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I would tell myself that college is not nearly as hard as you might think it is. College is actually a fun thing because what you do in college will actually change you life for the better. I know that high school was not easy because you got distracted by all the loud kids but that will not happen in college. You have alot of potential and its time to show everyone what you can do.

Looking back on my senior year I would say that was one of the best years of high school I ever had, everybody knew me and I was starting to get real popular real fast. But one thing I would tell myself would be to apply to schools earlier get scholarship applications done earlier. Just small things that could've made my transition just a little easier. I loved my senior year of high school but being the first child to go through college can be stressful especially when your parents don't know much about this transition either. They were in the same boat as me and it was stressful for all of us, there are things that I would like to change but the two things I mentioned earlier will change it just enough.

If I could go back in time and tell my high school self what I know now, I would tell myself many things. First of all, I would tell myself to get involved in more activities at the school, because they make applictions look much more impressive, which can help you to receive more scholarships. Secondly, I would tell myself to save more of my money that I earned while working for textbooks and tuition. During high school I spent much of my money on things I did not actually need, which could have helped me immensely when starting off my freshmen year. Another thing I would tell myself would to not let anyone take my happiness from me because they are not worth it in the end. Finally, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships than I did. As a senior I did not actually realize the ammount of money it took to pay for a full year of college and I should have taken it more seriously. While I did apply for some scholarships I could have applied for many more and should have taken the whole process way more seriously than I actually did.

I would tell me senior year self to not have too high of expectations. Don't throw the "best friend" label too quickly, and it's okay to feel stuck. You don't have to have a big group of friends, and you don't have to know exactly what you're doing. This is a completely new place, filled with new experiences. Take things slow, and don't expect your freshman year to be the best year of your life. It turns out nice, don't worry, but still. Relax a little. Also, enjoy your senior year a little bit more. It's fantastic you got into Ohio University, but, enjoy your time with your high school friends. You'll miss them a lot more than you think.

Our whole lives we are made to listen to what we are told. My one piece of advice to my former self would be to do the opposite. In my life, I have constantly been doubted and I used to ignore it. In high school, I always pushed myself beyond my limits, putting enormous amounts of stress on myself just to feel success in the end. Although, when I stepped on campus this fall, something changed. Suddenly, I felt as though maybe I could not do everything anymore. I then listened when advisors told me to "take it easy" my first semester, but as I look back, I wish I would have ignored this and stayed true to myself. It is easy for others to simply “relax and get settled” but I need to move, be busy, and follow a tight schedule; things I missed greatly because going into college, I was so nervous that others may be right. So today, I say to my high school senior self: never stop doubting the doubters, you know yourself best.

Paying for my college education is a huge concern. When I was in high school I didn't totally understand all the financial aid criteria. Now that I'm in my second year of college I understand it a lot better. Had I know in high school what I know now I would have been involved in activities and done things academically that lend themselves to financial aid awards. Academically I would have taken more AP classes to improve my GPA and lighten my course load in college. I would have tried harder to achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better because that seems to be a starting point for many financial aid awards. As far as extra-curricular activities, I would have gotten more involved in community service. There are many financial aid awards that are based solely on community service involvement.

Focus. Focus. Focus. Do not be distracted. Being on your own is enjoyable, challenging at times, but overall an absolute blast. BUT, the distractions come in huge waves, and many of those around you will fail out of school, to be blunt. Keep your determination. Know what you're studying is important, and this degree will lead to a better life for yourself and your family down the road. Grades are more important than beers; but relaxing after hard work, and the ability to adequately socialize and network, are invaluable. Find a balance. Manage your time wisely, study hard, and you will be an excellent candidate for jobs, or graduate studies, after graduate.

Many say that high school is the best four years of my life and I fully expected that, especially watching television shows of high schoolers. I would tell myself then, that that is not true and college is the best four years of your life so to keep looking forward to college and high school is not the end of the world. Perspective is huge. The littlest things seemed like the end of the world when in high school, and you grow up and realize it's not the end of the world and there are more important things. Also another big thing that seems so important in high school is your social status. Your social status is literally the least important thing ever. You go to college and it doesn't matter. We're all just students with the same goals overall and it's important to just enjoy your time and make great memories with great people!

I would tell myself as a hhighschool senior, to enjoy my time more. I know it probably is not the advice most people would give, but honestly there are so many things I missed out on because of my stress of getting into college. College is the time to stress, the time where you actually have to start acting like an adult. College is where studying in the priority, but in highschool, enjoy youself. I am not saying to not study and do well in your classes, but deffinetly make time for memories as well.

Take more chances. Say yes to everything. Stick with clubs even if the presidents are mean. Don't join a sorority; you're going to waste a ton of money to be around girls who tear you down. Study. Don't take French; take Spanish or something you could actually pass. Roommate issues feel like the end of the world, but they are not. Don't date men who make you feel like crap. He is going to break your heart, so don't be stupid and go back to him. Apply to be an RA, at least for a year. Keep your job. Things blow over. Make friends who share your values. Don't sign leases with people you don't know. Get a burrito once a week; it is good for your health. The 5th floor of the library is the best place to be quiet and think. Going to church makes you feel better, so go. Be involved and committed. Apply for things you think you are underqualified for. Stick to your own convictions. Oh, and the ROTC boys live on East Green.

I would tell myself to take more math, because its really hard in college. I would also tell myself to learn good study habits now, before college. Also not to choose a school based on playing a sport for them. If it dosent feel right, trust your inner voice. and choose a school where you feel comfortable.

Katie, you are dead set on nursing now but are you sure? Maybe you should just take some classes and see how it goes first then declare a major. College is nothing like high school. You dont have homework to cushion your grades so you need to actually study more than an hour or two. It will be worth it when you realize that you're restricted based on your GPA. Also don't stress so much that none of your best friends are going to the same school as you, you will make some of your best friends being the manager of the softball team. On that note, when you start being the manager of the softball team it will seem awful and you will hate it majority of the time but by the end of the season you will realize that it was the greatest decison you have ever made besides choosing to attend Ohio University. It all works out in the end I promise. Enjoy it while you have it.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my highschool self "I know you hate saving your money now, but it will be worth it in the long run". I spent too much money where I could have saved and had that much more to contribute to my education. Some dreams can only come true if you have the money to get you going, but you don't want money to hold you back. I would also tell myself to stop sweating the small stuff and don't care what any of your friends think. JUST DO YOU. The people now won't be as big of a part of your life when you move on to bigger and better things. And lastly I would tell myself to make sure you do follow your dreams and don't be afraid to tell your parents, friends, other loved ones what you want to do. It's your life and you need to make sure it's something you can look back on and not regret doing something that you didn't get to do.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a Senior High school. Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition what advice would I give him? I would tell him to make School more of a priority and not to slack off, to learn something new every day.

Go fishing more. Such an introspective, relaxing hobby holds within itself astounding complexity; seeing your breath dance away in the morning sun, as a realm of impossible realities ripple at your feet. Never knowing with that first cast what awaits you. Hearing the spool-lock disengage, your wrists snap. Silence falls; you watch your jig shatter through the dusk sunlight like broken glass. Apprehension, hope and excitement fly with your hook, hoping to snag some of the wonder you fantasize resides in the mystic portal you’ve cast into. Sound rebounds into your eardrums with the distortion of the mirror and the “thunk” of your bait. It disappears from sight. Diving to worlds you were never meant to see, with eyes that were never meant for sight. You imagine your jig shimmering through the fantastical worlds you’ve conjured up today, and the sirens who watch with curious eyes. Your envious eyes, however, watch from the bank wishing your line will go taught and your rod bow between your hands. Water ripping off the tip of you rod you’re sure now, this is it! Instead your jig pops up at your feet empty. Well there’s always next cast.

I would tell my high school self to stay away from the boys. If I had been more focused on ly stuies and less interested in boys, then I would have completed my education long ago. Although it seems like an eternity, a few more years outside of high school is absolutely worth it. Stay focused. Don't let fun get in the way of future.

You are a social butterfly, so get out there and use it! Don't sit in the dorms and study all weekend. Go have fun even if you're young. College towns are social towns and you should exploit that! Don't wait until senior year, when it's too late.

I would tell myself that I needed to learn better study skills and not to take myself so seriously.

I would tell myself that things are going to be hard at first. You're going to question who you are and what you want to do for a very long time. But stick with the Scripps college and stay in Journalism. I know this is the school for me, and you can make the most of your four years here and don't let anything go to waste. Even something as simple as keeping your dorm room door open can invite new friends. Also, don't trust the first people you meet. Some people do just want to take advantage of you. But, you'll find real friends here and enjoy your time. Just give yourself time to settle in and get used to being so far from home. This is an amazing University, so all the hardship and heartache in the first semester will be worth it if you just hang on.

Although it was only a short time ago, I would like to go back in time and give myself advice about how to approach college differently as a freshman. My first year experience was a positive one, however, there are a few things I'd do differently. Despite being a leader in high school, I found myself overwhelmed by the size of my college campus and starting over with new friendships and experiences was intimidating. Therefore, I would tell myself not to rush things--to give it time--new relationships don't happen over night. I would also tell myself to "breakdown" my college experience into smaller ones, seeking clubs and activities that allow me to get to know other students on a more personal level. What I'd also tell myself is that although this won't be an easy experience, I'm going to learn a lot about who I am and what I want in life. Finally, I'd tell myself not to worry when things aren't going perfect all the time. In the words of Anne of Green Gables, "Tomorrow is another day, fresh, with no mistakes in it."