Oakland University Top Questions

Clarizza, I know you think high school is easy and you think college is going to be the same, but trust me it is not. You want to wait a year to go to college, but it is a big mistake. Getting back into school is hard especially if you dont talk to your dad or mom. You have to write a bunch of letters for financial aid stating why you don't talk to them. Also, you have to get letters from old teachers that don't even remember you. I say you should go straight to college because it will be the best experience of your life. Just work hard and keep your head held high. No one is going to watch you and keep you on track, it is your responsibility to keep yourself going. Make sure to never give up because if you visualize yourself accomplishing school than anything is possible. You can overcome any obstacle that get's in your way of going to college. Don't let anything stop you, and remember it's not alway's going to be easy, but, if you can push through it than you will make it.

I would tell myself that its okay to not really know what field you want to go into just yet. I would say freshman year do the fun classes and explore but by the end of the sophomore year it is time to really start thinking what you want to do and start taking the classes. You do not want to be in college forever so it is time to start putting some serious thought into what you want to do!

First of all, I would tell my younger self that things would definitely improve later on in life. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Even though at the time I never thought about it, I would tell myself that it was important to become more and more sociable. Though I never had many friends in high school, I would tell my younger self to try being on good terms with everyone. Making friends and joining study groups has vastly aided my college experience, and has on more than one instance improved my grades on exams. Above all, I would tell myself to strive for the best, but to expect hardships to come my way. In that case, I would caution myself on being withdrawn within myself. Confidence is key, and I'd make sure to tell myself to not be afraid of being outgoing and trying new things. More than anything, I would tell myself to take risks and to step outside my comfort zone. You never know until you try.

In high school, students are often in search of their own identity and often don't figure out their calling or purpose until well after high school. Many are left with unanswered questions about themselves, who they are, what are they suppose to become, career choices, and how they see themselves in society. A perpetual search for purpose and meaning to quench the soul is often at the heart of a student as they choose a career path and pursue education. I found myself like this, not know what i really wanted to study and pursue, but knowing i needed a degree in something. So the advice i would give my high school self is this: As you transition into college and make a decision on a career path, don't have the mindset that you have to become established in one particular job for the rest of your life or be good at one job description. Let your area of interest, talents, abilities, and passion for knowledge guide you into a world of discovery where you find yourself growing and adapting to new job challenges. College is about learning how to learn, not trying to become. Enjoy the journey.

I would tell myself that you’re going to make a million mistakes but its ok, no regrets. Just try to learn from them a bit quicker. I would also say, when you find something you enjoy, try to stick with it. Don’t give up on things so easily, but don’t over commit you. Try to find balance and peace in your life. I would warn myself about Facebook and try not to let it consume your time. I would tell myself that you don’t need to validate who you are to a bunch of people that may not be your friend. I would tell myself to not let technology take over your life. Most importantly when you have that dream, GO FOR IT! We are on this Journey together, Trust it! There will be so many things that change but keep an open mind and be patient.

If I had the opportunity to travel back to 2012 and tell the cocky high school senior some advice about college, I would tell the younger version of myself that I shouldn't be dependent on my mother. When I was in high school, I thought life was going to be great in College. You know, the parties, staying up all night, sleeping all day, and not working. Just because I had this imagination that my mother would pay for everything and I don't have to work a single day during college. My arrogance blinded me to the fact that she has to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Saying thank you was the last thing on my mind during the last year of high school, because without her, I wouldn't be able to be here. I just wish I knew what was going on outside my selfish bubble and actually tried to obtain decent grades, then slack off and bomb every single test. Though I made mistakes during high school, I'm now a wiser me, and working towards a better future for myself and my mother.

Look for scholarships a lot earlier. College is insanely expensive and you are going to be there for a long time. The key is getting money and making sure that you do not run into too much debt. Some is okay because you can pay a small amount back but you really do not want that weighing on your sholders the rest of your life.

I would tell myself to start saving money as soon as possible to pay for tuition. I would also say that it's important to choose a major that works best for you and take full advantage of all of the services that are offered to help ease the transition from high school to college. Most importantly, stay focused on school and work hard to maintain good grades!

Dear young and reckless, high school senior self, Times are tough and they will only get tougher (just wait until your first exam week in college). Whatever you do, do not focus on the negative things going on around you, they will only get you down. Keep a smaller circle of friends, because I guarentee that you will not talk to any of them once you move to Rochester Hills in August. Friends should be the LEAST of your problems right now. Focus on getting that 4.0 you have always wanted and make mom proud. Once you experience your first college exam, you will be wishing that you knew better study habits because you never used to study before your senior year (STUDY, STUDY, STUDY). When it comes time for basketball season, please play for your final year, because if you do not play, you will regret it and miss basketball more than anything, plus, it is a great stress reliever! Sydney, try to focus on what really matters and not popularity status. Grades are more important than the party coming up. Trust me, college will prove that. Love, Older and wiser, college freshman self.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared for the college work. It's not hard but it's just a lot of work that needs to be done. You have to stay focus and don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people that are willing to help. Always remember to keep a look out for scholarships because you can never have too much money to pay for school. Despite what others may say, college is fun. You just have to learn to balance the social life and what you orignally go to college for: to get an education because in the end, you will get your dream job.