University of South Alabama Top Questions

If I could give my younger self advice about the college experience, I would tell her to prepare earlier than I did. I would tell her not to wait for scholarships to come to her because a person has to go to them. I would encourage her to apply for jobs in the fall or spring instead of waiting until just before graduation because getting a good job early is important to financial stability in college. I would tell her that although attending class may be boring, it is essential to success in college. I would remind her to be prepared to get to class on time and to be there every time the class is in session because that is the most effective way for a student to learn. Otherwise, I would tell her to relax and to remember that moving off is not as big a deal as some people make it out to be. It is a new, invigorating experience that some people are not privileged to have. I would tell her to deeply appreciate the opportunity she is being awarded through a good college education.

College can be the most exciting yet painful experience of your life. I know that you are ready to get out of the house, but you are going to miss your family more than you think. Those scholarships you are not putting effort into filling out are what could make your transition so much smoother. Having school paid for means that you will have some spare money to go out with all of the wonderful friends that you are going to make next year. There are going to be nights when you want to go out and party because that's what everyone else is doing, but you also know that you have a huge test in the morning. The truth is, its college. There is something going on almost every night. Stay in some nights because those parties will only be fun for the night, however a good GPA will ensure you to have a more fun life with a better job than you would have had if you gone out partying every night!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her what I wish someone would have told me at that age. I would advise her to pursue her dreams no matter what. It's taken me 21 years to realize that the best gift you can give to yourself is your own support. So many people look to their parents, friends, and teachers for encouragement and approval; they ask what path they should take, what goals they should set, and what they should believe in. The truth is, all of the answers are already inside of you. All you have to do is discover them. Forget about what people think you should do, what they want you to do, what they expect from you. Know what your ambitions are, and believe in yourself enough to pursue them. The only thing stopping you from getting everything you want is yourself.

Angelica, High school passes in a blur. Enjoy every second of it. College life is different. It involves choices that you have to make, time management skills, dedication, concentration and the ability to stand on your own two feet. When you are wanting to make adult decisions in high school-just wait. It comes so fast. Being able to stand alone is your best trait but it does get lonely. Embrace the ability to make friends, join groups and don't be afraid to be different. You will make a difference but believing in yourself is that first step.

Grades are only temporarily important. The experience you have during your time at school is the long term importance. So enjoy every event possible, go to all the parties, make some mistakes, live life! Because now is the time to do so.

Looking back in retrospect of my high school self, I would tell myself to live life to the fullest and remember to breathe. Senior year I was so caught up in scholarship essays and resumes that I was missing out on life. I would tell myself that there is no need to worry about if I will be accepted to college or if I will receive more scholarships. Afterall, what has worrying ever changed? I would tell myself, "no you do not need that cute frame for your dorm because you will never be in there anyways." I would never question the food that my mother cooked but rather enjoy the luxury of a homecooked meal. I would spend every last minute with my bestfriends that I will soon be five-hundred miles away from. I'll hug my parents a little tighter and laugh a little louder. Overall, the stress of college approaching is only temporary. Once it begins, all of those worries will fade and the next chapter of your life will be halfway over before you realize it. Lastly, I would tell myself the best years of your life begin now!

Learn how to study and start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. My high school education did not prepare me for a higher education, so I had to teach myself. Studying is one of the most important things that you need to learn to do before you get into college. Studying has consumed my life since I moved to the University of South Alabama, but all I can think is that it will be worth it all in the end. Scholarships are another huge part of college. I would tell myself to start studying for the ACT sooner than I did and keep working to make a higher score. I would tell myself to work on my resume as much as possible-- the more the merrier.

I would have told myself to participate in more school activities, and to apply for more scholarships. Yes, i did get a full ride to a local community college, but i didnt get the oppurtunity to go to 4 year universities right after high school like most of my friends did. I envied them in a way, but they did put in most of the work and effort in order to be where they are now.

Thinking back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be overwhelmed by the amount of students that will be attending classes and on campus. I knew everyone in high school. While my college is not entirely too big, the sheer amount of students that are on campus at any given time is mind blowing to a high school student. College students crowd every place available: the library, the cafeteria, the classrooms, and they even parade in the streets like they are impervious to oncoming traffic. It can be difficult to get used to the huge student body. Also, students range in age from newly graduated high school students to people old enough to be my grandparents. College students are going to come from everywhere, from every walk of life, and have drastically differing views about the world. This experience can be daunting, but in the end, it is a rewarding experience that will not only benefit your future career, but also personal and professional relationships .

Honestly, I would give myself the advice to never give up on myself and never lose confidence and to always, ALWAYS try my best no matter what or who gets in my way.

I’m you from four years from now. There are a million things I could give you advice on, but most of it I know you won’t listen too. I will tell you that in the next few years you will change colleges, fight with financial aid, struggle in classes, realize that living with strangers stresses you out, fight with friends and your personal life will be in turmoil. Not all of it will be bad; the good will be really good. I want you to look at the people you call your friends right now. Most of them you will not talk to in four years from now; you won’t miss them either. So all of these things you are trying to do to impress them are useless. When you get where I am now, you are going to realize that you aren’t happy with yourself. So my advice to you is to stay true to yourself. Don’t try to fit in a mold. You can’t go anywhere in life if you do not accept yourself. You can only accept yourself if you are true to yourself.

In the event that I am able to travel back through time to the year 2002 and speak with my former self about college life, I will tell myself that college is for learning, but without occasionally setting aside time for relaxation, one may experience "burning out" or even depression. Do not relax too much, however, because hard work and dedication to the task at hand (learning how to be a good engineer) is paramount! For some the "best" option is to take some time after high school to join the work force and gain valuable knowledge and maturity. For others it is to continue their scholastic journey while they still have the mindset of a student. Choose wisely and be fanatic about that choice!

On the edge of embarking on this new adventure of college - the commencement of your adult life, allow yourself time to stop and really consider who you are and what your purpose is in this life. Be sure to make wise decisions about the future; decisions which are truly your own - not your parents, friends, or other advisors. Take into consideration not only the things at which you excel, but more importantly, the things for which you have a passion. For it is passion more than ability that will carry you through the rest of your life. Do keep yourself in balance, however. Do not allow the emotions of the moment to override the wisdom and intelligence that have gotten you to this point in your life. Enjoy college. Be involved in student activites, build life-long relationships, but do not ruin your chances of success with a lack of judgment or a moment of weakness. From this point on, every decision you make will effect not only your future, but the future of those around you. Be aware of your uniqueness; you were created with a special purpose in mind - it's up to you to live it!

Your almost out of high school, one of the most important rites of passage in society. You will soon be on a college campus with a great deal of freedom and enjoyment, but also more responsibilities. At this time in your life you will be responsible for every decision and every opportunity you consider. Along with education comes picking a major and career, many upcoming freshmen enroll with their mission of being the next doctor, engineer, or lawyer set in their mind; however it is alright to be undecided your first year, explore your options. College is imagined in the social light rather than the educational aspect in the eyes of high school students. The social events such as football games are fun and memorable, but joining different organizations is just as fulfilling in enjoying your free time. My early years of college I was not as active in organizations as I should have been and it became apart of my regrets. On true beginning of being an adult meet as many good friends as possible. Mainly, through all the excitement and chaos of college keep in mind the reason why your there and experience college to the fullest. .

My college experience has exposed an insatiable interest to further my schooling and pursue my field of interest since completing my undergraduate degree. I fully expected my college experience to be an accomplishment of one simple goal: receiving my diploma. That quickly became an afterthought when I realized I was no longer looking at my schooling as a "reaching the finish line" undertaking, but more of a "What will I learn today?" experience. December 2010 marked two years since the completion of my undergraduate degree, and my appetite for more schooling has increased ten-fold as I find myself reminiscing on past classroom experiences. I lend this desire to my acquired academia at the University of South Alabama. I am eager to begin schooling again and with hopes that an opportunity will grant itself a window for me in the near future to accomplish this goal. I can only hope it will hold the many positive facets that my undergraduate experience at the University of South Alabama has granted me.

That its alot better than high but its a much easier way to get a job. Because most jobs now req. you to have a degree so thats why its valuable to attended college and i recommmend everybody who doesn't have a degree in anything to go or go back.

I have just finished my first semester of college and I have gotten a lot out of it College is a great experience. Its a chance to meet new and different people. The classes themselves are interesting and enrollimg in alioberal arts program at a 2 year college is a great idea for those who arent so sure about what they want to do. Even though I know what I want to do it still is a great program to be in.

College has been the best and most important experience of my life so far. It has allowed me to experience what it is like to be on my own and how to be independent and responsible. Socially college has allowed me to interact and learn from people of different backgrounds and cultures that have different customs and values. Also I have been able to make social connection with professors which is has helped me through college and I believe will help me in my professional career. The most important social connections I have made though are with my friends. The friends I am making now will be lifelong friends that will be a great support system throughout my life. After starting college I feel I better understand what is going on in the world around me. It has allowed me to grow and mature into a confident adult and has given me the tools and support I need to succeed. The experiences I have had in college are invaluable for it has taught me life lessons and has given me lifelong connections. College has been an essential stepping stone for me from being a teenager to being an adult.

The top two things I have gotten out of my college experience would be studying abroad and time management skills. Studying abroad changed me forever and it is without a doubt my favorite thing that I did while I was attending my 4-year undergraduate school. It has opened my eyes to the world and different cultures as well as made me realize things about my own culture. It has also opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities for my career path. Another valuable thing about my college education is learning how to manage my time and juggle multiple projects at once. Over the years I have steadily gotten better at this and my confidence in my ability to keep up with a fast paced job has increased.

Becoming a published author is difficult and time consuming, with many people competing for the same end result. Therefore, developing my skills over that of the competition will get me closer to my goal and increase my chances of success. Obtaining a degree in philosophy will not only provide me with a wide knowledge base of subjects and material on which to write, but also give me practice and feedback on my written communication, thus setting me at an overall advantage. I will gain exposure to matters on which I am not versed, expanding my knowledge base while being molded into a well-rounded individual. These attributes are necessary in reaching my goal of becoming a published author of non-fiction in the humanities. It is because of this that I have recently decided to continue my education in the hopes of turning my passion for writing into a lucrative career.