Karlee
The transition from high school to college marks a new chapter in your life. While this can be somewhat scary, for it is the end of a time you hold dear to your heart, it is the beginning of an even greater time. Entering this journey it is important to keep an open mind. Do not be afraid to test yourself, to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. College is about learning, not only in class but in the real world. Reach out to people in your classes and get involved in as many things as possible. Try things you have never thought about trying before and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn as much as you can and take it all in. There will be good days and bad days but in the end, the experience, the memories and holding that degree in you hand will be well worth the struggles you endure along the way.
Jasmine
I have learned that college is nothing to take lightly and I can now say that because I am currently living this hard life. School has become such a struggle and that is an issue that could have been prevented if I had prepared myself for in hgh school. i would advise her to put forth more of an effort and be a little more proactive. With that being said I also should have practiced things such as time management and organization, because those two factors have put me behind. Take two weeks ago for instance, i was preparing to transfer to a four year university and found that because of my lateness in my finances I cannot attend at the time. Also I would advise my high school self to make more of an effort in her social life and to be more outgoing. Also to do more as far as extracurricular activities, just to show that I am able to balance more than just school.
Basically my high school self needs to be conscious of her adult self, because I am her future and need that. As high a student you should just prepare yourself a little more.
STEPHANNI
To my highschool self:
Don't be affraid! Look at being first in your family to go to college as an opprotunity, not a limitation! Everyone does not have it all figured out, its ok if you don't. The majority are walking the same steps you are, and are just as unsure. Don't be affraid to ask questions or get help. Everybody needs guidance. You have to start somewhere.
When you finally get the courage, you will see that college is not what you've created in your mind. The work is more time consuming but you enjoy it so much! Remember your an adult now, in college you aren't treated like a child. The environment is fun and relaxed and best part you pick your make your schedule. There are numerous resources at your finger tips and a excellent and friendly staff that is eager to help. College is what you make of it!
It's too easy to put things off, or talk yourself out of them when you think you have all the time in the world. You dont! Stop looking at time as 'your future' and start looking at it as your tomorrow!
Marissa
The advice that I would give myself to not forget about high school. It was a big part of my life and it will always be impactful. Pay attention even after you're accepted to college, grades still matter even though they've already accepted you. Also, don't believe too much of what high school teachers tell you and try to scare you about college. It's a new experince but it's a great one. Don't be afraid to move on from old friends, it's okay to make new ones. Your old friends will understand as they make new friends of their own. One of the biggest things that I can suggest is to never forget the past. You might be ready to get out of the tiny town and high school now but trust me, you'll miss it. Also, enjoy your last few months of high school, you don't want to look back a regret it. You want to look back and smile.
Alexia
Hmm...advice, advice, advice. Wow. What if I really could go back in time and give myself advice about college life? What would I say? Well, to start off with, I guess I would first tell myself that I could save a drastic amount of money by not buying my school books at the campus bookstore. I would tell myself to wait until the first day of school when all the professors hand out their syllabi and then rent the textbooks listed on the syllabus from either Chegg.com, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, etc. Secondly, I would recommend packing my lunch everyday so as to not eat the calorie-loaded, carb-loaded, and salt-infested caffeteria food the campus offers. That way I could closely monitor my diet and save myself a few miles on the treadmill. Lastly, I would remind myself that I am capable of anything. I am a strong individual with a pure heart and a genuine desire to expand my knowlegde of the world I live in. I would emphasize that I was created with a brilliant mind; I am important. So I would tell myself to walk through those campus doors with confidence!
Stephanie
If I could go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. As a senior I was under a lot of pressure because I didn't know what course of study I wanted to pursue, had no money for school, and felt basically directionless. I took a loan out at a school nearby which was pretty expensive and went for one semester, and burned out. I paid that loan back for a long time. I would warn myself to take a little time to find myself, gaining more perspective and wisdom, before jumping blindly into school. I would tell myself not to feel pressured by anyone but to walk the path that was right for me - when the time was right I would do well at school. I would try to explain the value of patience until that time came. Lastly, I would explain the tremendous value of being diligent and disciplined when I finally did embark on my education!
Ashley
If I could go back in time to have a talk with myself while I was still a high school senior I would say, "soon you will have to push yourself harder because college professors will not spoon feed you everything." They will give you helpful techniques and ways to do things but you have to apply those teachings and learn yourself. Another thing I would tell myself is be prepared to go to school everyday, be on time and have all your supplies with you because it will be so much harder to catch up even if you miss just one class or you come unprepared. The last thing i would tell myself would be practice, practice, practice. The saying practice makes perfect nearly applies to every aspect in college because the better you do the better you chances for graduating on time and having a successful future.
Chelsea
I would advise myself to look into college sooner and to apply for scholarships to cover my first year, if not more. I would encourage myself that I can get through nursing school if it's really what I feel called to do for the rest of my life. I would also tell myself to not automatically trust just anyone but to stick up for myself instead of letting people try to run over me.
Stephanie
If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, I would have told myself to try harder. I had a hard time my last two years of high school and I pretty much gave up, especially my senior year. Some of my grades slipped, mostly math. I would have told myself to put more effort into my school work. If I had, I wouldn't have to take some of the classes I'm taking now. I would have also told myself to apply for scholarships. I didn't realize how much money it would take to go to college. I didn't realize how much strain I'm putting on my parents just to put me through college. In short, I would have told myself to stop being so lazy and put work into what I was doing. It's only effected me negativly in the long run. I really wish I had my future self to tell me those things.
Megan
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work even harder and do more research about scholarships that are available to high school students. Although it sometimes seems overwhelming to get everything done on time, it is well worth every bit of time you put into it. The harder you work in high school, the better your college experience will be. I f you develop good time management skills, planning skills, and are good at prioritizing, these skills will set you up for success. And not only for college, but for life. Above all else, enjoy what you are doing. Even though it may be an extremely long night of homework that seems to have no end, do it with a smile. If there is no enjoyment in the accomplishments that you are making, you need to make a change.