Howard University Top Questions

If I would go back in time and talk to me i would tell my self that i had to get AP clases. Because college it is harder than being in high school. Back than i didn't care about school, but now i know that i need to study to get a better life. I would tell my self to get a job because it would be easier for me to work in high school than in college. I would tell my self to put more attention in class when he graduates from my old high school, and I would tell him the things that happen to me throughout this semesters that I have been in college.

If I could go back to the start of my Senior year of high school i would tell my past self to live his senior year up, with no regrets. I would tell him that 2013 would be his year, and only good would come from it. I would stress that he become apart of more extra-curricular activities other than just basketball because here at Howard, it is not just about your g.p.a, it is about how many thing you can become apart of and accomplish, while achieving that great g.p.a. Doing so will add more substance to your name and resume and your ideal "worth" on campus. Being able to this takes alot of time management and if I/he could get started and accustomed to that transition earlier it would help him in the long run.

Listen to mom and grandma! I know you don't feel like you're emotionally prepared to go to any college, let alone one all the way in Washington DC, but you will love it. Trust yourself and trust your family. It will be hard at first and I know you don't want to go to a HBCU, but it will all work out in the end. The people you meet, your experiences, and everything that Howard University has to offer will all be worth it. Forget about all the people who doubted you in high school, forget about all the people you didn't like in high school because quite frankly, it doesn't matter. What matters is you and your new experience at this school that takes you all the way out of your comfort zone will totally make you a better, more emotionally stable, and overall healthier person. Stay true to yourself. Also, try to get a refund for your meal plan. It's totally not worth it.

Don't think about this moment. This moment is only a small dot in the larger picture that is your life. Choose what this picture will look like now so that you can focus more on creating it. Don't be afraid of it. OUT of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that senior year is not an excuse for you to become lax and just thing adulthood is a joy ride. Student loans and interest are a real thing so you want to apply for every scholarship you can. You don't want to worry about how you are going to pay for your sophmore year as a freshman with no help from family. You want to worry about graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 4 years and starting the journey of adulthood. You want to worry about building your personal brrand and network because you will need it in order to leave college with a CAREER! I would tell my younger self to keep her eyes on the prize because there will be many wolves in sheep's clothing trying to deter you because they do not want to see you succeed. You have to be your own hero so take this advice and hold it to your heart young one.

I would tell myself to have fun and don't be so uptight. Apply everywher and relax, God has a plan and just go with the flow.

Stay focused and don't give up no matter what.

Hey Ash, this is hard to say but I want to let you know that in October while you're away at school you will lose your brother to gun violence. However, you are strong and you can get through this. College is very different from high school and when you feel yourself starting to get down don't let the pain win. Take that hurt and channel it into studying, channel it into your outreach program, whatever you do DO NOT GIVE UP. Years later you will look back and notice your purpose in life so don't faulter or waver just remember why you're doing this and how you plan to change the world. Anytime you need someone call your mom and give her a chance because she loves you so much and she will always be there for you. But most of all Ash, KEEP YOUR FAITH IT WILL GET YOU THROUGH. Love your future self Ashley

Reflecting on my freshmen year at Howard University, I often say if I only knew the things I know now as a high school senior! I would first tell myself to strive for excellence all the way to the end of my high school career, better preparing me for the transition of becoming a college student. I would encourage my high school self to take the college decision process seriously weighing every pro and con of the life changing decision of choosing your undergraduate institution. I would stress the importance of being financially smart and creating a budget. I would inform my highschool self to take control of your college life learning the importance of a schedule and balance. I would attempt to break my lazy habits. Most importantly I would share that college, no matter where you end up is what you make it. You always have a choice and it's up to you to make the right one! Mistakes will happen but the outcome and comeback of those mistakes is what is important. I would tell my senior self to listen to the advice given to you from family and friends; taking all the help you can!

In college, you still play by the rules, are still slightly awkward, and your friends still ask you to do their homework. Don't worry about reinventing yourself at every phase of life, because you'll be faced with making decisions where the superficial things don’t matter. You're a beautiful young lady with a mature sense of responsibility, an unrelenting sense of compassion, and a bubbly sense of humor; you may not see things as I do now, but if you set your eye on someone else's prize, you may miss the one intended for you. Find peace in the idea that you cannot please everyone. Accept your circumstances, face your responsibilities, and always be honest; hiding from your truths is self-destructive. Make the best of what you have. A lot of people expect great things for you, so don’t fret when they expect great things from you. You are not always going to want to have a positive attitude, but keep a positive outlook and never give up. Remember without pressure there would be no diamonds; you are a gem even if you don't feel like it.