Shenandoah University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Shenandoah University know before they start?

Brooke

If I was given the oppurtunity to go back to high school I don't believe that there are not many things I would do differently. Maybe I would have visited the campus one or two more times to make sure it was the right fit, but the best advice I could give myself would be to open more to the people I meet. Upon arriving at Shenandoah I stayed to myself, I really did not act like the real me, which eventually led to problems with the friends I had made. They felt like I was a liar and they lost most of their trust in me because I was not really how I portrayed myself. After that incident I was very unhappy and almost transferred. Eventually I was able to make amends and explain my side of the story and why I acted the way I did, but if I would have just been the real me from the beginning, I never would have had to go through that horrible experience of having no one.

Amber

If I was a high school senior again, I would tell myself that when I get to college to take one day at a time. At first, college life is a lot to get used to. My family and friends aren't here to help me with a problem that I may be dealing with, and I have to learn how to handle things by myself. I would also tell myself not to procrastinate because if I procrastinate then I will be stressed out, and my grades will suffer from that. Another thing I would tell myself is that I am in control of my own actions. A lot of times in college many students have to deal with peer pressure, and that causes them to get involved in things that they should not be involved with. I'm here at college to learn and prepare for my future, not to make decisions that I will regret later on. One last word of advice I would give to myself is to never give up. Sometimes there are things that I do not understand, or I may be struggling with, but if I stick with it, it will get better.

Justin

To be honest, I would not go back and change anything. In many ways music has helped many people through very rough endeavors. I am one of those people. I am a second year student at Shenandoah University with a major in Musical Theatre. The power of music and acting fuels me to get out of bed every morning. The fact that I get to do something that makes me the happiest person alive in such an unstable time is such a great opportunity. Sadly this may be my last semester do to my families financial situation. I feel I deserve this scholarship because I have a dream. Yet, my dream is getting further and further away due to money issues that haunt my family. I need this scholarship to keep going after that dream so my family can rest easily and proud of there son, without worrying if I am going to make tuition for the next semester. I am very blessed to have a chance to come to a school as great as ?SU?. I wouldn?t want to do anything to change that.

Ashley

I would tell myself that I needed to take more advanced classes and to push myself in everything that I do. Also when I come to college I need to remind myself that I will not be the big person on campus like I was when I was a high school senior. Make myself more open to new opportunities and never let anything pass me by while in highschool. Also try and get involved in clubs or after school activities, this would have opened my eyes to different cultures which in turn would help me meet different people. I would also tell myself to never change myself for anyone no matter how important I thought they were at the time. Also to make time for my true friends and time to get away for a couple of hours from the books. I also need to have better time management for everything important that has to be done in a day.

Samantha

I would tell myself that social life is fun but remember that that is not all what college is about. I would tell myself to have put more effort into studying my freshman year and learn what resources there are as far as counselors go. I would also encourage myself to play a sport while in college and get more connected with people.

David

Always do the right thing. No matter where you are, or who is watching always do what is right. Be an ethical and moral individual. To many today try to get by the easy way and by hurting others and this is not the proper way to go about doing things. Always do what is right and treat people the way you wanted to be treated. I feel if more people did this today than we would not have the problems that we have going on throughout the world today.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not choose a school based on one visit and your current boyfriend. Looking back that was not the best idea I have ever had, but luckily it all worked out for the best. I ended up walking on to the softball team. I would tell myself to take classes more seriously and not worry what other people thought about me. I would tell myself to not give into peer pressure and to not party so much. I also think that I should have gotten more involved in other organizations on campus and to join a church before senior year. I think the number one thing that I would tell myself would be to always be yourself! Don't let others make you feel like you are not good enough and need to change. Be yourself and they can take it or leave it. You're the one that has to be happy and love yourself, not them.

Shawnee

I would tell myself that the best thing to do is break out of my shell from the minute I step on campus. You shouldn't be afraid to speak to anyone even if they seem very different from you. You may miss out on a potential strong friendship if you don't. This is your opportunity to expose yourself to different types of people from varying backgrounds and walks of life. Everyone there is new, scared, and wanting to fit in just like you. So change that! Don't skimp out on special welcoming events for freshman during your first week. Its how you meet some of the people that will be your friends and your support system for the entire four years and maybe beyond. The right group of friends really help you get through your college years in so many ways, including academically.

Katherine

For starters, BE PATIENT! The right school doesn't just pop out in front of you. I had to be very open minded and willing to explore all the possibilities. Look for a school that has a good atmosphere academically and socially. It's important to attend a school where they're accepting and understanding. Attending a school that is well rounded will help you in having a wonderful college experience. Pick a college that is SAFE! Everyone should feel comfortable and secure at all times! As for making the most of your college experience, have fun! Have fun learning and communicating! Get out of your dorm, your circle of friends and participate in campus activities and organizations. By doing this it will make you more aware of what you want out of life, and will make you a more well rounded person. I know I have, and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything! I love Shenandoah University!!!! Go Hornets!!!!

Alyssa

Going on tours of the school does not always make the decision of choosing the right school easier. My school offers a shadow day where interested high school students spend the day with a college student in your childs intented degree. I reccomend getting involved with the school you are interested in before choosing the right one. I did not really love college until the end of my second semester. It is hard to adjust to living on your own and having to fend for yourself but your parents are just a phone call away and there is always someone at school that can help you with anything you need.