Abrianna
As I had taken a couple of extra classes as a junior/senior in order to graduate early, the main thing I would tell myself is to not stress out about the little things. I would tell myself to enjoy the great things and opportunities that highschool has to offer before it is gone forever. Another important thing I'd tell myself is to respect your parents, because they are only trying to help; make lots of friends, they are there for support when you simply cannot talk to anyone else; and ask for help from teachers, they will most likely be happy to help! If I could go back and give myself one major bit of advice it'd be to keep pushing, as the outcome in the end is fantastic! I would tell myself that graduating early is not a mistake and that you have given youself a great opportunity.
Hannah
With my extensive and superior knowledge of college life and the transition from home to campus, my advice to my high school self would be to take a giant chill pill. I was frantic, thinking that I had to memorize all the facts about classes, financial aid, and scholarships. I was anxious, worrying nonstop about which college to attend, what to study, and how I was going to pay for it all. When it was about time to move in, I stayed up late, my brain telling me horror stories about failing my classes and not making any friends. What I really wish I could do is go back in time, take my senior-self into a warm, enveloping old-lady embrace, and tell her to calm down. Being a student at Plymouth State University has been an amazing experience that I would repeat again and again. It is a welcoming and enriching community which cares about my health and education. Last summer I was clinging to my mother’s apron, begging to stay home. I wish my high school self could see me this summer, counting down the days until I can go back home to Plymouth State University.
Mickayla Bea
If I could go back in time and give myself advice, it would be this….
Mickey Bea, you know who you are and who you want to be, do not let anyone or anything stand in your way. I know you may think that he is the one and he would never do anything to hurt you, do not fall for it, Do not put yourself in that situation.
Let the old boy go, you will find a new one that will not put you in the position to choose him or your future. The new guy is not the one that you would expect so do not go out looking for him, he will fall in your lap and you will never be happier.
You need to learn to forgive and not hold on to grudges, holding on to it will only make you exhausted. You can forgive someone but that does not mean that you will forget what they did.
Your mother knows what she is talking about, and even though you may not want to admit it, she gives you the advice you need to hear.
And lastly, Always remember to follow your heart and your dreams!
stephanie
Don't stress the small things, be someone you'd like to meet, your truth differs from everyone else's truth, be willing to unlearn/relearn what you've learned already, don't judge, be patient, don't be black and white, love unconditionally, fear is a waste of life, don't label anything or anybody, live to be happy.
Kirah
The most important peice of advice i wished i knew and did more when firsting attending college is to socialize. Networking is so insanely important especially in the business field. I was a hermit for my first few years of college and it's my biggest regret. I developed social anxieties and now have to take classes on how to socialize with unfamiliar people and networking is a major challenge. I deffinitely underestimated how important socialization and communication is and now im paying for it.
Kate
I have always cared about my academic standing and wellbeing, and I would advise my past self to always remember to do your homework, and write assignments down. But I have noticed that since I came to college, I have completely thrown myself into homework and projects, and my health has suffered as a result. Stress is a killer, and I would like to advise myself to always leave a little time to relax, even if it's only reading a few pages of my book fifteen minutes before work, or taking a break from an essay to email a friend. I would especially ask my past self to take special time to email friends and keep in contact with the world outside of books and homework. To go outside and take a walk occasionally, and get in tune with outside life. I'm not sheltered, I just spend less time outside now, where I love to be, than I did in high school. Most importantly, I would encourage myself to remember that happiness is the most important goal in life, however you reach it.
Nitsa
Find what makes you happy. There is no point in rushing through a life where you can not find raw joy everyday. I think if I could go back to talk to myself that is what I would emphasize on. I would stress the points that you dont need others approal to make you happy, you dont need to freak out about the future, and alcohol and partying is not always the best way to spend your weekends. Happiness comes from within, and when the four years of college are up that is when you need to take what you have been studying and do somethig that makes you happy, something you have passion for, something you love. There is not a second that is worth wasting, the past is the past and all you can do is learn from things, move forward, and ultimately be happy about life and the knowledge that is given from every lecture, every person you pass, every meal at the dining hall, and every interaction you can absorb. Everyday is a new day, grow, learn, embrace, and ultimately be happy.
Dominique
I would tell myself that I need to learn how to study and discipline myself and get my work done. It is easy to get caught up in social life and blow off your homework, but we can't do that. I would also tell myself to start saving my money now, because I'm not going to have any in the future. You will struggle to pay your bills. I would aldo tell myself to be open-minded about what you want to do when you grow up. You will change your mind about 100 times before you finally decide, and even after you decide you will come up with new ideas. Just open your mind and go with whatever makes you the happiest, it will come to you. You will find what you're passionate about, but it will take some exploring. Also, you will become best friends with Mom eventually, so start being nicer to her, because when you don't have money for laundry, she will start looking like an angel with Tide.
colleen
If I was a senior again, I would tell myself not to worry so much about what other people think. I went to a private school where everyone was worried about appearances. Now that I teach high school and watch how much students fuss and fret about what others think, my mature self sees how ridiculous it all is. Being true to who you are and want to be is more important than impressing everyone else. I wish I had known that when I was selecting a school and going off to college. The good thing is thatI know it now and, since I'm going to school again, I can learn from my own mistakes and begin anew.
Kyle
Go into college with the right mindset and focus to get things done and fully take advantage of your educational opportunities. I have learned over this past year that college is what you make of it. You could be going to a terribly known college, that is only known for it's drinking and partying reputation, but if you put in the time and effort to utilize the information given to you, and find other alternatives to having fun outside of the assumed college ones, than college can be an amazing place and you are going to love it.