college. Take my time and learn everything about the college and what they have to offer not just go in and think it will be easy to get in. You dont go in sign papers and your in. There's more to it. Placement test, finacial aid, tution cost, class scheduals, locations of where the classes take place, some colleges do not have the course on the campus you go to, its on a different location campus, understand college is not scary, it may seem like it, but its not. You need to be open minded about what the staff is saying, because they are there to help you and steer you in the right direction. So sign up.

Everyone here dresses nicely, don't slouche off and come in your sweats everyday, Look presentable and well kept. Don't be afraid Cheyann, everyone likes you. Your professors are here for you and so is your advisor. You are not going to be a social science major like you thought. You are now a Bible and ministry major. Congratulations. YOU CAN DO IT! -Apply for more scholarships though.

Having been here at college for almost two months now, I realize that there were some strong words of advice from some of my loved ones that I should have taken more seriously. My parents were constantly telling me to keep up with any and all scholarship opportunities and do everything I can to seek out people to help me find and apply for them. I just nodded my head and said okay, and while I did in fact get online a few times and enter a few drawing here and there, I did not take it as serious as I should have. I would definitely tell my high school self how important that really is and reassure myself that my parents were right. By warning myself of this, I know I would be living a more stress free life at this time.

If I could travel back in time as a High School senior, my advice to myself would be to plan out my college courses in advance for each semester attending. I was not aware when looking at the college catalog under the major I choose, there when many prerequisites to take prior to actually entering the program. After struggling several semesters and feeling lost. I realized it is my responsibility to take charge of my college experience. I took it upon myself to use the college website and map out using an Excel spread sheet, all the prerequisites that I must take in order to complete my degree in a timely manner. Once I completed the spread sheet, I then set up an appointment with an Advisor and went over my course requirements outline to make sure I was correct. Every semester I use the college website and make an appointment with an Advisor to ensure that no changes have been made to my program major and that I am on track to graduate as expected. It was not until then, I felt more comfortable achieving my dream of becoming a nurse.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would definitely tell myself to work at least three jobs, maybe four. Throughout high school, since I turned 16, I have been working as a sales associate. I believed I was a hard worker because I had a job, volunteered, helped with my family of eight, maintained Godteens (our Parish group), sang in a select choir, and kept my grades up. Was I an easy A+ student? No, I had to work hard and review more than my friends. If I could return as a senior in high school, I would beg myself to feel good enough, even if I wasn’t as smart, pretty, and confident as my fellow classmates. I honestly thought I was off to a great start, saving hard earned money and learning time management. While working two part time jobs helped with the monthly bills, community college tuition and books, and other payments, it still isn’t enough. It turns out the more you work, the less the government helps. Through the fears and joys of life, I remind myself daily that everything happens for a reason.

Dear High School Senior Version of Me, You’re about to start an awesome time in your life, but I have a few recommendations to keep your head on straight. First of all, just sign up for everything. Senior year has been exhausting, I know. But the people you meet and the opportunities you’ll have if you get active on campus immediately will be rewarding in so many ways. You can always drop in a campus activity at the end of the semester if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Next I’d recommend signing up for mostly general requirement classes because you still don’t know what you want to do. If you think you’re interested in a particular major, sign up for one or two classes to get to know the faculty in that department. They can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you. Before you even get to campus, take the ACT or SAT as many times as possible. Academic scholarships will be worth it if you put in the initial effort. Last but not least, have some fun. Meet some great people. Learn something. Not necessarily in that order.

If I could go back in time, I would urge myself to take two degrees. I took one degree in Bible and Religion. I studied this topic because of passion; it was the subject about which I most wanted to learn. However, this degree offers limited job opportunities. It would be good to have a practical skill to fall back on. I wish I had taken another degree in a practical field, such as computer science. I would then find it easier to support my family during the lean times which would inevitably arise in life.

I would tell myself to take as many dual credit and AP classes as I possibly could because they save a lot of time and money. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to stress less about college choices and my future because you've got time to choose and it will all work out. But most of all I would encourage myself to continue to improve my work ethic and study skills. They are so much more important once you get to college and don't have teachers and parents checking in on you to make sure you do what you need to be doing. Becoming responsible now will save you a lot of stress and trouble later, so don't slack off!

I would consider taking even more college courses in high school. The preparation they provide are both valuable in terms of readiness as well as monetary. I would focus even more on my study habits and work habits in general as there is an additional level of discipline required to succeed in college. I would especially focus on the habit of reading and would read something evbery day even if not required. Last but not least I think I would have tried to research the social life of my cmapus and how I could be a part of those activities in advance to actually being in school. I amde some friends suring the summer programs and I had put more effort into those friendships.

I would give my self the advice to be more ready for the transition. Dont be scared to try new things or go and meet new people. You never know how many great people you will meet until you put your self out there. But most importantly dont be afraid to be you.

Prepare yourself for college. The classes are much harder. You will need to study a lot more than you do now. Do not wait untill the last minute to study. If you do this, you will not do well.

Aside from receiving a great education, college has provided me with a great community to be a part of. I have made friends that I will have for life, I have had experiences that I know I could never have anywhere else, I would not trade my college experience for anything. It's not like every day has been amazing but it has been a great experience.

I went to college in 2002 after High School but due to my immigration status at the time, (I had a Humanitarian Visa), my scholarship to the University of Minnesota fell through leaving me distraught and hopeless. I dropped out and worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Working as a Special Ed. Para, I was lucky to meet some phenomenal students who though born with disabilities, didn’t let those disabilities stop them from reaching their full potential. Their will to succeed made me realize that I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and take control of my life. I also got my green card which now meant I could get financial aid. I registered back in school and use my passion for teaching to learn all that I can so I can become a Special Education teacher. Being in school has allowed me to not only learn but to also reach out and touch students lives in a way I would have never been able to, had I not gone back. School has given me a purpose and continues to motivate me to want to be the best that I can be for myself and for my students.

Going to Harding University has brought me much closer to God. Not growing up in a christian home I have learned a lot from the Bible classes, but really I've learned the most about God in the other classes I take because of the professors that always teach from a christian viewpoint. They are truely dedicated to seeing me succeed. I love my school, even if it is in the middle of nowhere Searcy, Arkansas. I am looking forward to my next two and a half years there. Next semester I am getting the opportunity to travel overseas, thanks to Harding's campus in Florence, Italy. I am excited to learn about the Italian culture and travel around Europe. I am thankful for this opportunity and do not plan on wasting it. Other than classes the most important thing Harding has prepared me for is to be a missionary. After graduation I know I will have more than enough contacts to help find a place for me to serve God. My goal is to someday own an orphanage in Africa.