Allison
I would tell my high school self to spend that last year to strengthen my friendships. College has made me miss my closest high school friends and wish that my relationships with my family members were stronger. Having an anchor at home can really come in handy but my senior year, I was focused on the future. I decided to stay in alone or spend my time planning, studying, or working to be prepared for college but in retrospect I would rather have been a little crazy and made more memories with the people who I do not get to see every day. My days with them now are always limited to being on the same breaks and hoping to meet up so I would tell myself to take advantage of the time in high school that I have with those people before everyone's lives went in a different way.
Elizabeth
If I could go back and talk to my senior self I would reassure her that the tough times will end. I would also tell her to stress less by being more organized and to make the main focus about her success, and to not stress herself out over others accomplishments. Socially, I would encourage her to be more willing to make friends of all ages and to express to younger students that the teachers they may hate now are the ones they will miss the most. When graduating I would tell her to not get scared but to embrace another chapter of her life, and these goodbyes are not permantent. Mainly, to be open to new friends and new expirences.
Katelyn
If i could go back in time and talk to the senior version of myself, I would tell her to get involved in the community. The more organizations that you are involved in, the more experiences you have to draw from when it comes to job interviews or scholarship applications. A lot of organizations have their own scholarships, and some organizations even give out scholarships for how involved you are in the community. It is important to get out and build relationships that can help you down the line. Create bonds with your teachers and peers because you never know when you will need someone to lean on for help. Most importantly, enjoy the time you have left being a kid because the real world is a scary place. Have fun, enjoy life, and build bonds that will last forever!
Caleb
I would tell myself to be humble, become more informed about information that affects me, to pay more attention to detail, to create a plan and think more about what I want to do in the future, and be more social. I would tell myself to be aware and know that not everyone has your best interest at heart, to build MY brand, to learn how to listen and navigate through what people are saying, and never stop trusting and believing God. I feel as if I have learned ALOT since I have graduated from high school and I am truly great for everything that I have learned and also the things I am yet to learn. I can be a sponge sometimes but I must guard myself from absorbing things that are harmful to me and trust in my own judgment and more so on the judgment that God gives me. One of the routes to becoming an adult is making your own decisions and setting yourself up to succeed with hardwork, understanding/knowledge/wisdom, creating relationships, creating a plan, and never giving up!
Ebony
Make sure you get up and go to every class, cooperate, and participate. The college life is not all fun and games. Be serious about your work...study study STUDY and don't let anyone or anything take your focus off doing the absolute best that you can. In the end all the hard will pay off, just stay motivated and determined and everything will fall into place...get your mind right and put your priorities in order. Grow up, mature, and let the petty things that's not helping you succeed and move forward go. Word from the Wise.. YOU CAN DO IT, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Abigail
The best advice I can think of to give myself is to stay focused on the end goal of college. Keep planning for success, don't procrastinate, and make a plan for staying on track with homework. Knowing when projects are due and tests coming up prevent crisis melt-downs when something big is forgotten. Make time in your schedule for mental health breaks to keep your sanity. Having fun is necessary to keep your ability to manage all the demands of college. Your friends and family will be your best support system, so keep up those relationships and let them help you with coping suggestions.
Jamie
Going through my first year at William Jewell has made me think about how I could have handled my senior year in high school differently. I wish I applied to more colleges even ones that I were not a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of. It doesnt hurt to keep all your options open. Also you do not want to soley invest all your time on your dream college because there is a possibility that you will not be accepted and then you are up a creek without a paddle. I invested some time on the application of my dream college and was not accepted. I applied to other colleges but did not like any other colleges compared to my dream one. Also in my senior year I wish I applied to more scholarships and joined more clubs at my high school. The more activities your in the higher the chance acceptance into a college.
Paola
College was a big step for me into the real world. I entered this school with a fresh mind set to receive a real feeling of college experience, and that’s exactly what I got. I was afraid to start college because all my friends have gone their ways. I wanted to start at a community collage to prepare myself for a bigger collage. MCC was the best choice from the beginning I stepped on campus grounds I was received with open arms. Every staff and alumni where amazingly kind. The environment is so eco friendly and I love that about this school. The staff is the best thing in this school that really caught my attention. I’m able to have one on one with the professors when I’m having trouble. Also, professors that are not my teachers are great help. No one is left behind at MCC. I grew so much to become a well prepared collage student. This school has built me into who I am as a student to achieve anything I set my mind to at any university. If anyone wants to start at a community collage I request MCC to be your choice!
Alyx
What I've gotten from college is a new outlook on things. I can walk into a room filled with students that I'm about to speak in front of and not get scared. It's helped me begin to figure out who I am and who I hope to be. Even better, it helps me learn more about my major and how I can apply it to not only my career but to other aspects of my future. I believe its valuable to attend college because it allows you to get a good start to your adult life. It's the first real form of responsability that most high school graduates get before entering the real world. This responability is just enough for a "wake up call" but not too much to where it's overwhelming. With that, college helps people gain a better understanding not only our own lives but the lives of others around us.
Harrison
The one aspect I have gotten out of my college experience that I am most proud of is consistent growth. When I look back to my freshman year, it amazes me how raw I was. William Jewell has provided me with a tremendous opportunity to grow every single semester. I could have never envisioned how much I would grow at William Jewell. Four semesters into my college experience, I have developed a passion for knowledge and success that far exceeds how I was leaving high school. This is what makes William Jewell such a great college to attend. While many students evaluate schools based on the social life and football team, William Jewell is excellant in transforming smart young adults into passionate leaders in the community, state, and nation.
Erica
My college experience has taught me to not be quick to judge. The student body at William Jewell is very eccentric. I have learned that just because somebody is not like myself that it does not make them weird, different, or a worse citizen than me. This is a great value to me because I am able to open up and get to know people that I previously would have labeled as weird. I am able to network with people and make friends easier. My college experiences has also offered me the opportunity to be taught some of the smartest people. William Jewell prides itself in academics and has employed very bright professors. It has been valuable to me to learn from my professors experiences combined with my own experiences. My college experience has been extremely valuable from being able to not make quick judgements and learn from some of the smartest people.
Katelyn
I have always wanted to go to college, even when I was a little girl. However, after completing my first year, I have concluded that it has gone above and beyond what I ever imagined. I have made lifelong friendships with other students, professors, and faculty. They offer support and push me to do my best in all areas of my life. I am now able to study what I love to study and am passionate about. I have gained such a vast amount of knowledge in all areas of my life, not just my education. I have also gained an excitement for all of the possibilities waiting for me. I have so much to choose from and I now have confidence that I can do anything I set my mond to.
Carolyn
If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to establish good study habits. In college it is easy to get distracted with friends and sports but the main reason for college is an education and in order to succeed, you have to earn your good grades. I believe that my habits may have slipped a little, but I have learned from that and have re-established good study habits.
Rachel
A person needs to face the fact that their life will be changing. They need to start figuring out ways that will help them connect with their new school. A person should look into the different clubs and organization that are offered. Joining a group can be essential part in helping pull a person into the college community as well as building friendships that will support them throughout their education. New beliefs and ideas will also be presented to the person.
The students need to keep their minds open to the fact that not everyone agrees with their morals, spiritual beliefs, etc. Although they may be different, people need to accept them for who they are. Through these experiences, a student will find out more about other people as well as themselves. These new concepts will help a person deal with the opportunities and relationships that they will encounter in the future.
Taylor
The first piece of advice I would give myself is to breathe and just know that everything will be okay. Being able to cope with the amount of work that Jewell gives out is something that needs to be addressed. Also, to just open up and take in everything around you. There is so much that Jewell and the people here can offer and if I just opened myself up to them, this experience could be even more amazing.
Also, to not go into accounting right off the bat. I would advise myself to be undecided until I knew for sure what it was that I wanted to do. That way I will have different outlooks on life and the college world. I would be able to make a better decision about which major to go into, that would fit who I am.
I would also advise myself to go to Worship Jam more often. It brings me closer to God and I am with people that believe the same way I do. I wish I had started doing that earlier last semester. I would be closer with people in that group.
Katie
Go for it. You can do anything that you want to do. Don't be afraid to start a new hobby or join a club. Don't be afraid to be outgoing because you can make the best of friends during senior year. As much as you can feel alone, step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Let your friends, your counselors, and your teachers guide you to becoming the best person you can be, but don't lose yourself. Study hard and make the right choices. If there is a test the next day, don't go out. Study. If there is drinking and you are underage, please do not make the mistake of making a wrong decision. Remember your morals. First semester is hard academically and socially. Make great friends and good decisions and you will have the best first semester.
Samantha
If I went back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my younger self to avoid many things and to do other things. A few things I would tell myself to do would be to keep studying no matter what was going on and to socialize and be active the first year of school. Another thing I would tell myself to do would be to try out for the volleyball and cheerleading teams. A few things I would tell myself not to do would be procrastinating and underestimating my intelligence and opinions. If I were able to talk to my high school self I would hope that my advice would be well taken and that I would end up being a better student that does not worry about whether or not I will be able to get into graduate school to become an elementary school counselor.
Christen
I would tell myself to look at all options. Do not just settle for the first school that looks good. Get out there and look around at different schools to find your perfect match. Don't worry too much about what people think. Make new friends and surround yourself with people that make you better. Try new things because life is too short.
Heather
To be honest, this is the second time I have attempted college. The first time, I decided to leave because I found out I was pregnant. Now, I am a single mother, battle school and work all together. No pity party or judgement is needed. I work my hardest, and school means so much more to me than a lot of other students I come in contact with. By getting an education, I not only get to leave my dead-end job, but I get to provide for my daughter.
Some advice that I would give to myself would be to perfect time management. Being scheduled and organized, it is VITAL! Next, I would remind myselft to be open to all opinions and kinds of people. The most original people usually provide the most refreshing look on life. These people will help you to be fearless with your own original thought. Finally, don't forget to pray. Know that God will never give you anything you cannot handle.
Hillary
My advice would be to tell the parents and students that they can never visit too many schools. I would also suggest that both the parents and students work together in looking for scholarships and funding because it is important to do things together. Finally, I think it is important to find a school that has a great first-year experience for new students to the school. It really helps students adjust without having to deal with a lot of culture shock and mental stress.