7 answers
Maya
Student
Macon, Georgia
5
Questions
Asked
357 views
Do I have a chance in college?
I been asking a lot about college applications and I'm still not sure if I want to reveal my real life story or choose something safe - yet unique to stand out. My unweighted GPA is a 3.3 while my weighted is a 3.7. I haven't done any extracurricular until my junior and senior year due to unfortunate events that happened in my past. But now that I am a senior, I been trying to force myself to grow. I'm currently a student ambassador at one of my schools, and I plan to join Deca.. and I gotten an internship for the same school I'm an ambassador for. Compared to other kids my age - my life feels so.. bleh. I just now started a Youtube channel to add as something I've done. But I'm worried I won't stand out at all. I need someone to be blunt with me, do I stand a chance in college?
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1737
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maya !
This is a good question when trying to figure things out and making sense of the world around you. You have been doing great !
As an older person, with life experience, let me tell you, based on what I have observed, you do not need to "stand out" or compare yourself with others. We all have our own developmental stages in life, do things in our own time and do it the unique way we do it. So you are already someone very special. The exciting part is that you are special to others in all different ways. You are going to meet a large amount of people in your lifetime and each one of them will touch your life in a different way as you touch theirs.
Big advice: never compare yourself to others. Why ? See what the result is ? It had the power to make you feel less than you really are. Frankly, you are lucky to be you and you do not want to be anyone else because things are not always what they seem on the surface. Everyone has that certain something that is a struggle, even the people you think are perfect. They're not.
Instead of saying that you're forcing yourself to grow, recognize it for what it is - an exciting beginning of progress in your life. Just because you're venturing into new things, it does not mean that you've "forced" yourself, rather you are on a natural path of growth. It happens for everyone at different times, but you've discovered your time now which is wonderful ! I will admit, it is a bit difficult for anyone to start being self-directed when there is very little support, so I am glad that you visit Career Village and seek advice as you go along.
When I was a social service case manager I had one professional associate who also worked with my client and this associate told the client that quote, "Success is the best revenge." Although I personally do not agree or believe in "revenge", more like letting karma take care of it, the client responded very well to that statement. To me, what it simply means is that you, Maya, have the power to rise above the situations and people that make you feel the way you do now. You're not going to always feel this way.
Not everyone meets a negative fate, but I was disappointed to learn how some popular people in high school and college ended up. I was an acting student majoring in theatre in college and I know of at least two of my classmates that were very popular, were cast in every single play they auditioned for and sometimes pre-cast because they were so popular in the town we were training in. When they got to the big city for their acting, disaster struck. They were no longer popular, not cast in anything because no one knew them, they became lost and self destructive because they couldn't handle it. So appreciate the level you are at now, do not compare yourself with others even if they seem to be the most popular thing going - things change.
Joining DECA will be such a positive and worthwhile venture because you will begin to learn how to shape the the future but more importantly - your future. That's what matters. Enjoy today as much as you can and look forward to all the new people you will meet, the places you will go and the heights you will reach. You are doing all fabulous activities now, don't look back, take steady steps forward and you will enjoy college and have a fabulous experience with personal growth, trying new things, exploring and meeting new people.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best ! You're doing great !
This is a good question when trying to figure things out and making sense of the world around you. You have been doing great !
As an older person, with life experience, let me tell you, based on what I have observed, you do not need to "stand out" or compare yourself with others. We all have our own developmental stages in life, do things in our own time and do it the unique way we do it. So you are already someone very special. The exciting part is that you are special to others in all different ways. You are going to meet a large amount of people in your lifetime and each one of them will touch your life in a different way as you touch theirs.
Big advice: never compare yourself to others. Why ? See what the result is ? It had the power to make you feel less than you really are. Frankly, you are lucky to be you and you do not want to be anyone else because things are not always what they seem on the surface. Everyone has that certain something that is a struggle, even the people you think are perfect. They're not.
Instead of saying that you're forcing yourself to grow, recognize it for what it is - an exciting beginning of progress in your life. Just because you're venturing into new things, it does not mean that you've "forced" yourself, rather you are on a natural path of growth. It happens for everyone at different times, but you've discovered your time now which is wonderful ! I will admit, it is a bit difficult for anyone to start being self-directed when there is very little support, so I am glad that you visit Career Village and seek advice as you go along.
When I was a social service case manager I had one professional associate who also worked with my client and this associate told the client that quote, "Success is the best revenge." Although I personally do not agree or believe in "revenge", more like letting karma take care of it, the client responded very well to that statement. To me, what it simply means is that you, Maya, have the power to rise above the situations and people that make you feel the way you do now. You're not going to always feel this way.
Not everyone meets a negative fate, but I was disappointed to learn how some popular people in high school and college ended up. I was an acting student majoring in theatre in college and I know of at least two of my classmates that were very popular, were cast in every single play they auditioned for and sometimes pre-cast because they were so popular in the town we were training in. When they got to the big city for their acting, disaster struck. They were no longer popular, not cast in anything because no one knew them, they became lost and self destructive because they couldn't handle it. So appreciate the level you are at now, do not compare yourself with others even if they seem to be the most popular thing going - things change.
Joining DECA will be such a positive and worthwhile venture because you will begin to learn how to shape the the future but more importantly - your future. That's what matters. Enjoy today as much as you can and look forward to all the new people you will meet, the places you will go and the heights you will reach. You are doing all fabulous activities now, don't look back, take steady steps forward and you will enjoy college and have a fabulous experience with personal growth, trying new things, exploring and meeting new people.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best ! You're doing great !
Dang, I wish I could write like you! You hit this one out of the park! Thanks for being a part of the team!
Kim Igleheart
Kim, you are one of the sweetest people, thank you. I have spent my life being profoundly involved with the human experience whether it was the acting or social service work. It seems as though nothing is a mystery to me when it comes to people and behavior and interactions. I honor your experience as a protector of communities and have much admiration for people who have that skillful talent. I love inspiring and motivating people and I thank you for your kind words !
Michelle M.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1715
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Maya,
There are plenty of colleges that would be happy to have you as a student! Students who have "experienced life" have SO much more to contribute to class discussions, have a more mature view of the world, and can easily build upon those experiences. Granted, you might not get into Yale, but, that leaves a lot of other options!
A friend shared this quote with me. I don't know who said it. Often attributed to Einstein, but, there's no evidence that he said it. But, it sums it up so beautifully! "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
But, being totally blunt. . . .Counseling could help you, if you are not already in it. Look for the positive things in your life, the positive contributions you make in others' lives, the goodness in this otherwise messed up world. It's out there. We are all unique due to our own individual life experiences. USE that uniqueness! And, if you don't want to share your life story in your college admission essay, that's okay too. Perhaps you can find a way to bring it up without totally delving into it. Do whatever you're comfortable with.
Let me ask you this: what do you want to major in, and why?
Kim
There are plenty of colleges that would be happy to have you as a student! Students who have "experienced life" have SO much more to contribute to class discussions, have a more mature view of the world, and can easily build upon those experiences. Granted, you might not get into Yale, but, that leaves a lot of other options!
A friend shared this quote with me. I don't know who said it. Often attributed to Einstein, but, there's no evidence that he said it. But, it sums it up so beautifully! "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
But, being totally blunt. . . .Counseling could help you, if you are not already in it. Look for the positive things in your life, the positive contributions you make in others' lives, the goodness in this otherwise messed up world. It's out there. We are all unique due to our own individual life experiences. USE that uniqueness! And, if you don't want to share your life story in your college admission essay, that's okay too. Perhaps you can find a way to bring it up without totally delving into it. Do whatever you're comfortable with.
Let me ask you this: what do you want to major in, and why?
Kim
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
599
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Sounds like you are doing a good job of taking care of your business. A little secret, I think most of us felt lost well into our late 20s. My advice for you would be to keep accumulating skills and knowledge so that you can be ready for opportunities to come your way.
Worst case scenario, you can always attend a junior college and colleges in the community will accept a transfer from the JC as long as you meet certain requirements. There is always a path forward. Try not to be so hard on yourself.
Worst case scenario, you can always attend a junior college and colleges in the community will accept a transfer from the JC as long as you meet certain requirements. There is always a path forward. Try not to be so hard on yourself.
Joseph Gimilaro
Executive
2
Answers
North Hampton, New Hampshire
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Absolutely, you have the potential to excel in college. Any high schooler who can maintain a B average throughout high school is certainly capable of doing well in college. The key is to identify a college that aligns with your passions and abilities. Not everyone can attend a highly reputed institution, but that doesn't mean you can't thrive in your academic journey and beyond. There are countless individuals who have accomplished remarkable feats without the label of a prestigious school. The majority of colleges offer excellent education. Therefore, seek out a school that feels like the right fit for you and commit to working diligently. You'll acquire and hone the skills necessary for success in any path you decide to pursue.
Joseph Ford
159
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
WOW, and yes you DO already stand out. Everything you mentioned will bring visibility just make sure you include on the applications for college. You don't need to overdue extra curriculars. It's the choices you make that colleges look into. You're already a Star so have that confidence and look forward to your next venture.
Robert Kunkel
Manager Labor Relations
4
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I grew up in a neighborhood where very few ever went to college. I did poorly in high school and never thought college was an option for me and instead joined the military. While in the military I had a friend who was in college and in talking with her found that I could audit a few classes . That is, to essentially sit in on a class to see if it was for me. I loved it and when I went to audit another class, the professor told me to stop doubting myself and just enroll. I took his advice and finished with a 3.5 GPA and went on to earn a Masters degree as well. So, if you want to go to college, just do it. Get into the best school you can, work hard and you will be fine. You can do it!
Rose Viqueira
Labor Relations
2
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Rose’s Answer
You've already shown your strength by overcoming obstacles, and that alone sets you apart. Try to harness the qualities and skills that helped you during tough times, and use them to further develop other abilities you possess. This will build a solid base and boost your self-confidence, paving the way for your future. Your extracurricular activities seem engaging and demanding. Avoid overloading yourself with too many. Instead, channel your energy into those you find enjoyable and have potential for growth. As for your college decision, good luck! Whether you decide to go immediately or take a gap year to refine your choices, it won't matter in the grand scheme of things. Wishing you all the best once more!