Carthage College Top Questions

Be careful about your health, and even though you get sick do your best to stay on top of things.

If I were to go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to not be afraid to talk to people I don't know on campus. In order to meet new people and make new friends on campus, you have to get out of your comfort zone a bit. Even just saying hello to the person waiting next to you in line and starting a conversation could be the beginning of a great friendship you would have never had otherwise. Also, even though there is more free time in college, be sure to utilize your time wisely. If you have a gap in your schedule in between classes, finish up your homework during that time so you have more time during the evenings to socialize with your friends. One last thing that is very important to being a successful college student is to ask questions. Even if the question seems stupid, it will save you a lot of trouble by just asking instead of always wondering what the answer to that question is.

I would tell myself to take the time to fill out more scholarships. I can see now how important monetary aid is in one's education and I would have told myself to take them more seriously. I also would have told my high school self that finding a school that has a very good social life is imperative. When students leave it is very difficult to make the connections with friends or with other class members.

I would tell myself to be much more involved in school activities. I ran track but I should've joined some of the numerous clubs that were offered at my high school. I also would tell myself to take everything much more seriously. I did very well in school, I graduated in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class, but I never really studied because I felt like if I could just get by then that would be fine. I know now that if I applied myself more then things would be much easier for me as far as paying for school is concerned.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would not give myself any advice. I have made many mistakes since graduating high school and I am continuing to pay for them. However, I am wiser now and a better person. Had I somehow bypassed all the mistakes I made I might not be the person I am today. Sure, I may have went to college right after graduation and finished. Today I would be working in my career and enjoying the comfort of a steady income. However, having to struggle the way I have will make earning my degree much sweeter. I will appreciate the things I will have in the future much more. I believe the hard life lessons I have learned by not going to school right away and putting all my efforts towards finishing in my early twenties is much more valuable the degree itself or the good job that will hopefully come with it. I am a great student now at twenty eight and I love going to school. Some things we cannot be told. We have to learn the hard way.

When the economy crashed in 2009 I was laid off from my job with the City of Seattle due to budget cuts. It was then that I realized that there was no such thing as job security without a college education. At the same time my oldest daughter was in her senior year of high school. She was contemplating getting a job after graduation or furthering her education. Being in the position I was in with no job or college education I made an agreement with her, if she would go to school after graduation so would I. I am now in my last year of earning an Associate’s degree in Business. My daughter earned a certificate as an IT specialist and after interning at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center she was hired. My second oldest daughter is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University, while my third oldest daughter is in the running start program. They tell me I am their inspiration but in reality the truth is they are my inspiration. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting I am going to get my C.P.A. certification and begin my career in the Accounting field.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to be afraid. Going into college, I was terrified of making new friends, of living with a roommate, and being away from my family. Now, I would tell my high-school self that life in college is awesome. It's easy to make friends, and living with a roommate is great. I would also tell myself that I would like Carthage so much that I wouldn't like going home over vacations. I'm not sure my younger self would believe me, though. Most importantly, I would tell myself to be whoever you want to be. College is a time where you can totally remake yourself, and that's one of the best things about it. People won't judge you if you want to be unique. The more unique you are, the better! I would also tell myself to bring a lot of microwave food, but that's another matter entirely!

Dear high school Madison I know going to college seems like a scary thing, and it really is. I'm not going to lie; it's down right terrifying. Terrifying and wonderful all at the same time. You are going to make great friends that you will have forever. They will be there to help you through all of the hard times ahead and you them. I know you're worried about your high school friends, but they will always be there. Sometimes you will miss them so much it feels like your heart is about to burst from it's seems, but you will get through it. During breaks you will always see them and it will be like you never left, so don't fret. As for the schoolwork, it's much harder than high school, so pay attention for goodness sakes! If you need help, never be afraid to ask. That's what people are there for. Lastly, do not, I repeat, DO NOT be afraid to be yourself. People will accept you for who you are, which is ridiculously weird, and they are too, so everything works out. Sincerely, college Madison

Make sure that you have all the credits to graduate and this place can get you out in 4 years.

I would tell myself to prepare to become more independent. There is no one here to hold your hand to make sure that you go to bed on time, do your homework, eat healthy, or even go to class. You're going to have to be ready to take responsibility for yourself and take your first steps as a grown up. This is the first phase into being a true adult and it needs to be taken very, very seriously. Mommy and Daddy aren't here to coddle you anymore; it's time to grow up and take care of yourself.