Missouri State University-Springfield Top Questions

I would tell myself not to stress out so much. College is not as hard as it seems as long as you try to find things to keep you busy. Homework is not excessive like on t.v., but work is still required to get all of the grades that you want. It might be hard sometimes, but sleep will never be taken away. It's going to be fun and people want to help and make you feel like you are not alone.

I've borrowed Marty McFly’s DeLorean to go Back to the Past on a mission to 1991 to open the eyes of my high-school-senior-self to better grasp the big picture through the small picture blue-tinted contact lenses she pops in each day. I have one minute to make a difference, so when I catch a glimpse of her hopping into her sweetheart, Steve’s, Buick Regal, I shout! “Barb, this is your 40-year-old self! Things turned out pretty great. You and Steve are married and have two amazing kids. Here’s the thing... you’re kind of blowing off high school. Do you want to have to start college in your forties? Come on! You are a smart girl! Spend more time studying and less time chasing him (trust me, he’s not going anywhere). Join a club, play a sport or pick your violin back up. You know how you want to move out ASAP? The quickest route to that - and a better life - is doing well in high school to get scholarships. You can become the first ever in your family to follow your dreams to college. Focus! Your dreams await!”

Dear High School Self,

Nathan, if there are two things I wish I could have told you before you started college it’s 1) to manage your time better and 2) to get your psychological issues addressed as early as possible. Yes, they’re closely related, as your mental health problems will just continue to exacerbate your poor time management and studying skills. It will certainly take a stable psychiatric regimen to maintain sanity with your condition, but your lack of ability to manage your time has been present even while you’re sane for various reasons. You need to learn how to use a planner—actually use it, not just keep it in your backpack due to the embarrassment of being one of “those kids” who actually uses one and actually gets things in on time—if you want to be able to pass all your classes with the knowledge you need for college. And Nathan? I’ll add a third one. Get involved in clubs with people you can connect with, and in activities you like doing. It’ll show that you at least took the time to get involved with extracurricular activities in high school. And ... it could save your life.

I would tell myself to spend a lot of time with the people that really matter. Forget about those who don't care about you. When you move to college, you will make new friends, amazing friends. You will also be away from the friends you made before college so spend time with them, and your family.

Try to get involved in some sort of campus activity. Don't focus so much on working, try to have fun and enjoy college while you can; it goes by faster than you think. Be outgoing in class. Try to talk to people around you, this can be good for future tests and you might even make some friends. Don't get bummed out if you don't get all As, this is college afterall. Have good communication with your professors. If there comes a time when you need their help, you want them to know who you are; don't be just another face in the leacture hall. Try new things but also stay true to yourself; don't give in to pressure.

Be sure to experience all paths of college life! Knowing now, that great group of people from the Pride Marching Band, I believe that having a core group of friends makes the transition easier. Yes, some old friends from high school may be attending the same college but they are also trying to find their own path in life. Your two paths may not cross anymore. Opening your world to different aspects of education and social activities will make you a more well-rounded person. You can’t bury your head in the books for 4 years and expect to come out knowing everything. Having friends to experience a new city and new activities with will help you learn to work the social aspect of a group. This will aide you later in life when working in an office space. College is what will help prepare you for life’s roads ahead. Learning how to interact with all groups of people while maintaining your studies in your fields of interest will be important. You’ll work to find that balance in life that works for you. Never forget who you are and don’t change for a group of people.

I would tell myself to be determined and optimistic, to be willing to go outside my comfort zone and try something new. I would let myself know it's ok to fail as long as you learn from it, no one hits a homerun everytime. Mostly I would tell myself that there is nothing I can't do or learn so be confident and enjoy the experience.

Hi there, you scarred little thing! Remember to eat, sleep and breathe! Ask for help, and keep asking until you get it. Join a group. Make friends and get involved. Slow and steady wins this race. This should be fun and a little hard but not miserable. If it is, then you are doing it WRONG!! What do YOU wish to do with your life? Aim towards that goal and take baby steps towards it. Get rid of some of your stuff, and find a cheap apartment so you don't have to work so much! Apply for scholarships!

I woud tell myself that I am worth the time , effort. Getting good grades is for me and no one else. The counselors and teachers that tried to push me didn't matter, the other kids didn't matter. Stop worrying about everybody else and dig into your own life. You have talent, you are going to be a very sought after artist some day. It all gets better from here but only if you believe it will get better. Focus on goals, big and little. Step by step you will climb out of your depression and self loathing. Make yourself better and the world will smile back when you choose to smile at it. Good luck and go get 'em!!