Spring Arbor University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself as a new high school senior is one, don't stress!! Things will eventually work themselvtes out, so just do all that you can, but don't try and rush things. Prayer is a big help when you are making such big decisions. Two, I would say do more college visits. Going and seeing the campus is really the only way to make a decision about which college is best. A website is nice, but it doesn't really help you narrow down your choices. Thirdly, I would say to get things done early! Make a list of deadlines, and get started way in advance. If you do this you won't miss any important due dates, and you will be sure to make yourself eligible for more scholarships and financial aid. The last thing is apply for as many scholarships as you can. Even if you are busy, make it a priority to get these applications in. Paying for college is expensive, and every extra money you can get is helpful. College seems like it is far away, but it is really closer than you think! Work hard, and everything will be alright!

When I was in high school, I looked forward to going to college and being away from home. I was nervous that I would miss my family and friends who went to community college, but I am overall very satisfied with my choice of going to a 4 year university away from home. If I could go back in time to my high school self I would say, "don't worry about leaving because college will be good for you and you will make new friends and learn a lot more about who you are by going to a university where you can live on campus." I hope I would be able to tell myself that the experiences that I have gained from living on my own have allowed me to grow as a person and become more tolerant of people who I had not had contact with in high school and would not have encountered had I not decided to go away to school.

I would tell myself to be more active on my studies and to be more involved with the student organizations. I would tell myself to take harder classes and push myself to the highest level and get myself ready for whats to come.

I would tell myself to be more focused and more dedicated to becoming the best individual I could be. Rather than worrying about the latest fashion or the latest trends I should realize that those things wont matter 30 years from now, but my education will.

If I had the opportunity to travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know about college now I would choose to tell myself nothing other than to take chances and make the most out of every moment, treasuring both the good times and bad. As a college Senior, I have realized in four short years that I have grown not only in my accademic field, but more so in my personal life. I have discovered the person I am: a community member, an educator, a leader, funny, friendly, and I could list many more attributes. The reason why I would not give myself any other advice is because with every good time and with every bad experience, I have grown and have learned valuable lessons. Without the bad, there would be no good in my opinion. Taking chances is a scary thing, especially when your a college freshman trying out for the cheerleading squad for example, but without taking chances I would have never experienced the moments I will remember forever. In conclusion, I have no regrets of my college experience because I took chances and treasured every moment.

As fun as school is, and as exciting as it is to be able to take classes that you finally care about, don't get distracted. Remember to take time to stop. If you try to do too much- academically or otherwise- you will get exhausted. Stay focused, and remember that you're here for the education in its entirety, not for the grade.

I would tell mysellf to take more college courses for free instead of taking those classes in college and paying money. Also, I would have applied for more scholarships and looked at more collges or universities outside of Michigan.

At college, remember to work hard but don't forget to play hard. It is important to have a good balance between work and social life because you can't keep working if you don't stop to play and take time for yourself and your friends.

My advice to you is to take yourself seriously and realize that THIS is reality. As a first generation student, know that this will be a tricky ride, but it is NOT impossible. Get together with other students to do homework and study. Form good, healthy relationships will all sorts of people. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone (academically, physically, socially, culturally, spiritually, etc.). Do not let the time go out the window. You only have four years at college so make the most of it. Do all that you can so that when you look back on these years, you'll be completely satisfied and have absolutely no regrets about missed opportunity. Go to class and be an active participant in your world.

Prepare ahead of time. Consider what program you desire and compare college programs. Don't wait until its time to attend college. Preparation starts before you graduate from high school. Adult learning programs are also available at many colleges. Now may be the time you consider furthering your own education.