McKendree University Top Questions

I think what I 've learned so far about college, and this goes along with all aspects of life, is you want to do what makes you happy. Going to a school because youre friend is, playing a sport in college just because you are good enough, and majoring in something your parents told you to major in, are only great if doing those things makes you happy. So the advice that I would give to myself would be to listen to my heart and not anyones elses. Sure its awesome if you have supportive parents and friends who can give you suggestions, but ultimately the decision should be yours. I would explain to myself that if I didn't go to school and major in what I wanted to, then I would regret it and not be happy, but if I did choose the school I wanted and majored in something that was interesting to me, than I would be set up for not only happiness but also success!

If I was able to go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell him that time management and proper planning is the key to success, both academically and socially. I would tell myself that balancing schoolwork, personal time, athletics, and social events will make you happier and a more well rounded individual. Getting the most out of life during your years at college will benefit you in the long run. I would tell myself to seize the day, carpe diem, because you only get one chance to do it right. Lastly, I would tell myself to follow your heart, remain strong, and trust yourself with your choices.

I would tell me to stop freaking out. When you are in highschool, everything about college seems so permanent and you feel as though you're losing stability. College is not as intense as everyone makes it seem. During the first two years, nothing is set in stone and you can make adjustments along the way. It is imperative that you never forget how important friends and family are. It is also just as important to never take them for granted and spend as much time with them as possible. Grades matter, even the ones you don't care about right now, but they are not the only thing. Academic excellence does help in a few areas, but doing your absolute best is what counts. If you try to give it your all, your grades will reflect that. It is important to not procrastinate and definitely do your best to stay organized. Don't put things off until the last minute, it evenutally all piles anyway. Also, always take time to enjoy the ride. Late night study sessions are actually fun! You're only in school for approx. 4 years, take time to take it all in!

My name is Jerri Prindable, and I am YOU in 2009. Jerri, do not wait to go to college - do it now, in 1993. In 15 years, you will have a family of your own and will be trying to balance children with studies, on top of a busy career, and it is NOT easy. At 18, buckle down and pony up to the call for education. Make smart choices, and never let the objectives of others cloud your judgement. Your passion is Enterprise Networking. Learn it. Absorb it, and make your move in this field early. At 17 I'm certain it sounds ridiculous, but it's not. It's a fulfilling career you will enjoy. Don't let the math scare you - believe it or not, you are good at this type of math and everything in this field. It's not nerdy. You are a smart girl, do not let your brain sit idle for over a decade. Don't sit idle for even 1 year. You can achieve anything you put your mind to, and the rewards are great. Move back to St. Louis and look for your future husband - his name is Jason :)

I would tell myself to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure about the school I pick and the program of study I choose. I would tell myself to take a variety of classes at least the first year to make sure I choose the right career path for myself. I would also tell myself to get involved. I would like to have joined more clubs, maybe a sorority and been more involved on campus. Being a part of these organizations makes it a lot easier to make friends for life, so I would most definitely tell myself to get involved. I think being involved also makes you a better student because you know what is going on with campus and the school, so I would tell me senior self to try as much as possible and join the different on-campus organizations. I would also tell myself to help other students out by being a campus tour guide or orientation leader. As an older student on-campus you are a great resource to new and prospective students. I would like to be able to pass my wisdom of the school along to new students and make them feel at home.

There are quite a few statements I would make to my former high school self. When I was in high school, my grades were ok, but I knew I could have done better. One of the best tips I could pass down is to give hundred percent in everything you do. Its much better to have good grades and be in a couple of extracurricular activities than be spread out too thin with organizations and group meetings. My second peice of advice would be to keep the important things important. Never forget that you're in college to get a degree, not to join the most popular sorority on campus or be a varsity cheerleader. Once college begins, most of the daily responsibilities lie in time management and how well you can juggle multiple problems and issues. Learning to balance school, life, and work is an invaluable skill that will be used for the entirety of your life. Occasionally, you also need to realize that not every task and responsibility can be completed in one day. Life takes time, so don't forget to take a breather every once in a while.

The advice I would give myself would first be to do what feels right in my heart. You will experience lots of pressure from your parents, friends, and schools trying to get you to choose a school. Make sure it is one you love the minute you arrive in the car, especially if it is more than an hour away from home, because that will be your new ?temporary? home. Next, pick the school for the right reasons for you. For example, although you may enjoy the big campus with lots of students, it may be tough to handle the homework because of the social atmosphere. You know yourself best. Keep in mind your strengths and weaknesses when making your decision. Third, decide your major early and work towards something. You can always change later. If you really cannot decide, take at least 16-18 credits your second semester freshman and whole sophomore year to take some pressure off the later years. Finally, try new things if they look fun! Do not let others discourage you from joining a club or studying abroad. Those are important experiences and will create unforgettable memories to help you be a well-rounded person.

Brooke, Relax and enjoy yourself and your friends. You get too caught up in exceeding expecations and being in charge of everything. You always want to impress everyone and never let anyone down, but think about your own happiness. I know you strive for other's respect, but you will continue to gain that if you just keep making the right decisions. You don't have to sacrifice so much just to make sure everything goes "according to plan". I know sports mean a lot to you and have molded you into the person you are today. Take those leadership skills you have acquired and use them in your future career as a teacher and coach. Although you sometimes rub your teammates the wrong way because of being so driven, don't let that get to you. The people who will matter most in your life are still in your future. Most importanly, continue to stand up for your beliefs and express your views; people are listening.

I grew up in small town, our school was definently not the nicest or the prettiest. We concentrated on sports, football in fact. If I could have went back and said just acouple of words to myself. I would have said, " Your education is like building a house. Junior-high is your supplies, high school is your base. Your base is the strongest part of the house and usually is concrete. Your base consist of the basic principles of your education. Math, science, and english are main properties of your base. You need to learn and go as far as you can in these fields. They will play a hefty role in the rest of the process. College is your structual skeleton, you can not start building your skeleton until your base has become strong. In college everything changes, you start building at unheard of speeds. You fly through chapters and lessons everyday and keep going and going. By strengthening you base while in high school and being sucessful this will only help you suceed in college and eventually graduate. By the time you are finished with school you should have a structually sound house. This house is your education.

Take advantage of all the assistance & guidance from the high school teachers and counsellors. Seize every possible moment and make the best of all opportunities to learn. You may never get a sceond chance. Learn to oragnize and take responsiblitiy for you work. The outside world doesn't care if you succeed, you must learn to depend upon yourself for success. Remember the following: Live each day as if it is you last. Parents are not as dumb as you think they are. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to fear the unknown. Remember life if not fair, its what you make of it that really counts.