Old Dominion University Top Questions

I would tell my high school self to do better in high school. I was very laid back in high school and I am paying the price for it now. Also, I planned to take a break from school. While I only planned for a semester or two break, nearly 8 years later is when I finally got myself to enroll into college. I would highly encourage myself to get into college right away after high school. I often think to myself how I would already have my degree if I went straight into college after high school. Finally, I would tell myself that the friends I thought so highly of in high school will not stick around. People change.

With the knowledge of being in college , I would tell myself as a senior in high school to learn how to manage my time more wisely. I have a problem as a college student with procrastination. I analyze and understand the day when an assignment is due , however , I always wait to the last minute to complete them . I would teach myself as a high school student to learn how to manage my time wisely. I understand my strengths and weaknesses as a student. For example , one of my strong qualities is that I can retain information and comprehend well . In contrast , my weakness as a student is that I do not work well under pressure . With me procrastinating , I find myself not putting forth my best effort in my work. I would tell myself as a senior in high school to take more pride and to be more dedicated in every assignment that is given to me. I believe that my work is a reflection of who I am as a student.

Dear Past Christopher, I'm writing to you from 4 years in the future, just as you are about to start your fourth year of college. I would like to share some knowledge I've acquired with you that may help you in the future. My first piece of advice is to ALWAYS have the future in mind. I am by no means saying that you should be paranoid about everything, but rather that you should evaluate every decision you make to see how it can affect things later on. For example, paying for college. You may not think it's a problem, but it really is. You really do have to do all you can to ensure that you can get an afford to pay for your education if you want to have a bachelor's degree. And always remember: college is designed for most people to fail, whether it be financially or academically (don't worry, your grades are fine). You just have to keep pushing because it will all be worth it in the long run. Sincerely, Future Christopher

A few words of advice for you, my friend. Having fun with friends and working three jobs may be what you think you want now, but in the long run it is wiser to decide what you want for the rest of your life. Only take on what you know you can handle, not more. Choose a career you know will make you happy, not just make you money, and go for it with everything you’ve got. All the fun and the money will come later, but priorities are important. Make a difference in the world, not just for yourself, but for everyone else you have and will ever meet. Even the smallest of things you say and do can greatly impact someone else, so make it a good effect on someone else. Most important, live each and every day as if it were your last day. Do not waste time worrying about the small things. Work hard to achieve each and every goal you set for yourself, and when you look back in 20 years, you will be happy, content, and satisfied... I guarantee.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to keep focused on all lectures that are heavily dependent on power point and not from the text book. However, use the textbooks as a guide to what the teacher has covered, as well as what the teacher has notified you will be covered in the next session. Do not allow your friends to preoccupy your time. Prioritize the issues at hand, but do not overwhelm yourself. It is okay to have fun, but when you know that a deadline is rapidly approaching, and that an assignment needs to have plenty of time and attention, do not be afraid to tell your friends that you have to focus on school work. No matter what your friends may think of you, knowing that you have given your best time and effort into the task at hand, and that God will lead you the rest of the way, it does not matter. While they sit and procrastinate and then try to do their work at the last mintue, you can then rest knowing that all your work has been done and that it is time for fun.

Life is too short to wait until college to start living

Be aware of the real reason your applying for college, and know the pros and cons of transitioning to college life.

I would tell myself to start looking for scholarships in the summer/fall of my senior year and keep looking for them the whole way through college. Also I would have told my self to always purchase school books online instead of in the book store. I would tell my self that no matter what anyone tells you, go with your gut, you are usually right.

I would say that ODU isn't your best bet, but since you want to stay with your fiance still go there. Also, Harvard is accepting people with lower than $60,000 incomes into the medical school so start getting a 4.0 GPA now.

Not to take all the opportunities available in high school for granted. When it comes to academics, whether your classes are easy or difficult, start forming good study habits, that way in college you will know what study techniques work best for you. Even though classes may seem easy, dont slack and try hard because even the basic stuff will help you out in college. Also be as active in as many different clubs as possible. Though some activities may seem dumb and boring, they teach you more than what you might expect and may even spark an interest you didn't think you had. It is never to early to think about your future and taking part in a wide variety of extracurricular activities looks good on any college transcript and resume. When it comes to your social life, dont try to be apart of any high school cliques or look down on people for obscure reasons. People sometimes change in college and you may find that you have a lot in common with someone you used to not associate with. Finally, always keep in touch with your friends.