Winston-Salem State University Top Questions

The transition to college is the beginning step for transitioning into adulthood. It’s a chance for self-discovery, diverse human interaction, and advanced learning. I would advise myself as a high school senior to take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to me in college and embrace new experiences. The world outside of college can be scary and unpredictable at times. I would inform myself on the importance of learning independence and what it means to budget your money wisely. College is my time to make mistakes; I would tell myself to learn from those mistakes so that I will be better prepared for life after college. I would counsel myself to build a strong grade point average for the remainder of my high school years and college. College without financial support can be an expensive investment into your future. Although the investment is well worth the while, I would want to encourage the younger me to seek as many academic scholarships as possible. Lastly, I would tell myself to create a vision board for my future goals; Planning is crucial for future success of any kind. So I would stress to myself to start now and plan wisely.

If I could tell my past-self anything about my collegiate experience, it would be to “keep going”. Education is paramount to the development of human consciousness. When I entered Winston-Salem State University as a freshman, I was swept out of my sheltered home and became aware of the world around me. Unfortunately, I contracted HIV/AIDS during that time and fell into a deep depression. A myriad of factors have the potential to affect the human experience. Personally, this was the most monumental. If I could inform my past-self of anything, it would be to endure. At any time during my collegiate career, I could have given up on life and my education. However, I remained diligent and continued to live my life. When I received my undergraduate degree, I departed with the desire to assist in the healing of whomever sought mental health services. Currently, I work in human services as a direct support professional. Now, I am entering into a new chapter of my collegiate career as a graduate student. I would inform my past-self that life is tumultuous, with challenges that may seem unbearable. However, difficult life experiences are meant to be overcome.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be know what your capable of doing ,be open to all colleges, and apply to many as possible. In order to know what i am capable of doing I have to take risk and challenge myself more and then I would really know how strong I can be and encourage myself to do more. This would help me create stronger confidence in myself, which will motivate myself to keep working harder. No matter how tired I am to a certain situation I will always keep going because every thing is not the same there is always on certain piece that can be different. That is why I would be open to all colleges and be able to apply to many as possible because their are many perspectives.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself in high school to apply myself more. I used to think that was something that only parents and high school counselors tell kids but I really wish I knew then what I know now. I would say do not procrastinate. I can't even count how many times I wanted the last minute typing papers and staying up all night and up until the morning when my class began. I would walk in class with red eyes and bags under them when the professor would be at the door with his/her hand out to collect the pages that I spent hours slaving over. Work comes out better when it is not rushed. I would teach myself time management.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would tell myself to look and apply for more scholarships so I could have gone to one of the schools I wanted to go to. I would tell myself that yea extracurriculars matter but to enjoy myself and spend time with friends and family. To not doubt myself in what I want to achieve as a carrer choice because I would have to pick a major in college and it would be in the carrer field that I have always wanted to do. Lastly, to relax and enjoy high school becuase college is a different ball field.

I would give myself the following advice: College is a challenge. Especially with kids in the houshold. You can do it.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to work hard, stay focused on school work and do not get distracted by boys, sports and activities. School is much more important. Be social, make new friends and have fun. Don't stay out late, nothing good is out past midnight and you will be thankful for the extra sleep in years to come. Decide goals that you want for yourself and strive to make them happen. Maintain a professional attitude in class and clinical, it will help in getting you further in life. Decide what you want in life and don't settle for anything less. Although school is stressful, hectic and frustrating it will be worth all the hard work. Make sure to make time for family throughout the school process, you will regret the missed memories. Cherish these times of hard work, it will make you appreciate the smaller things in life.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would take the time to improve my home making skils. As a male living on my own and being a baseball player with an active schedule, I found it difficult to find the time to do laundry, clean and cook. If I had taken the time as my mother requested maybe I would have been able to provide for myself better.

The advice I would give myself would be to apply myself more in the senior classes, as well as fill out plenty of scholarships. If I knew then what I know now, I would do exactly that.

You are about to be faced with opportunities and challeneges that you have never known or dreamed of. You are going to be an adult.The freedom that we always wanted and the ability to make our own decisions. It is incredible, but you need to know a few things. That there will be times when you feel fear. You wont share it with anyone, but it will be there. Fear is normal, just remember that most everyone else feels the exact same way. You may feel less than at times but know you are not, and try not to use alcohol and drugs to make you feel better, they will do nothing but postpone the pain. Please understand that you are going to have to work to learn. It isnt like highschool. Remember that it is going to take focus and dedication, but you can do anything you put your mind too, I promise. Finally, love yourself. Dont look to fill the void in others, fill it yourself. If you do this I promise you we are going to end up ok. In fact if you listen these things, I wont have to write this essay.