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.