Shaywanna
As a current sophmore at Hampton University, I feel that I have learned a lot not only about myself as a person but about life in general. The past year and a half at Hampton have exposed me to new ideas, new lifestyles, and new friends that I would not have made elsewhere. As a high school senior, my biggest worries were if my first choice school was a good choice and also if I would be able to balance my schoolwork and maintin a good social life. My advice to myself right now would be to choose the college that makes me feel at home and not to get too caught up in the aesthetics of a school but instead consider what I can do for the school as well as what the school can do for me. If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would reassure myself that the decision I made in choosing Hampton University was a great decision and that Hampton offers elements that other schools simply cannot.
Na'imah
If I could go back in time to talk to myself while a senior in high school, the very first thing I'd tell myself is to research all venues for scholarships and grants because the extra money would help greatly. Also, I'd tell myself to not allow family issues carry over into my schoolwork because that'll negatively affect me; and in the long run, I'd be the only person feeling that pain. I'd then tell myself to be open to new people, places, amd opportunites, but don't allow others to influence me to do things that would seem out of my "zone"; be your own woman and allow college to fit you, not fit yourself to it. Finally, enjoy yourself but never forget the real reason you're there, academia. This is the greatest stepping stone you'll ever have to reach your dreams. Network, work hard, make friends, deter those who seem like enemies, and never put your goals, aspirations, or morals to the side for anyone else.
Sierra
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to take for granite all the opportunities that will come with college such as grants, scholarships, internships, and network circles. These types of things make and break the college experience. I would make sure the "high school" me knew the importance of morals and values because going to an open place like college, where you are responsible for your own actions, can be tough if you aren't used to being around a great amount of temptation. I would tell my self to make sure I take classes seriously but not to let them overtake me. It's great to stay focused and excell in school, but you also have to find that common ground for personal time so that you don't stress yourself out and have a small break down.
Ta'lor
To take finding the right school more seriously. Dedicate myself more to a higher gpa.
Adrienne
If I could go back in time as a senior in high school, and know the things that I know now I would tell myself to stop being so lazy. I would inform myself about all of the scholarship opportunities, and internships that were available to seniors. There are so many possibilites that are out there, and so many people that are willing to help kids going to college, as long as you are willing to help yourself. I would remind myself that no matter what I should never give up, and stay true to my dreams. Life is too short, follow your dreams Adrienne!
Hattie
I see a young girl walking in the halls. She dresses awkwardly and walks quickly to avoid conversations. This is me. But not anymore. I walk up to her, formulating my advice mentally, and eager to help my old self.
The first item to discuss would be my fear of the students. I knew I was different, being the youngest in the entire school, and because of that, I was terrified. Now I realize that my only real fear was that the students would shun me for being more clever than they. However, I needn?t have worried, for later on my performance in class led me to become more popular, rather than excluded.
Second, I would encourage myself to push more academically. Strive for success on even the small assignments, so as to build the habit of perfection, a worthy goal. Remain focused, and be content with only the best. It is possible, and once attained, gives you a great sense of well-being and accomplishment.
Lastly, feel free to contend points given from your instructor as long as you remember your place and do so with respect. Be eager to succeed and to understand your teacher.
Cassey
If I went back in time to advise myself about collge life and making the transition, I would advise myself not to stress about the transition to college, but to work on following directions and capitalize on my organization skills. I would remind myself about all the lessons I learned in highschool about organization and following direction, because in college your teacher gives you a syllabus and your on your own. There is no time for procrastination in college so following directions is essential for succeeding in college. Also I would highly advise myself to have fun and enjoy senior year instead of stressing about college.
Danielle
Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give myself is that keeping up with your business is very imperative, getting involved in activities will benefit you, and getting high grades is a little more difficult in college than in high school. If you aren't on top of all your business, things could get mixed up or the wrong information could possibly be processed. Getting involved in activities helps a person to develop and sharpen their intellectual skills. If you participate in a wide variety of activites you also get the opportunity to meet other people around campus whom you never saw or met before. Getting high grades is more difficult than getting high grades in high school because, college is a huge step away from high school. In college, you are expected to be able to complete more work, study more, and become more focused on upcomin projects, papers, tests, and quizzes. It is also expected that you attend every class unless there is a significant reason why you did not attend class that day. In retrospect, this is the advice I would give myself about the college process.
Ashley
If I had that opportunity, I would definetly do my college research as far as my junior year in high school. That process is very important and saves a whole lot of stress while applying for schools. Time management and study habits is another vital aspect. There is not a common ground between time management in High School and time management in College. The difference in those two areas is the amount of freedom your able to obtain once your in college. Studying is also a transition, in High School your able to not study and still pass; but in college studying is very important so its best to take advantage of different studying techniques while in high school. I would also tell myself that there are no limit in schoarships at all. Another important concept to keep in mind are friends and family, and not just people you commonIy hang out with, but the people who you would mostly confide in at anytime of the night and in return they listen attentively. Once your collge exerting extra energy on people that don't really matter are not worth bringing into your new life in college.
Sean
If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself would be to establish what goals I wanted to reach before graduation and where my goals would take me after graduation. As I reminisce back to my senior year, I recall my parents advising me early in the year to start visiting aspiring colleges and focus on organizing and prioritizing my time. I was always a good student- with honorable grades, but did not know how I felt about being "away" from home. I procrastinated many times about what I wanted to do and soon I realized that my friends were already accepted into the colleges of their choice. My thoughts were- I was going to be here WITHOUT THEM! It was then that I rushed to apply to my aspiring universities and barely made the deadlines. As a result, I was thankfully accepted into the college of my dreams and now my future is very bright. In essence, I learned that I had everything I needed inside of me to make it. I just could not let fear keep me from VICTORY AND SUCCESS!
Jordan
"I?m proud of you, but there are things you must know to better your future.?
Jordan recognized my lecture tone. I, the matured version of her, only wished to see her succeed.
I continued, ?Girl, I?ve been here before!?
She rolled her eyes, ?Here we go again! You know everything about my future. Why can?t you just let me live. It?s all going to end up the same; pretty soon I will be you!?
She was reluctant to hear my advice, caught up in her world of senior stardom and senioritis. To her I sounded like dad. But he was right! Despite what I thought, everything he said about making things happen for yourself, finding balance between school work and social endeavors, and choosing a group of motivated friends was useful information.
I took a deep breath. Glancing back at the self-indulgent girl I had once been, I wanted to explain that she could be better than me. I knew her potential. She had proven she could get accepted into college, yet she still had not realized the importance of her education. She needed to jump on every opportunity possible. Her life depended on it!
Linda
Note to self: Don?t worry. You?ll get into college, and you will do good. Don?t send that acceptance check to West Virginia University, Hampton University will give you a much better surprise. Spend time with friends, because it will be months before you see them again. Ask your teachers for recommendation letters early. The longer you wait, the more irritated they will be. Study hard, but give yourself time to relax and enjoy life. Linda, don?t worry about AP Calculus. The class is infuriatingly hard, but you will pass, and it will definitely be worth it. Don?t be concerned about the SATs, and don?t spend the entire night before studying for them. Cramming does not always work, especially at nine p.m. the night before the test. Just remember to have fun, study hard, and keep a large stock of Tylenol? handy.
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
In life you'll experience plenty of pressure to conform to someone that you're not. Always stay true to yourself and what makes you happy-what you enjoy doing. Always be yourself in both the best of times and the worst of times, in college those who you show your true colors to, will be the friends you'll cherish and keep for the rest of your life. Remember to be proud of who you are, and what you stand for.
Jade
Learn to study. Lean to study. Learn to study! Did I make myself clear? Read those boring textbooks and take good notes. Note - taking is actually a good way to earn extra cash in college for those students who don't like to attend lectures.
Do not slack off during senior year because organizations need your complete senior year grades for scholarship monies. There are also late scholarship monies available. It is also very important to excel your first year. Doing this allowed me access to the Golden Key International Honor Society. Stay organized when applying to different colleges. Have a plan and then execute it. Be flexible. One college may offer you more money than one of your other choices. Economics play a huge part in the process; unless your wealthy. Don't forget to enjoy yourself while getting acclimated to your new surroundings. Don't get homesick. You'll see them soon enough! It's time to grow up and cut the apron strings and make your family proud!
Jasmine
Now that I am in college, I think I would have told myself to focus a little more in school and not try to do so many things . I worked at school , I was involved in clubs , and I took advance courses that year and I'm glad that my job and everyone was understanding of my schedule . I can do anything I put my mind to I just needed to try not to spread myself thin by trying to juggle many things. I would also tell myself to research my major more because when I arrive at the university they didn't have french but spanish as a major. It worked out well but, If I should have doubled-check. Another thing I would advise yself is to try not to stress over the small things that happened .
Malik
Be prepared for the freedom and the limited amount of time to get everything done, studying, trying out for team, socializing and joining clubs for recreation and to further your budding career. Be ready for being expected to do everything for yourself even navigating financial aid, the registrar and following up on everything you do. Remember when your Mother tells you to talk to your professors so they know who you are.
Nicholas
If I could go back in time I would tell myself to take my schooling a little more serious. I would've also told myself to get more involved in the community because it is very important. I think I would have also told myself to get used to planning ahead of time because in high school I wasn't really good at it. But, the main thing that I would have told myself to get used to doing in my senior year of high school, it would've been to work on talking to people. This is because being able to conversate with new people would really help out.
Ashli
I would advise myself to walk with my head high. It is not important to be the one with the best outfit or the most friends. Study hard, enjoy life, and continue to keep God first- and everything else will fall into place.
jessica
If i could go back in time and talk to myself about how college life would be, i wouldnt know how effective that conversation would have turned out . After all it is my stubborn butt, who has never been one to listen and heed the warnings of others, let alone myself. Hence dating the same loser repeatedly throughout highschool even after my mothly semi-motivational, 'You deserve better Jessica Renee' speeches. But after just a 30 second apology, he had me giving him for the hundreth time just one more chance. And even though i would find myself again again crying into the same pillow, if i had the opportunity to do it all again i wouldnt change a thing. To be honest, through the tears i secretly loved every minute of it. So needless to say everything i went through so far in college which at times i really hated, i know looking back i would never want to change a second. Well, maybe that second i tripped and fell down the stairs of the student center. SO NOT CUTE! But if i have to give myself any advice i would say remember your past and create your future.
Morgan
Establish your group of friends freshmen year because that's the time when everyone's fresh and new and on the same page. After people have been in college for a while, they can let it affect their personalities. People are at their most raw freshmen year, so you'll know if you really want them to be your friend or now.