Millsaps College Top Questions

Don't worry about what everyone else thinks of you. In high school although I proformed rather well academically, earning honors every quarter and making it into the national honor society whilst taking all accelerated and AP courses, I didn't allow myself to revel in those accomplishments. They didn't feel like enough- I was so worried about whatever one else thought of how I looked, how I dressed, how I spoke that I didn't appreciate the fact that was a gifted student. I would tell myself that my personal accomplishments, accomplishments I worked very hard for, weren't enough. If I could go back to my first day of my senior year I would urge myself to enjoy it. Senior year is the culmination of twelve years of grade school and it shows you the direct results of all your hard work (end of the year honors, college acceptances, getting to look over letters of recommendation) and it's a very important and exciting time in an individual's life and I didn't allow myself to revel in the experience.

I would definitely just tell myself not to freak out as much about every little thing. Sure the transition to college is immensly stressful, but there will always be people there to help you along the way. Also, don't convince yourself that you're the only one who doesn't know what's going on during the first couple of days of college. Chances are most people are just as clueless as you and don't already have friends on campus, some people just do a better job of hiding it than others. Lastly, I would tell myself to not be afraid of a little change. Whether you like it or not, college is going to be a lot different than high school so there's no use fighting the change. Instead, embrace it. Go with the flow, talk to lots of different people, join a lot of clubs (you can always quit them later if you don't end up enjoying them), and get to know your professors as much as you can!! This will help you a whole lot in the long run.

If I were allowed to give myself advice on how to make the transition to college, I would definitely tell myself very helpful tips about how the educational system is completely different to the reguar high schools. First off, the classes may be either much longer or much shorter but the work will always be more difficult. Studying and taking in as much as you can is the key to college because of the classes expecting so much out of you. It's pretty simple to keep a good GPA as long as you do your work. Being an average student will actually keep a 3.0 if all goes well. Choosing the right classes is also an important factor because some may waste their time with classes that are not necessary for their majors. Try to always have atleast one person that you can talk to in each class so that you can have someone to help you in case you do not understand something. Overall, the best decision you can make is to simply take all of the classes very seriously and never let your grade drop so that you can achieve some thing great in life.

I would tell my high school senior self that I really need to explore the things I like to devote time and energy to. I would pursue that particular area of thought through college education in order to receive a degree in that field. I'd tell myself to really devote more energy and mind-power to my high school education and take it very seriously. I'd explain how the work I did during the summer leading up to my Freshman year of college is intended to gather as much funds for college expenses. Since I would have followed previous advice and have entered college to pursue a field that I'm interested in, I would have the drive and motivation to devote all of my time, energy, and resources to my college career. I would understand, as I do presently, that my time should be centered on spending energy on studying, schoolwork, and really wanting to explore the education that I'm receiving from my classes in college. In conclusion, this advice would ultimately come from the true desire for knowledge, and yearning to learn and pursue my dream work, that my present-day self is currently experiencing.

Congradulations on graduating! You will definitely miss high school. College is really hard, so pay attention in the classes you have left. Practice writing a lot and make sure you take note of everything you use on a daily basis. If you're going to live on campus, you need all the comforts of home in order to feel welcome at college. You may not get the best roommate in the world, but you can always switch rooms with someone. There is still going to be drama and people in your business, but don't give up. You will make friends, there will be a lot of peer pressure, and yes, the cafeteria food progressively gets worse. Don't worry. You can make it.

Of the three semesters of college that I have experienced so far, I have gained a new idea of college. Before I began my first year, college was just a way to get me where I wanted to go, the Peace Corps. I had my fears when I stepped onto campus, but I was open-minded and receptive. Once classes were in full swing, I realized this was my opportunity to really learn. After being forced to attend school for so long, since I was 5 years old, the learning experience was really in my hands now. I could learn what I wanted and the expanse of my mind was my only limit. In this short period of time, only a year and a half, I have found a new perspective. I am being afforded with knowledge for which I have been unknowingly thirsting for years! The trough of knowledge is laid out for me, and all I have to do is lap it up. Now I know when I walk off this campus, I will have the experience and the knowledge to be an effective volunteer in the Peace Corps and a successful adult in my field.

College has taught me to be self modivated and organized. As well as how to meet deadlines. College has also taught me how to get through stressfull times because coleege is always stressfull.

My journey at Millsaps started off rocky because my focus was directed more towards having the neccessary funds to remain at this school. Sadly, my grades slipped which was depressing to say the least. In the process, I discovered a personal strength; I do not accept defeat and I am not afraid of a challenge. Success does not come easy and Millsaps has taught me that. It is in my heart to work in Obstetrics as a way to give prenatal services to underprivileged, rural areas in Mississippi who do not have the services needed to have healthy babies and to provide services to improve women's overall health in MS rural areas. Millsaps has strengthen my desire to give back in ways not yet know. I am more focused than ever because older and future generations depend on it. My school is not perfect but I am so thankful for the reason that brought me here: community service. Ultimately, we are responsible to each others well being; my life goal is to do what I can to better someone else's situation. I thank Zinch for the opportunity to apply for scholarship!

The diversity of Millsaps is probably why it is so valuable to attend. Being able to listen to so many different people's opinions from different backgrounds has really changed my view of problem solving.

To go back in time and talk to myself at the high school senior, I would give myself the advice to maintain a balanced life throughout college and the transition. High school is all about the balance between friends, family, academics, athletics, faith, relationships, etc. If students in college continued using the time-mangagement skills to balance their life as they did in high school, the transisiton would be much smoother.