St John’s University-New York Top Questions

Volunteering and leadership have been the two things I have strived for at St. John?s. Through service, volunteering gave me a sense of worth because I know that I?ve changed a person?s life whether it?s for a few minutes or days. My most memorable volunteer experience was getting chosen to go to Give Kids the World during spring break of 2009. Give Kids the World is a village where parents and their terminally ill child go to get away from hospitals, transfusions, and pain for a week. To experience this village for a week was such a rewarding experience. I was able to give the children an opportunity to make their days at the Village a little brighter and happier. Another aspect I concentrated on during my undergrad was leadership. I am a proud member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Tau Upsilon Alpha, and Order of Omega. From being in these different organizations, I learned to become a motivated individual and I am able to work well with others. With everything I?ve been through so far in my twenty-one years of life, I can only hope it benefits me in the future

Life here at St. John's has taught me, above all else, the value of hard work and dedication to a cause, with particular focus on community service. As a member of the Vincentian Community, my school constantly encourages students to use the skills and abilities they develop here to help uplift those around them and in turn, make the world a much better place.

When I was a High School senior, I was terrified of college life so much that I almost did not go. The best advice I would give myself now, is don't worry about it. The unknown is exactly what makes college life so exciting, and to live life slowly, making sure to enjoy every moment of it. You don't have to know what you want to do, often times you don't even know yourself well enough to answer that question until you've been on your own for a while and have time to figure things out. That's exactly what college life is; taking time to get to know yourself, so take advantage of it. Also, never, never, never choose a major or career with the intentions of chasing money, you will only end up unmotivated and probably won't do that well anyway. Do what you love, and you will always have what you need.

Looking back, there are SO many things that I would advise myself against. I was too comfortable as a senior; I had worked all through high school with no social life and my senior year was my largest load ever. I combined AP courses with seven after-school activities, volunteer work, and a weekend job. I thought that all the work I did during high school would surely secure me a full-ride to whatever college I applied to, yet that was not the case. I applied to four colleges - only to find myself put on the waitlist for one, rejected from another but accepted into my top two choices. My advice is to never become too comfortable OR be too proud. Community college is a VERY smart choice your first year. APPLY for scholarships, and find out about your desired school's scholarship deadlines. Financial aid is decreasing every year and the price of college is increasing rapidly. Do NOT rely on getting a full-ride because they are NOT being doled out easily nowadays. Money is tight and colleges are watching their funds - only the cream of the crop will get the juiciest pieces. But ALWAYS persevere.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior Mike, I would tell myself to go to college sooner. I've worked many deadend jobs, and I know now that there aren't many jobs you can get that are worth while that you don't need some kind of degree for. I would also tell myself to apply myself harder in high school, because there are many tools for success there that aren't as easily accessable once you graduate. Especially when you don't do as well as you can in your classes.

First, take a breath. College seems like it's a lifetime away but at the same time like it's right around the corner. Instead of trying to take in every moment of high school and trying to remember everything, just live in the moment. Do not worry about how you will keep in contact with all of your friends or whether you will be able to handle the workload of a college semester. Let things happen naturally, and enjoy every moment. Although college seems like it is a different world, it is exciting to learn what you want to learn and to have more freedom and responsibility. Do not forget high school, but rather treasure the memory and keep your head held high as you embark on a new step in your life.

High school is crazy. There is never enough time to decide what to do, let alone actually do it. The drive to do your best, to never give up, and above all to never fail is a constant and often really irritating presence. Honestly, I don't know how I survived. But I did make the best of it. Even though I may not have made it to every social event, or gotten that "A" I stayed up all night studying for, I was able to pull through because I knew that there was something bigger and better to look forward to. College has been a case study in time management, craziness, and simply figuring out where I am going with my life. Everything I learned in high school has come in handy, from study skills to decide how long I am procrastinating, or just knowing when to sit back and laugh off a problem. Make choices wisely, but don't be afraid to say you messed up or need help. But the most important thing about college, and life in general, is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. You've worked plenty hard. You deserve it.

You attended class and performed very well. You got applications in on time and applied for multiple scholarships. You wore your school name with pride when playing varsity sports. You recieved awards of honor and academic achievement. You built life long relationships. Yet, on graduation day you saw half of those in your senior class, and less than a quarter recieve honors diplomas. You ask yourself why? College is about finding your comfort zone. You must make accomodations for you and your room mates in order to enjoy your experience. I have learned the beauty of service and would have offered assistance to many of my high school peers if I could. To witness many repeat their senior year or drop out was very heart wrentching, and if I could start over I would offer them the knowledge I had of preparing for college. It would have been more comfortable knowing that I could recieve my diploma along with more than half of my senior class. To sacrifice even an hour of my day to help another get acclimated with the college process would have made my college transition easier. I would have been used to assisting others.

Often times, we tell ourselves "If only I knew then what I know now," whenever we are referring to things we could have done differently in the past. If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior, I would inform myself about things I learned about college during my freshman year and of my current sophmore year. I would first stress to my high school senior self about being punctual with homework. Procrastination took a toll on my GPA by the end of my freshman year when I knew I have the ability to do better. Telling my high school senior self about my GPA would definitely help me be more focused and attentive throughout freshman year. I would also mention saving money because it would be easier to manage for purchasing books, going out, and for other personal finances. My high school senior self would be more prepared for the obstacles that I eventually overcame during my freshman year of college and now as I further my education.

Having gone through the college experience I understand how it is a difficult transition, some more than others. Therefore, there are a few pieces of advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior. First, college is going to be one of the greatest experiences in your life. You are going to learn so much both academically, socially, and much more about yourself. This is why it is important to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. I would say that no matter how difficult it may be or outside of your comfort zone you may feel, keep an open mind. It will be in your favor to keep experiencing new and different situations and getting to know people. You will be surprised how many relationships you will make and more importantly how far this journey will take you. Above all else, don?t be afraid to take chances because in the end it will be worth it.