Ana
Ana, listen to me, you have a big year ahead of you. You will do well in all of your classes, and spend time with friends but trust me on this one, your priorities are mixed the wrong way. You think school comes first then friends then family- you may not say it but your actions speak the truth. Ana listen to me, don't forget your family, your parents are fighting and your brother isn't so little any more. School should come second, your real friends will understand. Ana, listen to me. I know what you're hearing is tempting to believe- that getting into the big-name, big-money schools is going to get you places, but don't apply for those, don't waste your time and money on application after application... when you know in your core that success is not defined by the number of zeros on a future paycheck. Ana listen to me, what you'll regret most, is spending more time defining yourself for college essays than with the people that already love, and accept who you are. You've put in the work, college is around the corner.
Sarah
GO TO COLLEGE SOONER !!!
Jacob
IF i had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself i would make sure that i would uncommit from Loyola Marymount University. I would tell myself that you are going to dislike the school and the coaches and that UCLA should have been your first choice. I would also make myself regret not taking academics seriously, and that all i had to do was apply myself to do well in school and that a million more doors could have been open to me. Instead of the limitations i put on myself because of my GPA in highschool. MY advice that i would be giving to myself wouldnt be advice, it would be about all the wrong decisions i would be making.
Donna
Unlike highschool, college comes with a great deal of flexibility. Constant pressure from teachers and parents to go to class and get work done is most likely going to sieze dramatically. It is your personal choice whether to skip a class or complete the assignments. Do not let the tempatation of flexibility be the cause of your failure. Persevere thorugh the tough times and what ever you do never give up! A college education is the key to the door of several opportunities.
Corey
I would simply go up to my high school senior self and say, "get over yourself and do better". In high school I was more into my music and not as focused on school. Going into college I realized that I was not prepared for the coursework because I had not taken the time to prepare myself in high school while I was slacking off thinking community college was my only option. I would smack my past self in the face and say "get to work, do better". Facebook and twitter won't get anyone anywhere quick. It takes hardwork and determination to reach heavy goals we set out for ourselves. High School matters, and if I have one regret in life, it's not giving high school the "old college try".
Aaron
So, you're going to be starting school pretty soon. Don't be nervous, I promise you it's not as bad as you think. People aren't really friendly but try your best to make friends, it'll be nice to have someone to talk to! Especially if you miss a day. Don't be afraid to ask questions, you really can't be. You have to change that, if you don't get it, you need to! It won't get any easier. Please try to join clubs, get out there and experience college. It really isn't that bad, plus you can meet more people and have some friends. Trust me it's going to be nice to have at least some friends on campus. Oh yeah, rent your books online, you'll save way more money. Don't forget to stay on top of your homework and school work. Yes your professor does not collect it but still. You need to do it or else you're going to not know anything. And by the way, that philosophy class that youw anted to take...Don't take it. You'll thank me later. Promise. Have fun!
Nora
If I had the chance to talk with my senior high school self I will tell them that although it is important not to miss the deadlines for college applications, it is also important to enjoy your last year of high school with friends we will never see again becuase our lifes will go different directions. I would let myself know that hard work does pay off but there is no need to stress. I would let myself know that we know exactly how we want our life to be, that even if it seems like we do not have a plan we actually have a clear image of how we want our life. I would let them know that we are on the right track and not to worry about how our first year of college will be because we realize that college is what was missing in our life and it will be fantastic. I will also let them know that being nervous and scared means that we are actually doing something worth our while.
Paul
Moving away from home and being on your own for the first time can be scary and very stressful. On top of learning to budget and staying healthy, you also have to attend classes and try to do your best to perform well. It was a big shock for me when I first started college but looking back I would give my high school senior self this advice. Don't be scared to seek help in any form. In reality its a smart move to utilize resources built to make your life easier and save you precious time to enjoy the college social experience. I see taking advantage of campus resouces, such as tutoring and counseling, as making others work for you so you don't have to waste your time figuring things out, where you may be heading in the wrong direction anyway. Think of a math problem that you didn't understand in class and still don't after asking the teacher to explain it. Even worse, the textbook and notes just don't make any sense. Get with a tutor and work it out one-on-one step by step.
Diana
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to be open to different majors and career choices. Take the first few semesters of fulfilling general education course requirements as an opportunity to see what is out there and expose myself to subjects that were not available to myself in high school. Do not feel pressured to pick a major right away; know that it is extremely common to change majors at least once. Also, most people do not even finish college in the traditional four years as most students are lead to believe. I would also advise myself to familiarize myself with the various resources out there on campus to assist me in both my academic and personal life, and UTILIZE THEM! Everyone's tuition is used to pay for these programs so you may as well use them, especially when it can help make your life even just a little bit easier.
Justin
If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell him to not be afraid to take a leap of faith. The first few weeks, I was very nervous and awkward and didn't make very many friends. After I got over my anxiety, I made a lot of friends, joined a few clubs, and began to really enjoy my college experience. Since I took that leap of faith and got to know people, I joined the club volleyball team and the leadership team at a Christian club that I attend every week. Another thing that I would tell myself is to be nice to people. Although it seems very simple, a lot of people fail to be nice to each other. When you are nice, people get good impressions of you and it opens the door to many different opportunities. I have really enjoyed my first year in college and I wouldn't change it for anything; but, it never hurts to remind yourself to take risks and to be a nice person.