Sam
College has been a great experience; I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me. I have met fun, interesting people and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I have been exposed to new beliefs and diverse peoples whom I would not have had the opportunity to learn from had I not gone to college. However, I think the most valuable assets that I have acquired from my education are the opportunity to escape from poverty and the ability to be an effective partner in my community. When I was young I suffered from substance abuse, dropped out of high school, and ultimately wound up homeless and unemployed. I was at a crossroads in my life and knew that I had to make a change. Through hard work and perseverance I excelled academically and now doors have opened for me that I never dreamed possible. I hope that I am able to continue my education so that I may become a doctor and help the underserved. I would like to give back to my community that has given me so much.
Ashleigh
So far, I have gained many invaluable experiences from my college. First, I am recieving a quality education that will prepare me for my future career. I am also being educated in many other disciplines outside of my major, in keeping with the tradition of the liberal arts. I have strengthened my communication skills and broadened my understanding of how others percieve the world. Spring Hill has opened me to other possibilities and other ways of thinking about the world. I have learned to reason and respect what others believe even if it is different from my own thoughts. I analyze instead of just accepting as part of this training. I have also gained many friendships that I am positive will continue throughout my life and will be beneficial in the workforce. I have learned to be independent and have the skills to support myself not only monetarily but in my thoughts and relationships as well. Morality has become a large part of my daily living, and I now have a better appreciation and respect for the earth and other people around me.
Angela
The things that I have gained from my college experience are many. I have gained self disipline, more motivation, independence, and I have redescovered a love for learning. During my public education I don't feel like I gained a lot, I can hardly remember ever coming home and thinking that I had really learned something that day, and because of that I lost the desire to learn. Now as I have been attending college I have found that old love and passion, yes it's still hard to motivate myself to do my homework sometimes when there are so many other things that I could be out doing but in the end it gets done, and I once more feel satisfied, I feel like I am actually growing and learning again. This is valuable above all things, nothing is more priceless than knowledge, nothing is more rewarding.
Joseph
I have gotten a sense of what lies ahead on my road to a great career to support my children and wife. I have also learned how to be a team player in a postive work enviroment with a great work eithic. My college experience has been a great one teaching me not to judge a book by its cover and to question the nature of things. There are certain things you learn at college that teach how to cope with your new job feild you have chosen and it gives you the know how to be very professional at your job. Last but not least on your road of higher education you get a feeling of accomplishment knowing that when I graduate I will be able to get a great job that I enjoy doing and it was only made possible by attending college and rideing out to the end graduation day.
Jennifer
The school I chose is a very student-teacher evironment. The classes are smaller and it is easier to learn and ask questions. When you have issues you are able to get them answered and you understand exactly what is needed to be accomplished. So far I love my school and I look forward to continueing my education. This means alot to me for I am a stay at home mother of two little girls and I have always wanted to persue a career in Veterinary medicine, I want to show my kids how to work hard and accomplish your goals and dreams.
Kaitlyn
Although I am only a freshman at Spring Hill College I feel that I have gained many useful life skills. In only one year at this institution I have gained so much. I have been able to participate in a community that encourages spiritual and mental growth. Being at Spring Hill I am required to take philosophy and theology classes, which I am very thankful for. These classes have helped me to ask questions about life, and have encouraged me to search for the answers to these new questions,questions about life, love, and also about what to plan for my future. Spring Hill has enlightened me in so many ways I cannot count them all, I wish I could express the joy being at this institution gives me but I am at loss for words. Spring Hill is a wonderful institution, and I am very happy to have had this experience.
Ben
College should never be compared to high school. In high school, one makes friends but these are passing trifles on our way to bigger and better things. In college, however, friends are life-long companions. I attribute these strong relationships to the fact that we live together on campus with each other, something not common in high school. Out of college, I have received a new outlook on life. Many of values have changed but for the better.
Sydney
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to learn better studying techniques. Other than that there is nothing else because my college life is not that different from my everyday life.
Kishla
I would tell myself to focus more on the ACT!!! Start taking it earlier so that I could have time to improve. I would also try to develop more study habits. I wouldve studied more in high school in order to prepare myself for the workload of Spring Hill College. However, I think I had done a great job of adjusting.
Beth
If I could talk to myself as a high school senior and share advice about making the transition into college life I would suggest being extremly open to trying new things. Each new experience can be considered as research for future semesters to come as you adjust to the new lifestlye. Meeting people is not as scary as it seems it may be. I suggest getting involved from the start with all activities provided by the school for intermingling between new students. That's the best way to find new people to meet and become friends with. The people you meet the first week of school may very well be the best friends for the rest of your life.
Casey
The advice I would give my ?high school self? would be that I have discovered the three keys for success in college. The first
and most important is to attend class. Attending class, every day, is half the battle of succeeding in college. The second key
to college success is perfecting your note taking & study skills. If you learn early how to properly take notes and then learn
how to use your notes and text books to study for tests, you will have success in your classes. The final key to college success
is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Your college years truly are the best of your life. Allowing yourself to kick back and enjoy
all college life has to offer will help you to be more focused in your studies.
Brandon
The first thing I would tell myself is to not put all my eggs in one basket. There may be a school you really want to go to, but you should apply to more than one college- at least 5 schools. Another thing I would tell myself is to make friends early on. Friends can help you a lot through school. You can have group study sessions or ask for an assignment you may have forgotten. One of the most important things I would tell myself is that scholarships are important. You shouldn't just blow those off because you don't feel like filling out applications or writing essays. Books are very expensive not to mention things you might need or want to buy and keep in your room.
Shavona
If I could go back in time and give myself advise, I would tell myself to prepare myself for a lot of hard work and dedication. I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. I would warn myself that i needed to be ready to study real hard and not play around like most people do in high school. I would tell myself that I would have to realize that when I walk inside that college that I would be an adult and that I would have to rely on myself to get things done. I would have to depend on myself and only myself to make sure that all of my work is done and I turn it in on time. I would tell myself that in college professors don't hold your hand to make sure that you complete everything like in high school. I would tell myself to get ready for the real world.
Jolene
I would tell myself not to decide before going to college what my major would be. I should take a variety of classes because you never know what might spark an interest. It could be a completely different path than what was originally planned. I would also tell myself to relax a little bit more and have fun. That way I wouldn't get burned out on studying and maybe meet many more interesting people. The last thing I would tell myself is that I should have a plan for life, but be flexible enough to change my plans.
Alexis
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say, "Focus on time management". I think that this is the key to success. Know how to make the best use of your time. This is very important. It can help you with managing time for required reading, homework assignments, projects, and study time for test. It is also very important to turn in assignments on the due date. This could make the difference between a pass or failing grade because professsors do not accept late assignments, nor do they allow make up assignments. Follow this rule, and stay focused. It would certainly make your college life easier.
Anna
In addittion to concentrating on your studies, make friends! Groups form quickly, so try to be social and meet people. Friends aren't everything, but they certainly help in college. You don't want to be stuck in your room on weekends. College students are very susceptible to depression, and having somewhat of a social life can help with that. Also, change your writing and studying methods; this is not high school. Professors are different and less willing to give you a second chance or give you extra credit. Above all, enjoy yourself, as these are supposed to be the best years of your life.
Celia
Work really hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout freshman year. Every year after that gets progressively harder. My decision not to drink alcohol 1st semester freshman year was the best decision ever. In this way i got to first observe what parties were like and find out who my trustworthy friends were. Always being sober also helped me to concentrate on my studies.
Madelaine
If I were a college senior, I would tell myself not to play a college sport my junior year of college. I knew that nursing would be hard. I was always gone for volleyball until Thanksgiving came around, and I know it cut into my studying and my grades. I would have looked for more scholarships ahead of time so that I could help my parents pay for school. It was hard for me to transition from high school to college, so I would have told myself not to be afraid, and that I was going to meet people that would make it easier being away from home. I would say there's a reason I'm supposed to be here and a plan for me even if I do not know what it may be at the moment. I would tell myself to not worry so much and try to enjoy campus life a little more. I was so overwhelmed that I probably missed out on some events the school was hosting. I would tell myself not to be so quick to judge everyone, because even the most unlikely people could end up being your best friend.
Anna
Apply to more school and don't think you're aiming too high. Really consider the area you're moving to, as it can make all the difference in your college career. Once you get there, participate in activities to make friends, but focus on schoolwork.
David
Study Harder, and apply myself at a younger age.