Illinois State University Top Questions

I would like to tell myself that it is not that important to go to the same school as your friends. I know that i have been with them since kindergarden but that doesn't mean that we have to go to the same school. You make so many new friends in college and you shouldn't be worried about making new friends. I would alos like to tell my self that it is important to take my school work seriously. I wouldn't take blow-off, easy classes senior year because that makes the transition to college that much harder.

In high school, I viewed college as an impossible dream I could never achieve. I felt it was not in my future because I struggled with anxiety and my parents had never gotten degrees. If I could talk to myself or others from similar backgrounds, I would say the following: "Reject the notion that your background makes you less capable than others. See college as an investment into a life you could only dream of having without a degree. Trust me, it will make the cost less terrifying. Get involved, because extracurriculars and volunteering will lead you to your purpose in life and will pave the way for you to fight for your dreams. Never be ashamed to discuss where you come from, because those conversations will open the door to endless possibilities and life-changing relationships. Do something out of your comfort zone each week, because these experiences will change who you are and challenge you to grow as a person. Volunteer for leadership positions, because they will prepare you to change what you dislike about the world. Above all else, never give up, because every hardship is worth it when you walk across that stage on graduation day."

If only I could go back and help my high-school self plan for college. I would tell myself that college would not fix everything, let alone did I know the stress of paying for it would send me back home after a semester after not being able to afford a 4-year instituion any longer. All the problems fell in the right place so that I wasn't able to get a loan because no one could co-sign, and I didn't qualify for enough financial aid. In the end I had to leave my new college friends and nice professors to go to a community college. If I could go back, I would save myself the heartache and attended a community college from the beginning. It doesn't matter if that's not the "popular" thing to do! That is the most logical thing to do. If I had, I would be in a lot better place! College is a place to get an education, and today the best option is to choose the most affordable one.

If I were able to, one thing that I would definitely tell myself is to get a job in the summer. I knew college was expensive and all, but I had no clue how expensive everything really was! The old saying about appreciating the value of a dollar really does apply in college. Another tip I would give myself is even though we might not like it, you're going to lose some good friends when you go off to college and sadly there isn’t much you can do. Sure, when first semester begins your going to keep in contact with your friends from high school, but overtime people will start going off and begin doing there own thing which is okay. Sure we don’t like losing anyone, but that just provides the opportunity to let new friends into your life. And the last thing I would say is that no, you don’t know everything. Once you go to college you’re going to make some mistakes and get embarrassed from time to time, but that’s okay! Were all human and humans make mistakes. So just keep your chin up and keep on strutting your stuff.

I would have told myself to spend more time on learning how to study efficiently. I would also tell myself to be involved more with the community and spend less time by myself. Also, I would have told myself to search for more scholarship opportunities in order to not have to spend as much on tuition and fees. I would have also told myself to put my course work first and then spend time having fun instead of putting the work off to the last minute possible. One last thing I would have told myself would be to keep the ties I had with my high school teachers. Keeping those ties I had would have been helpful with some of the classes I had taken as the teachers at the university weren't all that successful in teaching the material.

Laila, it's your senior year and time to prepare yourself emotionally for the next phase! When you get to college you should know that a lot of students have some of the same feelings that you do. It will be sort of like your first day of high school when you were trying to figure out where your locker was or which floor your classroom was on. The difference at college- you will be looking for buildings, the library and maybe the cafeteria. But just like high school there will be that one person willing to help you figure it out. So, don't think you have to have everything figured out to fit in because that person that helped you find the library will probably end up being one of your good lifelong friends. Just one more thing, don't forget to have fun and enjoy this time, four years will fly by bery quickly! Sincerely, Laila

There is nothing wrong with Illinois State, but take college as an opportunity to travel and go away from home. Don't be scared to have new experiences. College is hard to adjust to, but stay strong in what you believe in. Don't let it change who you are. Get used to school your first semester, and then make it a priority to get a job if you can afford the time. Make sure you make time for friends, and dating if you want. No matter what your major is, you need to make time for yourself. Enjoy the moment you are in and don't rush your senior year. You might actually miss high school once you leave. Appreciate your parents, when you go to school you will realize how much they do for you. The freedom is amazing, but the responsibilities can be difficult. Do the best you can to stay close to your family at home, not matter where you go. Do research about what you want to major in so you don't waste time or money.

I would say to myself: do not doubt your choices. Stick with your gut decisions, because you know that you will make the best choices that you can for yourself. College is a time to worry about your identity and yourself completely, and it should not fall upon your shoulders to correct anyone else's mistakes but your own. While it may be difficult, it is important to learn how to choose people to call your best friends. There are many people in college that you will meet that will try to tear you down and dismantle you. Keep your head high, move on, and do what is best for you. Use your time in college to find yourself, and find those who truly make you happy. If you are not happy, move on to a new chapter of your life; do not dwell on the past, as it will only create heartache and distrust.

If I could speak to my high school senior self, I would make a few changes before heading off to my future. I would spend more time looking for scholarships. I would have decided upon a major other than teaching because seven years after graduating, I am going back to school to change my major and career. I would advise myself to stay in the college band more than the freshman year. I would tell myself to stay away from a few specific boys and focus more on my sorority sisters. I would tell myself to spend more time studying in my junior and senior year of college instead of taking on too much to handle. I would also tell myself to eat healthier and exercise daily.

Dear senior self, Quit worrying! College will be easier than you think. Don’t fret over making friends or the grades. They’ll come through skills you learned in high school: a little time management and studying. Instead, occupy yourself with taking all the opportunities offered to you! College is positively teeming with them and they don’t always reside where you think they might. Fill your days so you can learn and experience as much as possible in your time as an undergraduate student! Take advantage of your youthfulness! Include in your (hopefully) full schedule a job or two relevant to your major. College is certainly an investment in your future, but it doesn’t have to become a mountainous economic obstacle looming on your path to the future. Plus, your resume will be your most precious asset when searching for your dream job; feed it, love it and help it to grow! Lastly, make real connections with your professors and mentors. They are probably brilliant—within your area of study! (Remember, a good first impression goes a long way.) Use your newly-found freedom to make something of yourself. It’s your turn to achieve greatness. College self

Kat, you don't even know you will become "Kat," but embrace your new persona. Don't ever be worried about moving from smalltown roots to a bigger college. You will flourish there. You will find a home there. Illinois State will show you how to be the best teacher, bilingual learner, employee, friend, and woman you can be. Campus may seem huge and different, but home is never far away. Embrace the people in your dorm/apartment. Embrace the random events that you may not "feel like" attending. You will meet incredible people who you will love, and they will love you too, and quickly. If an opportunity arises to do something a little crazy, crazy in a good sense, don't hesitate. You will find confidence and strength in your academic abilities. You will find the strongest friendship and the truest love imaginable. College WILL BE the greatest years of your life. Don't shy away from something that intrigues you. Constantly work to better yourself physically mentally, spiritually, and socially; those are your home bases, so don't neglect a single one. You are capable of greatness, and you will achieve it.

Look at all of your options. Do research before you pick a major. Do not settle. Put yourself out there, and get involved!

Whatever you do, do not take a break after high school. You will deeply regret it and it really sucks seeing all of your friends in college while you are stuck working a full time job and doing nothing with your life. Start college as soon as you graduate even if it means less time hanging out with your friends. Do not go crazy if you have not decided your major yet; many people change their majors and minors multiple times throughout college. The best thing is to take your time and take everything one step at a time. Keep the long term goal in mind, but make short term goals and complete one at a time. This way you will not overwhelm yourself. Another great piece of advice is to apply for scholarships all through senior year and beyond. You may not think you will win a scholarship, but it does not hurt to keep trying. Take a deep breathe, take one step, and continue on your path. Everything will be alright, so stay calm.

Find something to get involved in and study abroad

i would tell myself to make sure you stay on top of your homework, and to not be lazy. thats my biggest set back, and it is showing in my grades. go to all classes, study enough, and do your homework and you should be fine.

If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a senior I would say, "Devan! First, hug everyone you love because you don't know it right now, but things are going to happen and not all of them will be there in a year. The pain you will experience from the loss of your friend and step-mom will never go away, but it is up to you to use your experience to help others in the same situation. Things do get better. Second, enjoy high school because once you leave you can never go back. Finally, college is not just about going off to a nice university, having fun or how cool it looks to other people. Follow your heart and go where you think you will thrive. College is a time to grow into the person who will make you and your loved ones proud. It's the chance to mold yourself into the kind of person who can change the world some day. Go to the school that will do that for you, not just the cheapest, closest or most convienent."

As the first in the family to attend college, there’s a lot of expectation for you to do great. You have no direct guidance from family so that means to empower yourself! All the resources are at your fingertips! During the summer after high school graduation, make sure you research campus groups so you will be familiar with the organizations that fit your hobbies/interests. I even encourage you to join one! Make contact with your roommate and plan to attend/meet at the incoming freshmen orientation during the summer so it’s not too awkward on day one. On campus: BE CALM, find a campus map, walk around and ask questions! There will be people from all over the world so prepare to be shocked but adapt and adjust! It’s not uncommon to be homesick. If you need to, cry or call supportive family/friends but don’t go home every weekend! Meet new people, go to class, study A LOT, establish a strong GPA, avoid academic probation, find your passion and most importantly, PRAY! College WILL BE overwhelming and hard work at times! Prepare yourself for the challenge; it will be worth it in the end!

For me personally, I think that I did well transitioning from high school to college. I work an a camp all summer and not home at all during the summer, so the transition was easier for me than most. I would recommend not going home very often during the first semester because the weekends are when you meet people and have fun. Also, get homework, projects, papers, etc. all organized and sorted out during the first week. When they are all placed on a calender, it is easier to keep track of when tests are, or when projects are due. Learning how to be organized and figuring out what organizational style works best for you, is vital during your freshman year in college.

If I had the option to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to start working on campaigns sooner. If I started working on campaigns in the Fall Semester, especially the Presidential campaigns, I would have developed a more diverse understanding of the major I am in. I understand my major very much, but I feel like if I would have gotten more involved the experience would have given me a larger boost of knowledge.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to not give in to "senioritis". I wouldn't slack as much as I did because those study habits carry over to college. I would tell myself to stay focused and 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort on everything I do. I would also tell myself to get involved. I should have joind clubs or activities my senior year in order to stay active and busy. It would have looked better on my applications and would have given me so much more experience and probably a better outlook on life. I wish I would have focused more on my studies than I did on my social life. In the end, your studies are what matter most. Your friends won't be there for you when you don't succeed in school.