Sewanee-The University of the South Top Questions

What should every freshman at Sewanee-The University of the South know before they start?

Sara

If I could go back 2 years to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to keep a peace of mind during the process of applying to college. I would tell myself to continue to have faith in God and His plan for my life I would sat to continue to play my heart out in volleyball and know I will get to continue playing the sport I love in college. I would also tell myself that everything works out how it is supposed to in the end and that I need only to continue working as hard as I can and submit my best work. In regard to life at college, I would tell myself to stay true to my values at Sewanee, as I have. I would tell myself to take advantage of everything Sewanee has to offer and be open to new experiences, but to not overload myself in getting involved. Lastly, I would remind myself in every situation to remember who I am and what God expects of me as my father always told me when I was younger.

Jeanny

There are always going to be challenges amidst reaching closer and closer to one’s aspirations. It is important to realize that what makes me a capable person is to always complete what I set out to accomplish and to never give up on myself. Should I find trouble with my studies, heed the advice that my professors give and never be afraid to ask for help. Lastly, step away from my comfort zone and try to be more spontaneous around my peers. Only then, will I truly appreciate the practice and lend my talents to support others in the makings of their goals. All that remains is that I should perform my best for the sake that I can be proud of my own success.

Hannah

Frist, don't give up. You chose this school because of its academic reputation and rigor, among other things. Even though every class is at the equivalent of honors level, don't let that scare or depress you. In some classes, it may mean you need to ask for help, but trust me, that's normal for everyone, no exceptions. By the same token, don't slack up. Don't let all this "freedom" distract you from your job, the reason your'e at college in the first place: academic work. And yes, calling college a job is accurate, because this university thought enough of you to help out financially. The school and the faculty believe in you, believe in your abilities, and believe that you can and will go on to do great things, both during and after college. I'm almost done; just one more piece of advice to dispense. All these people rooting for you and supporting you and believing in you? Don't forget to prove them right.

Dimitri

The major piece of advice I'd give myself is only to start applying for scholarships early. So far adjusting has been alright, and I've kept myself out of any trouble at school, so I would do the same things I've done up until know in that regard. At this point though, money is becoming more and more scarce, and with my mother being diagnosed with breast cancer (September), it really would have helped to get started on applying for scholarships earlier.

Trevor

Foucs on your studies! Before and even during my first year of college I thought college meant four years of having fun but did not realize how hard it would actually be. I was always told during high school how college was the best four years of your life or how not to let it slip away because it comes and goes so quickly. And I took everyones advice and lived my freshman year to its fullest, but did not realize there had to be a balance of having fun and studying. Needless to say I was very disappointed with my GPA after that first year. And have since worked harder than I would have to make up first years grades. Even in my jr. year I am still feeling the mistakes I made my freshman year. So, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a Senior in high school I would tell myself that there is a time to have fun and there is a time to study. And the importance of knowing when to chose one over the other.

Phoua

After high school, you can graduate and start working and become satisfied like some people and that’s fine, however, if you are the type that is always looking for something better, the best thing to do is to complete a higher education. Pick one thing that you like to do, know how to do, do it well, and wouldn’t mind teaching others to do as well. Then go to school to learn more about what it is that you like to do and become the best at it. That way, even if you don’t end up working for someone, you know enough to work for yourself. With the unemployment rate at 9{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, it may be best that you own a business. Even with a business though, you want to know your customers and satisfy a need. You want to maintain great customer relationships. You should consider business courses and start reading industry publications of those that interest you, if this is something that you would like to pursue. The important thing is that you do the best you can at whatever you do.

Emily

Paying strict attention to college deadlines is a must. Financial, residential, medical and graduation information are all important and cause delays should such information not be received in a timely manner. Patience and flexibility are other necessary virtues when adjusting to college life. Dorm assignments, first-time course registration, and campus familiarity all require loads of patience and flexibility. No matter how ready you are to start this new phase, coming to an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar procedures, and complete strangers makes for a challenging change. Having a willing attitude, with that patience and flexibility I mentioned before, is vital to a successful transition.

Matthew

Dont screw up in college like you have been in high school. You screw up in college then you pay for it, literally.

Sara

Although acquiring technical knowledge that will be helpful during future careers is one of the most fundamental reasons that students attend college, there is an incredible number of other skills that I have acquired throughout my college experiences that I value just as much as the textbook information that I have absorbed. I appreciate my college experience for teaching me how to balance work and a social life, a task that I believe will be extremely valuable in my future. I also value that I have acquired the ability to work with professors and other academics in a professional and competent manner. I feel that I am fully prepared for any job situation in which I would need to interact with a boss, clients and any other individual. College is one of the most valuable investments that young people can make in their future. It is during my college experience that I have not only gained a great deal of knowledge, but have acquired the skills to succeed in the work environment. College is tremendously valuable because it equips students with the tools to be successful in the future, no matter what field they choose to enter.

Angela

Confidence and intelligence are the most important things that I have gotten out of my college experience so far. With confidence I can have the ability to go up against things that I would normally not do because of my fear of the unknown and possibly failure. Confidence is like having a friend on your shoulder wispering in your ear telling you that you can do it. Confidence gets you through the hard times when you don't believe in yourself. With the intelligence that I have gained from the classes that I have attended so far I have more confidence to attempt the items that I would not normally have done. I feel more confident when talking with other students and I don't feel like I am out of my league. I am smart and I can do whatever I put my mind to do. Before I started attending classes at the college, I would have never filled out this application. Confidence and intelligence are two assets that nobody will be able to take away from me. My college experience is making a difference in my life and in the life of my childrens.