Middle Tennessee State University Top Questions

It seems like a reasonable plan to attend a tech school after high school, because you don't feel like you're ready to jump into college yet, but understand that even this needs to be a careful decision. Not all tech schools have credits that will transfer to universities, and you don't want to end up throwing away thousands of dollars taking the same classes again at a different school.

If I could return to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work as hard as I was able to recieve the most money for college. I had no idea how much my education would cost. While I was aware of my tuition, I did not realize that books would also make a huge impact on my finances. Also, housing and living expenses are outrageous. I assumed that I would be financially stable throughout my college career, but unfortunately I have proved myself wrong. At the same time, I would tell myself to be as outgoing as possible. You get out of a college experience what you put into it, and I would never want to hold back. College is completely incredible and I would want to get myself as excited as possible for the incredible journey ahead.

Applying for more scholarships is the biggest piece of advice I would give to my past self. At first I thought I would be able to handle the price of college, but I was terribly wrong. Juggling school, work, and a social life is more of a challenge when you have to pay for your own college tuition with no financial aid. Secondly, I would also advise myself not to behind in classes because that is one of the reasons why I do not have any scholarships or financial aid. Not going to class is the number one reason that students get behind in school. Waking up in the morning and going to all of the classes and studying is the basic foundation of doing well in college. For the past two years I have been paying for this mistake. Additionally, I would remind myself to jump out of my comfort zone more often when I came to college. Socializing with people who appear different than what you are normally used to is another great advantage that college. In the long run, it will be helpful to meet as many people as possible. Today networking is essential to success.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would better prepare myself for college. Therefore, I can have a more successful career in the future. I would tell myself to go out and look for as many scholarships as I can, so the tuition money doesn't come out of my parents pocket. Also, I would tell myself to get involved with the community and the campus by joining clubs and other organizations. In addition, I would tell myself to work as hard as I can and focus on my school work, because it is much more difficult compared to high school work. Finally, I would tell myself to stay out of trouble and do not let other distractions get in your way of reaching your career goals. This information is highly impartant and useful because it provides the steps I need to take in order to succeed in life.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would explain how important a college education is as I have learned this the hard way working many years at low paying jobs to raise my family. I would convince myself to go to any length it took to get there while I was young because the transition would be much harder as I got older. Having to work a full time job to keep a roof over your head and food in your mouth and attending class full time is no joy. I would suggest working hard to pay for school and keep a good grade point average so I could apply for many scholorships to help with the cost keeping my dept as low as possible. Work hard now so you don't have to work harder later.

Go into the Reserves or the National guard, let that be your job; and attend school fulltime until you have a master's degree or two. Stay focused, you have plenty of time to fall in love, get married, and start a family. Knowledge is the key to the future, remember that and you'll be okay.

Assuming that I could travel back in time, which would be quite exiting, I would tell myself to not allow the elements of ethnical and cultural limitations hold me back from pursuing my dreams. Growing up as a minority Hispanic male in a segregated community in Chicago, expectations were very low for me. I knew, at the time, that I wanted to pursue a Business Degree, but was never mentored or given the proper advice or guidance to know about financial aid assistance and scholarships. I though, at the time, that getting a job after graduation was more important that attending a four year university. Therefore, I would also explain to myself the importance of college life and the ability to help me advance in a world where a college degree is expected for all professionals. I would also give myself some advice on dedication. I would let myself know that in order to live a successful professional life, I would need to dedicate myself fully to learning. These are lessons that I am glad I learned as I struggled to reach my goals and hopefully can instill them when I have children of my own.

I would tell myself not to get married but to take that scholarship and go onto college. Being an adult in college is very hard. There is so much more work to do just to get caught back up. I would tell myself not to give up the dream and not to put myself on hold for others.

Make sure to keep up with all of your assignments. High school is nothing compared to college. It is much better. You will have so much fun in your classes and the teachers are superb. MTSU is definitely going to be worth everything you put into it and more.

Keep your goals with you in everything you do. If you forget why you are here, you may be tempted to fall off the path you've prepared for yourself, and lose your way. Alcohol and drugs can ruin this experience. It is possible to develop a problem, even at your age. Don't make a fool of yourself. It won't get the kind of attention you want at the end of the day. Make decisions in your own best interest, and in the best interest of your future. As much as you don't want to admit it, your family cares more about you than your new friends. Be honest with them, and keep communication open. They are going to be terrified for you, and they want you to succeed and be happy more than anything. College will be an enlightening, transformational experience for you. Don't throw it away.