Oklahoma Christian University Top Questions

You could build a house with the college mail you've received and you're so stressed about your college decision you're hardly sleeping. The school you want to attend is out of the question because of finances and the one you never wanted to even visit is looking like your only option. You hate the idea since it's so far from everything you know and you're fairly certain Oklahoma is full of tumbleweed and cowboy hats (which, it turns out, is not too far from the truth). Relax, because you're going to love it. I know you don't believe me now, but the friends you will make here will change your life. The study abroad program will change your career plans. You will be challenged and mentored, betrayed and loved, all in a few crazy years. So stop putting so much pressure on yourself to choose the perfect school. You'll have to push yourself, but you will be able to handle it. Throw the college mail away, grab some peppermint tea, and let the tension melt away. You're not just going to survive college; you're going to thrive.

I would definitely tell myself to take studying more seriously. I slacked some on studying in high school and my first couple years of school. I did alright, but I could have done much better. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships because I know I could have received more and I regret the amount of loans that I have today because I decided not to "waste time" applying for scholarships

If I were to go back and talk to my senior year self, I would talk to myselft about the priorities. I would tell myself about how I need to be more attentive in class. Sounds basic, but towards the end of the school year, I tended to slack off because I was about to graduate soon. I feel that during that time, I seemed to lose some knowledge that really could have helped me during my freshmen year in college. Another important thing I would mention to myself is to take more college credit courses. I came to Oklahoma Christian University with twelve hours of college credit. That was really nice because that is almost a semesters worth of classes. The reason I would tell myself this is because my high school offered many more college course that I really should have taken advantage of. I feel that if I would have taken more college credit courses, I would have a better since of the challenging courses in college and that I would have a better start of my college experience.

I would tell myself to make sure to visit all of the campuses because you know where you belong.

Don't let fear of the unknown get the best of you. I have always been timid at trying new things and meeting new people, because that means I have limited control over what could happen, which scares me. But every time I try something new, it always works out for the best in the end. College is one big, new experience, and it has been the greatest time of my life. I would love my high school senior self to know to just go for it, don't let fear hold you back from anything.

Dear High School Me, Congrats, but first thing's first: you DON'T know it all like you think you do. Therefore, don't go into college with an ego larger than your dorm room (which are tiny). Also, too many people try to plan their life out as soon as they start college but forcing yourself into a major just to have one won’t benefit you. Find your passion and follow it. Don’t pick a major just because of the future pay; money NEVER compensates for happiness. I know you're interested in being social, but don't get involved in too much. Although D is for diploma, that's all you'll have for the rest of your life if you don't time manage. Be open-minded, social seculison is "so" high school, and you are "so" not high school anymore. Good luck and don't give up, I promise it's worth it. Sincerely, Older-wiser you.

Making new friends is an exciting parts of college. It's important to meet people who have similar interests as you. However, it is important that you don't limit yourself on the types and number of friends you have. Don't be satisfied with just a handful of friends, not even trying to get to know more people. Don't just settle on the minimum and think that you need to just make enough friends to keep people from thinking you're a complete loner. Make friends with as many people as you come into to contact with if possible. Especially focus on befriending people in your major. When homework get too tough to work through alone, there is no one more helpful and encouraging than the people who have to do the same work. The people in your major will become close friends without you and you'll be left outside the pack. You'll feel left out and your grades WILL suffer. The longer you wait to become more than just ocassional study partners with people in your major, but friends as well, the harder it will be to get their attention when you really need it.

Knowing what I know now about college, I don't think I could give myself any better advice than to focus more on my parent's advice. My parents always told me, "It's not about just being apart of society, it's about making an effort to excel within society". Those few words mean a lot to me now. They help make up my drive and motivation to excel in everything I do. I thank God everyday for instilling the quality of ambition in me. Because ambition is priceless, it's something that runs in your veins. I WILL graduate from college one day in hopes to chase my dream of becoming a lawyer. I WILL always keep my parent's advice in the back of my mind throughtout my journey along the way. I WILL make them proud and I WILL excel within our society.

Take classes that will challenge you now while the support system is there for you. College is harder than high school; don’t assume that the easiness of high school is going to transfer into college. The more prepared you get yourself now the better of and more prepared you will be for college. Going on to the next level of education can give you the opportunity to better yourself and your situation, but it will only due that if you work hard and focus on your goals. There are many distractions that will be there to fall into, but they can be avoided if you have your eye on the prize. You’re as smart as you want to be, don’t let situations that require work deter you. Be what you want to be, just fight for it.

Do not slack off or get "senioritis." This is the worst slump to come out of. It will eventually turn in to freshmanitis and, well, plain laziness. You will end up so stressed out and sick to your stomach at all times if you do not change that now.