Hannah
I would advise myself to apply for every single scholarship in the book and explain how difficult and expensive college really is! I would also tell myself to ditch the boyfriend, make friends with everyone you meet, and join every club you possibly can. Talking to my former self, I would elaborate on how difficult the transition can be if you constantly hold yourself back due to self doubt. I would give myself a pep talk by saying that not only will everything turn out the way it is supposed to, but that I will also succeed in everything I do, as long as I try my hardest. I would advise against negative words and tell myself that putting yourself down automatically sets you up for failure because it puts you in the mindset of defeat. Finally, I would tell myself to study for every test, dance at every dance, have school spirit, befriend only those who bring out the absolute best in you, and -most importantly- have the time of your life!
LaShawn
What I have gotten out of Winthrop University is self-motivation. Winthrop has pushed me so far, to dare myself to excel beyond their expectations. Winthrop reminds me that I am no longer in high school, but I am on a tightrope between then, now, and my future. Winthrop offers many opportunities that I am capable of achieving. It is a fairly large university, but if I put forth my best efforts to succeed, then I won’t be overlooked, which I truly appreciate. Even after I graduate Winthrop will be a valuable asset for me to have because of it’s network. Winthrop connects me with people that help me to get where I am going in life as well as introduces me to people I will come to know, as I climb a ladder to success. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has a chance to make a difference, not only here, but in life. Winthrop is helping me to become the kind of person that does not merely exist, but lives life to it‘s fullest, prepared to learn and lead. Winthrop University is providing me with an experience that will enable me to accomplish my passion.
LaShawn
What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is an inexplicable desire to finish the race. Once I start a project, I'm almost compelled to complete it to the best of my ability.
Lauren
I always knew that I would attend college. I did not, however, know that I would learn so much in such a short period of time. Since I attented college I have been exposed to a large variety of people, programs and activities. I have also recieved a brutal educational wake up call. In high school I worked hard and my grades were outstanding. After my first sememster of school I spoke with my advisor who was also one of my professors and he said "this semester was just about getting you used to working". From my short college expierence I have learned to prioritize, manage my time and call my parents at least twice a week to vent and get advice. College is invaluable, I have learned things in college that I would not have learned if I had immediately entered the work world. I know for a fact when I graduate I will be prepared for anything and I will not regret my decision to attend Winthrop University.
Jacob
Out of my college experience so far I have learned the responsibilities that comes with being a college student. I have to take matters into my own hands and do whatever it takes to complete my goals of becoming a Physical Therapist. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to help people with their problems and make other peoples lives easier and by going to college this is the best opportunity that I have to be able to accomplish that goal. College is extremely valuable to my life as well as my parents. I will be the first child from my family to attend and complete college and that means a lot to me. It is the most important aspect of my life at the moment to do my best in every one of my classes and to help in whatever way I can to help pay for my college so my parents don't have all of the cost on them.
adriana
Freedom! Liberation! I have received much from my college experiences so far. It feels great to be thinking in a critical manner again. Education has given me so much and I would very much like to continue. I am doing something for myself and it feels magnificent. I do not feel as though I am wasting my life. I feel as though I have a future. If I work hard I can achieve anything. Life has new vigor. I have reached goals I never knew I could achieve. I have received A’s for the first time and have surprised myself with my endurance in cross-country. I have learned new problem solving skills and gained a sense of accomplishment. I have made new friends and learned things that I would have otherwise never even thought of. All these skills and life experiences are very valuable because life is easier and more fulfilling when you have the tools and know how to make good decisions. I value these experiences because this is the time in my life when I need them the most. I would like to see where I will end up if I continue on a productive path.
Rebecca
I have learned alot from my college expereience. I have been able to make some great friendships as well as learned a lot of valuable teaching skills. I feel that now I know that I can be an amazing teacher due to the many things that I have learned. This school has been valuable becuase it has prepared me in ways I never imagined for my future as a teacher.
Amber
So far, I have gained a new appreciation for the arts and culture. I have met people from other countries. I have teachers who know my name and want to help me succeed. I am very blessed to be here. The classroom sizes are small. The city is big enough to stay entertained and Charlotte is next door.
Raychel
I haven't attended college yet but it is very important for me to go. I have a lot of plans for my future and a college education would allow me to achieve those plans. I feel as though being able to have a college experience would benefit me in the longrun because not only will it help me with meeting new people who are creatively driven like me, but it also will help me with meeting people in the industry who will help me put my foot in the door. I believe that it will be valuable for me to attend college so that I can get my artwork out there and also make my family proud.
Rachel
I have taken so much from my college experiance thus far. I have recived an AA degree at Grossmont Community College as of last semester, and continue to take classes there. I am ready to move on to a University, and was recentley accepted at 5 colleges within the State of California. Money has always been a huge block for me in my education. I pray for the day that it wont be a problem anymore.
Breanna
My college experience has given me confidence and a sense of direction in life. Receiving my Associate's Degree was the first step to completing my college education, which I know is going to give me a solid foundation for my future. I want to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner, and I know that it will be because of the excellent education I received that I will be able to give back to the community much knowledge in my field. College is valuable to attend because it provides the education needed to work in a specific career, and it opens many doors that may not have opened had one not attended college.
Mahmudah
Knowledge and exposure are some of the best things I've gained by attending college. Getting outside of your comfort zone of family, friends, and similar beliefs, college challenges them. I am of the belief that by having your ideas challenged, your faith in them becomes stronger. Many times I have heard ideas contrary to my own, and in defending my beliefs, was able to educate my fellow classmates. The exchange of thoughts created an atmosphere of understanding and appreciation for one another. Even if in the end, we did not agree, we respected each others ideas and learned much about one another.
dwayne
I learn how to work hard and how to get my work done on time. I love college no parents always on your back. College life is what you make out of it you can sleep late are get to your classes on time and get your work idone. I have learn to be a better person and to be on time for my classes it is preparing me for the real world. Be on time for classes is a good sign I will be on time for work.
Caileigh
I have not been in college very long, but I have learned that it is very important not to judge people. There are so many diverse people at Winthrop, and it is not beneficial to anyone if a person makes generalizations about a peer. Meeting new people is a huge part of the college experience. You cannot get to know anybody, if you already have your mind made up about who they are.
College has opened my eyes to a lot of new and good experiences. Meeting new people has been a lot of fun. I have made friends with upperclassmen too, not just freshmen like me. I have joined a club called Winthrop Outdoor Adventure Club, and I am looking forward to the hiking/camping/whitewater rafting trips we will be going on soon, and getting to know the people in it.
Jasmin
Since I've attended Winthrop University I have gained a lot of research experience in my field as well as others. My first psychology professor saw my potential and asked me to become part of her research team during my freshman year. I felt honored to be chosen for such an opprotunity and I worked hard with her and my fellow team members for 2 years. I've also done many 3 more research topics since that time.
I love being at Winthrop because I have had so many opprotunities I believe I would not have had if I was at another university or college. My time at Winthrop has allowed me to get to know myself as well as the world around me because of the diverse activities and people on campus. I know what I must do in order to succeed in my field and I know the helpful community at Winthrop will assist me until the very end.
Dwayne
I've learned that life is what you make it to be and it has been valuable to attend because college is the best 4 years of your life.
Craig
I would tell myself "you know i am not very eloquent but you need to know 3 things about college. 1 your roommate will get on your nervs and you on his. 2 There is going to be 10 times as much work. 3 don't eat too much in the cafeteria.
Samantha
I would advise myself to learn the study habits while I had more time on my hands - there was much more time to get things done in my senior year of high school than my freshman year of college. I would have strived for more motivation when it came down to getting my work done. Instead, I had to teach myself a lot of these techniques as a college freshman. Don't forget to level out how to enjoy college and work hard at the same time - it CAN be done!
Courtney
Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to calm down! You never believe anyone when they tell you that everything will be fine and everyone's in the same boat, but it's true. None of my friends were coming to the college I chose and I was really paranoid about making friends, but everyone is actually really nice and friendly, so it was very easy making the transition. Another thing I was worried about was doing very badly in my classes since I'd heard horror stories about first semester and people dropping out halfway through the year. It turns out that, while my classes were very hard, I worked hard and my grades reflected that. Change isn't a bad thing. Change gives you the opportunity to experience new things and grow as a person. I would definitely let my past self know that he transition to college was a good change and while there were some things I'd miss about high school, I'm working toward something that I really want and that makes it all worth it.
Rebekah
If I could go back in time knowing what I know now about college, I would feel so relieved. When I was in high school I was so scared about making the transition to college. I did not think I was going to be able to make the transition and leave my family and take care of myself. But I hav found after my frst semester at Winthrop University that college is not that hard if you try. As long as you do the work and go to class you will blossom in college. Making friends was another thing I was worried about but I have made amazing friends that I plan on keeping for life. I would gove myself this advice: be yourself, tryhard, get involved, and most importantly do not be afraid to speak up.