Paige
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that it is very important to study the material that I am given during my High School years and to do well so that I could have a good GPA. One important thing that I have learned during my time at USC Salkehatchie, is that it is very easy to get distracted and mess up your classes and very hard to pull back up from that loss. GPA's mean a lot especially in a competitive program like the nursing program I am currently in. I wish I would have focused more on my GPA earlier on to make these semesters that I am taking now easier on me. It is important to focus, do your work, and party later because these years go by very quickly and you can find yourself down the road with nothing to show for it if you don't remain determined and motivated to advance in your education and ultimately your career.
katie
I would tell myself to take it slowly, lower all your expectations, get out there and become invloved in new and exciting groups, make friends. dont wait to opportunuities to fall in your lap, make your dreams come true. stay connected to your family and friends who know the true you, do the things that make you happy. realize that nobody is perfect, and your are going to have good and bad days. some professors are going to stink, but it is all a learnign process. for God sakes, wait for love and dont rush into it. once you fall in love, it is impossible not to let it tank your life.
Courtney
If I could go back to myself as a senior in high school, there is much advice I could give myself knowing now what I did not know then. Firstly, I would recommend I participate in the dual enrollment program offered at my high school which allows students to take a college course and earn college credit. This would have given me an idea of what college is like and allowed me to prepare myself. I would also tell myself to do your very best on every assignment and test in order to boost my GPA. Finally, I would apply for more scholarships. A high GPA and applying for more scholarships would benefit me in college. The scholarships would improve my writing abilities as well as potentially cut down tuition costs. If I knew then what I know now, I would be more prepared for college life.
Dylan
Dylan,
I've been in college now for a year. It is definitely different than I thought it would be. Man, I can tell you this, I was not prepared! I wish I would have paid more attention to my teachers and my advisor during high school. I just didn't take them as serious as I should have. I just wanted to enjoy my senior year. I had looked forward to being a senior for so long, but I didn't really realize the importance of it, or my junior year, really. I sure had fun and made lots of memories, but I did not prepare myself for the work I had ahead at college. If I could go back, I would form better study habits and I would watch that thing, you know what it is, my GPA. That's right, my Grade Point Average. I would try harder to make my GPA higher. I sure enjoyed the football games, the girls and the fun I had with all my friends. As I look back, though, I would concentrate more on my grades and my future and actually listen to my parents, teachers and guidance counselor. Listen, Dylan!
Brianda
If i would go back in time, the advice i would give myself would be not to procrastanate in my work. To get my work done ahead of time and not the night before. Also to get my priorities straight and keep my education first. As well as keeping all my grades up so that my GPA does not go down and have to lose any scholarships because school is first. Another advice that i would give myself would be to get involved more on campus, such as clubs and sorority's.
Desirae
Looking back on my old high school self, if I could give myself advice, it would mainly be to not procrastinate, and be on time. Those two things are key during the college experience. Professors wait on no one, and with all of the other students, it's so hard to get individual accomodations made. Time is the most important thing that cannot be gained back once lost. In high school I was able to accomplish the task of doing homework and assignments at the last minute and receiving good outcomes, but in college I've learned that it's better to get work done early.
KAYLYNN
College life. Wow what a difference. When in high school we all thought it was pointless for the teachers to try to "prepare" us for college. However, I could not offer more advice than to listen to rhem and follow their advice, each one of them has attended college to teach you. The amount of work, time, and the fact of your freedom become a large burden in college. The homework amount you are issued is much more than most high school courses. College provides a learning experience and many of us should take advantage of it. Be aware that you are on your own and paying for your education, this makes you responsible for your education. Not many professors will let you take the easy way out of things, you are responible for you. College is a free for all it is what you make of it. College education is a great experience, you meet new people, lifetime friends, and all the while you obtain an education to one day better yourself. College is a big difference from high school, the only advice to offer is to never lose focus on your goals, dreams and most importantly yourself.
Justin
I would give myself advice on studying tips and also I would tell myself that I need to study as much as I can when I go into college because it will be much more difficult than that of high school.
Twanna
I have gotten many things out of my college experience the most helpful being tips about the real world. Teachers at this institution will help you understand what its like in the real world after college graduation and help you deal with it.
Vanessa
As a college student, I was able to successfully complete my Associate's degree which is transferrable to UCF. My classrooms never consisted of more than 35 students allowing me to create personal, informative relationships with my professors. I participated in a service abroad program which strengthened my love for travel and journalism. My school's service learning program provided me the chance to do something out of the ordinary while still learning course material and practicing Spanish as a second language. Visiting another country also made me realize the significance of being a student and working hard to learn about the world around me. The children in DR were not given the chance to attend school and are living a life of poverty and manual labor. School can open so many doors for them, and I am fully aware of the doors it has opened for me.
My college career has been invaluable to me as it has created an environment in which I was able to meet influential people in my community, gain better understanding for what I hope to achieve with my degree, and get real world experience while still under the wings of knowledgable professors.
Jack
I am planning to transfer to a larger school next year, so this year has allowed me to raise my GPA and to get accustom to college life. USC Aiken isn't far from my family and it allows me to come home on weekends.
Aime'e
I started my current program 12 years ago. I always knew obtaining a college education could benefit me and the people around me. Although I acertained skills while working on the job, I always knew I wanted to go back to get my degree. I knew how to do things but I wanted to know what did it mean, why, and what do I do if something went wrong. I could only obtain that kind of information in a school setting. I also obtained hands-on skills that was not available in most on-the-job situations . I have met people that I will probably cross paths with in the future and could be mutually beneficial. My college professors were very instrumental in me doing well in school. I took full advantage of their help and the advice they offered to me, which as a younger student I did not. I have gained knowledge and experience that will take me through my career and the rest of my life.
Kiamesha
As a current college student I have received the gift of a higher learning and a better state of understanding. Throughout my high school years I was taught to learn and retain the material; however, in college I have been taught not only learn the material, but to apply and use the knowledge I have learned in the classroom to enhance my life. Also, throughout my current college experience, I have learned how to think critically. Thinking critically is something I was never challenged to do before college. I believe these things are very important because when I start my career and my boss asks me a question, I cannot tell him or her to wait until I finish flipping through my textbook to find the answer, I will have to respond on the spot and learning to think critically will allow me to do so. The education I am receiving in college will enhance the quality of my life and that value is beyond measure, even though I have not received a degree to start my career, I have learned a new way to think and a better opportunity to live.
Renee
Attending classes at the local junior college has been enlightening. I realize that you don't have to be fresh out of high school to continue your education. I've joined the newspaper and really contributed to campus. As a ROS, I get to see how the younger generation goes about treating the world. I also now know that respect is essential to a successful life.
Terri
During my first year at USCA, I have made many new friends that I will hopefully always have. Most of the professors I had were great and taught at a good pace and explained things very well. USCA's campus is small, but makes you feel at home. with all the trees, to provide shade and flowers in the springtime. I have found it valuable to attend USCA because it was close to home but I still get the feeling of "the college life" as people say.
Jessica
My college has opened my mind and heart to several new and exciting opportunities I would have never encountered had I not attended USCA. First off, I joined the Equestrian Club my freshman year then was elected Club President. In one year I took the club to Club-Sport level, the first and only club-sport at Aiken. We then were able to join the IHSA and gain Team status. This opportunity allowed for me to join and head several other organizations on-campus, such as Enrollment Planning Committee, Out of State Recruitment, Orientation Committee-Freshman Student Orientation Leader, Student Nurses Association, etc. I recently was elected as a member of the Student Alumni Association, which has allowed me several opportunities to work with alumni in my industry and network for student employment opportunities, as well as future job endeavors. Through these opportunities and club involvement, they opened my eyes to volunteering, where I currently serve as a volunteer at a local hospital, healthcare clinic, and equine rescue program. USCA has offered me more opportunities that I could have ever asked for. I love USC Aiken!!
Susan
I have learned so much in college already and not just academically. Having classes with such a diverse group of people and interacting with them has made me so much more accepting of people who are different from me. I have changed alot since I started college, but for the better. The teachers and fellow students have taught me to be myself without fear of judgement and accept others without judgement. I have found that I can express myself artistically and I've discovered so much more about myself that I didn't know before. My college experience is extremely valuable to me to help guide me to that place I belong in the world. To help me discover myself, my interests, and to help me acheive my goals. I am continuing college to better prepare me for life in the workplace, and to continue interacting with others outside of my normal social group. I look forward to meeting and getting to know more people while continuing to discover more about myself as I strive to achieve my goals and set an excellent example for all those I come across in life.
Meagan
Coming into my freshman year of college, I honestly didn't know what to expect and was surprsised find some trhings out. I have learned the true meaning of independence and budgeting within reasoning. I believe the hardest part of attending college for the first time is the physical, mental, and emotional adjustment that has to take place. Adjusting was a very hard thing for me due to the complex curriculm that was given to me. I had to learn effective time management and how to take the iniative in getting what I need, whether it be tutoring or any extra help. Overall, my college experience has been a great learning phase as I began to find out more and more interesting facts about myself. College honestly gives you the growing and maturing push that is needed in everyone's life at some point in time.
Staci
While attending the University of South Carolina-Aiken, I have realized the tremendous importance of education in a person's life and how valuable it is to be open to many new and possibly intimidating experiences. I will admit that in high school, I did not reach my full potential. My college experience, however, has changed the way I think about education. Now, I actually WANT to learn more and do as well as I possibly can. College has opened my eyes to many issues in the world and pushed me to be more inquisitive about these issues. This past semester, I took a Spanish course, and it made me realize that I want to learn more about other languages and cultures. I also took an English course that emphasized on being able to switch "lenses" and look at things through different views. These are just a few of the things I've gotten from this university. As if this is not enough, I also have met many different, diverse people and made new friendships with people who have added to my learning experience. Overall, I love the University of South Carolina-Aiken and never want to leave!
Erica
My college experience has allowed me to have the career I have now as a dental hygienist. However, it is even more valuable for me to continue on in my education so I can advance in my career. My ultimate goal is dental hygiene education, and that is why I am pursuing a Master's Degree. I believe lifelong learning is important for everyone and I want to be able to prove that to my future students. Attending college not only prepared me for the job market, it also taught me discipline and responsibility. I'm not just getting an education, I'm learning life's lessons along the way which is extremely valuable.