Augustana University Top Questions

Take advantage of the opportunites presented. Making that transition to college can be stressful and scary, but it is important to put yourself out there to make sure your getting the best experience. I am a shy person; while I did participate in many of the events offered at school, I found myself holding back. I would go back and tell myself not to be afraid of the new and embrace the experiences. If you don't then you find yourself looking around alone. Make connections and try new things is my first piece of advice. When I leave college, I want to have fond memories and know that I experienced my time in college to the best of my abilites. Proritizing would be my next piece of advice. Wanting to make friends and fitting in is fine, but school work needs to come first. High school counselors and professors stressed the importance of making a schedual to manage study time. Get the work done first and then there is all the time in the world to make new friends and have a night out on the town. You won't miss out and school won't fall behind.

When I was 18, I would have been most grateful if a 25 year old version of myself came and gave me pointers on what to expect regarding college. Firstly, I would have told myself that being homesick is okay and even expected, but to stick it out. It does get better. I would then impress and double impress the importance of scholarships. Education is expensive. At 18 paying it back seems so far away and almost unrealistic, but alas, it is real. The less debt you have, the better off your future will be. Realize that you will most likely not have your dream job right out of college, maybe not even a decent paying job, so borrow accordingly. Finally, I would tell myself to take the first 2 years of school to decide what I truly want to do. Do not rush this decision, as it will be one of the biggest decisions of your life. After the decision is made, stick to it and pursue it with every good effort you have. Do not flip-flop and wonder if you made the right choice. Have faith that you did, and see it through.

High school is not a final destination in your life. College would be a stabe base for you to make a big jump in your life because you would be trained hard in college which gives you strengh knowlege for your future career. Attending in college might not be the most important, but it is the most necessary in your life. Enjoy the student life is the best experience ever in your life; you not only learn how to stand on your own feet but also be responsibility with your life and people around. College is a good enviroment for student to practice and learning becuase all rather sweat a lot on drill-ground than bleeding on the battle.

THIS MONEY IS ALL FOR MY STUDIES IN THIS COUNTRY.I WISH MAKE REALITY ,IS MY DREAMS.

Go for it. Go with your gut. Don't worry if someone else in your graduating class is going to your dream school too. It is YOUR dream school and it is the right choice for you. Do not go somewhere just to make someone else happy. Also, be prepared for the schoolwork. A lot of time that gets overlooked when making college decisions, but make sure you are ready for the work load. But also understand that the more challenging the school, the better the benefits and the job you will get after you graduate. You will make friends and have fun wherever you go, trust me. College is college. You do not have to be 2,000 miles away from home to experience it. There is going to be partying and drugs and everything you do not want to think about right now, but you have to decide how you are going to handle it and where you are going to draw the line for yourself. Otherwise you will be overwhelmed and feel pressured. And most of all, do not let this scare you. It is going to be the time of your life - get excited.

First of all, know that everything is going to be okay. This transition will be a difficult one for you as you may not be as ready to leave home as others, but you will eventually be comfortable. I know your goal is to get a 4.0 in college, but change that so that your goal is to do your best. It's okay to get a "B" if you did your best, and getting an "A" in college is not as easy as it was in high school. Most of all, have some fun! Try your best to be open to hanging out with friends while also sticking to your morals. I promise, you are strong enough to not fall into the trap of alcohol and sex. I know it doesn't feel this way, but you have it more figured out than you think, and just remember what grandma always told you: "It'll be fine".

If I could go talk to my high school self, I would tell myself a couple of things starting with take more college credits in high school. I now see that taking more classes in high school that would count for college credit would save me a large amount of time and money. I would tell myself is to save my money over the summer. When I didn't need it in the summer, I didn't mind spending freely. However, I now regret many of my purchases and free spending. I would tell myself to save my money, because I will need every penny soon. Last, I would tell myself is to explore, but don't let my studies get away from me. Take classes out of my boundaries and be sure to socialize and discuss things with others ahead of me. Don't be shy, and be sure to ask questions if you have them. But don't allow your studies to take a back seat. Make sure they come first, and don't settle for less than your best. It's not the same as high school, so don't treat it as such.

I would tell myself to shoot for your dreams. Whatever you want, its yours. I would have went to my school of choice which is Miami Dade right away instead of waiting for so long. But, I believe everything happens for a reason and I am more ready than ever for this interesting and amazing experience!!!

College is different than anything you've ever done. It is not like the movies; yes, there are aspects that are very, very similar (the parties are INSANE! You will love them, but don't overindulge), but it isn't like how you think. You've committed to a school that is highly regarded in the midwest. You are highly regarded in your school and your community. You're a role model and know what it takes to excel in school and athletics. If you hear any of this, listen now: Neither give up, nor give in. You'll be culture shocked. You'll be academically tested. You'll doubt your athletic abilities. But behind all of this, good will persevere. You'll feel so alone and begin to believe that coming to this school was the worst thing for you. But believe me, it is actually the best. God knows what he's doing and he's completely in control. As soon as you trust in Him, everything in your unfamiliar and strange life will begin to feel familiar and completely normal. You will finally feel like Emily again, and with that comes happiness.

Dearest Audrey, I know you better than anyone and love you in a way no one else can. I feel compelled to offer these words of insight. I have been there and done that, as they say. The future is not a place you are heading, but a place you create. You will never magically end up where you want to be or accomplish that list of “Before 30” that you wrote if you don’t plan. Dreams are attained and goals are accomplished by planning, organization, and perseverance. When you head out into the “real world” you must always keep your goals in sight. Fun need not be forfeited, but you must distinguish where your boundaries are immediately and commit to stick within them. Know that there is the daintiest, finest line between enjoying the utter beauty of the present moment and getting caught up and losing yourself in constant immediate gratification. Also young, sweet Audrey, don’t forget about your art. Creating beauty will provide you with a sense of completeness and create a space of retreat when school, love, and life get you down. Love, 30 year old Audrey who is just now returning to school