Michelle
I would tell myself that I should get involved in everything that I could. I want to be able to be involved in more things and that I would like grow into a better person.
Mike
If I could go back and give myself advice, I would have some suggestions. College is much harder than high school. You have to really work for the grade by studying. I would also tell myself not to procrastinate. It is so much easier to get things done if they are done ahead of time and not at the last minute. I would also tell myself to work on time management. Some classes allow you 3 tries when submitting a test so that the highest grade can be submitted. Allow yourself enough time to get the full number of tries. If you have a deadline of midnight, the computer denies submissions after midnight regardless of the number of tries. Another thing I would tell myself is that all freshman living on campus are in the same situation as me. They are leaving home and meeting new people. Don’t be afraid to mingle and put yourself out there. The campus offers many activities for students knowing that they are away from home. Being involved helps create friendships. I would also tell myself to balance studying and recreation. There is enough time to get good grades and have fun.
Sashawna
The adivce I would give myself is to take extra time to network with other random people. Try to come out of your shell more and take all the opportunities that you can do not wait until the last minute to try and find money or elements for an apllication, do it all in one shot if possible. I would also tell myself not to worry about college text books freshman year and to get them when classes start but to get the next years' text books early. Also do not be afraid to ask for help. Make sure you go to the Support Services' counselor it will help in the long run. The top priorities should me passing classes and finding a job.
Amber
I have always been an achiever in school with many goals I set aside for me. I always knew college would be in my future. As a high school senior I often wondered about college and now that I am in college it was the best choice I could have made
Gillian
Change is beautiful and you are ready to move on. Your family will always be there physically, but they do love and support you. Always remain true to yourself and your character. Remember the past but do not live in it. You are about to become an adult, but never lose your child-like sense of wonder. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect. You never know what role they will play in your life. Be especially considerate to those you live with. They will become your life-long friends. Respect your body and your freedom. Do not be afraid of failure. You will never truly master anything until you have gone over the cliff and brought yourself back again. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know what unfound passions will be discovered. Never underestimate the power of raw creativity. Always remember your passion for music and communication of the human condition. Although you may get tired and frustrated never lose sight of that drive. Every silence is a pregnant possibility for sound. Keep spinning songs from silvery threads of thought.
Megan
They say you need to learn to do laundry. They say you need to know how to manage your time. They even say you need to “be aware” of the alcohol consumption on campus. But what they don’t tell you is that both washing machines in your dorm will always be in use unless it’s three on a Friday afternoon. Or that you probably shouldn’t use the few skips you have within the first six weeks. So what you really need to know is this: not everything works out the way you plan. Your dorm room becomes a huge mess within the first two weeks, because no matter how little you bring with you, there are always too many belongings in too small a room. The “freshman fifteen” is real. So, don’t blow off going to the gym and don’t think you can eat like all the guys. For some reason, God blessed men with metabolisms as fast as the speed of light. Women did not get that lucky. Most of all, don’t procrastinate. You will kick yourself later when pulling that all-nighter. Oh, and when all else fails, just remember to breathe.
AnneMarie
If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that there is a need for everyone to take time for themselves. Although school is extremely important, it is also important for one to give their mind a rest and enjoy themselves. This does not necessarily mean going out to a party; however, one can simply relax by reading a book that is enjoyable to them. I worked and studied so hard in high school and in my previous years of college that I never got the chance to enjoy myself and experience life. However, I have now realized that life experiences and relaxation are vital to everyone no matter what part of the journey of life they are on.
Alexandra
The advice that I would give to my High School Senior self, would be that it is not worth fretting over the small stuff and college is not as hard as everyone says it is. As long as you apply yourself and work hard, you will succeed without a hitch.
LaShea
The number one advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to pursue my passion. I truly believe that if one enjoys what he or she does, that person will never work a day in his or her life. While I was in high school, I had a passion for the arts. I enjoyed art, music, literature, and foreign languages. I didn't have anyone to advise me in a chosen career path. Thinking I was being reasonable, I majored in Business Administration. Close to graduation, I realized that I didn't possess a passion for this field. However, I have no regrets. I did receive a degree and my life's experiences have made me who I am today. Knowing this, I would tell myself that everything will work out as it should, if I do my best. I can utilize what I have learned to successfully meet the requirements to graduate with B. A. in English. This degree will be one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a tenured professor of English. In this role, I can be an advisor to a student who just may need guidance like I did.
Pilar
If I could go back in time and be a high school senior, I would give myself a lot of advice about what to expect during my first year of college. During high school I studied a lot, but I did not study nearly as much as I do now. Because I study so much now, my grades are really good. If I had studied more in high school, I would be more prepared for college. Another thing I would have informed myself of is the use and importance of time management. I quickly learned how to manage my time as a college freshman. Throughout high school, I always had so many activities and other things to do besides school. Upon going to college, I learned that the most important thing in my life should be school. So now, I put school and studying first, and then make time for all of my other activities. I really wish I could go back to tell myself these helpful words of wisdom from my college freshman self.
Joseph
Be apart of everything you can. Open up as many doors as you can and learn about all the different people you can. Do not be affraid to speak your opinion as long as you are willing to listen.
Brande
This scholarship will help me to attain a Degree in the Occupational Therapy Assistant
Program. I feel I have many of the qualities required and would enjoy the challenge that it
presents. I am a non-traditional student and mother of two. I am going back to school not only
for myself, but also for my family. I want to show my children that educational goals can be
attained at any age, and how important a college education is to finding a career that is beneficial
to you and one you must truly enjoy. I enjoy working with people, including teaching and
helping them to achieve their goals. I am seeking a career which will truly challenge my abilities
and make a difference to all people. I am eager to become a positive asset in life, an inspiration
to my family, as a COTA and a beneficial asset within my community.
Brittany
Flashing back. Searching for an image of myself as a senior in high school. There she is. A motivated, hard-working, stressed and tired individual. I'd done everything necessary to be accepted into college: applications, scholarship essays, and auditions; yet, I still worried endlessly about my future. Having attended a high school for Performing Arts, I had already been engrossed in my field of study for four years, and was immediately and intensely concerned as to how I could make the next four as productive and challenging as possible.
What I didn't realize then is that I'd soon have plenty of time to discover and grow. Granted, the college workload is intense, but I've realized now that college is about much more than academic work and the endless hours spent in a practice room. The experience of living in a residence hall, performing with my classmates, and getting involved on campus have allowed me to discover more about myself as a human being. Now, as a campus tour guide for Rider University's Office of Admissions, I am able to offer prospective students one word of advice: "BREATHE."
Seree
So far my college experience has been amazing. i have made the best friends anyone can ever ask for and i would hate having to leave this school after this semester because of money issues. I love how the classes are taught. They are hard but the teachers work with you to make sure everything is getting done to the best of your ability. Although its a small campus i truley admire the staff's dedication to the students. It makes us feel more confident in ourselves. I also love the food, and hanging out. There are always so many different things to choose from and i would LOVE to join a sorority. Over all i can truley say i am blessed for being granted a chance to attend Rider University.
Sam
My college experience has given me more gifts than I can even begin to count. I have been able to take classes on subjects that interest me with teachers whome are stimulating and keep the class on topic. I've learned about the world, the past, the present, and thjngs in other important subjects. The biggest gift i have recieved from my college experience was my new family of friends. I have the tightest group of friends that this campus has had the priveedge of seeing. We share absolutely everything we have and we are always looking out for each others best interests. If I could go back and change where I decided to go, I would still choose Rider because going here was the best thing I could have done. I love my school
Racquel
This will be my third year of college starting this fall. My past two years hasnt been that great. I thought i could do the same things i used to do in high school, in college. But i see now that really doesnt work, because my GPA isnt where i would like it to be right now. Ive just learned that i need to be more responsible and manage my time wisely. My experience so far has been great though! Ive met a lot of great people that I know could help me in the future. I think college just gives young people the time to learn to become adults. Its a very important time in our lives to learn to grow up, and learn to become independent. Time for us to make all the mistakes we want and learn from them.
Abby
I have learned that teaching is something I'm really good at. I hope to inspie future students to become the best they can be. I have participated in many hands on experiences in the education and psychology fields. I conducted my own research which will hopefully be published later this year. I would never have had these opportunities without my college experience.
Bretta
College is a life altering experience. It gives one the opportunity to find themselves, to explore bigger aspects of our world. Just in my first year of college I have grown so much as an individual. I am more independent; learning to balance my social life, work, school, and personal time. It is not an easy thing to do, but college helps you transition into the adult world, giving you more responsibility with each step of the way. While some students come to college just to get their degree, I see it as an opportunity to learn how to work with different types of people, personalities and situations. I have accomplished this during my first year by becoming Vice President of the Class of 2013 in our Student Government, holding an on-campus job, and by getting involved with the students and residence life staff which in return gave me the honor of becoming a Resident Advisor for next year. No matter your field of study, a college degree is an important factor in getting hired for any job today. College is a stepping stone in life, without it one could not cross the river of success with ease.
Angelique
I've found my independence by going away to college. I was always very dependent on my parents in high school, and didn't do a lot on my own. But now, I feel comfortable just being by myself and talking to new people. I've also been able to branch out from the same group of friends I've had since middle school. I've met a lot of new people, and now have two sets of friends that I love. I started my first ever job this year, being an editor of the school newspaper. And it is a lot of work, and very frustrating, to say the least, but I love it. I've learned to accept criticism and move on from it, and not dwell on it, which is something I could never do in high school.
Hayley
If I could go back in time, I would make sure that I established good time management skills as well as better study habits. In college, a student does not have the same classes everyday and must be able to balance work, homework, studying and a social life based on that schedule. Because of this, it is extremely important to budget ones time. It is vastly important to get everything done in the best amount of time possible, saving time for a little fun and sleep. Also, good study habits are key as a good GPA can mean everything. I myself would practice a quieter routine, with little distraction.