Amy
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should not be scared. I have a birth defect that has kept me from chasing dreams so many times. I would tell myself that this should never, under any circumstances, keep me from my dreams. I would make sure I knew that even though I accomplished great things and had beautiful children, education should not be put on hold. The world waits for no one, and it is time to shine. I would say that abuse should never be tolerated, and I deserve so much more from life than bruises and shame. I deserve to go to college and succeed. I will be a nurse one day and save lives, and good will come from the abuse because I will help others that are experiencing it. Nothing feels better than being proud of yourself.
Samantha
Don't worry about the people back home. If they want to stay in your life, they will. No one will be harder on you than you. Just breathe and let yourself make mistakes; you can't be perfect. The world is truly yours to explore, so take advantage of every opportunity given to you. The studen body is very diverse, take advantage of it. Don't be afraid to go out on a Wednesday night. Be willing to share your life with your friends. Don't spread yourself too thin. Don't be afraid to say no, but don't be afraid to say yes, either. You're beautiful, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You are here to get a degree, but also you're here to make friends for the rest of your life. Remember that these are the stories you're going to be telling your children when you're older; make them interesting, but keep them safe. Walk more than you drive. You might hate the hills, but you're lucky to be on such a beautiful campus. Never pretend to be anything that you're not. Love yourself, always.
Stephanie
I was an impressively introverted and awkward 18-year-old, whose optimism relied so heavily on A's, "Excellents," and any fleeting acceptance from my peers. Unfortunately, none of my grades, awards, or attempts to feel worthy of them prepared me for the reality behind one of the greatest transitions of my life thus far.
Almost six years after first enrolling in college, I'm incredibly proud to delcare that I will be graduating in May of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and ambitious post-graduate plans to pursue a vocation that means everything to me.
I only wish I could've encouraged that 18-year-old to focus on what's become a central tenant to my perseverance and belated success : self-acceptance.
To find something I love, I had to be someone I love.
Asha
Calm down, no one will judge you. you will have sinsere friends who care
Kayla
As a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare to be afraid and amazed. There are some scary things along the way, no doubt, but there are some absolutely amazing things as well. I would also tell myself to make sure I know what I want to do ahead of time, so I don't have to change programs so much to finally find one that I am happy with.
Christian
I would say that you need to pick a school that you would enjoy, dont go to one just for athletics. I would also tell myself to get on a decent schedule that you can balance, adademics and social life as well. The final thing i would tell myself is to get used to a sleep schedule that way i get qality rest while i have the ability to get up at early hours for class.
Bradley
I would tell myself to look for more scholarships. I would tell myself that I am about to be forced to leave the college of my dreams because I cannot afford it. I would beg myself to please save more money.
Mylinda
If I could go back and give myself advice it would be know what kind of career you want to accomplish before choosing a college, apply to the program when you first start and to many school incase you don’t get in at one or so you will have more then on opportunities( this will eliminate unnecessary class and be less expensive because you are not paying for classes you don’t have to have), apply for all scholarships I could (because with no help and having to take out student loans you will end up in debt), and I would try to get a better score on the ACT because now I know how important it is.
Brittany
If I could go back in time and talk to myself before making the big transition between high school senior and college student, there are many things I would tell myself. First and for most, I would say, "everything will be okay" knowing that everything will be okay is always comforting to any new student. I would also let myself know that it is okay to enjoy yourself. You should step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, go out, and be outgoing. College is supposed to be the best time of your life, so why not enjoy your time. I would definitely tell myself to be myself, have fun, and experience to new things. People will love you for you, if you’re not a hermit crab and you go places and talk to people. This would be the advice I would give myself if I could before transitioning.
Heather
College is not all fun and games. You will make terrible mistakes, but you have to make them to learn from them. Classes are not optional and friends will still be there afterwards. Drugs are stupid and will suck you in if you let them. General Education classes are boring, but the grades will matter in the future. When you get into your English classes, remember that they are hard for a reason. You will be a writer one day. Don’t get discouraged. It will happen because it is your destiny and destiny can’t be denied. Don’t expect writing to be fun. It will be painful, horrible, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding. In your writing, you will discover who you are and where your destiny lies. In your quest to become America’s next literary giant, you will feel overwhelmed, but it isn’t something that happens overnight. Never settle for less than a lifetime of dedication to your gift. Even when you feel like a sliver of a blood soaked mirror, it will be put together and you will once again find yourself. Don’t be afraid to find yourself, you will like what you see.