Francis Marion University Top Questions

Advice I would give myself about college life is basically its the start of my future.Ive learned that as a college student, though you are taking vital steps toward doing something that you really want to do,even if you are not yet sure what that might be. It is so important to realize the possibilities and the choices in front of you. Instead of going from job to joband living an unfulfilledlife, you can, to a large extent determine your future and do what you love. Now nothing worth while is easy,as the old saying goes, and this certainly is true of college education. A successful college career requires years of hardwork , and you cant expect to be successful without devotion and sacrifice.

Well I didn't start college right away, in fact i waited an entire year to attend college after high school, and i took a total of two years off during my collegiate pursuits, however if i could go back in the past i'd give myself some invaluable advice. Firstly, do well in EVERY CLASS even though they're electives poor grades brings your gpa down. Secondly, aim to be productive and network and thirdly, NEVER take breaks one semester could turn into a year off. Remain consistent in your efforts to gain an education and ultimately you WILL succeed. Lastly don't attend multiple schools either grades don't always transfer even when admissions counselors promise you that they will.

Take some time, Justin. Pull away from your family, friends, church, and guidance counselor. Forget what everyone has told you. Do some soul searching and find out what occupation/career you want to have. Focus Justin. Focus on what you want to do for the rest of your life. Do something that will make you happy. I know you are nervous because you still do not know what you want in life and time is winding up. You love helping people and there are many occupations where you can do that. Just pick one. But whatever it is, make sure that you do it to your full ability and nothing less. I know you want to take care of mom and your little sister, so choose the way you want to do this. It won't be easy. You will have some positives and heavy, heavy negatives, but keep going. Step out on faith and continue to pursue that degree for your family. You've said that you never had dreams or aspirations, but you've said the only dream you have ever had was to take care of your family and have people know your name. Go for it

That i should have picked up the habbit of studying more so that i would study more at school and not be so bored with it.

I have asked my self this question so many times over and over agan. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things that I would do differently. Knowing what I know now about college life I would have done more research. I would have started a lot earlier than I did on my college plans. Honestly I picked Francis Marion because I had friends going here and thought it would be easier for me to make the transition better. I would have taken the time to actually see what college would give me the overall and ultimate college experience. Francis Marion is a great school and I do feel that it is the best school for me to get my nursing degree but the only thing it is lacking is the social life and allowing students to interact with others better. I have learned that it is better to plan ahead and don't be a procrastinator if you want to be happy and successful.

i would definitely tell mysef to be more focused on what i wanted to take and to be smarter about what classes i took. I wasted a lot of time taking classes i didn't really need and that ended up being a waste of time and money. Also i would let myself know to stay focused and to definitely stop procastinating as much. If its one thing iv learned about college life its that highschool on down was trying to prepare us for it. You get told to study in highschool but in college its completely up to you to keep going with the skills you (should have) learned coming through grade school. Lastly i would tell myself to get involved in all the student activities b/c that helps to enrich the experience overall and make it a little less...Grueling

Thinking back on things I can not change, but wish I could ; I would change my attention span. I would listen but I wouldn't take it in. Sitting in my college classes now, I'm hearing some of the same things that were taught in highschool. The start of college is somewhat a repeat of being a senior. I would tell myself to stop and listen. I was also the type that caught on fast and didn't think being in class ALL the time really mattered. But I found out that in college its totally different. Not only is staying in class important, but being on time is too. Therefore, I would tell myself to have a sense of time-management. In highschool at times I might of got help from a friend on a quiz or test. In college it's challenging to cheat or get help when you aren't suppose to. Being that I'm in college now, I would tell myself when I was in highschool to gain better studying habits and don't wait til the last minute. I wish this was instilled in me during highschool for the transition to college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say a number of things. I would start off by saying "make sure you at least take 2-3 hours out of your day to study for all of your classes, it will help you on those test you got coming up." Also, "Instead of using those Friday nights to go to the football game or to the mall with your friends how about using that time to study." When sitting in the classroom for 90 minutes I would have told myself, "How about you start asking more questions in class and participate a little more instead of sitting back listening to what others have to say." Another thing that would be said is. "Shakerra, it would be a great idea to start applying for scholarships as soon as possible instead of sitting in your room watching tv all day." Another piece of advice I would have gave to myself is that I should go to my guidance counselor a little more to ask more questions about transitioning from a high school senior to a college freshman, things you should know.

"Congratulations! You have made it to your final year in high school. In a short time, you will be starting your future as a college student. Keep your head held high, and remember to always try your best, despite how others may make you feel. Do not slack off. Make sure you keep up with your studies; do not fall behind. The work load may seem overwhelming, but study hard and you will surely go the extra mile. Remember, you can do anything you put your mind to. If you want something bad enough, and work hard, you will be sure to acquire what you deserve. When it comes to applying for colleges, do not stress! I know how you sometimes let your emotions get the best of you, but just relax. Breathe and take a break if you have to. College is not as scary as it is made out to be. Its an extension of high school and is the journey to your future. Just another, more important chapter in your book. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask questions. Teachers and professors and there to aid you. Don't worry and best of luck!"

1990, ten years before the turn of the next millennium, seems to me to be just a few years in the past. However, it has been over twenty-two years. If I could return to my senior year in high school what would I do differently? That is a question everyone asks at some point in their lives. It is especially difficult for me now knowing that I did complete my college degree but am now wishing to return to school. I do not regret the path my life has taken. I now have a wonderful husband and two daughters. My career choices, however, were made based upon what seemed to be easiest for me at the time. I excelled in my science classes without much effort. If I could go back to the previous era of my life, I think I would not be afraid to try for things which seemed to be out of my grasp. I have found that much of life is about trying to move past what makes an individual uncomfortable. We cannot reach the next pinnacle of success without personal sacrifice. In 1990 I would and should have been more adventurous and less timid.