Dixie State University Top Questions

Giving advice to myself as a high school senior I would emphasis how much easier college would be to get ahead if possible. Time management and money management are probably the two most important things to focus on abiding by when attending college. Another tip I would give myself would be to make a healthy diet to live off of and to stay far away from fast foods to better my money management. I would also tell myself to avoid procrastination when it is at its finest and try not to miss any classes. I would stress sacrificing social events and outings to study more on areas I don't understand the most. I would tell myself to make my motives clear on what my purpose is at college so that I would be able to follow them and progress. Finally I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships that is available even if I was financially stable. I'd warn myself to stay away from loans and to apply for on campus jobs that work around my schedule. If I ever got the chance to go back Id try to prepare myself as much as I could.

Don't take yourself so seriously, and don't let the little things stress you out so much. Life is a very long and complicated affair, and you're going to burn yourself out if you worry too much. On the other hand, make sure you do all of your homework, and on time. Even if you can pass the test, you have to do the work for the grade. It matters much more to the teacher than it does to you, and you should respect the time and effort they've put into the class. People are going to expect many things from you over the next few years: your time, your attention, your money, and your love. That's okay, but keep in mind that it's also okay to say no sometimes. No one cares about your happiness as much as you do, so make sure that you keep that in mind while you're taking care of other people. Having said that, give your love freely to any that will take it. You will never find a feeling as wonderful as being loved, and loving someone in turn. Finally, expect little, and give much.

College is a lot different from high school. In high school, you can get by with decent grades just by waking up and going to school on time. You're surrounded by friends and you feel invincible. Once you get to college, "real life" sets in and you realize that it's not going to be as easy as you thought (or as TV makes it appear) to become a doctor, attorney, or astronaut. So I would tell myself to never give up on my dreams. Work hard and keep moving forward. Don’t forget to smile! Smiling every day helps you maintain your sanity. You've gotta be happy with your life. You'll feel better and make others happy too. Another thing: look out for others. Help everyone in any way you can. Be ready and willing to do things for others - be of service. Get out of your comfort zone. Nothing is more gratifying in this life than knowing that you helped make someone's day better because of a simple act of kindness. That advice is something I wish I had known in high school...and it is valuable for anyone, at any stage of life.

I would advice to have done all college applications early and get dual enrollement classes. Also, tell the coach to have a someone look at me when I played softball to get a full scholarship.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a High School Senior, before anything else, I would tell myself not to be afraid. The transition from one side of the country to another is difficult and sometimes still shocking, but in the long run you will feel so rewarded and grateful for being able to broaden your worldview and gain such wonderful experiences. I'd also tell myself to think hard about what your dreams and aspirations are. They may not be what you originally intend, but that's a part of life; You grow, you change, and you discover yourself along the way. Accept it. Focus on your passions and pursue them with all your heart. Don't let anyone put you down, you'll find phenomenal mentors and friends who will help foster and nurture all that creativity that has been condensed inside your brain for so long. And lastly, be yourself and enjoy the ride. I know this wasn't your top choice or original plan, but looking back, you'll see how much you've grown and how far you've come, and you'll love and cherish every moment of it.

As a non-traditional student, I returned to school several years after receiving my associates degree to continue my education to earn my bachelors degree. I learned a great deal from my experience. Life changes bring about a different focus and interest in education. I earned my associates degree before marriage and children. I'm now back in school as a mother of four small children. I have far more responsibilities now than when I first began my college education. My focus on good grades, though more difficult with my busy schedule, is greater than ever now that I have so much more interest in gaining a good education and a degree for my family. My advice to my previous self, and anyone else starting out in college, would be to find a reason and a focus so that you are not making up for the past in your future. I didn't realize that the handful of bad grades that I got during my associate years, because I thought rock climbing would be more fun than chemistry, would affect my bachelor years. It was a learning experience that I have had to work hard to remedy with good grades.

I would tell myself that college life is an incredible life. There are so many opportunities to better oneself, both socially and professionally. The resources, events, and activities featured on the campus of many schools are both engaging and educational, such as the many clubs, honor societies, and fraternities which are available. Unlike a large number of public institutions, colleges and universities boast faculty who establish long lasting and supportive relationships with their student base to help them along in their academic journey. If my past self would express worry over the financial burdens associated with higher education, I would explain the many organizations, programs, and assistance available to the wanting student (assistance such as the FAFSA, the FSEOG, and other federal/scholarship resources). Lastly, I would share how much college has affected me, how much it has bettered me and made a happier individual, how without it I would not be the man I am today (or in my past self's case, the man I am soon to become).

College is about learning how to study. Actually studying, not just casually moving through assignments. This means re-reading notes, underlining, and practicing the concepts that were taught. Learning how to organize yourself and your time is also crucial to college life for reducing stress. Sometimes it is worth not having much of a social life to get a better GPA and get that full tuition scholarship, but you also need to learn how to relax and manage your stress. Summer can be your best friend or worst enemy. You can either have a balance of study and relaxation during the summer, or you will either be stressed or unprepared for the upcoming semester. College can be brutally hard and stressful at times, but it really is worth it in the end so just pull through. This is one of the few investments you will make that is worth both the time and the money.

If I could travel back in time and see myself as a senior in high school I would do two things. First I would just sit back and observe all the good times I had along with the bad times. The memories would fly though my brain. I would get the reminiscent feeling that would put a smile on my face as I would relive each experience again in the third person. Knowing what’s going to happen next. Almost as if I was rereading a good book. Soon I would start reliving my youthful ignorance. At last the time to speak to myself had come my mouth would open but almost like I started the memories would rifle though my head. A new though as crept into my mind “would you have learned what you’ve learned without taking the risk?” No, I would have had different experiences I wouldn’t had been able to give this advice. “Take the risk, but weigh the reward you will reap. Set a guide for yourself and stick to it religiously. Well….As religious as possible. The life we will have will be absolutely awe inspiring.

If I were to give my high school self advice about college life I could go on for days, but there would be one major point I would emphasize. I'd tell myself to take advantage of the resources that my parents provide. If there's one thing I miss about living at home, it's that everything is free. There's free food, television, internet, and car trouble that's taken care of by my parents. Once you get to college if you run out of money, it's really gone. You can't wait for the fridge to be magically stocked, sit around and watch the television that has already been paid for, and you surely can run to the living room to ask Mom or Dad for a quick $20 for the movies. Every last thing about life in college is something that you have to work for, that you have to provide for yourself. Many kids don't realize how abrupt being thrown out of the nest comes. So I'd say, "Matt, soak up everything that's free while you can. And if you can, snatch a few Ho-Ho's on your way out!"