Wartburg College Top Questions

The biggest piece of advice I would give my high school self would be that it is perfectly fine to not know what you want to do. In high school, I was caught up in how I had envisioned my future. From the car I would own to the career I would hold, I had every ounce of my life planned. I entered into college, and my life did a back flip. I realized I no longer wanted to be a physical therapist, but on the other hand, I had no idea want I wanted to do because I had never considered an other professions. This made my transistion into college even harder and more stressful than it already was. To put it lightly, I was lost. Now, I am three months away from completing my first year of college, and I realized that somehow I ended up on the right track from me. College is an eye opener, and it changes your points of veiw on life. Be open to change, and be happy living in the unknown for a little while.

Going to college has given me plenty of opportunities to learn and acknowledge my bad habits, strengths, weaknesses, and fears. It made me grow up from the immature qualitites that I possessed in high school. If I were to give my high school self a piece of advice, it would be to take advantage of the people who are in my life, and to get out of my own way. What held me back in my first year of college was my low confidence. It interefered with my performance in my courses where I am not strong in, and it held me back from so many opportunities. I guarantee that if I practice being more confident and stop fearing my own success, I will be much happier and mentally stronger in college. It is all about your mindset when it comes to being independent. Your mindset reflects on your actions. Having a strong mind allows you to defeat those obstacles and fears in college. Sometimes you have to just "do it" and do not be afraid to fail. College is all about making mistakes, but then learning from them and applying what you learned to your life.

If I could give myself advice about college, I would tell myself to take more time to visit colleges and to be more open-minded on my college visits. When I started my college search, I had a few schools already picked and it was just a matter of narrowing down those schools to find the one that I wanted to attend the most. However, I think there were some really good schools that may have been a better fit for me that I never even took the time to look at because they weren't on my initial list. I would also tell myself to do a better job of making friends when I first got to school. I have always been quite introverted, and making new freinds has always been tough for me. However, I now realize how important a good group of firends is. I did make some friends, but I wish I had forced myself out of my comfort zone in order to make some more friends and to establish a good network of relationships in all sorts of different areas on campus.

I would convince my younger self to push through the AP classes along with taking more diverse classes. Im would also convince her to have taken many more college level classes in order to meet some of the general education classes. Another thing that I wished I had known was that I needed to do a lot of volunteer work, sports, and many other extracurriculars ontop of having an impressive grade range. Another thing I would have told myself would have been to work a lot less and to save a lot more. The next thing I would tell myself is that I need to worry less about what I am doing and worry a little more about how to plan out my future a little bit more. Instead of going with the flow in my senior year, I would have planned somethings out all throughout high school. Lastly, I would tell myself not to be so harsh on myself and to work through problems a little more creatively.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell her to take the college credit courses seriously. I would tell her to go through with the college tests to get credits for in when coming into college because it really helps. As a senior, I would tell myself to change my schedule and replace the easy classes with more challenging courses to better prepare me for college. The biggest advice I would give myself if I were in high school would be to prevent procrastination. College gives you a set date telling you when assignments are due. Seeing this in high school, I would procrasinate my work until it was close to the due date. In college, you will learn that it takes more than just one night to get your work done. You will find yourself sleep deprived if you continue to push your work off until the last minute.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a lot of important advice to give. First of all, I would say to get involved. Whether in music, athletics, or drama, there is a lot more free time in college and it is important to actively participate in a club or organization. For me, soccer was a way of having instant friends who I knew I could trust, and this took away an extreme amount of stress and anxiety. The second piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself and never forget your values or where you came from. There will be moments in college where you are pressured to do something against your morals because people are coming together from diverse backgrounds and communities. However, you are accountable for all of your actions and must remember what you have been taught your whole life. The third piece of advice is to apply yourself. After all, you are in college to learn and gain an education. Push yourself, study, and go to class (you are paying thousands of dollars for this purpose). Lastly have fun, because four years goes fast!

The advice I would give myself is to do more research on the school I pick and not to hesitate on asking questions about any concerns or issues. Furthermore I would tell myself to apply for more scholorships, and take more visits to different schools that have my major. In addtion I would tell myself that you will make mistakes no matter how you try to avoid them but the imporant thing is to learn from them and ask for help if needed.

When I was in high school, I was extremely focused on my academics and activities that I hardly allowed myself to sit back and enjoy life. Because of this, my high school career flew by and I have few memories of my experiences. I continued to have this mindset through the majority of my first year at college as well. My advice to high school seniors is to get involved in as many activities as possible that may be of interest. It's important to strive for experiencing college rather than passing it. Experiences with on-campus programs and internships develop connections that could be helpful in the future. However, academics are vital to success at any institution. What also contributes to a meaningful college career is making connections with others. These experiences and connections can last a lifetime.

My biggest piece of advice would be to get involved from the start in college and try to make as many friends and connections as possible. There are a number of outstanding groups and organizations in college, and it is very beneficial to join these groups because you will meet lifetime friends this way. Plus, it is a great way to connect with people in the workforce for future occupations. I would also advise myself to maintain a positive attitude throughout college and enjoy the time. It can be very easy for college students to become stressed and forget that college can be the best time of your life. It is important to balance schoolwork with your social life and enjoy time at school. Finally, I would advise myself to keep my options open at the beginning of my college career. It is not a requirement to know what field you want to study right away as a freshman. Therefore, it is beneficial to explore and find your true passion in life.

I would end up telling myself to quit slacking off and prepare for college homework so you will be prepared to work on homework for hours along with studying. I would inform myself that the life I have once known will soon be coming to an end as you are going to start a new journey, so mentally prepare for the first month of college. Be willing to accept change because your friends will no longer be by your side. Your parents will not be able to help you, and the environment around you will be totally different. Lastly, I would tell myself to work hard and get ahead of college while you can. Whether it is learning or when it comes to money.

Don't worry about the cost of the education, if you know you will be getting a good education. Find a place that is the right fit for you. Even though it is hard to transition to college at first it does get better, but it does take time so be patient. Take tours of you potential schools and ask tons of questions to the student tour guide. The guides can tell you about personal experiences which give you a more realistic view of what the school is like.

If I had the chance to go back into time, I would explain to my past self that college is a time to have fun and find yourself as a person. You should make sure to develop several friends that know a lot about Wartburg, so they can help you out with anything you don't know about it. Also make sure to volunteer for several things to meet new people and experience several new opportunites. Another thing I would tell myself, is that you might think you will have more free time, but you are going to have to study more and focus on your school work to do good. College is definitely a step up from high school, so make sure you are ready for it. You should also take advantage of your teacher's office hours if you have any questions because they are really friendly and love to help students. The last thing I would tell you, is that work takes up a lot of time, so expect the first semester or two to be a transition period for yourself. Good luck and you can do it!

If I could advise my high school self, I would probably suggest that I retake the ACT to get a higher score, because I did not prepare very well the first time. I would also urge myself to take as many college-level for-credit courses as possible, so that I could save some time and money at the collegiate level. I would also reccomend that I figure out how much financial aid I could get to go to a state college, as they are drastically cheaper than the private college I now attend. I would probably also advise myself to think positively, because thoughts influence action, and while life is worthy of worry and full of stressors, a positive outlook on life can help to make the days go by smoother, healthier, and happier, and also because positivity is a more attractive quality to professors, employers, and friends. Likewise, positive actions can influence thoughts. Both are methods by which one may stave off depression and become a more social being, ready to take on the inconstancy that pervades every aspect of the life of a college student.

Take a year or two off and travel abroad. Do as many scholarships as you can. Get involed with a lot of different campus organizations asap. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Dont commit to a major becasue someone told you to. If you dont like the college after the first year transfer.

To my high school self: "Holli, don't worry. You can not change a thing by worrying. What has happened is done, and what is to come is only for God to know. Live in the moment and notice the small details. Do everything each day with absolute intention. Don't take your teachers for granted. They have known you for four years (sometimes even your whole life) and sometimes know you better than you know yourself. Listen to your parents. Accept their advice because soon you'll want/need it all the time. Learn to see people for who they really are. Give people second chances, because you know that there will be times in your life when you'll beg for one. Be thankful for something everyday. Be happy with what you have and the road you're on. Tell the ones that you love, you love them! Don't be afraid to hold back in anything - we weren't put on this earth to hide our talents. Lastly, trust in God. Believe that He will always guide you. No one in this world knows you better than He does. Give yourself up to Him, and love Him.

Knowing what I know now about college life, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that the entire dynamic of college is completely different that that of high school. You are totally responsible for your education. Showing up to every class on time is important and if you miss a day, you need to talk to your professor to see what you missed because no teacher will go out of their way to make sure you know what you missed like they did in high school. It is your responsibility to complete all of your work on time. Almost all of the time, work is not accepted late and there are no excuses. When an assignment is due on Tuesday, it is due on Tuesday, there are no extentions. I would also tell myself to be prepared to do a lot of studying because classes in college move fairly quick. Instead of spending one whole week covering one chapter like they did in high school, it's one class covering one chapter. Lastly, I woud constantly tell myself that college is too expensive to just throw away.

College is a huge step in life. Everyone knows that. However, you need to prepare yourself more than you think. the transition will be hard! Not academically, necessarily, but emotionally. Being away from family and experiencing all these new things can really affect a person. Just one thing needs to be kept in mind: it will be okay. Even if you hate your major or hate your college or hate your friends it's okay. There are always options. Your major can change, you can transfer schools, you can even find new friends. It will be hard to deal with everything, but breathe and relax. The hardest part college not feeling right is finding out precisely what doesn't feel right. Everything is new, so how is one to know what new variable is making it difficult to love it at college? I'm still not sure myself how to figure it out, but focusing on the positive has helped my mind clear up and my eyes dry up. Keep your chin up through the rough times and remember it will be okay and it's okay to talk to your mom everyday.

Meghan, Do not follow the crowd! It may seem difficult now, but being popular is not as great as it seems. When you are older, you will look back fondly on your times in high school; however, not on those times you were at parties, or chasing people who you didn't even like. Your best memories will be of those with your family, or of playing basketball. It will be the crazy times that you had with your sister that you remember, not the crazy times you had being drunk. You are better than that, Meghan. If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to be yourself. Do not let anyone compromise your values and beliefs for the sake of popularity, because in the end, it all fades away, and you are left with yourself. Who do you want to be? Love, Your older self.

Dear 17 year old Meghan, Everyone says that the real world is hard-- listen to them! I know that you have plans to leave home as soon as possible, gain indepence and finally make your own rules but you need to continue focus on your education. College life is what you make of it-- if you choose to let your education slip down on you priority list, your grades will reflect just that. You are smarter and stronger than you think. It is in you blood to always do your best-- never forget that! You will experience some of the hardest times during your college career; living on your own, affording rent and utilities, living in a big new city, and meeting new friends. If I could give you one single piece of advice it would be to keep working hard towards your dream-- as soon as you lose sight of your dream, you lose sight of your future. You are brave and you can and will suceed. Love, 22 year old Meghan

The experiences that I have been after college haven't been the best but they also haven't been the worst. I've had great experiences since I am a student athlete. I would give myself the advice of choosing carefully and focusing on the most important things that will get you to be successful in life. I would make sure they have a good program that has to do with your career. If you want to play a sport in college don't just focus on the sport but also on the major of the school. I would also look at the distance and cost of your school, they do make a difference in your life. I would also give myself the advice of becoming more independent and to not ne afraid of speaking your mind out to the world.