Roanoke College Top Questions

If I could go back and to talk to high school senior Phillip, I would have quite a bit of advice to give him. First, and most importantly, I would encourage him to "embrace the awkward". I have always had a tendency to avoid situations where I might feel even remotely uncomfortable; but younger Phillip needs to know that college is the perfect place to grow and expand his horizons. "Embrace the awkward" doesn't mean to ignore the fact that a situation is uncomfortable, but instead to realize that it is this very lack of comfort that enables personal growth. The second piece of advice I would impart to my younger self is a more practical and concrete suggestion: "Manage your time wisely." Time management is incredibly important in the college world. With poor time management skills it's easy to miss out on some incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Academics, social life, and health all revolve around this one key skill. Focusing on these two mantras would help me make the best of the transition between high school and college.

The advice I would have given myself is a quote by martin Luther king. It says “the time is always right to do what is right” the quote summarizes the first two years at Roanoke College. There have been times that I wanted to speak up about an issue. There have been instances that I wanted to try something new, but was afraid to do so. This quote reminds me to follow my gut and do what is right at the moment. Hesitance and doubt can delay and even cost me an opportunity to have an impact in my community and myself. Self-doubt may cost me a life time experience, therefore when I see an opportunity to experience something new, I should not hold back, I would tell my self, to go ahead and try out for the school choir because the worst that could happen is not see my name on the list of those who made it. That I would make it to the school choir, because honestly not only am I talented and just as good, but also better than those who questioned my abiilty to make it. I would tell me to just do it.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should learn how to always start assignments early and to not procrastinate. I always try my hardest to prevent myself from waiting until the last second to start assignments, but I do fall victim to procrastination sometimes.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself at the very beginning of my senior year, I would tell myself to try as hard as possible, but to still enjoy high school while I could. I was always a person who loathed high school, though now, I feel my loathing was unwarranted. It is a place of learning where students may socialize with one another, free of any persecution that others in our world may be subject to. The place, students, and staff were some of the greatest people I have ever known and I doubt I will ever know anyone the same. I had many experiences in high school, from chemistry projects to spanish projects, and I would make sure I let myself know that I should enjoy the time I have left there. The world is much larger and more complicated than I contemplated in high school. The idea of venturing out on one's own is very nerve racking and exhausting on one's mind, though I would make sure I would be ready and able to make the transition into my new life. I would make my past self excited for this world.

The most important thing that you will take with you from High School will be your dedication, efforts and work ethic. The relationships may last or they may not last, but what will take you into your future will be what you learned during those years and how you apply that knowledge to the rest of your life. Make your decisions thoughtfully and remember that every action that you take will affect someone else in some way. Control your impulses as they will often get you into trouble. Always remember that your parents/ guardians are the only ones that will ever completely have your back, so listen carefully and thoughtfully to the guidance and advice that they offer you, and apply it to your daily life. One last thing, Pray everyday and ask God to guide you through and don't forget to thank him for the opportunity.

I would tell myself that its OK to go to a community college. I would tell myself that there are easier ways to get money, than filing for 3 private loans. I would tell myself not to take my Highschool boyfriend to school with me, that it will in fact be the worst decision of your school career. I would make sure my past self knows the importance of studying, and how bad procrastination can be. There are a lot of negative things I could advise my past self about, but I think the most important thing would be to reassure myself that no matter what, it will be OK. If you dont pass a class it's OK, your parents will still love you. If you dont make friends right away it's OK, it will happen. If you feel scared about paying off loans, it's OK it will be manageable. Just keep being yourself and doing your best, life has a way of working things out.

I would tell myself to really take a step back and look at the people I had been surrounding myself with. Once I got to college, I realized who the important people in my life were. Some did not happen to make it just because they, or me, did not want to put that effort in anymore. I would tell myself to surround myself with only people that genuinely cared about me and my interests, rather than trying to be the coolest people on campus.

I would offer advice about making sure to pick a school you really can picture yourself at because you should never pick the school based off of a financial aid award letter.

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to view going to college as an opportunity to explore new hobbies, while also keeping a close eye on my academic performance. Striking the perfect balance between work and play is a challenge, but absolutely essential to being a successful college student. Reaching out to new people and establishing personal relationships with professors is another tip I would give myself, because I am beginning to realize the importance of having a support system as well as learning to network with others.

Dear High School Self, Focus! High School is not the time to slack off or slide by. Do the most you can as best as you can. The more advanced classes you take in high school the less money you have to spend now. Its okay to not know something right away thats what your teachers are for. You dont have to worry about looking stupid or feeling incompetent; you arent. You can do anything you put your mind to as long as you focus. Study more, work harder, and try not to pay attention to the cruel words or dysfunction. The better you do the sooner you can leave the drama behind. Also go with your gut. Your first instinct is your best. Dont worry about the people who were mean or judgemental; they dont matter. Just think about getting out and moving forward. You'll probably end up better me. Keep your eyes on the prize and dont lose hope or focus. You can do it.