Texas Southmost College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Texas Southmost College know before they start?

odalys

If i could go back in time i would definately tell myself to dump my friends. Reason being that sometimes hanging with the supposebly cool kids leads you nowhere. Another thing i would tell myself would be to not get out of my AP classes like i did and to apply for scholorships.

Katie

During my high school years I had no interest in finishing school. I dropped out in the 9th grade and obtained my G.E.D. shortly after. Looking back now, I wish I would have graduated and moved on to college directly after. I am currently a student at Mesa Community College working towards my AA in Social Work. If I had continued school earlier on I would have already been finished and working the career job of my dreams. Now I am a single mother of 2 working full time trying to make ends meet. If I could give anyone advice today, I would say try to walk what you "think" is the "right" path. School then seemed like the most difficult decision I had to make, and today, I am 26. It was the best and now the easiest desicion I made for myself. I know when I finish school I will be where I dreamed I'd be 5 years ago, but everyday is worth the wait.

Perla

Before making a final decision about where to go to college, research every detail. St. Mary's is a good choice, but think of the expenses. The university of texas at Brownsville isn't a bad choice, just keep looking. With the family situation staying in Brownsville would be good. Look into UTPA and maybe even Corpus the expenses aren't as low as Brownsville, but they aren't as high as St. Mary's. I know the quality of the school is important to you, but think of your family.

Gina

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about the college life that I am currently living, I would tell myself to be very mature and attentive. I would tell myself that in college, you need to be very attentive and participate in order to understand the full material. If you do not understand something you can not afford to be shy like in high school. If you have a question then you need to be willing to ask somebody for help. There is no slacking off and fooling around. Everyone is mature, respectful, and willing to work hard to earn their degree. My advice would be to be ready to be independent because whether you want to or not, you are going to have to learn to be independent in order to survive the college life.

victor

The advice I would give to myself would be not to take college as simple as high school. That it is very different from high school, that you are the only one that will care about you and the only one responsible to do your homeworks. That in college you will not get baby seated anymore, to read a lot, to get as many pre ap classes as you can, and to try to read a book at least every two months. And most importantly to start college at your maximum, because if you get in college lazy thinking that it is the same as high school you will be regreting later.

Valentine

Hello, high school me. Don't freak out. Colleg life is kind of what you expected but there are some things that you should know that are important. One very important one is that everytime you turn in a document pertaining to an application, the application is then posted as turned in on that day so if you are doind the FAFSA, do it all at once and get it done fast. Secondly, don't be afraid to be yourself. People really like you for being...you!!! You have the ability to think out of the box...REALLY out of the box and you should embrace it. Lastly, find a job quick because the economy is going to prevent you from finding a regular job anywhere you go and it is extremely frustrating! Oh, and one more thing, always chek your alarm clock! That is all me. Have a good time...you will, trust me.

Laura

Laura, don't miss great opportunity you have of coming to school. The only thing your teacher's do is prepare you for the next step, which is college. They get after you to turn in your homework on time, not to be tardy, and not to miss class, because that is the way it is in college. High school is just a preparation to real life in college, your teacher's really do care for you and in college you are on your own. In college, nobody is on your back expecting you to finish an essay on time. Here your professors tell you to turn in an essay, and they don't go behind you wondering why you didn't do your homework. College is a totally different story, it is REAL LIFE. Pay attention in class, go to school everyday, and study. Your learning habits start now, because once you get to college if you never studied in high school, you will have the most difficult time to get yourself straight in college.

Jeff

dont get your hopes up and just keep your nose in the books

Rene

Scholarship is going to be key to continue your education so you need be applying. Studying will became a great part of your life in class and out. Time mangement will be necessary for all personal, home, and family time. When you think a hit a wall in your learning, ask help from your peers or professsors.

Marko

I would tell myself to not let anyone scare you. College is not a huge difference from what high school is. The biggest difference is that you will get a lot more homework then before but it should be nothing that you can't handle. Also have fun, hange out with friends, but still make time to study for your tests and do all of your homework. Don't be scared there is always people that are willing to help you out if you are having problems. So just know that it is nothing that you can't handle without a bit of hard work.

Michael

I would tell myself to choose my major carefully, to look ahead and envision what kind of future I want to have. Ten years ago I wanted to become a musician, but listened to advise of those, who suggested that musicians are unable to support their families. Instead, I have graduated with an accounting degree, and spent the last seven years making a solid salary. I am currently an unemployed full-time music major student. I know that it is likely that I won't ever make as much money as I used to, I am broke, but I am doing what I love and I am happy. I just wish I did it ten years ago. I am looking at my classmates, who are 18-19 years old and see them waisting time, not studying, and failing classes. I try to explain to them, that this is the time of their life, that there won't be another opportunity to dedicate 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their time to studying, that they should spend these 4 years wisely and get as much as possible out of them. I wish someone would have told me that when I was in high school.

Ruby

Be smart about life. Time will still pass. The friends that you have now will more than likely not be with you in 10 years but your education will.

Jennifer

I would have taken college courses while I was in high school. I really feel now, if I would have taken some college courses it would have helped me get ahead and given me an insight as to what it would be like. I also think it would also help in adjusting in the transition from high school to college.

Josefina

Honestly, I would advise myself to have increasingly great time management. Being able to organize my time was one of my greatest hazzles as an undergraduate student. I would also tell myself to try harder, read more, and ask all the questions I can. There's nothing wrong with asking questions, in fact it helps to know that you may not be the only one with that question. Another word of advise would be, get involved! Participating in the school organizations was a great way to network, meet new people and enjoy new friendships. I would also tell myself to get a reality check, because college is a great experience but independence is key and it is nothing like high school! I guess the most important thing I would remind myself is to study hard, enjoy the experience and meet new people.

Karla

I would advise the high school version of myself to keep up the good grades. I would also tell myself that the transition from high school to college is not tha hard is just takes time and hardwork. Finally I would adivse her that it does not matter to which college you go to, a college education comes with no price for your future

rebecca

The best advice I could give myself would be to take a deep breath and then jump in. I say this meaning that do not let the pressure of scholarship and college deadlines get to you. Once you have taken that breath then jump into the fun side of going to college. Enjoy the visits to the colleges and the seminars. Take your time with meeting other college students and find out what is the best thing about that college. Once you have finished witht he fun stuff, it's time for the hard stuff. Get some help when the scholarship essays get to much. Talk to friends and teachers on the best way to organize everything. Apply to several colleges, it never hurts. This is what i would let my past senior self know.

Jacob

I f I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school self, this is what I would say. "Life is amazing. There is no reason to assume that it isn't and there is definitely no reason for any discouragement. The future is bright and full of wonderful opportunities, so long as you seek them out. These future opportunities will be greatly enhanced as you are dilligent in your future college education. Work hard in school and your dreams will become a reality. As you know, there are many negative aspects of life all around and there are difficulties that will come. These should never cloud your mind or stop you from seeing the wonderful positive things you will be a part of. More importantly, these negative aspects of life should never stop you from realizing your full potential. Look at the negativity as an opportunity for learning and growth. You have the capacity to do anything you want. Work toward your dreams and do everything in your power to accomplish them. In particular, work hard in school, get the training you need and be successful! Keep moving forward; you will reach your goals!"

Brittany

Develop good study habits and take your grades seriously! Start learning how to save money. If you dont already have good eating habits start trying to develop them now. The one most important skill to have in college is time managment. Learn how to balance school work, sleep and social activities. Once you get to college, get involved; there are hundreds of student organizations on campus, utilize all that money you're paying for tuition. Network and make connections with alumni and professors, you never know if you might need them in the long run for a letter of reccommendation or a job. College isnt cheap so once you get there keep searching for scholarships you can never have enough free money.

Chantal

If I could go back to my high school years, I would definitely have some advice for my high school version. I would advise myself to keep up the good grades in school. I would also tell myself to take AP, and Dual enrollment classes, since those classes would help us to be prepare, and ahead during our college years. I would also tell myself to do things on time, and to relax a little bit, since the applications to enter college may be long, but not difficult. I would also let me know that are many ways out there that would help you to pay for college, and follow your dream to get into graduate school; all you have to do is apply.

Bangelis

i would say to myself probably as many others would..."bangelis, i know parents can sometimes be annoying when they lecture you, but as someone who truly cares for you and your future, i advice you to stay focused on your education because life as you get older, gets harder. the real world isnt as nice as people make it seem, if good things happen to you its wonderful but if its bad, its experience and nothing is certain in life..only your education. so stay in school, go to class do your homework so life wont b that hard on you."