Azusa Pacific University Top Questions

Be prepared for the years ahead. Just know that nothing is going to be handed to you. If you want something you must work hard for it. Start planning or mapping out what you want and where you want to be, because you do not want to be out in the world with no plan or agenda. If you plan out everything, set short term goals, and follow through, you will be alright. Also know that education is priority and you will not get far without it.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would have told myself first to start applying to scholarships a lot sooner and also to make a huge effort to get a job. Your freshman year is very expensive because you are not used to having to pay for everything yourself so make sure you have some money saved up or have a job planned out. Second I would also tell myself to spend more time with my family because you don't relize how much they mean to you and how much you are going to miss them until you are actually gone. Third I would tell myself to not focus so much on high school friends and to focus more about school because once you graduate everyone sperates and starts a new life. Finially I would tell myself to try to take some community college classes or to take more AP test so that you do not have as many general ed classes that you have to take. I would then tell my self to enjoy high school and to enjoy being young but to still plan for the future.

I believe it's important to know that you will most likely not meet all your close friends on your hall, become best friends with your roommate, and never have any drama. Living on a hall is great, and I was fortunate enough to get along with both my roommates very well and meet the majority of my girl friends on my hall, but I have heard horror stories from other girls on my hall and from other halls. It's better to come to college with no expectations, and to let things happen as they may. Also, don't be discouraged by not having a "posse" or go-to friend group within the first couple of weeks. As the year goes on, things will start falling into place more naturally. College is a huge growing experience, and coming in with certain expectations will probably leave you disappointed. No one's college experience is the same, and so let your story be it's own.

I believe it's important to know that you will most likely not meet all your close friends on your hall, become best friends with your roommate, and never have any drama. Living on a hall is great, and I was fortunate enough to get along with both my roommates very well and meet the majority of my girl friends on my hall, but I have heard horror stories from other girls on my hall and from other halls. It's better to come to college with no expectations, and to let things happen as they may. Also, don't be discouraged by not having a "posse" or go-to friend group within the first couple of weeks. As the year goes on, things will start falling into place more naturally. College is a huge growing experience, and coming in with certain expectations will probably leave you disappointed. No one's college experience is the same, and so let your story be it's own.

Be prepared for the challenging courses! Even though they are only freshman courses, you will struggle here and there. But do not worry, your professors are available for help! Get all your materials ready because some professors do start teaching on the first day of class. Don't get lazy and get sucked up to the social scene too much because its easy for you to fall behind on your courses. Most importantly, enjoy your freshman year!

If I could tell myself something that would help prepare myself for my first year of college I would say: "Natalie, do not set up expectations because most likely things are going to be immensely different than you think; but you are going to grow in ways you never thought possible. Trust in the Lord because He is faithful and has a plan for your life. Find joy in all circumstances. Be open and ready to learn about yourself because this is going to be a really important time in your life when you will gain understanding in why God has made you the way you are. Do not be discouraged when you are in trials, but rather seek the Lord more than you ever have before because He will bring you through it and will open your eyes to new and amazing opportunities coming your way. Pray diligently for your sister because you are going to play a key role in her life your second semester as she gets ready to graduate college. Persevere and do not be afraid because you are going to be at APU for reason next year."

I would tell myself to take life more serious and really decide and focus on what I want to do in life. To not take my time for granted and to keep going regardless of what comes in life. To never stop and to help myself before I can help others.

Number one....READ, when the professor gives you the syllabus don't just take it and shove it in your desk, look at it highlight due dates and the reading schedule. Another thing, actually talk to your professors, they are probably your best bet for doing well in your classes. They are great resources and will help you, just don't be to proud to ask for help. Also, please, I'm begging you, do well in your classes so you won't be put on probabtion struggling to prove you belong in college. You are a good student keep it that way.

The decisions you have made in the past do not define who you are, they affect your life but they are not who you are. Everyone makes mistakes, but do not let them consume you and become who you are. I would also remind myself to really keep in touch with the people I love and miss because one day you might get a phone call saying that they are gone. I would remind myself to pray, because with God anything is possible. I would give myself a pep talk and tell myself to never give up or settle for anything. Lastly, I would remind myself to take a break every once in awhile and breathe.

The advice that I would give myself would be to not be discouraged by the new beginnings that are to come. One needs to learn how to learn in college. Expect variety and new things; have an open mind to college because it is not going to be the same as high school. Most college students become overwhelmed with school and building new relationships. When it comes to building new relationships, be patient because it is a different change trying to meet people after being used to the relationships that were already there in high school. Consider time management because there are many activities to distract yourself from. Therefore, manage your time so you can know what times are for studying and the times that you have free to replenish yourself. Ask for help when you need it because you do not want to go through college alone especially during the difficult times.