University of the District of Columbia Top Questions

Stay focused in the class and get the extra help you need.

Just persevere and finish college, it will be worth it when its over.

Looking back at my high school years I would have taken more college level courses during high school. I would have applied myself and strive for my highest potential. I would not have gotten deterred by my peers. I would have listen to my inner voice and built and raise up my confidence to prepare myself for college years ahead of me. I would have sought any additional help that was needed for those questions that I did not understand. I would have strive to be the best me that I could have been always. Looking back at my high schools years I would have even taken some courses on college campuses. I would have begun my college search early. I would have talk to students that were already at college and learn some of their strategies of how they prepared theirselves. I would have spent more time in the guidance counselors office seeking and obtaining knowledge of what was ahead of me. I would have studied more and ignore the naysayers.

I would have advised myself to start filling out scholarships, at least 3 a day so that it wouldnt be too overwhelming with the school work. I would have decided that for my first year of college to just attend UDC instead of starting at Penn State for one year and then transfering and having to become a freshman all over again because of credential reasons. I would have advised myself to start saving money no matter the amount just a little something every week for emeergencies or fro when i really need. I would have advised myself to look fro internships and other opportunities of work that would look great on a resume for a future career job. Lastly I would advise myself to be prepared for college because it is the real deal and keep all documents just incase something were to happen and you need any evidence or referrals to prove your case.

As a young woman now in graduate school, if given the chance to go back in time, I would definately have to encouage my high school self of a few important things. Those include being more open minded, learn to be more organized, college is where you learn who you truly are and be ready to put in hard work that comes along with it. When in highschool the average person finds it hard to comprehend a world that exists outside of highschool. Particularly in my high school there wasnt much cultural diversity; in coming to undergrad in the nations capital, my whole world changed in just a semester. I met wonderful people who i became life long friends with and would have never met, had I not attended The University of the District of Columbia. It is also here that I truly learned about me as a person. It was also here that my passion for criminal justice was nutured by fun loving and challenging professors.

Reflecting back and being able to advise myself on life by past experiences today, I would begin with explaining the importance of self-identity, communication, focusing, and determination for self-satisfaction. Self-identity is essential to have under your belt because only you as an individual know what you want out of life, what makes you comfortable and uncomfortable, and how to approach certain situations. Communication and networking is key to getting ahead respectively and also productively. Meeting new people, the ability to articulate and strong reading and writing skills shall bring about different faces and opportunities for growth. Growth is essential to excel in a fast paced living environment. With growth, communication and self-identity brings a focused and determined mindset. These key components can bring a successful career, environmental setting, and also likeminded people who are capable of bringing you up and wanting to push beyond what you looked at as a higher achiever and want more beyond surface level. The world is yours and you can conquer it with humbleness and an attitude of pride in the back pocket. Go out there; obtain what is yours in addition to what you WANT AND NEED.

When i was in high school I did not have to study much. Things came to me fairly easy, but since I have been in college I have found that I do have to study more & all those things that I thought I would never use have come into play now.

In high school, I began to adapt to relying upon my teachers, in such case that I had not needed to remember to complete assignments since I received reminders, unlike college. My studying habits may have contradicted the meaning of study since I never really did. Prior to taking an exam, I glanced over material, not necessarily looking for an understanding but more of, “hoping this is an answer to a test question”. College has drastically changed me related to becoming independent, well-organized, understanding and applying knowledge I’ve obtained to my current lifestyle. If I could speak to my high school being, I would encourage myself to not ignore or bypass a piece of work I was taught regardless what it was. Occasionally, I had not made great attempt to remember material since I didn’t think it was necessary to pursue the major I was considering. Going to college has proven that indefinite responsibility is required as well as a maturity level I may have lacked. The best advice I could give to myself as a senior in high school is to understand that as you get older precise decision-making becomes a significant factor in life.

Kisha, it takes more than the dream itself to make that dream a reality. So you think you’re smart, huh? You are. But let me tell you something you don’t know: Smart won’t earn you a college degree. It won’t pay for tuition; and it certainly won’t slap you in the face when you feel like giving up and tell you to shut the **** up and get on with your education! More so than intellect, you need a plan, several alternatives to that plan and perseverance so much so that any detours to a goal will NOT be the destination. Where is the money to pay for college going to come from? Your father doesn’t have a clean-enough tax record to assist you in receiving financial aid; and your mother is dead. That being said, let me tell you what you do have: you have the will, the fight and the know-how to make ANY dream of yours become a reality. When you make this dream of becoming a college graduate important to you, then you will identify the resources to make it happen. Now make it happen. Overnight shift, anyone?

If I could tell my high school self anything I would say "Listen to your teachers, counselors and apply for college early". I wish I had planned my college career in advance and taken college more seriously in high school. If there is one thing you should know about college is that it is important! College will shape the rest of your life, so don't blow it off. If you think you can't afford college, think again. There are so many amazing businesses and organizations that offer scholarships. Plus, you can also apply for financial aid. Don't let the fear of not being able to afford college stop you. Once you get to college you will be so glad you chose to attend. Just make sure you keep up with your reading and go to class! Also, time management is all on you, so don't let deadlines pass you by mistake. While college is about learning, its also about living, so don't forget to take time to get involved with school activities, sports and clubs. I know you will learn so many things about yourself and the field you want to go into. Good luck!