Arkansas Tech University Top Questions

From deep within the crevices of my mind, I would have told myself to work harder instead of messing around. I thought it was a game up until this point. I find I was dead wrong. I wish I could have warned myself. That if I kept doing what I was, my future was bleak at best. I have realized now, that through hard work and responsibility, you can succeed and make something of yourself. It is just that last push to get you going is the tough one. But once you are up, you start moving. You make mistakes, we all will and do. Being able to share that piece of information with myself would have been quite helpful in gaining more knowledge of what not to do. I would have learned and have learned a valuable lesson of knuckle-crackng work and effort. Success is not going to just fall into your hands. You have to work for it. Every single time I could have done something different, I would have scorned myself for not being responsible. Because I know I can be. For those who believe it is a ride. Get on or get off. That simple.

I would tell my younger self that, even though you might not choose a school based on the best reason, it will end up being the best decision of your life. Following someone to the school they choose is not usually for the best. By making this choice, however, you will sometimes end up in the best situation you could have possibly imagined. Change is terrifying, but things will work out for the best. The people you will meet and the experiences you will have will enrich your life and make you a stronger and better person. Thanks for that.

College is one of the most important learning experiences of your life. You will learn a wealth of knowledge about your career but most importantly you learn a lot about yourself. You have the choice and freedom to do whatever you desire. You have to be self disciplined to study but also create time to enjoy college. No one is there to tell you to go to church or classes, or to not go to an event. You have to be the mind of reason. Each choice you make has consequences. The world is waiting for you to decide your path. You will see many different options, whether it be sexual orientation, religion, etc. You must choose your own path. Don't let others influence you because some of these decisions can affect the rest of your life. You come from a small christian town so be ready to see and hear some things you didn't even know existed. Be cautious but don't be afraid to try new things. It's your time to make a name for youself and start the rest of your life.

I would give myself the advice to be more confident, that everyone has flaws and that they are so busy worrying about their own problems they won't bother you about yours. I would also advise myself to take a couple of the prerequisite courses for college like Algebra and English during summers. I think getting ahead of the game would of helped me a lot. I would of told myself to take more diverse classes and to join more clubs and to be just as active as possible in the community.

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I would give myself the advice to look for scholarships. It was not easy for me to pay for college at first, and although I did find that playing soccer would pay for my school, it was almost a little too late. If I would have found more scholarships beside soccer to pay for my school, I would not be struggling to pay for my University now that soccer is not my option. I would also tell myself to study more because altough college was not that difficult, it was still hard and I can only imagine how much harder a University will be.

enjoy it

Being the oldest child in my family and the first to go to college in over twenty years, I have had to learn a lot on my own. If I could go back and give advice to myself as a senior, I would do so immediately! I would tell myself to finish the race strong. With the economy the way that it is, and education becoming less easily attainable, I would tell myself to save as much money as I can, apply for as many scholarships as I can, and look into financial aid options in depth. I would tell myself to apply to more schools and analyze all my opportunities. Then, go visit more institutions, see more counselors and advisors. I would encourage myself to be less shy, and not to be afraid of asking questions because this is my future and it is in my hands. I would remind myself that hard work is rewarding, to never give up, slack, or be discouraged—the best things in life take time. In high school, I was young and nervous. I would tell myself there are oceans of knowledge, to take control of my future, and always push forward.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would say many things. I would tell myself first and foremost not to take any day for granted. I would explain to myself how important it will be to get A's and B's in my classes, therefore to actually study for tests. I would give myself a goal during college instead of "just graduating" the goal "to keep a GPA of at least 3.6" so that I could wear the golden rope on graduation day. I would tell myself to stay involved at the Church of Christ Student Center and accept an internship with them even if it meant that you and your boyfriend will breakup. I would tell myself that the most important thing in my life always needs to be God because you will just lead yourself to unhappiness and destruction. Do not listen to the devil when he says turn the other way. Lastly, I would tell myself to watch how I spent my money and to not blow my money on rediculous things that I would not even have after I graduated.

Keep your nose in the books and pay attention to the formulas used in algebra.

Advice for my highschool self ranges from everyday practices to conceptual frameworks. Reflecting on my high-school persona I'm not sure how much I would listen to myself, but here are messages I would attempt to convey: You don't need all the answers, besides you'll never have them. Explore what you want versus expectations others set for you. Don't lose touch with family. You are about to make lifelong friends. When they tell you you'll have to study -- you will Find a quiet study place. Be single... for awhile. As important as your studies may be so is your well being -- take time to RELAX. Integrate reflection into your experience as a way to recgonize how you are growing in this process. Keep a journal. INTERNSHIPS! Study abroad! It will go by so quick you won't know what hit you. Keep your scholarships. Party but not as hard as you want. Become active in your community. College isn't the only pathway. Most of all be you, love you, and never stop exploring you. Finally, take everyone's advice (including your own), but with a grain of salt, because ultimately it's your life.