Marywood University Top Questions

If I could rewind time somehow and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself advice that would make college easier and more rewarding. Probably the first thing I would tell myself is to stop procrastinating! When either homework or a paper is assigned, put time and effort into finishing it as soon as possible. Don't rush it, but do not put it on the back burner until the night beforehand. Doing this will not only allow me to hang out with friends more often, but it will prevent pulling an all-nighter that no one will be happy about the next morning. The other advice I would give myself is to be social and just have fun. Yes, college is about gaining an education, but if that means not having a good time along the way, well, then reinvent yourself somewhere else. College is a place to reinvent you and learn as many new things as possible. This is considered the times of ours lives, so stop sitting and watching it fast-forward around you and do something about it. Just live in the moment and of course, learn along the way.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice with my present knowledge of college life and the transition to it, I would say: first of all, breathe! Orientation is scary at first, but you will make it through it. There is no need in freaking out over it, because everyone else is in the same situation. Second of all, don't forget to pack doubles of everything you use at home. You are on your own now, so that means mom won't be there with her never ending supply of back up tooth brushes and tampons. Third of all, you don't need the big meal plan. It's a waste of money! Fourth of all, don't underestimate the cost of books. Save up your money, because they are expensive! Finally, just be yourself and try to stay calm, because you will make friends and always remember home is only a phone call away.

Note to self: -creative writing major is not useful for the purposes of becoming a novelist, there is no degree needed -attend a college with multiple majors available if, for some reason, you need to change your major, you will have something to change it to -cramming for a 9 am exam until 5 am in the morning...bad idea -just because the cafeteria is buffet style does not mean you should eat all you can -stress can be easily relieved by gazing out the window, watching the snowflakes fall with a cup of hot chocolate, a fuzzy blanket, and a good book -late night card games in the lounge-best idea ever -if you see anyone trying to bake cookies in the microwave, stop them before the fire alarm starts -do your homework, show up for class, and participate: many professors count these in when grading and it can sometimes bring a C+ to B- -get a good amount of sleep before class, falling asleep during class disrupts the learning process -if you have a peephole, use it, opening the door to drunk, half-naked men in the hallway may cause a great shock to your sleep deprived brain

Dear High School Senior Amy, Instead of thinking of living hours away from home as a scary situation, consider it the perfect opportunity to meet life-long friends and to dive into what you love doing. Now for the ugly truths: The girl you talked to at orientation might have seemed nice during your five minute conversation, but she may not be so nice once you're living in the same room. Instead of requesting a friend as a roommate, take a chance; let housing match you with someone you think has nothing in common with you. Chances are you'll learn a lot from each other. As willing as you are to make the five-hour drive home, don't. Force yourself to stick around for the weekend. Go to campus activities, as silly as they may seem. You never know who you'll meet at "Rootbeer Pong." Study, study, study! Don't leave heavy studying for finals week. Reading over notes a few times a week will save your sanity during finals week when everyone else is cramming. Oh, and that guy you're seeing is definitely not as important as your happiness at college! Love, College Amy

Just relax. College is different from high school in that there are no social cliques to worry about because the people you spend the most time with are people like you. Everyone just wants to make you feel welcome and help you out. Take the time you need to study and practice, however much time that may be. Challenge yourself to be your very best.

Through my experience in college thus far I have realized that the more you appreciate the fact that your parents have put their time and effort into making sure you get into and through college, I have come to be a better student. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay focused and keep my life goals in mind. I would also tell myself to prove myself worthy to my parents and give them good grades in return for their undying support. I would make sure to remind myself that college is not easy and it takes determination and hard work to get A's and the only way I am going to get good grades is to earn them.

I joined the Army out of High School and had to go to the Persian Gulf War. I am now suffering form the gulf war syndrome. My advice would obvisously be, not to join the Army. But I probably wouldn't have listened to myself. My advice would be that I know that I personally had a great deal of doubt in myself and my abilities. I wish I could just tell myself to believe in myself and that everything will be okay. I rank 14th my senior year and maybe I lacked the guidance that I needed. I am blessed with being intelligent, I wish I could have seen my potential then. I realize that I made a mistake and now try hard in believing in myself.

A couple of things I would tell myself. The first thing is that there will always be time for fun. Concentrate on classes first. Make friends or college life can be very lonely. Start organizing yourself, keep a schedule, there are a lot of things to keep track of. Get extra help from a teacher in writing papers and how to study by yourself. The last thing I would tell myself, RELAX , college life is really a lot of fun.

Walking to class on a Fall afternoon, I feel as though I am free. I am outside with the wind and the squirrels. Beyond me is a future filled with the happiness that comes along with a rewarding career. I have friends and a promising future. In high school however, this feeling was quite different. Walking to class was more like walking down a crowded street with no direction and no idea what to expect around the corner. I used to worry about what my classmates thought of me and whether or not the teacher would make me stand up in front of the class. I was shy and scared. Looking back on my senior year, I would love to give myself some advice: Don't worry about what others want or think. Make decisions based on personal factors that lead to rewarding experiences. Don't be afraid to talk to new people, and always be true to who you are. Look around you and know that your classmates are in the same place you are. Although your future is uncertain now, remember that you control it's direction. You are bright and college is your chance to prove it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself how easy it is to procrastinate in college and how easy it is to get sucked into your social life and forget about school work. I would tell myself to stay focused and remember that I am there to get a degree and better my life. I would advice myself to try new things and form good relationships with people because your college friends are the friends you will have for the rest of your life. I would tell myself how important I feel it is to live on campus because it allows you to be more independent and socialize. Living on campus forces you to solve your own problems and not rely on your parents so much. Learn from your college experiences and grow from them. Make mistakes and learn from them. College will be one of the best and memorable experiences of your life.