Jasmine
If I could go back in time and tell myself to focus on completing college while I was still young it would have made my life much easier. I would tell myself that it will be much better to complete college before starting a family. Now at 31 with a husband and a three year old it is very difficult to go to school full time and keep up with everything else. I would tell myself not to worry about the party aspects of a college and focus on what is best for the career that I was interested in. To many high school seniors only worry about how much fun they are going to have in college, when what they really need to do is figure out what they want to study and work hard to accomplish their goals. Life is not a big party and college sould not be one either.
Laura
This is a great self-reflecting question. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that a GPA should not be feared. I was very insecure in high school and believed people when they told me, "you need an almost perfect GPA to get into college". I know now, this is false societal idealism. The truth is, I could have gone to a community college and then transferred to a university, easily. Funny, this is what I eventually did, but at 24 years of age.
The second piece of advise I would give myself is elminating the fear of not being able to afford college. I was told by one college counselor I wasn't eligible for financial aid because my (single mother raising three kids) made too much money for me to qualify. What a joke! I would tell myself to go to several counselors to get the facts because money is available.
Bottom line is, I would tell myself to have confidence in myself, to believe in my abilities, and to go for my dreams no matter what others say, there is ALWAYS a way if you want it bad enough...and that's the truth!
Connie
I would first begin by explaining how important a college education is. Here in America we are blessed with our freedom to pursue whatever career or lifestyle we choose. I would stress the importance of pursuing a career path that will allow you be able to do what you love to do while getting paid for it. I would explain how important it is to put one foot in front of the other and to never stop until the job is done. I stopped, and now I am trying to finish what I started many years ago--but with the challenges of having children, a job, and running a household. In today's world, the competition only gets tougher; and in order to succeed, you must stay up with the competition. An education is a gift that will help you attain your goals. Don't waste that gift. Grab hold of it while you are young and your responsibilities are minimal. Know that one day, although you don't understand or believe it now, you will look back at this one accomplishment and feel proud that you let nothing stand in your way.
Amanda
If I could go back to high school I would probably tell myself to have at least one year of the "college experience." Going to a technical school in my hometown allowed me to go to school and still live at home, but I never really got to have the college experience that most of my fellow classmates had going to a University. And now that I have finished my two degree through a technical school and finished my four year degree through online schooling, I kind of feel that I grew up too fast. I know that I probably wouldn't be where I am today in my career if I would have done that instead because I was allowed to search for a job after I had finished my two year degree, which is where I have been working for the past two and a half years, and during that time, was allowed to finish my four year degree online. I am glad that I did what I did with my schooling but I wish that I would have had more experiences, afterall, i'll have the rest of my life to build my career.
Samantha
Looking back at my transition from high school to college, I would give the advice that staying the course and completing my education should be top priority. Life has it's way of throwing things your way that might make education seem less important than the emerging responsibilities of becoming an adult. However, obtaining a college education and ultimately a degree will allow for many more opportunities than an incomplete college education. I've learned first hand that while I may possess the skills to do a particiular job, I have been passed over by employers because I don't have a four-year degree. So, I would advise not to be fooled by excuses such as "I can always to back to school later". While that is true, completing college should be high priority. The sense of accomplishment and confidence gained from following through with your education is immeasurable.
Tunishia
I would tell myself to think about what I am interested in and GO to college after I graduate. It is one of the best decisions that I could make that will not only improve my life but completly change if for the better. You will graduate while you are young and obtain lots of experience from interning with companies in order to excel into your career. I would suggest getting involved with different campus activities and enjoy experiencing the campus life. I would recommend Franklin University because it is not too big and overwhelming. The classes are small which would allow professors to give you that one on one attention when it is needed. It is one of the top accredited universities in Columbus that you are guaranteed to get a quality education with the hands on experience and training that companies are looking for in their employees. Financial aide is available along with grants and scholarships to help you pay for your education. All you have to do is take that step and apply. You will be GLAD you did!
Jeff
I would tell myself that go to college and get an education because there are no good jobs available to those without an education. I would tell myself that college is only for a short time in a lifetime but the degree will last forever.
stefanie
Enjoy it - Do what you love, and do not stop until you have reached as far as you can into yourself
to get the ending you deserve. Love, Live, and Caring about yourself are the keys to happiness. Always
ask, " tomorrow would you regret that decision" if the answer is you do not know then say no.
one world
Janel
Lakeisha
I would tell myself to study hard and take advantage of all of the opportunities that the institution has to offer. I would also tell myself to study abroad and get a different cultures perspective on life and observe how they do things; and to take advantage of internship opportunities. Lastly I would tell myself the experiences that I have had and to avoid certain things and people that I encountered and embrace others.
Alice
I am now 52 years old and trying to finish my degree. There are many things that high school seniors need to know. First of all, get an education that will give you a career. Once obtained, an education can never be taken from you. It will open "the keys to the kingdom" of security and self-worth. This doesn't mean that everyone should get a four year traditional college degree, but everyone should get enough education to get make a career. Technical schools, single focus schools (such as court reporter or mortician schools) , apprentice programs, and more are available. Don't limit your horizons. Search for the career of your choice and research the possibilities!
If your guidance counselor is not doing the job, you have to do it for yourself. Don't let others limit your future, afterall its your life. Take charge and "get'er done".