Manchester University Top Questions

I have gained the chance to network, the opportunity to study abroad and obtain lifelong friends from my college experience. Being able to network with professionals in the career path I am headed in me better understand my options and get into my career more quickly. The opportunity to study out of the country allows me to get a better perspective of how social work facilities work outside of the United States. The one thing I am most proud of is being able to develop what I believe will be lifelong friendships that will serve as a support system throughout my life. It has been a valuable to attend college because it has allowed me to figure where I want to go in life and how to get there. It has also helped me decide what kind of person I want to be in the future.

In 2007, an F4 tornado tore through my home town, destroying my high school. As a result, my fellow classmates and I were moved to the local junior college to attend classes. In the months approaching graduation, I struggled to decide where I would go to school. I did not want to attend our junior college because I had already been there for a year and a half. After much debate, I applied to Enterprise Ozark Community College because I was eligible for a full scholarship. I was not looking forward to starting school there, but as the months passed, I began to really enjoy it. I became involved in numerous activities, including Student Government Association, ESCC Mentors, Phi Theta Kappa, Spirit Club, and Diamond Dolls, and made several, wonderful, new friends. I enjoyed the smaller classes there because I got to know my teachers and classmates better. I believe that I was better educated because I had one-on-one time with my professors. I consider my education very valuable and would not trade my experience for anything. I have grown tremendously as a person and academically.

I will be a freshman in college, so i do not have a not to say about my college experience, but when i went on my first college visit the faculty and staff made me feel very welcome. They were so helpful on any questions that i had or anything i needed help with. Also when i went to sign up for registration day, the staff was very helpful. I think this college is one of the best in the state because they are really concerned with helping their students succeed in which mjor they pursue in college. My college experience is very limited because of course i am just now entering the real world, and i just recently graduted high school in the class of 2010, but i am positive i will succeed at Manchester.

I think my biggest advice to myself would just be to relax and have more fun. I was extremely worried about my transition to college. I know that most kids just want to get out of the house and go off to college, but I was a little more reluctant. I really love my family, and my high school experience was wonderful. Therefore, I was scared to go off on my own and really experience the world around me. I was extremely excited, though, too. I worked very hard in school, and I think that sometimes I forgot to just cherish every minute I had with the people around me. I've learned that college is really quite amazing. I have made some amazing friends, and I have learned so much. I love getting to learn about my upcoming career as a special education teacher! The transition to college is a whole new experience, but as long as you are willing to jump out of your shell and open up to new people and new experiences, it is absolutely amazing! If I were a high school senior now, I would simply tell myself to relax, work hard, and have fun!

to keep a positive attitude and stay focused to acheive my education goals

Seemingly endless weeks of scholarships? No challenge. Visiting various campuses and making the final decision? Piece of cake. Packing, re-packing and cramming everything into the car? A little more difficult but manageable with some planning. Rooming with your best friend? Big mistake. Although it may seem perfect rooming with the best friend, it?s quite the opposite. The first few weeks seem to float by with only a few bumps in the road. Tensions begin to rise over the most minuscule matter, and before I knew it, we were always mad at each other for some reason. I was the more ?social butterfly? and had people popping in to talk or watch movies while she remained silent and studious. The rift grew wider until we were unable to converse without some snide comment being said. Fortunately, we have grown from this experience and the situation is working out better. I wish I could have told myself not to room with my best friend and avoided our clashes. It would have saved many tears and cold words.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and enjoy my senior year. Stressing about college too soon will ruin the end of your senior year and college itself. As for information about college life, I would tell myself to not pack every single piece of clothing, shoes and purses I own. College dorm rooms are not as big as bedrooms at home. I would also tell myself to participate in as many extra-curricular activities that I can. Many activities are flexible and will work with your schedule. Most importantly, I would tell myself to stay on campus as much as possible. Coming home every weekend will make you home-sick and staying on campus is much more fun! College life and making the transition depends on what type of personality one has; you have to be willing to find that out yourself. Although, the best advice I could give myself is to make friends with your roommate and your neighbors; if not, your first year could be very tough.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself not to stress so much. Through my senior year I stressed about not knowing anyone, I also worried that classes would be harder and I wouldn't be able to pass them. I quiclky learned that I didnt need to worry about either one of those things. Everyone is friendly and it is easy to make friends. In high school I didn't think about everyone else being in the same boat I was. I wasn't the only one going to a new school. Everyone else seemed to be as nervous as I was and we all seemed to be looking for a friend so we knew at least one person. The classes are harder, but coming to a smaller school like Manchester made the transition easier. The classes are small, so the professor sees each student as an individual and not just a number. Professors are also willing to give one-on-one time to help, or they are at least willing to find help for you. I didn't need to stress so much about the transition.

Things are about to change dramatically. You will experience freedom you have never had, and form relatioships that change your life. You will learn some information that tints the way you see the world. I know you don't see it now, but you will lose some of those you love most, but only for a while. Some of your best friends won't understand you. You will be broken more times in a year than you have been in the last 10 years, but just hang on. Find more time to spend with God and keep those you meet in prayer. If you have an idea, run with it!!! Anything is possilbile so dont miss any chances. There will be times that you know you are exactly where you should be, and times that you dont recognize yourself. Just remember that both these experiences are a part of this journey! Though you dont understand some of the events that are soon to transpire, just keep your heart set on serving the Lord and getting to know Him, and above all, please Be the change you want to see in the world, and be willing to live, laugh, and love.

I would say get involved in clubs and campus activities early. Don't wait till you have gotten settled in becuase by that time everyone has already made their friends and some are not interested in making new ones. Getting involved also keeps you from getting homesick...so stay busy.