Knowing what you know now, what is one piece of advice you'd share with younger students? by Carrissa

Knowing what you know now, what is one piece of advice you'd share with younger students? by Carrissa - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Knowing what I know now, one piece of advice I would share with younger students is to take their education seriously and get it while they can. While I did pursue and complete my Associates Degree right after high school, I did not return to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree until 10 years later. This was after I had become a parent and was working full time. I am now currently pursuing my Master’s Degree, which I plan to complete one year from now.

Being a full-time graduate student his very hard, especially when you also have to hold down a full-time job and are a single parent. My advice to younger students would be to take advantage of the ability to be able to attend college and live the college experience while getting your education while you do not have the “adult” responsibilities of being a parent (which is a full-time job) and also having to work a full-time job.

While pursuing my Associate’s Degree, I did live away from home and in a college dorm on campus. Those were some of the best years of my life, and I made great and lasting friends. Had I known then what I know now, I would have continued my educational journey straight through instead of moving back home, moving out of my parents’ house, and getting a full-time job.

Take it from someone who knows firsthand. Pursuing an education is much easier when you don’t have to simultaneously take on the full-time responsibilities of adulthood. Don’t rush to grow up and get your education while you can. It’s much easier that way.