Rachel
College has broadened my knowledge of everyday life and has given me information I need to succeed in my future. A college degree is mandatory in today's life if a person is looking for a good paying job and a firm future. My university is a wonderful school to have on my transcript when I am applying for my future job. It gives me resources to make the best of my future job and life.
Sheila
What I've received from my experience in college is that there is a big difference from transitioning from high school where it requires me to be more responsible about my work. I've learned to care more about my grades because the college teachers really aren't pushy as to a high school teacher who may inform my parents. I've become more responsible with due dates and scheduling my personal time with homework time. I feel like I've matured as a woman with the experience I've gained with being neat on my assignments and not being tardy. I find that just wanting to go to college is extremely valuable because it gives me something to do that can later help me in the future. For me, college gives me something to do and each day I'm able to learn something new. It's also fun when I get to tell a family members or any other person what I've learned. Filling my head with new knowledge is a positive thing. As I go to school each day, I get to see a variety of people that I don't normally see in my town.
Ramy
My college experience seems as if high school has just been dragged on. I always try and quitting is on the last of my mind; many say college is very difficult because it is the time where everything counts. However, in my instance, this is not true. I am a hardworking, committed well-being in anything I aim for. From school, to work, to just taking care of my baby sister, I am well rounded, hard working person. Everyday college gives me new a task to accomplish, and every day I am ready to take on these tasks.
Earl
My college experience has embrace me for a new journey in my life. The students and the faculty get along great. Everyone that goes to college is very mature. College is teaching me that life is difficult, but at the same time is meant to be enjoyed. I now know that I have to grow up and be ready to take on a new path in my life.
Jenai
I have gained so much from my college experience. I feel it made me more outgoing, and more focused on my goals for the future. It had made me grow as a person and help me realize my strengths and weaknesses whether it be academically, or personally. I have gained so many new friends from all the programs I have gotten involved in. I feel like my campus has become a second home. From the people to the faculty, everyone has helped me to realize my goals, and through making connections with these people, have even help me achieve some of them. I feel I have so much going for me and it all wouldn't have been possible without the up and downs I have experienced while attending college.
Smitha
I used to think college was just a means to an end. I needed to become a professional in this world to fulfill standards that my family had, and I used to think college was just a way to accomplish that. I didn't realize, though, that it taught me a lot about how to survive in the real world by managing time, accepting failures and having determination.
Like many students, I lived on a schedule of procrastination. Without any teachers or parents looking over me or out for me, I had to buckle down and learn my own pace. That was one of the most important things I took away. In addition to this, I learned the value of failure. I thought it was the end of the world, being unable to accomplish something on the first crack. But, I realized how to accept failure and how to learn from it and better myself by it. It was failure that taught me how to become a more determined person and that made me realize that the things I wanted in this world, I had to fight hard for.
So, here I am, fighing once again.
Olivia
The most important thing I gained from my first year in college is my work ethic. Before I went to college I didn't see the value in working hard in school. In college, I learned that in order to succeed you need to put in a lot of time and effort. You can't just sit back and hope that the things you learn in class will stick. You have to make a conscious effort to learn.
Ashlee
My college experience has been thrilling. I am a psychology major; hoping to venture off into clinical psychology or psychopharmacology in my later years. I would like to make advances in this field, helping so many people in need. The University of Michigan-Dearborn has been so valuable to me because i have learned so much more about my major, and the professors are more than eager to work with their students making sure they succeed. I have been hospitalized 4 times in the past year and finances for medical bills and schooling have been insufficient; this is why I am in so much need of financial help. I want to continue my education at UMD because of the feeling of community yet independence, and intelligence but kindness as well. I want to put my hospitalizations in the past and have a fresher start this coming year, and one day, thanks to my experience at UMD, I will help people with problems of their own and conduct studies that will change history.
Kylee
Currently a junior in college I realize that there were many things that I had not had sufficient preparation for. If I were to regress backward into time I would tell myself as a high school senior to create the person I want to be right away. Habits are difficult to break, rather its being more punctual and showing up on time, finishing projects earlier than the night before, or interning in positions you wish to acquire in the future. I would say that in the same way time can be manipulated it can manipulate. In college think in terms of semesters, two per year means two chances at a particular job opening or two semesters to accumulate enough credits to keep you on track to graduate on time.
I?d be adamant about communicating that friends are necessary. High school ends, many people split and that just means make new friends. It?s easy when you are forced to attend classes with the same group of people five days a week, for four years. When you mature you go after your own pursuits and so does everyone else. Make an effort to make meaningful connections beyond group organizations.
Fatme
I would tell myself to stay in school. I stopped school for marriage and a child and now I'm returning to earn my Bachelor's degree. I would also have advised myself to hold on to my dearest friends as much as possible.
Kaylyn
If I were given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have advised myself on several important topics. First I would let myself know that while senior year, graduating, applying for college and trying to figure out who you are is hard, it is a joy to enter into the college stage of life where there are no more cliques nor such insecurity to suffer.
I would try to let myself know that it is okay if I do not know who I am or what I want to be. That the process of transitioning to a different city, school and home would prove to be the most beneficial thing that would ever happen to me. My greatest piece of advise would be to not doubt myself, feel insecure or stress out about the little things. Rather, I would convince myself to enjoy the college experience, make the most of my opportunity and work hard with the knowledge that it will all pay off in the end.
Colleen
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not let other people push me into what they want me to do. I would tell myself to follow my dream for college, which I am now doing. I'd tell myself to pick up my study habits, you really need to study in college to make it work. I would tell myself to relax more, that everyone was as nervous as I was on the first day. I'd also tell myself to make lots of friends in my classes, its more fun to study in a group than by myself.
Jonathon
I would tell myself that under no circumstances should I assume college to be a walk in the park, or anywhere near as easy as high school is. I would tell myself to go see an academic advisor the week of school, create an outline of the courses I need to take and what semester to take them in so that I could graduate on time. I would tell myself not to worry about making a lot of money while in school so I could go out and spend time with friends, working many hours and spending too many nights out instead of in studying has crippled my career, and now I can not go back and change it. Most importantly, I'd tell myself not to underestimate the reality of the situation, real debt is racking up and you can't hide from it.
Timothy
I would have not dropped out of school and put more effort in attendence. I wish I could have spent more time studying colleges before deciding on the first one I went to. I had to leave because of not being able to afford the tuition through loans given current family issues and now I have six months to find a new school. Although now I get the chance to go for something I always wanted to.
Ashley
I know this year has been tough, but I have some advice that I think will help you out as you finish high school. First, I want you to know that grades do matter. I'm sure you are ready to graduate, but don't start slacking in your classes because almost every college or university will look at your grades. Even some scholarships require that you show them a transcript. Also never give up..EVER!! You've heard that a lot, but its really true. You know your dream school, the one that you're hesitant to apply to because you don't think you'll get in? Well, one day you got the nerve to apply and you were accepted! This brings me to my last point. Believe in yourself. You're very capable of doing some great things in life. I'm proud to say that one day in the near future you'll start an internship at Walt Disney World and you will eventually intern at your favorite radio station. I hope this has motivated you and helped you realize that you're one step closer to achieving your dreams.
Miranda
First of all, I would tell myself to take 4 years of math. The three years my high school required was not enough. Next, I would explain the necessity of having goals. Staying motivated can be difficult without a defined goal. I would also point out the benefit of patience and perseverence. Instead of looking at how long I still have to go - a prospect which can be quite daunting - I break my education down into semesters. As a high school senior, I was overwhelmed by the thought of another four years of school. By breaking it into chunks, with smaller goals under the overarching goal of a Bachelor's degree, it becomes much easier to manage the stress of each semester, and I no longer am so concerned with wondering, "When will I be done?". Lastly, I would remind myself to celebrate my successes and enjoy how far I have come. Even these days, not everyone graduates from high school, and it's important to recognize yourself for your accomplishments. One thing that has kept me going through my hectic school and work schedule is the satisfaction of another semester done - but the treats I give myself help!
Houda
If I was able to go back to my senior year of high school I would've have given myself a lot of advice. Simple things such as to become more outgoing, and just go with the flow. Going to college is not that scary, meeting new people is for the better and that will lead you to bigger and better things. If I would have only got involved on campus quicker I could have done so much more. I would have also told myself that college is no joke, and when a professor recommends to read the chapter before you show up to class, to listen to that wonderful advice! Transitioning from one school to another is not so simple, especially if you were really attached to your high school like I was. As many high school seniors don't realize that college life will probably be the most hectic yet the most fun years of your life. But seeing that I can't really go back in time, I just hope to pass this message to my younger siblings one day!
Jennifer
I would remind myself to make a fresh start in college and to walk unto the campus with my head held high. Never be afraid to ask questions or give opinions. Study hard, but seek help when needed. Even with a learning disability, I can accomplish great things. Listen to the professors because their lessons will matter years after graduation. Meet many new people, because I never know who might become a life-long friend. Take advantage of what the university has to offer - relevant classes, guest lecturers, important seminars, clubs and organizations, community service - the opportunities are endless! Do not be afraid to get involved in new activities - anything is possible! College is the place to develop my talents and creativity. I will leave a mark on this school, just as the university will shape me. Now is the time to let my confidence and enthusiasm shine while this college helps me find new courage to face the future unafraid. Above all, enjoy the experience because the next four years will be unforgettable and REALLY fly by! I will leave the university a different person, hopefully well-prepared to begin the next chapter of my life. Good luck!
Aidan
HEY! JUST MAKE UP YOUR MIND ALREADY! You're good at the engineering thing, honestly. Yes, it is a lot of work, yes you love music too, but you have to put your time into a job regardless of what it is. You have to work hard regardless of what it is. The difference is that with the engineering degree, you put in less time getting the diploma and still make more money by putting the same time into your job.
You have most of the knowledge you need. Live in an environment that you can get good sleep in, and stay away from active social scenes. Go to community college first and transfer for the degree. Your first two years are FREE because you did good in high school that way. All of this Aidan, you have down pat. You just need to stop avoiding the Engineering path, because if you dont, then you end up spending three years at community college rather than the two you could have finished in.
One last very important note: DONT LET ADMINISTRATORS SHUFFLE YOU AROUND. School is a service industry and you are the customer. Demand answers and accept nothing less.
Hope
If I could go back to being a senior in high school knowing what I know now, I would have taken the initiative to being a better accountant. Scholarships are an issue that high school seniors do not really comprehend. They know if they have scholarship money than that reflects a good grade point average (most of the time), but college expenses go beyond books, and classes. There are living expenses (dormitory, eating, accessories for furniture, etc?), unnecessary items for wanting purposes (electronics, clothes, etc?), and activities students can find on big university campuses (spring break, restaurants, clubs, etc?). What I have learned is that textbooks and classes are not the only thing students have to worry about in regards to spending money. I had to learn how to spend wisely, and make sound decisions so I would not have money issues. Going back as a senior I would have mapped out how I would have saved and spent money so I would not end up broke. By investing into saving accounts, and pinching each dollar by purchasing used or cheap items would have prepared me for the cost of living for a four-year university.