Spelman College Top Questions

Going back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to manage her time when she gets to college! Many college freshmen are not aware of the scheduling of college, for example how you don’t have an 8am to 3pm day. It is very easy to sleep in until you have your first class, go to lunch, take a nap, and go hang out or do extracurricular activities and the next thing you know your midterms are happening and you haven’t even bought the book yet. I would tell myself to take every class as if I want to gain a skill set not just for the grade; this includes doing outside research and exploration of the topic. Something I would have liked to know is that professors are not some scary misanthropes, but they actually appreciate when students come to their office hours for further help or guidance. Also I would tell myself to take undergrad seriously and think of it as the beginning of a prolific career. Most of all I would tell myself that I am proud of her and that she can be confident in the woman that she is becoming!

Over the summer I would prepare myself more for college by taking college classes, so I could have gotten a good feel of how they were going to be like. I would research the different programs at my school so that I would know if I have any interest in them. I would interact with other students who are going to attend my school via social networks. I would start shopping early for dorm stuff instead of waiting until the day I moved in. Research is the best key before going into any new situation. You have to learn adaptation.

Dear Jauhara, I know high school seems endless, but believe me it gets better. You will graduate, and it will be one of life’s most bittersweet moments. Continue to achieve academic excellence, and don’t let anyone get in your way of success. Feel free to take risks, because living life to the fullest is worth the risks. Begin to learn how to manage your time, college is all about time management and the sooner you develop this skill, the better. Begin to think critically about the world around you; think about the problems you want to see changed, and change them. Remember the world is spacious, so travel it. Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Take every opportunity you can get to travel, and learn about people and understand new languages. Most importantly, never forget who you are, and remember to be thankful for all the family and friends investing in your life’s success. I wish you the best, and no matter what you will win! Love, Jauhara Ferguson

If I can go back in time to my high school senior self, I would tell myself college is really no joke. Classes will be obviously harder because your increasing your matriculation. So, that means you need to learn to have great study habits. I understand you barely need to study in high school but now times have changed. Also, procrastination is your worst friend. I know you have done it during high school but you can't wait until the night before to do a 12 page research paper. The transition wasn't that hard, college is just about building connections. I would tell myself everyone you meet from this point on can be a connection to your future. I know that you are 800+ miles away from home, and you may feel alone at times; you won't be because your sisters at Spelman are your new family as well.

Now that I have experienced my first semester of college, there are certainly some things that I have learned that I wished I would have knew as a high school senior. Some of these things being time management, balancing social and academic life and being able to work hard for the best grade in class. If I were to go back in time and tell my high school senior self some advice about college, I would tell myself to keep pushing no matter what. I would tell myself this because while experiencing college there are alot of obstacles that will get in your way. But you just can't stop. You have to keep pushing because you are paying tons of money for school. There is no time or no money that should be wasted so you just better do everything write the first time. Also, I would tell myself to learn some time management skills because you are going to really need it. It is hard trying to balance alot of things that come your way such as club activities, eating, exercising, and doing work. So if my high school self can obtain this, then we would be good.

The advice I would give myself is learn to be organized. It is important to be able to balance and social and academic life. And one more thing believe in your passion and do not take the easy way out. Because in the end you will regret not challenging yourself to be the best you that YOU can be.

Dear Venkayla, Do not let the opinions of others affect you while in college just because you are not fortunate to have what other students have. You may not have the money, a new iPhone, or the nicest clothes, but what you do have is determination, dedication, and most importantly God. Never let words take away your joy and make you almost want to commit suicide. You came to college for an education, you came to pursue your dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist, and make your family proud. College is about experiencing new things, finding yourself, and building lifetime friendships. Many apply to Spelman College, but only few are chosen, make the best out of your college experience.

The advice I would give myself making the transition into college would be to keep my work ethic and drive the same because as the workload increases there is no time to slack off and procrastinate. I would also say to be true to myself and dont change the person I am just because I am transitioning into the college life because others will see right through it. Remember the purpose of going to college is come out with a degree. Therefore, sticking with my goals and aspirations will allow me to be one step closer to one day becoming the doctor I always aspire to be.

I would tell myself to understand that fitting in isn't important. This is a time to find yourself and succeed academically. Don't be afraid to try new things and branch out of the friend group you had in highschool. Love who you are and who you are becoming. Test the limits and step out of the box because you might find things you like. It's okay to fail sometimes because those lessons give you a blue print of how to do it right next time.

As an incoming freshmen to Spelman College, I spent time with mentors, friends and family to ask for advice about prioritization in college. I stepped inside the gates of Spelman College with goals already in mind: (1) academics always come first (2) join at least three on campus organizations, one must be community service oriented (3) find the friends that will be in my wedding. Needless to say, I was so focused on my list I missed some incredible opportunities. For example, I found myself searching endlessly for the "friends that will be in my wedding." I would meet new people and pratically interview them! College is a brand new environment and most people come wanting to "start over" or move beyond their high school experiences. I wanted to come to college and find those "life long friends". Yet, I would advise my high school self to throw that goal aside. I would advise meeting more than just a couple people and don't try to just climb the social chain. It is never certain where individuals will find themselves years from now, so fight to create lasting friendships with as many people as possible.