Roanoke College Top Questions

If I could go back and advise myself about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to be open and accepting to all aspects of campus life. Don't define yourself by a sport, major, organization, or club. Get involved with as much as you can and find aspects of your college that interest you and invest time in learning something new. Be accepting of individuals around you because more often than not, people come into your life to help you; you just have to open the door to them. Create an image of yourself that you want to be proud of when you reflect back on what really are designed to be the best four years of your life. Don't battle the changes you make internally because college is a place to truly better yourself for the real world. Inspire those around you with an attribute you excel at and learn from your peers. Make fond memories and keep a positive outlook during your college career. Smile at the nuances of your new home and cherish the differences it has with your high school town. Enjoy, learn, and grow.

Do homework. It matters in the long-run. Ask questions, don't settle for anything less than you could have. Don't blow off things till the last moment. Trust yourself. Communicate and don't hold onto past greviances. Don't be weary of talking to your roommate or suitemates-- you're going to live with them for 26 weeks and they'll become fast friends of yours. Challenge yourself, not just the international students. Don't pull all-nighters because you pay for them during the day. Be eager and attentive, but most of all, be yourself.

Dear self, I don't even know where to begin. First off, I suggest that you visit and apply to as many universities and colleges as possible. While doing this, keep in mind that you also want to try to get as high of grades as possible. This could ultimately make the difference between getting into your top choice! Also, if you get waitlisted at a school call the admissions office and inquire on the status of your application and tell them how much getting into that school means to you. I learned from working in the admissions office that this will show the school how important getting in is to you. Also apply for every scholarship possible. The more money you can save on you first year, the more money you will have for the future! When it comes to selecting a roomate, don't freak out that you don't know them. As long as you are nice it will work out . My final advice is the best was to make new friends is to get involved. There are all kinds of events on campus, clubs, sports teams, and more where you can do this.

Dear Highschool Senior Brianna Hope, Always use as much help as given in school and if you are struggling dont be afraid to reach out for help because in the end it will help you. Then dont be discouraged by all the negativity around you always keep your head up. Always stay motivated while your going through in school and ask the teachers for help if needed because i see you struggled to ask for help. Brianna please dont fall into the wrong crowd and stay more focused on your school work than who's your friend and who isnt your friend. By staying focused on your school work you'll see your grades seem to go up ,but always remember to not give up. When you go to college follow in these footsteps that your in now by always asking for help when you need it . Knowing that math is your weekest subject always remember that there are always tutors you can go to for help. There are also teachers that stay after school if you need help and same goes to any other subject in school. As for your friends in high school dont make them your priority.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to focus more on academics and on finding a way to fund college. I come from a family below poverty and financial aid does not cover everything. I would have told myself to start applying for scholarships earlier (junior year) and to think more ahead instead of taking everything as it comes. Education is worth all of the struggle and hardwork and it is the only way to make a change in the world. Not being able to afford it is a horrible feeling, and I would have told my high school self to realize the real meaning of money ahead of time. While living in my mom's safety net, I never understood how important money was, and if I could speak to 12th grade Courtney, I would explain all of this to her. I would tell her to absorb everything that she is taught, embrace all of the college opportunities and experiences, to study extremely hard, and to NEVER take any of it for granted.

If I could talk to myself while I was in high school there would only be a few things I would want to change. The first thing would be to apply for scholarships or even just look into them sooner. I did not have the most impressive grades while I was in high school so I always assumed I didnt have a chance at obtaining a scholarship but I now know that, while it would be harder, it would still have been possible. The only other piece of advice I would give myself would have been to get involved more with environmental organizations. I always knew I needed to get involved more but I was never interested in the typical options. Animal shelters, soup kitchens, and such made upset me and there was very little emphisis on it at my high school so I never figured out there were other options I would have enjoyed more like environmental clean up. Every other thing I could advise myself to do would have had to start earlier than my senior year and to be truthful, besides struggling to finance my education, I am content enough that I rarely think about do-overs.

To work harder during my first semester and actually use the helpful references such as my professors, the writing center and subject tutoring to my advantage.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pay more attention in English, because I never knew just how important knowing how to write was. Not only would I tell myself that, but I would also remember to tell myself to be true. Not to change at the beginning of the college, because you're going to either make a fool of yourself, or not like who you become. Now about making the college life transition, remember that just because you live in a dorm doesn't mean to go hog wild and live like a wild child. This will be time to grow up and start the moving out of your "childhood" home. Once you start going home, it won't feel like it anymore. You'll just feel like a visitor. Finally, make sure that you don't slack off just because you're not under your parent's control anymore. This is not a chance to stop working hard. If you do, your GPA will suffer, and you may end up kicked out of school. Remember, you can and will do great in live!

I would tell myself to take every opportunity that presents itself. I did while I was here and I had the best time. Also, money is always going to be an issue so don't worry about it so much, people with money are nicer than they seem and are very generous. Academically, be ready to challenge yourself and open yourself up to taking classes you never thought you would, you might actually surprise what you become interested in. I never thought and anthropology class would inspire me until I took one and then decided to study abroad in Africa. I think that shyness and keeping your mind closed to new experiences is the worst thing you could be when you come to college, especially one like Roanoke which has given me the most amazing opportunities in my life.

If I could go back to my senior year in High School, i would tell myself that who and what you are in high school is not who and what you are for the rest of your life. I would tell myself that each and every person walking the halls beside me has insecurities and uncertainties, and that what you see on the outside is often not close to the emotions and struggles going on inside. I would tell myself that in just a year from now i will be friends with someone i never even spoke to in high school, so why not reach out to that person now. I would tell myself to reach out more to those walking the halls alone. I would remind myself daily to dream big and reach far, and to live life while it's available to be lived. I would tell myself to be less concerned with appearances and more concerned with attitudes. I would remind myself how quickly this time of life disappears and how much there is to be accomplished and experienced. Most of all, I would certainly not let myself waste one single moment of one single day.