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Teen Poll

Q: Who influences your college decisions the most and why?
A: I would have to say that my mom has been the biggest influence on me in my plans for university. Sometimes I think she is more excited about it than me! It’s not because she wants me to leave home, but I know she wants me to have a wonderful experience in my transition to a new school and a new independence. I realize it must be difficult to let your only child leave home for the first time, so I try to understand what she’s feeling. She has taught me to be very responsible and has always made me feel confident in all my decisions. The best thing is, she’s only a phone call away!  Nikki Scaddan, 18, a freshman at the University of Windsor

A: My mother is the biggest influence on my college plans because she is such a wise person.  She knows what’s best for me, and she gives me opportunities for my own input in my college plans. Barry Daniels, 16, Seton Catholic Central in Vestal, N.Y.

A: When the time came for the decision to be made as to what college I would attend, I ultimately made the choice. My parents and friends all gave me their opinions, but in the end, I decided. I have always loved music, but my teachers influenced me the most in choosing to become a music teacher. I was inspired with how well all of them work with their students in a large group and in a one-on-one setting. Amina Rushkoski

A: My parents influence my decisions about college most. I care about what my parents think and I want them to support me. My parents and family members have important and valid input regarding my college career. My parents have experiences that I can learn from, and I know that they only want the best for me. CaTyra Polland, Rochester, N.Y.

A: I would have to say that the people that influence me the most when it comes to preparation for college are the people who have been successful in pursuing their own dreams. Although their dreams and my dreams may not be the same, they still have helpful insight on what I should be thinking about when choosing a major and college. Regi Strauss, 16, Lake Catholic High School, Ohio

Q: What are you most excited about regarding college?
A: What up! I am very excited about going to college in California since I have lived in Georgia almost all of my life. The admissions process is something I am ready to get past because it makes me nervous with getting all the tests taken before I can apply. Steph, 17, Bradwell Institute in Georgia

Q: What do you want to do after high school?
A: I would like to get a job, take a medical class, learn how to drive and do some volunteer work. I would also like to attend full time a community college for two years while working part time, and then hopefully transfer for my major in medicine. Moji Ogunleye, 18, graduated from San Clemente High School in California

Q: How does peer pressure affect you?
A: It’s not easy to identify peer pressure anymore...it’s not someone physically coming up to you and telling you to act a certain way, or do certain things. Peer pressure is just feeling like you’re the only one not doing something, and because of that you’re not part of the bigger “group.” When I feel like that, I just remind myself that I don’t need to go with the flow, I can be unique, and everyone else’s opinions really don’t matter, so long as I’m happy with myself. Erika H., 15, New Milford High School in Connecticut

A: I think peer pressure is a HUGE thing to deal with while in high school. I have a good friend who has it all going for her: cheerleader, smart, pretty, musically inclined, and the list goes on. Despite these awesome aspects about her, she still feels the pressure to be part of the “in crowd.” Like I said, she’s smart, but that doesn’t mean peer pressure hasn’t caused her to make some bad decisions. The big problem is that she doesn’t see how awesome she already is. I think it’s a problem with most teens: they don’t realize that most of the time, they’re cool enough as it is. Kendall Clary, Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro in Texas

A: When teenagers hear the term “peer pressure,” most reflect on the times when their peers have influenced them to make unwise decisions. While I am not immune to being persuaded to do something against my better conscience, I try to be more positive in my outlook. When I see many of my close friends immerse themselves in scholarly pursuits that benefit our global community, I am inspired! I am surrounded by gifted individuals who have a contagious zeal for the welfare of our community! I find myself more and more often working shoulder-to-shoulder with them, helping our fellow students. It gives me immense pride and satisfaction to know that I am using my youth wisely. The encouragement I receive from them also helps me to avoid negative peer pressure that would otherwise degrade my self-esteem. Elizabeth Smyser, 15, Langham Creek High School in Texas

A: Of course, we are all affected in some way by peer pressure. The difference between making a good decision or making a bad decision, which you might regret later, is the way we handle the pressure. Too many times, we act not because we think it is the right thing to do, but it’s something that our friends say is the right thing to do. Stand up and be yourself! Individuality is what makes us special. Katie Johnson, 16, Chesapeake High School in Chesapeake, Ohio

Q: How does peer pressure affect you?
A: Peer pressure affects many teens today by the way they look, act and who they hang out with. Peer pressure does affect me, just like any high school kid. But I must say it has gotten a lot better over the years. A lot of my friends are worried about their weight, but it doesn’t matter what you weigh. It only matters what kind of person/personality you have. But I must say most of the peer pressure doesn’t come at school but in the media. They see a person on television and see that everyone loves them and wonder why they aren’t like that. So they go out and buy their type of clothing, trying to look like them.  —Anita Wickerham is from Twin Valley High School in Morgantown, Penn.

Q: What do you plan to major in and why?
A: When I get to college, my major will be marketing. My personality allows me to interact well with others, and I can make anything look good. —Nickesha Johnson, 16, goes to Oak Ridge High School in Florida.

A: I plan to double major in sociology and Spanish. Sociology is such a liberal and broad topic, and I would love to learn more about society, its problems and possible solutions. I want to major in Spanish because I love the language and want to improve my speaking, writing, listening and reading skills in Spanish.  —CaTyra Polland, 17, goes to Nazareth Academy in Rochester, N.Y.

A: My major will be archaeology because I love history, artifacts and traveling combined. What an awesome and interesting job! — Krysten Schwartzentruber, 17, goes to Waterloo Oxford Secondary School in Ontario, Canada.

A: I chose to major in radiological sciences because I feel that it is a demanding field that I am more than willing to be a part of. Knowing that you can help save lives makes a world of difference!! —LaDeidra Smith goes to Wetumpka High School in Wetumpka, Ala.

A: There is only one thing I do well: play music. I will be pursuing a musical career in either education or performance while maintaining some composition capabilities. I hope to eventually either write a book on my principal instrument (percussion) or just hit it big in a rock band (yeah, right!!!!). —Phillip Martinez, 17, is a student at Jourdanton High School in Texas.

A: I have chosen criminal justice for my major, and I have chosen this because my teacher, Mr. Brooks, got me really interested in street law and paved my way to become a lawyer. Without him, I would still not know what I wanted to do in college. —Elizabeth Mastin, 17, is a student at Marathon Central High School in Marathon, N.Y.

A: I plan to major in mechanical engineering. I decided on it when I was in eighth grade, after I entered the science fair that is held annually in my region. I felt this inspiration and power when I finished this project. I felt that creating and improving the way we live is something I want to do. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt alive when I did the project! —Nasir Uddin, 16, is a student at Burlington City High School in New Jersey

A: I chose to be a dietician because all of my life I’ve struggled with my weight and eating the right foods. When I reached high school, I decided to do something about it. I started reading and studying health and fell in love with the idea that I could teach myself and others how to eat well and be healthy. I love knowing that in a few years, I will be able to contribute to America being healthy! —Sara Dennis is a senior at Littlestown High School in Littlestown, Penn.

Q: What scares you the most about college?
A: “I’m most anxious of the new experiences that are in my future at college: meeting new people and learning more.” — Jonique Washington, 17, is a student at Mar Vista High School in California.

A: “I’m most worried about failing.” —Lindsey Noonan

A: “I am looking forward to meeting new people, and preparing for my career as an information technologist at Marquette University.” —Steph Lee, 17, is a student at Slinger High School in Slinger, Wisc.

A: “I am most anxious of going to college because of the size, environment and the work. It’s scary knowing that I have to be around a lot of people that I don’t know and having to read 500 page books in one day. If I can get through high school, I can handle college…hopefully!” —Nickesha Johnson, 16, is a student at Oak Ridge High School in Florida

A: “I am anxious to attend college because I want to see all of the new challenges that will be in my life, and I hope to succeed in what I want to do with all of those new challenges. My number-one goal is to become a pediatrician.” —Michelle Alvarez, 17, is a junior at De Leon High School in Texas

Q: What stresses you out about planning for college?
A: “When I think about college, the first thing that comes to mind is that humongous tuition payment that I know my family can’t afford. It almost makes you reconsider whether or not college is really worth it. My parents are counting down the days when my sisters will graduate from college, and I know they are not looking forward to my placing them in more debt. So when I hear the word college, what comes to mind? Not the fact that my check will be fatter because I’ve had a college education, but instead those years and years of depositing those checks to pay off student loans!” —Patricia Omosola, a senior at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High school in Fairburn, Ga.

A: “The most that stresses me when I think of college is money. Also my family, especially my sister, who will probably miss me greatly. I worry that I might not see her grow up because of college. Money is another issue because I feel that I’m making my parents suffer by making them pay too much for school.” —John Bernard Malaya, a senior at School of the Future in New York City. 

A: “What stresses me out the most when thinking about college is the cost. I’m excited about starting the whole college experience of living in a dorm, joining sororities, being in my own space, studying on my time and being free from my parents. However, I will be on my own with no steady income like I have now with my part-time job.” —Veronica Ivey, a student at Hutch-Tech High School in Buffalo, N.Y.

Want your voice heard? Sign up for Next News, a free biweekly college-planning e-mail, at www.nextSTEPmagazine.com! Respond to the teen poll question, and you just may show up in a future edition of The Next Step Magazine!

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