Misericordia University Top Questions

Going back in time I would tell myself to not worry so much about the transition from high school to college. I would tell myself to be open to my beautiful new home in the rural mountains of PA, because although it is very different from suburban south jersey, it is an area full of opportunity. Most important, I would tell myself to let go of past failed relationships and tell myself that it was not my fault. I would tell myself to be strong and to look to my budding friendships to help me move past those hard times. I would also tell myself to thank my parents constantly for always being there for me and for always catching me when I fell.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

If I could go back in time to let myself know what i know about college, i would tell myself to work harder in highschool and take harder classes to challenge myself. I would have wanted to push myself and spend more time on my work. I would tell myself to stat focused and really work hard to get as ready as I can.

I believe that the events we experience in life happen for a reason. Call it fate, call it destiny, call it whatever you want. But if I hadn’t failed college, I never would have worked at the casino. If I never worked at the casino, I never would have met my husband or have had the two most beautiful girls in the world. In addition to fate, I also believe that our life experiences shape our personalities. They define who we are and how we will apply what we have learned to the future. With that being said, the advice I have for my high school self is to NOT bring all of your books to the first day of class. I attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities whose campus spans the length of a mile. Imagine lugging around physics, calculus, archaeology and greek and roman mythology books. My bag was so heavy I had to keep switching shoulders to carry it. By the time I got back to my dorm room, I was so exhausted I couldn’t move. And, to top it all off, we never even cracked open book in any of my lectures.

The advice I would give myself is to prepare myself more during the school year and summer. I was completely unprepared my first year at school and I didn't do as well as I would have liked to. It took me until my second year to get into a grove that has worked for me since. To prepare myself more I would have studied more during the summer about what classes I would be taking and what I would be studying. It also helps to get your college books earlier than before you start your semester so you can go through and be prepared for classes.

I would tell myself not to worry about making friends. Everyone is extremely friendly and down-to-earth. The professors only give you as much as they know you can handle and make themselves very available to you so you should not worry about getting left behind in class. I would tell myself that the dorms have plenty of storage space but I would recommend bringing extra food because the food at school is horrible. The alternative meal is much better than the actual dining hall so treat yourself. When choosing a schedule, try to focus on getting all your classes in that you need before taking fun elective classes because they will not be worth it later if you don't get your degree on time. Make sure to keep up with school work because it builds up quickly but is entirely doable when you work on each assignment a little bit each day. Make sure to get a sturdy planner for the year with plenty of space to write multiple assignments on each day. Above all, do not worry about not fitting in. This school is like a small community and you will be accepted.

I would have told myself to relax and not take so many challenging courses. Yes, one should take classes to prepare for college, but not everyone needs to take AP courses. You need to know how to write, but you do not need a formal rhetoric course; it is better to become comfortable with the writing process than to focus on a complex concept. If you work too hard, you will get burnt out. Yes, there is a lot you must do; however, there is also a lot that you do not need to do. If you learn how to edit things out of your life (too much television, toxic friends, partying, etc.), you will discover a balance that will allow you to get enough sleep, study, work, and maintain a social life. It really is OK to tell people, "no".

Before I entered college I was very unsure of what the future would hold for me. I struggled through high school trying to maintain focus until my senior year when I asked to be tested for a learning disorder. Once diagnosed with ADD, I was anxious about being able to focus in college but with some guidance, I applied to colleges and made my decision on Misericordia. Once on campus, I was immediately accepted as a person not only by my peers but also by all the faculty. I am treated as an individual, not just a number which is what I need to excel and apply myself. Faculty members greet me by name which makes me feel valued as a person. I never thought I was capable of good grades in all subjects but my first semester at MU proved that I have that ability. I was happy to share my grades with my family and now have confidence in my study habits. I am no longer afraid to ask for help in order to succeed. It is a strength, no longer a weakness which I used to avoid for fear of criticism.

I have not yet started college my first day is today.

I have met so many different people, that i would otherwise never have come in to contact with. I attended Bloomsburg University, and saw the big, party filled life that dominates the campus and I learned some valuable lessons there, mostly how to balance my studies, work and social life in order to succeed. I learned the value of helping others through community service via, the honors fraternities that accepted me in to their ranks. I am now attending Misericorda to get away from the distractions of the booming social life that is Bloomsburg. I had a 3.18 there with all the distractions, but I want to do better and with the smaller quieter college, I will be able to make the most of my time left in college so that I may someday enter gradschool.