Wendy
If I could go back to my high school self and give advice I would start by telling myself to study more. Not to be so afraid to push myself harder and that just doing enough was not always the best. I would encourage myself to take chances and not to be afraid of making mistakes, after all you learn more from mistakes then from always being right. I would encourage myself to travel and learn from different cultures and to try to think more outside of the box then conform to the box. The most important thing I would tell myself that there is so much to do and try that you should not worry about getting married so young and trying to make everyone else happy. Do what you think is right, do what you think is challenging, do what you think might make you happy, and try and find the passion in your life.
margaret
Well let me say this when I was in high school I was doing good until I thought school was becoming bored. So in my last year I dropped out of high school. I attended a couple of tech. school and found that they was not what I wanted. so I decided not to do anything. So when I turned 31 yrs old I decided to obtain my G.E.D. where I passed my first try. After that I wanted to go back to school for criminal justice. went to a couple of schools and found all the school wanted was the money. Enrolling in Kaplan was the best thing I have ever done. I can't wait until I'm finished so I can attend Kaplan again for my master degree
John
My advice would be, take as many courses in high school to complement your major and keep very focused on your GPA. Work closely with the financial aid department at your college and apply for as many scholorships as possible and study before taking your SAT.
Jodi
I am 26 years old and finally getting a chance to go back to college and finish what I started. I wish I could go back and tell myself to start planning earlier and not to take any time off in between high school and college. Take tours to as many colleges as you can. It helps you turn your dream into more of a reality.
Don't let your personal life take over either. You will have plenty of time for that in college and after you graduate.
For me, I just figured I was young and had all the time in the world, turns out time flies once you have that high school diploma in your hands and you enter "real life". One last thing, try not to procrastinate on the things that really matter.
Kristy
The first thing I would do would be attend and complete college before becoming a parent. Life is trying enough without trying to be the bread winner, parent and student all at the same time. I would also be on top of applying for scholarships and financial aid as soon as I knew about it. Any and all financial help is a wonderful thing. College is a very important aspect of getting further in life and although it's expensive it's worth every penny. Finally, I would tell myself to buckle down and get the grades needed to be a good college student by learning appropriate study habits, and being prepared for everything.
Angela
I would have went to college right away instead of waiting 10 years because it is harder to go to college once you are in your thirtys. I would recommend to myself to study hard and be self disaplined. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask the professor to explain the material again either in the class setting or other means. Do not take out extra money from your loans if you can get by without it. Get recomendations from your professors; they will come in handy!
Rosemary
I would have found the funds to go to college at 17. I attended a school for gifted students and ignored my abilities because of a desire to make money and become independent. Having experienced life, marriage, motherhood and, by extension, becoming a grandparent, I see the value of a higher education and stress that point to my children. The transition for me was in the form of a 2 year education at a community college, which was a wonderful experience. However, I learned the value, after 44 years in the work world, of entering that world with as many advantages as possible, or as available to a high school senior. College life is scintillating, open and stimulating. Every high school senior should avail themselves of at least 4 years of college education and catapult that education into a brilliant career, always learning, growing and open to new experiences.
Amanda
Don't be scared because it really isn't that bad. Do it now because if you don't you will wish you did. Do everything you can and never give up, stay focused. The chose that your making is the best chose that you can ever make for yourself and it's worth every bit.
Shayna
If I could go back in time and give myself advice for my educational future I would tell myself to work hard and dont give up! Dont ever give up your dreams, no one can take those away from you!
jessica
I would tell myself to plan a set of goals. How to achieve and maintain them once in college. I would find help or support groups to encourage me while in school to not fail. I would try to strive to succeed. I would tell myself that I can do it. I would of definitely listened to my parents in the essence of going to college while maintaining housing with them. The "REAL WORLD" is hard enough to struggle all by yourself. I would definitely live with my parents while attending college, working part-time, not accumulate any debt, save what I can and succeed in a career that I enjoy. I would advice myself to pick a career that I will enjoy and not change right away. Something that will give me stability, financial security and a comfortable feeling. I would tell myself not to have children or get married until my career was completed and a job was in place. I would tell myself to enjoy life before a life commitment, but to make sure overall that it is what you want out of life to be happy, not content. Thank you.
Breena
If I could go back in time and tell myself about college life i would inform myself of the amount of work that will be involved and to choose a career early rather than taking classes that will not assist you in your major. I would also say that if you would like to have a family wait until after you have completed your degree. When you are in class make sure you stay focused on the ideas of others and participate in the discussion because you also have an opinion. Do not be afraid to ask the instructor questions especially if you are unsure of the assignment or what he or she is explaining.
Angelina
?Angelina, wake up.? I knew the sun was not up yet and that I have at least another hour of sleep before I will head for the bus, but I heard a familiar voice. My eyes fluttered trying to focus on the figure sitting at the edge of my bed. ?Angelina?? I asked. ?Yes, its me. I mean its you.? I was dumbfounded. It looked like I did and sound like I did, but I knew that it was not I. Then she spoke again, ?I?m you, but ten years from now.? I just sat there. She spoke again, ?I don?t have much time.? I hesitantly responded, ?Alright?? ?You need to remember to always keep an open mind. When a struggle is presented to you, embrace the challenge. Even though you will not finish school by the time you think you will, stay focused.? I just sat there stunted and the future me faded away. ?Oh, one more thing. Don?t go to that party tomorrow night,? and she was gone. I had to jump out of bed and wash my face to make sure that I was not dreaming. I decided to listen to myself and fight.
Brandy
Don't quit high school! I know everyone says this but here goes. You will miss out on some great times! College will be good for your future, You will not go far on a GED, Girl. That and it's fun! people will look up to you and your friends and family will be proud. Nore importantly, you will feel better about yourself and what you can, and will, achieve. I waited until I was in my late forties and let me tell you, it's more tough cramming the knowlege when you are old like me. The sooner you get started the easier it will be. You have many dreams floating around in those brains of yours so do something about them. Don't drop out of school and do go to college! I know you can do it!
gehad
Take school seriously. Life is short. Don't rush life. Good things will come in time. Now is when you have very few responsibilities, your education can be your major focus. If you don't and end up like me; you will find yourself struggling with the decision to go back. It is very tough later in life, heaven forbid you loose your job in an economic resession! Strive to do your best and be the best you can be. Be honest with yourself. Make sure you can handle all you take on. Remember, you will be 17 soon. Going from an all boy's Jesuit High School to living in a co-ed dorm will be a life changing event. Don't let the wrong things stand out! Remember why you are going to school and don't let yourself get derailed by the distractions life will bring you. Stay devoted and true to yourself and you will do fine. Have faith that you have been blessed with the gift of education..... DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!!! Believe in yourself and you will succeed! I believe in you!
Princellena
Knowing what I know now and if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the one thing I would want to say is, stay focused. I know that there will be a lot of distractions that will try and discourage you from continuing, but you can not let that stop you from doing what you need to accomplish your goals in life. It may seem like the day is never going to come fast enough but on the journey there you need to do the best you can to make sure that when does come you are ready. Just know that it is not going to be easy, but as long as you keep your faith alive and your eyes on the prize (your future), it won't be that much of a struggle.
Lucille
I would tell myself "You are embarking on a different kind of journey, one that you can never experience again. This experience , this transition that you are taking into college is one you will love. You are allowed to have good experiences, but with the good comes the bad and knowing how to handle the both of them will only make you stronger. Don't be afraid to try new things and venture off into a new direction. College is a time to be yourself, so break out of this hard shell you've created for yourself and experience life in college unhindered, unafraid."
Alison
I would have told myself to not procrastinate. Yes college will still be there in 1 year, 2 years, but the longer you wait to go to college, the harder it is. I would tell myself to immediately enroll in some sort of college, whether it be physically going to college or taking online classes. Once you get your foot in the door, you're not going to want to stop! Also, don't allow money to be such a factor. Look at more scholarships and apply for FASFA. If you still don't have enough money for college then thats fine, just take out a loan. You can't put a price on your education.
Gabriel
High School is a stepping stone to either achieving acedmic goals or to enhance the propects of future career. There's no question if it's necessary for any aspiring student who has plan for a sucessful life to go to colloge or not. One of the most important reasons why most students do not complete their college education is that most do not take time to do a research on the school they want to attend. I suggest any prospective collge student who have a particular school in mind should know the following before enrolling in such college:
a) Is the college state or private administered
b) Is the school well acredited or affiliated
c) Courses or depertment offered in the school
d) Is the college well funded and what sources
e) Graduation and retation rates....
Many colleges are loaded with elective courses that might keep one longer in school. It might be necessary to know if one is allowed to do more of the courses that are relevant to one's major from on set.
Financial Aid or scholarships offered in the school is a must especially now that many families are out of jobs.
tamara
Well first off when i was in high school I kept mostly to myself with no desire to make a whole lot of friends. So if I had the chance to go back in time I would pull myself to the side and say I need to get out of the shell I'm in and put forth and effort and go to college. I would also remind myself of the good family support that is behind me at that point and look for opportunities that were out there. I think if like everybody says it would be different if I knew then what i know today I'd probably be a millionaire or living over seas. The "high-school" me would so grateful for the information I have given myself, and make the necessary changes. At this time and day I am grateful for the things I have and the opportunity to attend college. I thank you ahead of time for this opportunity, and hope to next say thanks for the financial aid you have given.
thank you
Tamara Holbrook
Kyrie
For me deciding to go to college was a big deal, I was supposed to join the Marine Corps but that was over my mom and dad?s dead bodies, so they said. If I could go back in time before college I would say, ?Kyrie, study religiously for your ACT and SAT?. I would also recommend writing down a few different majors I had an interest in, and giving pros and cons for each. Because now that it is four years previous, I have just found my calling. I would say be serious, and concentrate. Have a support system and do not strive for a passing grade, just go for the gold. When I neared the end of the conversation I would say, ?Remember, if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten?. For the end of the meeting, I would give myself a good luck wish and return to the wonderful progress I have made since then. Life is all about what you can learn and achieve, you should never have regrets and if you do, this essay would be a documentary not a chance at a better future.