Hollins University Top Questions

I would tell my high school self to ignore everyone around me in high school. Or, since I did that, do it even more confidently. Those bullies wouldn't hurt me anymore. At the college I chose, the idea of no one being mean to me would be so foreign I would find it to be very weird. I would actually grow confidence as my time at the school went on. High school is a hell hole that my former self has to work through to get to what is essentially a paradise.

You are still human- do not forget that. You have never learned to put down your defenses and you often feared being wounded by others if you ever were to appear weak for once. Intelligence has always been number one and emotions were a sign of weakness. However, I need you to understand that your greatest allies will not care about your grades. They will not judge you if you break down in tears and you must know that you will grow to love these people. Yes, keep up your grades; yes, stay strong when people do attack you with words, but don't you dare be afraid to find friends. Grades are only part of the college experience; you will learn that. Learn sooner than later that emotions are necessary to connect with not only fellow students but professors- and they want to see you feel. You have fought so hard that you have forgotten that you are more than just a grade. Remember that you are a human being and that emotions are natural. Nothing is wrong with a few tears; you will feel better than you ever have before when you learn to share them with others.

Dear Aleena, Trust yourself and follow your dreams. Your heart will show you the path that you need to take and it will lead you to your dream world. Sometimes, along the way, you will get lost, but the sun will arise every morning and you will always find a way out. Many paths lead to one destiny; take risks and explore your surroundings and yourself; don’t just look in front of you. What’s around you is what you need to meet your goals. Bring with you every piece of knowledge, and every lesson you learn from your mistakes to become a better person. Enjoy the experience; share your story and hear what others have to say; learn from each other and support each other. Don’t forget to rest. Moving forward is necessary, but if you forget to eat, to laugh, to try new things, and to build a community, you won’t get far. Throughout your journey, you may discover a new path and you may create new dreams; don’t be afraid to change and start over; it may lead you to a better place. Just trust yourself and know that it will be okay.

To my high school self: STOP FREAKING OUT. I know applying to colleges and figuring out which one is best for you and how you're going to pay for it is super stressful, but don't worry! You'll end up in the right place and it'll all be fine. You have the rest of your life to be stressed (trust me, there's plenty of things to stress out about in college!) Enjoy your last year of high school, your last year with the friends you've had since elementary school, your last summer with absoluetly no responsibilties. Go be young and reckless. College will come sooner than you think, and here are a few tips for when it does. Invest in a blazer/business attire - you're going to have a job interveiw eventually. When someone invites you to dinner, GO. Get as many general education classes as you can out of the way freshmen year- you don't want to be stuck taking them as a senior. Let loose at a frat party, but never skip your Monday 8am. Coffee and naps are your best friends. Join a club. And finally, just have fun!

I would advise myself to try not to stress so much. I would also advise myself to slow down and enjoy college.

I would tell my high school self to study! Even though I didn't have to study in high school, it was required in college to do well. I would also tell myself to learn how to stop procrastinating on homework, papers, reading, etc. Although I did well in my undergraduate work, I think I had the potential to do even better if I had applied myself even more. I don't think I'd tell myself anything else except to enjoy the ride and don't take it for granted - four years goes by in a flash!

Don't assume people are going to come up to you and talk with you right away. You have to get outside and make friends. Remember all those nights crying because you didn't have any friends? Yeah. Could have been prevented. Though you did shoot yourself in the foot with your unbearable shyness, eventually you found a couple friends you could talk to. It's just how things go. You have to give love in order to recieve it. But you will turn out all right in the end. Don't worry. You came here to study, and study you shall!

Apply for scolarships by the priotity deadline. Use all available resourses, including online resources, teachers, librarians, and counselors. Start saving for college early, get a part time job during the summer, and put all the money directly into a savings account so that it can gain interest and avoid the money made from getting spent. Study hard to get a high gpa as many scholarships are merit based, and universities ang colleges especially look at gpa. Start at a community colleege, make sure your classes will transferto two prospective universities you wish to attend, and reviece an associates degree before moving on to a bachelors. The cost is less, and it leaves you with a sdegree to put on your resume when applying for jobs. File your fafsa as soon as possible, and study hard for all standarized tests as thier scores also are considered by most colleges. Apply to your university by the early decision date to have more time to contact school officials about scholarships and other financial assistance. Consider class sizes at your university and the campus size. Visit the campus BEFORE school starts. Build a resume, and volunteer at local non-profit organizations and school functions.

At most college orientations studens are welcomed to their college campus, but at Hollins University we had a scheduled orientation including movie nights and white water rafting. The very first day of moving in the president of the university stopped by each freshman dorm to welcome us new students. I have made many new friends that I consider my sisters. So far I have gained amazing friendships, not only with students, but with my professors as well. I have only been through one semester of college and I already have had so many opportunities here. Here is a small list I compiled of why it has been a vaulable experience while attending Hollins University: - Professor know your name and want to help you succeed - I am not afriad to ask for help - I have made life-lasting friendships - The finincial aid staff really wants to help make it afforable - I have my first job as an employee at my university's library and all my earnings are directly applied to my tuition - There are volunteer opportunities - Students get to climb a mountain with their crazy professors and President - I am on the Tennis team - I am confident and more outgoing

I've learned a lot in subjects I didn't think I'd care about as an English major. I've also made so many new friends and relationships that I know will last a lifetime. The English department here is fantastic and I know that the next three years will be the best.