Howard University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Howard University know before they start?

Makenzie

If I could go back to my senior year of high school i would tell myself to quit thinking about how bad I wanted to get out of that place and enjoy the time I still had to be a kid. I would do as many school activities as I could and attened every school function that was put on because once you get to collge there are few things that bring everyone together like high school events do. Second I would tell myslef to take TONS of pictures. Every thing you do senior year is special because you will never have another senior year where the only thing you have to worry about is going to your senior prom what your senior pictures will look like. I would tell myself to embrace every moment, good or bad, and remember that your senior year is the last time that you will have to not worry about life. Once you walk across that stage, everything changes. Priorities change and so do we. Looking back, I should have listen to my mom when she said high school would be the best time of my life, a time I can never get back.

Genessa

If I could have given my high school self some advice about making the transition, I would tell myself to talk to everyone that you can during Freshman Week and work hard to maintain those connections. College is too stressful to go through with no support. The friends you make the first week are going to be the strongest connections you'll make in college because you experienced something new together. They will understand what you're going through when things get tough and, hopefully, will have good advice or at least some encouragement to give. Also, GO TO CLASS. You're not going to feel any better if you don't go to class, no matter how much more sleep you may get. You're just going fall behind and regret losing the points for any assignments given that day. Speaking of falling behind, keep up with the reading even if your teacher doesn't bring it up - you'll understand concepts much better. Besides that, I'd just say stick to who you've always been. There's no magical transformation for college students; we're simply high school students who're proving that we actually value education.

Ebony

Work hard and remember college isn't about what everyone around you wants. it's not about what your parents want, what your siblings want, it's about what you want. Do what YOU want to do. Live your life for yourself and don't let anyone tell you no. Be as assertive as possible. Be yourself. Don't lie to fit in. Be an individual. Everything comes with time.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to really think hard and consider the decision that I am about to make. As a college student, I am struggling financially and it is added stress to my already stressful college life. I am not as financially stable as my peers and I often find myself staying in while my friend are out simply because I can not afford it. In addition to financial struggles, I would like to inform myself as a high sdchool senior that the distance is a harsh reality. I would also like to inform myself that I need to put my happiness first and not concentrate on the things that people are trying to persuade me into doing. Make the decision that will make myself happier instead of what would make my family happy because in the end, I will be the one that will have to live the life that I chose.

Rosa

Dear Rosa, You are a very talented individual. Do not be afraid to move ten hours away to a place where you don't know a soul. It will be just fine. The first day you will meet a group of ladies who will be your friends for life. Also, it is good to get away from home. High School was very difficult and it is time to find yourself. Work hard and do not slack off because you have so much free time. You are smart and you have the ability to excell if you put your mind to it. Procrastination will be your worst enemy, so watch yourself and be strong. If you keep steady, the reward will come in the end. Do not worry about boys too much either. You must love yourself before anyone else can love you. Be brave. Do not hide from your potential. Be bold. Make your presence known. Be Active. You have the power to enact positive change. Your family will be such a wonderful support system, but also try to establish some independence. You are entering the inbetween to being an adult, and trust the inbetween is gone in a blink.

Ariana

Be smart about the decisions you make. Its perfectly ok to have fun and party and socialize, but do it in moderstions and always put school first. Thats the reason why your there, and no matter what take every class seriously. That one credit course makes a difference, and dont take advantage of the time, once its gone thats it. Make every day count and have fun... these are your college years- make them memorable and NO REGRETS Bye bye P.S. there are some people youll meet who youll befriend for the rest of your life, and there are others you will meet who aren't who they seem to be- know the difference and remember who's had your back since day one... basically dont sweat the bulls**t! Tootles! :)

Ebony

Throughout my life, I have had a terribly hard time "fitting in". Unfortunately, I experienced racial discrimination and social isolation at a very young age. Additionally, I never thoroughly understood why I am not good enough for my father to show that he ever loved me. The hardships I have endured in the past undeniably modified my perception of self-worth. I never felt good or pretty enough to be loved by anyone. Thus, I spent most of my youthful life ashamed; ashamed of my physical appearance, my intelligence, even my faith in God. Sadly, I hated everything about me, from the pigment of my skin to the emotions of my heart. Nevertheless, upon arriving to college, I reignited my faith in God. At that very moment, I transformed into a confident, social, exceptional young woman! Now, I am overwhelmed with joy and understand the significance of genuine happiness. Furthermore, if I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to be strong and understand that after hardships, joy will follow. Through times of trouble, God will always provide shelter. My life's purpose is to serve God and through Him, I will reach goals.

Destiny

Knowing what I know now about college life I would give myself three essential pieces of advice. First I would stress that I choose a major in a subject that I am most passionate about, undergraduate majors are supposed to be enlightening never stressful. Many times as a senior I thought because I wanted to go to medical school that biology was the correct major even though I knew that I wanted to study the field of english for undergrad. Secondly I would advise myself to stay focused, going away to college offers numerous distractions and it is very easy to get off track. Last but not least I would tell myself to relax in times of stress; it is hard adjusting to new people, administration, residence life, cafe food, midterms etc. In times of chaos it is always best to just take a deep breath, relax and write out a plan of action.

Jasmin

As a high school senior I would tell myself to keep applying for scholarships no matter what the outcome may be. As high school students people always tell us to apply for scholarships and that there is so much unclaimed money that is waiting to handed out. Applying for scholarships was a tedious process so getting rejected or denied makes it hurt even more. It discouraged me so I stopped. I would tell my high school self to keep trying until you can't try anymore because in the end you're going to need all the money you can get. Other than that I would tell myself to enjoy all the moments with your friends and family while you can. Going out of state for college can be a big transition and you're going to need those people to keep you grounded. Cutting them off or isolating yourself from them will only make you feel lonely which is terrible. Finally I would tell myself as a high school senior that you can do anything you put your mind to. Never doubt yourself and always work hard because people are counting on you to do your best.

Ebonee

Ebonee ! Relax. Enjoy life. Dream big. Remember these three aspects as you finish your senior year, because it is vital to appreciate the blessings you have now. You need to LIVE LIFE and ENJOY your friends, because you will never have a chance to go through Senior Year in high school, ever again. Don't worry about rather or not you will be accepted into college, because you will soon be accepted in the right university for you; but try to focus on finding scholarships to help you pay for your education; you don't want to take out loans. Do you ? As you are transitioning into a different world, remember: 1. Relax. Enjoy life. Dream 2. You're beautiful and intelligent, so be CONFIDENT! 3. If you want something, go get it ! NO EXCUSES 4. Always set goals for yourself 5. Stay True To Yourself ! You have a bright future ahead of you, just make sure you continue to work hard and stay focused. Always remember, "20 years from now, you will be more disppointed in the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did do," so don't be afraid to explore, dream, and live.