Florida State University Top Questions

Funny, this is not the first time I have thought about this question. I only have two “regrets” – not having taken advantage of the free college classes in high school and not participating more in college. I was enrolled in over 10 AP classes, but never passed any of my exams. If I had realized the impact it could have made, I would have studied for those exams. I also would have either chosen a high school that offered IB or participated in dual enrollment classes as early as possible. Although this advice doesn’t help much as a senior in high school, my senior self could have worked harder that last year and helped lower-class students succeed. If I had come into college with all those credits, it would have given me a chance to really decide on what I wanted to study. Secondly, I would tell myself to be more social and participate in organizations. I occupied myself with working so much that I didn’t participate in any organizations. Now, as a senior in college, I realize how much of a difference being a part of an organization could have been.

I would give myself advice in several different areas which include organization, priorites, and support. I believe being organized in life is very helpful especially during college. Your priorites have to be in order which will enable you to get through college. Support from family and friends is so important because college isn't easy and it is always helpful to have moral support. Also take time for yourself so it doesn't feel like your going crazy, personal time is important. Thanks Jillian Shaughnessy

Dear past self, You remember all those times you complained about your hour amount of work in high school? You'll be lucky if that is the minimum you get in college. However, do not fret!! Your best friend in college will be time management. Without it, you will be your own worst enemy. Time management will help you get the grades you want but still allow you time for your job and for extracurricular activities and friends. In college, you will certaintly have fun, but you NEED to remember that you were sent here by your parents to get an education. Getting those grades will eventually get you out of the whole "poor broke student" routine. One day, you will no longer be eating ramen or oatmeal as primary meals! Also, don't let your shyness stop you from anything! You would be amazed at how quickly you are able to make friends and try new things as long as you put yourself out there!! Go to the football games and do the seminole chomp (it's such an amazing experience)! Also, as soon as you can, get off that meal plan.... the food is so awful!

I would tell myself to stick with one major. To find a mentor to help me get to where I need to get to. I would pick a mentor that was a physician assitant like I will become. I would ask them what things would benefit me such as; volunteer, externships or internships, where and what I should go study on my own. I would also tell myself, do all of my science courses first. Those classes are the most difficult and hard to get into. I would also save up all the money I could, instead of buying that car I wanted I would buy something cheaper, more gas friendly as well. Futhermore I would tell myself to make more friends because they are potential resources. The last thing I would tell myself is not to be afraid of teachers and counselers , that they are there to help me succeed not to belittle me. Don't worry Chrystal you can do this it may feel like you've been in school forever but the reward will be great.

The tragic flaw of entitlement seems to be an unfortunate and widespread character trait existing in contemporary society. It seems rather cliche to advocate that every individual is responsible for creating their own destiny, however due in part to outside influences (i.e television, credit cards, and hallmark holidays), we have this innate belief that we deserve things we haven't earned. If life has progressively taught me one thing it's that no matter what financial or domestic situation you are born into, true happiness lies in the manner and the degree of effort by which one pursues it. When you recieve that acceptance letter from a University as esteemed as Florida State, the feeling of accomplishment is so powerful its almost overwhelming. Still, the best part of it all is that while one chapter of your life may be at an end, another one is about to begin. The best piece of advice I can give is to keep the door open for new experiences and always embrace new opportunities. Also, keep in mind that applying yourself academically will only open more doors for you to walk through.

The advice that i would give myself would be to never assume that high school and college are the same in any way. The academics are extremely different and it is very important to know that college classes require discipline and hard work. High school required hard work too, but college is preparing you for the rest of your life and the classes and its content should be taken very seriously. The first semester should be the most important in that one should not slack off but work very hard.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a high scholar senior with the current knowledge of college life and the transition, I would have prepared myself better in the terms of time management and study habits. College is the true test of those two very critical aspects of any student's life. Nowadays, the competition for secondary educational institutions has sky-rocketed. Everyone is claiming to be the most well-rounded and academically-talented. But the true question is: Can you maintain those attributes throughout your college career? With every new environment, there are new challenges and college is not any different. So, the best advice I can give is to prepare for the true tests of your intellect and learning capabilities by studying efficiently and continue your other extracurricular learning conquests by learning how to manage your time wisely.

Jaimi, calm down. You have made the right decision to attend college, and you have chosen the right college for you. Now all you have to do is relax, focus on your goals, and have a little fun. Your mother is right about the dorms; you should relish the opportunity and open yourself and your mind to making new friends and experiencing a new life style. You will make your grandmother proud by becoming her sorority legacy, so do not waste your valuable time stressing over this. Instead, stress over the more important things in college such as maintaining your grade point average, making lasting connections with every professor, and working hard at your job and earning scholarships to ease later financial burdens. Use the myriad of resources available to you; the library, the tutors, the computer laboratories, and professor and advisor office hours. This may seem like a lot to take in, and it is, but you can do it. Please have fun, as I believe it is your right as a college student, but balance is imperative. Most importantly, remember that your life won’t end after college, it will merely begin. It is up to you now.

If I could travel back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything is going to be ok! College really isn't that hard, and is, in my personal opinion, prefferable to high school. I have had alot more fun and freedom than I ever did while attending High School. The classes are more challenging, so I don't feel like I have to wait for everyone to catch up. As a senior, I was bored alot of the time. Also, the students are generally more responsible. High School drama is so over-rated, and by the time I hit my last year there, I knew it. I suppose I would tell myself just to keep moving forward, and that good things awaited me in college; that I didn't have to relive my highschool years, because that would have terrified "senior-me".

Transitioning to college can be a difficult step for many students you'll encounter. You are never fully aware of what is going on in the people's lives around you or the traditions that they have. You may, for instance, have roommate problems which is a very common issue on any campus. When you juxtapose certain individuals together, you may very well have to remain open minded. I urge you to be open minded from the beginning and learn from the people around you and from their cultures. Be careful of certain friends that you make and remember to truly get to know a person, their values and morals. Hold strong to your morals as well and above all, make yourself at home.