Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

I feel like my high school prepared me well for the college experience. One thing that I would change is that I would have taken a CNA class to get my CNA license. This would have given me more nurse related job opportunities and more experience going into my nursing major. I would also change how many scholarships I applied for. I wish I would have spent more time working on my financial aid for college.

With two years of college under my belt, it would be unfair to others if I did not share what wisdom I have gained over these two fleeting years with soon to be college students. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be serving towards others. We live in a society where everyone is looking out for people only help others if they have something to gain from it. It is easy to get caught up in your GPA, who’s dating who, and the latest fashion trends but all of this is temporary. The person you grow to become is what shapes your life and determines what impact you are going to have on the world and in the lives of others. Before leaving for college I would ask yourself, “How do I want to be remembered by my fellow classmates? Is my impression going to be temporary or long lasting?”

If I could go back, and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself to be confident and to be me. I started off college scared and worried about what people thought of me. Looking back, that was foolish. College students are more accepting than high school students. There is a place for everyone at college. I have found great friends through common interests of sports, mentoring, serving, and even eating. The transition to college would have been much easier if I had not been trying to put on a face and be something I was not. My favorite thing about college is the confidence I have gained in myself and my abilities, and the dear friends I made who love me the way I am. I only wish I had gained this confidence in who I am before my junior year of college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that life is not as bad as it looks. You can't see it right now, but God has a plan for your life. Don't let one mistake sidetrack what God has in store for you. You will continue your education. IWU is an awesome place to start. The professors are very helpful and understanding. And, because IWU is a Christ centered university, you will find other students of like minds that will help you as you transition not only in your studies, but in life as well. There may be times of stress (getting papers done on time, etc.); however, if you start early enough to give yourself plenty of time, you'll be fine. Also, remember that all things are possible, if you believe. Grab hold to what I am telling you. Never doubt that you will make a difference; because with God's help, you will—trust me, I've seen Him do it.

Marisa, right now you seem to think that your procrastination habit won't be a problem at college. You're wrong. Unless you form better habits and get disciplined, you're going to be stuck finishing everything at the last minute. Take a good look at the way you're living. Rethink your priorities. When you get to college, you're going to have to balance school, work, friends, and even a boyfriend (that's a new one, huh?) I know you can do it, but you need some structure. Otherwise, you will lose control of your surroundings and you'll find yourself scrambling and struggling to catch up. There are some great opportunities ahead. Embrace your life as it is while you can. Don't forget to hug your parents and thank your teachers. Write often, even if you don't like what you've written. Buy all the yarn you can find on sale, because you'll learn to knit. Save your quarters. Be intentional about the friends you want to last for a lifetime, because if you don't try to stay connected, you won't. Good luck!

If I could go back in time as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life, I would have worked harder on my studies and I would of applied for scholarships sooner, at the beginning of high school, so that I would not have outstanding loans. I would of saved every penny I earned instead of spending it on unnecessary things, saving the fun for after college. I might of worked two part time jobs instead of one since my mother paid the bills at that time, therefore I should of took advantage of being able to save more money. I would have taken my high school years more seriously if I would of been thinking ahead instead of living in the moment. Knowing what I know now, I would have focused more on my future plans. I am now working harder than I had ever worked before. I am very focused on my education and have strong hopes for a solid and most promising future. It is never too late to receive an education, just focus, be serious, and work hard. The future is full of endless possibilities. I know that I can become anything.

I would tell myself to stop being lazy. One of my biggest problems was that I didn't push myself in high school because I didn't want to. That has come back to impact me negatively. If I would have pushed myself to get A's instead of B's I would have learned how to study and how to manage my time better. It was hard transitioning without knowing how to be good at studying and knowing I always got by without having to study. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate as bad. Procrastination is going to happen the sooner that is accepted the easier it will be to deal with it and to begin to get better at it. Lastly I would tell myself to listen and talk to older individuals who are in college. They can give a lot of good advice all I had to do was listen and put it into action.

I remember as a senior in high school I was very lazy when it came to the college preparation process. I ended up becoming stressed and rushed when the summer before college came around. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to pace myself, but not to procrastinate. College is very important and you need to give yourself time to go through each step of the process of becoming a college student. Another thing I would tell myself is to stay focused on your studies and be open to the new surroundings. Starting out I was very shy, stressed, and didn't think I was capable of the completing the work. But what I realized was that I procrastinated and didn't buckle down as much as I should have. I was very shy when it came to meeting new people, but I sometimes felt alone and depressed. Letting people in and going to more events would have given me a better attitude and more chances to make friends. I'm hoping that going into my sophomore year of college the life will come easier and be more enjoyable.

Going back to high school sounds like a terrifying nightmare to most people. I would probably not jump at the chance to redo high school, but there would be a few things that I would change. My senior year, I was just over high school and wanted to get out. Actually, that is how almost everyone felt. I felt like that everyday except graduation. The day of graduation it hit me that this was the last time I would see a lot of these classmates, teachers, and friends. I did not want graduation to end. This day meant the end of a lot of things. I had no idea what the next phase of life would bring. Do not get me wrong, college is special in it's own way, but high school was so simple. I wish I could see my friends and family whenever I want, sleep in my own bed, and actually eat tasteful food. This is just the next phase of life, but I wish I would have noticed that in high school. I should have slowed down in high school and not rush to the next "better" thing.

Dear high school self, You were so young and so oblivious to what college had to offer you as an individual. You should have taken your classes more seriously and tried to instill study habits that would not leave you to finishing 15 page research papers the night before it was due. College is very scary at first, but just remember you have what it takes to succeed and go far in life. Developing the unique skills and talents you have will be very important as you realize them and put them into great use. Self, remember to always put God first in everything you do: Don't lose sight of Him and he will always bless beyond what you deserve. If you can remember to do this and keep the garbage of life out of yours, you will be successful. Love, future self