Hanover College Top Questions

Although succeeding in high school was rather effortless for you, college will not be as easy. You didn't have to study much (or really ever at all) in high school, but in college, that's most definitely not the case. You'll need to take your academics seriously, work hard, and strive to do well. You're going to have study infinite times more than you have in the past years in order to get good grades. And while mom and dad are pushing you to get those good grades because they believe in you and know that you're capable of doing so, do it for you. Push and do well for yourself. Nothing in life that's worth it comes easy. It all requires a lot of hard work. But you can do it. Study, manage your time, and focus. Nothing can stop you. But take full advantage of this great opportunity to learn and better yourself. You're going to be exposed to a whole new world and you should experience it through open eyes and with an open mind. Don't be afraid to try something new. And get involved! Good luck!

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior the number one thing I would say is that "it's okay to be yourself" and you will develop more into yourself in college. In high school and freshman year of college I was always concerned with what others thought or with what others were doing. However, I soon discovered that I shouldn't care at all. The transition from high school to college allowed me to become a truer version of myself and I'm glad I picked the right school. Along those same lines, I would say that playing a sport in college isn't really that big of a deal. I thought I had to play soccer in colelge and if I didn't was a failure. I quit soccer after my sophomore year at Hanover and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Also, I would tell myself that the first year of college is harder than you think it will be and you need to spend more time studying.

Over this past summer I worked at a camp for children with behavioral problems. During the training process, one of the key concepts that was conveyed to us was, "These are not bad kids, they are kids with bad behaviors." One of the major problems I've had in college is letting grudges end relationships. Going into college I would suggest thinking about everyone as a good person, and forgiving those mistakes made along the way. In other words, "These are not bad friends, they've just made some mistakes."

Don't waste time. There is not enough of it. College is the most amazing opportunity for self-realization. Balance academics and social life. Both are equally important. What is not important is sleeping late or wasting time on the internet. Live every moment at college as if it matters, because it does. It will be over before you realize and life on the outside is totally different. College will change who you are. You will not be the same person when you graduate that you were when you went in. This is a good thing. Embrace it. Use the time to find out who you really are. Don't go in with any baggage at all. Use every opportuinty to learn about yourself and the world. Don't be afraid to have deep or spiritual experiences or to be open to new ideas. Most of all, don't waste time.

As small as my experience has been since I began college at Hanover College, I have to say that many of the worries I had about being in college were completely unfounded. I worried that I would be homesick and lonely without any of my high school friends or my parents to see everyday. But my first week here in freshman orientation, I made friends with almost everyone in my dorm hall I though a Liberal Arts college would be extremely difficult to handle. However, my high school, which was a college-prepatory school, truly helped me and preparing me for the college experience, so adapting had not been a huge problem for me like it had been others on campus. It's been too early to really tell, but I feel as if college has really helped in gaining a social life as I didn't have one in high school, as well as relaxing and having a bit of fun every once it a while. It has taught me how to "chill" so to speak.

From my college experience, I have gained the most important piece of knowledge that one can. I have learned who I truly am. The setting, the people, and the immense amount of education that I have been fortunate enough to encounter have allowed me to understand what I want from life. It has allowed me to see that I want to pursue a career which will allow me to make a difference for individuals globally. I have found great interest in cultural studies, and hope to travel the world as I continue to both make that difference and learn infinitely. Hanover College has allowed for me to figuratively "fall in love" with learning. I cannot even express how thankful I am for that fact. Now, as opposed to before my experience here, I truly believe that there is no such thing as too much education. Because of Hanover College, I cannot get enough of it.

College is a time of growth, learning about yourself and others in the process. It is ok not to have a full-length, detailed plan for your life, instead enjoy the process with an open mind. This way, you will be able to consume the knowledge you will learn in college (both in and out of the classroom) rather than worry whether it will be applicable to your future career. Enjoy the ride, Erin. When you fail, get back up and know you learned something new. However, there is a difference between a challenge and a wrong direction, though. Don?t be afraid to listen to your instinct and follow the path that?s right for you, not the one that?s right for everyone else. College is a unique opportunity that you will regret if you only focus on the future instead of appreciating the present. Enjoy the ride, Erin.

Ok, Leah. Here's the deal. College is totally different than high school...not necessarily in a good or bad way; it's just different. Trust me. When you get there, you'll know exactly what I mean. Suddenly, everything changes. You're living on your own, taking care of yourself and calling all the shots. Mommy and Daddy aren't around anymore. Now YOU are the boss, and it's the best feeling in the world! Or is it? Well, take it from me. While being at college can be very liberating, it can also be very intimidating. I'm not going to lie...the transition is tough, especially when you're attending an academically-challenging school. Much will be expected of you, and everyone will be telling you something different--get involved, study hard, party all night long! You might find yourself wondering, 'How do I handle it all?' Well, first of all, understand that no one can do it all. The best thing to do is prioritize your activities and work to find a balance between them. It might be difficult, but don't give up. Embrace every opportunity you are given and never stop learning.

Don't be afraid of the unknown. It is hard at first because you don't know anyone however, everyone else is in the same boat. There are many people all around you who are looking for friends and are just as lost as you are. Don't be afraid to talk to them. Also, remember that by being here you are doing what is best for yourself. Your parents will understand if you cannot make it to every family function or be there for them. This is the point in your life where you need to focus on yourself and your education. Also remember that all those one dollar snacks add up after awhile.

Tyler, words of wisdom from a time you know not of yet are coming to you. My dear friend, first please apply for more scholarships. They will help you in times of need. You don't know everything nor are you ever going to. Be humble, but not to the point where you sacrifice your confidence and self identity. You are going to change, especially in terms of religous thought. It's okay, trust yourself and keep living life. P.S. Think long and hard about whether or not you want to take a class called Francophone Multiculturalism. Love, Yourself