Elisa
If I could restart this year, I would make the same choices. But I would accomplish more than I did. After graduating I took a gapyear. A very unorthodox decision but I knew that it was right. I would pressure myself to workharder. I could have applied for more schools. I was very self confident in terms of what schools I wanted that I forgot to consider the possibility of not being able to afford them. I should have underestimated myself at times. In case my initial plan didin't work. Also, I would advice myself to be excited about college. It may seem like an underrated choice because of the amount of diverse forms of education nowadays. With new forms of technology college seems outdated. I find it to be a necessity. Not only because it is the purest form of education out there, but also because of the experiences you get to have. I've only heard about them but I know enough. It's a world of possibilities that help you figure out who you're meant to be. So a piece of advice to myself, don't be afraid to take risks, you might be suprised.
Molly
If given the opportunity to speak with myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to partake in any and all scholarship opportunities rather than rely on the one that I was granted (which greatly limited my college-seeking scope). I would also tell myself to not limit my opportunities based soley on my locational comfort zone, to venture out more often and gain a broader knowledge of my surrounding world. I would also tell myself to begin looking into acquiring a job in an alternative healing center that focuses on expressive art therapies early rather than wait for my required internship.
Rahumai Rafaela
I would tell myself to strive for better grades and plan ahead. Right now, I know what good grades reflect, and I have learned to work hard and be focused, which has reflected in my college years' grades. I would also tell myself to inquire even more about the college I'm going to apply or attend to. Even though I did inquire before entering my current school, there are always things they don't mention because you just "did not ask" about them specifically. Asking more is always better, I would make myself be more informed. I would also help myself focus a little bit earlier and narrow down my field of study in order to save time and start to enjoy it earlier.
Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy the college years ahead with passion, focus, and love for my career, because that is what will give me the drive and means to thrive in the competitive field of Photography.
Kelly
I would assure myself that choosing to enroll into Lesley University is the right decision. I would tell myself to put aside the doubt and uncertainty I felt traveling far away from my family. Attending Lesley University will help me ahcieve my future goals. Therefore, I should be confident in attending this university. I would also assure myself that I will successfully become independant and mature to become a human being that will be able to survive without the reliance of parents. While I will have a shakey start and tough transistion, I will become accustomed to this new lifestyle and be better off in the future.
Hadassah
Do what you love that helps others. Focus on your art, creative projects, and everything that inspires you (pay much less time to romantic relationships and what other people think). When you pursue what you are deeply curious about, everything that energizes you, you are naturally driven. Consider input from advisers, but follow your heart and Soul drives and passions. When you research, write and create, learn and grow, for the pure joy of it, it inspires your work. The sooner you get your degree, the better (it will be a ticket to professional writing opportunities). Accept yourself more, and judge yourself less. Be less concerned with making straight As, being a perfectionist; it is knowledge, learning and enjoying of the process, that is critical. Don't worry, the challenge of being the first person in the family to achieve a college degree, will be followed by the blessing of inspiring others to do the same. Two sisters will go on to get their undergraduate degrees, after you, and a generation of nieces and nephews will do the same. Be unafraid of traveling: the world and your own mind. Learn as if your creative life depends upon it. It does.
Tanya
Knowing what I know about college life now, I would give two very important tips to ensure a successful college transition.
The first important piece of advice I would give is to learn time management skills and put them into practice. For example, having a set time for studying each night will help make sure your work is always done on time and that you are fully prepared for upcoming tests. Once you're behind in college, it's almost impossible to catch up. Putting time management to use will allow you the ability to be a successful student, help maintain personal responsibilities, and still have time for fun activities with friends.
The second important piece of advice I would give myself is to start the college/scholarship search as early as possible. Some scholarships allow entry as early as your freshman year in high school. It's never too early to get extra funding for tuition and book fees. Your college selection is also important. Start thinking about where you would like to live, class room size, yearly cost, degrees offered, etc.
These two tips would make a huge impact on preparing for and maintaining a successful college life.
Emily
Take advantages of your resources. College is a myriad of opportunities, ranging from expensive software and technology, to renowned professional with timeless advice and wisdom. These connections will prove you well in your future career. Reach out to faculty, advisors, and older students. Their knowledge is invaluable. So much of colleges is experimenting and finding your own way, but it can be overwhelming at times. It’s okay to ask for help. People are there to help you succeed. College is a time of creation. Explore who you are and create a safe community to allow yourself to grow. Get involved with different clubs, organizations, volunteer, try new experiences, but don’t forget the importance of setting aside time for you. Love yourself, own your views and beliefs, and follow your passions. You know yourself better then anyone else. You have nothing to prove. It’s okay to admit you’re amazing because you are. Always remember that no matter what happens, you will get through this, and you will be stronger and wiser for it. College is an opportunity many people don’t have ability to seize. College is a privilege, make the most of it.
Amanda
If I could go back in time i think i would pick a different college to attend. Lesley is a great university but it is not the university for me. Also transitioning into college life is very difficult. I would tell myself that sleep is very important that I shouldn't stay up intill 3am every night. Also i would tell myself to really monitor my eating habits on a much stricter level. Drinking is also a huge aspect of college and I've learned that being able to know your limits and understand that no one needs to pressure you into doing anything. Thats what I would tell my high school self.
Amanda
If I could meet my 17 year old self, I would tell her that she isn't as bad as she's been made out to be. That despite learning disabilities, she can still do anything set sets her mind to. I'd help her unlock that hidden determination and fight that she has left. I'd tell her not to let people's cruel opinions affect her. I'd assure her that every negative feeling she had to endure will only give her courage as an adult. I know that she would be very happy to know that she will be the first one in her family with a college degree. She wouldn't believe that she got anywhere in life! Most of all, I'd tell her that she ISN'T worthless. If she could survive adoption, borderline personality disorder, and abusive people, then she can survive college with no problem.
Melissa
If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should not be worrying over everything. I am just a teenager; God is in control. When I was in highschool, I worried a lot about where I was going to go to college, what my major would be, how I was going to pay for college among other things like self-image etc. I wish I could tell my former self that God would work everything out for His glory. Not that I still don't worry about paying for college, but I know that God has a plan for me and I don't worry too much about who I will be.
I would also tell myself to be my own person. I tried too much to be like my sister. I wanted to be just like her. I had to get good grades and do everything that she did. Now I know that I am my own person and can exhibit that person!
Mallorey
If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would have nothing but postive things to give. I would tell myself that the adjustment process from high school to college life was relatively easy and that I would do a great job. I would meet a few people that would become my friends for the next two years (and hopefully, for a few more after that), but I would still stay close with all of my friends from highschool. The one peice of advice I could offer myself would be to appreciate the time spent with my family the summer before freshman year of college, because I will miss them an incredible amount while away. However, there is always a bus to take that will bring me home! All in all, I would tell myself to keep on keeping on, because I am doing a swell job so far.
Ashley
Hey, I'm you from the future. You will get over that later but right now I have to tell you that college is far less challenging and much less horrifying than our teachers painted it out to be. Being that Lesley's Art Institute of Boston is an art school, you cannot escape the stereotypical artists with half-dyed locks with a cigarette infinitely attached to their lips. The peers are not exactly up to par but the teachers are crème de la crème. They have all had professions in the art field before becoming professors so their advice are genuine life tips for an artist in the real world. The cherry on top, they sincerely care about their student's mental health and their growth as a intellectual and an artist. The lessons are extremely enriching and encouraging to make me strive for more knowledge.
Leah
If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self advice about the transition I would tell myself to always be welcoming and open to new challenges, faces, and ways of life. Stand up for yourself and appreciate where you came from and what you believe in. College in the city will expose you to many new people and lifestyles and just remember to always be accepting and helpful. Do not judge a book by its cover, and be accepting of everyones character. You don't have to try to be best friends with everyone, but don't close yourself out from meeting new people and making new friends because you never know who might open you heart and soul. The transition is easier than you think. Continue to study hard, but always remember to enjoy what you are doing, and work to better what you think is not. Its good to put others first as you often do, but don't forget to care for yourself and enjoy the warmth of the good new company that loves and surrounds you.
Manli
I wouldn't even know where to start. As a senior I worked very hard in school and still had participated in sports all year round. When I wasn't doing that, I was doing community service. Although, I ended up doing well in school, if I could go back, I would tell myself to try even a little harder and have a little more fun. The biggest thing I would advise myself against is putting everything off to the last minute. If I hadn't procrastinated so much on essays and studying in general, I would have had a lot more free time. The only regret I have for the begining of my senior year was not studying as much as I should have for the SATs and not liking my scores very much. Even though that doesn't matter now, considering I got into the college that I wanted to and would not choose a different college even if I could, I would have liked to have had better scores.
Tiffany
I would tell myself to utiliize the campus resources like the center for academic achievement but other than that I had a successful first semester and I was very prepared so their isn't much that I would change.
Riva
This is the right choice- even though high school sucks, college will be better than you ever imagined. The friends you will make, the things you were learn, the oppertunities you will have and the things you will experience will more than make up for what you're going through now- so keep strong and carry on. Do what you want, and the more you are yourself, the more not only will you respect yourself, but people around you will too, especially once you reach college. Step out of your shell- there's a whole world waiting for you.
Martyna
My college experience is just beginning. However already I have been introduced to many career choices and I feel totally in control of what I want to do with my education. The support that Lesley University and it's staff has to offer is too good to be true. My experience at college has been very positive so far, and I can't wait to see what else comes from it. It has been valuable in many ways. Not only do I now see all the doors I have open for my future, but I can see just how simple it can be to get there.
Lily
While I have been away at school, I have learned more about myself and the type of person I am. I hold tight to my values and do not let other people pressure me. I have also challenged myself with the amount of classes so that I can learn more and earn more credits at the same time. I have also been able to become treasurer of our gay club known as L.E.A.P (Love & Equality of All People). I also have been able to participate in the Community Service Club and help at the Blood Donation as well as handing out food at food pantries in Cambridge, MA. I have also learned how to work out issues with my roommate and become a better communicator because of those issues. I have also been opened up to the real world and to see what life is really like without my parents. While being at college I have realized that when a child sees that they realize how important it is for them to recieve a good education so that they become someone important someday.
Charles
Life changing experiences, cultural differences, great learning skills are the things that I got out of Lesley University. Life changing experiences is because I have been exposed to a different part of the continent than just the mid-west. Cultural differences, I am seeing how other people celebrate holidays and handle life problems diffently. Last, great skill learning by acquiring life fundamental skills I have received from the classroom. I am able to apply them into the real world once I graduate.
Starla
College has been a wonderful experience. It is so fufilling to be learning things that will help others. Not only has it been a step towards my desired degree of a Registered Nurse but has also showed my three children how important education is. I have always told my children that college is a must to succeed in the world. Naturally, their first question was, "Did you go to college?" When I had to tell them that I had not , I felt like I had failed them. Now that I am attending classes, it feels wonderful to be setting a good example for my children.