Janessa
I am writing to you from the future to give you a heads up on what’s to come. Its crucial you do not take this letter lightly, as your, or should I say our, entire future may depends on it. First, I’ll start by letting you know that we did in fact get into Howard University as planned. Although, we made it to our dream school, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. By this time you are a senior in high school, and things are beginning to distract you from what’s really important. I’m about to warn you that your laziness this year will truly effect our success and any scholarships we may have qualified for in the future. Also, you have procrastinated constantly in the past and that habit will only make college life more difficult for you when it comes to grades, financial aid, and student housing. Trust me when I say you don’t want to be sharing a room with an irresponsible, parting every night, roommate. Therefore, I advise you to work on your study habits and learn to plan more efficiently throughout the rest of this school year.
Semia
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus more once I get to school. I let my grades slip during my time at Howard, causing me to be suspended from school. After working hard over the summer, I was let back in on appeal. If I could change that, I would. I wouldn't let my grades slip as much because my education is very important to me.
Brittany
Dear high school Brittany,
I am so proud of all that you have accomplished. Take the time to truly recognize the achievements you have made in the last four years, and as you reflect on these achievements remind yourself that you posses qualities that any college or university would love to have in a student. I know you sometimes feel inadequate, but as your future self, trust me when I say you have all that you need to be successful in this world. Do not be afraid to apply to any and every university that you are even remotely interested in. Also remember that money does matter. You do not want to worry about how you're going to pay tuition each year, so choose a school that offers you lots of scholarships and grants. Lastly, take the time find what you're passionate about, it makes choosing a major much easier and will save you the hassel of taking classes that you are not interested in. I know you love having everything planned out, but unfortunately that is not how life works. So enjoy the spontinety of life and trust your instincts.
Be Wise,
College Brittany
Quianna
Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there are certain things that would have been valuable to know. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would definitely tell myself to have more fun. I started college thinking that I am not going to party and focus solely on my schoolwork. Schoolwork is important but college is also about the people you meet, and the memories you create with those people. It took me a long time to transition and my freshman year passed me bye. I would also tell myself to take full advantage of my resources. It is very important to talk to your teachers, go to office hours, go to class, and ask questions. College is truly an investment and you want to have a good return.
Bryana
What would I tell a 17 year old, high school senior Bryana? The first thing I would tell myself is that "college is short; life is long." I would not get so consumed with placing all of my energy into my academics. Although this is an important part in of excelling in college, your GPA does not define who you are. Bryana, go to that event you were invited to; take the time out of your schedule to go outside and enjoy the weather; eat that last slice of pizza! Time is too precious not to enjoy every second of it!
Karena
First and foremost, I would tell myself not to major in Biology. I now know that I do not want to pursue a career in medicine and entering college as a Biology major is a waste of time and stress. I would also tell myself to assert myself in more situations. Also, I must tell myself to never register for early classes. As I am discovering who I am more and more, I have found that I am not a morning person. I would tell my high school self to lower my expectations for Howard's on-campus resources.
Liana
Everything will work out fine. There's no need to second guess any decision that you make. Stay confident and trust that God will never lead you into the wrong direction. Be open to your blessings and to engaging in new ventures in life. Be outgoing and let everyone see how great you really are.
Monica
Apply for more scholarships and take summer courses befor your freshman year. Make sure you stay focused during freshman year, thats your ticket for entering the world of more scholarships and internship opportunites. Make sure you stay focused, its cliche but its important and necessary. Be open to meeting as many people as possible "your network, detiermines your networth" you're going to hear that alot. But most importantly, give time and attention to the person you will become, chase your dreams, you may feel selfship and quite frankly other people will make you feel bad about, but nobody has to live with the choices that you make but you. So make every single moment and venture count. These four years will go by so fast be open, have fun, but be smart.
Brianna
I would tell myself, "Do not fear stepping out alone into a world you know nothing about because you will find your place in it. Make the most of your high school experience because that'll be the last time you get to be carefree. Once you go to college, everything you do is preparing you to be competitive in a struggling job market; your future depends on it. Learn to network, find your voice because college will teach you that it's not always what you know, but who you know. Polish your communication skills and character because that, alone, can open so many doors for you. Realize your potential, and what you can offer the world, and manifest it. Be an individual and understand that every decision you make will only help or hinder you; don't always follow the crowd becuase they could all be wrong. Be active on campus, work aggressively, and, most importantly, go to class. Be prepared to deal with many different personalities because sometimes you'll need those same people to achieve something. May the odds be ever in your favor."
Timothy
I would tell myself to think about the things that I want to do for fun and with my life. I should look for as many new experiences as possible and be open to meeting others. Not just being open, but be comfortable with my interests and intently work to meet new people. Also, decide on the things I want to do and stick with them instead of splitting my focus to too many things.