University of Mary Top Questions

College is a life-changing and eye-opening experience. Before college I did not fully understand that my procrastination could lead to serious issues, I did not realize that friendships took so much time and effort, I was ignorant to the intense amount of sacrifice my family makes for me, and I did not even come to the conclusion that dirty dishes, do not in fact wash themselves. College changed my perspective on school, friendships, family, and independence. The process of becoming ‘independent’ is not easy. At times, it can seem downright impossible. Paying bills, missing family and friends, and studying for hours on end can be difficult. However, this collegiate experience has helped shape me. Through my studies, I came to appreciate the process of learning and not just the product of learning. Through my trials financially, I came to appreciate the value of money. Through my piles of laundry and dishes, I came to appreciate the importance of the environment in which I live. Through my emotional stress, I most importantly, came to appreciate the beauty of family and friendship. College is valuable for forming the mind and spirit, for nurturing relationships and freedom. College is valuable!

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to keep marching. No matter what happens in the next couple of years, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will be doing the right thing. ALso, keep positive. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the many things on the to-do list. Focus on one thing at a time, and it will fall into place. And finally, loosen up and have a great time.

I would say to keep a detailed planner, even the most inane details can prove fatal if you don't write them down. College is fun, but it's a lot of work. And when it's not a lot of work, you're not studying hard enough. There's always something to do, but finding a line to draw to get school work done is key. Keep goals in mind and never lose faith. In the long run, the debt is well worth the degree! Also, to realize that the few hours you have free being a music major is yours to eat, sleep, and practice. Free time...save it for summer vacation when you're not working. Work hard and you'll be well praised!

The advice I would give myself is, just be yourself. I don't know how many times I dimmed my light for someone else to shine over me. I would get poor grades because I didn't feel the need to be center of attention or to be better than everyone else. So i would tell myself to shine the light that I have and don't dim it for anyone else. I wish I would have known that a long time ago, but coming to college I have learned to shine my light and I do things for myself and not to please others. I am being the best I can and a person should do no less.

Since I didn't start college until I was thirty, I would go back sit myself down and say,"If you want to live the rest of your life with better opportunities and a brighter outlook, then start to strengthen your desire to attend college now. Four years is nothing compared to the rest of your life. You won't do anything worth while anyway for the next four years. Stay out of the bars, stay in the books, believe in yourself and trust in the Lord. You are going to receive an offer for a full scholarship. I know that the conditions that you will reside in will be dangerous, but take it. Its a gift that you will never get another chance at. Believe me when I say, if you want to drastically improve your future, then get your but to school!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to procrastinate because those habits carry into college and that is not a good one to have. I would also tell myself not to worry and follow what I like to do. I would advise more volunteer time so as to help others as well as learn more about my passions. I would tell myself to take more challenging classes to prepare myself for college life. I would tell myself to enjoy my time because it goes by so fast and appreciate my family because they did so much for me. Now that I'm on my own it gets hard not only emotionally but financially to support myself. Lastly I would tell myself to just have an open mind and not be afraid to try new things because it's through those experiences that we learn about ourselves.

Don't be afraid to commit because fellow students and advisors will help you make the best decision for you. Take it seriously from the start and make choices based on your interests and not your friends. You will have fun if you choose classes and a college that you have interest in.

I would go back to the start of grade 12 and tell my self to start looking into different colleges in Canada and the United States to decide where I want to go a lot earlier. That I should have looked at what the ACT or SAT score requirments are to get an academic scholarship to the school. I would then tell myself that as a freshman I should have lived on campus to get to know a lot more of the other students. To make sure that I get involved into a lot of different activities that are offered during the school year on campus.

College is about more than just grades. Now, I'm not saying don't study. I'm simply saying you don't have to study all the time. It is easy to get caught up in the busy life of a college student, but part of the college experience is getting out and meeting people. In addition, if you work too much you will burn out quickly, so take time to sit on a bench on the walking path and enjoy the scenery. Go for a walk with someone and make new friends. Those friends will be your foundation as you continue with your schooling. Do not jump into things too quickly, though. Some relationships are dangerous, even though they may seem good for you at first. If you concentrate on the things you find important in life other things will fall into place. Concentrate on your grades and activities you want to be involved in but make sure to spend time with friends and relaxing too. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so enjoy it while it lasts. The years fly by faster than you will ever want them to.

I would tell myself not to take time off, and to try my hardest. I would say not to concentrate on the things of this world and to concentrate on what my true desires are in life. I would tell myself to focus and make myself the best person I can be. Not to concentrate on boys and partying, and just like I said before, find what I really want in life.