University of the Incarnate Word Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of the Incarnate Word know before they start?

Jessica

Given the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior would be an amazing opportunity, although I wouldn't change all that much about my decisions that I have already made. The major advice I would've given myself would be to apply for alot more scholarships and work alot more. I like the school that I am currently at, it's just that it is very expensinve like many universities are and I frown at the fact that my family and I stress about money. I would've told my high school self to work a whole lot more than I did and to work hard to get money for college. My grades are good and I just wouldn't want myself stressing out about financial problems, which brings me to the reason why I am writing this answer for this scholarship. Other than the financial advice, I would let my high school self learn everything on her own and to have fun.

Maximiliano

I would tell myself to work hard, save a lot of money and spend much more time looking for grants and scholarships to help me. I would also tell myself to study hard and stay confidant.

Michelle

"High school me, the whole life after high school thing wasn't as easy as I thought. I've been sent here from the future to warn you that your very existence depends on the choices you make during your senior year. No. Not really. But, I am here to help guide you along a more stress free path," I would begin saying to the more naive version of myself. Embracing the knowledge I know now I would have taken high school a little bit more seriously. Sure I was in honors, pre-AP, and AP classes, but I didn't take advantage of getting college credit while in high school. What was supposed to only be two years for an associates degree took 3.5 years as a full time student because I began college unsure of my major. Now I can say I am confident with the path I have chosen but transferring to get my bachelors is ending up as a 6.5 year degree. "Look high school me, study hard and pay for the exams to recieve college credit. Trust me, it will save you a great deal of time and money in the future."

Brighid

Make sure you know how to study - spend time every day looking over your notes. And, be sure to talk to people about the professors. Who you take the class from is just as important as what you take.

Rochelle

dont choose your school based on a sport, injuries and unexpected things can happen. make sure you can afford it. Dont just associate yourself with only your sport. Attend all classes. Be sure to have good communication with your roommate about expectations.

Ashley

Out of my college experience I have gained a lot of insight and information, I have become a better a person, become more involved and made wonderful friends. It has been valuable to attend college because it has put me a step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a teacher. Since I've been in college I have learned things I never even knew about the education field and it makes me all the more enthusiastic to finish school and start my career. Sine last fall when I first arrived at University of the Incarnate Word I have noticed that I have become a more responsible person and more active person. I helped one of my friends start a new organization and am currently the vice-president of that organization and I even joined a co-ed service fraternity. Through these activities I have become a more helpful and reliable person and I have made some of the greatest friends I have ever had. There is nothing like the college experience and I am so greatful that I am getting such a valuable once in a lifetime experience.

Erica

Throughout my college experience I've found that I need to open my mind and eyes more. Success isn't just going to come to me; I need to work for it. In high school, my teachers would haggle me for my assignments and give the students time to study in class. In college, I need to be more aware responsibilty for making time to study and turning in assignments on time. With three jobs, I have to organize my time and ensure I'm getting my work done in order to succeed. College has given me a challenge academically and mentally. The academic challenge has taught me to study more and analyze information beyond print words. I've learned that there is meaning behind the words so don't take them for face value. The mental challenge comes from striving to do better and believing in my work. If I don't believe in what I'm doing how can I expect others to believe in it? Ultimately I've grown as a person because of the academic and mental challenges college has given me, which are valuable tools to utilize in life.

Vanessa

I have learned that with excellent planning, organization, and time management, college can actually be fun, other than stressful and too much to handle. My college experience has been a success so far, and I am loving every minute of it. My planner is my special tool that comes in so much handy. I write all homework assignments and things that need to get done. This helps me prevent procrastination and allows me to stay on top of my education game. I am currently at 3.5 GPA and learned from my composition class that language is living, and from our President the sky is the limit. One particular meaningful experience that I gained was learning how to sew. In my interest to become a fashion designer, finally sewing was unexplainable and completely satisfying to me. Apparel is my favorite course. I also made two new friends whom I share each college day with. They are a blast and bring me happiness simply because they are just like me. Every lesson and experience gained is beyond valuable; I am developing into a more open minded and responsible adult. They bring me closer to accomplish my dreams and goals.

Corinne

My college expirence has allowed me to become envolved with others with the same interests. It has allowed me to learn from real world professionals, and potential employers. I have also obtained information about the current education reforms that are going to be put in place in future years for my state. Combined this is a powerful education with a small campus life, that will allow me to make my future class more prepaired for their futures. I have no doubt that my education at lackawanna will help future generations become better prepaired for their college educations.

Aimee

I've learned not to let others pressure you into a degree that you are not interested in. I'll be spending at least two more years at another college pursuing what I love. I don't regret going to UIW, I learned a lot of things about myself and working with others in a business environment, but if I had it to do again I would have followed my goals and not my family's.

Carlo

My professors have been a great resource, and I have been able to ask professors for professional advise. I have also gained valuable knowledge and experience. I have taken every opportunity that I could while at the university, and I believe I have been better for it.

Arianna

Out of my college experience I have learned a lot about myself. College has been a time to further explore the things I am interested in, try new things that I would have hesitated on before, and grow up as an individual. Since I knew my focus going into college, I have become involved in clubs and organizations that help me advance in my career path. I have also taken advantage of the various events available to me. I wanted to branch out and try new things so I have joined an intramural soccer team, been to multiple museums and accumulated an interest in photography, and am in the process of learning a new instrument. I have also learned independance and confidence by being forced to approach teachers for help and concerns, learning to make new friends, and attending events even if I am alone. I was always afraid of doing things alone, but now I can been thrown in a room with strangers and hold my head up high, start a conversation, and be myself around anyone.

Susana

Put alot of effort in all things, so later on you dont regret about things you didnt do, dont let laziness win you, so you can succed later in life.

Jill

If I could go back as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for so many scholarships and to look up different majors so I get a feel of what I might want to study. Deciding on a major is very difficult because there are so many to choose. Senior year and summer would be the best time looking over all majors and careers. Another thing I would tell myself would be to score high on the SAT tests because the higher your score, the more scholarship money you can receive.

Deanna

If I were to go back in time to see myself as a senior, I would first harass myself to fill out more scholarships and apply for everything I possibly could, not to dawdle, and take the matter seriously because there will be a time when I will not be able to afford luxuries. Then I would tell myself that the transition is not as difficult as most people say it is or rather as most young high schoolers think it will be. I believe I had prepared well enough my first year of college, seeing as I was miles away from the comfort of my home in an unknown city I had only visited on short occasions. I would also tell myself that my sister (a resident of the city where the university is located) will always be able to aid me when I cannot turn to anyone else and perhaps to rely on her a little more than I have. I would tell myself to get more involved in the college orientation and make as many friends as I could. It would be enough to just do what I did. I would end with ?Everything will be alright.?

Kathryn

save as much money as you can because you never know the hardships and money problems that you will have in the future , also apply for college ahead of time, and study as much as possible for the SAT tests.

Kaela

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself one thing. Don't slack. I learned the hardway that slacking off senior year became a bad habit that followed me to college. I wait, and wait, to finish an assignment until the last minute and then I am dead the next day and don't pay attention to my lectures. It's a double wammy. I am barely awake in class and I miss the important lectures in class. That is not the best I can do, and in high school I thought of it as a breeze. The only breeze is the wind of the slap in the face called reality caused. If I could change my slacking attitude in high school, I wouldn't have had the hard time adjusting to a tight study schedule in my first semester in college. I would have gotten higher grades and more sleep.

Daniela

When I was a senior in High school I always knew I wanted to go to college but my study habits weren't that great. If I could go back and give myself advice about college I would tell myself to do better academically and get in the habit of studying. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can get my hands on or that i qualify for at least because the school I am looking into is quite expensive and my parents can not be able to help me out financially. I would have also saved up all my money from my job because I would not be able to have a job right away at least. I would tell myself to pay attention to my parents when considering a less expensive school. I would have broadened my school options because I would have to take out loans. Then that is where the scholarships would be very helpful. It is never too late to apply for scholarships and if I knew it would be this easy I would have applied even before I started college.

Marisol

The most important piece of advice I would say over and over again to myself would be, "Try your best at everything and learn as much as possible!" I regret not trying hard enough to make the best grades I possibly could in all my classes because although I did learn a lot, many scholarships that give out more money require a higher GPA. I would also tell myself to get more involved in school and extracurricular activities. I could have made so many more friends and had many wonderful experiences if I wouldn't have been so shy and afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Lastly, I would tell myself to participate more in class and speak my mind and say what I felt. I could have gained much more confidence and been more of a leader if I would have spoken when I didn't understand something or knew the answer to a question. I had a wonderful high school experience, but if I would have done these few things, my experience would have been much more satisfying and I would be even prouder of myself.

AEbonee

If I could go back in time and talk to myself: I would tell my self to be more social with my peers, engage in more school activities, do more out-of-school voluteering, join a club, and be more focused on the material presented. I would be absolutely prepared for everything that I have encountered these past couple years, but i also wouldn't mind not saying anthing. Part of my journey and growth was made when finding and utilizing these tools. And, it has help me meet new and exciting people who feel the way I do.