Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

What should every freshman at Brigham Young University-Hawaii know before they start?

Anna

Going back in time I would tell myself to slow down and take better care of myself during high school. A lot of time and energy was spent on preparing for exams, taking challenging courses, stressing out, sleeping late, eating inadequately, and pushing myself to the limit. The symptoms got considerably worse senior year, but some how I managed to make it through and please everyone, except myself. College application piled up, AP exams took up all of your free time, and the year just flew by at a ridiculous pace. At the end of it all, I felt like you forgot the reason why you were pushing yourself so hard to get into college in the first place. Please don't get me wrong. I'm so proud of you for challenging yourself and for setting high goals and for dreaming big. But don't forget to be realistic in your goals. Educate yourself about financial planning and preparation for college. High School is a great time to explore and try new things with fewer financial consequences. Take advantage of all the oppurtunities and scholarships avaliable to you as a high school student. And remember to have fun!

Tracy

I was definitely not serious about school in high school. I also never pictured myself going to college, let alone a four-year university. If I could go back in time I would encourage myself to look at the big picture in life. I would tell myself to imagine myself 10 years from now with a family. I would then ask myself "how do you want to be living in 10 years? What message would you want to portray to your children? Would you encourage your children to further their education?" Rather than taking easy courses during my senior year, I would encourage myself and instill confidence in myself to take a risk and push myself in the courses that I take. I would definitely try to prepare myself more for college life and being in the real world.

Erlend

The know how to take good notes. I have had to struggle to create this habbit in college, and I would have been able to start of running, if I had started this in high school.

Scott

Take the time now to develop good study habits. Take an interest in what you are learning about and think critically about what you want to do after high school. Take the time now to look into different programs at various colleges and universities and see what's best for you.

JaRee

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student, I would probably tell myself to do more volunteer work. I know a lot of colleges and scholarship applications as about volunteer work, and I also know that volunteer work looks good on any application. Also, I would tell myself to prepare for a lot of reading, and to read so comprehension of text books in college would be easier than it is now. I would tell myself to make habits of being diligent in my studies, even in high school, because habits and character follow you.

tim

I would tell mysel that I needed to focus on my major classes first, and then whenever I needed to fill a block of time or if I needed extra credits to use a GE requirment. Tha way I would be able to graduate faster. Also, keep studying, grades are important, and one must work hard for them. Go to class and do all your homework on time.

Bailey

Under the assumption that I could deny the laws of physics and science, to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself about the rigors of college curriculum. I would explain the cruciality associated with intense, full-fledged studying each and every day. I would urge myself to absorb all that I could during my senior year in high school, because the basis of knowledge really just continues to grow upon itself. In terms of making the transition, I would advise myself that creating and maintaining an efficient schedule; one associated with waking up early, hitting the books hard, wasting no time, sleeping through popular late-night social events, and making the most of each minute of the day is the best way to ensure success. Most importantly, I would tell myself that to be succesful in the college life, I should simply be me. The things I learned from people and situations throughout my life prepared me to get here, and now I just need to put those things into practice, and trust that I can be the best.

Hailey

Before deciding what university to attend, make sure that you visit each campus that you are considering and become familiar with the offered majors. Consider the prices of each school and also what scholarships or financial aid would be available to you, if that differs according to which school you decide to attend. Make sure you understand all of the rules that will be enforced and decide whether or not you are willing to obey them because if there are rules that you do not agree with, your college experience could be less than enjoyable. Especially if you have not yet decided on a major, make sure that there are a wide range of options so that you are not stuck deciding between majors you do not like or feeling the need to transfer. If you do transfer though, find out which credits that you have already finished will transfer and get all the requirements done in time.

Brenda

"Do not expect to know everything. You're going to college to gain more knowledge. It's going to be hard, but do not give up. Try your best and study hard. Have fun with friends, but not too much where you're going to ignore your school work. Always remember that Heavenly Father is there to help you whenever you need it. All you have to do is kneel down and pray and ask for help and guidance"

Shawn

If I could go back in time to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would have to tell about all of the good things that college has to offer, and explain that the transition isn't much different than transitoning from my junior year to senior year. There will always be doubts, but never allow such presumptions rule out any decisions, especially the important ones such as post-high school education. It is correct to say that these doubts and fears were real in me, but shortly after coming to college I realized that it was not as horrible as I made it out to be. I would also inspire myself to take more initiative to work on the college applications sooner, and to start working on scholarships, too. In high school, I didn't know which major to pick, if I could go back I'd tell myself to focus on what is passionate to me. Lastly, I would assure myself that everything was going to be just fine, because in high school, I was very insecure and afraid of what college life would bring.

Latu

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Also to start investigating careers and to have good goals for what I want in life.

Roderick

If I could go back in time I would warn myself about the freedom that would be given to me. As a Highschool student I woke up at five am every morning to prepare for school, and if I was not doing sports or extracurricular activities I would arrive back home at five in the afternoon. I participated in speech and debate, as well as sports and not would return home until eight oclock . As a college student I had schedule that was ultimately dictated by myself. I chose where I worked, when, and when I finished my classes. Living away from parents allowed for freer social life, which taught me alot at the expense of time and money . If I could talk to myself as a senior I would counsel myself to find what interests me as student or to find something meangingful and important to me. I learned the importance of aligning my passions with a plan to succeed and serve. I would also teach myself to organize my schedule so that I could optimize my ability to accomplish meaningful tasks. Education is a blessing to all those who are accountable for their efforts to learn.

Cameron

If i was able to go back in time and give myself advice, I would need to tell myself to make sure I get better study habits. You need to be able to study for long periods of time at various hours in a day. When studying you need to find out if you need dead silence,moderate noise, or just a cluttered area. I'd also tell myself to look up and apply for as many scholarships as possible so while attending college you can avoid loans. The more scholarships means less loans and less debt you will need to worry about.

Prince

It is very fascinating to reflect upon senior high school life and the mistakes I committed i would make necessary resolution, i wasting my time on friends going out to recreational activities such as school and friends parties which it has advert effect on my circular education and resulted into poor performance in my final year examination.When i pondered over these things tears gazed throung my eyes and regreted my past, but i thank God that i have been able to sought admission on long waiting stayed in the house.If the time is alloted me to started it once again in Senior High i would take my studies serious and make good friends who will advise me and help me to plan my time wisely and alwasys seek for knowledge of certain subjects that i encountered in the past.Thank you

Mason

If I knew what i know now about college I would only give a few words of advice to myself. I'd tell myself, when things get bad, don't think it's the end of the world, work to make things better and don't stop. I'd also say, start filling out scholarships now and don't get discouraged if you get denied one scholarship, there are plenty of people out there willing to help you through college financially. I'd also tell myself to not hesistate and get involved in clubs, organizations, and make friends. These things are whats going to help you through college. Then finally, I would tell myself to start bettering my study habits so that I'm ready when it comes time for college exams, essays, etc. I believe if I knew all this back when I was in high school I probably would have had a much better start than I did.

Shawn

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself to look into all my options in chosing an area of degree on which I would like to major in. I would also tell myself to research optional majors and not set myelf on just one particular one. I would advise myself to take more time in exploring all avenues and options before making a final decision.

Candace

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would defiantly sit down and have a talk with myself. I would let myself know that college is a lot different than high school. Sure college can be fun but it is a lot more work than high school. I would tell myself to work on prioritizing and making a list of things I need to do in order to get assignments done by the deadlines. In college teachers aren’t as understanding as they are in high school. If you miss a deadline than that’s it you will get no credit. There is no room for procrastination. I would tell myself to start putting that into action right then and now so by the time I started college I would have broken the habit of putting things to the last minute and I would be prepared for all the assignments and things that are to come into my life throughout college.

Amartuvshin

I would advice for myself that be smart and look around. See what opportunities opening to me.

Michael

Go to school right after you graduate! The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes to stay motivated for school. The sooner you finish school, the faster you can start to accomplishyour life's goals! Study everyday, do the work, and never lose sight of what you want to be in the future. Make good habits, they will make everything in your life easier if the habits are good. Be responsible, accountable, diligent, studious, and most of all, stay happy!

Emily

Emily, I know at this point in your life that you're probably optimistic, excited, and completely worried about the future. But, I want to tell you one thing; that it's all going to be alright, so enjoy your life as you live it. That doesn't mean I don't want you work hard, and get the best education you can as you go off to college, but know that you are living in a brief moment of time, so don't take it for granted. Know that your trials will make you stronger and the blessings in your life will probably be under appreciated. Remember you are already starting off your life with great advantages that some people in the world can't even fathom so, live a life that would honor those less fortunate. Be aware of everything you can learn in college, both inside and outside the classroom. Don't get too caught up in your focus on education and success that you forget the important things in life. The things which include, your loved ones, your ability to serve others and the ability to find beauty in everyday life. Emily. Go. Enjoy. Live. Learn.