Valencia College Top Questions

I have always loved school, but when I graduated highschool, I wasn't ready to enter the "world of College." For a good two years, I slacked around with school, taking one class here and one class there and not really caring about it at all, or all the money I was wasting. Finally I got my act together and busted my chops to get an A.A degree in two semesters! If I could go back to 2006, I would tell myself just to go into school and just get it done, because you don't realize how much time you can waste. I could have been graduated by now from a 4 year university and starting my career. Also, I would tell myself to just take it slow in college and enjoy myself. Get involved with campus activities, go to a football game and just enjoy life. If you miss out on your college experience as a young adult, you can never get that back.

It is ironic to think that if I could have known what I know now four years ago maybe I would have done things a little differently to prepare for college, which should be also thought of as the beginning of the rest of your life. As a senior in high school, I seemed to have my mind on everything else except college, not that I did not plan to go to college but I was afraid of rejection and failure so I played it safe. If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, I think it would be to have more confidence in myself. I had the good grades, I took the right classes, and I even had good SAT scores but I was so afraid of failing that I settled. Therefore, if I could go back I think my exact words of advice I would tell myself would be, ?Danielle you have so much talent you should give yourself some more credit and always go for the gold because the only person that is stopping you from succeeding in college or in life is yourself.?

If i could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior i would tell myself that work is the key to success and that slacking off gets you know where. It is important to cherish the free education that you get in high school because its not easy to pay for. When you have the chance get with people for study groups and make friends. But most importantly enjoy yourself, because you know what they say college can be the best years of your life.

Make times for your studies. It is very easy to put less important things in front of what you are trying to accomplish (hanging out with friends, being concerned with boyfriend issues) but they are all unimportant when it comes to your goals. In the end when you try to go out in the corporate world, you will need he skills and information learned in school to make it. Make school a PRIORITY and do not let it take a backseat to less important things.

"Those big dreams you have? College can get you there." As a high school senior I had big plans and no will. I thought college would burden me with debt, take way too long and I'd have to figure this whole campus out on my own. I got lost in the work world and after spending quite some time trying to find my footing I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate where I was going. College became the answer and within a short time I had enrolled at VCC. I'm still in my first year but I have made great leaps toward my once faraway dreams. My instructors and advisors have been there every step of the way to make sure that I don't take an unecessary class and suggest options when the financial gravity of school becomes too heavy. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to focus on my dreams - to keep those in sight and use college as a rope to pull myself closer. I would tell myself that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

Funny... this is something I often ponder about, actually I wish it could happen. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would be hard on myself. Basically, I would say this..."Natalie, apply for as many scholarships as possible right NOW. Don't you dare wait till the last minute because honey you'll regret it. Yeah I know mom and dad never talked to you about these things, well so what. Thats no escuse, you have counselors and teachers at the school that can assist you. All you have to do is ask questions. And Nat, make sure you do everything on time. Your FASFA and, college applications. Don't procrastinate, and plan ahead. These things are very improtant." Too bad I can't go back in time. I didn't plan ahead, I did procrastinate, I didn't ask questions till it was too late. Well im dealing with my mistakes that i've made, and im certainly learning from them. But if only, if only I could go back in time.

If I had the opportunity to turn back the hands of time, I would advise myself to take life by the horns! Life is meant to be explored and experienced. I would tell myself that adversity, whether in school or in life, is the best and most effective teacher; That trials will only make you stronger if you allow them to and wisdom is gained through struggle and life lessons. I can remember as a high school senior feeling prepared for college. I attended several different college preparation programs and classes and was very excited about higher education. I had my whole life planned out along with my desired undergrad majors, my career, and my route to success. Once I ventured off into college, I quickly began to learn that what I truly wanted and needed was a mystery to be found. I found myself being challenged in academics and life circumstances. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to embrace the mystery of life and to be open to learning as much as I can about myself and others so that I may find the right path to take.

If I could back in time, I would convince myself to look into more career fields rather than limiting myself . Another suggestion would be look for ways to save money in books rather than finding out about it when I have already used up the money. College is not easy, so I would tell myself to be more independent and start saving money early, because the scholarship that I will get later on will not cover a lot of college expenses. Be wise with your money! Also, to use all of my school's resources to find scholarships and get references from my favorite high school teachers to use for scholarships in the future. Save it, because many college scholaships require to have references and being a college freshman, professors won't know you like a high school teachers. Another good idea would be to have a campus map, so you will adapt on how to find classes and know where to go when you have a question. Last, but not least, relax and don't freak out, because you are not the only one who is starting college and everyone will have the jitters.

Knowing what i know now about college life and making the transiton, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself would be to get prepared early. I would tell myself to apply for schools I want to go to early enough, to get an accpetance letter, and then have time to register for the classes I actually want, and need. I would tell myself not to be concerned with what my friends are doing, to focus all my attention to the future. I would tell myself to apply early for as many scholarships, and grants as possible. I would let myself know, that I need to complete my FASFA form early, to know their decesion, and to start planning on how school, and books will be paid for. The one thing i would really have to stress to myself, is to take college algebra in high school, so i could transition straight into a college level math class. I would tell myself not to be scared, just as long as I continue doing all my work, and go to calss every day, on time, I'll be fine.

Aubrey! Your mind is so young, and you are unaware of what the future holds for you! Before you leave this high school and venture into that cold, heartless world, make sure you have a goal! A goal of what you would like to do in life,make sure you'll be standing firm on your feet no matter what comes throttling your way. Always have plans; plans keep things organized and stable, as if they were cheat codes to life that allowed you to already be aware of what should happen next. Start saving any pennies you have lying around the house, in between sofas seats, and underneath carpet rugs. Nothing is free so you better be ready to pay or work for any and all necceties you'll need to live. Begin filling out as many scholarships as possible, they will be your livesaver in the end! Finally and most importantly, have fun with the degree in which you choose to pursue. It is not about the pay rate or the money at all, what matters is that you wake up everyday exstatic to leave to work solely because you enjoy what you do.