Lee University Top Questions

If I could go back to senior year, I would tell myself to quit wanting to grow up so fast and enjoy all the growing pains of freshman and sophomore year. For me, I hurried myself to grow up to quickly freshman year to transform from an awkward first year to an upperclassman. I rushed getting out of living in the dorm to an apartment and went from hanging out with kids my age to older post-graduate students. I think that going to college is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity to live, work, and grow with people of the same age as a community. While college is about recieving a degree to gain a job, not all the education you gain over the 4+ years is in the classroom. Dorm members, RA's, classmates all have something to teach you to help you become a better, wiser person and gain real life experience. If I could go back to senior year I would tell myself that college is an experience and I should not rush it because I could be losing very valuable life lessons along the way.

I would tell my high school self not to put making friends my top priority when I get to school. Making friends will come naturally; just give it some time. Put God and your schooling first. Also, when given the opportunity, be social. Do not spend an entire night in your dorm room when you could be meeting the girls on your dorm floor.

Lindsey: Do not rush the decision. The next four years will go by quickly, but they will also drag on. They will be filled with experiences from opposite ends of the spectrum--good and bad. You need to chose a school that will make you happy. It is about much more than just the academics, although that is the most important. The location, the people, the professors, the clubs, the dorm life, etc. will all be so different than life now; therefore, enter into this new chapter with an open mind. Grades are extreemly important, but it is more important that you chose a place you love learning at. Stay ambitious and reach for the stars. Try to keep your stress at a minimum and enjoy this time, for college life is an experience that does not happen again.

I would tell myself to write, to build relationships, and to be confident. Journal about your life on an almost daily basis, it will not only help you mentally process all these new experiences, it will also give you a written record to look back on for years to come; one which you will cherish. Intentionally take time out of your day to spend with friends. Grades are important, but the relationships you build in this new place, with both your peers and your professors, are going to carry a lot more weight into the future than your GPA. Be confident in yourself and the work you do for a class; so far the biggest mistakes we've made have been unnecessary worry and self-induced stress over the little things. Just take a deep breath, ask for help, and don't feel ashamed; we all need help and trying to be the exception to that rule only proves you need help as much as everyone else. Finally, college isn't the last stop, so never treat it like it is. You're gonna go on to bigger and better things when you're done here. You got this.

Transitioning into the college life will create some stress, but you will also discover your resiliency. Cry when you need to cry, but laugh when you need to laugh too. These next four years will be the greatest journey of self-discovery one can experience. Therefore, challenge yourself and take some risks! You have the potential to be great, and you will find that each and every class lecture, long night of studying, late night hang out, conversation with a classmate, and service project will build your character. Character signifies that you are a trustworthy citizen. Develop your character, and you will become an excellent young professional. Now, finish strong in this last year of high school because your bright future is calling you.

I would tell myself to go for as many scholarships and grants as possible; that the most difficult part about college is affording it.

As a high school senior I was beyond stressed to be leaving the comfort of my hometown and venture off to an unknown place 500 miles away from all I've ever known. However, its not as scary as it seemed. If i could go back and tell myslef what I know now things would have gone a lot smoother though. First of all, I would tell myself not to take the time i had left with family and friends for granted. I know it doesnt seem like it now but you will miss them, I promise. Secondly, I would tell myself to remember that everyone there is in the same boat as you are, or has been at one point. Dont be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people. Yes it can be intimidating but its worth it. My last piece of advice would be to just let loose and have fun. College is one of the best experiences ever so dont miss out. Go to the events and functions and athletic games. Join clubs. Get involved and you will have the time of your life.

This is the time of your life. Standing at the crossroads between high school and college, childhood and adulthood, you now make the choices. As I stood in the same place a year ago I was reminded of the poem "A Road Not Yet Taken" by Robert Frost. This is one of the most important decisions you will make so look closely. Peer down each path as far as you can see, keep every option open, but never lose yourself. As you stand and chose I encourage you to drown out every voice full of expectations and focus on the subtle whisper of your own heart. Never walk down a path because of another person, this is your journey. Dare to escape the expected and take the road not all chose. This your life, your future. Begin early so that time is no issue and chose a path with your future in mind. This is your passion. College is a place for your dreams to become reality. Never chose on a whim or follow a fling for time is something you can never take back. So in the words of Frost, allow this choice to make all the difference.

If I could go back and talk to me as a high school senior getting ready fro university I would tell myself to enjoy the time at home I have with family before I leave. Being from Canada and moving to Tennessee is hard and it is hard to be away from your family for the first time and to be living on your own. You need to appreciate them and love them because they do so much for you. You need to not wish that day where you can leave will come sooner but don't dread it either. You need to prepare yourself for the big move but also spend time with your family before it is too late. Most importantly when you get to universty you need to stay positive because transitioning will be hard but it will be worth it. Everyone has a hard time transitioning and you need to be someone that they can come to to find comfort and encouragement. I would also tell myself that living with another person is hard and you need to be patient and care for their need before your own.

Dear Jessica, I know this might seem like a radical concept; but you do not have to be afraid. Every film, parent, and older sibling that has ever experienced university has told you the same thing: College is different than highschool. This mantra has been repeated to you so many times, it has lost its meaning. I'm here to tell you that it's true. Your experiences thus far in life have been tumultuous at best. I understand that you are frightened of this transition. I urge you to move ahead. Do not wait to begin college, as I did. This is a new chapter in your life, and you will experience happiness and a sense of belonging that you have never felt before. From this point on, your life is in your hands. You finally have freedom. Whether or not to attend is your choice. Whether or not you apply yourself is your choice. Whether or not you are happy is your choice. Choose yes, Jessica. Life is too short and to beautiful to waste. Go. Learn. Experience. It will be the best decision you will ever make. Love, Jessica.