Guilford College Top Questions

If I had the chance to tell myself any advice for college it would be to read about the world around me. Know a little bit about everything, because even though I had not traveled the world extensively I could know about what was going on.

Everyone is attending college either to further thier education, to achieve higher advancement in the work place or to play a sport. There are numerous reasons. Living in today's society to recieve and maintain a decent job people need to have some sort of college education. Being able to go back in time and talk to myself when I was a senior there are a number of things I would say. High school could acutally prepare yourself if you actaully put your mind to it. There were resources at my disposal but were not used effiecently by myself. Trying to look into taking college courses at a nearby college that could transfer to the college or university I would be attending would have been helpful. Motivation is the key to being successful I feel. Looking at a career path that best suits you and what would make you happy in the long-term side of things could only help you more. Telling my "high school senior self" these things would really have pushed me to be ahead of what I have already started while attending college.

College isn't what you think its like. Your free to take whatever classes you want but you need to remember that their no longer free, you pay for them now. My best advice to give you is to always pay attention in class and push yourself to do more than the expected. Take classes that will help you in your chosen career field rather than the easy "A" course. Remember to take your class projects seriously and put in the work you need in order to come out learning something. Majority of college courses are lecture based and this will require you to come to class prepared to listen. So practice now! Grab some paper and take notes. Teach yourself to focus on the important facts and ways to write it all down quickly while your teacher is still speaking. Create a professional relationship with your teachers, you'll never know when you might just need their help on a future project. Always, and I do say always, stay on track with your school work and never fall behind. Make this a habit now and transitioning to college won't be to difficult. Your career path has just started!

Dear myself, You have attended enough graduation ceremonies to know that the people who deliver speeches at those things generally have two things to say. The first is an obvious piece of advice and doesn't even really need saying: "go forth into the world and prosper". It is the second that you probably paid more attention to: "The secret to success is to be true to oneself. As time goes on you must remember to do things your way and to carry yourself as you deem appropriate". Being true to oneself is fine, and probably conducive to mental health. But ultimately it is not an adivsable conduit for personal success. The world is constructed with rigidity, and no matter how flowery our personalities might be, the reality is the world does not bend for us, we bend for it. So as you enter college, have fun! Go to parties and make stupid decisions. But

The most important thing to remember is no matter what situation you are given in life, it is best to think positively. Out of every life experience derives a lesson despite the struggle it might have taken you to understand it. Stay focused on what you do best, and that is working with children. Take in every experience in the classroom of an elementary school as well as in the college classroom sitting behind a desk. Ask any questions that come to mind, because the only stupid question is the one that goes unasked. There will be professors that frustrate you, but you will see that they are the ones you learn the most from. Keep your goals in mind through every struggle; whether it be emotional, relationships, or family issues. There will be hard times in life, but making friends and creating lifelong experiences that you tell your children before they go to college will be the ones you will always cherish. Lastly, always keep smiling. Even during a bad day, take the time to realize that you have worked hard to get where you are and you are going to show everybody that you can do this.

Don't be afraid. Work hard and be willing to leave your comfert zone, you can always run back to it if you need to. Remember that you picked this college for a reason and don't give up on it. Most importantly save your money, and don't live off of cup of noodles.

Rikkia, in less than a couple of months you will be a college girl. You won't have mom breathing down your neck making sure you are keeping up with your school work. You will be independent. Being the social butterfly that you are is going to help you make friends in your transition to college, however it will also distract you from doing the work that you should be doing. I suggest that you sit down and make a schedule of everything you have going on, from classes, studying and tutorials to volleyball practices and games. That way you see how much free time you can allow yourself a week and still stay on track with your school work and volleyball. It may be a little hard not being able to be with your friends as much, but in the end it will pay off when you are making good grades and being able to keep your scholarships. I am confident that you can acheive the greatest because when you want something, you do your very best to gain it.

The first year of college has allowed me to gain a lot of valuable experience. Knowing what I know now, I would advise my high school self to expect to not only be friends with freshmen, because the classes are mixed with a variety of different aged students. I also would advise myself to be sure I become familiar with the campus as much as possible and take note of all the different events that they have, in order to meet as many new people as possible. In order to make the transition easier, I would advise myself to attend different types of events, because you are bound to meet different types of people to become friends with. I also would advise myself to be sure that I opened up to teachers and asked for help whenever needed, as well as communicate with my advisor for academic and social help.

If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell her not to be afraid to be herself her first year. I would tell her to stop fretting about blending into the background and staying invisible, to do things that interested her and to not be scare to branch out. To ask for help when she needed it and to not be ashamed of needing it. I would add that being great roommates is sometimes better than being good friends, and that it might take a few tries before she finds one that she can stand. College is not easy; it is a lot of hard work, but I would remind her to try to relax for a moment or two. That getting a B on a paper is not the end of her world. I would finish by telling her how amazing college is and by asking her not to worry about her major or about what career she could possibly get with that. I would remind her to study hard and then I would tell her to have fun, to enjoy it. Because this is the beginning of the greatest friendships and successes she will have.

The college environment and experience will be exactly what you make it. Maintaining a positve attitude about learning, schoolwork, and being in a new environment makes all the difference. Setting goals and staying focused is important as well. Learning to properly balance the social aspect of college, school work, and family is challenging. However, time management is detrimental to your overall expereince. Try not to fall behind on your assignments, ask for help if you need it, and stay in contact with your academic advisor. College is a lot different from high school, the responsiblity is greater. Finally, the most important factor is to believe in yourself. Confidence in knowing that you can do anything and have the resources available to do so is key! You will get out what you put in. Although college life is different from high school, it is important to know that all you need to succeed lies within!