Hannah
I would tell myself that it is tough to transition and that college is somewhat like high school, but instead of dropping school books and nearly getting trampled, someone will stop and help you pick them up. Nobody sits alone, unless its by choice, and people are generally nice. You can make friends if you want them, but no one is going to shun you for acting a little out there, as a matter of fact, they respect your spunk and grow to love you for it. So be yourself and don't hide who you are, because as Dr. Seuss said, "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
George
I would say that as I was begining my transition into college the one thing that I had the most trouble with was motivation. The Proffesors at community colleges for the most part did not care wether you came to class or not, they treated you like adults and expected you to act as such and it was your responsibility to manage your studying and do your homework and come to class each day. My first quarter i was very diligent in this, i went to class every day on time and compleated my homework on time. Second quarter however was different. I started to feel a bit lazy because of my success that first quarter and felt that i could take it easy and just slide through. My class attendence droped and my studying went down and my grades were greatly affected. If I could go back and stand by myself i would tell my self that its the hard work that we do that helps us to accoplish our goals and without motivation and comitment everything you do will be wasted.
Sarah
Be yourself! Going away to college allows you to embrace who you really are-- not who people who have known you all your life expect you to be. People naturally change through the years, and you shouldn't feel pressured to keep being the same person others conceptualize you as. When you get to college, be who you really are. Be who you really want to be.
Ashley
If I could go back in time to my senior year in highschool I would have a lot of advice to give myself. First, I would tell myself to make sure I study really hard and don't just slack off because it is my last year. I would tell myself that just because I am taking dual enrollment classes that does not mean that is how college is going to be. I would tell myself that college requires a lot more studying than highschool does, and the teachers do not take excuses for anything. Even though I was used to making straight A's in highschool by not doing much, I would tell myself that college is much different, and harder. You really need to focus and study for hours everyday.
Christina
"You cannot fully understand your own life without knowing and thinking beyond your life, your own neighborhood, and even your own nation." ~Johnnetta Cole
There is no shame in confusion or uncertainty. Do not let this dissuade an earnest search for an understanding of the world and a willingness to give yourself to its needs. Clarity as a young adult comes from experience, exposure to new ideas, new experiences, your own shortcomings, and small victories. Allow yourself the opportunity to grow before committing to an uncertain path. Commit yourself to volunteering in multiple capacities. Garner the knowledge, the skills, and the personal interactions of these experiences to better understand your community, yourself. You are not only a member of this immediate community; you are a member of our global community. You will find your niche if you are actively seeking it. Do not sit idle. Do not wait until tomorrow. You possess talents and ideas that can change lives. Take the initiative to identify your gifts that will serve as mortar to the bricks that build foundations.
Alexander
If I was able to return to high school and speak to my former self, I would advise the inexperienced, naive adolescent before me to straighten up and realize that the future is what truly matters. As a youth I was far more concerned with what party was coming up, or what the outcome of the big game was, then what college I would attend, or the career I would land in. I realize now that this was a severe lack in judgement. I would explain to myself that none of the trivial teenage ideals will matter in the five years to come, and if I am more studious and concentrate on my future, that I will undoubtedly achieve all of the goals that I will one day aspire to. Post high school life is more difficult than any seventeen year old will realize, and I would make sure that the version of myself I was speaking to understood that fact, and took care of business while the opportunity was still available, rather than wasting my effort and delaying my adult self's success.
Rebecca
Dear high school self,
You made an excellent choice in going to Emory and Henry! If you had known how much of an impact this college has made on you, you would have not had any second guesses. You have also made friends here that will last a lifetime, and will stick with you, no matter what.
In regards to preparing for college, you should have put forth more effort to apply for scholarships. You can always use the extra money, and student loans take so long to pay off. Being more involved with your community and athletics would have also helped your chances at receiving more scholarships.
You are one of the lucky few who doesn't have to stay on campus, so the transition into college life won't be so hard. You don't have to worry about who your roommate will be, or having fire drills at 2 a.m.. The college years are the best ones of your life, so don't miss out by being afraid to try new things and meet new people! Good luck!
Kim
I feel like I have become part of a family since I have been at Emory & Henry. The bond that we, the students, share is undescribable. I know I have made many friends that I will have the rest of my life when I graduate. Our students have a wonderful support system. Our sports teams support the other teams while they are in season. The same thing goes for our theatre students and those who are involved in the choir and the band. Our frats and sororities have a close bond among themselves too. However, people who are involved in those groups interact with many other students who are not members. Our professors are very conserned about their students. They are willing to help you anyway they can so you are able to learn and understand the information in the classroom. I love my Emory & Henry family.
Katie
As a senior I have grown into the adult I'm going to be because of Emory & Henry. As Greek Council President, President of Cardinal Key National honor society, a senator in student government, member of a sorority, and sweetheart of a fraternity I feel as if I totally and completely took advantage of what Emory has had to offer me! I've learned through being a double history and political science major the importance of my work abilities and know what field of work I want to go into at the end of this year due to my wonderful advisors. I know Emory was without a doubt a great college for me.
Laura
I have gotten a lot out of my college experience since I have been here. I have received an excellent education, been able to voulenteer and make a difference and have gained not only classroom knowledge, but real-world knowledge. This college provides so much to its students and is willing to help anyone in need.
My college experience has been valuable because when I graduate I will be able to put my knowledge to use and help others. I am enrolled in the Education curriculum and it is a fantastic program that is designed to make students the best teachers out there. Teachers are said to be the teachers for our future and I want to be able to help America's future succeed and make a better economy.
I am glad I choose this college and am able to get the experience this college provides. Its academic departments are great, but so are its opputunities to volunteer. I have learned so much from volunteering and I 'm glad I can use these experiences when I start my career. I would have never been able to recieve the education I have here if I attended another college.