Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

If I could have a conversation with my high school self, I would tell her to ardently take on college by selecting a major that she would be excited to go to school for. I made the mistake of selecting a major that I thought would simply get me a stable job in the future. I realized after two years, that my major did not suit the life that I would want to live. When I thought about going to work each day, I was filled with dread with my decision of becoming a schoolteacher. I decided to change majors, which consequently made me change universities. I wish I would have been able to tell my high school self to choose interior design as a major. I have always had an artistic sense about me, and I was scared to select this major because of what my father would think. I should have accepted my own hopes and dreams and then chosen a major that applied to my inborn talent. I should have fearlessly told myself to embrace my dream instead of casting it aside. I now vow courageously to make my own decisions, despite what others might think.

What I would say is to encorage them to participate in all extra curicular activities but at the same time dedicate time to study. This is not highschool, the teachers are not going to be all the time telling you what to do, you are responsible for your grades and assignments. Having a professional degree is very important this days. Another important thing to remember that you should study something that you would love to do your entire life. You need to see this as something fun and that you have a pasion about. It is not always about the money, is about what make you happy. The first year is going to be a big transition in your life but it is not impossible.

I would tell myself to apply for scholarships earlier and as many as I could because as I mentioned earlier college is not cheap. I would also tell myself to prepare for the long nights of studying and losing sleep. That is one of the biggest things sacraficed in order to obtain the grade you want. High school is not like college, which has both its perks and downfalls. You don't have someone constantly on your back to tell you to go to class and turn in assignments, you are in charge of yourself. This also transforms you into an adult. The last thing I would mention to myself is pay close attention to money and time management because those are also some key componets. Although college might seem intimidating at first, you only get out what you put in.

I would tell myself to continue to work hard in school and to not give up when times get hard. College is a lot different from high school. You have to manage living on your own and taking care of yourself. Your life changes as you become an independant individual going into college. In order to reach your goal and get the degree you want, you have to work hard and focus on your education. Alos, seek help when you need it. There is no shame in getting some help when you are struggling. College provides tutors and other help for whenever you need it. And last I would tell myself to always stay positive, do not get in trouble, and enjoy your time at college.

Oh, high school self, look where you are a year down the road. You will actually come to love the school everybody else thinks as a commuter college. You know, you’re so much more of a leader, just because you took a few chances. You are a freshman delegate in the business student government and even a co-coordinator for the Regatta. Did you know, you will even be a team captain for your very own Regatta team? I realize you are afraid to be bold, but take those chances. You thought you would want to go far away for your college education, but you took the chance to go to the “commuter college”. Now look where you’re at, just a year later. You are more passionate about the school you never wanted to go to in the first place. Taking chances has even made you a leader within that huge campus. You are now happier than you have ever been. So, stop being fearful in high school, get more involved and take those chances!

College is a time for growth and trying new things. Honestly, how am I supposed to allow my 17 year old self to decide what career I want to do for the rest of my life? When I first started college, I began as a biomedical engineer. Thinking that this was what I chose for myself, I sat through class, hating every moment of it. After my first year, I decided that I was in charge of my destiny, and I wanted to do something that made me happy. I left Purdue and came to the IUPUI nursing program where I fell in love with nursing. I would tell my past self that, yes, it is ok sometimes to leap into the abyss. I had no idea how things would turn out for me, and now I've recently graduated from nursing school and got my first job in an ER. We are the makers of our destiny, and only I can make myself truly happy. Go for your dreams, even if it scares you.

I would tell myself to take those college classes that I could have taken. I would not have to worry about them now. I should not have been taking the lazy way out of senior year and actually strived to complete as many classes as I could. I would say you do not need to worry about hanging out with your friends, because if they are your realy friends they would be okay with not hanging out all the time and understand that school is the most important. Also, do not stress out about college, people make it much more harder than it actually is. It is a breeze so all you need to do is breathe and it will all be okay.

I would tell myself to look at more colleges. You shouldn't settle on the first one that offers you a scholarship. I would do more research on the college. I would want to know if there are plenty of clubs I could join. I would ask college students at the campus what they do for fun. If the answer was "party," I would know that isn't the school for me. I would also tell myself that the main thing to focus on is academics. I probably would have advised myself not to pick a school simply because I want to play soccer

Stay focused. Try not to get too freaked out when the teachers start piling on the work and when your parents are encouraging you to apply to more colleges and for more scholarships. You will have some late nights where all you seem to do is write essays and explain why you are a fantastic leader and intelligent human being. Do not let this take control of your life. Although it is very important to get these things completed, it is also important to relax and spend time with friends and family. This is probably your last year of living at home full time, and you will want to get in as many memories as possible. So while everything seems suffocating in the moment, remember that once graduation comes around, you will be glad of the time and effort invested into your bright future.

I would tell myself that even though college can sometimes be intimidating, it's still worth it. It's worth being able to learn more about the world around you. It's worth learning about how you can contribute to a global community. It's worth learning more about yourself. It's worth being able to better yourself in a institution with other diverse and talented students. It ma not pay off now, but it will be later one way or another. .