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If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that the beauty of college experience is exploring what it is that makes up your identity. I would let myself know that no 18 year old knows who they are and what they want in life and that all the pieces will fall into place. Unfortunately when I got to college I felt that I was supposed to have my whole life figured out. I thought I was supposed to know who I was, what I wanted to study, what my career goals were, and what I wanted my entire life to look like which created lot of anxiety for me. Due to this pressure I put up on myself, it took away from the excitement of developing my interests and my identity. I spent so much time worrying about what my niche is and where I fit in in this world that I didn't even pay attention to the experiences that helped me grow and got me to where I am. I would remind my high school self that it's not always about the destination, it's also about the journey.

I would have told myself to get more involved in the campus community, earlier. By the time I had discovered interesting research, extra-curricular, and volunteer opportunities, I was already at the end of my junior year. As much as I loved attending Penn State, it can be an intimidating place for a college freshman. The university is just huge. I would also advise myself to explore as many career options as possible, through shadowing or networking with other professionals. It took me a few years out of college before I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Finally, I would have warned myself that the level of binge-drinking at Penn State is not acceptable in the real world. I have watched as some college friends have descended into drinking problems upon graduating from the University, where they had learned their drinking habits. This would have given me more perspective on this topic, and helped me to develop more as a professional instead of worrying so much about parties and socializing.

Go with your gut...

The advice I would give myself knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition is to remember everyone always has choices, chances and changes. You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I'd tell myself to connect with people I aspired to be like. The friends we choose dictate how we preform across all stages of life. When students first get to college a large majority of them have the mentality that they are going to party and have fun. But there are also some that say, “We’re going to take advantage of this opportunity and become successful.” I’d tell my high school self that those are the people you need to connect with early on. Unfortunately, I didn’t go out looking for those types of kids until recently. Since connecting with them I’ve excelled academically, been involved in leadership positions, started a non-profit and encouraged others to follow in my path. Although, everyday I wonder what more might I have accomplished if I surrounded myself with a strong circle when I was a freshman.

To my younger self, I would tell her to not be afraid of what the future holds. You need to put yourself out there in college, and if you don't, you'll never truly find where you belong. Work hard in high school, because when you come to college and realize that you can't procrastinate like you did before, reality will hit you hard. Social life does matter, but in the end your grades matter a lot more, especially if you need to go to graduate school. Get involved as much as you can because you'll make friends that will last a lifetime. Be yourself and discover who you are, because college is the last point in your life where you don't have to be completely serious or have huge responsibilities. Lastly, just know that it's okay to not always be okay. There will be hard times, but you'll get through them if you believe you will.

Dear High School Self, Having gone through what you’re going through now, I would like to give you some insight into life. Highschool, I have found is a major aspect of human development. Your future in life, to some degree, is made or broken. I know you may be complaining about excessive homework, sleepless nights, shortened socialization, and occasional nagging from parents and siblings. Not to mention, the dreaded SAT’s and the anxiety of not knowing which preferred college would admit you. I know you are worried about (losing) your close friends who are going a different direction than you. Just remember, your resolve in life is to study hard and let destiny take its course, but knowing very well that you have put in your best. Love, Apeayena Thank You

Above all, you need to work hard. I know you want to go to school far away from home, and that's going to take some work. There will be no mom to wake you up on time for class or to make sure you're doing what needs to be done. All of that is on you now. I know sometimes you let your depression get the best of you; you let it stop you from doing basic things, even getting oout of bed. But you need to power through it. College is no joke, and you need to get past this like I know you can.

The biggest advice I would give my high school senior self is to get up off the my high horse and stop beliveing eveyrthing should be granted for me. Anything in life comes with hard work, knowing myself I wanted the best of the best and that something I have to work hard for rather than sitting around and missing out on oppunities that could of propelled even further than where I am in my academic career. Also not to be scared of the person I am, there is no reason in being afraid to express my true self and feelings. Not everyone in this world is going to like you. The most important thing is to do what you like and being comfortable in my own skin. As a result people will see that in you and ultimately the right people will gravitate towards you. The last piece of advice I would give myself is to keep my mind open, not to remain narrow minded because the world has many possibilities within it where anything can be achieved through focus and hardwork.

Dear high school senior, Penn State is an enourmous place. Despite having many buses, it is best to travel to class by foot because the busses are often packed. Additionally, stops and traffic can result in you being tardy to class. Rely on your own feet. You will find the best way to get to class by walking the campus. Even though Penn State is large, walking to class is the most effective means of transpotation. In addition to not depending on public transportation, focus on being self-reliant. There are many students who attend PSU, thus creating a less intimate settings with professors. However, this does not have to be your downfall. Being self-reliant is a great asset to possess for the future. It will help you focus on work and give you a sense of pride. Being self-reliant is great, but it does not mean you have to be alone. Do not be afraid to sit with someone you do not know at the dinning hall. Everyone on campus is a Penn Stater just like you and would most likely love someone to talk to. Get in there and make friends.