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.
Roger
I would encourage myself to become more focused in a hurry. It seems that when thinking back in time during my Senior year, that I was completely caught up in sports and enjoying my Senior year, that I really didn't focus enough on academics. This advice to myself would have really helped me lay a platform to build upon for the next level of education.
College is not easy an takes a lot of time management that most high school students do not really need to graduate from high school. By focusing on academics during my high school year, I would have given myself more critical thinking advice that would focus more on academics to prepare myself for the my future education.
Ashley
As a senior in high school, I worked three jobs and went to school full time. Just a few months after high school graduation I got married. Looking back, I would have told myself to focus more on my classes and my grades, as well as saved more money for college and applied for more finanical aid. For me, going to college wasn't the rough part. I loved college and didn't have a hard time transitioning at all. The problem was having enough money to pay for it and the books. Another thing I would say is to not overload yourself with classes. College classes means a lot more work than high school classes - just because you had seven classes in high school and worked three jobs, doesn't mean you can take six college classes and work a full time job.
Suzie
I would have told myself there are going to be a lot of distractions on a large campus. I need to stay focused and not let those distractions get in the way of my education.
Jeannette
The advice to myself as a senior, knowing what I know is to plan and make an educational and a financial map for the next four years. Prepare by searching out every grant available and make a budget. Make sure before applying for a school to check the schools scholarship opportunities; some applications must be turned in before applying to the school. Attend a regionally accredited community college and then transfer to a university. Attending a community college first a smoother transition into college and cost less, therefore the grant money will cover for more classes. Furthermore, sell the books back immediately upon completing the class and reward yourself with that money by buying the book for the next class or a school sweater. Maintain the best GPA possible; this will help to qualify for more grant money when needed. Keep persistent making college a priority. Only get one credit card. Use it sparingly to build credit and for emergencies. Do not apply for department store credit. Reference and update the educational and financial map to stay focused. This financial map will help you graduate incurring less debt. Most important it will give you direction on your educational journey.
scott
Begin with the end in mind. Find out what you can really be passionate about as early as possible and spend the precious time and fiscal resources on developing that passion into a viable life?s work. We spend far to much time in our careers to do something we do not like and with some preparation, and honest self evaluation , we will better serve our own needs as well as provide better service to our fellows.
Araceli
What you have ahead of you is a very important time in your life. Don't underestimate it, but more importantly, don't underestimate yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it whether it be from your counselors, your teachers or your family and friends, and even God. Now is your time to shine and you can shine, but you must not be afraid to shine. You should not be ashamed that others will not shine with you. You should not be ashamed that others will have to be a shadow, but you must learn wisdom. Wisdom is not accomplished over night, but learned day by day by a daily search, need and want for it. Life stands ahead of you, ready for you to take it. Death stands by your side as a reminder that it can have you at any time. Love is there to make it all worth while from kindred spirit to cherished soul you are the nectar from which they receive thier sustanance. Keep this in mind and you cannot fail.
Cheryl
When I was a high school senior, everyone seemed to think I knew what I wanted in life and declined to offer any feedback, including school counselors. Since I didn't feel that anyone had anything of value to offer regarding academic advice, I followed my own ideas regarding my academic focus and planning. As a result, I floundered and faltered and received only feedback from people who did not support my success. As a result, I ended up dropping out of college and settling for accomplishing expectations that were not my own.
If I could give any words of wisdom and advice to myself as a high school senior, they would be to seek and listen to the guidance of academic advisors, along with the dreams of my heart. Since those dreams involved helping others, having the academic guidance to help keep them alive would have enabled me to successfully complete my education and pursue the career of my choice and heart.
nichol
In the past while still in high school I goofed off alot and didnt take my grades as serious as I should. I didnt do any scholorships and I didnt take the SAT/ACT. After high school I moved away from home and eventually 4 years later got married and started a family. My best advice I would give myself is to not take the little things for granted. Education is not easy but it is a neccessity to get somewhere in life. I would have done better with my grades, took more time to look and apply for scholorships and most importantly I would have been more serious about education. From a broader perspective I would have started college soon after graduating high school because while all my peers have careers I have nothing at the moment.
Gloria
Remember that education is the best thing that will help one to have quality of life. Going to a higher institution of learning enables one to take life one step at a time. College can be fun without drinking and partying. Time management is the key to learning. Time management allows for de-stressing of academic challenges. Remember to not put a price tag on education---there is none! If one runs into a challenge, do not take it personal...this is part of the learning process. Remember that going to college is a place where one goes to learn and not to get away from home. Education is a powerful tool if one knows how to use it! Ask for help, when faced with a hurdle you cannot jump---there is no shame.
Dexter
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing I would tell myself is to be strong and hold on to the dreams that I once had. Although colleges are to be institutions of "higher learning", there are many people there that can and will bring you down if you let them. You have to stay strong and fight for any and everything you believe in. Secondly, I would tell myself to take more care in managing my finances. A big part of becoming an adult is finances and learning how to manage them. It is vital to make good financial decision in college because your decisions there could affect your everyday life after graduation. One word. SAVE.