SUNY at Fredonia Top Questions

The advice that I would scream at the top of my lungs would be to study, study, STUDY! I cannot say it enough. High school was a breeze for me, I had absolutely no sutdy skills. I could it in class and pratcially get an A just for being there. Once I hit college and it was time to study for my first exam I wanted to cry. I had to teach myself how to study and figure out how I learned best. Also, college is a time for freedom and where you can do whatever your little heart desires. Don't go crazy, it's not worth it go to school and get what you paid for, because one thing I hate the most is waisting money. My final words would be to play hard, but study harder.

Pay attention to what you are learning now, it will all come back again in college. Find a way of studying that works for you, don't just do it last minute, college is all about balancing your time and priorities on your own. Don't be afraid to ask questions! And don't be sad when all your friends leave for other schools, there are so many people at college, you will never be alone!

Dear Viv from 10 months ago, Senior year is a breeze because you exceeded what was required of you during freshman year. College life can be filled with parties, studying, schoolwork, tests and worst of all it can be a fashion show. It’s very easy to get sidetracked. Sounds familiar? It should because college is just a more responsible extension of high school. So long as you remain focused on your goals, ask for guidance when needed and continue to overcome obstacles that appear to always be in your life the transition into a college student won’t be that hectic or forbearing. Viv you’ve been a responsible, goal- oriented, hard working young lady your whole life, don’t change now because your environment has changed or because you think you no longer need to be. Continue on the path you’re travelling on and NEVER GET COMPLACENT!! Love you girl and I wish you the best.

College and high school are completely different worlds, but working hard in high school sets you up perfectly for college. Had I taken high school more seriously then I believe the transition to college would have been much easier. College life is based on much more freedom and responsibility, and the discipline you learn in high school sets you up for success in college. My high school self felt that since I could breeze through high school while procrastinating on homework and projects then I was more than prepared for college but that was just a complete mistake. College life requires more discipline and structure on my part and developing those habits is much harder to do once in college. Being smart is not enough for college, smart kids are a dime a dozen. The students who succeed are the ones with a strong work ethic and great study habits. Anyone who has those tools is set up for success, not just in college, but in life in general!

Wouldn’t it be nice to go back in time? Although I have not yet seen one at the supermarket, a time machine may have been an excellent tool in helping me get through college. If I were able to press the rewind button, I would first tell my high school self about choosing a major. My advice to young Rachael would be to take electives first, in all areas, to be better assured of my true passion. As for my love life, I would convince myself of a strict “No Boys!” policy. Relationships just get in the way of school and building strong, long-lasting friendships. Staying healthy is the most important advice I would give to myself if I could go back. “Go to bed early, eat your fruits and veggies, and work-out regularly,” is an easy regimen that I should have been more serious about. Lastly, I would remind myself that hard work really pays off and that my ultimate goal is to strive for happiness. A time machine may be nice, but I have realized that I would not have learned so much about myself if I had not gone through these challenges “myself.”

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself this: You are given one shot at life--an opportunity to succeed or a time to just simply exist. The way you shape your future depends on how you live in the present. Thinking about that, do you want to simply "exist," or take the time to better yourself academically gaining the skills necessary to make a difference with your life? We each have the chance to make a difference and use our life to improve the quality of this world we live in, for yourself and those around you. You are given the shot to take your abilities and enhance them with education, but it is up to you to decide to do that. You are free to make your own choices, but you must remember that you cannot go back in time and undo what you choose to do. With this, I hope you will take the time to truly consider what is best for your future, because after all, you are truly given only one chance at this thing called life. Make the best of it without regrets.

I would tell myself that I should be confident in my abilities and that I belong there. I would also tell myself to really take advantage of any scholarship opportunity and the teach grant. I would let myself know that I will be taking too many credits to graduate in four years but that it will be worth it in the end. I would tell myself to be thrifty when buying/renting college textbooks. I would tell myself that I made the right choice in my major and that I should not doubt that teaching is the job for me. The most important thing about attending college is to talk to people, students, faculty about scholarships, job opportunities, or any questions you have because they know tips and opportunities that you otherwise might not hear about. Communication is key!

I've learned more in my first semester of college then I have in my four years of high school. Most of my learning come form outside of the class room. Since I have been in Fredonia, I've learned more about myself. My mind has opened to new ideas, cultures, and people. I believe going to college and living on campus is a must in one's life. You get to experience new things and live outside the box. My whole life I was sheltered and now I'm free to explore anything and everything. I know this would have never happened if I stood home. I am just starting my journey, and I'm glad it's in Fredonia. I don't see myself anywhere else.

I am a mother of three and I live in a small rural town in South Dakota. The oppurtunity to go to school is little to none under those circumstances. So I thought. I started looking into National American University and found that I could go online. This was a dream come true. I new for years that going to school was going to be my only option to better the lives of me and my children. I am still able to work and spend time with my kids, all while getting my degree. I was curious to see how comparable the coursework was to a campus university and I found that it is just as challenging if not more. I have gained so much from the experience and am happy to say I am going to be a proud graduate in December 2011. No more paycheck to paycheck, or "I can't afford it."

From my college experience I can point out a few main themes: comraderie and the ability to work with others, mentors and wisdom passed down from my professors, and my personal growth as a musician. These three main concepts are the molding experiences I've had at SUNY Fredonia. At Fredonia, I have had the pleasure of working alongside peers who did not compete with each other, but rather, supported each other in a good manner and with much respect. Not only was this a great way to go through a music program, but it has also ingrained that method of comraderie and support among peers. This is something I will no doubt demonstrate throughout my career. My professors at Fredonia have molded me into the musician and teacher that I am today. I owe so much of my growth to them. They have shared with me a wealth of information, knowledge, and wisdom that I feel I wouldn't have today if it were not for that particular team of professors. The two above experiences combine to my final thought. My overall growth as a musician and teacher are owed to both the supportive environement and excellent mentors.