Southern Connecticut State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Southern Connecticut State University know before they start?

Karli

Don't ever doubt yourself. You are exceptional and you will do great things. Enjoy college life, and enjoy the time spent learning in the classroom.

Stevie

If I were to go back in time to provide my younger self a word of advice on college, I would emphasize the importance of time management. When in college, one typically juggles school, work, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and spending time with friends and family. It is vital one learns to proritize in order to be successful throughout college. Organization and a handy calandar are essential for doing well with time managment. During my time in high school, teachers would gladly grant students extentions on major projects or the ability to make-up missing assignments, however, college professors have zero tolerance nor care for missing and/or ill-prepared assignments. I would most definitely warn my senior self of the differences and expectations of a successful college student.

Jamila

I would tell myself to study my hardest and not slack off just because it's the end of the year.

Jamila

I would tell myself to set aside time everyday to apply for scholarships. I would tell myself to do as many extra credit assignments as I could possibly do, if it would raise my grade.

Christina

If I could somehow go back in time and give my high school self some advice about college I would tell her that you shouldn’t focus on what other people think about you. This is the time in your life where you can pursue your own interests and craft the life that you want and deserve to have. It is the time in which a shy girl; who would normally not talk in class due worrying of looking stupid, can blossom and realize she has a strong and intelligent mind that she can share with the world. A person who might not have had the best grades in high school can be transformed to someone who is on the dean’s list every semester. This is the place where doors to wonderful possibilities can open if you are willing to study hard. College is where you will meet different people and have experiences that will help shape who it is you are meant to me in this life.

Karissa

There is nothing about myself that I would really change. I have been through alot and it had only made me stronger and had comprised me into the person I am today. Because I am already a diligent, career-orientated student, I would've enforced the idea of doing more volunteer work than I had done. I feel as though that participating in volunteer work not only broadens my perceptions and social ethic, but invites new life lessons and educational experiences worth holding onto that will always redeem as rewarding in one way or another.

mayra

I would say try the best that you could and give education your all because in the long run it pays off. When I was younger, I made alot of mistakes. Ones that I can never take back and that will be part of my life forever. I dropped out of high school and started to use drugs. For many years, I was in and out of prison. But when I had my daughter, she changed my life around. Today, I am a single mother and a full time student recieving straight As. I believe that as long as you put your all into something you really want, you can achieve. I am living proof of how someone can really change their life around. So if I can turn back time, with the experiences I had in my life, I would definatley tell myself to stay in school, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams. I know that all my hard work is going to pay off in the future. I am majoring in Social Work, and want to reach out to the troubled youth out there. I want to make a difference in someones life one day.

Erika

The first thing I would tell myself is to think more deeply about my college decision and what I really want out of it. I hastily made the decision to go to the University of Arizona for my first semester, and it ended up really not being right for me. So, I returned home to Connecticut where I am currently a student at the local state college, Southern CT. But that is not where I want to be either. When I was a senior, I could never have imagined that my college experience would turn out the way it did. I now know what I want to study and the kind of school I want to be at. Part of me wishes I could go back in time to when I was younger, figure out what I wanted, and apply to different schools than the ones I did, particularly Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, where I will most likely be this upcoming fall. I didn't really know right away that I wanted to study environmental science when I was a senior, but it soon became apparent. If only I could have fiured it out a little sooner!

Teresa

As a college student, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned so much and was able to mature as a young adult. For instance, entering college as a freshman straight out of high school I thought college was going to be about having fun and partying but I was completely wrong. After ending my freshmen year in not such a good academic standing, it became a wakeup call to me. My college experience has made me the student I am today, now as a sophomore at Southern Connecticut State University, I do not strive for any grade less than a B-. As a college student, I learned that I have to work hard and have determination to be successful in college. Attending college is a very valuable experience for me because when I graduate with a degree I will be able to be successful in a career that I enjoy and love. Being able to say that I am a educated woman is a statement that I would love to proudly admit. Having a college education can take me a long ways. That’s why obtaining a degree will be very valuable in life.

William

I have come to the conclusion that this school helped me to get an understanding about how not to act when I eventually get into the teaching field. I want to be the kind of professor that is there to help and to teach and actually help students understand, even if they are only taking a class because it is requried. It is the teachers job to be there for the students, they are being paid for this reason, I would be there for my students 24/7, and go out of my way to help them, with anything I could, and if I was not able I would find someone who could. This school has allowed me to understand how important it is to be effective at your job.

Christine

I have learned that I am okay being on my own and I'm capable of taking care of myself.

Max

I have gotten a good amount out of my college experience. For one, I gained a good amount of liberal arts knowledge because of all the required liberal classes. Also, I have saved some money going to this public state school because I live in Connecticut. One thing I learned is that my college is not the best for socializing especially during the weekends because it tends to be a commuter school and also many students go home on the weekend. Yet, I still learned to make due with what I had and with that I picked up a good sense of responsibility.

Sarah

From my college experience, I have learned a great deal. I have learned that learning involves not only memorizing the material, but fully understanding the concepts presented. I have also realized that sometimes people will not be there to hold your hand and walk you through things, whether in school or in life; and that is when you need to reassure yourself that you're strong enough to get through it and to just keep moving forward. I also learned that I am much more capable and intelligent than I believed. I have learned so much information on various topics and at times I would get discouraged and think that my brain cannot possible handle any more information; yet I was able to retain the information and do well on my exams. This lesson is not only dear to me because I have gotten good grades in school, but because I have learned to believe in myself and never doubt my capabilities. It has been extremely valuable to attend college because I have not only learned information about the profession I wish to get into, yet I have also learned a great deal about myself, my abilites, and self confidence.

Jessica

My college experience has been a short one; I have only been here for a week. However, there are a few things I can tell you right off the bat. My professors are passionate about the subjects they teach. In my Western Civilizations class, my professor is so interested about ancient history, that he took the time to learn to write hieroglyphics. He is knowlegable in almost every nook and cranny of ancient history. It is inspiring to know that hopefully one day that will be me. Futhermore, SCSU has a strong sense of community. It is a small, state college with a big heart. From the first day of orientation to the day I am writing this, I have never once felt alienated from my fellow peers. There is so much diversity here that wherever you turn there is someone to guide you and help you become the person you aspire to be.

Amanda

Out of this college experience I have learned that it is truely up to you, the student, to accomplish anything. If you are not fully focused or applied all the oppertunites can and will pass you by. Nothing can be done without hard work and dedication to yourself and goals. It is very important to set goals and checkpoints in life and during courses. If there is no check list life might feel as if nothing has been accomplished. College is just a step in life many choose to take whether you decide to complete it, it is up to you.

Margot

So far, my college experience has been below expectations.. Doing two years at a community college has really motivated me and set the level for which I must perform at next year at the University of Miami. I do feel talented at math at science but sometimes not at the level I know I will be competing against that is why I am willing to to anything, any tutotring, any sacrifice of social "exploration" thoughout the next four year to become a civil enigneer. I feel that if I had not done the two years at my comminty college I would not be at the mental level I am at now. I think doing two years at a community college gave me time to grow and develop mentally as a student and as a girl. I would never have been ready or known how many sacrifices I will have to make for the next four years if I had gone straight into engieering from high school. Now I am ready to totally emerse myself in a new world.

Ashley

I have not attended college yet but I will be attending an Aviation School outside of Pittsburgh, PA called Chippewa. I am really looking forward to attending college but need some financial help.

Mohsin

My college experience has been priceless, because I have learned many functions, strategies and elements of a business from my teachers and professors that I was able to use in the real world. My father owns a grocery store which provides the local Indian, Pakistani, Bengladesi and Asian community with products imported directly from their country. I took classes in business for two and a half years and used my college experience and contacts to make my fathers business prosper online. I created and launched a website for my fathers business on which customers can order online and get delivery of the products directly to their home. Many of my professors and fellow students helped me get this website up and running. Hard work goes into building a website, marketing it, driving sales and delivering the products. My professors were professionals and knew what I needed to do and guided me on how to do it. Today, the website is averaging $200 a day in sales and is gaining new customers every day. If i had not gone to college I would not have been able to do this for my fathers business.

renee

During my college experience, it taught me responsibility and taught me that i can make it without mommy and daddy leading me every step of the way. It allowed me to see that the world is not a scary place to be as long as you are equiped with the right tools of knowledge. When i first left I was not ready and i was scare. I was so use to having my family around and college help me to mature and grown up. I learn life can be fun but you must handle your business first. Once your business affairs are set then you can enjoy life. It also was very valuable for me to attend in order to obtain a good job with excellent pay rates and benefits. By going to college you learn with your worth and when you go out into the working field you can express and share you know. Another reason i am going back to school because now a bachelors degree is nothing but a high school diploma. I know what i am worth and it gave me the confidence to stand up for myself and not let companies take advantage of me.

Gillian

I've gotten a large cultural experience from going to this school. It is very culturally diverse and coming here has opened my eyes to many things. I have met a large variety of people, getting to know a lot about different races, religions, and beliefs. Another value in attending Southern Connecticut State University would be the help and support from the faculty and staff. Coming from a High School where I had done mediocre to graduating in only four years has put a lot of self confidence and awareness that I have the knowledge to persue any career I set my mind to. Although I had been undeclared for three semesters, the variety of classes made me realize who I really was and who I want to become. The professors I had incorporated much experience into their teachings which made it more accessible to understand the material that was being taught. Knowing this; Psychology was the best route for me and going to Southern Connecticut State University really led me to that direction. Without the knowledge I had been administered I would never realize the potential I access and the technique I can carry on in the future.