Tabitha
I'd tell myself to not hold myself back. In high school, many people stuck around with the same group of friends and was to afraid to branch out. If I could start over again, I'd become more active on campus sooner and I wouldn't limit myself to certain groups of friends or even certain classes! College is time for learning and discovering. Make the most of it by not allowing fear to take over.
Maggie
Relax, and have more confidence in yourself in the beginning. Do not worry what others think of you or about participating or getting called on in class, because what you have to say will have merit. Do not hold back what you want to say because it is different than others. Study more than a couple days beforehand so you retain information better and are not as nervous for the exams. Do not be afraid to ask questions because there is a good chance others are thinking the same thing. Balance your social and academic life appropriately.
Katherine
If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would have definitely chosen a way different path in my life. As a returning student at the age of 28 I now know the importance of an education in society. I would have definitely focused more on education and followed through with those goals. However, I cannot go back and redo that time. But, I can make a difference in my life now as well as my children's lives. With returning to school and transitioning that lifestyle with my family (husband and children) my family is seeing how important it is to get an education to succeed. Saint Joseph's College was one of the best decisions that I made in my life. It provides me with the confidence that I will soon reach my goals as a parent and as a career focused individual to be able to care for and provide for many that will come into my life. The main words that I live by is faith, focus, organization, and determination.
Kathleen
If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to procrastinate with my schooling. When I was in school I always waited until the last minute to complete my work. I would tell myself to put a bigger effort into my education because although it seems extremely frustrating now, it will pay off once my schooling is completed. I would tell myself to study more- even when I don't want to. The last thing that I would do is give myself a confidence boost- when I was in high school I never thought I was bright enough to go far. I would tell myself that with some hard work and extra study time, I would be capable of anything I wanted. "Don't doubt yourself."
Erika
I would have told myself to be prepared for a whole new world. College is nothing like highschool, you dont have teachers telling when to do stuff, dont have parents making you go to class. You as a young adult need to have the state of mind that you are going to do this and work your hardest at it. Going to college is one of the biggest decisions you are going to have to make in life. Make sure you go for something you are going to love because this is going to be a base line for the rest of your life.
Sarah
Looking back and knowing what I know now, I would give myself the advice of not being so stressed about making the transitition. The transition is only as hard as you make it and as long as you keep up on the work, then you'll be fine. Just have fun and relax.
Andrea
Growing up in Rensselaer, I never really considered going to SJC until my senior year of high school. When I started applying to colleges following my senior golf season, I decided that I would like to continue on with my golf career. In April of my senior year of high school, I committed to SJC. I was a little leery of my decision at first, but now I am glad I made the decision I did. It is by far one of the best decisions I have made. I am involved with several clubs and organizations on campus, including the Women’s Varsity Golf team. The liberal arts education I have received is outstanding. It is nice to have the small class sizes because it makes interacting with the professors easier. Overall, Saint Joseph’s College has taught me how important it is to be yourself and the joy of “paying it forward” in life. It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I only wish more people could have the opportunity to experience everything I have in the last year and a half. I look forward to the next two and a half years.
Courtney
For me the college experience has been enlightening and fullfilling. In my first two years of college I was enrolled in a junior college in southern Illinois known as, John A. Logan College. There I played volleyball for two years while working at taking many classes towards my major. The institution and staff was wonderful. I learned a lot about myself there and got to know some truly great people all while preparing me for a great future in, at that time was just the medical field. Then, I transferred to Saint Josephs College to continue my passion for volleyball. Again, although I am only in my second semester here, I met more people and I now have a special bond with each and every one of my teammates, some of which I know I will be in contact with for the rest of my life. While attending this school, my biochemistry teacher asked me what I wanted to go into as a profession, and that was when she inspired me to become a dentist. The college experience has been very valuable to be. I am now on the path to having a successful future for myself and a family.
Natalie
What I experienced is that you control your destiny. You can attend all the classes, read all the books but it is up to you with what you do with your education. The social scene is crazy in college because there is always something going on. But you have a choice to either focus on your dreams or party all the time. If I can do it again (and I am) I would focus more on my books then the social scene. I am not saying not to have fun but limiting the partying would be helpful to take advantage of the resources that is provided. I have also experienced the true meaning of responsibility. There is no hand holding. You make a choice and you reap the benefits or experience the repercussions. I learned that some choices you make can affect your entire life and it best to choose wisely. I would recommend anyone to attend college because it is a place to explore and put your dreams on the table and utilize the resources available. I understand college is not for everyone but it definitely is a place where you can experiment and also get advice from professors.
Michael
Since I've been attending college I have felt myself maturing in many ways. Knowing that class can be easily avoided, I became more independent and responsible by waking up and going to class on my own. Also, I have learned new things about myself such as easier studying habits, my goals in life within the next five years, and how to budget my money so that I can live and succeed on my own. I've realized since I've been in school, that this is the only way to go if you want to make something for yourself. If you dont attend college then you will be stuck doing the same thing with your life later that you are doing now. I have became very goal oriented since I've started and I am determined to achieve my bachelors degree in Business and later become a store manager for a high paying company such as Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister Co. With my new determined, independent, responsible, and motivated attitude, I know i can achieve great things if i continue to put my mind to you and strive for everything i want in life.