Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster Top Questions

I would tell myself to make up my mind. As a high school senior, I was not taking my education seriously and was undecided on my career choice. After I had my son, I was able to decide that education was important to me but with the extra responsibilities, it made things more difficult. I obtained my LPN with very good grades and I am now going for my RN. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to buckle down and put in the hours of studying and make a commitment to my education because it is very important.

As a high school senior, I would allow myself some time to explore different careers over the next couple of years. This way I can make a decision on what career I would like to persue without wasting time in college trying to figure out what courses I need to take. I believe that when you explore different careers then you will know what degree you will be seeking in college. By doing this, you wouldn't be taking courses that aren't need and will be more dedicated to your studies. I see too many students that haven't a clue to what they are majoring in and because of that, aren't willing to put their all into studying for their classes. I feel that this is a waste of time, effort and money. There is always time to go to college to get a degree in what you like doing instead of doing what you don't like, but must since you put the money, time, and effort into that degree. Step back and take time to explore before committing to studying for a degree in something you may hate doing later.

My convesation: 34 yr old Heather: Ok, 18 year old Heather, don?t faint! I?m coming back in time to talk with you about your future. I?m 34 (don?t I look good!?), married to Jeff (you don?t know him yet) with two beautiful children: Kailee (11) and Dalton (7). 18 year old Heather: I don?t know anyone named Jeff. Kailee and Dalton? I?m son confused! 34 year old Heather: You?ll love Jeff the moment you see him! But, that?s not what I?m here to talk to you about. I know you think you want to be a vet: but you won?t end up doing that. Remember when you went to the vet?s office and got grossed out? Well, that?s not your future. And you won?t end up being an accountant or a psychologist (although you?ll need one! LOL). I want you to keep your eyes and ears open. You?ll use all that you have learned! Be nice to all and learn as much as you can! Life will throw you curves but it?s meant to be. Love life. Learn to listen instead of talking!

I would tell myself that senior year is not a year to goof off it's a year to be taken seriously about your future. Now in my case my future had to be put on hold. I had 3 hip operations to help me to walk without pain combating the disease I have in it. I would tell myself that senior year is a important year but all the other years were equally important because colleges don't just look at your senior year. They also look at your whole high school transcript which includes your three previous years. Which means to me that freshman, sophmore and junior year you have to be just as focused on planing your future and determined to do your work.

The advice I would give myself would be, don't wait. School is challenging enough without all of life's distractions. It is much easier to continue schooling when everything is still fresh in your mind as well as the energy to strive for completetion. The time you spend in college now will only benefit you later by having a good job and being financially secure.

I would tell my self to at leats make sure that I have all my priorities straight and to make sure that I definitely forge connections. To always try to make yourself comfortable and its actually nice to seek help and not try everything solo.

Gretchen- I know getting away from home seems very important right now as your yearning for independence waxes with each passing hour. What you need to consider is that the university you have planned to escape to is three and a half hours away and costs more than staying at home while attending community college. Another possible predicament you could be getting yourself into concerns your social life. You know that you are not exceptional at making good friends as a result of your autistic spectrum disorder. Living utterly apart from all of your friends at home and attempting to acquire new friends in an unfamiliar environment might not be something you have prepared welll enough for to execute. The decision concerning your education rests solely upon you. Do not let the decisions of other influence your choice because you are not other people. You are you. Only you can decide what works for you and what does not. Good luck to you as you sort out and reassess your needs for the imminent future.

Going back in time I would tell myself not to sweat it. In high school I was so worried about college. You hear a lot about college about the freedom it gives you, but you also hear that you have to fend for yourself, take care of you. You hear how hard the teachers are and the work loads are. At HACC although you do get a lot (really a lot) of homework compared to High school, the teachers generally care about how you?re doing. It isn?t as ?fend for yourself? as I thought it would be. HACC has been a good friendly college experience for me. I would recommend it to anyone starting out, or even finishing up school.

To put more time into my work. Most seniors slake, as did I, I would tell myself to stop that and work harder because it really does make a difference.