Widener University Top Questions

As my first semester of college has recently concluded, I am now able to look back on the good, the bad, and the ugly of what has been one of the best experiences of my life. Looking back, I am satisfied with all of the choices I have made as they have led me to success and contributed to a solid foundation in preparing for my future career. Though I would not wish to change the outcome of any past events, I would urge myself to get even more involved in serving the community and recruiting others to do the same. Through my community service, I have learned what it is like to help someone in need and to feel the satisfaction that comes with doing what is right. I have learned just as much, if not more, from serving others than I ever would have expected and I am extremely thankful for the opportunities I have been presented with. Therefore, given the chance, I would advise that any high school senior would take the time to give of themselves to help others and to take advantage of this learning experience while the opportunity exists.

If I can go back in time to be a high school senior, I would be more independent. I was so use of my mom being right by my side through everything. Senior year was a make it or break it year. Of course, I had senioritis. It was a struggle and I kept telling myself that I can't do it by myself. It was a lot on my plate. I did over 15 college applications, my senior project, applying to scholarships, getting a job to help my mom with the bills, and to start saving my money for school. My mom didn't financially have it, so I pitched in to help her. That year was too much for me, I felt overwhelmed. As senior year started to end. I realized that when you fall down, you have to get back up, things in life are not always easy. When I finally got to college, my mother wasn't by my side. When she left me, I learnt that I have a responsibility to take care of, I have to start doing things on my own. Today, I get things done on my own.

Hi Dawn! I hope you're senior year isn't too stressful. I have some advice to give you for college... College will hold some of the best times of your life, but you will be able to decide the rest of it. Don't let finances sway which school you attend, at the end of it you'll have a pile of debt regardless. Your engineering degree should help pay that off in a couple of years. We both know you're really trusting, naive, and sheltered now, but things will change. Don't be scared. You'll learn so much, both academically and socially. You'll lose some morals, but you'll always be selfless in your desire to help other people. People are selfish, but your naive outlook will warrant others to protect you. Keep growing as a person; try countless new activities. You only live once, keep trudging. Don't research animal ingredents; veganism is very selfless of you, but it's alienating, physically and mentally tolling. Happy birthday! The PA powerball for 8/13/11: 9, 12, 35, 50, 58, 4. Pay for school, a pretty motorcycle, some land, and live life to the fullest!

I would say to myself, "It's going to take time and it's going to take patience. It takes time to adjust to college because college is a lifestyle, even only if temporary. Lifestyles are a part of your life timeline, meaning that they are your life for a certain portion of your life, which is different than simply being a part of your life. In other words, it is your entire life for a few years. It takes patience with yourself to give you ample time to adjust to the new lifestyle. If you are not patient with yourself, you will feel rushed, stressed, and worried that the adjustment is taking longer than it should. There is no set timeframe for which the transition should take place, everyone is different. Everyone goes through their own experience and, therefore, their own transition. Oh, and don't feel like you aren't allowed to cry just because you are no longer an adolescent. Adults cry too, for various reasons, just not the same reasons as younger people."

If I could consult my high school self regarding my future as a college student I would explain the drastic difference in time management. I would tell myself that I am going to have a great deal of free time compared to being in high school, and I absolutely need to learn how to manage that free time. Time management is the biggest transition I had to make when I began college. Also, involved with time management, I would tell myself that I need to dedicate more time to studying. In high school I got by doing the bare minimum and still recieved all A's. In college, a whole lot more work, studying, preparation, and dedication is needed in order to succeed. I would tell myself to stay focused on my school work, but also to enjoy my time spent in college by making new friends and experiencing new things.

I have a few words of advice to give to my high school self. The first would be to save, save, save! Do anything possible to save money, or help pay for your college tuition. Apply for student aid, grants, scholarships, anything and everything. Every single penny matters. I have made the mistake of not saving up any money for my college career, which has forced me to take out student loans, yuck! Another thing that would save money is community college. It is well worth it, and you end up with the same degree in the end anyway, so who cares! Secondly, follow your heart when it comes to picking a major. I know it sounds cheesy, but a job isn’t a job when you do something you truly love. Don’t major in something just because its “the smart thing to do”, either love it or leave it. But you also have to remember to pick a major that has good job opportunities as well! You wouldn’t want to be stuck without a job to pay off your student loan debt. And last but not least, have fun, but be responsible too!

After experiencing college life at Widener Univeristy there is advice I wish I knew as a high school senior. I would tell myself to not worry about what other people think. Everyone is at college for the same reason. I would also tell myself to not bring my fan home when it begins to get colder out! It is still very hot in the dorms, even in December and January with the windows open. I would also tell myself to bring an umbrella. Walking to class in the rain is not fun. An umbrella would be very useful for those rainy days. I would also tell myself to never leave my room door open/cracked. Even when I am too lazy to bring my keys with me when I go to the bathroom really quick, I should still close my door. You never know who could be walking by your door. People steal. Lastly I would advise myself to get involved more. I would tell myself to join the dance team. They are the most popular club on campus and I really enjoy dancing. Those are many reasons of advice I would give myself.

I have been to four different colleges and universities. My road to attaining a degree has been long, i will be 26 this year and i started college when i was 18. My advice to my highschool self would be to apply to Widener and only Widener. This is where i am supposed to be. If i went to this school first i could've saved alot of money and heart ache.

It's okay that you are afraid; you're not alone. You are going to find great friends, just give it some time. Don't be afraid to speak your mind when you are at school. The most important thing I want you to do is be yourself. If you aren't getting along with your roommate, you can move out. Don't put yourself in an unhappy environment just because you are afraid to speak up. You matter just as much as she thinks she does. Speak up. Move out. You'll be happier. Also, scholarships. You will want to apply to a lot of them. No one explained finances to you, and that's okay, but you'll learn soon enough that paying for a college education is going to be hard work. Scholarships will ease that burden. Don't be afraid of rejection from them either. Keep applying. That's key. Everytime you see Mom and Dad, hug them. Tell them you love them. They're going to become friends to you soon, as well as parents. Trust me, you'll appreciate it. Just breathe. This isn't as scary as you think it will be.

If I knew then what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would have done a lot of things different. For one, I would have taken my studies more seriously and not want to be like the college kids that are shown in the movies, or on television shows. Another thing I would change would be listening to my parents and take their advice about college to heart. If I did those two things, I believe that I would have had a better college experience than I did, but now I know what I must do. Yes, I wish I could take some of my actions back, but I would not take away the lessons I have learned from them.