Duquesne University Top Questions

Wow, well I would certainly tell myself a lot of things. I would definitely tell myself to stay focused and get work finished early. I would also tell myself to apply for many scholarships. Lastly I would tell myself that going off to college will be the best but most challenging years of your life. The transition will be easy but the work load and trying to balance a real job with school is the most difficult part!

While high school tries to ready you for the adventures and perils of college, please be prepared that college is everything and nothing you expected. While you may predict the difficulty of classes, the degree of home-sickness, and the ungodly emphasis on drinking, there is much that will surprise you. First, friendships take longer to form than the first few weeks of school. Friends that stick closer than a brother may develop after years of hard-work, investment, and sacrifice and that is ok and natural. Secondly, there are two kinds of students in college—well there are more, but only two you need to worry about—students that want to pass the class and students that genuinely want to learn. It is time for you to develop a passion for learning and not just passing, because it is these students who will change the world. Finally, life will not always go the way you picture—an important life lesson to learn early. During school a death, a sickness, a divorce, a breakup, or any unpredicted struggle will come your way and may change your life goals and dreams. Do not be overcome, but grow, press-on, and thrive.

Dear Marguerite, As the time comes for you to leave your little town and venture out into the world there is something I want you to always remember. Be brave and trust yourself. You've always known who you are but don't be afraird to expand on that, to explore yourself. You are going to make mistakes but you will never learn anything if you keep holding onto the fear of change. Make sacrafices. You won't always get to go out with your friends so thoroughly enjoy the times that you do. Never forget to make time for those friends of yours because they will be there for you in some of the most trying times you never saw coming. And when you have to study (and you know they should too) don't be afraid to encourage them to evolve and grow. Hold them to their own standards. And last but not least, remember this is all a lesson. It's more than the test scores, presentations, and projects. This is about you. Learn, grow, enjoy, and experience because you'll never get an opportunity like this again. Love, Marguerite

You're entering college... I know you've faced many trials getting here, but Jordan, I believe in you...Know this, everything you do from this point on, make sure it’s done with a purpose. You're going to make mistakes, make friends, overload, fall in love, deal with ignorance, and question your entire belief system. However, I know you won't for second lose your resolve or forget why you’re in college. Don’t focus on your life in high school whether it be negative or positive. Figure out what your mark in college is going to be and figure out with whom you’re going to make it. This life is short and at times it can be unforgiving, but you know that already...Listen a lot of people in college won't understand the circumstances you come from or the experiences you've had, but that’s ok...Let all those things motivate you more and more! So you never forget your ambitions… Because the road isn't always clear, but I swear to you Jordan, if you stay true to who you are and what’s got you here, there’s no limit.

I would tell myself: "Apply early, apply for more than one school, and don't enlist in the Navy. Make the choices that are in your own best interest. Focus on your future and get plenty of sleep. Most important, wait one year before joining a sorority in college, it's totally different from the movies. It will get you into more trouble than you need. Study hard and get to class on time. You won't win all your battles, but you'll eventually win the war."

In high school , I was a very hard working student that likes to put forth her best effort and performance. As a result, I was able to maintain a 4.25 G.P.A throughout my high school years. Therefore, If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would not change any of my high school academic pursuits. Since high school, I was careful to maintain a balance in my day providing a specified amount of time for each of my activities. As a result, I would advice myself to maintain both the academic rigor and the daily balance as both are very important aspects of success both in college and in daily life. Also, I would advice myself to avoid the constant fear that emerges during the first week of college. Instead, I would advice myself to be courageous and tell myself that I would perform greatly as long as I work hard and be presistent. I would also ask myself to maintain my organized weekly schedule scheduling important weekly events as it is extremely necessary in college to maintain self-preparation and organization to ensure academic success.

When deciding where I wanted to go for college, I made silly decisions based on friends and my relationship. If I could go back, I'd have chosen to go somewhere I could play lacrosse, save money, and still make friends with people similar to me. When I began college, I let others mold me into who they wanted me to be. I ended up a victim of mental and physical abuse, which caused me to transfer colleges. Now, I'm a strong woman and stand up for myself as soon as I see signs that someone is trying to hurt or change me. Looking back now, being the woman I've grown up to be, I wouldn't have waited until my sophomore year of college to stand up to a boy. Instead, I would have fought back the moment he raised his voice, tossed me around, or dragged me by my hair. I think thats the most important thing about transitioning into college: knowing who you are and not letting anyone treat you or tell you differently. Staying true to who you are is the hardest (and most rewarding) part of the college experience.

If I were able to give advice to myself at age 18, I would not do it. First of all, there is no advice that I would have heeded at age 18. I was stubborn, clever, and too proud to admit that anyone could know more than myself. More importantly, I am only successful now because of all of the things that I screwed up then. I had to learn the consequences of not paying attention to the money that I spent before I could appreciate the need to stick to a budget. I cared more about how impressive my career sounded to other people, than how I wanted to spend my days. Now that I am returning to school for my second degree, I have no doubts about my career path. This confidence was given to me by my 18 year old self who chose completely wrong things for our life. I could tell myself to work harder and get better grades, but because she partied and had a social life I have another dimension of experiences. I have made mistakes in the last 10 years, but I have no regrets.

I don’t believe in telling people what to do unless I’ve done it myself. Even to, well, myself. I could tell you what I've discovered, but you won’t see it like I do. I can tell you what to be, but it won’t mean much to you right now. For you to truly know what you want you have to discover it yourself. What I will tell you is not to go college right away; you need more time to find a passion. See the world, learn more of it, and experience cultures. You should still join the military to get close to what is real in the world, and to know how bad it can be. If you realize you are ready for college, you'll do well. We can’t help to do it right. I won’t tell you not to stress out either because it works for us. Find a love and don’t worry if you lose her. You'll take what you need from her to keep going. For how to find her, nothing’s changed, I still don’t really know. For that, you’re on your own.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would heavily advise myself to go into college confidently. I was very timid in high school and it didn't exactly disappear once I made it to the college institution. As such, I did not make many friends- or rather, I had many opportunities to make friends but was to meek to actually follow through on them. This is not to say that I am not happy, however I rarely feel like I belong with my class. The grades are not an issue, though I have very little social life. I think the best advise I could give myself and anyone going into college is that everyone is coming in as a blank slate. Just as all your high school friends are going somewhere else, so are thier's, and maybe all they need is that friendly smile and wave to be exactly what you need. Be confident and be friendly and you'll be surrounded by good people in no time. You hear that, me?