Old Dominion University Top Questions

I would tell myself to just keep doing what I had planned. After high school I joined the US Navy, where I served for five years, then went to college full time. I believe the navy fully prepared me (and gave me time to mature) for college. The transition to college life was easy and enjoyable.

If I could travel backwards and meet myself in high school I would say set back and hold on, these battles will make you stronger. I would give myself words of encouragement and acknowledge my resilience in the face of child-hood trauma. I would write on sticky notes all over my messy room to stay focused and keep your eyes front don’t lose your motivation. Most of all I would have educated myself on the importance of not selling yourself short, instead ask questions and insist on answers. I would have made myself learn more about financial aid and not listened to parents who themselves made horrible financial choices. I would have saved money from the work I started at Wendy’s at the age of 13 until I was 23 years old, to pay for college. Increasing my assertiveness I would have provided myself support to seek help for my learning disorder, the secret I kept hidden until 29 years old. I would tell myself, in college you will find support others like you who dream big, work hard and you will become so much stronger, but never fold and never give up.

College has bought many memories and lessons I thought i'd never encounter in my life. As a high school senior I was actually very scared to venture out and go to college. Leaving my family and friends behind was the last thing I wanted to do after ending my high school career. I would definitely go back and tell my high school senior self to not be so afraid, but to prepare myself for weaknesses, defeats, and also accomplishments. I would tell myself to not be such a procrastinator because college is definitely no joke. There is a fine line between high school worksheets and college assignments. When your professors tell you to read, you better read that chapter because it will definitely help you in the long run. College will disappoint you while making you happy at the same time. It is no playground, but on the bright side you will find yourself and love who you are. You will meet tons of people who will either bring out the best in your or bring out the bad side of you. Stick with what you know and always hold your morals close to your heart.

Do not stress the little things! In high school I was stressed out about everything. I had to look good, I needed to do well on grades, and most of all I felt like I needed to fit in. College changed that. Sure, I am still working hard and doing well in college but there is no need to try to fit in. One thing I learned is that there is a huge maturity gap transformation from high school to college and I fit right in. People do not judge others in college like they did in high school. This has been an eye opening experience where stereotypes are less existent and it is much easier to make new friends, especially since I did not know anybody here at campus on the first day. People felt the same way I did and we got together and became friends. We as students were so sheltered in high school with all of the same people every day that we lacked what it took to be outgoing and find new people to eventually call “friend.” It has worked since, and is definitely something to tell to my high school self.

If I were a high school senior again I would tell myself to work harder. I am 25 years old now and only a junior in college. I took some time off and I regret it. I was an advanced student in high school but due to my lack of effort I ended up squeaking by just to graduate on time. The break that I took from high school to college led to a poor math placement, whereas I was almost awarded a college Calculus credit while in high school. A credit that I did not achieve until I was 24. In that time span I was forced to complete 5 math classes, which I had already completed in high school. If I had put in the effort in high school, I would have graduated by the age of 21. I could have a full life; but instead I work at minimum wage jobs and struggle to pay bills. I have learned a valuable lesson that I practice through my college career and in life; always put in all of your effort!

This question brings back what I've already thought about multiple times throughout the year, and I would love to share! As a college student, I am so passionate about the importance (and education) of diversity in our society. If I could look back and give myself advice as a senior, I would burn into my stubborn senior brain to not be misled or frightened by the many other views that others possess in life. We all have differing views on religion, politics, even sports teams. So often I would be concerned because I was so set on my way that I was afraid that I might be wrong simply because others had different perspectives than I did. What I would tell myself is, "You are not wrong! Your different views are what make life interesting!" Additionally, I would stress the importance of learning from others so that I may benefit from experiences other individuals may have had that could help me strengthen my personal perspective on a given topic. We all are unique, and that's what makes the world go around!

I would have taken high school more seriously. I would have worked harder and partied less. I also would have made sure I attended all of my classes unless I absolutely had to miss.

During my four high school years, I realize that senior year was the most stressfull. My mind soaked in so many questions and ideas. I was focused on finishing high school strong and keeping my GPA up. I was also focused on looking for a college that will accept me. I was discouraged by my SAT scores, and I was worried I would end up going to a school I dont like. My mind was also focused on my career. There wasn't a night when I would think about all the things I could do with my life. Graduation was around the corner, and I had only gotten accepted to one out of the six schools I applied for. At that point I just assumed I was going to Radford, but my first school of choice, ODU, ended up accepting me anyway. All of the stress went away, and I turned all my focus to my friends and saying goodbye. However if I could say something to my senior self. I would tell him that you are handling everything well, and that even the highest mountains of doubt can be climbed when you have faith within yourself. Good job.

I would tell myself to be prepared to study. My current GPA is not bad by any means, but I was not ready for the academic transition from high school to college. Studying was never something I had to do much of in high school. When I got to college I just assumed things would stay the same, but I was wrong. Once sophomore year started, I could not keep on coasting by without really hitting the books hard. I know all this now, but there was a rough period between the time when my grades started slipping and when I actually developed the discipline to study. I think I did a decent job of balancing classwork with everything else college has to offer, but I could have done better.

I would tell myself to not be so insecure. To get out and make more friends by doing activities. This way I could have learned more about myself at a younger age. In turn making a solid career choice earlier on in life.

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.