Sewanee-The University of the South Top Questions

The University of the South, also know as Sewanee, was the only school for me. It quirks, rich history and traditions from the South merged with those from Oxford created the intellectually stimulating and accepting environment I desired. I was pushed to analyze my beliefs, thoughts, and preconceptions while gaining valuable knowledge and making life changing connections with others students and especially professors. The university genuinely cares for each student and professors support the individual development of each person in their classes. My professors have inspired me to be a teacher with such compassion and drive as they possess. The schools my friends from high school attended did not have these same experiences. They were not shaped as people in each facet of their lives. Many only earned a degree. I have gained a home, a community, a family by attending Sewanee. I was encouraged to be involved in my communicty through service, varsity, intramural, and club sports, student honor and government associations, dorm staff, and the famous Outting Program which allows students to use the beautiful12,000 acre campus to their advantage. There is no other place like it on Earth.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to remember to SLEEP. As a student, musician, athlete, and generally social individual, I have found that the transition to college presented me with so many opportunities to be involved that I forgot to take care of myself for a while. At the end of my freshman year, I realized that although I had achieved excellence in many activities, I was not very happy or healthy, and therefore could not fully enjoy my success. I would tell my high school self that I will be in college for four years, and I should make sure to take time for myself; activities will still be there in the next semester! I have met many students who do not have positive things to say about their college experience because they are so tired all the time. Their hobbies have become obligations, and they no longer enjoy what they once loved. I would make sure to save myself from that initial confusion, preventing my future self from being overwhelmed and losing myself in trying to be everywhere at once.

The best advice I could have given myself can be defined by one word, read! Reading exercised the mind to explore new levels of intelligence. Writing perfectly relates to reading and the more I would have read, the better my writing would be and the more prepared I would be for college. Furthermore, a more successful college carrier would bring a better future for myself and anyone affected by my carrier choice.

As I think back to 2008, which seems so very long ago, I realize how unprepared I was for te transition to college. I was so excited to be free from my parents and able to live my life without their rules. However, if I had known then that this freedom I desired would not be what I expected, I would have lowered my hopes about what college held for me. I fell into the trap of skipping class because no one was forcing me to go, and my grades suffered. However, knowing now how important class is to the well being of my grades, I would definatly have to explain to my past self that with my new found freedom comes the responsibility for my own actions. Over the past year I have discovered that by holding myself accountable for my actions, I have been able to reach my goals, whether academically or socially, rather than falling just short of them. I would have to say that teaching my past self accountability would be the most crucial piece of advice I would have received before leaving for school.

Parents should let their kid have some say in what college to attend. Also, follow your dream. In this economy, underwater basket weaving probably has the same percentage of achievement as economics.

My biggest advice is to first investigate then to get involved. The most important thing in deciding on a college is knowing that you will be happy at the school you choose. It is important to visit a campus and get to know the students there to learn about what life is like on campus. I visited Sewanee and fell in love with it. Since I swim, I met some of the members of the swim team who were able to introduce me to other current Sewanee studesnts. I knew instantly that it was a school I wanted to go to. If you are an athlete, I would strongly suggest looking into a school where you can continue in that sport. Sticking with swimming was a great decision. Playing sports and getting involved in clubs and service groups are a great way to meet people on campus, in addition to simply being a great way to spend free time. I helped with Habitat for Humanity and joined the Natural History Society, which helped me make a more diverse group of friends and helped me expand my horizons, help my community, and further my intrests.

Pick a college that offers a wide range of subjects to study, and offers what you are most interested in learning. Remember to study and have fun as well, and make lifelong memories.

If you want to find the right college for you, then you have to visit and experience campus life there. You can't tell how the campus is by looking at its brochure, website, or videos. They always show the nicer aspects and you will not be able to see the unpleasant side until it's too late. It's okay when you are nervous about making new friends in a brand new environment, but you need to let go of your inhibitions and branches out. You'll be surprise to find how many freshmans are in the same boat as you are. Don't be afraid to try new things! If you haven't gone mountain climbing before, then sign up and give it a chance should your school offers the experience. It's fun, and you'll be able to make new friends (or spend time with your old olds) and enjoy your college experience even more.

The best thing to do is research. There are so many opportunities out there just waiting to be found. Also don't be afraid of using other sources. The internet is amazing and gives the chore of finding money that much easier, but it is not the only tool. Word of mouth is the oldest and sometimes the most usueful tool. People who have experience in searching for money many times may have the best advice. Talk to your school consulor, it may be a scholarship on their desk just waiting for you to use it. Start early is the best advice given to me. Many times I was so early that i was not qualified. However my attempt to gain information many times placed my name in the right people's minds. That way when it was time for me to be qualified they remembered. Finding money is your job. Treat this job as though its your last.

I would tell a student to go with their gut. Visit a school as many times as you need to figure out where you fit best. Trust that everything will all work out. Once you are attending a college make the most of it. Explore extracurricular activities and take advantage of all your college has to offer. Sign up for clubs and make friends. Don't just focus on grades, those are important, but so is having a true college experience.