Wichita State University Top Questions

At the end of high school I thought, “Ok, I have been at this for thirteen years; why not take a year off? Have some fun and save up some money.” Now as a 27 year-old returning adult student entering my sophomore year, I have been married for eight years, and have two children. I believe this gives me a unique perspective on the importance of and transition into college. Since high school, I have worked a string of back-breaking, labor intensive jobs often in non-climate controlled environments. While I do not regret the decisions I made in my personal life. Now I am faced with the realization that by this point in my life, even going to school just part time, since my graduation from high school, would have created a far better situation today. The older my children and I get the harder it seems to find time to attend classes, and now my whole family has to make major sacrifices for that to happen. If I could change one thing I would have never taken that “year” off and would have made the time when it only affected me.

If I could visit my high school self, I would tell him to diversify. I would tell him to take classes during senior year that broadened horizons and explored areas that were new. I would tell him to diversify his friendships and activities and to be open to new people and new outlooks. Moving to a college campus requires making new friends and being exposed to new viewpoints. Maintaining an insular circle of friends in high school made that transition more painful as I experienced an acute grief at the loss of my closest friends. Had I practiced making new friends before college, I would have been more adept at it when reaching campus. Likewise, I would tell the high school version of me to try new activities. I would recommend joining a new sport or activity. I would tell him to give student government a try, and seek out clubs where he could learn something new. Transitioning to college life can be difficult. Slipping into life on a campus can be made so much easier when you have a broader base of experiences and activities with which to seek out commonalities with the new people in your life.

Amy, I know you do not have much interest in college after graduating high school and I know your reasons why. What I wish I could help you to understand is that a college education is truly the very best key to self discovery, independence and achieving your greatest potential. In college, you can decide what interests you and what courses to pursue; and if you want to be able to support yourself and your family, you are going to need a college degree. Why don’t you give it a try? Start out with just one class. You might find out that you really like it and that you are much more intelligent than you now realize.

I would tell myself to really try and take advantage of all that is offered to you as a senior. Take all of those extra college classes and really strives for A's in these classes as it will really give you a head start for your college careers with some good grades in some college classes under your belt. Also, apply for all of the scholarships possible. There are so many scholarships that are just sitting out there waiting for someone to apply for them. The more scholarships earned, the less you will have to pay out of pocket. Strive to pay for college without taking out loans. If a loan is needed, try to pay it off in the shortest time possible. That is why so many people are already swarming in debt right out of college because they take out big loans that hurts them in the end. The final thing I would tell myself as a senior is to dream big and follow through with those dreams. If you want to be a doctor, do the best you can in class now so you can be prepared for the classes you will face in college.

Respects your parents listen to advice given by your elders work very hard in school get good grades and balance social life and school work. Focus more on the future because fun doesn’t end it will still be there even after graduation. Give back to the community, respect my peer and join as many volunteer programs, verses watching TV at home. Clean my rooms, help my parents at home, and finally help any peer that may need help.

I would allow myself to mature as an individual and as a student before diving straight into college. I attended Boise State for two years followed by a 4 year "break" due to obtaining a quality full time job. I've since moved backed to Kansas and married an amazing and in turn have grown up a lot. I re-enrolled in school at age 25 with a much better head on my shoulders than at age 18. I don't feel like my first two years of college right out of high school were a mistake by any means, but I am retaining information at a much higher level in my mid twenties and am much more passionate about my schoolwork now that I am striving towards a career field.

The first thing I would tell myself is not to be to nervous because everyone else feels the same as you. College is so much different than high school, no one is judging you on appearance, status, or if you get straight A's . You will make so many new friends and learn so much from them as they will from you. You think that you don't have much to offer the world but you will find that your personal story is unique and people will want to listen to you. College will be hard at times but you will find that it is also easy. Don't be afraid to open up in class and talk about your background. Listen to others and learn from them. If you fail at something, don't give up try a new approach or ask for help. This is the best advice I could go and give myself as a high school senior.

I think I had great advise in high school, however now that i have been out of school I realize that with the economic crisis some fields are becoming scarce. I wish I would have given myself more time to explore more careers and had found out of ways to choose the field that I would have liked better. I think if I were a high school senior again I would enjoy every moment and do more then what I did. I was on the right path but I was too focused on getting into college that I feel that I missed out on other opportunities. I would probably tell myself to do an internship in my field to know if that is really what I want. I missed the opportunity for the Bio-Medical program my school offered. One important thing I would say to myself always follow your instincts and take advantage of the opportunities given to you because they are only there once in a life-time.

Because I graduated from high school a year early I would tell myself to stay in high school for the fourth year, not because I do not like college but because I was not ready for it when I started. When I went into college I thought it was going to be a breeze like highschool was, but it was not and I did not begin trying in my classes till it was too late I got a 2.90 GPA for that first semester which was horrible compared to my 3.76 GPA in high school. So I would tell myself to get prepared for classes and to start homework early, do not wait till the day before it's due. Also I would tell myself to take a class that will be enjoyable and be stress-relieving compared to the other classes that have to be taken. This will help to relieve stress and make taking the other classes more bearable. One last piece of advice I would give myself is to remember to have fun sometimes and to not get caught up in any problems that may arise and cause a loss of concentration. Stay focused.

Riana, the fact is, you need money for college. I know you and our parents thought all it would take to get into college and the education paid for was to get excellent grades and be involved. But you have to do more. The reality is, you could've just been mediocre throughout high school and would be in the same financial place that I am now. The key for success in college... DEADLINES. I hope you get this before November because that's when you need to start with the scholarship process. Riana, you need to apply to a couple of schools that you want to go to NOW. Submit scholarship applications and tell your counselor which schools you're interested in so she can make sure you're on their radar. Be diligent. You're whole college career can be determined from these next few months. You can get your college education paid for! You just have to meet the deadlines. That should be your motto in college. And don't just meet the deadlines, be early. College is very competitive. So get going! You won't regret it. Trust me. I know you better than anyone.