Queens University of Charlotte Top Questions

For every activity you are involved in, know your objectives and how you will complete them. When a goal or objective is not met, learn from it and find the positive. Do your best everytime so you won't look back with regret and wonder what if.

When I initially started college I had a vague idea of what I wanted to major in. I took several classes and changed my major several times. I thought school was just a waste of time, because I wasn’t getting anywhere. I decided to just work and earn as much money as I could. This ended up causing more harm than good in the long run. If I could go back in time I would tell that young, naive girl that college will determine how successful your future will be. Being focused on a career and graduation goal can change your life significantly. Had that young girl realized her goal of becoming a nurse, with focus and determination of graduating, life would have been so much easier. Focusing all my energy on working an entry level position made me struggle financially for years. College can give you the skills and preparation for a career that will set you up for future financial success. When you pursue a career in something you are passionate about then happiness will drive your success. College is never a waste of time or money as long as you have a plan and a goal.

There are a million suggestions and pieces of advice I would give my high school self, knowing what I know now about college life. I would first suggest joining every single club I was even remotely interested in as a freshman. It may seem silly, but you can always weed out the ones you end up disliking. My freshman year, I didn't join too many clubs because I was afraid it would hurt my grades. Well, I ended up only taking 16 credits my first two semesters and would have had plenty of time for more clubs and activities! The last big thing I would tell myself is that you won't be successful if you don't fail at anything; if you aren't taking risks, you're not stepping out of your comfort zone and, therefore, you won't grow at all as a person. I'm happy to say I've endured many failures and wouldn't be where I am without those set-backs. Of course everyone wants to do everything right, but come on, that's just unattainable and we need to embrace and learn from our mistakes.

Wow, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have taken a summer class in pre-cal to prep me because math is tough for me. I applied for several scholarships but would have applied for more. I wouldn't have changed the three sports I played because they were a wonderful experience but I would have tried to get a sports scholarship through video, etc. I am truly blessed to be on the Queen's Track and Field team, but I am a walk on. If I had known I was going to make the team I would have tried for scholarship money to be recruited.

"Ipsum Corda - Know Thyself." You had so many opportunities available to you, from attending any in-state school of your choice to attending GaTech, VaTech or MIT. But you didn't know what career path you wanted to pursue, and you didn't pick any of these schools. Instead, you directly entered the workforce. That was the wrong move for so many reasons. You should have talked to somebody, to your guidance counselor, to your parents, to your friends,... they know you and would tell you honestly what you are good at doing and could possibly tell you what you might like to do for a living after college. At least then you would have a better idea of what to study while attending school. In five years, you will enter college as a non-traditional student. At the same time, all of your friends have already graduated and are starting their lives in exciting places all over the world. I strongly suggest you take the time NOW to invest in yourself: Taking career aptitude tests, talking with teachers, visiting the schools near where you live and talking with the students. You will have fun at college, I guarantee it.

I would tell myself to be not be afraid of anything but inaction. There have been plenty of opportunities offered while in college, and I have accepted many of them; but as I think back to the opportunities I passed, I realize that I should have made the time to commit to them. I should have known that my time in college would pass by faster than I could imagine, and every opportunity is a chance to experience something new. My inactions have never improved my way of thinking, nor have they broadened my horizons and made me happier person. I am proud of the actions I have taken during my time in college, but in retrospect, there have been plenty of occasions that I would have benefited from participating in rather than declining them. There is nothing to be afraid of by trying something different. Be afraid of never experiencing something new. Be afraid of never growing as a person through your experiences. Be as proactive as you possibly can. There is nothing to fear about your future.

If anyone could go back in time especially someone as old as me, then there should be armed with tools for success. My advice would be would be the following: -go into life situations especially school projects with an open mind -always finish what you start and embrace time management as your only true goal -begin service work while you are a senior and continue throughout life because helping others is one of life’s greatest rewards As a senior I understood growing up poor, with an absentee mother, and no father would have irreversible psychological effects to my life as I know it, then I would have joined the military. No, I did not go military. I continued in activities like track and marching band that encourage me to want to go to college. I also worked to help my mom pay bills but I would not have advised that to any senior or myself. If I had to go back in time to give myself sound advice as a senoir, then it would befinish collge and have a career. Now I realize the best advice would have been knowledge is power – sed ministrari, non ministrare.

I know that you don't want to listen to your parents all that much, but liten to them for once and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Also drive safely.

I would advice myself to spend more time exploring the academic schools in the university and their policies regarding majors and double majoring. I would tell myself to spend more time considering my major. I would advise myself to take all assignments seriously, and read all of the assigned materials througly, in additional to taking advantage of all graduate school test prep offered by the Career and Internship office.

I have learned a lot out of my fist three years at Queens. I have learn that it is important to care and give to your community. I've learned different little aspects of life. Queens really prepares you for reality even if it has nothing to do with your major or what you are studying. I've also learned how important it is to value others and yourself.