Old Dominion University Top Questions

Stay in school and keep learning.

My first semester of college, in the fall of 2009, did not go as I planned. In honesty I cut a little more loose than I should have and it reflected in my academic performance. I was a dietetics major at that school and was absolutely miserable with it because it was not my dream to be a dietician. Although i had fallen on hard times, I transferred back to Brookdale Community College, in New JErsey, and got my act together. I am proud to say that I am studying writing, which I love to do, and am a part of the two-year college honor society, with a 3.8 GPA. Therefore, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I need to be strong these next few months and to remember that when one door closes, another opens. Most importantly, I would remind myself not to stay down when I am knocked off my feet and that everything will fall into place the way it should. Had I told myself any different, I wouldn't have been on the path I am today.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to keep pushing forward. The first semester is difficult because college is a new environment and a new journey to embark on. The transition is scary but it's possible. I would tell myself not to panic about little things because everything will work out if you want it to and if you put in the effort to make things happen. You can never be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Build a support system of family, old friends from back home, and some new friends on your hall or in your classes. Everyone at your college has gone through the same transition and felt the same feelings. There are thousands of students to talk to, and there are resources available on campus such as professional counseling. Always remember that you are not alone at college.

I would tell myself to take advantage of more extracurricular activities and advanced courses. I would take more AP courses to better prepare myself with a wide variety of knowledge. I would participate in more extracurricular activities to develop character and strengthen my resume. I would also apply for more scholarships and do more research to find scholarships that apply to me.

I would advice myself to make sure what I want to major in prior to applying for college. I came to Old Dominion undecided, I loved the environment, that's why I chose to come here. It is fortunate for me that I chose a school with an excellent Business College, being that I decided to be a Finance Major. I would also suggest for high school seniors going to conisder what size class they want to be a part of. Responsible students will do great at a large university but someone who is not good at making appointments for themselves or making due dates, a smaller university may be more apporpriate where the advisors have time to email the student...where as at a large univesity the students must contact the advisor, the advisor isn't going to let you know registration is comingup. It is the student's responsibility.

Looking back, I definately would have tried to save a lot of my money for school. Once I got to school, I reliezed how hard it was to work at a job and still keep up on my school work. I also would like to teach my high school self how to study. In high school, I didn't really have great study habits. Other than that, the college transiton wasn't that difficult. The hardest part, I would say, was learning how to live with someone else in closed quarters. I was always the only kid in the house, and having someone else there all the time to share your stuff with was a little difficult for me to do.

Well the high scool life is great because is less the way you worry about responsabillity, dont worry about buy books and all that stuff that in college that you need to be more responsable, and buy many books stuff and materials. But is better,because you are independient and the way you envolve the student roll, study and learning better be youone.

I wouldn't change anything about the way that I pursued my education. When you are a high school student, you really don't know what you want to be when you grow up. It's only until you experience life that you can make the right decisions for yourself. My only advise would be to experience as many different things as you can. Make mistakes because that's the only way to experience things. But learn from your mistakes. They make you a better person.

Right now you’re a senior in high school, getting an A + in every class and applying to a bunch of great colleges. Mom and Dad will pay for you to go anywhere you want, and more than anything you cannot wait to move out and be on your own. You know no matter what college you go to, you will be able to handle the work. But you wonder if Mom will allow you to live your life, and let go of her overprotective ways. There’s no easy way for me to tell you this. Mom couldn’t handle it. So my advice is this: see a therapist at the college, and he or she will help you understand that Mom has mental health issues, and her behaviors are not normal. It is not healthy how upset she gets. She may never understand her problem, but the sooner you do, the better you will feel about living your life. You will have an adventure, that’s all I can really say. But you will do great in school, in relationships, and be on your way to something great.

I would tell myself to make sure I am focused on school and do what I need to do for classes before I go out with friends. Also, be friendly to everyone you meet, everyone is completely different and you don't know their story or where they were before they came to college, and that you can meet a lot of cool people if your open to everything.