Bridgewater College Top Questions

I started college in 2005. I spent three years in school and due to financial and personal reasons I quit. I wasn't happy in the program I was working through and had no money to pay for college. Most of what I learned in college was a lot more than some people. I saw a cultural difference at my college then where I grew up. I learned a lot about people, surviving, myself, and gained a lot of job experience. I took a lot of different classes that I obviously learned a lot in but my learning experience was what I didn't learn in the classroom. I gained more knowledge about the world, and people, and life then anyone else I knew and that a classroom couldn't offer. If I could go back to my senior year and tell myself then something I know now my life would probably be very different but I honestly wouldn't change much of what happened. There is a lot that I probably would change but then I wouldn't be where I am now. I am now going back to school and need all the help I can get.

As I have taken classes, not only did I learn, but I used that learning to help me redefine my career choice. There are so many directions in which you may specialize a degree, my being around new people with different insights helped me to clarify a more specific degree that I would truely enjoy. For me, my education goals have come with many twists and turns rather than the straight path that I originally had in my minds eye. So I have met new friends, learned loads of valuable information, and joined clubs with the goal of making a difference in society. As we learn these things,we mature, thus it make us better keepers of our world and of our fellow man.

I have learned that my patience in academic persuits has been critical. Im my high school career I was a consistant under acheiver. Since returning to the classroom after a six year absence, I have grown into a fully commited and over acheiving student. My college, Grand Rapids Community College, has shown me that I can can succeed in the classroom and that I will benefit from a college education. I am currently enrolled full-time and am working hard to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Without a doubt, I will succeed.

The first piece of advice that I would give myself is to learn to multi-task, with not only a roommate but multiple classes to juggle, prioritizing and learning to stay calm while sorting through your never ending pile of duties is key. Learning to accept others habits and routines when living together is also very important. Make sure to form a healthy relationship and communicate when necessary. Another important piece of advice would be to get to know your teachers. They don?t bite, they are there to help you, so don't be afraid to ask questions and speak up in class, they enjoy hearing from you. Don't be worried about what others think of you, and don't get wrapped up in the fact that you are away from home where there are seemingly no rules or regulations; there are and you do have to listen to them. Also college tends to be expensive as well as time consuming so save while you can and don?t waist your money on trivial objects. Put it in a savings account and lock it away!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study more and join clubs. I didn't really join any clubs in high school but I wish that I had. I think that if I had joined clubs, my transition to college would have been smoother because I would be used to meeting new people. My first semester in college, I made really good grades because I studied more and put more of an effort into my school work. I didn't do that in high school and if I had, I know that I could have made a 4.0 GPA. I would also tell myself not to be afraid. I was really scared before coming to college. I thought that every professor that I would have would be evil and I wouldn't have any friends and that I would make bad grades. That wasn't the case at all. All my professors were helpful, I made friends, and I made the Dean's List. Finally, I would make sure I knew that college, really isn't that bad at all!

If I was able to go back and talk to myself as I was a year ago, the most important thing I would tell myself is that life is full of the unexpected. It is important to make plans in order to get anywhere in life, but realize that very few or maybe even none of those plans will come into fulfillment. I had my life all planned out and within the one-year of University all of my plans were dashed. You learn to pick yourself up and make new ones. Flexibility is key when it comes to plan making. Life can be good, but it can also put a lot of roadblocks and detours on your path. Be prepared for them.

I would simply tell me to continue to trust your heart because it will not easily lead you astray if it's God's will. That I have always resigned that the college decision was God's will was getting off on the right foot. He'll work everything out. I would say just keep doing what you're doing because if you go in with that attitude you will make wonderful friends and start off well. I would, however, caution you/me to be a little less worrisome. 1) Grades are important but not everything 2) take one day at a time (you will learn it eventually but it sure would have helped me my first semester.) 3) A guy will come into your life when you least expect it so stop looking and dressing up for them. Sweatshirts and pants are so much more comfortable 4)Be prapered for years of discovery (self and otherwise), they will occur whether you like it or not 5) ALWAYS make God your #1. He won't let you down, so don't let Him down You're going to be just fine and have incredible family and friends to count on.

The temptations in college are different then those in high school. Should I stay home and do school work or go out on the town with my friends? Should I go to class this morning or stay in bed for a few more hours? The temptations of making major desicions on what to do and what not to do are even harder. The temptations are difficult, but don't worry the best part is that if you work hard and do the best you can do everything will fall in its place. If you put too much on your plate, you will get stressed out beyond belief and almost lose it all. Make decisions that are ment for you and not anyone else. This is the time for yourself and your future. What you do now, affects you later in life. Unfortunally. Keep up all the good work and don't forget to think for yourself and hold on to those how are special and help you through all the rough times, because they're still good people in the world.

Though this is only my freshman year in college and I am new to the college life I have already learned so much. It?s much different than I thought, but I love every minute of it. If given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to open up, spend money wisely, and to never forget to look at the bright side of life. I say that I should open up because I was too shy at the beginning and there was no need to be. Next, spend my money wisely. College is expensive and I truly want to help my parents with financing my college education. If I spend money towards school it will be a wise decision because an education lasts a lifetime. Lastly, never forget to look at the bright side of life. College can be stressful and difficult at times, but in the end, it?ll be worth it.