Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

The biggest piece of advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is to develop better study habits. In college, while the professors care about your success, they do not have the time to devote to each student individually. That being said, developing study habits and being able to work on your own and learn the material is very important, and studying on a regular basis will make you better prepared for the exams. Also, I would advise myself to start trying to better adapt to change, because that's all college is; Changes. I've experienced so many new things in one short semester at Kent State, and although I do love it here, I truly feel I would have enjoyed more had I not been so anxious about the changes going on.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to enjoy your last year in high school, get a job to save up some money for college, and don't slack off as much. College is harder than high school and studying techniques will be your best friend so learn some! Also, extra money will be your best friend. Being a poor college student is not nearly as fun as having a few extra dollars in your back pocket to go out and have some fun with your friends, do some fresh laundry, or buy those little things you want. Lastly, to enjoy your last year in high school. You won't miss it so much when you start college, but you should definitly take advantage of the time you have left.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to apply for scholarships early and to make sure to stay with your studies. I'd also tell myself to become more active within the community and to not allow other people to come in between you and your studies. If your firends cannot understand that you need to study then they truly are not your friends. I'd also tell myself to get a job once you have managed your course load. I'd warn myself that taking on too much of a course load and along with working is the worse thing you could do. And lastly I'd tell myself not to worry about dating. Boys will be there regardless and that you should not worry about them and whether or not you find love. Love will come, but school will not always be there and you need to work as hard as you can to make sure that you do not loose out on getting your education and succeeding in the field you want to be in.

Whenever it comes to live the college life, there are certain responsibilities that you must go through, such as loans, work study, and being able to attend morning classes. Loans are not necessarily a great idea because when you finish college, you have to pay all of the loans back. To avoid that, make sure to talk with your BVR counselor on handling your financial issues in college, or either find scholarships or work during the summer. The most recommended workplace to go is work study because you're working at the college you go to for learning and finding opportunities. I know that not many people are used to wake up in the morning, but it's unavoidable when it comes to work and college. Make sure you either follow a sleep pattern or buy a very loud alarm clock to awake yourself at 6 a.m. of each day that you have the morning class(es).

I would tell myself to give in to my instincts about what I want to achive in school, and where I want to achieve it. I was so hesitant about what I wanted out of life and out of school, that I could barely trust any decisions I did make. I would remind myself that I have good judgement, and that the worst things that will happen will be late nights of homework and not getting enough hours at work. And don't worry about making friends! You will. And they will be good ones.

Never give up. That's the best advice I think anyone could give their former selves. After my first semster at Kent, I dropped out. I took a few years off to "find myself", as so many students tend to do. In the time I took off school, I became a mom. Being a mom and a student is tough work! Thinking back to my senior year, I did not feel college was all that important. If I could see my former self, I would honestly want to smack me! College is very important, especially today which is why I am determined, as a single mother, to attain my degree and better myself for my child.

My senior year of highschool I was a mess when it came to making decisions. I chose to only apply to one school, because that was the school I always said I would attend. I applied late in the year and I had no idea about money or financial aid. I didn't even have a sit down talk with my parents about where I would go; I did it all on my own with no information except for what I heard from others. I also had no idea how campus life was or how I would feel being away from home. If I could go back I would take this deceision much more serious than I did. I would tell myself to sit down with my parents and discuss my options with them at the beginning of senior year. I would also tell myself to make college visits and really think about what school was best for me. I'd tell myself to figure out which school would be less expensive in the long run. I don't regret where I am now, but if I could go back and make some smarter decisions I would.

As a high school senior I would tell myself that college is a big step in life and that it was time to grow up. Reality is coming and it's coming quick, to never stop believing in myself and that what I think is my best could be done better. To always look up and never be too shy or quiet, to ask a question or for help when needed. To go to college with an open mind and open arms of meeting new people and learning new things. To never stop studying even when i feel like i know the the criteria and what I am doing. To never let people tell me that i can't succeed and do my best. To rely on family when times are rough but to never, never give up. I would tell myself to understand and accept people and their differences and no matter what, to be happy with the life that I live because one day college will help me get to where I want to be in life.

Don't let your cultural hardships take over you to the point of depression. I understand the importance of culture and the role it plays in your life, to the point where anything you wear and do could either ruin your family reputation which can never be reformed. Don't allow that fear to take over your life to the point that you only attend school in the mornings, work long hours, and the days off you only spend at home like a prisoner. Your a teenager, enjoy your life, Learn new things, take school seriously don't try to only get by. Attempt to learn more Math, Chemistry, English, etc. it will help you in the long run for college. Don't assume that life will always be like this, living at home with your parents. In our culture you only leave your parents home once you become married, which isn't a bad thing because think of all the positives, no bills and headaches. You can attend college without much worry and trust me you will miss the at home living. Take advantage of this by putting more effort into college and completing your B.S. Degree.

The best advice I could give myself in High School is to not take free education for granted. Once you have to pay for your continued education, you learn just how valuable of a resource High School truly is. If I had the same mentality then that I had now, I would have been more prepared for college level courses which would have fast tracked the process in its entirety. Also, I could have participated in community events, clubs, athletics, and peer networking. Not only would these extra corricular activites increased character, they would have helped me in knowing sooner who I wanted to be. They would have helped in career readiness and even helped me earn more money by having a resume that set me apart from the competition due to containing a plethora of real life experience. Going back to school has ignited senses of organization, discipline, and structure to my personal life, and I only wish I would have done it sooner.