Saint Ambrose University Top Questions

I would advise myself to open up to people and try new things. You never know if you like something unless you try it and you wont make life long friendships with out shaking a hand and saying hello. These have been two of the biggest things that I have learned in college this far and without pushing myself, I would never have got to the place that I am today.

Get the education sooner than later. A good paying job does not substitute when times get hard. More education makes you most valuable to a potential employer.

I would tell myself that you are about to start a new transition into adulthood in the next nine months. You will get all honors because to have all A's would mean excellence as well as receiving academic scholarships. Your main focus this last year in school is going to attend to studying and doing the best you can do. If this means to cut off people that you've ran with since you were five years old because all they want to do is party and have fun then so be it. They may get mad at you, but it's to better your future. Think about what's going to better you. Success is in you and I know that you will achieve it. You have the brains and I know you can accomplish anything. You just have to apply yourself. The future is full of infinite possibilities. Which ones are you willing to go the distance to achieve? I hope that furthering your education is one of them. Do something with your life that you will look back on one day and say, "Man. I really did it!" It's your time to shine. Do it.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would talk myself into playing on the women's basketball team here at St. Ambrose. Sports were my life in high school and I miss that part of it now. I would also tell myself to learn good study habits now because in college there will be more distractions and I need to be able to put my education first. Basically, I would tell myself to try my hardest and do the very best I can so that when I go to college I know how much I am capable of and know I can succeed in whatever I do. Doing the very best I can do is all the matters. As long as I am trying my best I can succeed at whatever I do.

I wasn't interested in school then, I just wanted to get out as soon as possible. Now I would tell myself that it's not as bad as I imagined it would be. You can still work and carry on your life. College won't take up all of your time. Just try it and see how you do and at least you'll know you gave it a shot. Just go on and get your 2 year Associate Degree and be proud of yourself for being the first one in your family to get a college degree.

Stop procrastinating! It's your last year of high school. I know you are going to go to a community college, but do look now to where you want to transfer afterwards. Don't decide last minute after you graduate community college to continue your education. I know it will be hard, but you can do it. Also, please save your money better. I know it's hard to have to save and buy what you need. Just skip out on a couple of those wants you bought. No one said becoming an adult was easy, but you will have some great fun along the way and meet new people too. Relax and enjoy your next step in this journey called life. Without all of this you will never get the opportunity to go that amazing trip in a couple years.

My senior year of high school was not like most students' senior year. I was enrolled part-time at my high school and part-time at Black Hawk Community College. I had already disconnected myself from high school. I was ready to be done and move on with my life, meet new people, and make new memories. I had fun through the first three years of high school, but by the fourth year, I was ready to get out, which is why I only went half of the day. I think the best advice I could have offered myself would have been to stick with it and go into a field that made me happy, and to stop worrying about disappointing people. I spent the first three years in college being extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with my choice of major. Now that I have chosen to switch my major to Elementary Education, I am so much happier. I am excited to wake up every morning and go to school, because I am working towards what I love. If I had to tell my senior high self one piece of advice, it would be to do what I love.

I would tell myself not to worry, and that not everyone likes to go out and party. I would also tell myself not to worry too much about religious leaders, because all of them on campus are really open and understanding

If I was able to go back in time and talk to my young self I would say to keep an open mind. College is a once in a lifetime experience and not everyone is fortunate enough to experience it. Go into college with the best attitude and treat it as a learning experience. I would tell myself to live everyday and make the most of what is given to you. Take nothing for granted and hard work really does pay off in the future. Keep your loved ones close and treat your fellow companions as you wish to be treated. College is going shape you into who you’re going to be for the rest of your life. I would tell myself to play hard, but work harder, for your future is based in what you know and what you choose to do with your education. If it is to be, it is up to me.

My college experience was and still is phenomenal. My study of choice is Criminal Justice and I have learned almost all I need to begin my career. St. Ambrose University has put me in a position to know and understand the basics of criminal justice. Through my internship at the Scott County Jail, I received more hands on learning. The staff there know me and my work ethic and have encouraged me to seek a career with them. I appreciate my school for taking the time to work with me and cater to my needs. I now have the motivation and the drive I need in order to see my future more clearly. Without St. Ambrose Universtiy, my name would not be known in the local criminal justice field that it is. I would say my attendance at my school has been extremely valuable.