Murray State University Top Questions

Your life is about to change. Honestly, a lot of your college experience is going to be stressful, emotionally draining, & sleep deprived. You will eat ramen daily, get your heart broken at least 2 1/2 times, & walk through campus in the rain because you, once again, left your umbrella hanging on the doorknob in your room. You're going to cry lot. All I can tell you is "this too shall pass." No matter what, you'll always manage to rally and charge at the world again. Do us both a favor and try harder your first semester. Your probably shouldn't be friends with James, but I know you will anyway. You're going to do a lot of things you said you'd never do. You're going to have regrets and sometimes be an emotional wreck. But it's all worth everything when it's 3am and no one can stop laughing; when you're laying on the floor with tears in your eyes from laughing so hard. Use your planner; mom is right about nearly everything; don't forget to love yourself. You'll enter senior year strong. I promise.

Some advice I would give myself if i knew what i know now about college life would be to do a lot more studying and reading. I would tell myself in order to get to my goal in life and to help out my community like I dream to, work as hard as you can now that way you don't have to work so hard later in the future. Your brain is able to grow and retain much more information in your younger years of highschool than it would in the later future. Keep up your ambition to focus on your school work in order to go through your college years with ease. Dont give up, because it will be worth it in the end!

When I was in high school I did not take my education seriously. I never learned how to properly study for a test or learn how to write a paper. So when I got to college I was overwhelmed with the ammount of work I had to acomplish. So i would tell my former self to pay attention in school and to listen when the teacher is trying to teach me how to properly study for the big final comin up at the end to the school year.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try harder my senior year. Transitioning from high school to college was not as easy as i thought it would be. I was a straight A student all throughout high school and i still feel that college is harder than high school ever was. I would also tell myself to relax and have some fun. I always felt that it wasn't possible to make good grades and spend some time to myself which made me uptight when it came to school work. I would always stress myself out for no reason at all. I would ultimaltely just tell myself to enjoy college because it goes by way too fast.

Vince, you are at a critical life transition. Sports, fun, and activities are going to swirl around you during your college experience so take advantage of them, but don't forget your making choices that will chart the course of your life for the next 30-40 years. Make sure your passionate about what you choose. Don't hesitate to work with a school counselor or advisor for direction because sometimes you struggle to understand your own talents and gifting. I suggest going and checking out some classes and programs prior to making your choice. Don't rule out further education either. You never know what doors will open up after you graduate. The economy will change throughout your career so don't put all your eggs in one basket. Dare to dream and don't forget you want to be able to provide for your family. Consider "AND" in your decision making instead of only "OR". Sometimes there will be lateral options that other people won't understand. You will have an exciting life and career. Enjoy college, my friend.

I would give myself the advice to be more outgoing. People in college are so much more willing to reach out to those they don't know, so don't be shy or intimidated. Don't worry about what people in high school think of you because they are only holding you back. Be yourself, love yourself, and express yourself like you have always wanted because once you get into college people will embrace who you really are.

If I were a high school senior, I would give myself more permission to be a loner and not follow what others rigidly would steer me towards. I would have taken more and more classes in what truly interests me, Computer Science and Math, although I was severely discouraged from it, although I had a high aptitude. I would be more forgiving of myself, as people think this is an atypical choice for someone like me; however, my opinion says it suits me to a T! I have tutored developmentally disabled adult students in Math and English. I have tutored adult students in Baic electricity, HVAC and Photovoltaics, where I received a 4.0 in these classes, serving as a Teacher's Assistant, where I graded papers. I served as Vice President of Communiations 2012-2013 for the NV/CA Region of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and I currently serve as a Director At-Large for the Alumni Association. I am a leader, who loves to help others, as I have been helped.

As much as I truely love going to Murray State, I would sadly tell myself "DO NOT GO TO MURRAY STATE!!!" I love everything about Murray, and all the amazing people I have met, but there is just one thing I did not get to get away from. Parents. My dad's gf works at Murray State and she knows EVERYONE, and she tells EVERYONE that I am her bf's daughter and that they should keep an eye on me. I can go to a class room and the people know me, people I have never even saw before. It is the worst thing in the world to have taddle tale adults tell your folks about every little thing you do. I cannot even go and hang out with friends without my folks asking me, "So who were you hanging out with at the park??" Oh, they also expect me home like all the time. I live on campus in a dorm that I am paying for, for a reason, it is college. Privacy is needed and I do not have it here. Time Machienes need to be invented so I can do just that.

I would walk up to my former self and kindly take me out to lunch, while also discussing the reality of college life and what I have learned until time allowed me to visit my past. I would then tell myself, "Do not to be afraid of what lies ahead and do not set your dreams aside because people tell you that you will not be able to achieve them . Do not ever feel like you are insignificant and do not be afraid to share your creativity with the world. It is okay for you to be nervous, but don't run away from your dreams, because you fear being judged and then failing. Stay focused and do not take time for granted. Be assertive and continue to express the humility, that makes you true to the person I am today." I would then give myself a hug and say, "Know that, if there is not anyone that does not believe in you, I do, because I have confidence in myself, and I know that I am capable of doing great things that will enlighten, strengthen, motivate, and entertain the world, starting from today."

Focus on class and work more rather than mostly having fun. Work hard, play hard.

Please understand that while your senor year may seem fun and you may feel that you are almost "done", this time in your life is so much more than that. If you could jump forward ten years, you would understand how important it is to make the most of this time that you have. Think ahead by doing things like taking advantage of college credit course that are offered in your senior year! My biggest regret is that I did not think ahead and therefore was not serious or motivated about college. My first year was wasted and many of the classes needed to be repeated. I know this may not seem like a big deal to you now, however once the fincancial burdens of college fall to yourself you will understand the frustration of not doing well or having to repeat a class. Since starting back I have been extremely dedicated and have mantained a 4.0 GPA. However, I often think back to how much easier college would have been if I had finished while I was financially supported by my parents and I did not have children of my own. Please, think ahead and stay motivated!

If I could go back in time to high school, I would have to tell myself that once you step out of the hallways of high school, there is no one there to pick you up and help you along. In college you have to wear the hat of adult. Neither your mother or father will be there to guide you. You will need to be smart and research options on how to stay in school and pay for it. Do not get caught up with trying to make money. The time will come for that when you graduate. College is about finding out who you are and where you want to go in life. It is during this time that you will find out what your true strengths are. Beware of the advice you take as everyone does not have your best interest at heart. Finally, know that you are smart and have earned the right to be on that campus. Reach out to your professors if you are having difficulties. There is no shame in asking for help. You are not expected to have all the answers. Go easy on yourself and know that you are beautiful.

Dear high school Self, In high school I know you are very much involved but remember that college is not the different. You are away from your parents which means an increase of freedom. This may seem like an awesome thing at this time but learn how to manage your time wisely. Spend as much time if not more in your books as you do making friends. As a freshman do not try to do everything the school has to offer, even though it may be tempting. Try out a few things such as SGA or the speech and debate team. These are the things that will look good on your resume as you prepare for law school. Also remember that THIS IS NOT HIGH SCHOOL. I capitalize that because the work load is heavier and proffessors will not feel pity for you just because you "forgot" to do your home work. Even though there is no key club, get involved in the community and give back as much as you can because that did not stop in high school. Oh and if can please please try to avoid 8 am classes. See you in the future! -Sincerely College Serah

If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay focused. The first year of college was the hardest. Also, to not rush growing up. College is a wonderful experience a lot of people are not able to go through. Rushing this special part of your life, you would miss out on so much. College was were you find your independence, your future, and yourself. I would remind myself to make good lasting impressions on the professors because they can also help guide you through to better grades and possibly the career of your dreams.

I would advise myself not to stress too much about my college decision; I know now that I made the right decision. Additionally I would also advise myself to no worry about my random roommate or dorm assignment because she i now your best friend and you love where you live. I believe that everything happens for a reason and so far I've been lucky enough to have everything work out in my favor.

I would tell myself to be more open to different types of people and new ways of thinking. just because you would do something a certain way does not mean that everyone has to do it that way. People like you for who you are and you are a good person so let the real you out and be confident. People like people who are confident in their own skin and who like themselves. Lastly, participating in different clubs and activities is the best way to meet new people and feel at home in this new chapter of your life.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the following advice: 1. Do not procrastinate! When I was in high school, I thought I had all the time in the world to get things done. Wrong!!! College has taught me the value of time. Everything is time-sensitive. Professors don't babysit you. There's no make-up work or excuses. When it's due, it's due!!! 2. Prioritize! Don't get overwhelmed with the little things. Choose those things that are most important and get those done first. There will always be other things to do, but if you get those "big rocks" out of the way first, then you can focus on the other things. 3. Be the best you can be. Don't settle for anything. Strive for perfection. Work hard, study hard and be the very best that you can be. No regrets.

Mary, I want you to understand that college can be scary. Loans will loom over your head and finding a job won't be the easiest task you've ever done. You'll be afraid of putting yourself out there and meeting new people since you know only 2 other people at Murray. You'll have to depend on your roommate and your family until you can find your footing - and I know you will. While these other burdens may stress you, take a deep breath, and know that you will love it regardless. Use this opportunity to figure out who you are and look into every nook that Murray has to offer. You never know what you will find. Stay focused on your schoolwork and remind dedicated to your passions. Everyone at Murray is there to help you on your way, so take advantage of what they can provide for you and always be grateful to those people. Make some great friends and have a great time with them! They're probably just as anxious as you are. Life is what you make of it! Go to Murray and make it the best desicion you've made.

I would myself the advice to get use to studying hard to better prepair yourself for the work load. Also prepair for long nights of studying an lots of research writing.

You are about to enter into a different part of life that is better than what you have right now, but will not be perfect. Do not get hung up on the belief that everyone in high school will either change or stay the same, or that moving away is the only solution. There will always be snobs, perfectionists, slackers, and preps, but in the end we are all shooting for the same goal. When you enter college, you will not always be surrounded by the people you have known since kindergarten, and that is okay, because now you are given the opportunity to make new ones, and to finally become independent and may even be able to reinvent yourself. Do not be afraid to ask for help finding your classroom, or if you forgot a pen at home. People are always there to help you, and the hype high school teachers put on cursive handwriting and nobody caring once you leave the "safety net" of high school is nothing but hooplahd, because around every corner is compassion and empathy. Keep your chin up and eyes forward, and do not hold back because of fear of this step toward adulthood.