Wheaton College-Norton Top Questions

Ive gotten a lot out of my college experience. It hasn't always been easy considering my background but I know a good education is key to success. I dont know where I'd be right now if I wouldn't have stayed in school. I love learning new things. I learned early in life through living with a very abusive family that things can be taken away from you, boundaries can be violated but no one can ever take your knowledge. School and music have always been my constants in life. Id like to go for a M. S or PhD. in Math or Physics. Ive learned that you can't be afraid to try new things and get involved on campus. I will soon be completing Associates and then on to get my B.S degree. In college I've participated in a variey of activities including OSU band, Math Club, Society of Wemon in Physics, Real Life and many more. I've learned that you have to just get out there, try new things, and find what makes you happy. For me it is learning and no one can ever take away my determination to learn.

The best that my college experience has given me is inspiration to create art. I have come up with amazing ideas for storylines for movies and graphic designs to begin my business. This experience is valuable to me because my career is based on creative ideas and networking. I have met amazing people at the school and the future looks very bright for me. It is liberating for me to be able to find a school which is based around art and everyone who attends share the same mind set.

My college experience has been a real journey, I have actually learned to appreciate having an education more and more. I started off at a two year college and transferred to a four year college after only two semesters. Once I transferred to that four year college I became really overwhelmed with being in classes that had one hundred students or more. Also, being a single parent at the time and working two jobs didnt not help out much. I stayed at the college for over a year and then the amount of classes I took became less and less. At the time I think that I wasn't ready for the "Big" campus life, I also realized that I moved to fast and I should have just statyed at the two year college until I was finished and then transferred. After sitting out more than two semesters I finally am back at the two year college prepared to finish with an Associate and then move on to a Bachelors degree not only for myself but for my son also. Teaching him the importance of education is most important to me more than anything.

What I got out of a college experience is far more than just excellent academic offerings. Being at Wheaton gave me life skills that I have held to this day--basic things such as budgeting money and knowing how to have a checking account, to being faced with some difficult social situations and knowing how to deal with them. It gave me the tools to know how to prioritize, set good limits and boudnaries, and to have a strong inner confidence and direction in life.

Listen to your heart and focus on what you want. Don't let others' beliefs about what your career and social goals should be influence what you are truly passionate about. Pick a school that feels "right" when you step on campus, but make sure it has all of the tools you need to succeed as well. When you arrive on campus, stay positive and take setbacks as learning opportunities. Conquer at least one of your fears. Branch out and interact with people from different backgrounds, different areas of the country and world, and with different interests - that's what diversity really is about. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone even if it means retreating back into it over and over again. Above all, take risks and always be true to yourself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would say that the extra work helps in the future even if it doesn?t seem like it will. Homework shouldn?t be done quickly just to show some effort was put in, it should be done correctly to get in good habits and make it easier each time after. Learn the most effective ways to getting things accomplished as well as managing time so that everything gets done with enough efficiency. Keep in mind that everything is important, so spread out time and know that most things are not as important as they are perceived, so stressing will not help the situation. Be open to new things that come up and be willing to go out and get involved. Enjoy everything and don?t be so stressed about admissions and the next year, live in the present and have some fun. Stay on top of work, but find time to relax and unwind. Take a real good look at yourself and decide how to improve to become the type of person you really want to be, and then do it.

If I was to go back in time and give advice to myself before entering college I think the most important piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity. I would tell myself to get involved in as many activities as possible and go outside of my comfort zone. I would also say that it is important to take care of yourself and that you need to make sure that you're doing what makes you happy and not just your family and friends. Do not be afraid to defy societal norms and take this time in your life to explore what the world has to offer. I would also say that it is crucial to study abroad in order to get an even greater view of this world we live in. I was able to spend a semester in South Africa living in four culturally different homestay families which gave me the ability to learn about their cultures, this experience gave me the ability to begin to understand the world in an even deeper way which is crucial to a college education. Overall it is important to enjoy your time in college.

The best advice that I could give myself is "do not procrastinate". At the beginning of each semester most professors give out syllabi with assignment due dates. Use the syllabi to your advantage! Make up a calendar when things are due so you can see when you might have many assignments due at once. Then make a work schedule for yourself; how much to do in one day; how many hours to work in one day, etc. If you stick to your schedule you will not feel overwhelmed in your work. It is also very important that you give yourself little breaks throughout the day so you don't overwork yourself.

This is nothing like high school and to come prepared for a heavier workload than that of high school.

Find a place where you feel you fit in, a place where you can call home, a place where you truly feel like you would achieve everything that you want.