Nicholas
Well honestly and truely a shorter list would consist of what i didn't get out of my college exerience. As a young highschool student i was frustrated with my life and had no real career goals to pursue. As not to fall behind in the world of education I attened classes at a community college in up state NY, while working on a full time basis. It was Durring this time that i realized my passion for the food service industry. With the burden of money issues i struggled to make ends meet. It was in my heart to be a great chef but just didnt know how to go about it. It was a matter of time before i walked into the best place in town and demanded to work there for free. With my new found skill i had learned there i was confident enough to enroll at The University of Johnson and Wales and wake up everyday knowing in the words of one of my Chefs that i was "doing the right thing".
Stephanie
From attending college I have gained valuable experience and made many friendships I hope to have for a lifetime. I have figured out what I want to do in my life and after graduating.
Emily
I've never had the opportunity to work with such inviting professors who only want the best for their students. Weather it is changing your major, asking questions about jobs, or just needing someone to talk to, you will always find a helping hand at Johnson & Wales. I am only a freshman but already the professors I've had the chance to meet have taught me so much, weather it was in class or just having a conversation. Each class in the Hospitality College is geared towards your specific major and each professor has had to work in the industry. This lets the professor?s elaborate more on the realism of the jobs, not just what the books might say. Having professors who have physically worked in the field is also valuable because they have contacts within the industry, helping us even further our education with real job experiences and internships. Attending a school that is as hands-on as Johnson & Wales has not only helped me to find a job that I will be happy with and proud of but also a job that I want; not a job that I might have settled for at a different University.
Carla
Since attending Johnson and Wales University, I am only in my first year and second trimester. I made deans list my first trimester and now that the second one is coming to an end I am maintaining my status on the deans list. Its not easy for everyone to adjust to a new school or life alone away from home, and everything for me fell into place right away. The school offers so much that you can get involved with and attend, there is never a dull moment or a chance to say that nothing is going on around campus. I was extremely involved in my high school and that still hasn't changed since I came to college. I joined different national student organizations along with organizations that are specific to my major, plus at the moment I am pledging for a sorority. Being here at Johnson and Wales is shaping me into the adult and person that I want to be and viewed as an individual in society. College has been nothing but one great and valuable experience so far that I am excited to see what the future has to hold for me.
latiesha
if i could go back in time to high school and talk to myself i would tell myself to focus more . i would tell myself to focus because since i have been in college i've learned that to do well i need to focus . if i had started to focus more in high school then the transtion to college would have been much easier to me. i would have started off this school year more better than i did an i would have been ready to face all that was put in front off me in college. as i continue my college career i have started to realize how much of a responsibility my school work is which maeans my need to focus on my work has greatly increase . even though coming out of high school i didnt have the best studie habits, and like most high schoolers i was very unfocused, i am slowly becoming a more focused student with my main goal of becoming successful.
Rachel
If I could go back in time to high school, I would tell myself to listen to everyone who told me how much I would enjoy it. I would force myself to talk to other people, and join clubs. I would want to make the most out of it, instead of rushing home.
Instead of worrying so much, I would have looked to go away from home, to experience all the things I have heard others talk about.
I would tell myself, to try things, but in moderation. I would look for other things I would normally not be interested. They say college is a place to learn and grow, and that would be something I am finally ready to do. I want to go out and party, but I also know I have a responsibility in life.
Here at home, I am always visiting my grandparents. Away from home I would want to bring my food to those people who need it most.
I would tell myself don?t be afraid. Try new things, experience what you know, and especially what you don?t know.
This is a chance to be on your own, make the most of it.
Joshua
The advice I would give myself would be to change the study habits I had. At first college seems like High School but it takes a harder turn in the road. I would tell myself to work hard and expect the unexpected, but most of all never give up the fight.
Sarah
If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would advise myself to begin preparing for college sooner. I would have gone on college visits beginning junior year and making a list of potential schools. The college process is much longer than expected and I should have begun much sooner than I did. Being involved in high school helped me more than I could have imagined. My resume was fantastic due to all of my involvement. The best thing I did was meet with my guidance counselor on a regular basis to keep all of my college applications moving in a timely fashion. The best advice I could give a senior in high school is to keep working hard. Do not slack off because college doesn?t cut you any breaks. Your professors don?t care if you don?t show up to class or do your homework. You?ll fail, and nobody will do the work for you. Keep working hard and it?ll be worth it. It will get you more scholarships which means less loans and more money in your pocket. College is important so make the best decisions you can.
Jonathan
I would tell myself that it all gets better. That high school is only the beginning and that the road ahead will be tough, but well worth it. I would have told myself that getting better grades in high school would be important to colleges and to work harder than ever. I would also have told myself not to lose faith. That there are better things coming, and the wait is well worth it.
Samantha
My Advice to myself would be to live life to the fullest and to do everyting you want while still getting all my school work done . Make friends not to stay in my room with my book, i want you to get out and to experience all that the school has to offer you.
Adam
Given the oppurtunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to ever be uncertain with myself. I would let myself know that college is not a party. Its alot of hard work and dedication as well as self discipline and organization. Also, I would tell myself to keep working towards a goal, no matter what. Its crucial to have something to strive for, and I would preach that to my high school self. The transition into college is not an easy one, and I would tell myself as a high school senior to avoid temptations, and stay focused. Every day in college poses a new challenge, and there are always obstacles, but with the right mindset, anything is acheivable. I would make sure as a high school senior I understood that college is no joke, and it determines the rest of your life.
Kristen
If i could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, there are several things i would tell myself. I would tell myself, to be open and honest with yourself. This will faciliate meeting new friends. Also attend every activity scheduled possible, you will make lots of friends at these bonding events. DO NOT procrastinate or else you will be up many a nights working on a project you could have paced yourself to do. I would also tell myself, that people will change during school and thats okay because friends will come and go, they are also trying to find themselves so try not to judge. When you get frustrated and want to give up and go home, DON'T give up. Its okay to cry but try not to stress. No matter how long it seems it has been you are still adjusting to being in a new environment. Stay, enjoy the ride but remember school work comes first, social life second. There is plenty of time for socializing sooner or later.
Tayla
If i could go back in time to talk to myself I would tell myself to take a deep breath. My senior year of high school was very stressful worrying about getting into all the colleges I wanted to go to, then actually deciding and figuring out which schools I not only like but also which schools I could afford to go to. I was so overloaded with work and high school that I didnt make time to enjoy my senior year. I didnt go to many of the events that my high school held, and I didnt make time to spend with my family who are very far away from me at the moment. I was so over prepared when I actually got to Johnson and Wales that I sent my mom home with a box of items I didnt actually need to pack. In conclusion if I could go back in time I would not worry as much and enjoy my life rather than letting it pass me by.
Maura
If I could go back in time it would be the best feeling. As a high school senior, I would have gotten my FAFSA done before March. Also I would have signed up for as many scholarships as possible. Also, I would have gotten as many grants as possible. A private college is expensive and hard to pay for, and its hard to find the right loan for you.
Christopher
If I could visit myself in highschool I would tell myself that everything will turn out okay. I would inform myself that I would be extremely happy at Johnson and Wales and that I shouldn't second guess my decision. I've learned over the year and a half since graduation that i need to be myself. It is important to make myself happy befor worrying about the happiness of others.
Amanda
I would tell myself to work harder, eventhough i never slacked at my school work. I would also have applyed for morre scholarships before i started college. and finally i would tell myself to work harder. because at the end of the day, your only as good as the amount of work you put into your goals and jobs. i would tell myself to live on campus like i am now. It offers such a great experience to make lifelong friends, and to get your first experiences away from home. i would also tell myself to be as outgoing as possible , and to take whatever oppourtunities are given to me.
Jacob
The best advice that I could give myself as a highschool senior would be to not allow anything nor anyone stand in the way of my educational goals. Circumstances may present themselves difficult to overcome, but each obstacle that I have faced, from financial difficulties to lack of transportation; each obstacle has been overcome through a willingness and determination to meet my goal and to overcome that obstacle. Obviously, I would also remind myself to plan more thoroughly and expect to encounter many obstacles that go without planning. As the saying goes, "Those without a plan, plan to fail." Each time I am confronted with a daunting task, I am reminded that through careful planning and execution, the end result leaves me more satisfied and enables me with more confidence than when I began the task. In conclusion, I know that through coaching myself with these pieces of advice prior to college, the transition to this lifestyle would have come a little easier than I have. Yet, overall I am grateful for the experience and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Amanda
Know who you are as a person. Knowing this will help you stay true to yourself and not cause you to stray away from who you are. I never got the chance to experience partying with my friends before college. I was the type of person who sat in her room and studied all night after a long three hour track practice every day. When I went to college, I wanted to experience what it was like to go to a club. Right when I walked in I loved the music and was dancing. After awhile, some guys came up to me and started dancing with me. I pushed them off and that is when I realized this is not for me. I did not want to put myself through that situation ever again. I learned who I was and what some of my values were that day. It is better to know who you are so you do not faulter when pressured into drinking, doing drugs, or other acts you are not comfortable with. My advice would be stay true to yourself. Life can only be lived once so live it up your way.
Kymber-Lyn
If I could go back now I would tell myself to relax. When I came to college my plan was get in and out as quickly as possible while maintaining a good GPA. Not because I didn't think I would enjoy college but I knew I could save money if I graduated early. Unfortunately, this view caused me to miss out a little on some of the oppurtunities for clubs and competitions at my school. That's why I would tell myself to relax, to have fun. College is a lot of work, and for anyone who thinks college is all about partying has another thing coming, but college is also an opportunity for one to spread their wings a little, a time to try new things. If you work all the time you could really miss out on some life changing experiences. I'm not saying go party, I'm saying be open to knew experiences and ideas. Go study abroad, or join some random club. This could be the last chance that many of us have to really take a step out of our worlds.
Brianna
I would tell myself to work my butt off as much as possible in high school. I would tell myself that the more money possible to have saved up the better. I would also say to save as much as you can while at school. As hard as that is to do, and as much as you want to go out and have fun, set a budget. Keep only a certain amount of money, in cash, to have each week. Use a debit card as a last resort and only for emergencies. Save the rest. I would also tell myself to find a job more than just a work study. In terms of roommates, I would tell myself to stop being a pushover and stand up for youself. If you're room's dirty, ask them to clean it. If they decide to watch TV at 4:30 A.M. tell them to turn it off. I would lastly tell myself to stdy and try harder. Strive or A's not B+'s.