Josh
Find out who you are on your own two feet. Don't depend on someone else to to make you happy. Surround yourself with positive people. The biggest mistake you can make is being afraid to make one.
Laura
As a sophomore in college, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be confident. When I made my decision to attend Northwestern, I was happy with my decision, but I was still concerned that I had made the right decision. Now, I know without a doubt I made the right decision. The people I have met here, the things I have learned, and the experiences I have had during my time at Northwestern had impacted my life in more ways than I ever could have imagined. The professors and class I have taken have challenged me in ways that will serve me well in not only medical school but in other areas of life. I know, as a senior in high school, I was worried about meeting new people. However, the friends and teammates I have met seem like family to me now, it's strange to believe I was even worried. They have encouraged, supported, and influenced my life in so many ways, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Overall, I would tell my high school self to not worry and enjoy the ride.
Robbie
Hey self! Life is not about YOU! It's that simple. As you leave high school and move away from your family, there is only one thing you need to keep in mind to be successful: Life is not about you. It's about the One who made you and its about putting others ahead of yourself. You're very focused on "self" right now, but you've made your college decision and now it is time to think about how your are going to make your life count for others. You can go one of two ways: 1.) Go to college, do everything to get ahead (even if that means stepping on others), and try and make as much money as possible or 2.) Go to college, open your eyes to those around you in need, and use your God-given abilities to meet those needs. It is your choice. Yes, college will be challenging and you'll have to be responsible to be successful, but there is still plenty of time to look out for the needs of others. Our world needs servants. I hope you'll choose to be one.
Mark
Hide your valuables especially food, otherwise just enjoy the experience of the dorm life with a bunch of people that you will probably end up being friends with for the rest of your life. You may not "LOVE" everyone, but you will eventually find your group and become extrememly close to them. At that point you will start to fully enjoy your freshmen year. Other than that, practice being independent. Do your own laundry, cook your own food, and practice time management.
Russel
There are many diferences answering this due to graduating several years ago. There are stark changes in society now complared to my College ecperience at the time. I will respond in the NOW! Education is as or more important now than ever. The econmomy and moral values have changed ratically. There is a distinct difference of perspective with those seeking a college education NOW. Aplicants need to be certain about what they are really interesed in and find a school that fits them personnlly. I have already been accepted to Clevaland Chiorpractic College (CCC). Due to the Economy situation mentioned above, I am in hard spot at the moment trying to sell my house so I can relocate to KS. I was unemployed at the time I decided to investigate CCC after choosog 4 total in the Midwest. CCC has been very helpful and patient with my situation. I have been requiered to "default" enrollment twice and CCC keeps me up to date when I can get all my issues cleared and start undergrad.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Russel Jahn
Annie
College is the greatest present you can give to yourself, not only does it open your mind to new ideas and enhance you knowledge for your chosen field, but you also acquire great leadership and communication skills. You learn to be part of a community and experience what is like to work as part of a network, and you will also make connections that will last you a life time. Above all there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you worked hard and being able to proudly say i have a college degree.
Ashley
My advice to my high school self would be to really research your options a lot instead of being lazy. Also, I would tell myself to be more disciplined in doing my homework and put a lot more into it because homework in college is a lot harder. Also, I would tell myself that I need to learn how to study really well and find a way that works really well for me because having to start habits after you're in college is extremely difficult and stressful. When it comes to paying for college, I would tell myself to research scholarships more because college is a lot more expensive than most high school students think it is. Also, I would tell myself that I need to relax when it comes to meeting new and very different people because in college you meet a much bigger variety of people that you will have to socialize with. Lastly, I would tell myself that I need to get ready for the best years of my life!
Beverly
The first three months will be Hell for you. That's what happens when you live nine hours away in the middle of nowhere. So be prepared. But if you can soldier on, I promise you this will be one of the best experiences of your life. The landscape leaves much to be desired. But the people here are beautiful. They will leave a feeling of joy that will root deep within your soul. Remember to make time for them. Remember to keep that smile on your face. Remember to love. And don't take your time here for granted; ever.
And, about those two professors. I know you hate them. But believe me, in the end, it will be more than worth it. Just stick with it.
Rebekah
When you're in high school , all you wish to do is fit a mold crafted by others around you. The goal is to be accepted and loved, even if you are not being the person you truly are. I was shy and incredibly aware of what others wanted me to be. I had terrible self esteem and developed an eating disorder that would consume me for four years. The summer after I graduated from high school , I felt a sense being released from others; expectations.
Entering college meant that I was entering my future. This new future is one filled with my goals and expectations, no one else's. Since arriving at college, I have discovered that my body and image is not what makes me beautiful, but what I do with myself and the things I can accomplish. That in and of itself has made all the difference.
I am on my way to being a child psychologist and making a difference in lives of youth who are even now struggling with a sense of no direction. I want to tell them the things I wish I had learned long ago about what really matters in life.
Joseph
So far it is safe to say that my college experience has been a valuable one. I have learned that the experience of receiving higher education is not just about getting good grades, it is about learning to solve the problems that face me every day, whether it is a class that I dislike or an assignment that is frustrating me. College is about trying new things, and striving to make a difference. Aside from teaching me all of the necessary "basics" in education, this experience has been valuable because it is teaching me to become a more responsible and independent person.
I realize that I have only begun my journey to become more intelligent not just as a student, but more importantly as a person. This scholarship would be greatly appreciated in order to continue on my path for higher education.
Derrick
I have gotten some much out of my college education at Northwestern. My professors in the Athletic Training feild came from well-known training programs and know how to push us to be the best. Not only do they teach the basic things for the major, they to are constantly up-grading their education and teach us the newest and most interesting research out there on the subject. It is valuable to me because they have provided a great learning enviroment both in the books and hands on as well as chances to shadow respected people in our feild to get real life application.
Meghan
You're going to love college. It really is an amazing experience. I know you're a little scared right now to leave your family, but you're going to make the most incredible friends ever. Trust me - you will love the girls you live with. Just go and be yourself. It's like a chance to start over; no one knows anything about you! You have a clean slate. The people there aren't going to judge you. You can be whoever you want to be, and you'll be loved just as you are. You probably won't get much sleep, but that's okay. Just take naps whenever you can. The social life is really worth the lack of sleep! Sometimes it will be hard to focus on homework when there are so many other fun things to do, but just do your best. Grades really aren't everything in college. I know they were really important in high school, but you actually might get a B once in awhile, and guess what - it's not the end of the world! Just go and have fun. Be yourself. Find your true identity. Enjoy every minute.
Hannah
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself to be diligent and passionate about all I am involved in. I would also tell myself to prepare to selflessly pursue friendships to prepare for life away from home and familiar faces. The transition into college was difficult because I did not realize how lonely I would be. If I had prepared for that and thus acted upon my desire for friendship in a better way, my loneliness would not have affected me as much. Academically, consistency is key. It is extremely helpful to have a study routine and to not cram for exams or wait until the evening before to write a paper. Consistently being diligent in studying is something I had to learn during my first semester. On top of all of these things, I would tell myself to be excited about the next stage in life and not be anxious or worry. It was an exciting step and I feel like my anxieties hindered me from taking risks when entering life in college.
Kayla
Dear High School senior, there are some very important things you need to know before you head off to college. While picking your classes for 12th grade make sure you take classes that may help you decide what you could pursue a career in. Find a class that you enjoy and take the class now while you don't have to pay for class or books. This is the best time because next year they expect you to know what your dreams are and you will regret not doing what you love while its free. Out side of class get involved in as many projects and clubs as you can, it may be to late to join volunteer groups now, but if you are in some clubs stay in them and take leadership roles. Colleges and scholarships love to see extracaricular work out side of your High School. One last thing to do before you head off to college; during the summer take as much responsibility for your life as you can. Don't ask your parents for advice on everything because next year they are not going to be there. It is best to start now with your responsibility.
Holly
Don't think that you can make it on the bare minimum. Utilize the resources available to you such as the library and the tutoring centers. There is no shame in asking for help. The point of being in college is to prepare you for life, and you will live a fuller life if you attempt to excel not just get by.
Crystal
The advice I would give to myself is that go in to college with an open heart. Try out for new things and just think of college has starting a new adventure in your life. Another piece of advice I would give myself is that, I would try and be more open to making new friends. Also, classes are not as hard as I thought they were. People make you think that you have to read 20 chapters every night and eight page papers due twice througout the semester, but I did not find it this way. Yes, I had difficult assignments but I took the time to do them and got good grades.
Anna
Be open to change. Make the most of the people that you love at home. And feel blessed with the person that you have become, if you don't believe in what you have become, you will not know who you at the end of the day. And finally, get excited, the people that you are going to meet are people you will never forget.
Amanda
If given the chance to go back in time I would tell my high school senior self of the financial hardships attending college brings about. Back when I was still in high school I could care less about saving money for the future. I was living in the moment day to day, and not thinking about what would become of my financial situation after graduation. I was completely dependent on the college fund my parents had been setting aside for me and was completely taken aback when that money ran out and I was left to find my own means of paying for college. The financial toll that tuition, student fees, and books took on me was so severe that at one point I needed to take a semester off and find a second part time job just to save up and get ahead. Knowing myself when I was about to graduate and my strong desire to continue my education, I feel that this advice could have been the most helpful advice I have ever received.
Nicole
I would tell myself to make a better effort at keeping to a study schedule. College courses are not only tough, but time-consuming, and I wish I would have spent more time studying for certain classes. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships like crazy. I am pretty much broke right now as a college student and can barely afford books. It would have been extremely beneficial if I had earned some more scholarships that would help me through this year, and hopefully into the next three years of my college education.
Anna
If I could go back in time and give my "high school senior-self" advice about college based on what I know now, I would share two things. First, I would say that getting good grades, though very important at this college and strived after by most students, is ultimately not the most important part of a college education. I have had to put my schoolwork first and work hard in my classes, but I have also had to make the choice to set down my books and make time for the people in my life at school. Maintaining close relationships needs a priority, as should be being a good student and keeping my grades up. Second, I would also tell myself to make the most of every opportunity that the college presents to students. Those who are enrolled in college are a privileged group, and those students are given the chance to go on service projects, study abroad, volunteer, and take a stand for important issues on their campus and in their community. It is good to be reminded that for many, the opportunities in college are unlimited and we should make the most of them.