Clayton State University Top Questions

I have had a long time to contemplate this question. I am a 41 year old wife and mother, completing my undergraduate degree. I began school back in the fall of 1992 and had a few mishaps along the way. Over the years, I have learned that is extremely important to recognize opportunities and to take full advantage of them. Youthfulness is a profound advantage and opportunity, use it wisely. I would tell my younger self to, yes, have fun, but do not fully commit to anyone or anything but you. And in the midst of that commitment, find the balance between you and humanity – whatever your goals and dreams are the world needs you to accomplish them. And finally, be gentle with yourself. We all make mistakes; give yourself room to grow through the mistakes. It’s ok. The only tragedy is when you do not learn from those mistakes.

Its important to stay focuse and dont allow unnecessary obstacles get in your way. Concentrate completely on your degree, set goals and take the proper step which will help you in the future. Become a diverse individual and gain knowledge from various professor. Form connection with people that are active in your field and dont be closedminded to different opportunities. Study and alocated enough time to your work because its important to make yourself knowledgeable in your field. Be strong and dont give up on your dreams.

Jessica, Being an athlete that went on to compete in college, I have many things that I would tell my younger self. For one, be confident, not only in sports but in school as well, you are capable of more than you think. Do not procrastinate, procrastinating will get you nowhere and you will end up getting an 89.6 instead of a 90 and college professors don't round. I know you re a slow reader but start reading and get used to it, start liking you books. Lastly, embrace every moment because it is only here for a short time. Trust your gut and go with the flow, college is supposed to be a once in a lifetime opportunity that most people don't take advantage of. Once you do all of these things the rest is yours to figure out. Your future self- Jessica

All right, Past Akil. I need you to listen up and listen carefully. During your first semester of college you will meet some fascinating people. Their characters will make you grip to them and hold on for your dear life. You'll lose yourself in the joy of their presence and what you believe to be the muddledness of their personality. Here is your warning: Imagine these people complexly. Work painstakingly to do this. Think of them as more than captivating storybook characters, but as people with actual concerns, desires, and fears. Do not lose yourself in your interest in others. Keep reading books. And don't make any promises you can't keep. Love, Future Akil

Don't let ANYONE tell you what to do. This is your life, and at the end of the day, only you can live. Mother doesn't always know what's best. Don't be afraid to grow in your relationship with God. Get your license as soon as possible. I love you. I always will. You'll find the right guy, but don't get caught up on finding him. Work on yourself first.

If I know that have to take this many general courses (60 credits total) for two years, I'd take as many AP classes in my high school as I could and really studied the materials in order to get at least a 3 on the AP exams. Then I'd have much more time to focus on my major-related courses or take interesting courses such as Drawing and Computer Science. Moreover, I'd try my best to apply for many scholarships because college is really expensive. I have to buy everything myself, for instance books (super expensive) and scantrons along with other writing utensils. Furthermore, I should get a part-time job, so I can pay for gas and grocery expenses. Speaking about food, I should have learned cooking because eating out frequently is not economic and very unhealthy. And I need to stay healthy for fight cramming nights preparing for the exams and others projects in college.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stay focused and concentrate on completing your degree. There will be plenty of time to parlay and play around on the days there is no class and you are secure in your field of study. It is important to finish what you start and take your grades seriously.

Dear Victoria, College is much better than high school just hang on a little more. The people in college are older and more mature. The professors actual like it when you talk to them. The workload is not half-bad and the chairs in some of the classrooms swivel! Also everyone is nervous. So get outside yourself and greet people, act like no one is a strange and all was have a soccer ball in the car. The soccer ball has created many special moments. It has allowed me to meeting new people, build relationships and to have professors come over and start talking about world history. When specking with your professors show honor and respect, this way they think your smart and will help you out with papers that are due for their class. You will also find that many students are just there for a grade, hold close the idea that grades are not everything and that life after college will not be depended on grades alone, but on the person you have become throughout college. I wish you the best of luck in college and no worries you go this. From yours truly, Victoria

If I could got back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior this is what I'd say: "Carla, it's a good idea to go ahead and go to college immediately after you graduate from high school. I would advise you to go into the Armed Forces so that you can gain your college education, all while serving your country. College life is much different from high school. In college, you're expected to do everything on your own. In high school you are given some freedom, but still have someone there to hold your hand, sort of. In college it's different. It's to your advantage because this will give you a taste of what you will experience when you have graduated and are navigating your way through corporate America. To be the most successful in college, find that one professor that you can befriend. It would be to your advantage to glean all of the information that you can from them- as they have been where you are trying to go. Most professors are more than willing to share information that will assist you in your studies, career and graduate school choices."

If I could talk to myself as a highschool student, I would tell myself to just breathe. Do your best academically, and don't get involved with all the highschool drama. Highschool is not a simulation of the real world, nor is it the same type of work you'll do in college. Do your best. Practice making friends, but don't freak out if your social life isn't perfect. It only gets better. Don't do anything stupid, that you'll regret. Your life is not over when highschool is over, so enjoy what you can and don't sweat the little stuff. And get started on applying to schools and taking tours, they help the most!