Valdosta State University Top Questions

By the end of May, many seniors are begging to move on from high school. However, if I were to return to my high school during my senior year, I would tell myself one important thing to be prepared for while at college. There are many things that students today do not realize; many of them believe that there is one correct path that they must follow. Many students today are being thrust into a world for which they are not completely ready. Teenagers believe that they understand the full concept of growing up, but they do not understand all of the opportunities that come with it. The world is constantly asking for decisions on the spot, and teenagers do not understand that there is no right or wrong answer. There are merely different paths. While at a university, college, or technical institution, students must make their own paths, and each student’s path will be different. They will grow and transform into an adult who will have to make very important decisions. Because decisions help shape growth, I would ask myself two simple questions: Who are you now? Who do you want to be?

The advice I would give myself is to breathe, let go, and live. During high school, I stressed constantly. The thoughts of college, grades, parents approval, peer pressure, and social life is most teenagers main problem in high school. Preparing for college to be so hard, it wasn't. When I arrived, I was ready for the most stressful six years of my life. However, it turned out to be just the opposite. Although, it does have its stressful times. The biggest difference between high school and college life is stress! The social life was a breeze, I didn't have to try and fit in. Noone cares what you look like, the things you do, just be yourself and someone will come to adore you. I can breathe, take the biggest, deepest breaths, relieving stress. I don't have to worry about parents approval, and college, you are already here! I let go of everything in the past, high school is over. It isn't your life, in fact your life is starting now. My year and a half at this school, I learn how to live my life. Hard work will always matter, but your satisfaction matters more.

Courage and time management, are the two things that I would try to tell my high school self. So much more can be had in life if you have more courage and better time management. If I wasn't afraid of criticism and hard work so much I would be a lot further in life than I am. Yet, a lesson learned late is better than a lesson never learned. So I now am willing to do what I need to do to be successful for my family and myself so I'm going back to school. I need help financially and am asking for scholarships. Thank you for your consideration.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would give myself valuable advice like apply for many scholarships. Now that I'm in college money is tight, It's killing me, and I don't like asking my mom for money when she's struggling to pay the bills by herself. I have what it takes to win plenty of scholarships because I love writing and essays would not be a problem for me but at the time, I was not motivated my senior year of high school to actually search hard and apply for the right scholarships. I would also give myself advice on how to do better on the SAT math section, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't be in College Algebra. Lastly, I would advise myself on finding out why you want to major in a subject, it's easy to say "You want to become a doctor" but the real fact of the matter that every college student should know is why do you want to become a doctor? I didn’t find that out until my freshman year of college.

Ariel, you're a bright girl. You have a good head on your shoulders and was raised with good ethics and morals. Take the advice your parents have given you and utilize it. This is your time to prove to them that you are a young woman who is responsible enough to be in the world on her own. The study and social skills you will learn this year will benefit you in college. Don't hold so tightly to friends in high school; unfortunately, most of them won't be there in a year. Losing friends while transitioning into a new life is inevitable. Also, don't go to college in a relationship, because it won't work out. In college, be prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and change your life. The change is good, and I promise you'll love it. At the same time, you shouldn't be so anxious to get there. Senior year will teach you a lot so I encourage you to enjoy it--college isn't going anywhere. Don't worry, it'll be here before you know it. Hold tight to your dreams, for they are right around the corner.

If I were to go back in time to speak to my high school self, I would give her all the financial advice that I was never given. While some things about college life, such as getting used to the high pace of the classes or learning how to navigate campus must be learned first hand, financial advice is easy. When I first attended college I was a scared, financially ignorant 18 year old suddenly forced into making weighty financial decisions that will affect me for the rest of my life. I was essentially signing my life over when I signed the dotted lines for my student loans. I would go back and tell my high school self: don't sign over your future. There are other ways to pay for college that won't shackle you to a system designed to keep you in a place where you can barely afford to live from payment to payment. I would tell her to work harder and get better grades, because no one hands you a scholarship. There’s thousands of dollars in scholarship money but only one winner. Even free things have terms and conditions.

Peter, hey how are you doing? I am the future you! I have come with a alot of advice and words of encouragement. You have to listen closely and apply these words of wisdom to your lifestyle. I think it is time you start filling out scholarships because it is to late for you to recieve the Hope Scholarship. I know, I am sorry to tell you that, and If you dont start applying now you will not have enough loans or monetary support to make it to softmore year. It is very important you get a college degree and take care of your grandma who is getting ready for chemotherapy in the future. It is also about time you seek your counselor so you can recieve help on time management and tips on better study habits . Those are solutions to future problems that most 1st year college student and us deal with. Although before I leave you I need you to remeber that for every minute spent wisely is an hour earned. Which means avoid the temptations of campus life and do not invole yourself in activities that do not comfort you and your transition into the college life!

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would have plenty to say. First, I would tell myself to go Greek and join a sorority. That was the best decision I have made in college. It is the easiest way to make friends and become active in your school and community. I would also tell myself to live in the dorms on campus freshman year. I have made so many memories and close friendships through that experience as well. I would tell little Melissa to enjoy every moment because it goes by way too quickly, and these are the best years of your life. Next, I would tell myself as much as it hurts you have to dump your high school sweetheart. One, because he is not that sweet. Two, because bowlcuts are not socially acceptable in college. Finally reason three, because you do not need anything or anyone to hold you back from getting the most out of your college experience. I would like to remind myself that going out with your friends is important, but studying needs to fit in your schedule too. Lastly, stay true to yourself.

I have gotten many new experiences from my college experience. My favorite one is that everyone is nice here. In high school if you are a new student it is really hard to make friends because everyone is already in a "click" and many times the other students will not reach out to you to try and make you their friend. Here, in college, that is completely different. I am a very shy person, and when I got here I thought it would be very difficult to get new friends but it wasn't because on my first day I met several people who walked up to me and asked me questions about my major, and where I was from. At first I was kind of freaked out but then I came to realize that they were just wanted to know about me. Now they are some of my closest friends here at college.

From my college experience, I have acquired better analytical and social skills. Before entering Valdosta State University, I could have been easily described as being socially ackward. I was shy and did not converse with many people. Valdosta State University aided in my becoming of a more well-rounded person. I have acquired knowledge that I probably would not have gotten had I chosen to go anywhere. I have acquired friends, acquaintances, and mentors that I still keep in contact with today. Overall, I enjoyed Valdosta State University.