Oklahoma Christian University Top Questions

As a high school student I really worried about making the right decision in regards to college. For a long time I had no idea where I wanted to go and I ended up at OC simply because they offered me the best financial aid. If knew then what I know now, I would not have stressed out so much about my undergraduate university. As someone majoring in the humanities and planning to attend graduate school, I put way too much time and anxiety into choosing my university. Find some place with nice weather, healthy campus life and great professors in your area of interest and just go there. Don't bend over backwards to find the perfect fit. You're not marrying your university, just relax.

I would tell myself to not back down on studying-to keep pushing myself to learn more and to do my best in all my classes; don't be afraid to ask questions! I would tell me to get out more and to not be afraid to make new friends-it's an important part of college life. Not packing my whole room would be another good piece of advice. =) Don't stress about who your roommate will be or who to make friends with-this is a time of change, of finding out who you really are.

College is not easy. Don't go into your fist year thinking you have it all figured out, because you will end up with more than you expected. The main thing you must make sure that you do is to remain focused. Don't get mixed up with the wrong crowds they can be distractions. Manage your time well. Try to maintain a schedule for your days. When you will study, when to attend meetings, and which campus activities you will attend or participate in? Although studying is good, ensure that you give yourself time to relax from your studies you do not want to stress yourself. But most important enjoy it. Take risks and embrace challenges. That is how you mature.

If I had to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would warn myself of one thing... College is a whole different level than high school is. I would tell myself that the amount of studying I did in high school would not be sufficient once I got to college. The amount of time spent studying and preparing for classes and tests are far greater than the time spent in high school. I would also tell myself to learn to balance my schedule between school, sports, and social activities. You have to find the right balance that works for you! Other than that, I would tell myself to get ready for the best time of my life!

Dear self, Let go of that fear that you will be alone. Put yourself out there and stop clinging to home. You will be miserable otherwise. There is nothing wrong with the friends you have now, but the friends you're going to make are going to change your life for the better. That boy you're dating? He's not the one. I've met the one, and he is more spectacular than that boy could ever be. You're worth so much more than what you take from him. College classes aren't really different from HS ones. They just don't meet every day and only last one semester. It's nice. Learn how to properly study and properly write a paper. It comes in handy. Don't give up on yourself. Drive is what will get you through those times and assignments you think will never end. Be you. Always be you. People respect you more in the long run that way. Enjoy college. One day you will finish and think to yourself, "I never thought that I would actually GRADUATE." You will. Trust me. And last of all, always take care of yourself. Love, Me

Assuming I could go back in time and offer myself some advice about college, I ?d be very succinct in advising an education abroad. In retrospect, I settled on a University that maintained many of the same cultural norms I grew up with here in the Mid-West. It was my luck that the university I attended provided numerous study abroad opportunities, which I certainly took advantage of. The intercultural learning skills I utilized, traveling around the Pacific Rim, were the same ones I learned at an early age growing up attending inner city public schools. If I knew now that I had a natural propensity for learning foreign culture and language, upon high school graduation, I would have picked a university residing outside the continental United States. The opportunities for intercultural individuals who can speak American English, other languages, have studied abroad, and have a degree are vast. In fact, that type of an individual is exactly the ?renaissance man? of today?s globalized environment. If I had studied in Moscow, Beijing, Tokyo, Cape Town, London, or any other locale of international importance, the opportunities for success would have been significant.

If I went back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that college can be one of the most enjoyable times of his life. The friendships that he will make and the experience will be unforgettable. I would tell myself that going to college means that I would be responsible for myself. Mom and Dad will not be there to tell me what to do or take care of me. I would tell myself to always go to class and study hard to be successful. I would tell myself to be aware of the people who have the wrong idea about college life. Its not an end-less party if you want a degree. I would also tell myself to contiune to search for scholarships and grants while in school. This will definately help him down the road. The most important thing that I would tell myself is to trust God with unwavering faith. I would say to myself "God is able and he will see you through any situation, give Him the glory and you will be truly blessed." These are the things I would tell myself back in high school.

"Work harder at getting a good score on the PSAT. You can do better, and it will make paying for college a lot easier. You might want to work on those grades more, but you are doing fine. Also, don't sweat leaving high school. College life is so much fun. It's hard work too, but you will adjust to it with no problems. Enjoy your time in high school, no matter how hard that may be, so that you can have good memories to share with new friends. Let me tell you about your future friends: They are the best, and the kind that will stick around for life, no matter the distance. Keeping up with your high school friends after graduation will take work, so remember to contact them from time to time. As far as picking a major, my advice is this: you can't go wrong if it is something you love. Forget about money, and go for it. If you want to be an art major, still, then remember to ask Mr. Henson how to put together an impressive portfolio. He's a great help, and it will save you stress when job hunting."

First off, i would get myself prepared to drink coffee and know that having a decent bedtime is out of the picture. Also, i would have learned how to study better and not just crame the night before a test. In high school we were allowed to exempt finals if we never missed a class, that is not how it is here and more then half the time the final is comprehensive, so instead of just memorizing the information actually study and understand it. Involvement is key on a smaller campus, to have a social life and to really be involved with others and to try and make a difference, you have to be involved and not afraid to put yourself out there. Stay in contact with ALL family members, they will send letters in the mail and possibly some cash because they too also know what it's like to be "a poor college student." Smile, you never know who is watching and what a smile really might do for someone.

I would tell myself that it is not as scary as people say it is. I would like to tell myself to go to college without the relationship ties that were at home. I would want me to experience everything that my school had to offer first year students. Because of being homesick I let myself get depressed and I missed out on great experiences. I would tell myself to work harder senior year so that I could get more financial aid in college. I would have suggested that I take college classes while being a senior because I could have gotten my general education classes out of the way for free. Instead I am having to take them now and they are taking up precious time. I would also tell myself not to worry because it was all going to work out fine and I am going to get through this change.