Renee
Ahhh, if I could go back, the things I would say to myself. Hah, I bet I wouldnt listen, not even to older me. I was headstrong. I know I would encourage the high school self to focus more on math and science. I avoided those subjects for two reasons. I was lazy, and I was afraid of failure. I would also encourage at least applying to colleges, instead of avoiding the whole college scene and joining the Army. My army experience was great, and I would not trade it, but I wish I had been more focused and driven when I was young. Trying to obtain an education while being a single parent is more difficult than I had ever thought way back then.
I would say cherish the failure, and learn from it, and to know that I was much much smarter than I ever knew. It took challenging science and math classes in college for me to realize this, and to search out more classes like them. I do not know if I will be a chemical engineer or a petroleum engineer, but I know now I am capapble of either.
Shelly
Walking into an unknown environment like college, not knowing anyone, is going to be a lot different then the warm welcoming feeling you get when you are in high school. I would tell myself that college is going to be a great change you need, because it will teach you to be more responsible and independent. Although, it might be stressful right now figuring out your future, in the long run it will all pay off. Also, the dreams you have been striving for will all come true if you work hard enough at it and get through your final push of high school. So not only would I tell my high school self to not worry but also to just enjoy highschool while it lasts. Lastly
Brittany
Dear Brittany, Everyone knows college is a wakeup call to a typical high school student, and this will include you. Should you get involved on campus? Yes. Is college expensive? Of course, what college is not expensive, but what no one tells you is what goes on before you become a member of a Greek club. You could be seriously scared for life. I know you are a passionate girl who takes everything everyone says to heart and very emotional so joining a Greek club is NOT for you. Hazing will scar you for the rest of your life and causes you to lose friends you thought you were best friends with. Before college, people will tell you joining a Greek club is the best thing that can happen to you and you gain some of the best friends out of it, but you know what? THEY ARE WRONG! Hazing and joining a Greek club will never be of interest so do not go wasting the time or money on something that will forever suit you.Sincerely,Brittany
Alexandra
I would go back and tell myself to not stress so much about the money. My parents separated the last 3-4 weeks of my senior year and I went to live with my two aunts with my mom. After leaving my dad I did not know how I would pay for college; I would tell myself that Del Val is where I want to be and that the money situation will be okay. Also I would tell myself to start stocking up on food for the dorm rooms because otherwise you'll end up going out every time your boyfriend comes up and you spend more time driving than you do together. Not only stock up on food, but I would tell myself to buy more button down tops and camis because that tends to be what you will end up wearing up on campus for many events. Stop spending money on dresses and ask your mom to start buying things that are better for farm work; that's what most people wear up here in the agricultural fields.
Melissa
Oh, that's easy. I'd tell myself to relax a little. I really didn't need to be as uptight as I was about making the transition into college; sure, leaving home and everyone there was hard, but there were new friends waiting. I was right not to worry about the classes, they're geared toward people like me, who simply want to learn. Yeah, sometimes there's a lot of homeowrk, and it can be a little much to balance a job with that, but all I have to do is stop worrying, take a deep breath, and take the plunge. It's worth it, and I would tell high school-me that I've got what it takes to thrive.
Dominique
If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to relax. I was all nerves going into the first day of college, and the classroom setting at college was much better than I had imagined. It was not that much of an adjustment. I would also tell myself to lighten up when it comes to the work, I spent too much time last semester on one professor who wound up in the end, not grading any of it, and I had spent so much time on only his work. I wish I would have known the busy-work factor and to know how to handle it. As for making the transition, I would have told myself to be confident with who you will be paired with as a roommate. My roommate was awesome this year, and we are great friends, but I was so scared going into it. Everything worked out, as everyone said it would, and I would go back and tell myself to listen to them all, they are right, everything happens for a reason and it will all work out in the end. Just be yourself and the rest will fall into place.
Emily
Going to college is a step into the unknown and involves a lot of changes at once. My first piece of advice involves starting off with a good academic record. Get the best grades possible! You need to learn to prioritize what’s important to get done. Secondly, ask your professors for help and use the tutoring services. One of my professors was right when he said that it is his job to help students and answer questions. Also, the school may make you feel pressured to make a decision early; but it’s okay to take your time, just use your electives to investigate possibilities. Do something you love that will pay the bills.
When I knew I was going to commute to school, all the stress about living away from home went away. As a commuter, your schedule needs to be done in a way that you are not driving to school multiple times a day. I tried to fit in as many classes so I could to get the most out of my time there. Also, it is important to involve yourself in campus activities so that you can feel connected. Relax and enjoy the experience.
Rebecca
I would tell myself to look at where you want to be after your college education. I would also tell myself to try my best at everything I do because I know that no matter what it is, it will take me somewhere in life.
Gina
Knowing what I now know about the college life, the advice I would give myself is to learn good time management skills. In the college world, these skills are tested. One has to be able to balance the amount of school work, along with extra curricular activites. Assignments in college are sometimes given weeks in advance, and if one manages his or her time well, he or she would know when this assignment would be completed along with all of his or her other classes. More time must also be dedicated to studying. As a college student one has to manage their time wisely to ensure enough studying is done to succeed in class. A lot of advice can be given to any high school senior about the college life, but time management skills are key to a college student's success.
Skyrie
No matter what you are going through in life, it may be a financial struggle or death in the family. Think about the other kids that don’t have the opportunity to do what you are doing today; such as free education, have a bed to lie on, and have something to put in your mouth. One day, your eyes will open and all of your queries about the world and the limited time people have here on Earth will make sense. You just have to push yourself to your destination. Success will come your way.