Lehigh University Top Questions

Prepare for life in advance. You could never be too early in your preparation process. Prioritize your obligations. You do not need to be experienced with everything. Just be an expert at a couple of things and work hard to perfect your skills in these areas.

I would first advise myself to develop good time management skills because those are extremely important in college. I would also suggest to review material before my class or lecture and go to office hours as often as possible even if I think I understand everything; practice really helps important concepts to sink in. I would have also told myself to take more AP classes during high school because even if I wouldn't have received a high enough score to test out of the class in college it's really helpful to have seen the material before. Finally, I would have started working earlier in high school and I would have set aside money for college because tuition is extrememly expensive and it's very stressful to figure out how I'm going to pay for school each year as tuition costs rise.

I always was and always will be an extremely hard worker. By the time I graduated high school, I already had thirty-seven college credits. Lehigh University accepted me for the spring semester, so I would have had to take the fall semester off or enrolled at another school. Because from an academic standing Lehigh was well above my other choices (Richmond and Wisconsin), I chose to take an internship for a semester and then attend Lehigh in the Spring. That was a mistake. Knowing what I know now, I would highly encourage students to only start college in the Fall. Not only was everyone's click of friends already created by the time I joined campus, but I had missed rush, which at a large Greek school like Lehigh is equal to social suicide. That being said, I do not know if I could said I would have prefered being at another school because although getting set in took far longer because I started in the middle of the school year, my later years were some of the best times of my life. Lehigh does balance academic success and a pretty epic social scene quite nicely.

I can't say that I know as much about the "college process" as I would like, but I do think there is information I could tell my younger self. First, I would encourage myself to go with the major that I really wanted--not the one I had chosen to please my parents. Second, I would say it's a good idea to apply for as many scholarships as possible! I think I was lazy (and foolish) to not apply for them even when I was just in community college. I may not win the scholarship, but at least I will know that I tried. Third and lastly, I would admit that college seems daunting, but I don't need to be nervous and it'll be more fun than I expected.

Take advantage of every opportunity and make every connection you can. You may not get the chance to experience things twice in your life and passing up a chance is a missed opportunity. Additionally, you never know when you will cross paths with someone from your past. Establishing and maintaining good business relationships will be extremely helpful in the future. Most importantly always remeber to enjoy what your work. If your work life is grind you won't apply yourself. Enjoyig your work is the biggest step toward success you can take.

I would tell myself to go straight to college and to not allow any distractions delay the process of my long term goal. I would explain to myself how important our big goal is and that if we are to stay focused on what is important the quicker we may achieve it with out any issues. I would also tell myself about how I should apply for as many scholarships and grants that I could put my hands on to make going to a university or college that much easier so that I may stay focused on my studies.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is make sure you keep an open mind. Within the first year of college, you discover so many new things about yourself and about your peers, so you need to be ready to accept any changes that come your way. It is so important to be friendly and open to those around you, because you never know who may end up being your best friend or neighbor. I would also make sure to emphasize that taking advantage of new opportunities is the best way to acclimate oneself to college. Trying new clubs or activities is a great way to meet new people and learn things about yourself that you wouldn't have otherwise. As a closing note, I would stress to make sure to be yourself, and enjoy life to the fullest - you only go to college once.

At the age of 19, I was already a mother of two sons. I worked full time and as a single mother, struggled to make ends meet. I thought that attending college was a fantasy in my case. When my sons began elementary school, I jumped on the opprotunity to receive an education, not only for securing a better future for my children, but for myself as well. No one thought that I had it in me to succeed in this educational persuit. Since then, I have graduated with a 3.72 GPA, as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and received an Associate of Arts degree. Attending college has given me confidence that I have never felt before. It has given me confidence to succeed and the experience to encourage others who are struggling in life, as I have and still do. I am now persuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hotel/Restaurant Mgmt and plan to obtain my bachelor degree in the near future. It is simply impossible to put into words the value of attending college. Therefore, I would say the value is in how you perceive it.

College is such an eye-opening experience. It has been extremely valuable to me because it was an environment where I could thrive with the passions and talents I had. In high school, you are expected to be well rounded in all academics. Some talents and passions shine through these years, but none are awarded as they are in college. Throughout my years as an undergraduate, I was able to share interests in the sciences with my peers and professors. I took classes in subjects I was genuinely excited about. I learned from the best people in the field of bioengineering; men and women of various ages with doctorates and projects that improved the lives of others. It was inspiring to see these people at work. Also, I was able to practice my joy of singing with a choral conductor who is world- renowned. I had the ability to sing with students who also shared the talent, and many friendships were made that I will continue to cherish. Overall, college has opened up the opportunities for me to figure out what I love to do, and to pursue it as a career.

While college has taught me many things, my biggest take away is learning to be open to new experiences. Trying new things and putting yourself out there are essential to discovering what you love and ultimately want to do with the rest of your life. It is commonly said that college is, "the best four years of your life." You get to choose how you want to spend those years but to really make the most out of them requires taking some chances.