Auburn University Top Questions

Oh, if I could go back... Sarah, you must have a plan and be prepared. A major part of college is time management. College is challenging, stressful, beneficial, and fun, so you must find a balance between the different aspects of your life, and choose wisely how you spend your time. Get your finances in order now and save, save, save, as much as you can. You can do this, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take advice from older adults who have been in your shoes; they know what they’re talking about! This is a crucial point in your life, and decisions you make now could seriously impact your future. Do no let anybody tell you "no", or tell you you're not good enough, because you are. You are talented and passionate, so do not hesitate to take advantage of opportunities that come your way. There will be obstacles and bumps along the way, but remember to keep pressing on. No matter what, follow your dreams, and don't let anybody bring you down.

I would tell myself to make better grades, enjoy every moment with my peers, stop wishing my life away, know that my family is always there for me, and go to Auburn University when I graduate. I would tell myself to make better grades so that I could get more scholarships to help my mom pay for my education. Enjoying every moment one has is crucial to insure a fulfilling life. Life would have been better if I had not wished my life away because I feel that I missed tremendous moments and events in high school by being too concerned with the future and simply not being in the moment. I would tell myself to be confident because my family is always there for me. I would have told my self that I would see my family soon. I wasted some of my time in college by being unrealisticly homesick. Lastly, I would tell myself to attend AU because I know today that attending AU was the best decision I ever made.

I would tell myself to learn how to study in high school. I will admit that high school was easy for me, so I put forth minimal effort and still graduated at the top of my class. It has been difficult trying to learn how to handle large, stringent workloads in college. I would also remind myself to break out of my shell and meet new people. It took a while to be comfortable around people I didn't know, and that kept me from making many friendships starting out.

It is amazing how quick a change can occur when the circumstances are right. In high school I put in just enough effort to slip through my classes, doing just enough, and not taking any opportunities. I used to live by the “put off whatever you can do today, for tomorrow”. My biggest struggle was not going beyond the call of duty, conformed with my situation. My best piece of advice is to take as much advantage of any opportunity presented to you, no matter how small it might be. When you have a positive outlook and a “go” attitude many opportunities will present themselves. Along with the “go” attitude goes NEVER leave what you have to do today for tomorrow, as it will inevitably pile up, and you WILL pay for it whether it be with your GPA, bank account, or sleep.

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, in both your school and social life. In academia, sit in the front of the class and take notes. The professor will notice you and it can help swing your final grade at the end of the semester if you’re at the cusp and he/she knows you paid attention in class. Don’t be afraid to talk to the professor after class or during their office hours if you have a question. Most teachers genuinely want to help you and are interested in your problems. Work hard. Don’t goof off too much and skip classes or work half-heartedly on the homework assignments. Your GPA will suffer because of it and you can lose your scholarship, which is no fun at all. Don’t take life too seriously though. The old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” exists for a reason. College can be the best time of your life if you let it. It’s the only time when you can have the responsibilities and benefits of being an adult and still act a bit like a kid.

I would tell high school Reuben to ask all of his new friends at college for help. I would say not to be afraid because they might actually have some good advise for him. High school didn’t prepare him for everything that college has in store and someone he will meet could have the answers you’re looking for. Also, he must study when he knows he needs to. If it seems like a test or quiz might be hard, then it probably will be hard. Auburn is a lot more difficult to get through than his five hundred student public school has been. Finally, I would tell him not to take his video games. It was a waste of time bringing them to college because I almost never used them except to procrastinate. If I could tell me this one year ago, then I would have had a perfect 4.0 my freshman year.

Stop being irresponsible!!!!

I would tell myself that it is not as hard as it seems as long as I appreciate the path set in front of me. I would tell myself that I am worthy of all the effort and hard work that goes into receiving a higher education. Do not be scared of night classes and weekend classes can be fun. Make a friend in every class you may need to call on them as a study buddy. Getting an "A" is fantastic but sometimes that "C" is your "A" so don't beat yourself up. Definitely communicate with the professors they are there to help and it is an honor to be critisized because it is when they stop telling you what you do wrong it is time to worry. It is acceptable to ask stupid questions the classroom is the safest place for it. there is a lesson learned in every college experience from lines at financial aid (teach patience) to classroom lectures and so on. Since at 36 I am getting my education I would tell myself don't wait so long get moving life can be so busy but never to busy to educate yourself.

I would say to be sure to get involved on campus in whatever interests you, so that you have a greater sense of belonging. Don't be stubborn-ask for help when you first realize you need it. There's nothing wrong with not undestanding a concept in a class or struggling with certain subjects-it's okay to ask for help. It doesn't make you any less smart. Keep on top of your schoolwork-it's easy to fall behind. Make time to study and make time to socialize-balance is key to making the grades while still enjoying your time here.

Don't regret your choices. You can't take them back, so keep looking forward. College is going to be your time to explore, so don't sit around depressed for the first year. You can do anything you set your mind to, and don't get disappointed because of a bad grade. Let it roll off your back because in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Don't be afraid to get involved, and don't care about what other people think. This is your time and you need to do what's best for you. Your family will be home waiting for you, and it'll be hard leaving them, but it's the right step to take. You need to gain courage and confidence so that you can succeed in the world, and you won't be able to do that without taking this first step. There comes a time where you'll struggle with your beliefs and your life in general, but embrace change and accept yourself for who you are. Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way.