Denae
High school was the best time of my life. I loved my friends, my school, my town, and everything else that high school had to offer. I was in the top ten of my class and had straight A's since my freshmen year. However, my focus was always having fun, enjoying the time I had before I had to go out in the "real"world, and staying at the top of my class, to get into a good college. I look back now and wish I could have told myself, "Enjoy your high school experience, but do not be afraid to push yourself because of the failure you think may come from it. Take the hard classes and prepare yourself for college. The greatest joys you will have are found by achieving what you thought was inevitable, or succeeding in something that you had worked tirelessly to conquer. That sweat filled 'B' will bring much more happiness than the easy 'A,' because a few years from now nobody will remember who was the most fun or had the best grades, but you will have learned the most valuable lesson in life. Great achievements often come from countless, unnoticed hours."
Blair
My first week at college was the loneliest week of my life. I was surrounded by hundreds of new people and as an introvert it was overwhelming, so I locked myself in my room out of intimidation. When I finally left my room I met the people who would become my friends and experienced new things, but ultimately I learned that there was so much I missed out on because I was afraid to meet new people.If I could go back and give myself advice before embarking on my journey to college I would tell myself: “Leave your room!” Even if you leave just to study in the library or go to dinner you never know who or what you will discover. Also a major part of college is the connections that you make with others, so when you find a club or guest lecture you are interested in: Go, you may find a new passion or will find people who have the same passions you do. Sometimes the journey, person(s), or ideas you need are just outside your door, all you have to do is step outside; chances are you may learn something with that first step.
jenevahlynn
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take as many AP classes and college classes at community colleges as i can because that will save me so much money.
Marialuz
If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to base my decisions on the expectations of others. I should put aside the surrounding voices and abide by my inner intuition-- to follow my instincts, do what is best for me, and not be ashamed of my deepest ambitions.
In high school, I wanted to achieve my personal and secretive aspirations but didn’t because I was too afraid to try--afraid of rejection and failure. I would tell myself not to stifle my potential and not to fear making a mistake. Some of my mistakes in college will be the most life-changing because I will learn and mature from them in wonderful ways. I will grow stronger and more willing to take chances.
The main advice would be to communicate, express myself, and be confident. College isn’t just about school; it’s also about the experience and meeting different people. Don’t exclude individuals just because they are unlike me; I will learn how important it is to have friends.
Finally, I would encourage myself to embrace who I am and not be embarrassed of myself.
Lauren
You worry too much! Everything turns out fine, its so much fun! Remember to keep your door open when your in your dorm room- people will stop by and say hi. And please please remember that everyone is in the same boat you are: theyre all nervous, but jump out of your shell a little and dont worry about going into other people's room to say hi. Classes.. yeah, you should drop that 400 level that you signed up for first semester, your GPA will never forgive you! And you might want to study just a little bit more for chemistry. Other than that, have fun like I know you will. There is so much that Creighton has to offer, and you are going to be great. Oh, and dont fight the urge to switch majors, its ok, no one is going to be mad- You're actually better than you think at psychology. Remember that you are the captin of your own ship and your heart will guide you, have fun. Its only 4 years but its the most shaping 4 years of you life.
arron
take a hold of the extra credit opportunities and the extra help that is offered. there is nothing wrong with going in for help and taking a hold of the extra credit oppertunities that are offered. they are possibly one of the best things you can take a hold of because they are worth the time you put into them. also to be open to everyone you meet and encounter with and not just only the people from back home. the oppertunity to meet people in your dorm and in classes are one of those things that may stay with you for a life time. who knows that person maybe your best man or partner in crime buddy for the rest of your life.
Hope
Hey Hope- so its almost time for college and instead of slacking off the rest of senior year, you should start studying. College will not come as easily to you as high school has- you will have to work hard to get the grades you would normally get but doing the minimum. Also, you need to find the best place for you to study: the dorm is way too noisy and the library is always cold- so find a spot that works for you and claim it! Also, save up some money this summer. Even with a meal plan its very tempting to use your own money to buy things for the mini-fridge. And becareful of your head- try not to bump it on your bed when you are using your desk. Also, bring a heavy shower caddy so the curtain doesn't fly in on you and give the rest of the girls a free show. Try to enjoy school, take some risks, try and find out who you are- you might be surprised in what you find.
Elizabeth
Not many students choose to attend a college nearly 500 miles away from home. Usually it is more expensive, a hassle to get home, and in an unfamiliar area. My choice to attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, however, has been one of the best choices of my life. Away from home, I have had the opportunity to grow in remarkable ways. Participating in service, leadership, and faith activities on a weekly basis, as well as balancing seventeen credit hours and two jobs, I have learned to prioritize and constantly work for the community and my continued education.
Working toward a Social Work and Theology double major and Spanish minor, all that I stand for and have sought to achieve personally has come together in my classes. Especially with my social work requirements, I have experienced situations that have helped me become more empathetic to the marginalized and more empowered to be an advocate for positive change in society. I have grown to value more deeply the importance of community, leadership, service, and academic achievement during my time in college. I would never trade the opportunities and experiences offered me each day of my collegiate career.
Kiera
I have been able to pursue my dreams at college, meet great people, and learn more and more about myself everyday.
RACHIDI
Because people constantly disclosed their personal issues to me as a bartender, I learned to become not only a good conversationalist, but also an excellent listener.
One of my most rewarding experiences has been tutoring high school students in math, physics, and biology, and helping people in my choir learn dancing traditionel music. Always able to develop a good rapport with students, I believe I possess a talent for teaching others in a friendly manner and in a manner that helps them to grasp difficult concepts easily
Michael
Finding out that I can achieve goals if I apply myself to the task.
Heidi
College. It is a funny word, isn't it? I have always looked at it and imagined the two l?s as pillars in front of some grand building. Well, so you know, the college you chose does not have any colonial style buildings like you imagined; instead it uses art deco style. Even if the buildings at your college do not have any pillars, keep some in your life. I suggest making Passion one of those pillars. If, well, when, because you will get involved on campus, make sure you get involved in areas you are passionate about. Otherwise your involvement will drain you instead of invigorate you. I also suggest making Play a pillar. Try to get outside and go for a run, or learn a new sport like tennis. Just make sure you take some time in the week to do something healthy, fun and relaxing. The last pillar is obvious, Study. This is the central pillar of college. You may not realize this, but high school was relatively easy. You will work harder in college. Studying needs to become part of your every day routine. Hopefully, these pillars will help support you in your college life.
Jake
I had always had extremly high hopes for what college and what it would bring. When I was a high school senior, I visited and applied to school solely based on academic reputation. Because i had taken many AP classes and high-end business classes, I wanted a college that would both satisfy my mother and myself at the same time. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to spend more time looking at schools and the area that it was located in. Because of money, I only applied to a few schools and I did not apply to some of the schools I wish I had. Prospective students should know to always follow their dreams and apply to a school even if it seems out of their reach, so that they do not regret not doing so later. When I was coming into college, I thought the transition to almost complete independence would not be too bad, as i had been doing things myself for many years. However, I realize now that it was out of both fear and guilt that I did so. I would tell myself to stay focused on grades and studying.
Kendra
Kendra, remember when Mr. Johnson would test us on biology material that we barely spent any time on? Remember when Mrs. Kohlhepp would load on the chemistry homework, even during the summer? Basically, they indirectly walked us through the experience of a college course. Much of your learning and success will depend on the effort and time that you put into a class. College can be a focus of service and self-growth. Bring balance into your college life with inter-campus activities. This is where you meet friends who share the same interests. Participate in activities that are out of your comfort zone. You may discover things that you never thought you were capable of doing or enjoying. Taking wise risks can turn out to be smart decisions. These memories become the pride and joy of your college experience. You attend college to pursue your passion for Physical Therapy. College will help you discover who you are by experiences big, small, good or bad. These steps will place you on a path that will not only help you live your life to the fullest, but also help others live fulfilling lives because of the person you find in college.
Samira
Knowing what you know now, go back and talk to yourself as a high school senior. What advice would you give.
As I sit at the Student Center of Creighton University, I cannot help but wonder how I got here. In the constant rush of busy students, it is easy to forget the past four years of high school.
I was taught at a young age that entering a good college was the primary goal of my life. I attended a College Prep school whose aim was to help me along my way to higher education. Many years of high school were full of AP classes and SAT Prep. Now that I have finally reached college, it is easy to reflect back. My advice to my high school senior self would not be to study harder, ace the SAT, or even to take different classes. My advice is do not rush to go to an unknown glamorous place, get away from home, or live off ramen noodles. My only advice is to understand the opportunities that will be given to me and to understand that the world is only beginning to show it?s light.
Andrea
I would tell myself three things. You want to major in Anthropology, only have one credit card, and make sure you apply for financial aid.
Tony
Dude ok heres what you should do...Take a very good look at the choices you are going to apply for. Will weather be a factor for you? If over the course of your time at school you decide to choose a different major, will they have ones that interest you? Also, will the tuition be a burden after your four years of schooling? Think about all those things as you take a look at colleges. This a very big leap from high school and you damn well better be prepared for it. Last question, if you decide to go to the mainland, are you ready to make that transition from a rock in the middle of the ocean to land of new things?
Brandon
I found that the study habits that I developed throughout high school are more important in college than the academics disciplines I learned. Thus, I would encourage my high school self to stregnthen my study habits. For example, it is definitely nice to have a solid chemistry foundation of the basic concepts, however, without the refined ability to write detailed observations during a chemistry lab or discern relevant information from lectures, the material would be difficult to master. In addition, college introduces an enormous amount of new responsibilities and freedom. The well developed study habits are vital in balancing the responsibilites on top of the freedoms, all while maintaining high grades, and, most of all, enjoying college. The study habits I developed in high school helped me finish my first college semester with a 3.89 grade point average and was recognized as a Freshman Scholar at Creighton University. My success was largely due to my ability to take notes efficiently, organize myself, and manage my time for my work-study program, homework, extracurriculars, sleep, and free time. Thus, I would tell my high school self to refine these skills further for even more success in college.
Megan
College is a huge transition for every student and it is important to realize that no matter how confident you are, at some point you will struggle with the major changes occuring in your life. However, becoming involved in intramural sports, student organizations, volunteering, or finding a job on campus is a great way to meet new people and branch out. Many students have so much free time when they enter college that they don't know how to use it effectively. Becoming involved allows students to feel as though they are apart of something and meet new people. The busier a students are, the less likely they are to focus on the negative aspects of college or how homesick they might be. Getting involved and making friends will help students to feel at home almost immediately. Students will find it is very difficult to make a close group of friends sitting in the dorm, but by making a conscious effort to get involved and meet people, they will have an easier time transitioning into this new phase of their life. If the student makes a genuine effort at becoming involved, everything else will fall into place.
Amanda
If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school I would tell myself not to be too worried about the transition. I would tell myself that college is not as scary or as hard as it seems and to work on organizing my time better. I would also encourage myself to focus more on my studies and to apply for scholarships and financial aid early on and not put it off. My major downfall of my senior year was that I was so scared and so worried about what would happen after I graduated that I did not plan for what good was to come ahead. I want to tell myself that I should not focus on the fact that I do not have enough money for college but focus more on how to get the money. There are so many things that I worried about before I graduated that I know now are just small fears of going on to bigger and better things. I wish I had that insight back then but I?m glad I have it now.