Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

If I were able to travel back in time and give my "high school self" advice, I would most definitely tell myself to ask more questions and quit being so shy. I would tell myself that because it is ok to ask questions and "no question is a stupid question." My biggest problem in high school, and still to this day, is that I think I can do it all on my own. Well, I have been proven wrong one too many times. There are people out there who, as their job, answer questions and are there to help you out. I shouldn't have ever been so shy and "macho" thinking I could do it all on my own. Luckily, we all learn from our mistakes and will, hopefully, never make them again. This is my one piece of advice I would give myself and anyone else who was in a simliar situation. You only live once; make the most of your experiences and don't be afraid to ask questions!

If I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now, I would tell myself to pick a different major because the struggle to become a professional pilot is long, hard, and expensive. The debt that I will assume after I graduate school will be around $100,000. Being in school has taught me that sometimes you have to give up your dream job in order to make ends meet and to make it through school without worry of how you will pay off school. I would tell myself that the struggle to be away from loved ones is not worth the amount of money one has to pay in the end. With the knowledge I know now, I would tell myself that there are other jobs out in the world that I can do without accumulating thousands of dollars in debt that I don't know if I can ever repay.

I would tell myself, "Dude, your mom is going to die in a year so get it done now." This is why I'm starting college so late; as a result of both my parents being deceased. My father passed when I was 15 and my mother soon after when I was 19. I would have encouraged myself to graduate before she died so she could see me accomplish something in my life, especially before she died.

Get involved! It's so cliche and I know you've heard it from every recruiter, student, and campus visit but it's so true. The only way you'll make those lifelong friends you hear so much about is if you just put yourself out there and go for it. You might not like certain clubs, but go to at least 3 meetings and talk to at least 2 people at each one. Also, don't be afraid to leave your high school friends behind. They've been good to you and helped you become the person you are today, but it's time to figure out what YOU want and who YOU are without them. You don't have to go to every party. You don't have to go to any parties. Find that balance between school, work, and friends. Once you do that, you're golden.

It's going to be a LOT different than anything you've ever experienced-but don't be afraid! Step out of your comfort zone to meet knew people, but DO NOT forget who you are. Follow your heart but remember your brain. Grasp and appreciate all the amazing opportunities that this place has to offer.

If I could go back in time and let my highschool self know what I was getting into, I would say…nothing. The reason the college experience is attractive and enlightening is because we are naïve and optimistic as we enter. I would not want to take that away from the excited 16 year old living with her parents in a country far from the USA. I was born in India, and raised in a cultural melting pot: the United Arab Emirates. It was accepted that I would go to college, but it was expected that I would study in India. I had it set in my mind however, that I would go to America. Applying to US Universities without any background or guidance meant I learnt how to read - very carefully. I learnt how to research, and then, I learnt that I had to work hard. Realizing my dream gave me the strength to succeed in college, honing my skills of voracious reading and research to give me an edge over peers. I succeeded in college for this reason: my dream motivated me, and I don’t think any amount of external advice would have done the same.

If I could give myself any advice, I would advise myself to seriously think about the major that I chose. As a senior, I was very naive and dead set on the major of Engineering. I wish that I would have known the work it involves, the environment that engineers work in, and more information about the different types of engineering. I also would tell myself that I need to get out in society and job shadow more. I wish that I would have gotten more experience in different types of job fields so that I could be able to make a more educated decision on a future career. I should have reflected more in what I wanted in a school that just my "dream school" because of educational rankings. In conclusion I would basically just advise myself to think deeper and more about what I want in a school (size, Greek life, private vs. public, etc.) and about the career path that I want to embark on.

Don't be afraid to grab the bull by the horns! Embrace new experiences, opportunities, and friendships with a welcomed hand. Remember that you can take control of your life, do not ever allow money to make your decisions, but to use your heart foremost, and brain second. Education is the most valuable tool you can use to get wherever you want to go in life. Stay active, socialize, and work hard in order to play hard. Be thankful for everything in life, which includes freedom, nature, and great tasting number one cheap food on campus; pizza, and insomnia cookies! Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not worry so much about what the outside of you makes, but more of what the inside can create. Main focus should always be your education, social life are the toppings. Sleep is a valuable fuel, use it! Finally, have the determination and belief in yourself to achieve all your life goals and dreams.

Don't do mediocre work. If you are investing time into the work, at least invest some effort. Don't take short cuts and don't sell yourself short. You are leaps and bounds smarter than you realize. Never be afraid to ask questions and share your thoughts. Your depth of thought is incredible and will inspire others. Don't strive to meet expectations of others. Strive to meet the expectations you have set for yourself. Be an example and always speak up for others. When the task seems daunting and an end is not in site, remember that none of it matters. Your focus is on your very next step. Even the biggest obstaces are tackled one step at a time. Share yourself and don't be shy to do it. You will dazzle them with brillance more than you will ever know. Uncertainty does not belong in your head. I know teen years are rough and high school was a popularity contest. The contrast between that and college is vast. So worry less on what you're wearing and focus more on what you'll learn. Sucess will surely follow.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High school senior there are many ways of dealing with life I would recommend. I would first begin by advising myself to take everyday a day at a time and worry about the present by doing my best everyday & allowing myself to accept and appreciate all wins, big or small. I would ask myself to set higher goals and expand my ambition while walking faithfully towards my dreams or goals. The most important piece of advice I would give myself is to be patient with what life hands me. To appreciate and embrace every path I walk because through hard work, resilience and dedication everything will flourish if it is meant to be. Lastly I would tell myself to always follow my heart, regardless of what others say and reject about me. To embrace the person I am and to walk confidently with the creativity and ideas that I present the world, because innovative ideas come from people that are willing to take risks for what they believe will make a difference for the world and humanity.