Allan Hancock College Top Questions

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself not to procrastinate. I have been out of high school since 2001, kept telling myself that I wanted to wait. Well, waiting hurt me in the long run. When your not a college graduate it is hard to find good work that last. So, in 2008 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and I will be attending Wallace State Community College for the summer of 2010. I can't wait, I know it will be a transition for me, but I have to think about what is best for me and my daughter. "There is nothing more important than a college education.", is all they ever say in high school and now I know that is the truth.

The transition from high school to college life came easy to me as I have always been very independent. My younger brother on the other hand, has had a difficult time with this transition. Watching him go through the emotions has been difficult for me and I wish I could have given him advice before his high school graduation. On that note, I started thinking more about my own transition. If I could go back in time and give myself advice it would be this - just because I had always been independent and taken care of myself doesn't mean that I shouldn't appreciate the support others can give you. I sometimes would shy away from other's advice thinking I could take care of myself, when in reality, I should have appreciated the support my family gave me. Take life by the horns, but never forget those along the way who are there to help you when you need it the most and don't ever be disgraced when you need to ask for help!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what college is actually like, I would say:

The first thing that I woud tell myself if I could go back in time would be to apply for every scholarship possible. I had no Idea how expensive college is. Not only are you paying for tuition there is also the cost of books. My books for my classes last semster where are about $300 alone not including out of state tuition which at most campuses is three times the in-state tuition. Its amazing how many different scholarships/grants are out there. I would also tell myself to save money like it was running out of style. I would tell myself to have two jobs in High school because its imposible to do so in college. That way I would have a little nest egg of funds for when times got really hard. Also if I could go back I would tell myself to work even harder academically because a lot of Universitys require a high GPA as well as a high SAT score. The higher those two numbers are the more forgiving the college is when it comes to finacial aid. Lastly, I would tell myself to have fun because you only go to college once.

Never give up on your education. Fight for it regardless of what the obstacles appear to be. Do research that will narrow down your career path; this helps in class and major selection. Be resourceful during times of harships and patient with yourself. Believe in your abilities. Don't sell out for easy money. A lucrative profession will not always bring you happiness, but an education will always be there to fall back upon. Remember that when you are feeling challenged you are probably on the right track.

Competition, jealousy and pride are heightened at this time in your life. Joey was accepted to Princeton on a full ride scholarship, Janice is going to the same school her entire family graduated from pursuing a prestigious private Catholic school education and you, well your just there right? Wrong. Everyone?s path is mapped out differently, every experience unique and no one experience right or wrong. When you walk on a campus you should feel as though this is where you belong and it should feel like love at first sight. If you don?t feel it, keep searching for that school. Do as best you can in your local school so that when you do find your dream school, you can attend it. Don?t gawk at the boy with a bone in his nose and if someone speaks Spanish put those three years of high school Spanish to good use. Ask that person in front of you what they?re listening to with their ipod every morning. Meet people you wouldn?t normally meet, you?ll be pleasantly surprised and learn a thing or two about yourself. Who knows maybe you?ll learn about Philosophy and Anthropology too.

I would say to apply to as many scholarships as you can so money is not an issue later on in life and that you will not have to depend on anyone and can be an independent person. Also to apply to your favorite colleges and look into them as much as possible, also to take trips to them so you have a feel for them. Most important to apply to what ever you are applying to the first day it is open so you do not procrastinate on anything and have less worries. Then jump into it and do not anything slow you down just go for what you want and reach that goal without being lazy.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take high school more seriously! College is so important and takes alot of focus.

To be honest, I think it?s pointless to sit and think what kind of advice I would?ve given myself back as a high school senior. I find it dangerous to look back because it just may lead to regret. It?s not being fearful, it?s having the courage to tell yourself to stop going back and move forward. However, I will reflect a bit my senior year in high school. I remember most of my friends applying after one application after another and basically was on the ?right? track all through their high school years. I on the other hand, was never consistent enough to keep up with the others. My health issues got in the way of everything, but it also made me realize at the same time, ?Is doing what I?m supposed to do truly going to make me happy?? ?Is following the same path as the others suppose to mean I?m successful?? I can?t blame myself, nor can I advise myself. I?m a college student now and and I know it?s going to get better in time. I'm ready now.

As a high school senior I believed myself to be wise beyond my years and very independent, therefore I left school prior to graduation. If I could go back in time, I would convince myself to stay in school and continue with college as finances allowed. I would explain to myself the necessity and importance of education at all stages, not only for what is learned scholastically but the value of life lessons including patience, organization, and communication that are learned in an academic environment. I would stress the way that future employment situations are influenced substantially by an applicants educational accomplishments. I would also adamantly project how many more opportunities are available to those with a college education than to those without. I would prepare myself for the transition by speaking with former teachers and seeking their advice as well as using all counseling resources available.