Saint Vincent College Top Questions

When choosing a college, make sure that the atmosphere of the college feels right. It isn't always the best decision to go to the highest ranked institution or the cheapest institution. Remember that you have to be at this place for four years so make sure you are comforatble and happy with your choice. Ultimately, what you get out of college comes from what you put in. Don't slack off freshman year, how you do academically and what professors and individuals on campus think of you can follow you throughout your time at school. Most of all, make the most of your time at school. You only have four years in school so try your best to do everything you want to do. Join clubs, participate in intramural sports, and attend a play. All of the activities on campus are there for you to enjoy and you will regret not taking part in everything after college is over.

"Pick Criminology." Countless times I have mentally slapped myself for not choosing what I want. I have always been fascinated with why crime happens. I really want to do detective work or work within a federal agency. I knew that I would not enjoy studying science, but my mom wanted me to be a doctor so I declared a Physical Therapy major. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I would tell her "Do what you want. Don't you worry about what your family wants and pick Criminology as your major because you will love it!" I would tell her how extremely happy I am with my choice to switch majors and study something I love. There is one more thing I would say to the senior me: "Don't change anything else. The person you are now made me who I am today and I am happier than ever."

Dear high school self, I know you have been slacking in high school; I see it in your grades. It is time to step up and make something of yourself. When you attend college you are going to have the shock of your life but you must stay motivated. Carley, stay focused and choose accounting as your major from the beginning! You are going to get frustrated; it is going to be extremely hard. Trust me, it is worth it. Great things will come your way and believe it or not, you will attend a wonderful college. Everyone will be extremely proud of you. You'll meet new people and have a good student-professor relationship with many of your professors. You are going to realize just how smart you are. Stop second guessing yourself and keep your head up. You'll thank yourself in the future, I promise. Congratulations, you deserve it.

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say, "Olivia, even though right now your studies come naturally to you, take some time to form study habits that will help you manage your time once you go to college. Take advantage of all the college courses that your high school offers, you could end up entering college with almost a semester of college under your belt. Take the time to research scholarships and grants. College is expensive and any little bit of money helps. Save your money that you have been working so hard for the past few years, split it in half and use it towards your college tuition or buying books for class. Always remember that your family, friends and teachers want what is best for you and are always there for you no matter what. Lastly, trust in yourself and get excited about the future. Do not waste time worrying about the unknown. Believe in yourself that you made the right decision and start making moves to reach your goals."

Don't let the people in your past hold you back from the great things that the future has in store for you. Some of your high school friends are going to forget about you and others might betray you. This is okay; life will move on. Along the same lines, do not think that just because you spent orientation with a certain group of people means that they have to be the people that you will always hang out with for the next four years. Don't put up with people who do not respect you for who you are. Your truest friends will come from unexpected meetings, and they will be there for you when your fake friends are not. Value these people when they come into your life. When bad things happen, these friends will be your lifeline. Don't make them prove that to you--just let them be your support system when you need them to be. They know that you will do the same for them.

If I could go back and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would explain to my former self that “although the destination should be kept in mind, it's the journey that will shape you and your future.” I'd then point out that every day is a learning experience and should never be taken for granted because every encounter , whether it’s with a person or a piece of information, has the ability to turn life around to face a new direction. I would also explain to myself that everybody has the power to be whatever they want to be and do whatever they want to do. It just takes determination, a willingness to work hard, and the courage to get back up from failure. Finally, as my high school self begins to roll her eyes, I would note that it’s the little things in life that add up to create the big picture, so never devalue anything, no matter how small. Then, with a pat on the back and a smile that says “You’ll see”, I’d wish myself good luck and remind myself to not worry, we’re in this together.

My college experience thus far has proved to be very interesting and worthwhile. So far I have found that there is a whole new world outside of my hometown. I have experienced meeting people that I would have never met without this experience. Also, since arriving at Saint Vincent College I have switched my major from Elementary Education to Business Management, which without the opportunity to explore my options I never would have decided on. In addition I have a better appreciation for education and I value my future so much more than I had previously.

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. Not only is my education helping me to prepare for a career someday, but I have learned valuable life lessons that will stay with me forever. I have learned a lot about time management. I no longer wait until last minute to study or to get something done. I have realized that I am happiest when it is done early so I don't have to worry about it. I have realized how I learn the best. In the library with my headphones in listening to classical music. It took much trial and error to find out the best way for me to study, but I am very happy that I have finally found the right way. I learned to get along with a lot of people I normally wouldn't associate with through group projects and living arrangements. College is such a great and helpful experience and everyone should get the chance to attend, because I truly cannot imagine trying to find a decent career without the experiences I have gained in just the year and a half I have been there already.

It is difficult to describe the most amazing that has ever happened to you.

College has opened me to a whole new world of possibilties. It also has helped me to realize that many people are a good bit different than me, which is a good thing. I have learned how to live with a variety of people, while retaining my identity. In addition to this, college has helped me better see where my strengths lie, especially in the field of economics and mathematics. Before going to school, I had know idea how these two subjects were so intertwined. Another beautiful thing about going to school in Latrobe, PA was that it has given me an even greater appreciation for the outdoors. Nesteld in the foothills of the Laurel Valley, there are many opportunities to hike and enjoy nature. I am so grateful that I had a chance to go to school at St. Vincent, to learn about life, especially from a Catholic, Benedictine experience. There is no price tag that could be put on the absolutely amazing things I have learned in four years at this school.