Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

As I conclude my bachelor?s degree, the importance of a profound education has become ever so apparent to me. This is precisely why I am so exceptionally determined to attend graduate school and receive my Master?s Degree. I want to continue my education and flourish into an enlightened, cultured, and knowledgeable individual. One of the aspects that I have enjoyed most from my undergraduate college experience, is the internship that I was able to complete. After continuously working with underprivilaged students and their families, I quickly realized that I wanted to peruse my education further and strive for a Master?s Degree in a field that allows me to aid families that are in need. I believe that attaining my Master?s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy will allow me acquire knowledge about families as well as individuals, the struggles they endure, and how to assist people in such a way that will enhance their lives. I hope to succeed in the program of Marriage and Family Therapy and then ultimately receive my Doctorate?s Degree in Clinical Psychology, becoming a licensed Psychologist.

As I walked down the empty science hall at Land O? Lakes High, I approached my locker to gather my homework. In an instant, I felt as if someone was breathing down my neck and I was puzzled because I thought I was alone. I didn?t hear any footsteps behind me, but when I turned around, it seems like I was looking into a mirror. I was confused, but all of a sudden the spitting image of me began to speak: ?When you start college everything will change and I?m here to give you some advice. No matter what classes you take, always try your hardest, you can do anything you set your mind to. Being far away from your family is tough, spend as much time with them while you can and treat them with love. Last, be true to your friends and be careful not to ruin friendships over fights. Remember the words I have spoken to you and use them to your advantage." My future self disappeared into a haze as I stood there dumbfounded. I reflected on the words of wisdom I just received and decided it was gift that I should use wisely.

Focus is key. Studying is important. Take all of your tests seriously. Choose your friends wisely. Do'nt go to EVERY party. Discipline yourself. Follow through on every endeavor. The road will be tough but it's worth the hassle in the end

The advice that I would give myself if I were able to go back in time would be to spend as much time as possible with my family before I leave for school. Before I left for college I didn't realize how much I would miss my family back home and I wish I could spend more time with them when I visit. I love my family a lot and it's often difficult for me to go home because of work but when I do go home I try to enjoy every minute with my family that I can.

Going back I would tell myself not to worry as much and have more confidence in myself. I went into college a little skeptical, because of all the stories of huge papers and impossible test, but overall it has not been that hard. I have realized as long as I don?t procrastinate and show my best effort, I will succeed. I would also tell myself to learn to manage my time better. Once in college your parents aren?t there to help you keep track of your time. In college it seems like I am always busy with something. I have found it very beneficial to get involved on campus, whether it is participating in a club, going to an event, or volunteering your time. By staying active you will meet endless amounts of good friends and also stay out of trouble. Having good friends also helps you achieve better grades by studying together and working together to figure things out. Overall I have experienced the hardships of college along with some of the most memorial times of my life.

Anna, I know those Advanced Placement classes are very difficult, but stick with them because colleges like to see that you were able to succeed in these classes even if you do not pass the exams to receive college credit. Apply to your college choices no later than December to avoid any stress of doing it at the last minute. You should actually study for the SAT! The practice tests really are extremely helpful. Start creating effective study habits now, because you will definitely need them in college. Manage your time wisely, which means stay away from distractions such as T.V. and Facebook! Also, start projects as soon as they are assigned because though you may think you have plenty of time, those due dates creep up on you, and before you know it, you are pulling all-nighters just to finish. The most important piece of advice I can give you is to apply for as many scholarships as possible! There are so many out there, but you have to search. Being at the top of your class and getting straight A's does not mean that scholarships and grants are necessarily going to find you!

I would tell myself that being a music major is a lot of work. If I could go back, I would try to get ahead of myself, that way I would not be as stressed out in college. Although I have learned and grown a lot during my first year of college, I wish I had prepared myself better in the academic and mental sense. It has been very hard trying to juggle eleven classes (in one semester), sleeping, and trying to have a good time. All in all, it is probablly a good thing I was not as prepared. If I had gone back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, maybe I would not have grown as much. But who knows?

My life as a high school senior was probably pretty typical: I tried to be involved in as much as I could, I liked to make friends wherever I was, and I always tried my best academically. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would go back and tell myself that I am extremely proud of all the choices I made throughout high school, and to keep it up because college life does not get any easier. I would say that doing a little more volunteer work would be helpful, and being more mindful of the environment benefits everyone. Being nervous of the transition from high school to college is not needed either, everyone here at FGCU is open and willing to new friendships, and the professors are incredible at what they do (and yes, they actually do want you to pass and succeed). I would remind myself that calling home every once in a while does not make you a "momma's girl or daddy's girl," it just shows that you still love and care for your family. Do everything you even think you might be interested in doing, and don't be afraid to fail.

The most important thing that I would tell myself as a highschool senior is to really take full advantage of going where you want to go to college. College life is what you make it and you will get as far as you let youself get. I would reccommend to live on campus for the first year or so to get familiar with the school and its surroundings and to also meet new people. Try not to overwhelm yourself during your classes, just take each day as it comes and make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep. Also, make sure to have fun and don't miss out on extra curricular activities if you have the time! Another impotant thing is to make sure that you are living a healthy lifestyle! These college years will only be as good as you let them be and it's up to you to become who you want to become in this time.

The one thing I would tell myself would be to just relax and enjoy it. Try not to argue with my family as much and appreciate it while u have it.

I would tell myself not to worry so much because transitioning into college life was not as difficult as I imagined. I took alot of precautions over the years of my highschool career so that I could get ahead in school and finish my bachelors at the age of 21. Even though I am very ready to move onto Graduate School in the Fall of 2010 I would could give myself the advice to enjoy the experiences of the next couple years of my undergraduate career because it will pass by quickly. I would also tell myself that experience matters as well and not getting a degree quickly. Overall, I feel that I did every step the way I wanted to and am ready to embark on another rewarding journey through my upcoming Graduate Studies in Environmental Science at FGCU.

As a current college freshman, I have learned many things in my first year away from home. I was an International Baccalaureate student and high school was quite the challenge for me. Many times in high school there were times when I felt like I just wanted to give up. If I could go back to high school now I would tell myself to not give up and keep on going, because honestly college is easier! I have found so far that the work load has been lighter than in high school and all those long nights last year were really worth it. I would tell myself that those all nighters will truly just be experiences to look back and laugh at. I would also say that the essays in college are simple comparably to high school - so just keep going and don't give up!

If I were to go back and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships. Apply to as many as you find. I would also tell myself that I need to start my school year organized. I need to keep all of my collage papers organized and do not throw anything away. One thing that I would tell myself that is very important, is that when the teacher says the only homework is to read certain chapters. It does not mean that you have no homework, you need to read those pages. Because if you don't read them, when it comes to finals time, you will have a whole semester worth of readings to do in all of your classes. Also, not only read it but take notes and highlight because when you go back during finals, you will know what to study . Another piece of advice that I would give myself is that when I was given a writing asssignment, do not wait till the last minute to do (that goes for all homework), and take the draft to the writing center on campus to get help.

Don't wait so long to go to school. I did not go to school to get my AA degree until I had been out of school for 5 years and than I did not go back to school to get my BS for another 11 after that. I would also encourage myself to focus more on school in my high school years as well as taking a language. Most universities want you to have a language now, not to mention how much ot could have helped my in the job market. I would also encourage myself to go for the degree that I was interested in, not what everyone else said. I would remind myself that it is my life and that I was the one who would be living it. Than last, but not least I would tell myself that life is too short and that I should not hesitate to live it to the fullest.

If I could go back in time and see myself I would tell him that when he becomes a freshman a FGCU that he needs to buckle down his first semester because that is the determining factor for the rest of his college career. This is because if I failed then I would not be eligible for many of the upcoming years scholarships, thus I would not be able to pay for college and my college career would come to an abrupt end. I would not end on a sad note though, I would tell myself that if I learn to balance academics and fun I can do both, which can make my college career more than just going to school like high school and more fun and enjoyable to me.

I would tell myself to become involved with my classmates and my teachers. Being super-shy is not the way to have a pleasant college experience. I would explain that it is always easier to speak up and discuss things in class. When you are outgoing, it is so much easier to make friends and feel comfortable at school. Your professors will recognize your passion for learning and will be more willing to help you understand if they know who you are. Being social with your classmates also has an academic advantage, because it's much more fun to do homework with a group at a restaurant than it is to do it by yourself. Who knows, maybe a friend has the answer to that question you've been working on all day. Do not ever be afraid to seek help from others; you'll learn so much more through open communication.

I would have to say that i would be sure to tell myself learn to love who you are and be sure to not change for anyone. The only way you should change is for the better. Since coming to college I feel that too many people have compromised their values and morals to change to what someone else wants to see. I would tell them to write down their values and ideals and be sure to take that list with them to college to be sure they stay true to themselves. Whether it be change with academic standards or moral, I see way too much negative changes in people once they come to school. As Doctor Suess once put it, "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." I believe this is a quote to live by and keep reminding ones self of.

Now being a college student, I would tell the high school senior I once was to strive for the expansion of views, opinions, and aspects. Graduating from a class of ninety at a private school, while a truly privileged educational opportunity, was not realistic with respect to applicability. Very sheltered, I graduated from a largely Caucasian male class consisting of wealthy backgrounds. While a great education was bestowed upon me, I feel I was robbed of real world perspectives. As a college student, especially at Florida Gulf Coast University, I have been enlightened that not everyone shares my individualistic concerns and opinions, as being a male, I suddenly find myself in the minority. As a result, I have been acquainted with the realistic 21st century, not the impractical past. Fascinated and inspired with this concept, upon enrolling at FGCU, I changed from a Biology major to a Political Science major and haven?t looked back. Enrolled in 15 credit hours of upper level Political Science courses this semester, I realize enlightenment holds the key to mankind?s future. Ignorance and aristocracy cannot be tolerated any longer with the progressions of society, as they are inversely proportional to one another.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the biggest piece of advice I would give to myself would be to focus my high school courses and extracurricular activities more around college. I would have taken more AP courses than I did in order to get a bigger headstart on my college courseload. This would have also saved me lots of money, considering that high school courses and books are free. I also would have volunteered at numerous places, rather than just at the community hopsital. This would have helped me be more specific about what I want to choose as my career. I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field but it took me years after high school to figure out what I wanted to do. Now I know I want to be a nurse and I am planning on starting nursing school this Summer....if only I had the means to pay for it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to stress out about what college is going to be like. I would mention to myself that college is a lot of fun, no matter where you go. Also, I would say tell myself not to worry about not having any friends when I go to college because there is such a broad variety of students at school that I don't have to worry about meeting new people, that's what college is all about, meeting new people, having fun, and of course staying focused on your work. I would assure myself that living away from home will be fun, and that my family will always be tehre for me even if I am living three hours away when I leave for school. College is fun, but it's also a lot of work, so I would have to remind myself to keep my priorities straight, and if I can remember to do that, I will make good grades and have a wounderful college experience!