I jumped off my roof. Despite the thoughts that may run through one’s mind when reading that phrase, I am not suicidal. Do I know people who are? Yes. However, that is not what this story is all about. When I was ten years old, my best friend, Deja, came over to my house. I was just being stupid and following her, but for the first time, I felt free. You see, I grew up in a very strict,...

We have sat for too long, and now that we are regressing rather than progressing, people have begun to stand up again because something is jeopardizing their well being– something within their own communities, something within the heart of the nation as people turn to hatred because their comfortable sheltered lives have been threatened. They have been beckoned to serve. There is no use talking about how we came to be in this state, though. There is no use wondering...

Dark, sullen, angry, selfish, attention seeker-- the stereotype surrounding those who self-harm. I will admit I used it as an escape route once upon a time, but there is no reason that I should be judged for how I managed my inner demons years ago. Family problems conjoined with the stress of school and my own will to succeed are what led to me using this method of release. I confided in a friend, and she was able to help...

I never knew what I wanted to do after high school, so deciding on a school was difficult. At first, I listened to parents, friends, siblings, and counselors, when choosing schools to apply to. However, I soon realized it was my future and I had to be the one to make that decision if I wanted to be satisfied with my life. Of course we were required to write career papers in English class and adults loved to ask what my plans were after high school, but I never put forth the required effort in choosing a career. It was...

Getting recommenders is easy! All you have to do is find 2-3 people you have a good relationship with. Ask them face to face for better success. Simply ask if they would be willing to write you...

My school focuses on creating strong leaders. Being involved and holding...

I took out loans and applied to scholarships. As far as loans, go they aren't as bad as people make them sound. Know the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. You may need a parent to cosign, especially if it's a large amount and you don't have credit. Be smart about it. You don't want both you and your parents to end up in debt. There are so...

My school is located in the capital of South Carolina. This is perfect because that means downtown is only a few minutes away. However, the campus itself is more so in a suburban area. This is good because there are less of the noises...

Summer time is a great time to relax from the stress of school. However, it is also a great time to get ahead. One way is to do an internship. Positions are typically offered to college students in their junior or senior year, but if you have the opportunity to secure one earlier, then go for it! Internships are an awesome way to gain experience in your field and to make connections. Networking is super important, especially in competitive fields. Interning can also give insight on how you fit into your field. You may be only delivering coffee and filing...

So maybe that school wasn't your perfect fit. That's okay! Transferring is an option. In fact, many students transfer after their first or second year. Be smart about it, though. When it comes to transferring schools, consider the same steps you took when applying to colleges for the first time as well as your reason for leaving. What is it you're looking for in a school? Visit. Talk to other students. Read reviews not just on...