Luther College Top Questions

Well to start, in all of my 4 years in high school, i didn't start getting serious about grades and how important gpa's are and all of those things until i was a junior. That wasn't so much of a early time to start getting serious about it but that's what my state of mind was like. Senior year, i was aware. Fully aware. However, i still lacked in some things, so if i can give myself advice as a high school senior, now being a freshman and College and knowing what i know now, i would adice myself to get my priorities straight first! Put school before partying, and going out to bars and things. Second, always study, because it is very essential in College. Third, have great time management skills because your going to need to, espeically when trying to juggle having a job, a social life, and school. Last but not least, dont lose focus. One thing i have learned and still am learning is that you can easily lose your focus when everything and everyone around you is acting crazy. It can get to you sometimes but you need to stay focused.

I would tell my high school self to listen to no one but yourself. Personally my senior year of high school was filled with teachable and learning moments. I was almost constantly harassed by my piers, and was even mistreated by some of my teachers. Throughout the year, I had to learn to stand on my own two feet and to listen to the only person that truly matters at the end fo the day, myself. I was able to grow and learn from other people's mistakes and eventually make it on my own. I just wish I had had a little bit more self confidence, so I wouldn't have had to struggle and strive so much before I learned this difficult lesson. However, I wouldn't change the events of my senior year, for they made me grow into the person and future educator I am today.

College, you talk about it with all your friends in high school like it is going to be the time of your life, when inside you feel scared and nervous. Will you make friends; did your teachers prepare you for the long grueling hours of lecture and what about your family, won’t you miss them? My advice to my high school senior self, is to open up and share those worries with the people that surround you; especially your professors. They may seem intimidating and professional but they are there to help you, to make you the best you can be. Now, graduated and working towards a career and future, I understand that professors can be some of the best friends and connections that you make during your time at college. So ask questions, show interest in the courses, study hard, ask for help and share your struggles. They have the wisdom you will need and your best interests in mind; they are teachers, wanting to shape the next generation for success, take advantage of that.

As much as you think you need to have your entire future planned out, you really don't. Not as a high school senior. The general rule has always been that a person changes their major on average three times. There may be some who change it more than that, and others that never change what they want to study, but it doesn't matter. College is meant to be a place where you study exactly what it is you want to study. College is supposed to be an experience you enjoy. Continuing your education is essential, whether it's tradeschool or an ivy league school that's caught your eye. Enjoying what you learn is the key to success. For the time being, forget about where you'll be in ten years. Focus on where you want to be this next year, and find something your passionate about studying. You're future will fall into place over time, and it's never too late to change your mind.

If I could go back and talk to myself as high school senior, I would advise myself to go on the Luther Website and find out what courses they offer and create a "plan" for the 4 years I will spend at Luther. I will definitely do my research before enrolling in college regarding the different majors they offer, the requirements for the different majors, the general education requirements and etc. If I can go back, my prior advice to myself would be to seek for financial assistances, search for scholarship and apply for as many I can --especially considering my situation (have no family support both financially and mentally). I will also advise myself to plan out my majors (Majoring in Social Work and Sociology) and know what courses I'm expected to complete and how I can accomplish that.

This is actually a great question for me. When I was in high school I graduated a year earlly. I would tell myself to stay my 4th year to better prepare myself. I would warn myself to take easy classes my senior year to boost my and earn more scholarships. I would say do not try and grow up faster than youre suppose to and just wait college isnt going anywhere. Don't try and get out early because the oppurtunity is there and to rethink your decision more than once talk it over with people who are already experiencing the life decison you are about to make. I wouldve been happier and where i actually wanted to be if I had not tried to be so fast. I would follow what god intends for me and not what my mind is telling me to do. I would make appropiate choices.

I would tell myself to not be shy when trying to make friends. Do not be scared to go to gatherings (where alcohol was not involved) and mingle with others. People are so much nicer and non judgemental in college so don't be affraid to stand out. Make sure you get on top of homework right away and make a daily schedule for yourself. Put some exercise in that schedule too. The freshman 15 is true! You are always sitting around doing school work and the food is always buffet style, so it can be easy to get carried away. Watch what you eat and go for a walk or hit the gym a coulple times a week.

Dear high school senior self, I know you are very anxious and a bit stressed about this whole "going to college business," well honey, relax! I have been there myself and I would love to give you some advice that will hopefully help you have a good experience with the transition from high school to college. First of all, know that life is a balancing act. When you arrive at college there will be so many clubs and groups to join, tons of new people to meet, along with many shows going on and various other activities on campus, but don't forget about the academics! I know it sounds daunting, but you will learn how to balance your life so that you can be a well-rounded person. This brings me to me next point. You may ask, "Well how am I to learn all this?" My best advice is trial and error. Don't be discouraged about mistakes, for that is one of the best ways to learn. Do not be afraid to try new things, college is all about growing into the person who you want to be. Sincerely, Your future self

Going back in time i would tell myself to simplify things and ask for more help. By simplify things I mean to really imagine what would I ideally like to be doing everyday of my life, something that I would wake up motivated to do day in and day out. After establishing what a day in that life would be like it would narrow my options of what carrers i would be seeking. I would tell myself to get my general classes done at a community college to save on espense because those required general classes transfer to most schools and need to be done anyway. I would emphasize on asking for help, I would tell myself to seek help because there are so many helpful people out there.

Follow your instincts. They'll lead you to places you never knew you wanted to go!