Harding University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would definitely tell myself to work at least three jobs, maybe four. Throughout high school, since I turned 16, I have been working as a sales associate. I believed I was a hard worker because I had a job, volunteered, helped with my family of eight, maintained Godteens (our Parish group), sang in a select choir, and kept my grades up. Was I an easy A+ student? No, I had to work hard and review more than my friends. If I could return as a senior in high school, I would beg myself to feel good enough, even if I wasn’t as smart, pretty, and confident as my fellow classmates. I honestly thought I was off to a great start, saving hard earned money and learning time management. While working two part time jobs helped with the monthly bills, community college tuition and books, and other payments, it still isn’t enough. It turns out the more you work, the less the government helps. Through the fears and joys of life, I remind myself daily that everything happens for a reason.

Dear High School Senior Version of Me, You’re about to start an awesome time in your life, but I have a few recommendations to keep your head on straight. First of all, just sign up for everything. Senior year has been exhausting, I know. But the people you meet and the opportunities you’ll have if you get active on campus immediately will be rewarding in so many ways. You can always drop in a campus activity at the end of the semester if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Next I’d recommend signing up for mostly general requirement classes because you still don’t know what you want to do. If you think you’re interested in a particular major, sign up for one or two classes to get to know the faculty in that department. They can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you. Before you even get to campus, take the ACT or SAT as many times as possible. Academic scholarships will be worth it if you put in the initial effort. Last but not least, have some fun. Meet some great people. Learn something. Not necessarily in that order.

If I could go back in time, I would urge myself to take two degrees. I took one degree in Bible and Religion. I studied this topic because of passion; it was the subject about which I most wanted to learn. However, this degree offers limited job opportunities. It would be good to have a practical skill to fall back on. I wish I had taken another degree in a practical field, such as computer science. I would then find it easier to support my family during the lean times which would inevitably arise in life.

I would tell myself to take as many dual credit and AP classes as I possibly could because they save a lot of time and money. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to stress less about college choices and my future because you've got time to choose and it will all work out. But most of all I would encourage myself to continue to improve my work ethic and study skills. They are so much more important once you get to college and don't have teachers and parents checking in on you to make sure you do what you need to be doing. Becoming responsible now will save you a lot of stress and trouble later, so don't slack off!

I would consider taking even more college courses in high school. The preparation they provide are both valuable in terms of readiness as well as monetary. I would focus even more on my study habits and work habits in general as there is an additional level of discipline required to succeed in college. I would especially focus on the habit of reading and would read something evbery day even if not required. Last but not least I think I would have tried to research the social life of my cmapus and how I could be a part of those activities in advance to actually being in school. I amde some friends suring the summer programs and I had put more effort into those friendships.

I would give my self the advice to be more ready for the transition. Dont be scared to try new things or go and meet new people. You never know how many great people you will meet until you put your self out there. But most importantly dont be afraid to be you.

Prepare yourself for college. The classes are much harder. You will need to study a lot more than you do now. Do not wait untill the last minute to study. If you do this, you will not do well.

Aside from receiving a great education, college has provided me with a great community to be a part of. I have made friends that I will have for life, I have had experiences that I know I could never have anywhere else, I would not trade my college experience for anything. It's not like every day has been amazing but it has been a great experience.

I went to college in 2002 after High School but due to my immigration status at the time, (I had a Humanitarian Visa), my scholarship to the University of Minnesota fell through leaving me distraught and hopeless. I dropped out and worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Working as a Special Ed. Para, I was lucky to meet some phenomenal students who though born with disabilities, didn’t let those disabilities stop them from reaching their full potential. Their will to succeed made me realize that I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and take control of my life. I also got my green card which now meant I could get financial aid. I registered back in school and use my passion for teaching to learn all that I can so I can become a Special Education teacher. Being in school has allowed me to not only learn but to also reach out and touch students lives in a way I would have never been able to, had I not gone back. School has given me a purpose and continues to motivate me to want to be the best that I can be for myself and for my students.

Going to Harding University has brought me much closer to God. Not growing up in a christian home I have learned a lot from the Bible classes, but really I've learned the most about God in the other classes I take because of the professors that always teach from a christian viewpoint. They are truely dedicated to seeing me succeed. I love my school, even if it is in the middle of nowhere Searcy, Arkansas. I am looking forward to my next two and a half years there. Next semester I am getting the opportunity to travel overseas, thanks to Harding's campus in Florence, Italy. I am excited to learn about the Italian culture and travel around Europe. I am thankful for this opportunity and do not plan on wasting it. Other than classes the most important thing Harding has prepared me for is to be a missionary. After graduation I know I will have more than enough contacts to help find a place for me to serve God. My goal is to someday own an orphanage in Africa.