George Mason University Top Questions

First I would tell myself, "Stop wasting your time"! I kick myself every time I think of all the stupid stuff I used to do to impress my friends or girls. I would tell my younger self to think about where I want to be when I'm twenty-five. Then I would say, "I'm barely closer to that goal at twenty-five because I did not put myself in classes I needed to pursue that career". Staying in school would be the main point I would stress. Having a few years of working minimum wage jobs and living the poor life was very effective in getting me motivated for school, but I should have learned that it was a dead end from watching others while I went through school. It would be important that I told myself that I'm not worthless and that only through following my dream would I feel truly happy. So all in all, a simplified version of my speech would be, "You have a wonderful life ahead of yourself and the amount of work needed to reach this better life is insignificant when compared to the joy and wonder it will bring you".

If I could go back to high school and tell myself one piece of advice it would be to do what you love. Prior to George Mason University, I attended another 4-year university not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. However, I ended up falling in love with my first school. I joined a sorority, made friends, went to football games, loved my academic program, etc. While at this school, I was also trying to figure out what I wanted my career to be. My parents and friends were trying to tell me what I should do but nothing seemed to fit my personality and what I wanted in life. After seeing my roommate go through nursing school, I decided that was right for me- a career that I would love. My senior year, I applied to nursing schools and received my acceptance to George Mason University. Although it will take me 6 years till I will be able to have career, I would not take back my first 4 years of college because it made me who I am today and I loved every second of it.

If I could go back and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to not be afraid to explore. My freshman year of college, I tended to avoid social outings and potential friendships. Most of the time, I was simply afraid it would be a wasted effort, or that I would end up getting into trouble. Now, I know that the most fun I've had thus far is achieved by taking chances, and not being scared to try new clubs and organizations that I would have otherwise turned a blind eye to. I would also tell myself to relax and have confidence, because everyone is nervous about doing well. I would encourage myself to foster a group of friends that would support me and encourage the values I hold in high esteem, and to remember that while college is academic, there is just as much to be learned through social growth and through that, personal growth and understanding.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to lose all of my expectations about what the college experience should be and accept that change is inevitable and also helpful. As a transfer student, I feel that I made a lot of mistakes before finally attending George Mason University and being happy. I chose the college I first attended based on unrealistic expectations of who I wanted to be and what I wanted to achieve in life. I wanted to change who I was and I ended up unhappy for the better part of a year because of it. Now, I would tell my high school senior self that it is okay to be yourself and you should completely explore your options to find the perfect school to fit you. With that said, it is also okay to be unsuccessful at first, as I did initially. You almost always have a second chance to find the school that makes you happy. Changes are good and help you grow as a person and it is important to accept your ability to change as well as accept yourself and honor your desires and goals.

I would tell myself to participate in things and events earlier because this allows you to be involved in the university more and with the community more. I would tell myself to make a point to get to know those in my residence hall and make sure to go to all the events offered. I would also tell myself to get involved and have school pride because this is extremely important and will help form lasting friendships and help with networking down the line. I would also probably tell myself that I could study a little bit harder :)

Don't be so scared, it's not as bad as you thought it was going to be. You spent way too much time worrying about what college would be like, not knowing where to go, and what to do, that you forgot to enjoy you're last year. You're smarter than you think. Just becuase you didn't do as good as you wanted to in high school doens't mean you can't do great at a university, and even if you don't get A's in every class that doesn't mean you didn't learn a lot and get smarter. College is about finding out what you want to do and who you want to be. It's about making mistakes and learning as you go in a way that you were never given a chance to in high school. Being an adult in college is hard, I'm not going to lie, there's more responsibility and accountability, but it's worth it. You have to learn to accept things as a challenge instead of just worrying about them.

My advice would be to take control of your own life and plan out a future. If you plan to go to college, imagine yourself three years from now as a junior in college and ask if this is really what you want. Plan to go to college by taking into account the academic program and your capabilities. Then push your own boundaries to become more independent and really work towards school. At the same time, learn to take care of yourself; become responsible for everything you do. After high school, life becomes more serious and you need to begin thinking for the future as soon as possible. Pick an obtainable but meaningful degree program, avoid excessive student loans to get there, pick a career field that you will enjoy and also make a living from. And do not be afraid to take on more work than you think you can handle; you will surprise yourself what you can deal with when you really commit. Keep in mind that this is working towards your adult life, make it worth living. Along the way, give yourself small rewards to remind you how your hard work will pay off in the end.

If i Had the oppertunity to go back and talk to my self as a senior in high school i would tell my self to keep up the good work and grades for my senior year. Then i would tell my self that once i left home to go to school that i would need to make sure that all of me leaves needs to leave home and to focus on the school work, and stop thinking about whats happening back home. For if you focus on the school work college will be a lot easier and don't worry about working all the time, because what you sacrifce now to get the schooling done quicker will pay off in the long run. Also i would tell myself to prepare if i ever went to a community college that they are like high school and the the students complain alot, so to try and stay with the bigger universities. Also have fun and enjoy that time period of life.

As a high school senior I was very stressed about getting in to various colleges. I didn't know what program I wanted to get into and all I cared about was the prestige of the institution. If I could go back, I'd simply tell myself to stop stressing out so much about the prestige of an undergraduate institution. I know now that the job market has become so competitive that the majority of career paths that interest me require a master's degree to get anywhere. I would tell myself to focus more on finding an institution that has a very strong curriculum so that I could become a desirable, well-trained, and well-educated candidate for a prestigious graduate school. I could then happily recommend George Mason University to my younger self as an undergraduate institution that would provide me with the best education that I could ever hope for.

Hey Farah! you are nice and naive so be prepared for college. Have fun and study hard. Always ask for help when you need it. Professors are just like rest of us, they want to be appreciated and want to know that you are interested in learning.