Samford University Top Questions

I would stress three principals to myself. The first is to simply your life. There is so much clutter (things and people). Cutting out the negative is the first thing to go. And, then cut out all the material stuff. It just doesn't matter. People do. Focus is hard for any student, but it all comes down to that. Get a planner and write all your assignments, tasks, appointments, practices, job shifts, and get organized. Then, and this is the most important - keep your head down and take care of business. Try not to get overwhelmed and just plow through the work. Remember - head down and work. And, lastly, it is important to know that you will fail. Big time. It's okay. However, it's what you learn from those mistakes that is the point. Don't give up on yourself just because you failed. It's so easy to roll up in a little ball and have a pity party. Instead, you have to rely on yourself to pick yourself up and try again. And, please be nice to yourself. Treat yourself as you would your best friend.

Looking back, the primary advice I would give myself would be, “Don’t wait.” College offers so many new and exciting opportunities. While the array of choices may be overwhelming at first, don’t let this stop you from jumping in and trying new things. College is a great time to find out what you are passionate about; by trying a lot of new things, it allows you to refine your focus and become deeply invested in a cause about which you are passionate. Getting involved your first year will also provide you with more opportunities for growth and leadership throughout your college career, which will continue to benefit you after college. New offerings and activities expand your horizons and make it easier to build relationships. Though academics are the primary reason for being at college, the relationships you build along the way will enhance your overall experience and will challenge you to grow in unimaginable ways. So, don’t wait to get involved and embrace the diversity of the new opportunities and people surrounding you.

Dear Lindsey, As you prepare for college, I want to remind you to always remember what you are passionate about. Don't be afraid of overcommitment, but maybe try to make a list of what you want to try and what you know you enjoy. Experiencing involvement on and off campus gives you the invaluable opportunity to learn about yourself and what you really care about. Once you establish your passions, make sure to jump on that train immediately and enjoy your adventure. Don't worry about money, because it can be a distraction. Don't let the world and the values of others dictate what you think and care about--continue to be yourself and regret nothing. Keep your friends as long as possible and don't judge before you really know them, because these really are the people you'll be spending the rest of your life with, and that is the greatest feeling you can have in college. Be light and frolicsome, be brave and headstrong, be loving and understanding. Keep your eyes on the end result, but keep your feet on the ground below you--remember that the ground is not always flat. Yours truly, Lindsey

Be Courageous! Whether in the classroom, dating, or SGA, don't limit yourself to who you were in high school. Don't allow your fears and anxieties from high school to dictate or drive decisions you make. Explore new interests, try things you think you're no good at or were once afraid to try, and make mistakes!!! People will respect you for the bold and sincere way in which you approach life. The more you challenge yourself in the classroom and activities outside the class, the more you will discover about yourself and your wold.

To my high school senior self: "Alura, as I reflect on all that I have learned and remembering the process of being a recent high school graduate to a college freshman, continue with what you are doing. If you do this, you can remain true and wholesome to yourself. Looking around and hearing stories as incoming sophomore from multiple friends, each them being surprisingly alike, I realize all of my friends have lost apart of their character. Stay strong in your work ethics because that Astronomy you take in the spring semester will be a tough one. Be confident and proud of who you are. It's what makes each of us interesting. But, most importantly, stay anchored to your beliefs and do not sacrifice your ideals. In the long run, many peers and friends will end up respecting you for who you are and for not wavering to 'fit in' to be one with the popular crowd. One last piece of advice to you, call home every week and keep in touch with your family. They will miss you dearly."

The best advice that I could possibly give myself or anyone that is in high school is to try and get a job before you graduate. I think that the aspect of my life in college that has been the biggest struggle is managing money, and time between school and work. Another piece to add to that would be to try and find something that you don’t absolutely hate before you graduate too, it is much harder to find a job when you get out of high school with no experience. Even if it is a place that you do end up hating or can’t make it work with your homework at nights, at least try. That way when you graduate you’ll at least know what places already are not going to work out instead of later. Another piece of advice that I would give to others (not myself and you’ll know why) would be to have a plan for your living situation after high school, even if it means asking your parents what type of money they want/need after you graduate. For me it was a big deal with child support ending after school.

Don't be afraid to plunge into spontaneity and to take the initiative of involvement, both in class and around campus. That is how meaningful relationships are formed. You will have a lot more freedom, and use it wisely, but don't be afraid to have fun and to embrace your broadened horizons. Go ahead and take off with your friends to get a milkshake at odd hours of the night. Go explore the city around your new school on the weekends. Later, each laughter-filled moment will be worth it a thousand times over. If you take the initiative to get involved, you will have more than enough community. Speaking up in a class discussion and having serious conversations with your professors is a huge step towards academic success and personal growth. Becoming a member of student groups will allow for more of those moments of spontaneous fun. It can be difficult to strike the balance between academic and social commitments, but refuse to listen to those who say it can't be done. It can be done, and with style!

If I could go back in time and visit myself as a high school senior, it would be on the day of my audition into the School of the Arts for Samford University. After appearing in a shimmering mist and allowing myself to get over the initial shock of seeing my future self, I would animatedly explain that I should go into college with much enthusiasm and no fear! Fear kept me from even attempting many things in my freshman year of college, but I would make sure that my visit to the past would remedy that mistake. I would explain to myself all of the wonderful experiences that I gained in my education and performances when I finally took the chance. I would reassure my crying, unbelieving past self of the good things that came from putting my fear behind me. Then I would pray with myself, and encourage myself to keep doing so because there can be no faith where there is fear. With those parting words I would vanish once again into the shimmering mist and return to an even better future.

If I could go back in time and give my senior high school self some advice, I would definately have a few pointers. First off, I would inform myself to lay off recreational games such as video games and going out and partying all the time. A's are easy in high school, B's are super hard to get in college and you really need to shape up and begin good study habits and time management for college or else you find yourself being snow balled really quick and unable to have any time for yourself. Also, college is just as socially akward for everyone else as it is for you, never think you will be the socially akward one at college, everyone there is as well. The best thing you can do is watch your time and try to explore and meet new people, even tie in some school work into it and ask them to do a study group with you. College is supposed to be hard and challenge you to think harder and deeper than high school. Overall, just make sure you can breathe every now and then and try to have fun!

I'm learning to become a better student and a better person with what I've learned in just one semester. As a student, I've already learned so much. My writing has improved by leaps and bounds and my analytical thinking skills have as well. My professors care so much about their students; they are not only fantastic teachers who want their students to learn a lot, but also get to know us as people. As a person, I'm becoming more responsible, which is such a great feeling! Even just paying for my books and any groceries I need--which I didn't have to do before--is somewhat fun because I know it's part of growing up.

Through my education at Samford, I have become a more well rounded individual. After just one semester I feel more independent and intelligent. I feel as if Samford has prepared me for the real world and has pointed me in the right direction in order to achieve my goals in life. For example, coming into Samford I was unsure about my major. Thankfully, Samford offers counselors who asses your talents and council you in choosing a major. Through these services I realized that I have a real passion for literature, poetry, and for teaching. The teachers really encourage their students to learn the material and apply it to their lives. With their help I feel more educated than ever before. I joined a sorority and I have learned the true bonds of sisterhood. The girls in my sorority are my support system and they encourage me to do my best in school. They hold me accountable for my actions and encourage me to be a better person. Academically and socially, Samford University has prepared me for the real world and I would never think to attend another institution.

I feel that I was given the best opportunities to grow and develop as a person and as a Christian. Not only were the professors invaluable in guiding me in a Biblical fashion, but I feel that the student body as a whole was instrumental in helping me become who I am today. What we learn from each other can be some of the best lessons for which we can ever ask. It is through experiences with others that we learn what we are made of. My college friendships taught life lessons life-long lessons that I carry with me today as I continue to develop new friendships. In addition, the opportunities for campus involvements in a sorority life, clubs, and speaking engagements helped to shape my interests, which gave me direction and a platform to build upon for the rest of my life. It is from my campus involvements that I learned I wanted to reach out to those less fortunate and advocate for them. Therefore, I am indebted to Samford for the way in which it molded and shaped me to care for others and to seek a profession in Social Work that allows me to do this.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things that I would advise myself of. First of all I would say to not be afraid of taking chances. College is full of many new fun and exciting experiences, so begin each day with an open mind, ready for a new adventure. Also, I would tell myself to get out of my comfort zone and experience life. I am only promised today, there might not be a tomorrow, so live today to its fullest. Last and most importantly I would tell myself that there are many things in life which are unknown and that?s ok. I don?t have to have all of the answers right now. Take life one day at a time, walking by faith and trusting in the Lord to lead each step of the way. Don?t trust in my own strength and opinions but, to trust in the Lord?s. People and circumstances will change but God will always remain the same.

The main point I would want to emphasize to myself as a high school senior is that you are not your circumstances. In high school I knew who my friends were and my position in the food web. I was comfortable in my security. As an entering college freshman, I was filled with anxiety towards the future. I dreaded the thought of starting over and having to rebuild my reputation. What if I could not rebuild? I soon discovered that I was who I was in high school because of who I am as a person, not the place I went to school. I wish I would have had this confidence during the transition so that I would have participated in more activities and spent more time getting to know people. Self confidence really does make a difference in transitioning into college life.

Be fearless - that's what I would tell myself if I could go back and talk to my high school senior self. Take chances and put yourself out there. Going for it is the only way to find out who you are. Sometimes you succeed and other times you fail but that is how you learn and grow. It is by taking opportunities that are offered to us that we learn who we truly are and what we want out of life.

I would tell myself to relax, and don't panic. What everyone said is true: you don't have to know your major, or what you "want to be when you grow up." Believe me, you will change your mind. A lot. Trust yourself, and listen to the advice that you're given, especially from those you know have made good decisions in their own life. Getting lost on campus isn't that bad, and you'll find your way around eventually. It is frightening to be in a new place without your friends from high school, but meeting new people is half the fun. Forget all of those horror stories you heard back in high school, not all college professors are evil. Some, maybe, but not all. Don't be afraid to go to them for help, because you will need it. I know college is a scary idea, but I also know you can handle everything that comes with it.

If you aim at nothing then that it what you will hit. Spend more time researching what you want to do with your life. Do this by taking career tests, shadowing professionals in your areas of interest, volunteering and researching careers on the internet. It saves time in picking the right school that actually offers your major and interests. It allows you to search for scholarships in the field you have chosen. Spend you summer between high school and college getting experience in an area you might enjoy for the future. Finding out if you actually enjoy working with children, can be an invalueable piece of information if you are plan to work in that area. So most of all talk to others and network to find out helpful information that may lead you to future opportunities and job possibilities.

Senior year of high school is not to be taken lightly. It is the first year of many where your decisions do not just determine the direction of your grades, but the direction of your life. If I had the chance to give my former self advice about the shift into college, I would say that it is most important to decide who you want to be before you decide what you want to do. The easy route for high school seniors who are serious about their future would be to choose the most accredited school that they get into. No doubt the school would have its benefits. In order to make the most of any college transition or undergraduate education, the best thing to do is to honestly think about what kind of person you want to be. Depending on where those thoughts lead you, commit to a school that will best provide the environment you need to become that person. Once accepted by a school, realize that even if the college transition is difficult, you still have control over what kind of person you choose to be despite the unfamiliar circumstances.

If i went back in time and was able to talk to my senior self, i would tell myself to pace myself better. My first semester at college was very fast paced and I wan't used to moving that fast in my coursework. I would also tell myself to not stress out about things because I stayed stressed out from everything from studying to how well i was doing in my classes. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships because it's a lot more expensive than I thought it would be. I would also tell myself to pick better class schedules because that was a mistake I made. I scheduled my classes so close together that I didn't realize they were so far apart and I only had ten minutes to get across campus. College is nothing like high school, it requires time,patience and a lot of hard work.

Last Spring, I had applied to several universities and was offered scholarships from each of them. Making a life-changing decision at the age of eighteen was very daunting. I did not feel mature enough to properly decide. As I looked to my parents for guidance, all they offered me was support in whatever decision I made. I was looking for confirmation from adults who were just as oblivious about my future as I was. What I did not realize was that the only one who could assure me of my decision was the God who had my whole life planned out. As I relied on the Truth of God and who He says He is, I took a leap of faith and chose Samford University, the school I felt honored Him the most. If I were allowed to talk to myself as a high school senior from the current point in my life, I would reassure myself of the faith I have in my Heavenly Father, reminding myself of His promise to guide me and watch over me, to make me wise and show me where to go (Ps. 32:8).