New College of Florida Top Questions

If I could give my past-self advice I would tell them to not worry about making friends and fitting in. Although at first it may seem that everyone around you has found their friend groups, you do not have to feel lonely. It may seem like there isn’t anyone out there who shares your dislike for partying, but they will eventually come out of the woodwork. You shouldn’t be afraid to join clubs and go to volunteer events, those are the best places to meet people who share your interests! Just because you haven’t met people you connect with has nothing to do with your personality or self-worth. It’s just a matter of getting to know new people and finding others to hang out with. Do what you love and you’re bound to find people who love those same things. Branching out and trying new things is also a great way to meet new people and gain self-confidence.

Always remember that you are choosing the shape of your own mind. The mind you shape right now is the mind that will carry you through the rest of your life—the jobs you work, the places you live, the person you marry. The choices you make in college will determine not only your areas of strength, but your areas of weakness as well. Choose to take the harder classes. Choose to cultivate wide-ranging interests and you may discover a passion you didn’t know you had. And choose those late-night talks about the meaning of life, because the friends you make now will be the ones you carry through life too. That’s the long view of what you should know, younger self. Here’s the short view. E.L. Doctorow wrote, “Creativity is like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” For the next five minutes, can you be your very best self? Yes? Do that. Then, an hour later, do it again. Keep doing it, until you can do it EVERY five minutes. It’s all about your choices. Choose wisely.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, the most important advice I could give myself would be to not drop out. I would tell myself that good grades in A.P. classes are not good enough. College doesn't just happen because you get good grades; you have to make it happen. You have to have a plan and take specific classes. I would have told myself to find the guidance councilor and demand an explanation about how to plan for college and scholarships. I would have stressed that being a mother is wonderful, but that it would be much easier to provide for my family if I had gotten my degree first. And even though it is quite an adventure going back to college as an adult and taking classes with my five children, it is much more difficult trying to balance the demands of family, work, and school. I would have told myself that I have to take responsibility for my own life and my own future and to stop waiting for someone else to do it for me.

Dear Me, Save more money. College is expernsive and it becomes difficult to budget and pay bills. Apply for more scholarships. There was a large amount of free money waiting for you and it was forgotten. Be prepared for some of the hardest work yet. While high school seemed like a breeze College puts you in your place. Be prepared to writed 10 to 12 page papers every other week and tests that will require more than a week of studying. College can be difficult, but it will be so much fun. Work hard and it will pay off, You

College is much more advanced then high school. It takes a lot more time and effort then high school would. There are much higher standards to meet. When you choose you're major, make sure you choose something you will enjoy doing. It makes everything a little more simple, and chances are you will probably be more successful working in a job enviroment that you enjoy. Make sure you thoroughly plan your college choices including degrees. If you feel that you will better succeed in your studies closer to home then maybe it is best to choose a community college close to home. I myself prefere a school closer to home, I have a 15 minute commute. If you want to succeed in college you must work your hardest and try your best. Do not ever cheat yourself out of something that could alter your future.

Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Sell your soul if you have to. Take more time in applications, really think about how you are setting yourself up for the rest of your life. Take care, take it seriously, seriously study for your AP and IB exams. Don't fall asleep in English class. Ask your teachers about writing related scholarships you could get. Don't spread yourself too thin. Either excel in sports or in class. Don't go to a weekend soccer game and break your collar bone. You did good stuff, keep doing them. You can beat yourself. Your greatest competition is yourself. Aspire to be greater. Learn from your mistakes. Drive to school rather than wake up so early to take the bus. Sleep. Don't wait until the last minute to write your ToK paper. Be prepared to always give your best. Eat properly.

I have found this place to help instill in me an academic rigor which feels much more useful than the rather passive attitude of high school. This place has also forced me to interact with my professors and makes me face them on a regular basis which forces integrity and has helped develop my social skills. Above all, in this intellectual outpost, the people surrounding me have helped to restore my optimism in the future of the world: if one place like this can still stand, I'm hopeful.

There are many experiences that intrinsically mold one’s college education. For me, these ordeals included being on my own for the first time, dealing with new social situations, studying independently and ultimately taking charge of my education, my career and my future. In and of themselves, these markers of maturity form part of one’s college education. Aside from learning basic life skills, my college education equipped me with the ability to research, analyze data, write extensive papers and think critically. Small class sizes forced one to participate during every discussion; and comparing perspectives with classmates and teachers always proved to be very insightful. I learned to interpret data and form my own conclusions, be it through Abnormal Psychology, 18th Century British Literature, or Drawing class. The school’s underlying expectation was the same: learning how to learn. I not only gained a core liberal arts education, but I learned how to learn, and how to apply it to many different subjects. This skill is invaluable in a society where information and skills are constantly changing. Possessing this tool will prepare me for any circumstance, career and life goal that I may hold in the future.

What have I gotten out of my New College experience so far? We'll, I have only been at New College for a year and already feel at home. I am a transfer student, and hated my first school. I didn't think I would be able to fit in anywhere after that, let alone so quickly. The students, faculty, and staff at New College are all exceptionally kind, considerate, and unique people. I like New College because you can be as weird or as normal as you want, and you'll still fit in. I also like the location and campus of New College. Sarasota is a pleasant, safe town, though the median age is a little high. But I like old people, so it's ok. The New College campus itself is beautiful. We have a family of osprey that live in this dead tree on campus, near the bay, and I like to walk down there and see them. The bay itself is lovely. It's a New College staple to watch the sunset on the bay. We also have the Ringling Brothers mansion, which we use as classrooms. I feel quite spoiled while I'm there.

I would tell myself, relax and ,know you can do this. Make school your life for a few years. College is the key to a better life.