Dallas Baptist University Top Questions

Take your time, figure out what you like and work towards it but be flexable to change when life and likes change. Take the basics first, don't try to start at the upper level classes, no matter how smart you are, you are not ready for that. You are going to change your major a couple of times, its ok, and acceptable. Do what makes you happy and you will be happy with what you do.

Education matters. Investing time and money in your future is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. It can have an amazing return. If taken seriously and thought of as a full-time job it can benefit in so many ways. Education gives you, good social skills, confidence, self-gratification and new career opportunities. Going back to school has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It taught me I can be pushed to limits I didn’t know existed. One of the key elements to good learning is caring and dedicated instructors. If they show you that they care, then you began to care. You are encouraged to take ownership of your future. The university setting is a cultural amalgam that introduces students to the world’s diversity. We have the opportunity to learn that despite our differences, we are one. Education provides phenomenal career opportunities. From a young age I was told “In life a lot of things can be taken away from you, but one thing that can’t ever be taken is your education.” If you remember these words, your education can take you as far as you are willing to take it.

To do some self-reflection would be my advice to my younger self. For starters, I would let Little Alexia know that the only way to make lifelong friendships is to first prove herself friend material. I would tell her that while it is okay to be focused on achieving her goals and keeping her eyes on the prize, she should always make time for others and the friendships that await her. I would even give her a heads up to be less oblivious and more receptive to the boy in her first DBU class of the day that keeps turning around and staring at her. Overall, I would let her know that there is more to college life than academics alone. I would also teach the younger Alexia how to apologize to others even when hurting them unintentionally, as well as how to forgive herself. On a positive note, I would let her know about the leadership role that she would assume on campus. Most importantly, I would ease her mind about the future. I would assure her that as she progresses in her life and in her studies, all the pieces will gradually come together.

I would tell myself to get a job in the field I would like to go in. I want to go into health care and shadowing doctors and interning in hospitals would have been beneficial to me before I started my undergrad. Since I had so much hesitation towards declaring pre-med I would have told myself to take basic courses my first year before attempting the coursework half-heartedly. I would also tell myself that there is a great possibility for me to go to college. I did not think it was possible at the time. Telling myself to talk to counselor about my talents and schools would be more productive towards narrowing down a school I would like to go. My mother had me apply to every school that sent me something in the mail. I would tell myself to pick my top 5 choices and have at least three bullet points for why I was interested in that school. Since I made my choice of where I wanted to go to school so late, it made transitioning difficult and rushed.

If I could go back and have a talk with the high school Michella I would tell her to be more social. In my first year of college I didn't make any real friends. I kept to myself and never hung out with people very often. I did great in school but I needed those friendships to enjoy campus life completely. I finally allowed myself to be more social and joining a service oriented sorority helped out a lot. I need my friends to help me get through the hard times in college. I feel like my first year of college would have been way more enjoyable if I had taken the time to make friends. Now I have made friends and I am still doing well in school. It is possible to have a social life and an academic life. You just have to learn how to ballance it. I wish I would have know this going into college I think it would have helped me out a lot.

Stop skipping classes and wasting your time on frivelous things. Finish school the right way, go the extra mile, and work hard - you could save yourself a couple years off the life you will have if you do.

Continue to give your best, not only will it assist you in college, it will also allow you to succeed in the "real world". Grades are not everything, but when excelling in school is important to you personally, it shows that you value yourself and your abilitities in more than just academics. Life can be difficult, nothing worth having is ever easy to get. Do not regret the order in which you choose to live your life, what seems right is not always what suits you in that moment. Wherever life takes you, your education will always be important. It is up to you how far you take it and once you have it, no one can take it away.

Do not be afraid. Do not fear anything. Because this is only the beginning of a beautiful, empowering, strengthening journey that you will remember and use to guide you for the rest of your life. Do not worry about being inadequate. You work hard and do your best, just as you always have, and you will exceed the expectations you set for yourself. College is a challenge, but you already have everything it takes within you to succeed fully. Simply continue the hard work you've committed to in highschool, and you can achieve all you desire. You are stronger and smarter than you think. And about making new friends? That is the easiest part. BE YOURSELF. And people will love you. Even if you think the real you isn't cool, funny or pretty enough, people are drawn to others who simply want to remain true to themseleves. It is only in that place that you will find who you truly are on this journey- which is the most important part. So go on a search to find yourself. In education, philosophy, arts, etc. all the things you will encounter on this journey. Let it lead you to you.

Dear Self, Going to college is going to be a good experience for you, it makes you grow up and become an adult. Remember your mommy isn't around so when you need something plan ahead and well, you are going to have to get it. Making new friends can be a little scary but be yourself and don't try and fit into anyone's molds. You want true friends, who will stay by you for a lifetime. Although all nighters may sound like a good idea, do a favor to yourself and sleep. Study hard, you are paying for your education. Take every opportunity to travel and see the world, go to every sporting event and support, and study hard. You only experience college once so make the most of it but you are there to learn so keep that in mind as your social calendar fills up. Sincerely, Yourself

I would give myself the advice TO CHANGE MY WAYS. I was a homeless drug addict that only finished high school through a self-paced school that dealt with my high school. I would advise teens NOT TO GET WRAPPED UP IN THE PARTIES, and the things that seem fun at the time. Hanging out drinking at a friends will not aid you in the future. It was not until I got to college that I relized the "nerds" were the ones that were going to have a REAL career. Nine times out of ten the most popular kid in school is working at a place like Burger King in the next ten years. What you do in college will insure the type of social class you will be in as an adult. After high school, the games are over. It is time to stand up for what you believe, and strive for success. There is no one to do your homework nor take your tests, college is for adults--and focus is a must. Best of luck, and keep your eyes to the sky because that is where it all happens! God Bless-