McKaylee
As a confused and overwhelmed high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and understand that while time may be our worst enemy, an eighteen year old does not need to look down on themselves for not having their entire future planned out at this very moment. The first and second years of college allow you to simultaneously continue your education in general studies, while helping you either pursue or determine your future career goals. It is important that you focus on your courses, get work done on time, try your absolute best, and do not waste time or money by not attending class. However, enjoy yourself, interact with your fellow peers, engage in student activities, and most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help. The college experience, all people and services included, is here to guide you. This is a time in your life where you will discover your true self, who you wish to be in the years to come, and will lead you on that desired path. Follow your dreams, and do not let single speedbumps get in your way. This is your time to shine.
Joel
If i could travel back in time i would do three things. The first thing i would do is advice myself to take calculas after all and not probability/statistics because of the challenges that awaited me when picking a math class in college. The second thing i would do is to tell myself to enjoy what little time their was left in highschool, even though i had just moved there taking the time to get to know my teachers would have been beneficial. The last thing i would do is to let myself know that college isn't as bad or tough as everyone makes it out to be and that with time and a little bit of patience the transition is easy and painless. I fell that these three things would have had a great inmpact on my past self and made the present a little easier on me.
Nikki
I would advice myself to stay away from the fastfood, join a gym, and -most importantly- one should never let their friends lose touch because college life is very draining but one shouldn't let friends drift away.
Dustin
I would advise myself to put forth every bit of effort and apply everywhere and for everything.
Nicole
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life I would prepare myself for what is to come. First of all, college is not a joke! It is mandatory to study and you really have to be more mature in class. No goofing off and talking or else you could get dropped from the class. There is no one helping you and giving you the motivation to do well but yourself, if you don't feel like trying or going to class than you probably won't do good in college If you cheat it could result in a fail for the entire class. Unlike high school you don't meet too many friends or have a social hour. College is very fun because you have independence but you must be responsible! Parking is also a worry, try to be prepared and leave early for class or you'll never make it out alive.
Michelle
If I could go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior I would say after graduation go to college because if you get a job after high school it will take you forever to be able to go back to college. That was my mistake I took a job right after graduation you get consumed in that job and when that job lays you off or closes you are stuck. I am 31 years old and I am going to college to become a teacher if I would have went to college right out of high school I could have a thriving life but instead I am living a 20 years life in 31 year olds body and it is just not cool.
Karen
I graduated a year early from high school and went on to work. I f I knew then what I know today, I would have gone directly off to college and completed college before turning 21. College opens so many doors for you and gets you ready for the workforce.
Joslin
If I could give my senior self advice it would be short and sweet. Keep it simple! Focus on one project at a time, give every assignment time and effort, and the puzzle pieces of the big picture will fall in place. Take it slow, and remember: you have one shot to make the "A." So make it happen!
Pia
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would of gave advice on how to manage my financial aid better. Money has been a big issue between me and my single mother. We had a complication with the FAFSA process due to my income tax, however I have waited too long and did not get any money from the government for my first semester of college. I would of said that this situation could of been solved if I didn't wait so last minute when I had to register for classes again for the new spring 2010 semester. This would of been the biggest piece of advice I'd give myself: "Pia, it is your duty to keep yourself updated with your file status because the financial aid office has over 15,000 applicants, including you." Lastly, I would of pointed out the importance of applying for more scholarships throughout the year. I was very lucky to have the Millenium and Nevada Power scholarships to cover for my tuition last semester or else I would of had to pay out of my pocket, including books and tech fees.
Yurisma
I would stick to being single, stay at school longer and study a lot more, plan out my lunch/dinner schedule, and sleeping arrangements. But also remember to always get help when needed, and college is a time to focus and never take anything for granted. But also, to appreciate my parents for the sacrifice and the hard work they've done to get me in college in the first place.
Cassandra
I would tell my highschool self that life is a journey and not a race. To compare your life path with your peers is an exercise in driving yourself insane. Instead, you should focus on the things that matter. Follow your passions and always give 110 percent. If you do things that make you happy, then that energy will flow into other aspects of your life. School is very important, but also strive to make lasting connections with friends and teachers because learning from them is a course you will have for life. Be yourself and be strong. Don't ever give up.
Kelly
First and foremost, start applying for scholarships. It is extremely harder than we thought to get/obtain money for school. Regardless, when you get denied for student aide, dont get discouraged. College of Southern Nevada is a wonderful place that you'll love. Dont spend too long on adventures and different paths. While it will enhance your life greatly, it will make it harder to try and transfer to a bigger University when you are 28. Live and breathe every second of life, but always save money and take small classes along the way. You will love college! Embrace everything it offers you. Don't let people with more experience or money scare you away. Everything you want is possible if you just apply yourself to it. Take classes outside of your obsession with film. Let other venues inspire you to try and learn new things, and thus broaden your filmmaking ability. It is ok to take tim off before you go to school, just SAVE MONEY while you do it!! Thats the most important thing, SAVE AND FIND MONEY NOW!!!
luis
i am was graduation since 1987 mira costa high school in manathan beach california i want gte my life change college i want get job for teach aid ithink future my life new teach aid i not more chef i hope soon possibly help me thank yo very much god bless
Chanel
Going back in time, i would tell myself to first know what you want to major in. You should pick the degree you need, and accomplish that. If you do not know what is your major, then you can end up paying for and taking classes that you do not need. That would just waste your time and money. I would also tell mysef to take it easy and not stress out too much. Stressing out can cause axiety and can make you do worse in school.
Elyse
Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell a high school senior me to save money and work hard at school. Like many other sixteen year olds, I had a job at the first opportunity. I would spend my money on food, clothes, shoes, music -- really anything. I did not realize at the time that I would have to be paying for school very shortly. Now, I struggle trying to make payments for school and keeping up with bills. I would definitely make sure the younger me understands the concept of saving for the future. Second, I would make sure the senior me understands the importance that grades play in your future. At the time, I had the thought process that if I was never going to use the information again, there is no point in actually learning. However, I learned that grades play a very important role in everything for college, from class placement to scholarships and funding. I sometimes wish that I could go back and tell myself what I know now, but there is no point in trying to change the past. All there is to do now is change the future.
San
I would praise myself for deciding to move out from my home country germany and study in a college in the USA. It has not only changed my educational career but also my personal life in the way i see the world it now. College turned me into an individual that better appreciates and values the environment in where i live. It is certainly one of the greatest times in my life because i keep learning different things allowing me to progress and become a better person. I would not only recommend myself but also EVERYBODY to take the chance to study in college and take it seriously. There is no doubt that somebody will regret it.
Demi
I would tell myself to study more and get more information on scholarships and grants.
Amanda
I would tell myself that while your a senior, look at the bulliten board and apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can because college is not cheap. There's classes you have to pay for, books, labs and anything extra you might need. When you get to college, ask for help and take it seriously or you will be working on your degree thats suppose to take you two years and is now taking you four plus years.
Luis
Dear Student,
Slow down. I advise you to take a moment to think about what you are dreaming of doing. Those lofty ambitions are great and you can acheive what you are dreaming of. The key to be successful in your academic career is for it to be well thought out, critically evaluated, and ask questions ! The value of sage advise from people close to you such as relatives, mature friends, and school staff is priceless. Those who have experience in the work force and/or college can provide so much insight in what you will soon commit to. Yes it is a committment. The decision you will make is serious and it can be an expensive "reset button" if you make an iladvised choice and need to start over. However, this is no reason to worry. Once you know what you will do with this education and begin your college career, it will be an amazing and unforgetable experience. There will be opportunity to meet new people, learn new concepts, and soon after earn great money! Take your time, think about what you will do with your education when you've finished, then just do it.
Tracy
I would do what I did - I waited to go to college until I knew what I wanted, had the real world experience to appreciate the coursework and the maturity to handle it. Sometimes going to college directly after high school isn't the right time and only ends up becoming a stress and struggle to get through and get good grades.
Too many times parents put too much pressure on their kids to go to a certain school, go for a certain degree, etc. It's ultimately up to the student to decide when they are ready, where they want to go, what they want to major in - it's their life that will be effected by this huge part of their life. Not everyone is ready or wants to attend college.