Eastern Kentucky University Top Questions

I would tell myself not to be afraid to be yourself and put yourself out there to make friends. It is not so difficult to approach people you might really enjoy spending time with. Do not pass up an opportunity to socialize with new people because they might become your best friends. I would also advise never to wait until the last minute to do any type of assignment or hesitate to ask questions. Your professors are there to help you, and they want you to learn and be successful. Having a good relationship with your professors will help you both short-term and long-term, and they will even help when you do not ask.

If I were to go back in time and be able to give myself advice, I would tell myself to not be afraid. As a highschool student, I was very fearful of the unknown, as many students are at that time. I was afraid of not succeeding, not getting my dream job, I always wanted to please everyone and be the best at everything I did. I soon realized that this was not a realistic expectation and I was only human. Not succeeding at something didn't mean I was a failure, it just meant I had to try something different to succeed. I couldn't have a fear of what people thought about me because not everyone is going to be a positive influence on me and realize my dreams. So, in addition to having no fear, I would tell myself to "dream bigger." Take chances. Go against the flow. Do what I felt was in my heart, even if others disagreed with me. Live like today is the last day that I had on earth, be wise, and take risks.

Don't sweat the small things, you feel like you know nothing or nobody when leaving home for college. However, looking back almost all freshman feel that way. Don't ever take your time in college for granted, because here you will meet your future colleagues, future bridesmaids, and even your solemate. There will always be parties, so don't let anyone let you feel like a loser for staying in on the weekend to study because in the long run it will pay off. Read your textbooks, ask questions, engage with your professors; the more your put yourself out there the better connections you will make in the long run that will most likely be beneficial to you. But most importantly, don't blink because college is over with before you know it.

The advice that I would give myself is that I need to work harder to get better grades to get more scholarships, along with going out and getting a credit card so that I could build credit for myself so that I can get school loans all on my own.

As a high school senior, I was just your ordinary student athlete who only cared about playing softball, winning the state championship, and having a great time. I had so much potential to be way more than that, but never realized it. If you asked the Caitlyn Stevens from 2011-2012 what she was looking foward to most about college, she would tell you that she was ready to party and live it up. Once I arrived at CBC I realized that getting a college education was more important than anything else. That is why after completing my freshman year, I moved and transferred Eastern Kentucky University where i am strictly here to learn. If I was given the chance to sit down with the old Caitlyn, i would tell her to open her eyes and focus on the things that will get you far in life such as an education and a career. You will have to overcome obstacles along the way, but they will only help you become a greater student and person than you already are. The transition will be hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. "Focus. Focus. Focus. Si se puede."

If I had the chance to go back in time to advise my youngerself, I would stress how important it is to study hard and also to learn time management in order to have that balance between homework, studing, and socializing. I was very involved in high school and would tell myself to stick with that and continue to be involved in school affairs and join activities. I would also like to tell myself to sign up earlier for scholorship opprotunities and to also think ahead to the future so that I will be prepared for what may soon come.

If I could go back, I would tell myself that college is not as easy as it sounds. I would make sure to express that friendships get tested, school work gets harder, and that responsibilites become greater. I would stress that when you go to college, a lot of your friendships change, you may lose some, but you gain even better ones. I would also tell myself not to stress out about the work load, and explain that yes it may be harder, but I am a smart individual who can do it. Managing time, would also be something I would make sure I knew the importance of. When you're in college, you no longer have someone to tell you when to get things done or to remind you of due dates. Most importantly, I would tell myself that anything is possible if you put your mind to it; yes college may be scary, but it's something you have to be determined to do well in, in order to succeed to the fullest.

If I could go back in time, knowing what I know now, I would have made a bigger effort to get involved on campus. When I came to EKU for my visits and orientation, everyone was making a big deal about how important it was to get involved in a sorority or a club right away. I never understood this until my roommate moved out, leaving me to live by myself. It has been very hard to go through a semester of college living alone and not having anyone to talk to. My biggest mistake was not listening to my advisors when they said to get involved and make new friends.

Go to all the orientations and new student meetings that you can that way you are better prepared and know what to expect for the next four years.

The following is what I would say. Jenell we need to sit down and talk about college. You are now a senior and should have some idea of what you would like to study at college. College is a big step from high school. I know you have been studying hard to maintain good grades, but college is very different. College teachers do not remind you of up coming assignments. They do not ask for them, but expect you to turn them in on time. Should you not be able to attend class, you need to notify your instructor, and obtain your missed assignments. You should have a couple of your classmates numbers. Jenell, do not declare a major when first beging college. Complete your basic studies and give yourself time to decide on what you want to study. Keep your grades up, ask questions, and participate in class. Should you not understand something request clarification, most likely there are others who need clarification too. Rememberyou are paying your instructor to learn, so obtain the most out of each class. Jenell, remember to have fun, study hard, meet new people, but be careful. Live life to it's fullest.