McKendree University Top Questions

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would assure myself that college life is new and exciting and not as scary as I once thought. I would tell myself to work hard at whatever I do and always give my full potential. Also, to not be afraid to speak out and stand up for what I believe in. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would say that my opinion does matter and to not be afraid to voice it. Another thing I have learned from the transition into college is that the professors are there to help you because they can remember what it is like to be in school. I would advise myself to ask questions whenever I had them, because as I was always told, “the only stupid question is the one that you don’t ask.” Last, I would tell myself to take the initiative and fill out as many scholarships as possible during my senior year. I have been blessed with financial support from my parents, but I would encourage myself to try harder because every little bit helps.

I should have made time for myself and to get to know myself. I should have been there more for my friends. I am a hard worker, but hard work can only get you so far if you can't have fun every once in awhile. I should have learned to say no. I didn't need to be in or be president of so many clubs. What I did in high school is what I am doing now which is not having time to do what I really want. I grew up way to fast and now that I am in college, I wish I would have learned to smile more and be proud at myself for what I have accomplished because no matter what my mom will always be proud of me and knowing that I am the first one in our family to go to college she couldn't be more proud of me. The things I wouldn't change is my passion for music. As much as I wanted to give it up, the dedication showed many results of success and my hard work because I have proved so many wrong.

The only piece of advice I would give myself would be to not stress about once I get to college. I didn't have the most normal high-school experience because I attended private school and was also homeschooled. I would sit and fret over how I would do in college and wonder how I would react to bigger classes and having lectures. I was very worried about it, but once I arrived at college and started my classes, I realized that I was worrying over something small and inconsequential. Another thing I would tell myself is to not underestimate the power of time. In high-school you are reminded of your deadlines time and time again, but in college you don't have that all of the time. My professors try to keep on top of reminding us of deadlines, but sometimes we all forget and we are suddenly faced with a paper due the next day. So, I would tell myself to manage my time wisely and not procrastinate.

I would tell myself that it was a good idea to attend a junior college previous to going to a four year university because it is a good stepping stone. Also, it gave me time to grow as a student after high school to prepare myself better for college. I would say that college is very expensive and to do the best possible because it could become a costly mistake to have to re-take classes or not complete a degree. I would tell myself not to slack off so much in high school my senior year and re-take the ACT because a higher score could be useful more than I thought. It can help with receiving scholarships, and it is still seen by colleges down the road.

DON'T BE AFRAID. College isn't scary. Step outside of your boundaries. Take chances. This is the time to grow and mature. It might not be easy, but if you give it time it'll be worth it. Have fun. Make sure you make choices for yourself, and not for anyone else. Don't procrastinate. Take every opportunity that you can. Work harder. Study five minutes longer. Don't stress too much, because in the end it'll be okay. Smile more. Be friendly to everyone. Try new things everyday. Get involved. But most of all: Take it slow, because it goes by a lot faster than you think.

If I could go back to high school and talk to myself about college, it would have helped me with my first few weeks at Mckendree. When i first arrived at college, I was literally freaking out. I was balling my eyes out and holding my family as if I was never going to see them again. However, once school started, I realized that I had a lot of free time to go and see my family often since I only live thirty minutes away. I would tell my high school self not to act like it is the end of the world by leaving home. It is an experience that I needed for later in life. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Mckendree University is ridiculously expensive and I am going to have enormous student loans when I graduate. If I did apply for more in high school, I could have saved more money. I would also tell myself that yes, college is crazy. Assignments are due at the same time and at times you will have to pull an all nighter. However, I am a strong person who can take on the world.

The biggest piece of advice I would have for myself would be to not worry so much. By the end of senior year, I was pretty much freaking about going to college. I was worried about meeting poeple, living in the dorm, and most of all the course load. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep up with everthing. I would definitely tell myself that it's not that bad, and classes are not that hard at all.

My advice to myself would be to not worry about what my friends back home are doing because we are always going to be as close. I would always let myself know to not worry about meeting friends it is so easy to just join a group and have so many people want to be your friend. I would tell myself to make sure to get all my homework done on time because the faster you get your work done the more time you can have with your friends. I would say to try as many things as possible and join as many clubs at first as possible and just get involved. Do not worry about the small things that happen in the first couple months it all gets better because every freshman feels that same way that you do.

Don't back down!!!! These would be the exact words I would tell my former self. Getting to where I am now has been a bumpy ride, filled with many road blocks attempting to stand in my way of a better future, and it hasn't always been easy fighting them to finally make it into the college world, and more than once I contemplated taking a different route for my future. If I could, I would tell my former self not to be intimidated by the trials I will endure, and not to be swayed. I am a strong person and can do anything I set my mind to.

The advice I would provide myself as a senior in high school would be to take education more seriously. I would educate myself early on so I could prepare myself better for this beautiful experience of learning. In addition to this, I would recommend high potential goals for motivational reasons. I would explain the expectations required of me to achieve these accomplishments, as well as organize myself better so I do not procrastinate my studies for later years.