Kent State University at Tuscarawas Top Questions

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to avoid procrastination at all costs. I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship available to me and to make scholarships/grants a priority activity late into my junior year and throughout my entire senior year. I also wish I would have told myself to start better studying habits so that when I transitioned to studying for college courses my habits were more effective. I would tell myself that college is a different ball game than highschool, even though I hated to hear that then. But, I would also tell myself not to freak out. College is a place where you can be yourself, learn more about who you are, and grow as a person. It is also a place where you really begin the rest of your life and that makes it a key step in life.

If I could go back and give my high school senior self advice, it would go something like this... "You're not ready for college. As much as you think you are, think again. It's way rougher then that Latin test you didn't study for next period, or that research paper you're about to pull an all nighter for tonight. You are about to get a small taste of the real world in the next four years and it's gonna knock you on your butt at first. Don't try to breeze through college like you have high school cause it won't work. Work hard and study harder. Because those two things are gonna be what gets you to where you're going. I just wish someone would have gave me a heads up so that I could've started earlier.

College seems like a gigantic, overwhelming change right now but you will soon see that it is a change but one worth pursuing. Don't be anxious for it but embrass this new chapter in your life. Get on those scholarships. There are so many out there, you just have to dig. Don't slack off, there will be plenty of time for that later.

Partying with friends is fun but should not be top priority at such a critical point in an individuals life. Education is the only key to a successful future. Finding friends who have common interests in a college setting is much more interesting and fulfilling than dead end friendships that seem fun but tend to lead nowhere. Growth that comes from expanding your horizon through education is invaluable. Life possibilities can be endless if you apply yourself. The sense of accomplishment attained through commitment and dedication of learning career skills helps a person mature and become an asset to society. Looking beyond the immediate future at 18 years of age can be difficult but for persons with the foresight to do so, life can go along a much smoother path. Reaching the age of 45, I can honestly say, that if given a chance to do things over again, I would definitely take a much more indepth look at myself. The goals I am reaching for now would have made much more sense than the path I chose many years ago.

Looking back on my senior year, there is only one thing I would change. My senior year I spent most of my time studying, working, participating in National Honor Society, and playing varsity softball which I was the team captain. Because I was so busy, I feel that I didn't take enough time to really enjoy my senior year and take a step back from all of the chaos for a moment and just relax and have fun. I've known how to study hard, be organized, and prioritize really well my whole life but I didn't exactly master how to fit in time for some fun. I've always been the person who is all work and no play which isn't always a good thing. If I could go back in time to my senior year I would tell myself to take some time out every now and then and just have some fun because in college you have to be able to relax every now and then so you don't get worn out and stressed out so much. Most people would say they need to learn how to study but I already knew how.

College is nothing like high school. It will be a little intimidating first day, but don't sit in the back of the room. Sit up front and pay attention, there is a lot more note taking than your use to. Take an audio recorder, ask your professor first if you can use it but they are great for filling in what you didn't catch the first time. Don't take classes late at night, early morning, on Saturday's or online if you can help it we don't do well in those classes! You don't want to take Business or Accounting it's extremely boring to us! Criminal Justice is the field we love so jump in. Even though we have a 1yr old don't wait 10 years, go now you can do it! He deserves better than what he got from me waiting. Have fun with it, it's the most challenging thing but the most rewarding thing I've done besides raise Aaron. Oh and get your books online they are soooooo much cheaper! Study hard because it's not easy. Also, we have ADD so get on meds ASAP! GOOD LUCK!

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would have given myself a pat on the back because I am glad that I signed up for the College that I am currently attending. I would have given myself advice about what classes to take as well. Luckily, I took the right classes even though I had no idea what was going on. I am the first person in my family that is going to get a college degree, so my education is very precious to me. I would have told myself to try as hard as I can in every possible subject until I finish my General Education. I started my freshman year in college with a desire to learn, so I know that my college experience will be exceptional. Last but not least, I would have told myself to enjoy my college experience, and make the most of it.

College is a whole new world, we can make the decision to put forth the effort to get the best education possible, or we can mess around and screw up the rest of our lives. Going to college isn't just for fun, it is a hard process to go through, make this choice count because another may never come again. Study hard, play light, and do the best that you can. Make this time count because there are no redo's in getting a good education. Life will pass you by and before you know it, you are working in a low wage job because you chose to play hard and study light. Life only happens once make every choice count for something and every accomplishment a priority.

Take this more seriously!! This is an opportunity for you to get your degree. Don't let the obstacles interfere with your goal! Use them as learning experiences and let them help you grow as a person. But whatever you do, stay focused on your goal! You can do this!! Now, go get your degree, become a productive member of society. Everything will fall into place!!

From college, I've got direction and purpose in my life. After waiting ten years to attend college, I've went from being in the bottom ten percent in high school to being within the top ten percent in college. College has provided many other benefits such as finding Christ and coming to terms with my HIV diagnosis. I've also found Christ, by creating meaningful relationships with other students, which has given me a purpose for my life. I plan to continue onto law school after graduation and then using my degree to pursue a career with the International Justice Mission in Washington DC. The major benefit of college is meeting people from a variety of backgrounds. Before college, I felt that I had to hide my HIV diagnosis, but through college I've found friends that are accepting and encouraging me to continue living my life to the fullest and not given up on my dreams. I never anticipated the benefits college would have. I’ve expanded my knowledge base while expanding my area of influence. College has provided me to be a leader/member in several campus and community organizations. And a role- model to others.