Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

Listen up, Ruthie. You've got some misconceptions about college that need to be hammered out. Let me make a list for you: 1. Get on that computer right now and start searching for local/national scholarships based on merit/financial aid. If you think that money will magically appear as soon as you get an acceptance letter from a university, then you're dumb. You need to work at finding the right ones in order to graduate college with little to no debt. Trust me, you'll be thankful that you do not have that burden. 2. Visit as many colleges as you can with a variety of population sizes. Try some public schools, then private. Look at in-state colleges, and out-of-state colleges, too. Do not make a list of colleges that have the same characteristics that you think you like, because you may surprise yourself with liking something completely different. 3. This may be common sense, but because I am taking to you from the future, I know that you're going to make this mistake. Take a tour of the dorm rooms. Look especially at the bathrooms. Do not live in Pratt Hall, PLEASE.

High School was a rough time for me. Being home schooled, I didn't have the typical high school experience. My academic level became synonymous with my parent's/teacher's and most of high school I felt like I was teaching myself. I had a very low view of myself academically and was confused about what I wanted to do after graduation, often wondering if college would even be possible. I knew my academic gpa was not as high as many students entering college, and thought that if I went to college I would struggle to keep up. Now, going into my junior year, I have a different outlook. I wish I could write myself a letter saying "It gets better." I would tell myself that I am stronger and smarter than I know, and that grades really aren't everything. It is heart and effort that determines how well you succeed, and that is something I've always had. I would remind myself that doubt and fear are your biggest enemies, and they can be easily extinguished with confidence and strong friendship. Lastly I would sign it with, "P.S. SAVE YOUR MONEY! COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE!"

A young girl living in a small town was faced with big decisions that would impact her entire future. That girl was me three years ago as a high school senior. As college applications were approaching, I had to decide where I wanted to further my education and what occupation I wanted to pursue. Time was running out, and I found myself basing my decisions on what my loved ones thought was best. I thought these choices would be fulfilling, but I soon discovered that I was unhappy with the decisions I made. I ended up changing not only my major, but where I attended college as well. Going through these processes has taught me numerous lessons. If I could go back and give myself advice as a senior, I would first tell myself to value personal happiness over desperately trying to impress everyone else with my choices. I would then say that change is an inevitable part of life that should not be dreaded, but embraced. Realizing this, I have grown in character and wisdom. This advice would have helped me build self-confidence and discernment so that I could face the choices of my future with courage.

When I was a fresh graduate from high school, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Looking back, I was probably a bit idealistic in my outlook on career choices. Part of me thought I could be a granola child and save the world, but live on nothing. In the end, with the advice of my parents, I chose to major in Education believing I could make a difference in the world and make a living at the same time. So off I went to college, bright-eyed and naïve about my future. I had a suspicion when I started working towards the degree teaching was not a good fit for me. But I persevered and graduated in May 2011. I came to the daunting realization my last semester of Student Teaching that I was not meant to teach in a classroom setting. Fast forward a few years and I am not pursuing a masters in Occupational Therapy. I have often thought about the time I wasted by not doing my research as a highschooler. If I could tell my past self one thing I know it would be to do the research!

I would tell myself to be ready for the pressure. I did not think coming into college that college was going to be as hard as it is. Seeing my older sister succeed and do so well made me a little blind to how much work you actually have to put in in order to get what you need done done. I would also tell myself to make as many friends as you can and have fun. College is awesome and the friends that you make are even more awesome.

Go to Anderson. Even during your first year there, you might get homesick, and miss your friends, and your mom. That's normal. That's completely natural. But Anderson is where you're supposed to be. You might miss your friends back home, but I can promise you that you will meet some of the greatest friends you will ever have, while you're there. It might take a while for that to happen, because you aren't from the area, and for some reason you decided to live off campus first semester (don't do that). But don't be discouraged if you don't make a lot of friends at first. You will, eventually. And I promise you, this whole experience, it will change your life forever. For the better. You're meant to there.

I would advise myself to try hard and learn as much as I can. College is awesome because my only responsibility is to learn. And never again in my life will that be my only responsibility. Soaking that up is so important. Learning is so important. Don't goof off and don't waste time and don't lose sight of the most valuable things. Life is precious and you should never take a single moment for granted. Make the most of it all!

If I could go back in time and talk with my high-school self. I would give a bunch of little pieces of advice that would add up to a successful year. I would tell myself to read the assignments that teachers assign even if they aren’t graded. Pay attention the syllabus. Manage your time well and spread out the material you need to study at least a week in advance. When you have a test, don’t stay up all night cramming. Get a solid group of friends during the first month of school. Get involved with lots of campus activities and groups until you know what you want to stick with, then pull back and get deeply involved in a few activities and groups. Keep your faith grounded and get involved with a local church and community group. Don’t go out to eat every night; save your money and use your meal plan. Reward yourself when you do well on a test or project to keep yourself motivated. These are things that I would tell my high-school self so that I could begin my college experience with the right foot forward.

Don't stress about it! Your parents have your financial situation under control, so don't worry about not getting all of the cutest accessories for your dorm room. Mainly focus on finding friends. Don't be shy because there's a limited time until groups start forming. Don't stick with a group of people that make you feel uncomfortable, or your chances of finding the perfect group will seem unlikely. It's much better to have a few close friends that will help you with your transition instead of a large group of people who barely know you. When it comes to all the immense campus activities and homework that your teachers provide, plan it out everyday. Use your agenda to write down everything that you need to get done. In this way, you will have better time management. Going to these campus activities will lower your stress about classes and help you meet new people. My most important piece of advice is to be yourself. Don't change just because high school is over and you're surrounded by new people. Instead, keep your morals and ethics because they are key to your success.

As a high school senior, my plan was to attend a Canadian University and earn a business degree, however, today I am on a tennis scholarship at Anderson University in South Carolina. I have recently decided to switch my major from Kinesiology to Business Management. I would tell my senior self to stick to my gut and the advice given to me by my peers, family and teachers. I would tell myself to stick with the Business degree but to take some Kinesiology electives to keep my options as wide open as possible to set myself up for the best career possible. This was a very hard to decision to make but through taking Kinesiology courses, I have learned I am more interested in the business aspect of sports instead of working with the biomechanics of the body. Since I am determined to still graduate in four years, I am extremely motivated and content to put in the extra hours and work to fill the requirements because I know this is something I am passionate about, and it will pay off in the end.