West Liberty University Top Questions

High school was a complicated time in the manner of growing up. As a teen, it's a tendency to believe that you are already grown and that you have a wealth of knowledge beyond your years. If only I knew then, what I know now. If I could speak to the high school version of myself, I would first explain the importance of time. I would tell myself not to take advantage of the lack of difficulty I had with schoolwork as a high school student. It was so easy to maintain a 4.0GPA, play soccer, cheer and compete, work part time and participate in theatre- all with enough time to spare to have a perfect social life. College does not allow such amounts of time. You have to spend numerous hours outside of the classroom studying in order to maintain the same good grades that were once obtained without lifting a finger. Second, I would tell myself how important it is to appreciate the hard work you do in college; to appreciate myself. If you do not appreciate yourself, you will resent the time spent doing the work. Appreciate the work; appreciate the life you're creating.

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If I were able to talk to myself as a high school student I would tell myself that I need to stand up for myself better and not let people get to me. I would also tell myself that I need to learn how to study and always talk to my professors when I need help. I think that I would tell myself that even though I live five minutes away from school with no traffic that I should try to live on campus where I would have more quit to study.

I would approach myself with a smile and a handshake. Advising me of what the future will be like after I have attended college for my first year. I would advise myself not to give up on my first intended goal. This life style of partying and fraternities will always be there. I would tell the high school senior who thought he knew it all, that after experiencing love, loss of life and success, I have realized that life will still go on. While we are here on this earth, we have to make the best of it. A good college education is just the start. You will evolve in life to becoming a better person through college and life experience. No matter what happens, do not fall short of your goals. If you hit a bump in the road or fall down, get back up and dust yourself off. No one has said you have to quit once you stumble. Be humble in your approach and accept the gift of education. Learning is a gift that keeps on giving even after college. Learn to grow in life as your mind learns to grow in college.

Dont leave college.

I have gotten independence, satisfaction and responsibility out of my college experience. Actually, all three of these intertwine with each other. I have learned indpendence by being on my own, having to make my own decisions, and handle situations myself. I have learned satisfaction in studying hard, and seeing the results of that by the very good grades that I receive. All this has helped me learn responsibility as I am responsible for myself, my work, and my grades. Attending my university has helped me obtain these three very important characteristics that are very important to shaping a young individuals life.

College not only helps one to get a degree so they can obtain a high end job, but it helps one open their eyes to the reality of the this world. When I was in H.S. I didnt take my education or other responsibilities seriously. I believe that I was going to be able to get by with no problem. Now that I'm attending college, I see now that there is so much more out there to learn and to experience. I've learned that one must attend to their responsibilities first if they are ever to get anywhere in life. From the first few months I had attending college, I have learned to value my education. In a sense I can say that I have matured because of my college experience. I have come to value what my college and my parents have to offer,because without my parents support I wouldn't have been able to go through this experience myself. So what I've gotten out of my college experience, is that life isn't all hugs and kiss. One must work hard and be responsible if they are to achieve greatness within themselves.

I was really worried about my college choice, but I have never been happier with the decision that I have made. This college is far enough, yet close to home. Just being out on my own for 6 months has taught me alot about being responsible for myself, learning how to study and just knowing that mom and dad were not there to say you have to study. You have to grow up a lot and know yes college is a place that your now on your own, but the fact is, this is also your education something I'll be paying for for a very long time so I need to make the best choices. You really need to get yourself involved at the college, they offer all different types of activities, go to the sporting events, go to the gym and most importantly remember to set aside time for yourself and time to study. I absolutely love college life and my anxieties for the most part have disappeared.

I would advise myself to better prepare for college by doing more extensive research on majors and colleges. I would have visited more colleges and done a couple of overnight visits in order to get a better feel of what school was right for me.

If I could go back and give myself a pep talk about college, the key points would include: how to become independent in a short amount of time, how to better manage my time, and ways to get involved in as many ways as possible. I feel like I was so dependent on my parents before I came to school and then when I watched them drive away, I didn't know how to make it on my own. I would recommend to all high school seniors that they take the necessary means while still in high school to become more independent before reaching college. It is also imporant for college students to have fun, but more important that they put the reason that they are in school first, their academics. Organization plays a major role in this process. Knowing when things are do, what is expected of you, and how to make yourself look professional and mature can all contribute to putting academics first. The best advice that I could have given myself would be to get involved in as many things as possible. I was lucky and had tennis to help with that, but not all students will.