Rachel
Don't worry about how you're struggling mentally and phsyically. You don't have a learning disorder, you don't have depression or bipolar disorder like everyone is suggesting. You actually have a condition called Chronic Lyme Disease, which you will find out in the years to come! I'm saying this to validate you - don't let it scare you! It is actually going to be one of the most helpful tools in your life to bring about the realization of what's truly important in life! It will help you begin on your path not only toward personal health, but aid others along their way as well. It is going to be a platform to launch you into a passion for nutrition and mission's trips to help others who are less fortunate in other countries. You've done great so far, kept a high GPA, and whatever you do - never give up now. Things will become clearer in time, I promise. And every step along this journey to come, however difficult, is going to be life-changing and serve an amazing purpose, helping you be the person you are called to be! Keep believing!
Caleb
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say, "Caleb, everything is going to be just fine. You will face some troubling times, but if you continue to stay positive and seek God daily, you will be fine. Because God loves you and He will take care of you. You have nothing to fear."
Andrew
Forget anything you thought was "cool", "accecpting", or generally a popular move and throw it out of the window. This is not the place to waste time or recources. You have now reached the place in which the time to study and apply yourself have come to fruition. You have one objective and that is succeed. To leaave this place knowing that you have given it your absolute best and having achived the best possible grade in an honest fashion. This is the time to prove youself to you and no one else. Their opinion has no weight after you leave here. Just do what you are instructed to do and keep your nose down. All will be fine.
Katie
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to continue working hard in school and continue doing extracurricular activities like playing sports and volunteering because it really does all pay off when you get to college. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships my senior year of high school because scholarships are extremely important in affording a higher education. However, I would also tell myself to have fun and make life long memories. My advice would include to spend as much time as I can with my best friends and make sure to stay in touch with them so they don't drift away once college starts. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be serious about my future, but to also have fun and make memories because they become so important and special once you have moved on to a new life surrounded by new friends. Those relationships and memories back home will always be the most important in your life, especially while you're away.
Thomas
I would tell myself not to wait to go to college and to go as fast as I could. My ignorance has put me in many bad situations in the past. I have matured over the years and I now share with my fellow classmates the mistakes I made in my past and I encourage them not to make the same mistakes that I did when I was their age.
Emily
-Umm, what is going on?
-Calm down. You don't need to freak out.
-I think I can when I am talking and looking at my ownself.
-Don't worry. I am you just a year from now.
-Well, how did you get here?
-How I got here isn't important. What's important is what I have to say. You have been stressing yourself out about moving away for college. You're worried about losing your family and friends when you leave. I am here to tell you that you shouldn't be. The absence of your family is easy to forget about when you are busy with homework and cheerleading practices. It is inevitable that you will miss them, but their random phone calls and continuous love will always be there to fall back on. True friends are going to be there when you come home. If you do lose friends, they did not care enough and were not good friends to have anyway. The transition will not be easy, but it forces you to mature for the better.
-So it's not as bad as I am making it out to be?
-No. It's way easier.
Susannah
The advise I would give myself is this:
Be sure to pick a college that has an environment that shares your morals, values, and especially Christianity. Be wise about choosing a college that has a variety a majors because you will most likely change your major a couple times. Also be sure there is good financial aid and scholarships available.
Elizabeth
If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would tell myself to not worry so much about the new life I was going to have in college. Do not worry about friends because you are going to met the greatest people and do not worry about classes because you are actually smarter than you think. You might want to watch out for biology though, there will be some tears. Do not think drama stops on high school, this is only the beginning. Making the transition will be one of the toughest times in your life, but it will also be the most exciting. I would also tell me not to worry so much about that boy down the street, and I would tell myself to stop worrying about cute outfits and save a little bit more money. College is not a joke, and if you are not careful you will end up broke. Most of all I would like to tell myself that even though college in a wonderful experience, there are trials and tribulations, but you are string, ambitious, and determined. If I have faith in anyone, it is you.
Leah
I would tell myself not to stress as much as I did. In high school I was so concerned about how college life was going to be and I was scared to make the transition. However, once I got to school, I easily adjusted and now I consider NGU to be my second home. I would also tell myself to be organized and not bring as much stuff to school. Having so much stuff in my room was such a hassle and it made me even more stressed out.
Amber
be prepared and take school seriously