McKendree University Top Questions

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself the following things. I would say not to worry about what everybody thinks about you because after high school it will not matter what the status of the person next to you was. Also, I would tell myself that going to a junior college was the best idea. I would also tell myself to save money because it will not always be around when I need it. It is very important to do research on the college that you want to attend, and make sure you know in depth about the major that you wish to study. Bouncing from one major to another is not always the best idea. Also, the most important thing I would tell myself is to relax and have fun! You are only a high school senior once in your life.

Assuming I could travel back in time and talk to my senior-self, I would tell myself to keep working and that each moment I earn will be worth it. I used to think that once I got to college, it would be time for me to relax. I was clearly mistaken. I would dispell this thought and say, "Achievement is in you, whether you realize it or not, Lena. You won't be able to relax, so don't even consider it. You are capable of more than you think. The time you have invested into valedictorianship will be a springboard for college. You can do great things. Do not worry, but do not stop working." My senior-self would hate to hear this, but I would insist. This is what I needed to hear - encouragement and reassurance that my work will be worth all my time.

It's almost time for you to go to college. I know you're not sure whether or not McKendree was the right choice but just know that whatever happens, everything will be okay. Those things that mattered in high school don't matter as much anymore. You're so worried about what other people think of you but in college you are going to find people who will accept you just as you are. The fact that you were invisible in high school won't matter here. No one will even be able to guess that you're poor unless you tell them. After all, we're all poor college students! Just keep your head up and be strong. You can do it. Stay focused in class. The most important thing is to go to class. It's tempting to skip but don't! You'll get behind and won't be able to catch up. You'll get discouraged but your friends, the ones you meet here that will last forever, will always be there for you. No matter what- Do not give up! You can do this.

I know you feel ready to take on the world this second. There will be times where you question your abilities; don?t. Success is in your grasp. Utilize every resource available to you. Get out of your dorm room, and walk to the Writer?s Resource Center. They will save you heartache. I know you think being a high school choir teacher is your calling. However, when you are working in the Children?s Center sitting with a challenged kindergartener, you may find yourself longing to work with a younger age. God gave you a gift when it comes to teaching. Do not limit yourself to a particular age. Teaching a five year old is just as valuable as teaching a fifteen year old. When a boy comes up to you with sweaty palms and says hello, be nice to him. He will become your husband in three short years. He will see the immense ambition in you, and he will support your education in anyway he can. He sees things in you, that you sometimes have trouble seeing in yourself. Never be afraid to be bold. Savor every second you spend in a classroom. Learn everything you can.

The best advice that I could give myself if I were to go back in time as a high school senior would be take more time to read and analyze homework or supplemental readings. In high school, the majority of the homework is "busy" work which includes doing quick exercises from the textbooks. When I would get selected readings to analyze and interpret, I would struggle because we did not get enough practice. This struggle carried into college and still affects me today although I am getting better at it. Read, read, and read!

While a cliche and over-used phrase, "getting involved" is easily the best way to make the most of your college experience. To find the right college, exploring a campus and traveling may be nessecary, but don't let distance stop you. Just because your path to learning is not just 'in town' anymore shouldn't eliminate those places as options. When you find a school that, regardless of tuition, location, or status quo, strikes you as somewhere you belong and a place that gives you a feeling of fullnes, finding clubs or activities will open new doors to finding friends and finding yourself. I've learned that college is about finding who a person is, along with preparing them for the next step into life, and having the right atmosphere and friends will make that more of a possibility. Being involved can also open doors to the future of your academics; for example, I joined the theater at my school and have since combined tech work with my current art major to help design and build sets, allowing me to both express myself and practice for an artistic career. Keep your options open.

I would let students know that it takes a lot of research to find the perfect school for you. It isn't just about how the school looks on the outside, you have to know if you are going to a school that is known for having great job placement and a school at is academically strong and supportive.

To not just pick a school because your friend goes there. You have to pick a school thats right for you and your learning ablities. Also, make sure that you go to campus events because it's a great way to meet new people and make life long friends!

Make sure that you go and visit the college that you want to attend to make sure that it is everything that you want in a school and it offers everything else that you need. Make sure you talk to current students to see how the classes are and the teachers are and how are they about academic education. Make sure that you talk to students that are in the program that you want to go into to make sure that you will be getting everything that you need out of the programs especially since you will be paying for it. Make sure that it is an safe area. Know what it is like at night if you will be attending by yourself. Get familiar with the area around the school in the daytime so that you can know your way around.

Some advice that I would give parents and students about finding the right college would be to keep your options open and be open minded. Also, look into a variety of universities even if you think you want a big school, still visit a smaller school and see which one you like better. I would also say to talk to not only the facility and staff but students while they are just hanging out and see what they have to say about the school. In order to make the most of your college experience I would say is to study hard but still have a social life. You can't just sit in your room all the time studying, you need to put yourself out there and meet new people. This is such a great time in your life so enjoy it to the fullest.