Baker College Top Questions

Looking back I think the most important thing is to study. College education is much different than what I experienced in high school. In high school you had teachers who gave out assignments and readings everyday; esentially spoon-feeding students what they needed to know. In college, you might go over the information in class and never have an assignment. Whether or not you learn from that lecture is up to you and you alone. I would tell myself to spend more time studying on my own and learning a way of studying that worked for me.

Sometimes the world is a difficult place to live in. As a teenager, you will be surrounded with numerous temptations and distractions. Don't live your life for other people - not other teens around you, your teachers, your parents, etc... Live your life for you. Think about what's best for you. Force yourself to dream - plan for your future and take the appropriate steps to get there.

Instead of jumping into marraige without education I would include my education as part of my married life. I would choose to go to college while raising my children so that they would realize the importance of a collage education. Giving them that inspiration to attend and complete a college education in todays economy is very important. A college education is a very dedicated thing. To work hard in college means to acheive the first part of ones goals. Back then I thought college after marriage responsilities. Today I think back and I could have done both. My Children are now becoming college oriented and I am very proud of them. The biggiest advice I would give myself if I was coming out of High School is to stick with a thought of immediate education for todays work world you never know when you are needed in a marriage or other home situation to work and contribuite to the family

Although i have only been with Baker College for one semester, it has made a world of a difference in my learning experience. Comparing to my prior experience at Central Michigan University, I have made a 180 degree turn-around. This does not mean Central Michigan was a bad school, but that it was not convenient for me at the time. I did not know what I wanted to do and I felt very alone at such a big school. I feel that being at a smaller school is much easier and more comfortable because help is not hard to find. The employees are incredibly helpful and almost scary happy about it. I believe Baker College offers programs and guidance that not many colleges can.

I was hired into my company when I was twenty and was confident I would retire here. Because of this sense of stability, I didn't feel the rush to go to school. After almost ten years, I was given my displacement papers and walked out the door. I never felt so helpless in my entire life. My husband was also having employment difficulties and I was the sole provider to myself, my husband, and my 11-year old son. I was faced with the harsh reality that I would not be able to obtain another job that could provide for my family without a college degree. I was not able to do anything about it because I did not have the money. This added to my sense of worthlessness and depression. I was re-hired after three months and am now back to work; however, I don’t believe I will have that sense of security again. I re-enrolled in school and am determined to never feel useless to my family again. Feeling useful to my family and in the fact that I am providing for our future is what I am receiving out of my college experience.

I have received much more out of my college experience than I ever imagined. I have only been attending Baker College for a short time, but I have learned life-long, valuable skills. I have learned that it takes a great deal of commitment and planning to reach goals and flexibility to attain them. I have learned to make my education a priority and to balance my studies with my family and even to take time for myself. The instructors I have encountered thus far have taught me to push myself, to think outside of normal resources and to not take second-best as an option. It took me 25 years to make the decision to return to school to pursue my educational goals. I did a good deal of research on colleges and, I believe, I made the best choice for myself. I also feel I am setting a superior example for my children with my new-found discipline and pride. There are also those, younger than I, which had thought it too late to return to college. I hope I have proved them wrong.

I have gotten the sensibility that I can achieve anything from Baker College, due in part that I work a full-time job, attend school full-time, and take care of my household which includes a 10-year old and a one-year old. It has taught me to be more discipline in my studies and not to relu on the teacher to check on me all the time, something in which you will see in grade school. The value that Baker College has instilled in me is that I can do my work at any given time and submit it as long as it is in by 11:59pm, my time zone. By attending a college based soley online gives me the opportunity to do work practically anywhere in the world and that is why I enjoy this school so much.

If I could go back in time and visit myself during my Senior year, I would stress the importance of continuing education. Back in the 1990's, an Associate's Degree was enough to land a good job.However today, most employers want a Bachelor's Degree if not a Master's. I would instruct myself to stay enrolled in College until I reached the Bachelor level and stay home with my parents to help ease the strain. As an adult, 18 years later, with three kids trying to return to college while working full time is not a desireable path. It is hard work and very stressful. I would be sure to point out these facts to "my senior self". I would emphasize the need to be diligent and focused on my work, and to know that four years of life at the ripe age of 18-22 is not even the beginning of life as we know it. The four years will be minimal compared to the rest of one's life after college and acquiring a wonderful and meaningful career. Bottom line, stay in College until the Bachelor Degree is completed, at the very least.

Never be afraid to step outside your comfort area. Always go above and beyond to get to know someone. Don't be afraid to get to know your teachers or the students sitting around you. Then if you ever get into trouble or are having difficulty with something in the class there will be someone there that can help you. Also don't procrastinate and get your work done early because there is nothing worse than staying up late to complete an assignment you have no idea how to do. In college it pays off to be the over-achiever and it may mean doing a little extra work but the reward of less stress and good grades pays off largely at the end of the day. College can be difficult or it can be easy if you just keep trying your best, it is your choice.

If i could tell my high school self what to prepare for for college i would say "Work as hard as you can now and start become more professional in my apperience and attitude. As long as you study, work hard, pay attention in class and be responsible and professional college will be a great roller coaster experience that will lead me to success in the end.