Genelle
Dear 18 year-old Genelle,
High school is a small world. Days are spent worrying more about who will talk to you or whether you studied hard enough for the science final. What's important to remember is, the real world is nothing like high school. The things that matter change significantly. You will need time and experience to find your true passion. You will also discover that there are plenty of adults that don't know what they want to do with their lives either. It doesn't suddenly become clear once you step out of those high school hallways. You will find that you will make many mistakes, but then you will also find that those mistakes help you grow and become wiser. What will become important is treating people with kindness and also treating yourself with kindness. You will find your direction, and it won't be an easy road. But I can promise you that you are much stronger than you realize now. Fear will not hold you back from making your dreams come true.
Keep your head up, and remember: it's the journey, not the destination.
Shannon
For God’s sake, go to class. Just because you ace tests doesn’t mean you fully comprehend what you are doing. You will use this stuff later or look like a moron because you don’t get some elementary idea. Don’t worry so much about what others think of you. When you leave high school, you will rarely see any of these people anymore, no matter how much of a BFF you are in science class. Don’t worry so much about picking a passion on your college application. Just choose classes that interest you. How can you possibly know what you’re passionate about at 18 years old? Future employers are looking more at the tenacity it takes to stay in school than they are at what your degree is in. Do what you like. Find a job doing something you love and the money will come later, automatically. Sometimes things like flexible schedule and weekends off are worth their weight in gold. Take care of yourself. It is cheaper to eat right right and exercise, no matter how inconvenient, that it is to have to fix the damage done by ignoring your temple. Appreciate it.
KIONNA
There is a lot of advice I could give myself. The main thing I would tell myself is to focus more on school work. I know that my senior year was a year that I slacked a lot. My grades as well as my GPA fell. I wasn't as focused on school as I should have been and I kind of put school on the backburner. I think a lot of this had to do with my high school job and working long hours. Another thing I would tell myself is to work harder and aim higher. My senior year, I accepted any grade I could get. Knowing what I know now about the transition from high school to college this shouldn't have been tolerated. Now I strive harder towards my goal to not only succeed but also excel.
Sanqueneka
I would definitely tell myself to not try and stay home. I had never been away from my family and I felt like I would be scared to be away from them, and that my family wouldn't want me to go away, especially since I'm a first generation college student. I limited myself when I had so many options. At this point in my college experience I feel stuck and ill-prepared. This school is requires a lot of money and many times the classes material and professors don't seem to match up with the money. Such as right now, I'm in a directed-study organic chem classs (basically self teaching), shouldn't I be entitledto a real professor. My family isn't rich and so much has been invested here, and scholarship money are running out. This is the only school around that teaching what I'm interested in, and by being first generation that's a lot I didn't know or have someone to tell me, so if I could go back, I'd go to a better school, my dream school, no matter how far away.
cassie
I would advise my younger self to take their time and really decide what you want to do before jumping into college. There's a lot of pressure to get right into college and start a career, however if you're not ready you won't go anywhere. I wasted a lot of time and money being in school when I didn't want to be there. Although I'm now 34, I finally know what I Really want to do with my life. Rather than wasting money and having grades that just barely get by, I'm now excited to study and extremely proud to be on the Dean's list.
College will be there for you when ready, but life passes us by faster then we can imagine. Receiving an education can be one of the most rewarding things one will do in their life, but it won't feel like it unless you really want it. While I may be older than most students, I appreciate every single class and can't wait for more!
Amber
My college experience will begin on Monday November 22, 2010. I am anticipating that this experience will be an invaluable learning experience and that it will expand and strengthen my knowledge. After graduating I intend on pursueing career in alternative medicine.
Attending college as an adult student has reminded me that is it never too late to set goals for yourself and to make your dreams come true. I am a single mother of three and I hope that thru my experience my children will realize that they can do anything that they set their mind to.
Theresa
So far, I have learned a great deal in most of my classes. I have learned which study techniques work the best, I have learned how to take advantage of what the school has to offer such as tutoring, the library, and councilors. I have also stepped out on my own this semester, I no longer live with my Mom and sisters, and I was able to find a job. Mostly I have learned the value of hard work, money and good friends.
Chelsy
I have an amazing education from Everglades University! I have made some incredible friends who are like minded and driven to succeed in the industry of our Major, Alternative Medicine. I feel as though my experience has taught me not only to be more driven and well rounded in natural health, but also to be more respectful of others who are in the medical industry with differing opinions then my own. I am certain that my education is superior to the ones that can be obtained from similar schools.
Kellie
i have gotten alot out of my college experience being a single mom it has given me hope and enpowerment being able to attend college gives me hope that I can lead a better quality of life for myself and my children it has been extremely valuable to attend because I can better myself through school and I also learn alot
jannae
My college experience has built upon my ability to see where I am in life, what I want to do, who I want to become (mentally, spiritually, and physically), and what are the steps I must step in order to get there. I have learned and will continue to see how important it is to keep going no matter what because my dreams and goals can be accomplished. Over-all college is shaping the future I want to experience, and showing me that I can accomplish anything as long as I put my all into it.