Personal Narrative: Ahead Of The Game

Growing up with a father in the military, you move around a lot more than you would like to. I was born just east of St. Louis in a city called Shiloh in Illinois. When I was two years old my dad got the assignment to move to Hawaii. We spent seven great years in Hawaii, we had one of the greatest churches I have ever been to name New Hope. New Hope was a lot like Olivet's atmosphere, the people were always friendly and there always something to keep someone busy. I used to dance at church, I did hip-hop and interpretive dance, but you could never tell that from the way I look now.

The transition from high school to college is a dynamic time in one’s life that parallels the change from childhood to adulthood. Both of these changes are dramatic and, as a result, feelings are difficult to put down into words. A messy combination of emotions fills the heart, surfacing in strange ways. Confident high school seniors go right back to the bottom of the chain when entering college as freshmen. These students start all over, just like entering grade school or high school for the first time. The move up from high school to college signals the switch from dependence to self-sufficiency. From a personal point of view, going through the experience of graduating high school and transferring to a residential college campus at STLCOP, made me realize I was no longer a kid and capable of making my own decisions.

As adolescents begin their senior year, the topic of college often runs without hindrance, often causing extreme stress. As the monetary value, as well as the time spent, begins to accumulate in their minds, students often find themselves bound at the wrists figuring out a way to balance as well as afford college living. In many cases, the upcoming graduates are unsure about their career path, almost enhancing their stress in choosing a school that would cater to their needs. It is almost then they begin to ponder whether or not University/college life is for them, which is could be an extremely advantageous shot in a, for example, high achieving family. Whilst college does allow for a plethora of doors to be opened, the lack of time, effort, and money can hinder one 's ability to properly choose a university. Though school can help with the stepping stones of life, they do not entirely ensure a proper future, therefore many may opt out of school; however, with the correct actions, they may turn out extremely successful, which may not have even happened without the release of the burden of school.

Over my years of school, one big influence on me has always been sports. Ever since a young age, I have always enjoyed playing and watching sports. In my four years in high school, I have fell in love with the sport of lacrosse.

I woke up and took one bite out of my pop tart but that one bite was all I could eat. My legs were shaking, and my heart was pounding. My dad told me, “It is a true honor to even make it this far so go out there and have some fun.” Once I heard this statement, I knew I was ready to go. I arrived at school and boarded the bus. The car ride was an hour and fifteen minutes of hearing the squeaking of the wheel on the bus. My teammates were getting their heads ready for the big game.

As a senior in high school, questions regarding college and my plans for the years following graduation are asked to me on a day-to-day basis. College is definitely the most important thing I am focused on this year, and although a college degree is highly valued in the job field today, many argue that not everyone should attend college due to the fact that it brings a new level of responsibility that many cannot handle, many careers now do not require a four-year degree, and because students no longer have the desire to learn.

For the graduating high school senior each year there can be tough choices made about when and where to start college. Some have to decide if continuing their education even makes financial sense. There are many obstacles that a graduating senior must consider when making these decisions. Probably, the most difficult decision is where the funding for the continuing education will be coming from. For some, it does not make financial sense to even continue on with their education. Others face even more uncertain decisions about when to apply to a college and which college to attend. Once the decision to attend has been made, there are varying degrees of completion among the students who decide to attend. Student success depends on their support structure which can consist of family and friends to other outside resources. One can see that this time period, in a high school senior’s life, can be a perplexing and anxiety producing time.

Coming to college has shown me information and knowledge I never thought I was capable of learning and it will be knowledge I will use for the rest of my life. I came to college last year for my own personal growth and to expand my horizons. I thought about what I wanted to do after high school and continuing my education was number one on my list. I’m here simply to better my future, expand my knowledge, increase my potential, and learn more about myself. I want to make my family and myself proud by completing college and getting a degree. Bettering my future and making sure I have the information to be able to do my future career is my top priority because it’s the only thing I have continually been working for since the 9th grade. Expanding my knowledge in these courses that will soon get me to the school I need to be at is a compelling reason for me to stay motivated enough to wake up in the morning and push myself to come to school. I hope to increase my potential and develop into

Everyone looks forward to their senior year, whether it’s to rule the school, or just to simply graduate. There are many changes that go along with a final year in high school. At every family gathering one is asked those loaded questions about where they want to go to school or what they want to be in five or ten years. Those questions are what some students dread being asked, especially those who have absolutely no idea what their plan is. Today’s society has made it the social norm for young people to know what they want to do, and have made it difficult to go to college not having already declared a major on an application. Often this request is unrealistic. For some students, going to college is not what he or she wants to do. Students

Many students have a decision to make during high school. That is whether to continue and go to college or just stop there. By having a college education a person is offered a variety of job opportunities. While non-college students have opportunities they are very limited and rare. College is expensive and choosing a career is strenuous. College is extremely important in a student’s career and continuing school pays off. Many view colleges as a make or break situation. However, a person should think about their future and family.

So, I made a wrong turn today - literally. My brother called to cancel plans while I was driving, and I ended up somewhere in the DEEP south. (cue banjos) But I am wholly confident that God uses every of my wrong turns for his good.

In college, individuals are transitioning from childhood to becoming young men and women in the workforce who are responsible for paying bills, making major life decisions, etc. Once graduated from their university, students will be faced with all of this "adult stuff" whether

​It’s June 20th, the caps have been thrown and graduation has come to an emotional close. The moment we’ve all been waiting for since the first day of senior year, the next step of our lives has finally arrived. In those moments of joy, the topic of next year comes about. College. Four years of uncharted territory and faces that you haven’t seen everyday for the past 11 years. A place where you won’t know all of the names of your fellow peers and a lot of them won’t know yours. In my opinion, I believe the biggest challenge of a senior going to college is the fear of being on two feet and fully responsible for their education, actions and future. In this larger world, we are going to classes and lectures that are supposed to help us with

College students everywhere are being faced with problems such as what school to attend, financial issues, staying on a degree plan, the change of scenery, and much more once they reach a university, because they are unprepared for the change they are about to undertake. Many are so used to how things work in a junior college that when they get to a university, they are blindsided with whole new situations.

College students often find themselves overwhelmed with large amounts of stress pressing down on them. From the cost of education including loan debts and cost of materials, the amount of workload from each class and the responsibility of staying on top of everything, and the stress of social acceptance in a new environment. To help with this growing issue, parents and schools need to better prepare their graduates for what they will face in higher education schools by implementing college preparatory classes into senior year and colleges supplying higher numbers of academic and financial advisers. With a better understanding of what they are about to face, students can be smarter about the choices they make.