Middle Tennessee State University Top Questions

The transition from high school to college is not difficult just because of a new type of learning. The college life is difficult to adapt to. My best advice to anyone going to college is to let yourself discover everything that is out there and try your hardest to really get involved with what is going on. The college experience is not fun if one decides to sit in the dorm room all day and surf the internet. The best experiences I have had have been those where I went out and met people and found people that I can relate to and be good friends with. Networking in college is very important, and it is important to meet people for this purpose as well. I know many people who have found careers through their friends, or people that their friends know. Never be afraid, or at least don't show it. Coming in as a freshman, be as confident as those seniors who intimidate you, do your work without letting too much of the social aspects of college get in the way, and just enjoy the next four years of your life on campus!

I believe that the most important part of college life is making sure that you set yourself up for success while in college. If I could go back and talk to myself when I was in high school I would make sure that I fully understood that before I got to college. If I had been able to understand that back then than there would definitely have been a few steps I would've taken before I got to college in order to have a more successful career once I graduate college with my degree. I would've taken more time to consider the life I want after college and figured out exactly how to acheive that goal. I would've gone ahead and talked to companies I might like to work for in the future to see if they had any advice or opportunities for me to take. Being prepared and focused on your future goals is the best way to acheive them.

If it were ever possible to time travel to my senior year, there?s a lot that I would tell myself. My critical advice is to keep your grades up because the second semester is going to be a confusing time for us. The issue of ?what we?re going to major?? or ?do we really belong to this college?? is going to affect that 3.65 GPA that I worked hard for in my first semester. Slacking off on assignments for the petty reason of disliking the college and the area is an inexcusable excuse for ruining the title of Distinguished Student, it proved to everyone that you did better than they expected and proof to yourself that you can do what you set your mind to. When you transfer to your next school, you?re going to bring yourself up again and not only get that title again but you?re going to surpass yourself by studying hard because that?s college. As a full time cashier trying to pay off the loans from my previous college experience, I would take advantage to time travel to my senior self and motivate myself to not give up.

Take college life very seriously and do not get pregnant until you graduate. Manage your money wisely throughout the semester to prevent too much emphasis on a job. That will only hinder your studying.

I would tell myself to stay goal-oriented because that's what college is all about. High school prepares you for college and college prepares you for opportunities and challeneges after school, the real-life. I would tell myself to not get upset at the small things and focus on the big picture, completing school with good grades and looking back at college as an experience like no other. Keeping an open mind would also be helpful. When over 25,000 students attend one school, there are bound to be many different types of different, diverse people ranging from prep, emo, homosexual, country and so on. But no matter what type of person that person may be, that person could be one of your best friends. Look forward to the future, live in the present, and feel blessed for the past.

I would tell myself not to waste my time on things that don't make me feel good as a person, and to always do homework the day it is assigned to avoid late turn-ins.

Dear High School Senior Jessica, College time is coming and I have a little advice as to how to make it the best years of your life. 1. Get involved on campus. I was kind of shy my first year. I only had a few close friends because I didn't get involved on campus. So get involved! [p.s. Don't even think about joining a social sorority just because you think that's the only way to get involved. Coming from experience, it's not for you.] 2. Avoid drama. College is a time for growing up & petty high school fights need to be forgotten. 3. Make friends with your roommates. If you don't, living with them will be unpleasant. 4. Learn to cook. Microwave meals can only take you so far. 5. ENJOY YOURSELF!! Love from me to me, College Sophomore Jessica

I would of told myself to go straight through the first time insead of stopping and returning at 30. That if I did this Id be better off financialy and not haveing to search for aid and scholarships at 30 when i got pell grants at 20..... should of finished then.

"Lord please help me!" That is a phrase that I have consecutively said since the start of my college career. Why you ask? Well, despite not having any financial support which causes me to be stressed from time-to-time, I AM A PROCRASTINATOR! In addition, the worst part about it is that I'm just know realizing it! Because of this, it affected my grades (although, I've brought/in the process of bringing them back up to great standards) which caused me to lose some of my school aid. Now, i've constantly been taking out loans which is helping me 'now', but is only putting me in debt. "Excuse me, are you listening?" said present-day Jheria. "I am and will promise myself to never do those things when I start college," said Jheria from the past. Too bad I didn't really get to have this conversation with myself. Thank you for your time.

First of all, use your graduation money wisely. You will have random needs while in college, and having the money to deal with these needs is always helpful. Practice saving money now so that you know how to spend and save it wisely while in college. Second of all, enjoy every moment you have with your friends, because, most likely, when you separate at the end of summer, you won't talk to them very often. You'll make new, amazing friends who will change your life, but remember those who are important to you from your past. Take pictures of and with the people you want to remember and print them out to put on your dorm room wall. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible so you can get a room by yourself in your dorm. A single room will be easier to maintain than you think, and you'll be less stressed. Spend as much time as you can letting people know that you love and appreciate them. Don't sweat the small stuff, and be willing to work hard. School and homework should come first, then your social life. Don't forget to have fun!