Chelsea
Knowing what I know now about college life, I'd give myself alot of advice about making the transition. First and formost, I would tell myself that I should not be afraid of what other people think. Talking and participating is much more fun and makes you a much more enjoyable and friendly person to be around. Everyone is in the same boat as you and is just as nervous about the transition as you are. Not to mention, although your education is the same place as your social life, you should make the decision to set aside time for each one so that you do not los focus with your academics ad you ill still have time for other activities. College is an exciting time and you should be well organized and prepared.
Anna
College gives you a chance to find yourself, but don?t forget who you were before. Be flattered by attention, but don?t get caught up in it. You will meet so many wonderful people throughout your college experience, so don?t let yourself become dependent on one person because that person may end up breaking your heart. Be sure to stand up for yourself. It?s hard, but standing up for yourself will make others respect you and will also help you gain the confidence you need. Study hard, but remember that grades truly are not everything. That?s a hard lesson to learn, especially for someone who was very academically focused in high school, but if you only focus on doing well in your classes, you?ll miss out on so many valuable opportunities to make friends and socialize. That doesn?t mean you have to attend the frat parties and become a party girl, but make sure that you set time aside to just to have fun. Become involved in campus activities. College provides opportunities learn so much outside of the classroom. Embrace these chances, learn, and love yourself for who you are.
Richard
Make sure you do your research into colleges and universities before you go. This way you will know what type of school you will be getting into. Also, make sure you also know what you want to do with your career path this way you will make an easier path for yourself. Take the time to think about it. Make sure you go back within the first year of graduating high school, because the longer you wait the less you will want to go back. DO NOT let anyone or anything stop you either, stay determined and plow over any obstacle that gets in your way!
Kateland
If I could go back and speak to myself in high school, I would tell myself not to move in with a friend as a roommate, as they can be distracting. I would also tell myself not to give up, to keep fighting and to do my work.
Alexia
The advice I would give myself would be to take the opportunities for class trips. Even though you are shy at first, strive more to involve yourself in activities and participation. Do not be afraid to try rough looking pathways. Trust yourself more and you will realize that your gut reaction is the correct answer. You will change and grow up during the freshman year, and you will be surprised how much for the better the change will do to you. Continue working hard and push for success.
Katherine
I would honestly sit myself down and tell me not to worry so much. It doesn't matter where my friends want to go to school or about that B in a class where I could have gotten an A. It is so much more important to focus on who I am as a person and how I am going to make myself the best self I can become. Even though I made many mistakes, I also was able todo many good things, and, if I let go a little and let myself go with the flow more, I would continue to be able to do great things. I put so much extra stress on myself trying to get into the "perfect" college and worrying about things that I wouldn't be able to change when I just needed to focus on the future.
Katlyn
Don't stress out so much! As a senior, it feels like your whole life is changing. You feel like you will be out on your own with no support, no help when times get tough. This is not true! In only my first semester of my freshman year of college, I have discovered that I may even have more support than I received in high school. Along with parents and friends, in college there is a whole department that is there specifically to help with determining what a student's strengths and weaknesses are and what they can do with these talents. There are departments to help with the transition between living at home and college life. What I didn't know in high school was that EVERYONE is going through the same experience and no one expects you to pick up this new life in a day. Going to college does not mean leaving behind your life at home; it only means finding a way to merge the old and new aspects of your life together into the life you were meant to lead.
Melissa
I would tell myself to become more involved earlier and to step out of my comfort zone. Becoming a more active college student would have made my time at school much more rewarding and less one-note. I would also tell myself to be more enthusiastic and active about my plans for the future, instead of living for just today. That would allow for me to prepare myself better for the next step and not have to spend so many years in transition between the different steps. Procrastination is another factor that I could have done without, and I would make sure to tell myself all the negative effects that come with procrastination. Not only would I have been more on top of my studying, I would have been more proactive about my career path. Overall, I would make sure that I generally a more active college student so I could have gotten the maximum experience that Albion offered.
Demetrius
I would encourage students to never take their education for granted. Hard work is neccessary in order to succeed in and out of the class room. I would stress on reading. Reading is very important. Reading will enhance your learning. Writing skills need to be polished for college. My college requires students to have a high skill set of writing. Practicing your writing skills is very important to become a fluent writing. Being focused on school is the main key. There will be distractions that will cross your path frequently. You have to block out all of the negativity that surrounds you and focus on what is important and that is your studies. Becoming a good student takes a lot of hard work, focus, and determination.
Luke
College is going to be a long road for you. Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon takes time, but it will all be worth it in the end. It is important to keep your grades up, and always stay focused on your goals no matter how far off or impossible they seem. In the midst of that don't forget to have fun. College is a time to learn about yourself as well as the curriculum. Don't get too caught up in your studies to realize that college is a great time to expand your social life, experience new things, and have fun with some really cool people. Work hard and keep your head up, but don't lose sight of all the other experiences college has to offer. Oh and relax, you're going to be fine.