Ferris State University Top Questions

I would definitely tell myself to try and get out of my shell. Get to know people on a better level. I woud tell myself to be a bigger part of the community that what I already was. Community is important, especially giving back to your community because that will in turn help you out later on in life. I would tell myself that although sports were a big part of my life, that my degree is what is going to get me where I want to go and although I did very well in school with sports, I should find other extra curricular activities to keep me busy. Being busy with sports and school kept me in great shape time management wise.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to worry about all the little things in life, and to just focus on being happy and pursuing my passions. Too often in my generation kids get caught up in drama, or get caught up in worrying about the future, and then a few years later looking back on it all, most of it worked out in the end. I would tell myself to enjoy the present and be excited for the future instead of anxious. Transitioning into adulthood can be an extremely scaring thing, especially leaving home for the first time, but college offers this unique experience, you can totally reinvent yourself, the environment you're in totally changes and you get to learn alot more about yourself, because you're not around the same people you were before. I would tell myself "everything is going to work out, if you have faith in yourself and your abilities". I wish I would have took the time to enjoy it more, I proud of the way I worked, but disappointed I spent so much time worrying about things that were totally out of my control.

You're beyond nervous right now- shhhh. Relax. Everything will be alright, I promise. Would you like to know why? Trust yourself, and believe in yourself. You really can do anything you set your mind to. Don't worry about relationships you're leaving behind. You're not truly leaving them behind. You're actually using them to create new relationships on campus. They will be good people because you are smart, and believe it or not, you're not alone. Everyone else coming in is nervous too. Yes, even that "popular" kid. Again, you're smart and you'll learn to adjust. This is the time to truly find yourself. You will know what that means when it comes. They have so many programs and clubs you are welcome to join whenever your heart desires. You don't even have to go! If you prefer to just chill out in your dorm, that's okay. Leave your door open- metaphorically and physically. Say "hi" to someone or everyone. Don't take everything seriously. Live. Party. Study. Go to the rec center. Drink. Go on adventures. Persevere.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to prepare financially of what is ahead. I would likely tell myself to start out in a cheaper college for two years and finish with two years at Ferris State University where I was attending. I would tell myself to enjoy the high school life as much as I could and to not dwell on the small things. I would tell myself to go out for sports in the future, and to not be afraid of talking to different people. I understand how hard it is to transition into a different area and meet new people, and I would tell myself in the past that it is okay to let new people in. I tell her the amazing experiences that are yet to come, the hardships that I may need to face, and the amazing friends she will have in the future. If I could go back, I would, but I may not have to.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I would tell myself to focus; to really think about what I wanted to do for a career. I would also tell myself to take school work a little more seriously because being on a sports team isn't going to always be what gets you to pass your classes and how much harder college work is, not to mention much more demanding. My high school senior self would also know how to do more things on my own and not rely on other people to push me because they won't do that in college.

There are numerous lessons one could teach themselves if they were to go back in time. Girls aren't the most important part of your life; there are more fish in the sea. Don't try to be someone you're not; be yourself. Network with others; form business relationships. Take chances; you don't live twice. Be prepared. Don’t cram the night before; college isn't as easy as high school. Time management; your practice is your play time. These lessons are endless. However, I believe the most important lesson I could give myself; have no regrets. I would tell myself “The decisions you are about to make are going to mold and shape the way you act, the way you think.” Everyone wishes they could go back and warn themselves about the future. The fact of the matter is; the greatest gift in life comes from not knowing what is to come. Because if we knew what was to happen we would never make a mistake, we would never take chances, we would lose all emotion. If I could go back I would say trust in the plan that God has for you, and enjoy the ride.

Antria, be sure you take college-preparatory classes and try to engage in some of the college programs that are now available to high school students. Programs such as Upward Bound and Trade Programs. Practice good study habits and put in adequate time for homework. You will have plenty of time to hang out with friends and fun. Focus, Focus, Focus on your current studies and make it a goal to graduate with honors. During your senior year, attend as many college tours as your mom can afford to send you on. Research all schools of interest to determine the school that will best suite you and your college needs. Also, be sure to apply for as many scholarships that you are eligible for, it may seem like a lot of hard work, but it will be well worth it. (If you could see your loan bills now. LOL) Always know that obtaining a college degree is a goal that must be fulfilled, by any means necessary. You are an intelligent person and you deserve the best, but you have to be willing and ready to put in the work. Remember your favorite bible verse. John 3:16

Apply for college, scholarships, loans, and FAFSA as soon as possible. And go into Art Education. You can become a great art teacher, just believe it yourself. It is a scary field to go into and maybe everyone does not prefer your college, but it is the right choice for you. Stop stalling and just do it. It's okay to be afraid of change. You just need to believein yourself and have confidence. You have been taught by the best teachers and will soon be taught by even more great teachers focusing on your field. Go after your dreams. You can obtain them if you put in the effort.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the biggest piece of advice I would give myself would be to focus on the things that I love and take advantage of more opportunities. I wasted a lot of time, energy and money on courses that I had little to no interest in just because I thought they would take me down the safest path for my future. One thing I have learned since high school is to play to my strengths. I would also encourage myself to seek out advice by utilizing my school councelor or even talking to my teachers about my future. There are so many resources available for students and I really regret not actively seeking them. By embracing help from others, playing to my strengths and exploring new possibilities, college becomes the most valuable growing period in a young person's life. Although, I believe that my college experience has been amazing and rewarding, I can't help wishing I could go back and talk to my younger self. I left far too many opportunities untouched.

The single most important piece of advice I would like to give to my high school self is to not worry about the transition. Worrying only makes things harder. I was nervous about not knowing anyone. None of my closest friends went to the same college. About 3/4 of the way through my first semester, I found a group of students that were just like me. They didnt know anyone either and had be apprehensive as well. Had I taken this advice before starting college, my transition would have been easier. I dont regret any second of it but I could have saved myself a lot of worrying. In the end, I ended up with a great group of life long friends because I decided being open and willing to meet people and participate in activities would only benefit me through experience.