Florida State University Top Questions

I would tell myself not to change a single thing. Transitioning from high school to college was terrifying and exciting all at the same time. I made some interesting choices (not mistakes), and didn't always get the result I was looking for, but if I hadn't made those choices I wouldn't be in the position in life that I'm in today. I have a wonderful new group of friends, am involved in some terrific school organizations, and am progressing nicely in my academic career. If I were to give advice to anyone regarding entering college, it would be to be open to new ideas and people. You never know what random stranger could turn out to be one of your best friends, or how being involved in a school organization (marching band in my case) could lead to making 460 new friends and acquaintances.

To stay at home and go to a community college to save money!! Then go to grad school. Bright Futures would have given me 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} tuition and I could have saved on housing and tuition also.

If i could tell myself anything as a high school senior, i would tell myself to be open to all possible experiences. College is about finding yourself, and if you go in with a closed mind, how are you to find anything? Also, base the choices you make off of your own decisions. Trust yourself, don't let others persuade you from being you. Be open to new friends and ideas that you may have never considered before. It is in those places that you will find you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to chill out. As a senior in high school, I was so stressed out about my future that I would lose sleep over it. I was constantly thinking about whether or not I would get into my first choice school , what would I do if I messed up and didn't graduate, or what would happen if I failed an AP exam. Looking back on it now I realize that I had no reason to be so concerned or so paranoid. After my first week of classes, I knew all my hard work paid off in high school and that I was prepared to take this next step. Everything worked out in the end and all the energy spent obsessing over my future could've been instead used for enjoying my last few months at home with my family and friends.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to always listen to my gut feeling. I would tell the past me that some boy will attack me and that I will be powerless to do anything. If I had only just ran from the start life would be easier and I could sleep better at night. On a less serious note, I would tell myself to keep up the good work. Keep studying hard because this is everything I have ever wanted. I would encourage myself to trust that God has a plan for me and all I have to do is trust Him. When I started college, the transition was easy. I was far from home, so I was able to support myself. I made new friends and kept in contact with the old ones. I focused on my work so I could reach my goal. Homesickness or fear of failing was never an issue, so maybe I would reassure myself that I am making the right decision.

If I could go back in time I would have graduated from high school early and spent a year persuing my art before coming to school full time. As a senior at a public, non-arts high school it was difficult for me to really persue my dance in the way that I wanted and that would help me to prepare for dance in a college atmosphere. If I could I would have finished high school early and spent a year studying at a conservatory program in order to be able to focus on dance and learn to live on my own. As a college student I have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of dance forms and styles. This has allowed me to pick and choose between different aspects of each style that I want to use in my own artistic endeavors. As a result, I have been able to expand my dancing abilities exponentially. By using my senior year of high school to prepare myself for college I feel I would have been able to improve with even greater speed and reach even higher artistic levels through my university studies.

In high school there seems to be three types of students. The student who gets fantastic grades and is involved greatly in their school, the student who coasts along relying on their natural ability to get them through, and well the slacker who is just waiting for the days to pass. I was the second student and after it was all said and done there was much I would change. I would tell myself that staying after school with a club twice a week really wasn't all that bad and the benefits would only help. My lack of involvement cost me my two top schools when I applied to schools and I still think about that everyday. Don't get me wrong FSU is my home and I can't imagine myself anywhere else but the ghosts are still there. I'm an officer in my fraternity because after seeing the benefits of getting involved I vowed to never let that hold me back ever again. I no longer coast along but make things happen for me. I would tell my high school self that high school is the moment to make your future so don't waste it.

One thing I wish I had done in high school was not spend my money. When I was a senior, I finally had a car of my own and was able to drive my brother and myself from high school to home (a twenty minute drive). I really took advantage of my newfound freedom. I started buying fast food for my brother whenever he was hungry. I would offer to run out and buy groceries for my family. I bought supplies for class parties. I wasted my money away on other people and I wish there was someone to tell me, "Save it - because you'll definitely need it." Before I knew it, my checking account was drained. Luckily, college has helped me plan for the future a little better than high school did. If I could go back, I would definitely tell the old Stirling: "There are these things called deposits that you have to make for housing and meal plans. Financial Aid doesn't cover it all." Now that I know what I know, hopefully the upcoming years will be fiscally good for myself and my family.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to definitely not be as lazy. My first year up here was one full of adventures and parties, so when it came to the classroom I wasn't in the right mindset, so as a newcomer I would make sure to tell them to have their fun but to also be ready to come back to reality after the weekend has passed. This means going to all classes, no matter what time they start, doing all the homework, studying hard for tests, etc. There's no reason school can't be both fun and engaging. It's what you make it, and I know I let myself slip a bit and am making up for it now. Which is why to any incoming freshman, my best advice is to make sure you're ready to work just as much as you're ready to play.

The hard work will pay off, and you will get that 4.0 GPA. Also, don't try to make your room mates your best friends; that's a disaster waiting to happen. Go out and the join the Men's Ultimate Frisbee Club called DUF as soon as possible. They will be your brothers. Winters are COLD and every other season is wet. Bring the proper clothing. Don't procrastinate like your friends because they were put on academic probation. You're going to LOVE economics as weird as that sounds and you will change your major the Hospitality Management because it is awesome. Also, don't worry too much on looking for girls. They find you without even trying. Oh, and before I forget: When winter break comes around keep running and stay in shape. Spring time trials are brutal.