Chelsea
I would tell myself to save as much money as possible to help with tuition costs and living expenses, to search and apply for scholarships and awards as soon as possible, and to make sure that I am seriously focused and willing to do anything that it takes to earn my degree.
david
From what I know now, I would tell my younger self to bring as much to the table as possible. For instance, my senior year I could have taken four AP courses instead of only two. With the college credits gained from the AP courses, and enrollment in the “Jump Start” program, which allowed high school seniors to take college courses at the local community college, I would be on quicker path to success.
I really believe it’s about taken advantage of opportunities placed in front of you. I would tell my younger self to really understand the importance of every class and every assignment. Also, when you slack, you’re only cheating yourself. Public schooling is the biggest opportunity for it may not be the most upgraded institutes in the world, but you have to make the best of it knowing that your efforts will show when it’s time for graduation.
My younger self would now understand college and higher learning is a privilege that is earned. There are many prestigious colleges around the US that are yearning for students that are clearly driven. Not only my younger self, but every student has that chance to be.
Jennifer
I would tell my high school self to be a little more patient and enjoy life a little more. I was so determined to move out, go to school, and do everything at once, that I forgot to enjoy the everyday things. Without balance in my life, I ended up getting discouraged very easily when things wouldn't work out perfectly. I was also so busy that I missed out on other opportunities to enjoy friends before everyone moved, spend more time with my family, and the extras that high school offered. I feel that balance becomes even more important when you go to college. Some of the best experiences I have had in college were because I finally allowed myself to enjoy the little things, and to go out and have some fun! As a result, I have life long friends, more confidence, and some pretty funny stories that make me the life of the party, benefit, or even business meetings. So to my high school self; Have patience, and enjoy life as it comes! It makes the future you're working towards more rewarding.
Safa
If I could go back in time, I would give the advise to work more harder on my SAT and AP courses. Put in more effort and try to get more volunteering done in order to get more hand on experience of the outside world. Not only that, since college also requires club activies that really build up your resume, I would recommend partcipating in more educational clubs in high school so the trend can be carried onwards to university.
Ileana
If I could go back in time as a senior in college I would tell myself to not be so scared. I would tell myself that just because I do not know exactly what career I want to have, does not mean that you are the only one that isn't sure. I would advise myself to go to the community college of your choice and take all the general studies courses. I would enhance how important it is to finish an associates degree before transferring to a university. I would tell myself this because I have learned that if you tranfer from a community college without completing your associates degree, a lot of credits won't transfer and you will end up having less credits than you really worked for. I would say that since you do not know for sure what you want to study, take all the classes that most interest you in community college and complete a general studies degree. After this, you will have a better idea of what you would like to major in. Then, you'll be able to transfer to the university of your choice and study what you enjoy.
Julianne
Go away to college your freshman year and live on campus to get the full exeprience. Decide your major early and have fun.
Amanda
Everyone is so eager to rush into things. My senior year of high school, I was a babbling mess. I was so eager to start college and move on with my life, that I overlooked and, consequently, missed out on many of the opportunities I had in high school. While I did still go to prom, spend time with my friends for Senior Week, and walk across the stage for graduation, the rest of my final year in high school was spent in a constant haze from all of the college paperwork and financial aid forms. If I could go back in time and talk to myself while I was still in high school, I would simply say this, "Don't rush into everything. Take time to enjoy life while it is still simple, because as you get older, you will lose that opportunity. LIfe's a struggle, but you don't have to face it at a running spead. Take time to smell the roses, and, above all, live by this simple phrase: Carpe Diem."
Carly
Dear Past Carly,
Please stop fretting so much about going to HCC, it’s going to be fine. It’s only a community college! Everyone else will be going away, but you'll still see them, I promise. You’re going to have so much more free time now, so use it wisely! Don’t waste that entire time sitting in front of the computer screen, playing on the internet. Go out and meet some new people! Definitely pick up somakeme more hours at work, because working hard will boost you up to manager (Never thought you would get there, right?) and get you some serious savings for when you decide it’s time to transfer. Don’t worry about choosing a major either, because it’s not the end of the world if you decide to switch once or twice. And make sure to get to that campus early, missy! Parking is horrifying at the last minute. Work hard, and no night classes, because you'll fall asleep in those. You’re going to love being a college student, really.
Love, Future Carly.
(PS Start watching Doctor Who! You’re going to love it and make some new friends!)
Andrew
I would encourage myself to be more open minded and outgoing. I would have pursued more clubs and social activities insteadof limiting myself.
Sarah
Dear High School self,
You may think that getting out of high school is the best thing to happen right now, but really, your life is just beginning. Next year you are going to go to college and that is a whole new environment full of amazing experiences that will build your future. Make sure you keep your priorities straight. First, family matters. No matter how much you think going away to school will be empowering, you will miss home alot, especially your first semester, so remember that your family has enabled you to get this far and take advantage of the time you have left at home. Secondly, time management is just as hard and important as everyone has ever told you. Make time for studying and doing homework, but also leave free time to spend time with friends and interact with others in your campus community. Take advantage of what your school has to offer and get active on and off campus. Lastly, this is going to be some of the toughest and most memoriable years of your life, so remember how hard you worked to get here. Have fun and be safe!
From, Your College-Experienced- Self