Wittenberg University Top Questions

My high school self was always scared. I was cautious and worried about how welcoming my college environment would be. How could people that I've never even met before be comfortable with my being gay when I could hardly admit it to myself? How woud I ever tell my roommate that I had a girlfriend without her being uncomfortable? Would I be ostracized because I went to a religiously affiliated school? If I could go back in time I would find that frightened girl and would tell her that she'll be safe; she won't have to hide who she is in the future. There won't be any hurtful words said or cruel jokes stabbed at her. In college, she'll finally be free of the secrecy that surrounds her every day. I would hold that girl, pull her close, wipe a tear from her worried eyes, and say "You will be loved."

I would tell myself first and foremost, that the fact that I am really great at managing my time wisely will come in handy at Wittenberg. I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions and explore, because you may not be talking about it in class, but that does not mean it will not come in handy in the future. Don't be afraid to talk to people, and I mean everyone. Everyone wants someone to talk to. Don't be afraid to talk to that girl on move in day that looks like she could use a friend. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors outside of class. Don't be afraid to cancel plans because you have a lot of homework to do. It may stink to do homework on a Friday night, but it will definitely reward you later. Lastly, don't be afraid to try something new. It may end up being "your calling."

Being a new student orientation assistant this year, I gained a lot of insight into my own college experience by hearing the stories of the incoming freshman class. A frequent question was how to be successful at Wittenberg. I did not have an immediate answer the first time I was asked that question. After digesting my thoughts for awhile, I came up with a very simple answer: be yourself. When I was going through the college search process, Wittenberg did not just tell me what it could do for me. Everyone at Wittenberg cared about what I could do for the school. I am sure that most college campuses place the same value on student participation and initiative. College is about finding your calling and the only way to do that is by being yourself from the moment you step on campus. That is what has made me so successful here at Wittenberg. In life, we do not always appreciate something unless it is taken away or we imagine it being gone. I appreciate being at Wittenberg every day because I am constantly humbled by the school and my classmates who have taught me to be myself since day one.

I would tell myself to do the work in high school in a timely manner and to not put everything off until the last minute. I would tell myself to actually do the reading that was assigned when it was assigned. I need to also save my money now and not blow it on pointless things. The money I save now will help me later in life.

The advice I would give myself is not listen to sh!tty brochures like I did because half of those stupid things are entirely true. The things not mentioned in brochures are the crappy food, the transportation to stores for neccessities and the fact that there are crows on campus that splat on the school.

College is a completely different experiene than high school. In college students are more independent and this requires more responsibilty. The courses are tougher, but they are preparing you for the real world. College is a great way to meet people and getting involved in different activities gives you a better chance to create friendships that will last for the rest of your life. I've just started my college career and I have already found friends that I am closer to than my friends from home, and I know our relationships will stay the same for years to come.

I have gotten an education, which is a priceless thing to have. Studying political science has expanded my world view and the way I look at everything in society. It has made me more in tune with society.

I have learned so much about political science including those that are related to foreign policy and philosophy. It has been valuable because I have made many friends who are like minded like I am. I was a poor student in high school who's GPA was a 2.8 and a poor student in my previous college (my GPA was below a 2.0 at that time). However in my first semester I received a 3.5 GPA and was put on the Dean's List. In one of my classes (Modern Political Philosophy) my professor gave me a an A- in that course and when that course started I thought I would be happy if I received a C. In that class I read so many interesting books including those written by Marx, John Locke, J.S. Mill and Rousseau. I was also able to intern in Washington D.C. and work for the Heritage Foundation. Interning there gave me the opportunity to see famous people such as Jim DeMint and Art Laffer.

I have gotten the ability to plan ahead for important events, as well as always being prepared. If there isn't any prepertion, then not only are you able to have fun with no worries that will hit you in the head in the meer future, but but also, if you are prepared, then you are a couple of steps ahead of everyone else, allowing yourself to open your mind to learn more.

College has been very valuable for me. I recently became a single parent of a baby girl. Furthering my education and earning a degree, will help me support my child. Keeping up with college classes and taking care of a child is hardwork. But paying for both is even harder. I'm afraid without scholarships, I'll be forced to take out loans. Getting into debt is one of my biggest fears. I want to be the best mother I can be. In order to do that, I need to continue going to college.

As a minority student and an immigrant from Jamaica I was raised around pure ambition and taught at a early age to set a goal then, without any compromise, attain it. Nothing more exemplifies this aphorism than my Mother?s move from Jamaica to the United States. She left her comfortable white collar job in an insurance company for the sole purpose of improving my brothers and I lives through educations an other opportunities. College taught a lot of life lessons I intend to pass on. A few that come to mind are the importance of helping others as I grow. There has been time when the stress between work, school, and family left me feeling overwhelming. But having a few friends that were supportive kept me on track. The extra motivation can be priceless. Being in that position I can relate to others struggling at different point in their life and always try to lend a helping hand or something as simple as a motivational conversation. It is also a constant reminder of how good time management skills are a necessity in life. Without it, the work load would pile up until it became overwhelming and unhealthy.

Before I came to Wittenberg University, I had no sense of what of family was. There was trouble at home, and I was begging for an escape. Finally, on August 20, 2009, I arrived on campus as a freshman. Over this year, I have gained friends, sorority sisters, responsibility, and learned things that I never knew. Making the transition educational wise was a struggle for me because the high school that I attended had not prepared me for a private liberal art school education. I struggled through almost all of my classes and found it difficult to read the music in band. However, since then, I have grown to understand French, strengthened my writing, studied religion, and improved my ability to read music. Wittenberg has taught me to step outside of my shell and join clubs such as Swing Dance Club, Concerned Black Students, Union Board, Residence Hall Association, Kappa Delta Sorority, and even more activities than that. I have been granted many opportunities such as being a Resident Advisor for my sophomore year. When I?m at Wittenberg, I feel like I am at home and I know that I am never alone.

It has definitely made me step out of my comfort zone. In high school all I did was run track and field and participate in a few clubs. At college, its made me want to try all the new things that it offers and it has taught me how to balance school, work, clubs, and a social life. Before college I thought I would just focus on school and maybe a job...and NEVER join a sorority. Now, I'm in a sorority, have a job, am in Cave Club and Habitat for Humanity, and I'm still able to do great in school. I've taken classes I never thought I'd take and I've enjoyed them. Goin to college has really opened my eyes up to all the great things life has to offer and it has opened my eyes up to how much potential i have.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself to resist senoritis. Getting into the habit in the last year of high school of not studying and slacking off is one of the worst things for someone going to a competitive university. In order to do well at Wittenberg in particular, students need to study much more than in high school. Senior year is when you need to really cement good study habits. Another thing I would advise myself is to not be overwhelmed with the amount of food available. If the freshman 15 or more is gained, you will want to lose the weight, and spend time in the gym that could be spent studying. Third, don't stay up till all hours of the night. Set a good and repetitive sleep schedule. That will help you to be more awake in class, and while doing homework. It also increases your metabolism and helps you stay positive. Its hard to be positive when you are only running on five hours of sleep. That said, Good Luck in college!

Do not go to a school you know you'll hate just because you got accepted. Get ready for a lot of homework and studying.

Z, don't listen to the people who tell you that you can't make it at college as you are now. You don't have to completely change to impress anyone at Wittenberg. You don't have to drink, go to parties all the time, join a sorority, or secret society. You'll love the college classes and workload that you'll get. Ask the professors for help or for more work if you need an extra challenge! Be brave, but realize that asking for help from advisors, upperclassman, and professors is not a sign of weakness. Besides, you want to get every cent out of college, right? Try out for all those quarky things you couldn't do in high school: swing dance, astronomy, D&D, or international club. Go for walks around campus to see what the town and the school has to offer; you'll find a lot of secret treasures that way. Remember to keep in touch with the family at least once a week. And, for heaven's sake, keep a planner!! It will help you stay on top of your school and social life. Learn a lot, but have fun!

The advice that I would give myself would be to keep an open mind and get as involved as possible. It's okay to keep to one group of friends, but when you branch out and get to know a lot more people, that is when you are having the most fun. It is always possible to drop some activities if you get too stressed out, but at least try to do as much as possible. Plus it keeps you busy so you won't be so homesick! Also, don't go home for the first couple months because it is always hard to go back to school and make new relationships at school if you are at home all of the time. If you truly get homesick, see if it is possible for your parents to come and visit you at school for a couple days, it makes the transition a lot easier. As long as you keep busy, you will make a lot of great new friends and have the best time of your life living it up at college.

Make sure you chose a school based on interest. Do not worry about the money. It is more important to get into a career that interests you and by doing that debt can be paid off.

When trying to find the right school, i would first say to keep all options open and have many back up plans in case your first choice does not accept you. Next when you visit each school, see how the people are at each school by telling whether there nice and get a sense of what the atmosphere is becasue depending on how big the school is will tell u a lot about whether its for you. Finally, fill out and complete all of the scholarship oppurtunities for each school to get the maximum amount of financial aid toward the school you plan on attending.

When you visit a college, take a look at the current student body. Choose a place where the people you see look like potential friends. You should feel at home when you step on campus, and see your own potential in the academic programs and available experiences. Look for a place where you can envision a grown version of yourself, and like what you see. Inevitably, the college you choose will influence your future. Make sure it is a place where you feel confident being yourself, and are encouraged to develop your individual talents. Ideally, a person will begin college, try new things, meet new people, and somewhere along the way stumble across the person they had hoped to become. The best way to give yourself opportunities for grow is by remaining open to new experiences, and creating connections to your goals. Don't be afraid to step off of the beaten academic path to explore a different perspective, and open your own eyes a little wider. It is amazing how much of your college education takes place outside of the classroom, and the extent to which a single encounter can change your whole outlook in life.