North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

As a high school senior, I spent the majority of my time preparing for a life-changing event- the birth of my daughter. At the time, I was very anxious and worried about the changes that were about to take place. If I could give advice to that "me," I would tell myself that everyone goes through some kind of struggle. I would say that hard work pays off, no matter how tough the process was. I would also take a minute to encourage myself to keep going, and to not worry about the negative predictions others had. I would tell myself that being a student is hard, and being a mother is hard, which makes being a full-time mother and student incredibly difficult, but that I would be able to manage it. I would also tell myself to focus on being a parent first, and student second, and a worker third. I would tell myself that it is okay to make mistakes because I would one day learn from them. I would tell myself to work hard for good grades, but never put too much stress on myself. Life will be rewarding.

Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes only from poor judgement. In lieu of mistakes and lapses of sense that I have displayed, I would remind myself that I am responsible for, and completely deserve everything that befalls me, good and bad. The university my past self would attend makes the resources for any definition of success are readily available or available upon a modest amount of digging. In order to make the most of the college experience, one must retain complete mental lucidity, and studies must be handled with the most vigilant and monastic focus possible. I would advise my past self from four years ago and anyone who will hear me that there is no such thing as passive learning. A person like me who never needed to study in high school and coasted on natural ease of information absorbing may perform perfectly satisfactorily in college classes. This passivity may even earn a degree. But a person is only given finite time to accomplish whatever his life's work will be, and a true fulfilling education is only the product of unceasing attention, incorporates all facets of one's life, and merely begins with the college experience.

Hello, high school self. To start, do not worry about the drama. Yes, that guy was a jerk, but it's okay. You will find someone a lot better in the end. Don't sweat the small stuff; forgetting one homeowrk assignment will not mean that you will not get into college. Oh, and do not worry about being the top of the class; the validictorian is not the only one who gets accepted into college. Yes, you could always do more, but that will always be the case. Your friends are very important in the end; keep them close and do not forget about them. And, when it comes to experience with your selected career, start right now. It will make things a lot easier when you get into college. And, please, do not forget: you are going through puberty. Things are going to seem a lot more drastic than they really are. Just keep your head up and keep moving forward; it will always work out in the end.

Don't get frustrated. Applying to colleges and scholarships and trying to find a place to live is so overwhelming. I only wish I knew that stressing out over every little detail wasn't necessary. I have learned over the past few years that things will all work out and everything will be ok. Take one thing at a time. And enjoy the process; this is the beginning to the rest of your life. Believe in yourself. In this world, there is only one person that will always be there for you and that is you. If you don't believe in yourself, then why should anyone else? You are the best advocate for yourself. Fight for what you want and don't dare let anyone tell you no. Never give up. One of my favorite quotes is, "Trials and tribulations in life are mandatory, but suffering is optional." I only wish I knew who the author was. Life sometimes gives you lemons; you just have to figure out how to make lemonade. There will always be speed bumps along any path you choose. Life is about overcoming these obstacles and making the most of it. Good luck!

Hey Nick; it's you from the future. Hard to believe, I know. But just trust me, and listen up. Don't make such a quick decison on college, man. take the time to really get to know the undergraduate programs available at the schools, and look into every facet. A little bit of resarch will go a long way. Don't rush into a college decision, or you're going to keep transferring. It's just going to bring you stress and cost you money. Base your decision off of what will be best for your future, not which one has the most prominent name, or which one seems the most fun. The college experience will be what you make it, wherever you are. Oh, and another thing. Work on your time management and organization before you leave. These are the two most important skills to have in college. Know what is expected of you, do it in a timely fashion, and put forth the effort to make everything you do reflect your ability as a student. Good luck, and find your passion. Chase your dreams and make them a reality. Go get em'.

Buckle down! Stop worrying about possible failure because you not trying is failing. Do not take a year off from school because, as Mom said it gets harder to go back each year. Graduating early in January was a great choice, now do not use your free time to dilly-dally. Start college early and finish early - or continue until you are done learning everything you want to learn. Get as much knowledge as you can. Ask all the questions you need to, it is true - there is no such thing as a dumb question. Get involved with a great group of people because the more good you have surrounding yourself, the better. Dump the losers that do not encourage you to be better. You can do it all, I should know.

I know you are confused right now about where your life is going. It's difficult to know what to do and where you will succeed with a father that tells you everyday you will amount to nothing. College isn't going to get you anywhere because you are stupid. I know you hear this everyday. Don't belive it, you have to try. So you tired, it isn't your fault you were diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when you were just about to finish what you always wanted to do. Maybe being a Paramedic wasn't for you. Now you know you feel like a failure, and everytime you look at your father you see the satisfaction in his eyes. I can't try again and fail. I'm going to give up and just concentrate on life. Well, here I am. Alone, divorced, in a wheelchair fulltime du to the Muscular Dystrophy. One thing is different now. I'm doing it. I'm doing it! I will graduate in a few months with an Associates Degree in Hospatality and Travel. A GPA of 3.83. No one can stop me now.

I would encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone earlier. College is a place to not only gain a very important college degree, but also to grow as a person and aquire many new experiences! I have discovered so many amazing opportunites to grow my skill sets outside of the classroom, and have experiences I never imagined. College is a place for me to grow, discover and explore as a young adult. I feel as though this is up to you as an individual! Any college is able to offer you a multitude of experiences and opportunities, you just have to step up to the plate and start experiencing! So the advice I would give is to try something new, because you never know what might come out of it!

Don't mess around and skip classes. This is the most important thing you have ever done with your life, and what you do there will determine what you do for the rest of your life. Register for classes that start later in the day, but if you get something early, go to it, classes are more important than that extra hour of sleep you want. A social life is also important, go out and meet people, or go to football games with friends. The school has lots of resources for you if you are not doing well in your classes, don't be afraid to use them.

I would advise to make friends as soon as you step on campus. Everyone starts fresh once they get to college. Even if close friends go to the same college, make new ones. Get involved. From day one, there are activities to participate in. It is a good way to meet new people and find something you love to do. Do everything! Even if you think you won't like it, its worth the try, you never know what will happen. Study hard, make good grades, and if you need help just ask or go to a tutor. Don't skip class, even if attendance isnt taken. Hop on a bus and see where it takes you. Don't worry about money. Find a job, they are very flexible with schedules. Get out and explore. Don't stay locked up in a room. Go to the gym, its free. Relax in the library. Join clubs or sports teams. Be smart. Stay out late. Youre young, live the college life, you only get to do it once.