Monica
I have made my kids proud and it is very valuable to me cause i am being a good role model for my children
LAWANH
I LEARNED THAT COLLEGE IS ABOUT PLANNING AND KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO. COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE AND WHEN YOU PLAN RIGHT, YOU CAN FINISH, GAIN THE EXPERIENCE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY NOT WORRY ABOUT THE DEBT THAT WILL FOLLOW YOU FOR YEARS TO COME UNLESS A MIRACLE HAPPENS. THAT IS THE UGLY TRUTH BUT COLLEGE IS SOMETHING PEOPLE SHOULD INVEST IN ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG. START IN HIGH SCHOOL AND PLAN YOUR WAY FROM THERE. MANY HIGH SCHOOL OFFER DUAL CREDIT COURSE AND IF YOU CAN GET THE GEN EDS OUT OF THE WAY, IT WILL MAKE IT A LOT EASIER TO REACH YOUR GOAL. THAT IS WHAT MY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME, I HAVE LEARNED FROM MISTAKES AND TAKING BREAKS. I KNOW THAT A YEAR OR TWO OFF IS WHEN YOU FALL BEHIND. THAT IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO ATTEND SCHOOL WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG BECAUSE THAT IS THE TIME WHEN YOU HAVE THE LEAST RESPONSIBILITY IN MOST CASES.
Alexxa
I have been able to learn more about human services, and many other subjects, through my education. I grew up in Foster Care and have had many jobs in the field. Going to school has helped me to learn things at a deeper and more specific level. The most valuable thing that I have attained in attending college is empowerment. I grew up in a negative enviornment and will be able to use my education to help others. I know it sounds cliche but after growing up in the system it is empowering to use my experiences to empower others. Without a degree I have struggled finding jobs because most positions in the field require at least a BA. It has been a long road but now that I almost have my BA I look back at all I have learned. Getting an education will ensure I can continue to move forward in my life and be an example to other current or former foster youth.
India
Thus far my vocabulary has significantly expanded. In addition, I have obtained general knowledge allowing me to fluently participate in educated conversations amongst my peers. Prior to attending college this was something I found myself lacking in. My writing skills have developed into one of a college educated individual. This has recently assisted me with composing a resume and cover letter for job applications. Also with composing essays for scholarship applications.
Being a college student has also tought me to be well organized. This seems to be half the battle with attending school. For example, if all things have a place it saves me time finding them, remembering assignments, and loyality to being timely for classes. I am proud of my current accomplishments achieved through my collegiate experiences.
Attending Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida opened the door for me to meet many individuals, developing lifetime friendships. I treasure the valuable relationships developed. Completing college will provide me with superior employment opportunties versus one that will not further their education. All these values combined have made me a well-rounded individual , and one day I will attain a career in my desired field of interest.
Evelyn
My college experience has been life changing and uplifting at the same time. I was not able to attend school in a long time due to financial reasons and scheduling conflicts. I decided last summer to begin taking classes online to get the education I want and deserve. Finally, I took the first step and contacted the University of Phoenix. I found it convenient to go to school online and be able to travel and attend classes at the same time.
Attending the University of Phoenix has allowed me to view the things that are important to me and prioritize my goals. I have made more solid decisions and learned to manage my time more effectively. Also, I have learned to organize my daily tasks in order to meet deadlines with school and work. Overall, I have been productive and have developed a much more positive outlook.
Amber
First of all, the best thing you are going to do with your decision of going to college is to take a year off. You are an extremely strong, motivated, and dedicated person so you will definitely go back to school. I cannot really describe to you how it will be living on your own. It is definitely difficult and will be a bit of a rude awakening, but just remember you are going to do just fine. The money that you have saved up now will come in very handy. DO NOT spend it foolishly. There are programs available and scholarships available so make sure you are always on the look out for such things. Once you finish your first A.A.S Degree, try to enjoy the work you do. That will be difficult, but one thing that will change our path that I recommend you do, get back into school immediately for our Bachelor's Degree. Please do not wait too long. You'll see why.
Cassandra
I would tell myself to apply for grants and scholarship well before reaching my senior year. I would also say countinue your education straight from high school and not take a break because it is hard to start back once you become adjusted to not going to school. Don't make the mistake of trying to get a job and starting a family before getting my career and schooling accomplished first. Get your degree!! Don't get distracted, Keep your eye on the prize if you want to be successful!!
vanessa
I would tell myself to make myself and my future my top priority. I would encourage myself to take advantage of services for students at my campus and not to be afraid to reach out for help academically and emotionally. I would tell my former self not to be so independent and strong-headed. I would tell myself to try harder and not be afraid of failure, as long as I know that I did the best that I could. I would just hope that I would take my own advice.
Bryan
The advice I would give myself in the last year as a senior in high school is be ready. I say that because once you walk across that stage ther's no more mommy and daddy over you to make sure your'e getting the job done. Staying on task is the main key in college. it's nothing how you think it is untill you notice ther's no one to walk you through the steps for anything what so ever. Although, being in high school was fun and now it's exciting to get out and check out the real world for yourself to see if you can handle it. Being an adult doesn't make you popular or anything positive, It makes you independent and ready for you to make your own decisions in life. I can only say, Do your best as possible from day one to the last day of it all and never give up because making it this far ain't worth stoping now. I would only add on to my senior year to make me more of a better person than I was in high school. That is what I will change.
Sharon
I will need to be disciplined. No one is going to be looking over my shoulder and reminding my about the assignments that are due. Being on time for class is a must; it sends a message to the instructor and your fellow classmates, you are serious about your education and there to learn. If late, teacher may lock the door and give bonus points (worth a quiz grade) to those in class for being on time. Teachers hate distractions. Reading the assigned readings and writing notes is a plus in understanding the information being presented in lecture and prepares you to participate in classroom dicussion or ask questions you may have after reading (teachers love when students read). College is not a continuation of hight school. You must now put away childish ways and allow your actions to be thoughs of a responsible young adult. Your actions speak volume.; they are a representation of you. The teachers and staff of a college or university do all they can to help you graduate, but you must want it (have a mind to achieve). The only person keeping you from attaining your goal is you.