University of Montevallo Top Questions

I would tell myself to be sure of what I was doing and not jump at the place with the prettiest campus and smallest classrooms. I should have taken every chance I got to apply at different schools and for evey scholarship I could find. Comfort is important and nobody wants to be somewhere that they feel out of place for four years but that is not the only thing to look at. Everyone tells you that there is money out there and you can always get loans or grants. Other people make it look like the easiest thing in the world. It isn't. It is stressful, terrifying, and exhausting but in the end it will be the best decision of your life. All of the stuff you go through and debt you put yourself in for four whole years will make you the person you want, no, you deserve, to be.

Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed as a student. Allow yourself to thrive, to be challenged and to evolve. Give back to students, community and the environment. And never give up on your goal to obtain an education- persistence and committment will allow you to graduate. How do I know this? I have put myself through school without having a supportive family or parents. You can change your life if you believe you are worth it. Good Luck!

Get ready! You're about to take a crazy, awesome journey to a completely new world. I know, it is stressful, but it is truly not as bad as it seems in your head! Instead of worrying, focus on all the cool people you're about to meet, and how much you're about to learn! Stop getting annoyed when people ask "where are you going to college" or "what are you doing with your life" because, let's face it, it's going to happen forever, especially when you're in college. Please take a self-defense class because campuses are dangerous. Make sure you are educated on safe-sex and drugs. Even if those are not things you're in to at all, you will be surrounded by it more than you can prepare for. Don't forget that you are going to college for an education. Education must always come first, but don't forget to be social. Join clubs, sit with new people at meals, and go to parties! Most of all, don't forget about your parents! They made this possible, so don't be ashamed to kiss your Mom goodbye on move-in day.

During my senior year, although I could not wait to graduate, I was extremely terrified of the college experience. I was worried about making friends, acing my classes, and finding where I belonged. I spent the weeks leading up to moving in constantly thinking and wondering what would happen when I moved out and how I was going to make it without my family and friends. Finally after two short summer months it was time to move in at the college of my dreams. I moved in and it didn't hit me that I was a college student until the first day of classes. Before I knew it I had friends, had aced my first few tests, and had found exactly where I belonged. If I could go back to the months leading up to college I would tell myself not to worry about the unknown. I worried for no reason. The college experience can be extremely intimidating and scary, but if you believe in yourself and work hard you can achieve and succeed in anything you put your mind to.

My senior year of high school, I had to have extensive surgery on my left calf/ankle/foot. There are many things that I wish someone would have told me then, and if I could go back in time to that year, I would tell myself three things: "You aren't alone," "Never Give Up," and, "Have fun." Since I was in a wheelchair for five months during the school year, and unable to participate in many things, I felt very alone, and abandoned by friends. It felt as though no one wanted to be my friend anymore, when in reality I still had three good friends, that still wanted to hangout with me. I would say "You aren't alone" and "Have fun" to myself then, so that I could see that I still had friends, and would not have been nearly as depressed. I also would say to my self, "Never Give Up," because I greatly wanted to then. I had so much make up work to complete, was in a wheelchair, and was at a very dark place. It is always nice to be reasured to keep moving foward when you are at such a dark place.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give the advice that college is a big world. I would teach myself as I graduate high school and take on college there are many new responsibilites that I will have to take on, and there is nobody to there to catch me when I fall because I am an adult now. I would tell myself to learn better studying and note taking methods as there is no easy study guide to help you fly through the test. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships early to avoid student loans. Lastly, I would tell myself that when things get tough do not give up because at the end of all the studying, misssing home, and adult responsibilites it will all be worth it.

My advice would be to start your education at Montevallo instead of school hoping. To complete your degree before getting married and having kids. Live a little more. Explore the world and to take advantage of every opportunity the world has to offer. Don't try so hard to grow up so fast, because once you start living life as an adult you will never get the chance to be a kid again. You are capable of doing a great many things, just belive in yourself. When times get hard know that you are an overcomer. The world is yours to master. Overall to remember to laugh, love, and live

Looking back, I wish I had taken more chances. It took me until junior year to become involved in SGA and theatre, and they are where some of my fondest memories took place. By reaching out to these unfamiliar places of my high school, I was able to connect with people I had never even really known existed. I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a place in the (literal) spotlight and I thrived there. I wish I had been involved more - done show choir or taken a semester of Family & Consumer Science. By focusing so much on grades, I missed out on opportunties that are no longer just there for the taking. Being more involved could have helped me to not make the decision to live off campus, which is stressful. College is for learning, but knowing how to let loose is also important to life.

First of all, I would have tried a little bit harder in high school so I could have had more scholarship money coming in. At that point I would tell myself to be who I want to be and forget about what everyone else thinks.

Oh goodness... I would tell myself to take academics more serious. Now that I am a college student struggling to pay all the expenses coming my way, I regret not trying my best. I had the mentality of a typical senior, senioritis was kicking in full force, so all I thought about was that bell ringing at 3 oclock each day instead of my school work.

I would tell myself that making friends comes naturally andnot to fret so much about it. College is a hard transition to make

Looking back, I would have a lot to say to myself as a high school senior. But something I’d stress above all else is to stop worrying. During my senior year of high school I worried constantly about college. Would I make friends? Were my classes going to be difficult? Was I going to have fun? I didn’t know what to expect; both of my parents never attended a university, so I didn’t have much of an idea of what it was going to be like. Once I stepped onto campus and sat through my first class, I stopped worrying. It isn’t hard to make friends if you’re open to people. The classes aren’t difficult if you work hard and don’t procrastinate. And setting aside time to have fun and attend school events helps ward off potential boredom. After all the anxiety I felt about college, it turned out being the best thing that I could have chosen for myself.

Don't be afraid to talk to people. Most people are willing to meet someone new. Try to come out of your shell a little, and go to events and clubs. Feel free to sign up for every club. Yo don't have to go to every meeting, and you can figure out which organizations you are best suited to. IF you do run for officer in any clubs, be warned that it's a lot of work. It's very rewarding, but you will take a lot of time and effort being an officer. Don't slack off, but take time for yourself, and take time to relax. College is probably nowhere near as hard as your parents say. Take as many naps as you want because you'll earn them. Never take your friends forgranted. Still love the friends you made at home, but get a new friend group (or groups) at college. You will thrive more if you allow yourself to meet new people, hear new ideas and learn new materials. You don't have to agree with everyone, but you do have to know why you stand for something.

High school is the starting point for your college career, so you need to do your best at all times. Your junior and senior year are the most critical years in high school. Colleges really start looking at your success and goals when you enter junior year, and they start making decisions about you during your senior year. I suggest applying yourself and joining clubs to set yourself apart from everyone else. When you are accepted to the college of your dreams, then the next step is transitioning into the college lifestyle. Go to college events and make new friends. There are many events that colleges host, so pick the one that suits you the best. Also, visit your new town and become familiar with your surroundings. These are the best days of your life. Give your 100 percent in everything you do, because the sky is the limit.

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I would defiantly take the step going into college more serious, it was a good transition but things could have been different.. then again who gets through a swamp without the proper boots.

Don't change a thing! You picked the best school and the best people to be around! Just maybe don't pack as many clothes and shoes, but other than that, don't change a thing!

Dear High School Self, I understand that right now you are trying to study for your ACT , find the right college, and fill out scholarships . However you are forgetting one thing that you will need in a few months, and that is a job. It would be really great if you went out and started looking. Start applying everywhere and anywhere. Just take a little time off of your busy schedule and see where they are hiring. However do not let this distract you from your studies. That is more important than anything right now. Also keep studying for the ACT and take it over and over again until you cannot stand the site of another test. You might not get the perfect score but you will get a good score, so keep trying. Hey, by the way you need to know that you can do anything you put your mind to. Please, please, please, stop doubting yourself. You can go anywhere you want to, so keep your head straight, and try you hardest. It might take you a while but I promise, you will get there. By the way your hair looks nice cut short. Sincerely, Graduated Self

Do not choose to go to a junior college. I have loved my college experience at Montevallo, and I wish i started out there. Also take grades more seriously and do not just try to get by. The last advice I would give myself is save your money. Do not spend it on junk. Just have fun college is a one time thing (for me) so enjoy it.

Take more time to apply for scholarships and and plan ahead. Don't be afraid of college.