Iowa State University Top Questions

I was a lazy student throughout my high school career. I always expected others to do things for me, and as a result of this I never developed a strong sense of responsibility. When I began college, I was extremely unprepared for the trials I would have to face. As a person who was far more interested in playing video games than studying, college life came as a nasty surprise. I would not break out of this way of thinking until years had passed. When I would come to my senses, I would have missed out on many opportunities that could have changed my life. I am continuing on with my college career, but I am lacking heavily in the knowledge that would be relevant to my chosen vocation due to the fact that I never hit the books. In a big way, I made my life considerably more difficult due to my lack of focus and commitment to success. So, if i could go back in time, I would advise my high school self to take life more seriously. I ask myself to do everything I could to fufill my dreams instead of passively allowing them to slip away.

If I went back in time, I would tell myself that college isnt as bad as it seems. The idea of going to a place where you are going to live seems scary but it is a whole nother world. You feel like you are in another county. Its a weird feeling living somewhere where you see, eat, go to classes and hangout with the same people every single day. Its defiantly hard to get used to at first but you have to belive in yourself that you will be okay and everything will work out, and you will even be best friends with people who live all over the world, and you will have them for the rest of your life. Although the work is a lot more challenging then high school, it is worth it especially for your future in graphic design.

College life is tough.Classes are hard,homework is constant and money is always short. Save as much as you can before you head to college. Your gonna need it!

I would tell myself to research and try to find more scholarships and to save more of the money I get. I would encourage myself not to ditch. When making the transition to college, organization is key. Make sure to write down and know all the papers you need to fill out and/or file and the dealines you need to meet. College is more difficult than high scgool, but most of the discipline is all on you. Don't ditch in college because missing one day in college is like a week or two in high school. The other mian thing is to not procrastinate on any work-- whether it be a quick assignment or a research paper because you need all the points you can get. Finally, relax and have some fun time during the week and make sure to get sleep because if you are all stressed out and have little energy from no sleep, you won't get much accomplished and are only hurting yourself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say not to worry so much. When I was a high school senior, I didn't know where I wanted to go to college and I didn't decide until the very last minute when my applications were due. I would tell myself to relax a little; take a chill pill. I know that deciding where you want to go to college is a very important and difficult decision, but it only gets more difficult and more consuming when you worry too much. I believe that this advice can be applied to college life itself. If you spend all of your time worrying about whatever you worrry about best, you will have a hard time keeping things straight and staying organized. In order to have a good college experience, you need to keep your head on straight. Don't let your worries get the best of you; relax and enjoy the transition that is about to come.

Don't think that it's going to be an easy ride. Start studying (actual studying) early in the semester. Even though you may be working your butt of for grades, still have some fun. You'll meet a lot of new people really quickly, and enjoy your time with them. One last big tip is that yes, you need to get involved just like every one tells you, but don't stress out on it. All of your advisors, teachers, and mentors will be telling you right off the bat to be joining this club and that club and to start getting leadership positions, but remember, you have four years of this. Start with a couple of activities and then start adding more or changing them each semester. There's no need to get burnt out right away. Take your time and have fun because college will be an amazing part of your life.

I would tell myself to study and work hard at school. Focussing in class and keeping up with homework assignments are essential. I would also need to be better at time managment. I would encourage myself to go outside of my comfort zone and get to know many people and be involved in something to help meet other people. Lastly, I would know how to manage my money and do laundry.

There are three things I would tell my senior-year-self: take more college level classes, become involved in more leadership positions, and work during the year as much as possible without losing focus in school. I entered college with approximately thirty credit-hours, and these credits have been a blessing, especially since I want to minor in two other areas besides my major. Having these extra credits can classify you as a sophomore, meaning that you can register earlier for classes, and have plenty of room to fill your schedule with additional classes. Becoming more involved with leadership positions is another decision I would change because they boost your resume. While filling out scholarship applications, I realized that my leadership involvement was lacking. To have the best opportunity at any scholarship or dream you’re aiming for, leadership and qualification for the position is extremely important. The last change I would make is to work more during school. I worked in the summers, but every penny counts. College is expensive and stressful as it is; there’s no need to increase the stress by having to worry about how to pay for the cost of an important education.

Receiving an education is not a “given” but rather an opportunity which is unfortunately not afforded to everyone. Therefore, take advantage of your education in its entirety. Find the value in each class period, each professor, and each lesson that is taught. Challenge yourself by doing the things you don’t know how to do; after all, that’s what learning is all about. Locate, understand, and use all available resources which could be of use to you. Lastly, remember that truly gaining knowledge does not derive from simply showing up to class. In order to truly receive an education you must stay motivated, commit to staying focused (long-term as well as short-term), and APPLY YOURSELF.

I can imagine sitting in my desk waiting for the bell to ring. I would hear the door open. Sanding there would be I, only older and wiser. After picking myself up off the floor from shock I would ask myself why I was there. The college me would say “I came back to give you pointers about college, you’re going to need it.” I would listen, and this is what I would discover. Being a senior you have to stay focused and not be lazy. Take classes that are required for the college you’re applying for. I should have taken algebra two as a senior, now I have to pay for the class in college. Fill out scholarships even though you do not understand how expensive tuition is until you write your first check. Research your major before you choose it, so you do not have to change it. If you can, take college classes in high school. After listening to wise advice the college me would say, “And don’t stress it. College is hard, but you are going to make solid friends, have a wonderful time, and learn more about something you’re passionate about.”