Howard University Top Questions

During my high school years, I had very little in the way of money or family support, but I thought that education would be my ticket to a better life. However, despite hard work to achieve good grades in high school, my family refused to help me financially for college. In addition, I was young, naïve, and without proper guidance regarding financial aid or the college application process. Although I eventually found a local technical college and acquired an Associate’s Degree, I was left feeling as if that phase of my life was unfinished. I knew that I had the potential to do well at an institution of higher learning, but I had stopped short of the goal. I was deeply disappointed in myself. If I had the chance to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay the course. Don’t give up! There is nothing worse than living with regret.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to think about college sooner. I would say to not focus so much on basketball but also learn to play the piano well. I would say don't put all your eggs in one basket so soon when it comes to considering your future. Think about back-up plans and plan the back-up well. I would also tell myself not to worry about things that I cannot change. I would also tell myself that everything will work out just right, if I stay focused on grades, family, and don't rush to grow up. I would tell myself to read more books. Save money. Other than that, I would pat myself on the back--we did well! The time you have to yourself is invaluable. When you look back on your life, you will smile because you made your own decisions and you had faith and love. There is so much more to experience--and you will. You have so much to give to the world and the community. Just live and keep an open mind. You go, girl!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start college right out of high school. I feel this way because you have less debt or other obligations to hold you back. If I would have started college out of high school, I would be done and graduated from a university. I would have also told myself to listen to my heart, and to go with my gut feeling on every decision. Knowing what I know now is good, but I still have a lot to learn about life and its adventures. I am excited starting college, and I am ready to learn so I can better my future.

Our first year in colleege is not like we thought it would be . College classes are harder than is was in high school. You have to do more homework and studing It is so much to do before you get in the college like have the money to pay for tuition, housing and food. You have to get your classes that you need and don't wait until the last minute to sign up. This is really important rethink who you want to be your roommate to be because the one I had stole from us, had bad hygiene problems and had a negative affect on me when i went there. When more days go by in college you will start to miss home, and also don't let stress effect in your class work. At Middle Tennessee State University there are so much to do like go to sporting events, step shows, and plays. The people up there are so different that we are use to seeing, for example you might see this young man walking around with no shoes even in the winter time. College will be rough, but by the second semester you will be just fine.

College is an adventure and only a small step in this journey we call call life. Remember you are a student first and foremost. You're here to learn and educate yourself. The classroom and those $200 textbooks are no longer your only resources to enlightment. The people your surround yourself with everyday can teach you more about the world then you ever knew was possible. Remember to take a deep breath and relax when times get rough. Not everything will be easy, especially not the infamous financial aid office. Just like your mom taught you, everything happens for a reason so just keep on pushing. You are resilent, caring, and brillant. No one can change that. Live a little. There is nothing wrong with a party and friends to help you relax. HOWEVER "girls gone wild nights" are never the answer to the end of a stressful finals week. Your friends are your family away from home. You need them and they need you. College is the time for you to discover yourself. Who are you? What are you meant for? What's your passion? Dont worry, you"ll find all the answers soon enough!

I would tell myself to stay true to myself and don't get caught up in what every other person is doing!

Dear Miss Harmon, You have so much potential to be better than you are, so just do it! Howard is a wonderful school, and you are going to adore all that it has to offer you. Do not let the competition discourage you from achieving your best in student organizations, class, or even student government. Please get to know your professors and form a relationship with them. It will make it easier to present them with questions and also recommendation letters in the future. Do not give up on anything! Strive for the A on every test, quiz, exam, and project. This way you will not be stressed one bit when it is time for the final grades. Being that you are so far away from home, you should get extremely involved on campus and make friends. But do not let extracurriculars come before class and ensure that your friends are your SUPPORT group away from home. So choose wisely! I believe in you, and I know you will do great things. Go to class, LEARN, and keep your eye on our future! Good luck! Sincerely, Jazmyn Harmon

As a high school senior, I would give advice to myself to not quit school. When I was in high school, I quit. I did not think ; I belonged in High school. When I realized, I could not make it in the real world without an education, I went back to school. If I would have graduated and went straight to College, I would already have my education finished. Having to do everything all over again was a big challenge, and I would have told myself to stay strong. When I get finished with my career, I will be extremley proud of myself. Everyone needs to have a great career, and there are many people that will help you do that.

Knowing what I know now I would go back to my high school self and tell her that she needs to learn how to network. I would also tell her to start look for internships and places to intern as soon as possible. My high school self would have to know that speaking to her major advisor and her university advisor is a must as a freshman. I would tell my high school self don't try to find true love her first year, that's how hearts get broken. Also long distance relationships are extremely hard to maintain. Basically it's better to be single until graduate school. I would tell her to make sure that the friends that she surrounds herself with are goal oriented. The final thing I would tell my high school self is to have fun college should be the best four years of your life.

DO YOUR WORK KID. When I first got to college i had trouble finding a balance between my work and social life I also was under the impression that i could get y on good test grades. I had trouble accurately managing my time and my first semester grades reflect that. I would also tell myself that things aren’t as hard as you think they are that most of the problems that you are going to face in college you can figure out the answer to as long as you work at it and stay focused you'll get through just fine. I would encourage myself to take me more risks be outgoing and that as long as you continue to be yourself you'll be fine.