Iowa State University Top Questions

Assuming this is possible, I would tell myself to be better and stop slacking and focus on math, as it was my weakest subject. Also, enjoy and have fun with friends once in a while because college isn't high school. Telling myself to read more, and start understanding the world outside the walls of a high school classroom. I would also tell myself to have more confidence and self-esteem as it would greatly impact myself in the future.

I would tell myself to try harder to make friends here, meet people outside my dorm floor, get involved in clubs or organizations, pledge a sorority, and study harder.

Dear High School Me, Get out there and get involved right away! Don't focus all your time on studying! Meeting people, forming connections in your major and classes, and enjoying your time as a college student are all just as important as the grades you recieve on your finals. The more activities you get involved in the less stressed out you'll be. Plus go to bed early because all those 8 am lectures can be killers! Don't worry about the classes you have to take because you have four years to take them all, and your advisor is always there to help! Always ask questions if you don't understand. Finally, don't give up when you get homesick, and always have fun! Love, Sara!

I would tell myself to not skip class all the time and to trust that going to Iowa State is the right idea. I would also tell myself that making new friends in college is easy and that living in an all girls, non air conditioned dorm is not that bad and it makes for so many fun memories and stories to tell about really "roughing it" my first few weeks at college. I also would say something about how expensive the bookstore is and to check online for books before spending hundreds more on books than I needed to first semester. I also did not have a major picked coming into college so I would say that it would be important to remember that being undecided the first semester is okay and it saved me from pursuing a major in something I wasn't passionate about.

If I had the chance to talk to my 18-year-old self about college, I would tell her to wait. Instead of rushing into college and away from home, I would tell her to take some time and really think. College is a confusing time for so many people, and that confusion is perpetuated by the pressure on young people to decide their futures at the age of 18. Many people, like myself, end up changing their minds - sometimes multiple times - until finally deciding on a major or career choice. When I was 18, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do in life and exactly what college I wanted to go to. However, that choice turned out to be the wrong one. Now that I'm a bit older and much more attuned to college life, I wish I had taken a semester, or possibly a year, to explore different fields and have new experiences before going away to college. I know that this would have saved me a lot of confussion, frustration, and money.

You have all the tools you need to succeed; you just need to utilize them. Don't be so worried about impressing your peers and teachers because you are already an inspiration to those around you. Be sure to make good use of your time and take advantage of all the opportunities you are given. There are a thousand groups to join and many people to meet, but be sure to keep in contact with those who have been there for you through the past. If you're ever feeling down, know that you are not alone. College seems like a big scary monster trying to tear you down, but college is trying to build you into a stronger version of yourself. You will face challenges that you won't know how to overcome, but they will help you learn and grow. Enjoy the experience.

I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did and to get involved right away. I didn't get involved in anything my first few weeks on campus and I really regret it. You need to realize that you're not alone, other freshman are just like you, they're scared, don't have many friends and are most likely having trouble adjusting to college life. The first few weeks is them best time as a freshman to get out and make new friends because everyone needs friends to help them get through college and deal with problems in life. I would also tell myself to develope better study strategies because I never studied untill I got to college and it deffinately hurt me, luckily I made good friends that helped me pass all my classes, which is another reason I would emphasize making friends on campus right away!

I was a ward of the state from a young child until the age of emancipation. No one ever cared if I studied, did my homework or even learned. Uncharacteristic of foster youth, not only did I graduate high school but I did so with amazing grades and an unblemished behavior record. I did so independently and without any praise from anyone. If I could go back to that time I would be the one person that supported my high school self and tell her how very proud I am of how she has risen above the life that was dealt to her! I would tell her that I will be the one person in the stands that will come and watch her walk across the graduation stage. Unfortunately I was not there for her and cannot be. So I will say, continue on with the good work throughout college, do it for yourself, carry on being your own cheerleader and know that education is what determines the type of life you will have, not money, who your parents are or what is in your past. Your future and your happiness is what separate the victims from the survivors!!

I would give myself one important advice and that is: find yourself and be yourself. To explore life during my senior year and find what I want to do with my life, what gets me going and what makes me happy. I think the most important advice is to know yourself and know what triggers different types of emotions and responses and how they affect me. This is a great advice because it would help me find my place in society, at school, at work, within family and within social settings. I would know that college success is only possible through personal responsibility and dedication, because nobody can know anything for us, nobody can learn anything for us and we have to walk through the doors ourselves even if the teachers bring us there. It’s our lives and we live with all our consequences and our decisions in the short and long run. So work hard your senior year and don’t forget to enjoy it and enjoy with others, because after all we all want to be happy and enjoy the journey because each moment counts and the present is all there is.

If I went back to my senior year of high school, knowing what I know now, I would change a few things. First, I would make sure to take a couple of college-level classes related to my major, because that was the biggest adjustment for me in my first semester. Other than that, I would just make sure I knew that classwork always comes first, but there will still be plenty of time for fun. Don't become depressed or overly worried if you do poorly on one test, just make sure you study hard and make up for it the next time. College is about more than just maintaining a 4.0 GPA and it is important that you know that before your first semester.