Liberty University Top Questions

It?s senior year and my high school days coming to an end accompanied by the strong desire to be on my own and away from my parents. Hard headed, excited, and mentally growing like a weed I am very similar to most seniors. It is hard for me to think of good advice to someone who is on this path. Even still there are a couple things that stand out to me as something I wish I did more of. Your parents are extremely important and often very wise and helpful when choosing a college good for you. They are good at helping you find scholarships, and preparing you for what you think you already know about independence. If you are lucky enough to have parents that care, ask them for their opinions and actively listen. I was independent and had no idea what I needed to have and take with me to college! Looking at a list provided by my college I had to get more stuff than my bank account allowed. This will almost always be the case. Make a list of the stuff you used daily for about a month and bring that with you.

If I could go back in time I think I would let myself know that the process of transitioning to college is not the worst thing possible. I would let myself know that the hardest thing would be finding last minute money to go. I think I would also advice myself to not give myself time and instead go to college straight after high school. I'd let myself know that college life, especially at Liberty, is not that hard, but I think I'd advice myself to watch out for those bad roommates. I'd reassure myself that everything in that area would be fine. I'd let myself know that classes although they will get harder are managable.

Hey High-School-Jon. Nice hair. So here's the deal about college: It's harder than high school. Remember all those lectures on time management? Listen. You won't be able to coast for long. That means it's time to buckle down and get to studying. Actually read the textbook. Start study groups with people who take good notes. And don't, DON'T procrastinate on major projects. The good news is you will never find another group of friends like the people at LU. Talk to people. Get out of your room and mingle. Ask people questions. Take initiative. And for goodness sakes, don't eat alone! As far as picking a major, find out what you love to do and do it. Don't get trapped in a box of what seems the most practical. If you hate being practical, what good is it? Find motivation doing what you're passionate about. Your professors know a lot, so ask them questions and get to know them. So that's college. Don't be discouraged if it's harder than you thought. It's worth it.

Although my college experience is undoubtedly different from many other students my age, I feel that my obstacles could positively impact another young woman who may be in a similar situation. During my senior year of high school, I found out that I was expecting a baby. I had already been accepted to a college three hours away from home and had my immediate future planned. Realizing I was pregnant changed everything. Obviously, I was unable to begin college the fall following my graduation and it was my responsibility to create an alternative plan. If I had had the opportunity to redo some things differently at that time period, while I was creating my "alternate plan", I would definitely have done so. First and foremost, I tried to do things all by myself. Today, I can unequivocally say that there are individuals, (family, friends, teachers, mentors) who would have gladly helped me had I asked. I actually made the transition much more difficult because I was afraid to ask for help. Had I done that, that period of my life wouldn't have been so terrifying. My advice other prospective college students, (or myself), is: You are not alone.

As I look back over the course of these last six months, I cannot help but be thankful for two key components that brought me through my transition to college life. Moving half way across the world, facing a foreign culture and an unknown environment, I made sure to pack a positive outlook and a solid understanding of truth. For the last four years, my family has extended love and compassion to the people of China. During my senior year, I was not only nervous about finances, picking a school, but also transitioning back to the American life. Despite my fears, I was determined to see this new journey as an adventure. So upon graduation, I said goodbye, moved half way around the world and was dropped off to a campus I had only perceived online. I had to trust in what I knew to be true and choose to see this next stage of life as an exciting adventure. Thankfully, with these two components, I have greatly enjoyed my first semester at Liberty University. It has not been easy, yet I am so glad that I went with a positive attitude and a secure basis for determining truth.

If I could go back to when I was in high school, whether it be in 9th grade or 12th, I would tell myself a lot of things. Don't play games, don't cut class, pay attention, don't slack off, etc. I would make sure I tried my hardest and do my very best. I also would've made sure I got all the scholorships and financial help I could. Life is so much more difficult when you are an adult and you have a family to take care of. Life generally isn't cheap. I would also tell myself to never give up, never stop trying, and that I'm not the only one who believes in me. I know now that if I try, I can do whatever I want.

Make sure that you love your campus. Learn about the activities available both on and around your campus. Invest time in establishing whether the professors are invested in your education or invested in their pension. Really consider where you are coming from financially. Don't go to a school just because of the name especially if you can't fathom a way to pay off the debt you'll incur. Before you start college, know what you want to do, even if it means taking a year off to figure it out. You want to make sure the school you're going to offers the right degree for you. Find out if you can get into classes when you want to regardless of your class level. Make sure you're at the right school. I can't believe how many friends have upwards of a hundred credits that wouldn't transfer schools. Be realistic. Don't get a degree in something you can't find a career in. Make sure you agree with the vision of the school. It's not really cool in college to hate your campus, you are paying to be there and do well.

The advice I would give myself regarding college is to: get informed, get counsel, and get started. First, take the initiative to visit a college nearby, or an online school if you don?t live near a college, and gather the information concerning what you have to do to get started. Finding out about what is involved in registration, possible class schedules, how much it will cost, what help is available etc. will remove much of the mystery and apprehension from the process. Secondly, I would suggest seeking the counsel of others who know more about the process than you do. This would include admissions counselors, academic advisors and friends that have (or are currently) successfully navigated the college process. Experience is a valuable teacher and these individuals can steer you both to helpful items and away from troubling obstacles. Thirdly, and paramount to the whole process, get started. Take the first step even if you can?t start classes right now. There is no value in delaying the process. On the contrary, every step you take toward obtaining your degree is progress and no matter how small, it will add to the total which will eventually culminate in success.

I would tell myself not to worry about making the transition to college. It is very typical to worry about change and about events that you cannot control. However, when you enter as a freshman, there are multitudes of other students feeling just as nervous and unsure of themselves as you are. They too worry if they'll make friends or if they'll find their classrooms or if they'll get along with their roommate. As long as you remain true to yourself, you will make friends. Beyond the social transitions, the transition from high school academics to college academics is rather challenging, but your friends and teachers are there for you along the way to help you. There is more studying and writing, but there is more learning and understanding as well. Overall, I would tell my foolish high school senior self to quit worrying over the things that are in the future that cannot be controlled and to enjoy my last year in high school, because although change is at first challenging, it causes you to grow and flourish as an individual.

Do your best in classes and learn to gain healthy study habits so studing does not become an issue in college.