Texas A & M University-Commerce Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would have a lot to say! With age comes wisdom and I am what schools consider a non-traditional student, which just means I am older. School matters, growing up with two parents that only finished high school. My education was never a priority. I started working when I was 14, cleaning horse stalls, cleaning houses and doing bookkeeping for my mother?s place of employment. I would have encouraged me to give as much time to my studies as I could has possible and tried to work less. I would encourage myself to join the military to pay for my education and to search out a mentor to help me figure out how to get to school and pay for it. I was too worried about helping out with family bills instead of focusing on my future. Your education is something no one can take away from you. Get it, and be proud of it! But you have to have a good work ethics in school and on your job.

Knowing what I know now about the college life, I would go back in time and tell myself to make sure to always stay focused! Never try to slack off or procrastinate because the college life is much different from the high school life. You can't just get by with not doing homework and not studying and just doing well on the tests. You must study and study hard. But don't be scared of college either. Be adventurous and go study abroad, or participate in some activites and join a sorority,you will meet alot of new people that way and enjoy more of the college life.

If I could go back I would have applied to college as a senior instead of going to community college my first year and a half. I would have researched more schools and figured out what school is best for the field of study I wanted to go into. I would tell myself to study more and ask people how they study so I wouldn't have stuggled as much, and I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and not rely on loans.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advise as a high school senior, I would advise myself to become interacitve and socialize with students and professors. It can be a strong tool for networking and can be valuable in terms of success. I would also encourage myself to be more involved with campus activities (business fraternities, community services, etc.). Most important, I would remind myself how important it is to stay focus and maintain determination, because hardwork pays in the long run. The key would be to stay focused on the long run goals but acknowledge the short run goals as well. Short run goals include: class projects, essays, exams, maintain finances etc. I would also advise myself to be sure to balance my entertainment acitivities and school work. Time management is vital upon entering any university, it helps to eliminate unwanted stress. Also, be hard but not too hard on yourself. Have fun, join in study groups, don't party too hard, and know when to say "No", don't follow the crowd, stand out, apply for scholarships every semester and know your campus surroundings (local police dept., career advising center, financial advisor, etc.).

I would tell myself that proper study habits are a must in college and knowing how to write a research paper is also something that I should learn how to do. I would also prepare myself emotionally because it's not easy to go for months at a time without seeing my best friend or even being around for the everyday moments with my family. Those are the little nuggets of information that I would share with my younger self.

I would tell myself, to not be frightened or scared, college life is not that bad. I would also tell myself to enjoy the college experience more and not be so up tight. I would let myself know that in college, you have less friends, and may sometimes feel lonely, but you will get through. I would also tell myself to wait for classes to start before buying your books. The most important thing would be to find who you are before you decide what you want to do with your life.

The piece of advice I would have to give would pertain to making the most of the college experience. I would encourage every high school student to immediately begin college after graduation. If you do this you will be able to live the college experience to its fullest. Attend the football games, join study groups, make new friends regardless of who they are or what they look like. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can go back when you are older if you do not begin right a way, but I promise you will be wishing you had done it earlier. As for seeking out the right college, I would suggest researching different colleges you wish to attend and visit many of them. When you do your research check to make sure the school offers a great program for the degree in which you wish to obtain. I chose the school I attend becasue of the program for my degree. The majority of the student's who complete this degree already have a job lined out before they graduate. This school is known for that program; employers love taking graduates because of the reputation the school holds.

Look for a college that offers the degrees you are interested in. Most people go to a college based in friends from high school or the universities reputation. Friends WILL change and if you don't enjoy the programs you are in, then the university won't matter.

after 3 years and two different colleges and being a successful college athlete I would say that you should find a college that best fits your strenghts but also allows room for personal growth by challenging the student in areas that they may not naturally be comfortable in. Making the right college choice doesn't always happen the first time. it is important to look at all aspects of the university or college including social life, academics, and affordability... choose a school that you feel will allow you to flourish and develop into a person who gives back to society.

First off, the financial part had to play a big role, don't send your kids to a college that you can't afford to pay for, loans and scholarships are a great thing to look into. Don't feel that your child has to go to the best school in the state to get a good education. In my case, I am here in commerce on a full ride scholarship and I would not change a thing in the world. Also, watch for signs in your child that might indecate that they are doing poorly in school, and try and offer help, or inform them that they can get help from people on campus. Another thing that you should always do, is stay in contact, always keep in touch, just don't be overwhelming. Call once or twice a week to check up on your child and make sure evertything is ok, and offer them any advice along the way that they can use, I know I look up to my mom when I need help. Lastly, let you child live and learn, don't try and run their life, we all need to leave the nest some time.