McKendree University Top Questions

Believe in yourself. In college, you're going to meet a lot of people. Some will believe in you and some won't, some may even belittle you, but stay focused on your dream and you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't skip class. I can't reiterate this enough. You may think it's ridiciously cool that some of your professors don't take attendance or even care whether you show up to class, but it matters. And guess what,? Most of them do actually care. Be involved, but don't try to over-dedicate yourself. Find out who you really are. Get to know your professors; they were once in your shoes and they may play an even larger role after you graduate in assiting you to find what is often referred to as a "grown up" job. If you want to change the world, you can. If you think you have your life figured out, you probably don't. College is a life-altering experience, and if you are open to it, college will not only further educate you but it will shape you into a better person all around.

One of the most important peices of advice I would give myself is to listen to others. Most high school seniors don't realize what great opportunities they have available to them as youth. The enthusiam, energy, and passion for life that young people have should be directed toward acheiving future goals. Parents, teachers, and older individuals have experienced failures and successes in the game of life. Because of their experiences, they can help guide and encourage young people to make good choices when it comes to their future. So listening to the advice and guidance that others offer to share, is essential to a high school senior's success. The second peice of advice I would give is don't worry what peers think about you. Peer acceptance is very important to high school seniors. I want them to realize that the world is made up of unique individuals who have all been gifted to do something special. Don't be afraid to be yourself and be unique. Believe in the person you are and your own talents. No one can live your life for you, your future is up to you!

Make sure you are doing what you want to do and study hard.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, the advice that I would give myself is to not take out student loans that I can't pay back and to find a major that intrests me the most. Before attending college, I wish I would have learned more about tuition, grants and student loans, and how chaging majors would affect me. That is the advice that I would give myself.

I would advise myself to consider going to a community college before going to a 4-year college or university, that way I can allow myself to focus more specifically on my chosen major and graduate with time efficiency. In addition I would advise myself to get more involved with the community. Also I would advise myself to be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort, don?t overload my course schedule with more credits than I can handle in a semester. Therefore, I need to learn to balance my schedule to provide adequate time for my studies, time for socializing and relaxation, as well as time for work to help support myself financially and learn responsibility.

If I could go back in time, I would tell the young me to get involved with everything she could. I see now that learning never stops and it isn't just in the classroom! There's a proverb that says, "To sharpen iron, you use a file; to sharpen a person, you use a friend." Making relationships in clubs, groups and classes can teach you as much as a professor, IF you'll allow them to. I would tell young Jennifer not to limit learning to what she THINKS she can do. Believing in yourself is power unleashed!

As I am starting my second semester of my first year in college ever, I look back last August. College was a way for me to live my life like I dreamed of doing. Then school acutally started. I had to completely transition myself from having my parents wake me up everyday at seven to be at school on time by eight. Now I had the chance of not even going to class, it was my decision. Although I never skipped classes, I would be lying if I said it was not tempting. But the advice I would truly give to myself back in high school is to learn better study habits/techniques. High school came so easily to me that studying wasn't a must. First week of college, I was in the library for fourty hours. I would just advise myself to really learn how to study. Studying can either make or break a class, it's that important. It teaches a student how to be responsible with their time and how to use it wisely. Yes, if I were to tell myself one thing about college, it would be to learn how to study well.

Dear Younger Sarah Beth, I know you are really stressed out right now about boys, sports, school, and especially college but I want you to take a breath. Focus on living life in the moment and don't stress out about the future. God has a plan for everyone and somehow it will all work out how it is supposed to. Right now you just need to worry about soaking in your last year of high school. Spend all the time you can with friends and family becasue they are the ones who will be there for you through thick and think. In soccer don't hold back. Play the best you have ever played and LOVE it while playing. In school work your hardest to be the best you can and be satisfied with it. As for boys don't even worry about it. Sorry to say but chances are you are not going to stay with them through college. As you make that decsion on where to go for college be confident because you WILL make the right choice and be happy with it. So, for now go with the flow and live life. Love, Experienced Sarah Beth :)

Dear Joni, I am writing you this letter from a different time in hopes that it finds you well. I am well aware of the fact that you know everything right now and that you have the next several years all planned. I do encourage you, however, to take a few minutes and consider the adivce I am about to offer: 1. Always remember to let your emotions be your guide. If you don't feel right about something, change it. The key is to be happy and feel good. Always. 2. The more you think about something, good or bad, you will have it come into your life experience. Good OR Bad! 3. Love is never ending and full of joy. There is an endless supply of all the things you want. And wanting is good. 4. Again, follow your emotions! I hope that these words make you stop and think. Spend some time re-reading this letter. From me to me, I know this is true. This advice is invaluable and applies to anything that you come up against or are involved. Sincerely, Joni

work hard you can do it!