Winthrop University Top Questions

If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself in high school, I would encourage myself to pursue my dreams and what makes me happy. I would tell myself that just because others do not approve of the career path I choose does not mean I have to change my dream. My high school self prided herself on pleasing other people and making others happy before herself. I would tell her that I should take hold of the one thing that makes me happy and follow it to the ends of the Earth. This is why I want to pursue a career in Math Education. This has been my dream since high school. Although I enjoy what I do now, I want to be truly happy in life. I want to remind her of her purpose for wanting to teach. I always felt that one teacher can make all the difference in the world to a student or a classroom. A teacher can influence them and remind them of how great they are and can be. I wanted to be that teacher. I want to be that teacher, and I will be that teacher.

If I could go back to high school as a senior, I would have advised myself to apply for more scholarships. As a senior in high school, I did not realize how expensive college is. Once an individual adds up housing, meals and books, it can blow their mind. That is how I feel all the time in regards to college. My parents advised me to apply for as many scholarships as I could during my senior year, but I chose to go out with friends, party and do other things. That was a big mistake. I would go back and tell myself that those friends would not be my friends 2 years later, netherless pay for my $150 accounting textbook. I hope to study abroad at KIngston University in London my junior year. If I had a foundation of scholarships under my belt, this goal would be a whole lot easier. College is expensive, but it is worth it. I sometimes do wish that I could go back and do more to receive money for school, but I will now make up for lost time because I hope to study abroad and then earn my degree.

Do notbe afraid to venture out of your comfort zone during the college search. A college close to home, friends, and family may have seem comfy at the time, but looking beyond those shoes that fit like slippers could prove beneficial. Forget about your commitments to others and begin to live for yourself. This life-changing decision could seem scary on the outset, but it is a step in the right direction towards bettering yourself as a person. This is not the time in your life to worry about what others think and expect of you, but a time to make the deicisions right for yourself. Additionally, do not get discouraged when your desires do not come to pass; while one door closes, another one opens. Everything occurs for a reason and falls into the bricklaying of your life. Just trust that you can make the best out of every situation and come out triumphant and victorious. You ARE a strong individual, whether or not you see it now.

Be more of who you truly are. You will make friends being yourself, not the shadow of someone else. Don't hold back with anything, not with schoolwork, friends, family, or fun. Stop being so shy about things. Get out in the world and discover who you are and what you want out of life. You will never know if you don't get the experience. Continue to do what makes you happy and the rest will come. When you are happy, the people around you are happy and that makes everyone happy. High school never ends so you have the time to get the experience of a lifetime. If you take the time to know yourself and be happy with yourself, transitioning will be a piece of chocolate cake. After all, you have to enter the real world at some point and it's best to do it with your head held high rather than with your feet dragging on the ground.

-Get out of your comfort zone, because out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. -Don't be afraid to try new things; you'll never know unless you try. Otherwise you'll be constatly wondering what the experience would truly be like -You're going to get knocked down plenty of times, but what matters most is getting back up -Do whatever you want to do because people are going to talk regardless -College challenges everything you once thought you knew -College is also a confidence shaker - Stop wishing and hoping, just do it - Study, study, study, STUDY ! -Time management skills help .. A LOT - Never be afraid of anything that comes your way -Don't worry about finding a major, or finding your place because it will come -Love and accept yourself for who you are, who you will be, and what you will become in the future

Dear Nerdy High School Me, I cannot believe that your opportunity to attend your dream school is quickly approaching! I know you are currently a bundle of excitement and nerves. However, please do not worry because your time here will overflow with experiences to fuel your passion of teaching. Now, one thing that I have learned at Winthrop is that your nerd habit is a blessing and a curse. I admire your endless dedication to academics and thirst for knowledge because your dedication will assist in your acclimation to the pace of college coursework. At the same time, this nerd habit can hinder your college experience because of your stress filled schoolwork days. The hardest thing to realize is that academics are only one part of college. College accompanies volunteering and spending time with some close friends. College becomes a more meaningful experience with the coinciding of socialization and academics. For my nerdy high school self, my advice is keep your thirst for knowledge alive while occasionally stepping away from the books to enjoy being a college student. After all, college is the time to develop your passion for teaching and discover who you are as a person.

Don't live with your high school best friend. Chances are you two aren't that alike and the time you spent together in class and on the weekends is not a good determiner as to whether or not you would make a good pair in a tiny dorm room. Remember not to get too caught up with everything on campus, such as fraternities, girls, and campus activities. Study hard and lay a good foundation for the next four years at the start. Connect with professors, make some connections, and don't let people try to talk you out of your dreams. Think about what you want to do with your life, but don't make that decision based on what you're studying. Do you really want that Ph.D? Probably not, so quit thinking you're going to be an English professor. Save your money while you can. The first two years will be spent in a dorm where you don't have to pay rent every month. All the money you make working is just extra disposable income that you really don't have to spend. Use it wisely and think about the future.

I would advise the students at my old high school to study and really work hard because when you get to college the work level is doubled. They need to work on there writing skills because in college we are writing non-stop. I will also like to tell the students that they need to become very fimilar with their teachers because in college they will need their professors help. And the main thing is that they need to be responsible because in college the work is 80 percent you and 20 percent of the professor.

Ana, I will tell you that your senior year will be stressful, lonely, and tedious. You will need to work hard to keep your grades up, and I would also suggest getting involved in as many things as you can manage- not just choir and show choir. Also, please study harder for your SAT and take the ACT too, as many times as you need. Don't worry, you'll get into college, and if you're intimidated by the transition, don't be. College is amazing. It's everything you'd ever dreamed of. You will make friends. You will do well in your classes, but it will take plenty of effort. Through your efforts, you will develop a true appreciation for education and a thirst for knowledge. Don't be afraid about not being able to handle it - you are very responsible and devoted, and you'll thoroughly enjoy working as hard as you will and succeeding as you will. You will adjust to college naturally, and you'll love being a student. You are a very smart girl, capable of so many things. Now you should show the world how talented you are, starting now.

I would tell myself not to procrastinate as long as I had in high school. I would also tell myself to get started right away and get myself prepared ahead of time so that I can have a successful college life.

I would advise myself as a high school senior to not be afraid to take chances in college, to join more clubs, volunteer more, and to participate in more on-campus activities. Do not hide away in your room all night because you miss your boyfriend or because you feel like homework takes away your social life. Study in cafes and the student lobby with your friends and classmates. Form a study group. Offer to help the student struggling next to you, she may become your closest friend. You should also transform your study habits. I know in high school, it was easy to make A's without studying, but make note cards to help you memorize vocabulary and other important elements. A big help would be to actually read the textbook. In college, it's vital to read your chapters because the information is still used after the chapter tests. Ensure that you take plenty of notes in class, you never know what the professor will cover on the test. You'll want all the information you can get. My biggest advice is to work hard, try your best, and have fun.

After learning how college life goes, I’ve learned the importance of determination, focus, and discipline. In order to succeed, you must put forth more effort than what may be required. In high school, do your best not to just settle for less. If you make an 80 on a test, next time shoot for a 90. You're the one who determines what happens to you. If someone tells you that you can’t, then prove to them you can. Being a senior in high school means that, it's the final countdown to what you make of your high school career. It also means that it's the beginning of what you create for your upcoming future. This year is the year that colleges look at you for what good or bad potential you have to offer. Just like you wouldn’t want a job to deny you for your bad potential, don’t give colleges the opportunity to. You should want to show determination through your positive attitude and good grades in school. Make sure that your priorities with education are in the right order. Don’t let life take away what you can make of it.

If I could go back in time as a high school student and give myself advice, I would have to tell myself money is not going to stop me from getting my education. I always let money get in the way. Being brought up by a single mom with 3 siters is pricey for a litle lady, so I always try and find a hobby that didn't cost anything. I have always wanted to become doctor but I knew that was to much money. So while in high school i dropped sports, which I LOVED with everything inside and started working. I then found a school that was only 9 months and I that I could afford myself. Here I am today working at Baylor Plano for a Orthopedic and I still want to continue my education, so this time I'm not letting money be a problem Im finding a solution.

Dear Keith, College is way more different than you'll think. First things first, don't let senioritis take over you, everything you do matters. Always apply for scholarships, once you get to college you'll realize money is a huge factor of your learning career. Really look into what you want to do for your future career so you're not going through college changing your major several times. Overall the key is never stop thinking and learning, accept change and embrace it. College is definitely a whole new world compared to college. Never give up, even when you just seemed swamped. You have a great life ahead with amazing experiences. Sincerely Your Future Self, Keith

Self, you really only need to bring your clothes, bed sheets, school supplies, and toiletries unless you wish to do a lot of annoying packing at the end of each semester. Two suitcases full of clothes are too much. We did really well the first year, and even better the second year of college, so you're fine with that. Keep your cool, and possibly join the Quidditch team a bit earlier. Yeah, we join the Quidditch team... Weird, I know. When packing at the end of each semester, pack early. Don't wait until last minute to get all your stuff together. Also, we don't need that many notebooks. I'm still using up all the ones we bought our freshman year. Just two three-subject notebooks is sufficient, and don't forget the stapler! Visit the writing center at least once, too. I'm sure that's the reason we get a C- in a later course, so be prepared, and never skimp out on your work--The Elder Scrolls can wait. Now go and do well in every class you take! Love, Future You!

If I could go back to high school I would definitely try harder and put more effort into extracurricular activities as well. College is not all about being stuck in the books, it's about being well-rounded and finding your true self. I would also advise myself to think of another major, because I definitely chose the wrong thing. All in all, the best advice I could give my past self is to try harder.

At age eighteen, every young adult assumes he or she knows everything about the world. If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self to listen to the advice of my elders. I moved out on my own for the first time and started college that August. I was financially unprepared, immature, and in way over my head. Regardless of any advice from my parents, older brother, or other wiser people, I went out on my own. I was completely convinced that I had everything under control and did not want any help. In retrospect, I should have listened to their words of wisdom. I ended up struggling with grades and money for quite some time. It is five years later and I have finally gotten my life relatively together. However, had I been more receptive of their advice, I could have reached that point much sooner.

My advice to my younger self would be to listen to your own heart on what you want to do. Don't let other people persuade you to follow a path that isn't right for you. Study the subjects that interest you. Don't follow a path someone else thinks you should be doing. This is a life choice of doing something for the rest of your life and you want to be happy with whatever you choose. Don't be forced into classes that you have no interested in to fail them miserably because you are not interested in them. Take time to try different kinds of classes if you are unsure of what you want to do. Don't rush to do things take your time and do them in your time. Find yourself and who you want to be as the grown up you are becoming don't worry what others criticize about you, you have to live with yourself at the end of the day. Be true to who you are and what you want to do and who you want to become.

Talking to my high school senior self a year ago I would tell her to "STUDY STUDY STUDY!" and study some more even when you do not feel like it because college exams and finals are nothing to kid around with. Also do not procrasinate on the items or paperwork that the college is requesting because later down the line you will face the consquences. Besides the academics, making friends won't be a problem at all so no need to worry so much. The transition and adjustments to college life will be very smooth. One last thing, don't stress too much over everything because everything will be in your favor soon enough.

Make sure to do your homework every nigt even if your teacher is not going to check it. Homework really is to help the student. When you get in college professors rarely check your homework but you are expected to know the material taught by the next class. If you find yourself having trouble in class or with homework, do not be afaraid to ask for help. Get use to asking for help.That is what theachers/professors are there for. When you get in college your professors will not have time to email you and make sure you understood the lesson for that day. It is your responsibility to get help not your professor. Another helpful tool would be to read the mateial before class. When reading the lessons, make notes in the magin about what you read, and highlight. It helps you understand and retain information with effeciency. PAY ATTENTOIN TO DUE DATES! In high school, your teacher may give you an extention if you forget to turn in an assignment,book report, project, ect. in college if you do not have your assignments in by the due date many professors assign a zero for that assignment.