Florida State University Top Questions

Some advice I would give myself would be to make better grades in high school so my GPA could've made the Bright futures cut.

If I had the opportunity, I would explain to myself that the transition from high school to college is probably the hardest part of coming to college, other than the classes of course. Throughout my freshman year, I have struggled to acclimate myself to this new environment. In high school, I excelled without nearly as much effort as I have to put in now. The class load of a college student is definitely overwhelming at times. On top of that, there is also community service, clubs, sororities/fraternities, and other opportunities to get involved around campus. Finding something to try to get involved in is definitely a tough task. There's just so much to choose from. I feel that if I had known this a high school senior, I would have been much more mentally prepared for what was ahead of me.

I would go back and assure myself that while college may appear intimidating, it is a great canvas upon which you can model yourself into the successful adult you dream to become. The dorm life isn't the best but it's a necessary right of passage, a place to learn about who you are and about the myriad of personalities and people in the world. I'd tell myself that courses are much more difficult at the University than at the Community college, so take them very seriously. It's okay that you don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life, because there are so many resources and advisors available to coach you through the trials and tribulations, and to guide you towards your goals. Have fun, and be outgoing; nobody bites! Be patient with roommates, and considerate of others. But always remember; you're here to learn, study, and research. Expand your horizon, expand your network, and grow as a person!

Nick, you need to try and take the Spanish IB SL exam even though you are no longer in the class. Essentially you can get free credit for Spanish and skip some foreign language requirements in college. Also try not to text so much and be patient, you'll thank me later. Always remember what you've learned, there is no need to bring all your notes from high school with you. Another bit of advice, when you register for college classes, take three classes instead of two. They'll say that you shouldn't take three because you need time to adjust, that's not true at all. You'll have nothing to do if you only take two courses. A final bit of advice, try and get a job early. Summer is the best time to apply, if you wait too soon, all the other summer students will take the jobs from you. Most importantly, have fun and don't worry about what others think of you, what matters most is what you think of yourself. Self-respect is the best trait to have against life's challenges.

I would advise myself to begin my college career strong so that the end will be far less stressful. If you work persistently and give it your all as soon as you enter into college, you will be able to focus more on certain aspects- such as internships, grad school applications and job security- and less on school towards the end of your undergraduate career because the majority of your academic milestones will already be out of the way. Do what you need to do so that later on you can do what you want to do. Additionally, nothing is unobtainable if you set realistic goals and prioritize. There are an unlimited amount of resources available to you at all times. Keep in mind that it takes many attempts and much failure to arrive at success, so do not fear rejection. With that being said, do not be afraid to reach for the stars!

If I could go back in time and give my younger self some words of wisdom, I would tell myself to take advantage of my last year at highschool, and enjoy the great friendships that I once had. During my senior year of highschool I thought that I had made friendships that would last a lifetime, but unfortunately, I have realized how hard and somewhat unrealistic it is to stay in contact with all of my highschool friends and have accepted that my friendships will inevitably change. If I were to go back to highschool, I would try my hardest to make memories that I could never forget, and photograph everything. Probably the biggest thing I would change is the amount of photos I failed to take. You'd be surprised how nice it is to look at old photographs of you with friends and family from back home, and I cannot stress how much I wish there were more. Regardless, enjoy highschool, and as much as you want it to end, once you're in college you might actually miss the luxuries of living at home, as strange as that sounds. Oh, and as a sidenote, you love FSU.

I would encourge you to pursue two things that are essential in succeding in college life: community and opportunity. Starting in college I was a loner, and I tried to pursue life without the company of friends and support. Community, loving friends and leaders who were there to help me up when I fell, is the reason I am still in college today. Everyone comes to college with baggage and things they must deal with now that they are on their own, and I dare say it's impossible to overcome those things on your own. It's equally important as being faithful in your studies, for what is life and achievement without anyone to share them with? The second point of seizing opportunity is more practical in orienting career opportunity. While in college, you will have a plethera of opportunities to grow in knowledge, to gain professional experience, and to explore the world! Be wise with your money, but don't let that hold you back from jumping in. There are many financial aid opportunites. If anything, see it as an investment with large returns. In a nutshell, I say "Carpe Diem". You'll do great.

I went from highschool to the Air Force and so my college life has been unique. The only thing I could say to myself to make any difference is tell myself to pick what I want to do early and stick to it, don't keep changing my mind, don't let others change my mind, and most of all never, ever give up on my dreams because nothing is impossible. The only thing that will get in my way is myself. So don't get in my way. Look forward, keep my chin up and carry on as hard and as strong as I possibly can. Study hard, work hard, and don't let anyone or anything stand in my path. The most important thing to tell myself would be to not listen to the doubts of those around me. I let people tell me what I should do instead of me telling myself what I should do, instead of following my own wants and desires I allowed others to lead me in the direction they thought was best for me. I would tell myself to do what I wanted, what I thought was best and not anyone else.

Hey Derek, highschool was fun huh? It only gets better at FSU, now here are a few tips to make sure you get a good start. Don't waste time during your first year on campus! Go to the first Habitat for Humanity meeting and get involved instantly, you'll find some great friends there. Keep reading your devotions, your faith WILL be tested. I know you didn't study a lick in highschool but start studying immediately, a little bit everyday will do the trick. Just stay and take classes during the summers, Tallahassee is actually pretty fun during the summer. You ARE going to be Pre-Physical Therapy, don't wait till Junior year to decide that. On the Pre-PT note, go ahead and start observing DPT's and look for therapy tech jobs. Maintain that "Keep Moving" attitude your learned in wrestling. Only party on the weekends. Don't take the friends you make for granted, they're going to need you and you will need them. There you go man, now go make life a little easier for me.

I would only be so lucky if I could actually go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior. As I think back, I see how naive and unprepared I was for college. A piece of advice that I would tell myself as a high school senior would be to straighten up, set some goals, and get my priorities in order. For me, as well as others, the transition from high school to college can become a wakeup call. You quickly learn that life does not revolve around petty high school dramas and bickering friends.