Liberty University Top Questions

I would tell myself to not worry as much. During highschool I was always focused on having enough money to pay for college. I did everything in my power to make ends meet and be able to attend the college of my dreams. If I could go back, I would tell myself that in a few short years all the trial and pain would be worth it. I would tell myself that the world is so much bigger than my small town and I would be able to expirence it.

Oh how I wish this were true and I were really writing to my high school self. First of all, its been a long time. You're 29 now and don't have your bachelors degree yet, but thats ok. You chose to do Engineering. Noble, difficult, but noble. You see, over the past 10 years, its not particularly the coursework that you struggle with. You struggle with staying focused, dedicated, and disciplined through the whole thing. You have stacked the deck against yourself. You've jumped from going part-time at a community college for years to finally moving away to a different state, different everything, in an attempt to finally finish school. To be honest, you were trying to do too much. Working and trying to get a degree in engineering is darn near impossible without dire commitment. I know that you needed money to drive to school so you worked while attending school. The commute was long. You were afraid of student debt because you didn't want to end up like your dad. Just do it. Invest in yourself and take out a loan so that you can finish. Invest in you!

If I could go back in time to me as a high school senior I would give so much advice to myself. After almost completing my first semester of college I have relized that I should of learned how to study and prepare myself for quizzes and test. As well as learning time mangement throughout college. Something I also should of given myself advice of is how to manage stress throughout college. Money is my biggest stress at this time. But I am so thankful for all the love and support from Liberty University for helping me find scholarships like this one.

I would tell myself to start saving money and applying for scholarships immediately. Even at a "cheaper" university you will find yourself needing extra money when financial aid doesn't come through or additional fees and costs start adding up. Also you will want to have money for use recreationally; going to movies, taking vacations and trips, buying groceries and clothes. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to room with a friend from your highschool if at all possible and learn about them and their study habits; whether they study in the dorm room, lights on lights off, does it bother them to have music on, etc. If you know your roommate well you will avoid many conflicts that can become annoying. One last piece of advice is to get involved with campus activities and communities. It will help you make friends and meet new people.

If I could go back and converse with my high school self, I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy every moment. I loved high school but it flew unbelievably fast. So many major things happen in high school, such as getting your lisence, dances, and great time with friends. Above anything else, I would tell myself to treat every person more kindly than anyone would. I attended a relatively small high school and was well known by many people. I was always kind but I would tell myself to go out of my way to show love to people that wouldn't have normally talked to. There's no way that I could determine if that person was going through hard times, but if they were, kind words from someone outside of their circle of friends could have made all of the difference in that persons day, week or maybe even their life. Many people don't recognize the hurt of others. I would tell my high school self to have a keen eye and pay special attention to the possibility of others hurting.

If I could give advice to myself as a senior, the biggest thing I would stress is the ability to study on my own. College is a whole new level on studying and having to do it on my own makes it even harder. If I could have learned to study on my own in high school studying in college would be much easier. I would also tell myself to look for more scholarships. I never realized how much college really costs until I started paying for it. Every cent that I could have earned back then is one less cent I would have to earn now. Beyond these two things, I would encourage myself to stay on track with my grades and to enjoy the time I have at Rockford High School.

I would go back to my freshman year in highschool. I'd tell my self to get invovled in as much as I can. Also, visit colleges and begin studying for the SAT.

If I could return to my 18 year old self back in High School as a Senior, I would tell him that this is your last chance to end your high school career off with a good note. I didn't take high school seriously, I thought my football talent was enough to get me to college. My grades were lacking and I never took an SAT or ACT. As a senior in high school, though I missed out on the chances I would of had as a Junior, as a senior I could of studied hard, make good grades, take the SAT and or ACT, and had a better selection of Colleges and Universities to choose from. I would of used that as my start to becoming a good student leading to college and then all the way through school, and then maybe even having a shot of fininshing early and being able to play football without school for a year. All I can say is I now know that my mental health and knowledge is just as important and beneficial to me as being an all-around athlete.

Take your time! Life can change in an instant, and things completely unexpected happen. Just keep going, stay focused, and never give up. It's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes, but as long as you are persistant you will reach your goals!

Dear high school self, you should have went to college after you graduated. This year off from school seems like forever. You should have prepared much earlier than now. Taking school more seriously in the early years of high school would have helped so much. You would have been prepared to take the ACT and would have gotten the promise scholarship. You wouldn't be searching for hours for financial help to attend school. Everything would be so much easier if I would have done everything right instead of wrong.