Sarah
I was part of a program in Ohio called "Seniors-to-Sophomores" which was basically like a post-secondary option only instead of going to high school part time and college part time I was able to completely skip my senior year and get my first year of college out of the way for free. If I were able to go back in time and talk to my senior self I would suggest applying to OSU first instead of Columbus State Community College. I feel I would have had more scholarship opportunities if I had just gone straight to OSU.
Cassi
College life is fun and exciting but also extremely stressful. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to enjoy the time I had left in my senior year. It is often easy as a senior in high school to not appreciate the time you have left as a kid. I was so excited to get out and be on my own that I forgot to enjoy the last year of having no real responsibilities. I wish I would have spent more time with my high school friends and appreciating every moment with them. Also during my senior year my parents began the process of getting a divorce. I let this ruin my senior year, I did not going to prom with my friends or let myself take part in many senior activities. If I could go back and tell myself how much I would regret this I would. So overall, I think I would tell myself to enjoy life, don't take anything too seriously, and cherish every moment with the people who have been there for me the longest.
Dana
I would tell myself I need to learn how to become more independent. Here, in college, all my short-term and long-term circumstances seem to revolve around me and what I did or did not do. I would tell myself to make sure I have my priorities set straight, and place academics in front of whatever entertainment or socialization I have had planned. College is a large test that is crucial to pass; it is a test to see if you really can pursue your biggest dreams although the duration of the pursuit requires patience and hard work. So I would need to tell myself to go in with a strong heart, confidence, and determination. To keep my eyes on the prize--on the diploma--and persist until I earn it. To enter a class believing in myself that I could score flying colors on the finals. To power through and complete each project in my path, so everything I turn in is finished. To brace myself. Finally, I should keep in mind that I should study what is in my heart, and not be pressured or intimidated by peers to opt out.
Logan
Youth. That, I’m sure, is the first word that would come to mind if I saw my high school self. More than anything else, the transition to college life caused me to grow up. It happened so quickly I hardly took notice, yet was so profound, I question how it transpired so unconsciously. My past self would want to know just how unique a time high school is and to appreciate it. I would want to mention how important learning a new set of time management skills would be and provide the insurance that all the changes college life brings are tamed with time. But above all else, I would stress to my past self the need to really cherish the security, love, and encouragement having a family always around can provide. I was shocked when I realized this myself after leaving for school, but recognized it wasn’t a homesick feeling. Rather, it was the realization and gratefulness of something overlooked, yet so special. Oh, and I would suggest to past self learning a little bit about laundry before taking off for school “knowing” that there can’t be much to it.
Alexandra
If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to, "Calm down!" My whole senior year, I was stressed about writing essays, my choice of college, continueing to get A's, scholarships, and everything else that comes along with the college application process. Once I finally decided to attend Ohio State University, I was anxious about the transition, difficulty, and being away from home. Looking back, I now see how fruitless all of that worrying was. Yes, concerning the application process, some stress was necessary and inevitable, but my paranoia surrounding any wrong decision or mistake was pointless. It caused me much more uneeded stress on my senior year. Also, the transition from high school to college ws not difficult; I moved in a couple days early with my Learning Community who were very supportive, and I already knew some upperclassmen who gave me tips on getting through classes and exams. In the end, everything worked out and I am now a very involved Ohio State student with a 4.0 GPA. Knowing this, I would tell myself to go with the flow and not waste my time with so much worrying.
Andrew
I would give myself the simple advice to work harder then to prepare. College in general is much different from high school. The main thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study, not procrastinate, and begin to grow up ASAP. These things would help tremendously in college once you get here.
Kristen
If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself throughout my senior year, there would be so much advice that I would give to myself. As long as I can remember I have dreamt of going to Ohio State. Because of this the amount of colleges that I visited was limited. I only visted three colleges, and now looking back I would have told myself to check out more schools. I would tell myself to be open to schools that are more specialized to what I want to major in. Not only would I tell myself this, but I would also tell myself not to be in such a hurry to leave my small hometown. Every now and then I miss the small town atmosphere and there are days that I get homesick, but this is not why I would tell myself to slow down. If I had considered staying home for just one more year, I would have saved tons of money by staying home and going to the Lima Branch. My senior year I was dead set on leaving and refused to consider any other options, and I truly wish I would have.
Claire
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry so much! When you first get to college it is so easy to get frazzled and feel like you have to make all your best friends right away and know your life plan for the next 10 years! That is not how it is. Making true friends takes time and you WILL develop those relationships! It is ok to not be sure about everything because to be completely honest, no one else knows either. A big part of college is discovering what we want to do the rest of our lives and part of that process is trying new things and even failing at some of them to know they are not the right path to take. I would tell myself to be organized and try to keep up with my schoolwork but to make sure to take time to smell the roses. College is where you make friends you will have the rest of your life and you won't meet them studying. You will meet them by being open and putting yourself out there.
Alyssa
I have gone through many changes since high school. Most of all I have become more open to people and really know my own personality. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would give the advice not to be afraid of trying new things, or caring too much about what other people think. Being in such a large school has made me realize that the most interesting and respected people are who they want to be, not what others think they should be. Being in an environment with so many diverse personalities has really allowed me to be who I want to be, and I am much happier with myself this way. Knowing this in high school could have given me more experiences and possibly a better understanding of what direction I wanted to take in college. I never thought about taking design as a career, I thought I wanted to practice medicine. Luckily after a year of chemistry and math, I realized I was not doing what I really wanted, and made a drastic change that has made me much happier and excited for the future.
zena
College is a lot more fun than high school, so don't stress yourself. Definitely, choose The Ohio State University, it is the best in Ohio. Be confident, major in what you like doing, not what your parents like you to do.
Michael
Knowing what i know now about college life and the transition from high school to college there are various pieces of advice that i would give myself. I would first tell myself to finish high school strong and build some momentum going into college; Once you have academic momentum it is much easier to make the transition from one level of education to the next. I would also tell myself that college is very different than high school and that trying my hardest and doing every assignment in college is essential to getting good grades and ultimately being sucessful. I would make sure that i got into the habbit of studying because it much easier to comprehend the material and build on previous concepts when you review often. Finally i would tell myself that no matter the situation, it is imperative that i keep my cool and not stress out because it is too easy to give up when you fall behind and get really stressed over school.
Christine
As a high school senior, I was really excited to start college because it would mean I would get a fresh start in a new place. However, during my first quarter, I was shy and did not join as many clubs as I had wanted to . If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her to be more proactive and not be afraid about learning new things and looking silly because I wasn't experienced with something. For example, in high school I really wanted to start ballroom dancing, but once college started I was afraid to join the dance club since I was afraid people would ridicule me for dancing poorly. I would tell myself to take courage and not be afraid of other people. I would also tell myself to try to talk to people in my classes and on my dorm floor instead of always waiting for other people to initiate the conversation. Finding friends faster would have made my transition to college much smoother.
jason
i would tell my self to save my money and be ready to live on your own. it is not as easy as you would think. i would say study and put alot of effort into you first quarter. look for a job as soon as u get here and dont be afraid to work a lot at first. i would say to use the things that are provided to u when you get to campus. take advantage of everything and also have some fun.
Victoria
Apply to even more scholarships/loans/grants. Get to know your college facilities and campus before going there. Don't overload yourself your freshman year, but don't take so many simple/easy classes that you have to overload your senior year
Kaitlyn
I would tell myself to work harder and to have better study habits. Even though high school was easy, i would've told myself, to study as if it was a challenge, so that now I could have adequette study habits. I would tell myself tht the transition is unlike anyother, and to just remember where you came from and remember who you are, because in the end that is all that matters. Also I would tell myself to stay true to my faith, which I ended up doing, but I didn't quite know if I would find a bible study when entering college. Most importantly I would tell myself to be open to trying new things and taking so many different classes, because Ohio State has so much to offer!
Kerah
If I could go back to 2008 and talk to myself I would tell myself now to first attend The Ohio State University and to switch my major from Nursing to Radiology. While I do not regret how my schooling has gone thus far, I wish I would have done things differently and realized back then that nursing was not for me. I would also tell my self to just relax and enjoy the ride and to take advantages of all the oppertunites that college brings my way. College is the bast years of your life, relax, go with the flow, and get a 4.0!
Tina
I would tell myself to pay close attention while in high school. There is so much oppurtunity in high school to learn , but as a teenager, you just don't pay enough attention. Once you grow up, and realize that life is not just a party, you will wish you had soked up more of the information that was offered to you in high school. All of the boring subjects like math, english, and science, that you have in high school only get harder when you begin college. The more you learn in high school, the easiar it will be once you enter into college. It will save you so much time and effort, because if you are lacking in any of the subjects, you will find yourself taking several remideal classes just to prepare yourself for the required college cources. Once you are an adult, you will find that time is much more improtant to you, so while you have your youth, focus on your future and learn as much as you can.
Amber
Join as many things as possible. Its the easiest way to meet people and make connections. Its a way to make a big school feel smaller.
Ben
Take up meditation. College is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. Start working out and eat better food. Find happiness in the moment.
Audrey
Be open to change. When I moved to campus, I expected change, however I was not aware to what extent my life would change. Loving with other people is hard, and I had to adjust to the new situation. I would especially give this advice to other high school seniors. From what I've observed, those who can adjust to a new life and not lose themselves are those who can succeed.