Florida State University Top Questions

Conforming to the "social norm" is my biggest regret in choosing a college. At the time, I felt secure when deciding on a big, traditional state university. It seemed to be everyone's greatest desire and I thought it would bring me pleasure and happiness as well. I wish I had listened to my gut feeling, which was that I was not cut out for this type of life style. I wasn't raised to depend on alcohol for fun, and I certainly don't need a group of bratty sorority girls' approval to tell me that I "fit in". Aside from that, I would have hugely benefited from knowing that these classes will not help me in the future. I'm constantly being told that I'm "living the dream" and I know I am, but I'm not living MY dream. I have finally decided to transfer to a smaller school that specializes in my major. The opportunities waiting for me there are endless. Money is the only thing standing in the way and I sincerely pray that I am considered to receive this award so that I can finally live a life that will better my future.

There's a proverb that says "If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking." As a high school graduate, I assumed picking my school, major, and career were all things that I needed to do immediately and needed to be sure about. What I learned in college was to take every oppotunity given to me, to ask for help when I needed it, and to put my all in to everything I do. When I did that, I naturally gravitated towards the right classes, professors and ultimately major and career path for me. Now, I'm pursuing a Ph.D. at the number one institution in my field (which I realized I loved half-way through my undergraduate career), which just so happens to also be my undergraduate alma mater (which wasn't my first choice school). My college experience demonstrates that when your intent on succeeding, you will... even if you haven't figured out your path yet.

Do not rush into a decision regarding your career. Too many people rush into making a decision about what they want to do for the rest of their life before really knowing what the career involves. There is no shame in not knowing what you want to do right out of high school. Take a few college classes that intrest you and then see where you go from there. Enjoy yourself and make new friends. This will be a time in your life that you will remember forever!

Stay focused on your studies...it's easy to get distracted by the freedom one experiences in college.Get a degree in a technical or mathematics-related field. Work after getting a Bachelors degree so can get real-life experience. Then go back and get a Masters degree to build on your technical Bachelors degree.

La transicion de escuela superior a la vida universitaria fue un poco dificil debido a la falta de ayuda economica y la interaccion con los profesores. La vida universitaria supone nuevos retos y ya no dependes tanto de una supervision continua. Lo que me gusta de la vida universitaria es la variedad educativa y la oportunidad de comenzar en la concentracion.

I would tell my high school senior self to save as much money for college as possible and that you can never be too prepared. She would be informed of the many different career opportunities college offers, and to really think hard about deciding her major before jumping into something too quickly. I would provide her with information on the necessary tools to graduate, these tools being more than just text books, gas, money for tuition, and supplies. She would ask me what other tools could there be besides that? To which I would respond with "mental tools". These mental tools being determination, drive, confidence, and planning ahead. All of which create a better chance at succeeding in college and life. She would be informed of the ups and downs college offers, and how everyone hits a bad point, but if she sticks to her guns and never gives up hope, success is envitable. Lastly, I would let her know that her mother will become fatally ill, and she carries the opportunity and burden to be the first of her siblings to graduate college, and make her mother proud before she leaves this world.

To read through all the material in a given a class not just the assigned pages. Be always on time or even early and make sure that your teacher knows you personally. Start thinknig about what all you like to do and if you could see yourself doing it as a work and not just for fun. Visit schools you're interested of and talk to current or former students to find out about how they experienced day to day life as a student. Do more than the minimum requirements and help out your friends that need help.

Oh, if we could just go back in time... I would give myself all the advice I could about my college experiences thus far. First off, I would tell myself to prepare for the worst and the unexpected. I believe that this is a general rule for life and it gets more difficult as you live on, as life's surprises are most unexpected. Learning how to handle challenges and obstacles is really something you can't thoroughly prepare for. Life as a high school student is fairly easy, and making the transition to a University can be difficult and trying. I would warn myself about how easy it is to succumb to lazyness. I would tell myself to make better choices and become more responsible earlier on. I would also definitley stress the importance of time management and organizational skills as they will surely make your life much easier. As I reflect on where I w as then and contrast with where I am now, I can honestly say that I've learned and grown a great deal over the years. There would be so much we would talk about.

Focus on school!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would remind myself to stay true to who you are. People loe you and support you and in those times of stress and woe they will be there for you. Remember to not lose touch with who you are and to not limit yourself. I would also remind myself to go out and make as many friends as possible and try not to let myself get completely involved with school and forget to let myself have some time to "play". Also, that people in life will always suprise you and that life itself will often surprise you. Trust your gut and heart, and dont let people walk all over you, if it seems wrong, it probably is. Also, I would remind myself that time heals all and when I need it the most to talk to those that give you the best love and support. Overall, I'd remind myself to not be so nervous and to just enjoy the roller coaster I'm about to board.