Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

What should every freshman at Kent State University at Kent know before they start?

Corie

The advice that I would give myself is to not to dwell on insignicant things and be more outgoing. When I first came to Kent State I was so shy that a barely talked to anyone at all my first semester. The only person I talked to was my roommate at the time. I wouuld tell myself it is ok to break out of your shell and allow people to know the real you and not be ashamed of what happened in the past. Instead of worrying what people may think of your 'story' realize that if they are not ok with it or do not understand it then you are not meant to be friends with them. I finally broke out of my shell, so to speak, the second semester as a freshman. After that moment my experience at Kent State has been the most meaningful experience that I have had in life, thus far. I quickly became involved in several organizations and have made life long friends.

Cathryn

Hey, Cathryn. It’s me, the future you. I have some advice about—Hey, where are you going? It’s me, I promise. Who else would know about that notebook of poems hidden at the bottom of your dresser? That’s right, come back here. I want to give you some advice about college. First, chemistry is going to stink, so HANG ON to your high school notes. Do not throw those little gold nuggets away. Trust me; you’re going to need them. Second, college is not as stressful as people make it sound. You’re stronger than you think. You made it through Mr. Melvin’s class so you will be ready for this. Trust yourself and hang on tight. Finally, mandatory core classes are annoying and take up a lot of time but don’t let them get in your way. They are going to keep you from the classes you love and are actually interested in. But don’t let them erase your dream. Keep your goals in front of you and stand up for what you believe in. And always remember Aslan’s words from the Narnia movies: “Don’t run from who you are.”

Katherine

Don't sequester yourself in your dorm or house. Get out and interact with others. College is about discovering yourself and realizing what you like and dislike. You won't know who you are until you experience new things and live outside of your comfort zone.

Christopher

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have to tell. I would start off by saying that it is impertaive to know what you want to do prior to starting college. Taking the time to investigate different majors, analyzing the jobs they could provide with a degree, and shadowing individuals in that profession are extremely important. Also, I would tell myself that starting off at cheaper colleges, such as a community college, is a great idea. Having attended a community college for my first two years was a teriific idea. Not only is it cheaper than four year colleges, but they offer exactly the same basic level courses that any other college would. This is a smart route to take in order to save money in the long run and still receive credit for the classes you need. In addition to this, I would tell my high school senior self to get involved in research right from the start. Working with your professors or professionals and getting hands on experience in your field is irreplacable. Lastly, I would tell myself to always believe in yourself and never lose hope.

Kim

If I could go back and speak to my 18 year old self, I'd begin by telling myself to take a deep breath and accept that the path that I was on will not run straight, but will rather take many twists and turns. I began my college career as a archeology major, while working in the restaurant industry. After impulsively moving across the country from California to Virginia, I embarked on a career in the music industry only to make the move back eight years later to pursue an education in the culinary arts. Who you are and what interests you at 18 may not necessarily be what defines you when looking at the total sum of your life. Instead of fretting over parental and peer expectations, look at college as an opportunity to absorb and explore as much as possible. Figure out what you love and what you are good at and have the confidence to know that you may change your path only to be lead to something equally challenging and rewarding. Life will throw you obstacles, but have faith that with a strong heart and a clear mind you will succeed.

samuel

I would tell me to take school seriously and study hard. I would also tell me to ask about anything i wasnt sure about so when i got to college i wouldnt be behind the curve. and i wound tell myself to study hard

Zachary

Many words come to mind when thinking about what i could tell myself as a high school senior. Probably the most stressed of these thoughts, though, would simply be to spend more time with my family. In the present day, I live two and a half hours away from my entire family, which makes it hard to continue the solid relationships I had built. Instead of focusing almost entirely on my high school girlfriend, I would tell myself to take more time to hang out with my family (especially my mom). I would also ask myself to not take for granted my friendships. Leaving my town after senior year to head to Kent, I was sure that all my life-long friendships would last forever. However, as time has evaded me, I have realized most relationships need nurturing to stay alive. More nurturing than one can give two and a half hours away, too. While grades and school are important, I would without a doubt tell my past high school self to focus more on the relationships with both my family and my friends.

vivaldi gloire

Knowing what i know now and get back in high school senior. I would say i'm change man, Few years ago i tried to make a picture of what sound the college life. Right now that i'm living that life i can say there are big differences and high school senior life. One of these differences are about mentality, like i have noticed that i grew up in my thinking and the way of thinking have really changed compared to my high school thinking. College classes are making me more active in business and daily life. I also meet much people coming from all continent. I made more friends and acquaintances. Moreover college life make me to believe in myself and more ready to my future life. college life are helping to take care of myself, although in high school,my parents were doing for me, but now all these things are done. It's time to manage my own things as i think without any blame. Like advoice to myself i would say congratulation guy because you have realized may things earlier than others students do not realize. college life is a great experience for my life.

Brandie

Do NOT say to yourself, “I’m just going to take a year off, and then I’ll go on to college”; it is a deceptive trick that will find you 20 years later, still wishing that you had gone on to further your education. Life starts happening so fast, you will have plenty of time to grow up and take on all of the ‘adult’ responsibilities you can handle. Don’t rush it. Enjoy your youth! Learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them. Forgive yourself. Dream! Always dream, don’t ever stop dreaming and growing. You are worth the effort it takes to make a good life for yourself. Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to make it happen for you. YOU can do it! Just keep believing!

Kati

I would have told myself to not goof around the first two years. It really set me back, and I have been on the Dean's List for the last three years, but the the first two years really crushed my GPA. I would also tell myself to never skip class, like I did the first two years. I am such a great student now, I just wish I was all the way through. College is not like high school. I wish I applied myself the whole way through, and if I had to do it over again, I would have.