Polk State College Top Questions

First and foremost, I would have given the advice to wait until college graduation for children. As a teenage mother, I can speak firsthand on the difficulty of raising children, working full time, and pursuing my degree. I would have advised myself to pursue other means of funding my education, other than the food industry. Working for minimum wage is tiring and does not produce the ideal time for study. I would have told myself to focus mainly on my education instead of my social status. I would have advised that I listen to my elders, not my peers. I would not change any obstacle that I have undertaken throughout my high school and college careers. I feel that the trials of my life sculpted the details of my personality. Without my children, I cannot say that I would have the same value for education. Without my past employment in the food industry, I would not have the same gratitude for my nursing career. If not for many that impersonated friendship, I would still remain gullible. If not for the struggle of flourishing in an indigent environment, I would not have valued a better opportunity

To my High School self, I understand your eagerness to exert your independence. I know that you can not wait to be on your own, but please beware. Too much freedom is a bad thing. There are temptations everywhere, and you may find yourself, as I did, in over your head. In college, I yearned to take advantage of my new found freedom. I began drinking, using drugs, and skipping classes. My grades began to fail, and I fell into a deep depression. Believing that there was no other way out, I intentionally overdosed on pills. My suicide attempt failed, so I ran away from college. I dropped out of society, and became homeless. My days were spent panhandling for money and food, and my nights were spent sleeping in the woods. I found myself in the lowest possible place, not knowing how I ended up there. Please do not make the same mistake I did. Keep your family close. They will ensure you remain focused on your goals. Do not be afraid to ask for help. There will be plenty of time to spread your wings. Be patient and dedicated, and, I promise, it will be all worth it.

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to buckledown on applying for scholarships and completing volunteer hours. Transitioning from high school to college is hard enough without having to worry about money troubles contantly. As well, I would forewarn myself that it is easy to get caught up in the clubs and social life on campus, and focus instead of my studies. Of course, don't cut out clubs completely because they can be a lifeline when school gets to stressful. Last, I would have to say... don't panic. Things will get tough, tougher than they ever were in high school, but I can make it through. Yes, being in college is a new level of being responsible, but its not as bad as it seems. There are people out there - friends, teachers, family - who can and will help you make it through. Its not the end of the world if you get a "B", but I should always do my best. Most importantly, keep moving forward!

I was a senior during the 2011-2012 school year. If I could go back in time I'd slap myself in the face. I was too wrapped up in a relationship with my boyfriend to enjoy my senior year. Sure, I had friends and we saw each other every day but outside of school I was always talking to my boyfriend or hanging out with him. I would tell myself to dump him because being with him wasn't getting me anywhere in life. I was academically successful during my entire school life, but I didn't take the time to get involved in extra curricular activities... etc. I would've put more effort into looking for a college I actually liked and spent more time applying for scholarships instead of planning a date night. Looking back now I feel ashamed of myself because I know what I'm capable of but was too wrapped up in young love. Now, as an adult and full time college student who is single, I can pursue what I'm meant to do.

Lea, I know that as a senior in high school all you want is to have as much fun as you possibly can, but if you don't buckle down and do work now it will be so much harder to balance your school work and personal life in the future. I am telling you this from experience. I'm not telling you not to enjoy every possible moment you have left in high school, I'm just saying be smart about it. Take time to look up scholarships and to do your homework and actually study, it will help you to develop good habits for your college career. Balance your time well and you won't go crazy. Best of luck. Me

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her that the most important thing she can do is maintain an open mind. Five years from now, she will probably be surprised about where she ends up. It is important to not judge anything before getting to know it as different people, jobs, schools, technology, and activities may surprise her. If she can live her life judgment-free, she will be much happier and much more prepared for what awaits her. I would tell her that there is nothing more important than her own happiness, and to not get involved with people or activities that make her unhappy. Positive thinking is unbelievably powerful, and she will be able to achieve whatever she desires, as long as she maintains her positive attitude, work ethic, and flair for getting things done above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

Attending college has been one of the best decisions I have made so far in my life. School may be a struggle, but I know that college will allow me to have a successful and happy life. I have been able to meet people from different areas and learn different learning and studying techniques. It has been valuable for my to attend college because it has given me a chance to become a more independent person. When you begin college you find out that you are responsible for remembering important dates in classes and you also become financially responsible. College has given me a chance to learn how to manage the money that I have in order to have enough money to pay for tuition and books. College may be harder than high school and it may be more time consuming, but I know in the end it will be worth it because I will be able to know that I accomplished something great on my own for one of the first times in my life.

My heart races, not from failing at certain things, but from not accomplishing my goals in life. My college experience so far has helped me to understand how truly important getting an education really is. I appreciate knowing that I have the choice to attain my dream in becoming a successful film director and screenwriter. Sitting in class listening to influential instructors speaking about the values of education, fuels the drive I have in me to attain my educational goals. My first year in college has already opened many doors for me in different aspects. I have not only learned about math, science, and English, in college but many other things, like the motivation that many students have to move ahead in life, the passion that many professors have in their subjects, the choices we make every day that affect our lives. In the end, the only person standing in the way of me fulfilling my goals is Hugo Mejia. It is entirely up to me whether or not I choose to improve me and my family's life. Thank you for taking the time to read this entry. Sincerely, Hugo Mejia

From my college experience, I can definitely say that I should have applied to many more colleges/universities early during my senior year. This college is not the college I feel comfortable with; it lacks intellectual life, people I can relate to and a rigorous curriculum to continue my studies. Although this college lacks the above, I have gotten a taste of what professors at a college level are like. Much to my surprise, college professors take pride in their work and always seem to find a way to make students interested in the topic of study. Overall, the long, boring high school days where students pretend to listen and pray for the dismissal bell to ring are over; they have been replaced by exciting times in a classroom setting a students look forward to the next class. In conclusion, my college experience has taught me to be prepared for the next step in life. Letting life happen is not the best solution if one really wants certain things to go their way. My college experience has also presented me an exciting perspective of education and an environment of fellow beings all at different levels in their educational career.

I would tell myself not to screw around, to stay focused and to take classes that led to what I wanted my career to be. I would say study hard and try my best at getting good grades in all my classes. Also I would tell myself to take AP classes or to join dualenrolment in a college in order to get an early start on my college credits and a chance to earn my degree faster. I also would suggest to consider collegeic highschool as well to get a jump start on my future education. Also I would tell myself to save my money because I will need it for books, classes, tuition, and school supplies which can get expensive. It helps to have a job as well in order to keep some money rolling in the account no matter how little it pays or how miserable it is. All extra caricular activities helps as well, they keep you saine and relaxed as well as more focused in your down time. And finally never give up, believe in yourself and always do your best.