Henderson State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Henderson State University know before they start?

Angela

If I could go back in time to my high school senior year the first thing I would tell myself is to apply for every scholarship! You are going to regret not doing it later on. The next thing I would tell myself is to read the ACT book mom got you. That ACT score is most definitely not a joke. Also, I would tell myself to make plenty of high school memories and go out as much as you can, because in college school is not a joke and you can't go have fun whenever you feel like it. The advice I would give myself about the transition is be ready to study a lot and don't print out every college dorm room list there is online. You do not need a sewing kit. That's a waste of your money.

Raven

The advice i would tell my would be that you should focous on yourself and dont let anyone bring you down. There are people in the world that would not what to see other make it in life.

Andrew

Every class is important. Be sure to do your very best, beginning with your Freshman year. There is a time and a place for everything. Now is the time to put your best foot forward - this will impact the rest of your life.

Collin

I would tell myself not to slack off and be more prepared. I would explain the best method of studying for my personal benefit, a skill I have had to teach myself through college because I did not work as hard as I should have in high school. I would tell myself to work harder in high school because I didn't realize how important GPA's and ACT scores are to both acceptance and financial aid opportunities. I would tell myself to realize how much help my parents would need to put me through college and not just assume that I deserved to go there and that things would fall into place without me working for them. My high school self was totally unaware of the importance of working hard and succeeding, but part of me is glad that college has been so difficult for me. It has taught me to appreciate my success and be disappointed in my failure. The person I am now is a hard-workind, dedicated student, and I want my high school self to see what he will become, but also know that he could make it better with more work.

JeTaun

If I traveled back in time, I will advise myself to follow my own heart, don't waste time, or be afraid to dream. When you follow your own heart the mind will react and believe, such as going to a University. Some people will say, “You cannot be looking at $50,000 a year college, based on your financial need” though this is true, do not listen to them. If you set your mind and heart together you can achieve anything in this world and society, just because one or two people say you can’t do it does not mean you can’t. Next, Je-Taun do not waste time, get as many scholarships as you can. Even though you may feel overwhelmed at first, take a little break and continue applying; do not stop. Lastly, do not be afraid to dream of success. Dreams provide an incentive to keep reaching until that dream comes true. Yes, I know what you’re thinking many people will say “Keep dreaming”, but that’s what you do. If you have your heart and mind set on the right path you will become invincible. No matter what always believe in yourself.

Mathew

If I could go back to my senior year and give myself advice, I would tell my self not to wish it away. Enjoy high school because you only have one life and live it to the fullest. I would make sure to tell me that when you play sports play every game like its your last because you dont always have the chance to play. Always keep your friends close in case you have a bad day they can help you out and get you through it. When you get to college go out and meet new and dont just sit in your room and watch tv or sleep enjoy the college life. Make friends that will last a lifetime.

Cherith

When I was younger grades always came easy to me. I never had to study hard. When I got to high school I thought that it was going to be just as easy. I found myself slacking off in high school and not studying as much. I did not really get back on track until my junior year. This in some ways hindered me as I got in college. I still ended up with a decent GPA but it was not as good as I liked it to be. This affected me while entering college. I received scholarships but I did not receive as many as I would have liked to. When I entered my first year in college I did very well. The first semester it was very hard trying to get myself to study. I was not used to doing it so I had to make myself self sit down and study for hours. The second semester studying came easy to me because I was used to doing it. So if I could go back in time I would tell myself to study more. Even though you think you aren’t learning anything you actually are absorbing knowledge.

Heidi

My biggest advice to myself would be that it's okay to not know what I want to do. I feel that too many kids are pressured to go into college knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives and have that path planned out. I feel that it is much better to go into your freshman year of college with the idea to explore the thousands of career paths that are available. The careers that you consider while in high school are limited, you see very little of what is actually out there, but once you begin colleg a whole new world opens up. Explore! Take the opportunity to take that Landscape Architecture class or to dip into your photography skills. Just because you always thought you wanted to be a math teacher doesn't mean you have to follow that career path, there are hundreds more options for you if math really is what you want to study. I'd definitely advise you to take at least that first semester at college and take any classes that interest you. You'll enjoy your experience so much more and you never know what you will find.

Kacy

"Kacy, you are not ready to go to college yet. If you go this semester you will bring down your GPA and it will be much harder for you to bring it back up. You will experience many things in life, and yes, you will eventually return to college. Much will have changed but you will be more prepared. You will enjoy experiencing all that college life has to offer; even being so bold as to participate in events you currently wouldn't be interested in. Keep reading, keep your mind open, and keep expanding your knowledge. It is not your time yet, but you will know when you should return. Save up money while you can because it will be expensive, but it is the best choice you can make for yourself. One a side note, boys will come and go but you will find the perfect one, don't get a tattoo on your neck, keep exercising, and lay off the hair dye."

Joshua

Being at Henderson State University has helped me as a student and as a person greatly. It has allowed me to further my education in a friendly environment where classes aren't too big and where I can almost always find somebody to talk to whether it's a teacher or peer advisor or tutor. Being here has also started me thinking about my future more seriously than I previously have. I've been able to see what's it like to be away from home; I have become more responsible as far as studying, saving money, doing my own laundry, going to class, and things like that. The people here are great, you could make a friend out of pretty much anybody. However, all this being said, I think the greatest thing I've gotten from being a student at Henderson State University is the chance to grow up. Being here as helped me to grow up spiritually and mentally; I've learned to put off things I want for things I need, to not always do what my friends do, and to be my own person. That's what I have gotten from Henderson State University.

Volodymyr

My college experience has taught me how to be a resposible adult. I have gained a lot of knowledge that I use in my daily actions and activities. It has been valuable to attend, because I was able to make someone out of myself. I would like to help my community as soon as I graduate as a Registered Nurse.

Phillip

In my college experience, I made several life long friends, whom I know will always be there if I need them. I was well-known and respected in my specific college and the one that most called for questions about homework, tests, or projects. I was always available and ready to attend study groups and all nighters if needed. I sacrifced somewhat in my social life trying to maintain good grades, as well as working part time/full time on nights and weekends. I did find time to join a fraternity, where most of my lifelong friends were made, and like my classroom friends, I was well-respected in the fraternity as well. The respect came mainly from my ability to juggle so many things and excel in every area. No matter how much studying or work needed to be done, whenever a friend called in need, I would always find a way to help out in any and every way possible. I learned many life lessons in college, from earning respect to good grades, making sacrifices and juggleing friends, work, school and family life. Also, how to make mistakes, and deal with consequences and problems that arose.

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Sharilynn

The greatest experience I am getting out of college is the knowledge. I have raised four children and didn't have the time to continue my education until now. I have always dreamed of being in the medical field and finally my dreams are coming true. I study all the time and enjoy everything about college. I maintain high scores and want to make sure no financial aid is being "wasted" on me. I appreciate all the financial help I may receive and want to make sure the funds are well spent on myself. The best advice I could give anyone thinking about continuing their education, "just do it". No matter how old you are, you are never too old to learn. I am proof of that. My education may be coming later in my life, but I'm doing it just the same. I greatly appreciate all the assistance I can receive in continuing my education. I am truly blessed to live in a country where education is plentiful. I have no regrets in my life and love my country!!

Jaysen

I have been disabled from an auto accident since I was sixteen years old. The doctors told my mother I would be brain dead, not able to walk or talk. When I woke up I could see, but a bedrail was left down and I fell out of bed, hit my head on the IV stand and lost my eyesight, but now here I am continuing my education. Since then, in college I have gained skills which will enable me to be a productive citizen in the working world and a valuable employee to the corporation which I will be work for in the future. During the past four years of my college education I have gained knowledge that will help me relate with people. There are many different types of people, who all need help, which comes from different forms of assistance. I now have my AA and BA, I will not quit, give up or stop until I have my doctorate degree, because this is what it will take to be where I am needed to be in this society. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Eddy

The most valuable thing I've learned while at college is discipline. Since I've been in college, I've learned to be a more continent, responsible individual; and several of my professors have served as great role models. It is a truly rewarding experience and I encourage anyone with the means and the opportunity to attend to give it a shot. I'm the first person in my family to attend college, so at the time I didn't put much thought into it. I didn't know many college graduates aside from my teachers, and I didn't think I'd actually stick it out. At the time of writing this, I'm on my way to completing degrees in three majors (Biology, Mathematics, and Business Management; with a Chemistry minor,) and looking forward to attaining my doctorate at Michigan State, if they'll be kind enough to have me. This is a far cry from the blue collar, impoverished region of Arkansas that I hail from; and although I see nothing wrong with manual labor, I think my quality of living will be vastly improved simply because I was fortunate enough to experience college.

Mary

If I could return back in time and give advice to myself, I would truly tell myself how important my grades are in college. In high school, I knew that grades were important, but I always thought I had time to pull them up. I was so obsessed in my social life, like winning Homecoming Queen and being on the dance team when I really should have paid more attention to my studies. Now in my second year of college, I realize what is more important and I'm working from a cumulative gpa of 2.5 and bringing it on up. I really wish that I could have realized the importance of it then, but I feel now it still is not too late to do an about-face and get my future on the right track. Now I have the opportunity to tell my little brother of the mistakes I made in high school and not to follow after me. I would tell him that he needs to focus on what's important for his future, not what is important for his social life. I am a role model now, a good one; and it feels so good.

Lauren

I would tell myself to be more prepared. College life is anything but easy. It is a huge transition that requires a lot of work and getting used too. Your life decisions rest souly upon your sholders. I am a huge family person so I was not prepared for the difficult move. I probably would have learned how to cook so I wouldn't be eating frozen food all year. I would have wanted to be pushed harder in school as well. I wish that I would have had harder assignments than i did. I try not to procrastinate, but that is very hard with so many distractions. I wish i would have known that college is no joke. It is a serious life changing move that requires much strength. Now that i am here I have adjusted well and hope to continue on this amazing ride.

Hailie

To start in high school not being to dependent on your teachers.. Learn to figure out stuff on your own. Strive for excellence and dont settle for average reach for the sky. Apply for alot of scholarships money matters. Test scores big thing take that ACT/ SAT as many times its cool to be smart trust me

Jeannie

Get up off you butt and get involved. Become active in any and all groups, classes, and activities that interest you. College is a time to learn, grow, and experience. You will be setting yourself up for the rest of your life and you should take this WONDERFUL opportunity to explore all you can. It requires a commitment and dedication to yourself. You will be scared, nervous, and unsure of yourself for a short time, but that will pass. With every new adventure you conquer, you will become more and more you. This change in your life will be the most wonderful place you will ever be. Finish what you start! Do not quit college thinking you can go back later. Although your intentions will be to return within 2 years, you will find yourself 12 years later trying to finish a degree. I know you are unsure, but this is the best time to find out the answers. Even then you will be seeking answers for the rest of your life. College is time in youth not to be wasted. It is WAY more fun as a youth than as an adult. Enjoy and grow.