Southern Polytechnic State University Top Questions

I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy the time in college, it's a memory that will last a lifetime.

College is about learning about yourself; how fast can you understand a concept that is given to you, how you intereact in different environments, and how you can develop as a person in terms of maturity and professionally. College is the gateway to the 'real world', and it is easy to mess up if you can not adjust to the transition. Highschool prepares you for college, however, they sppon feed you most of the way. If I could go back in time to talk to myself, the biggest thing I would stress is time management. College is expensive so most students also work part-time or even full-time to pay expenses; housing, meal plans, supplies, ect. I did not think time management for college was any different than highschool, but I was wrong. In college, you have to learn the materials more on your own, not to mention how tedious lab reports, final projects, and design classes can be. College is also about having fun, so another I would say is, join as many clubs and organizations as possible. You should never go through college alone, because you never know when you'll need the help!

If you already know your major. Don't bother taking courses that doesn't correlate with your decided major. Also, you don't need to be honors or AP at everything - meaning don't overload unnecessary workload. Just do well in the courses that are required or pre-requisite for your major.

If I could go back to my high school self I would start off by saying that it really doesn't matter what people say or think about you. All that really matters is that you are true to yourself. Just because everyone else is wearing a certain type of clothes or participating in certain events does not mean that you have to do those things too. The next thing I would tell myself is that people will come and go out of your life so don't be afraid of people leaving and getting hurt. Every chapter in your life is going to end but that isn't a reason to not enjoy it. The last thing I would have to say is to live life and have fun. Enjoy every minute of each day because you never know when those days could end. All in all be a person that is kind and enjoys life because you never know where life will take you.

Work hard, very hard.

I am still technically a high school senior. I am Joint-Enrolled through the MOWR program. While technically Joint-Enrolled, I am a full-time student at Southern Polytechnic State University; all my classes are at SPSU; and I live on-campus. Honesty, this is the greatest academic opportunity I have ever had, and I intend to take full advantage of it. Time management is integral to college success but differs greatly from high school, even the Advanced Placement program and courses. If I could go back and talk to myself last (junior) year, I would advise myself to prioritize first. I had five APs in one year, technically, with other classes, volunteering, sports, and other extracurriculars. I needed to prioritize, to ensure I completed tasks of high priority, and not to stress as much over other little things that tended to distract me at that point. Next year, I will probably want to go back in time and tell myself not to overload. With the Joint-Enrollment, full-time college schedule, extracurriculars, the Honors program, volunteering when I can, and my internship, time is scarce, and energy can be lacking. I regularly catch myself in unstable balancing acts.

Take as many AP and dual enrolments as courses as possible when in high school. You will not believe how jealous you will be of the students that did so and have 30 or so credits, enough to be a sophomore, before they even start their first class. It is extremely helpful to get some of those classes out of the way as early as possible. Also, try to buy books early at an online source that it is a lot cheaper than the school bookstore. Additionally, remember to stay on top of all you assignments, once you fall behind they are usually no catching up. That is how most people fail classes based on my observation.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself that what I do now as a high school student really reflects the school I’m accepted in as a college student. During my senior year I was like many other kids my age "naive". I was comfortable and not aware that I was becoming a grown up and things were about to change. I went to a college for a semester, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. For more years than I would have liked I worked on different jobs getting experience. I did eventually go back to college and am still going to college now. I would tell myself the importance of a college education and how I had to be prepared to commit. I am not dissatisfied with the way my life has turned out thus far. I would tell myself to try hard, but also enjoy the ride and not let life pass you by. If there is something you want to be in the future you must go for it and not let any obstacle stand in your way.

As an experienced college student, I would tell any graduating senior to prepare for big changes. Most of the time, after graduating from high school, there are two big changes coming. First, college courses, which by them-selves, are time consuming and mentally tiresome. Second, moving away from home, which for most students will be the first time they will auctually live away from there parents. These two changes combined with the urge to go out and enjoy the night life can really impact a students college career.

If I could go back in time...WOW!! The first thing would be to finish high school naturally! I made it to the 12th grade before I dropped out due to some personal problems. I only had a few months before graduation. The next thing I would tell myself as a senior is go straight to college!! I waited 10+ years before I attained my GED, and another 3 years before I enrolled in any type of college. It is a much harder thing to do when your older! Especially if you have had a family in the process. The more excuses you make, the longer time goes by, the harder it becomes in my opinion. I often think about how far I could be in my education or my career path if I had gone straight to college. I try to instill this in my daughter. So I would tell myself, dont give up, its too important. With a small whack upon my own head, I would say "Wake up" You only get one life, make the most of it. Education is a beautiful thing! Having said that, it is NEVER too late. I'm living proof!! Thank you