San Diego State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the number one thing I would tell myself is to take chances and get involved. I would tell myself to be excited for change and not scared of it. The transition from high school to college is a huge change but the most exciting change I have made in my life. College gives you an opportunity to focus on what your good at and it gives you the ability to excel in areas that interest you. Overall, I would take the worry fact out of heading off to college.

I would tell myself to start out strong and not under estimate the work load. I would tell myself to spend time studying so that I can do well in the beginning so that I won't have to stress later. I would also tell myself to not get too crazy. Going away to college gives you alot of freedom and it is easy to not go to class, hang out, and fall off track. So I would definitely have to let myself know that I need to just stay focused and do what I came to San Diego for, which is to go to school. I would tell myself to take at least two classes every summer in summer school so that I can stay ahead and possibly graduate early. The last thing I would tell the younger me, is that it's okay to have a social life. I have to take care of school, but I also have to take care myself and that includes making friends and taking time off from studying, and doing it in a responsible manner.

If I could transport myself back to high school and give myself advise about what to expect in college, I would say, "Don't be afraid, my child". I would tell myself that all my hard work in high school -- taking the SAT three times, getting up at 6:00 every morning, pushing through my AP classes, cramming for pre-calc, and putting up with my boring, humorless teachers was all totally worth it. I would smile brightly, slap myself on the back and say, "Girl, you are in for a radical ride!" I would advise myself to attend orientation, make a few good friends, find the financial aid office and the campus mental health clinic. I would say don't drink tequila on an empty stomach or throw up on your shoes. I would warn myself that time-management was going to be crucial in college and to brush up on my juggling skills. I would say study hard, take your vitamins, find a support system, ask questions, floss regularly, talk to your academic advisor, don't flirt more than fifteen minutes a day and what ever you do, ENJOY the hell out of it.

I would tell my high school senior self to seize the day and that everything will work out for the best. College is a time for new opportunities and to learn what you want in life. My uncle was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and it has been very hard on my family. It has taught me that you don?t know what tomorrow will bring and that you should live each day like it is the last. My uncle and my father who passed away due to cancer are my motivation to be the best that I can be. This made me realize what is important in life and to take everything, the good ad the bad, in stride. There is no sense dwelling on the mistakes you made in the past as long as you learn from them.

If I had the opportunity to go back and give myself some advice before attending San Diego State University, I would have some helpful hints to make it through this school. I would have tell myself to try to make friends in each one of my classes, not only to grow a larger network of friends, but also have the possibility to have study groups for those classes. Secondly, I would say to have no judgments on people that you may meet. Since this is such a large school you will encounter many different types of people with various lifestyles, and one may never know who could be your great friend. Finally, I would say to remain true to yourself and to not stress the little things that may come in my life. There are all new experiences and opportunities that will appear in front of you, but do not be overwhelmed by them because you never know when one of them may change the direction of your life.

After experiencing one semester as a college student, there is one major piece advice that I would have given myself as a high school senior. First, it is important to recognize that a college like San Diego State University will have much more diversity than my high school. Everyone is different and has different habits, which is important to know if you are planning to live in the dorms. You can not judge anyone for how they are; you must realize that you will not get along with everyone and everyone will not get along with you. Second, I believe that the most important piece of advice would be that everything is your choice. You can control how much effort you put into your classes and how much time you spend working. If you want to skip class, the choice is up to you...but realize that there are consequences for your actions. Before going to college, it's important for a high school senior to know that starting the very first day they go to college, they are in control of their lives and they will make the decisions that will lead them to success or failure.

If I was able to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to never give up. After attending San Diego State for the past three years, I know now that sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed. I would also tell myself that when life is challenging and you are overwhelmed, just take one task at a time and take time to organize yourself. I would tell myself to not worry if you are unsure what you want to obtain a career in because there is plenty of time in college to gain experience and identify yourself and your identity. I would tell myself that although the transition into college is frightful, in the end once you have risen above all the obstacles, the struggle was worth it when you are able to see yourself get from point A to point B in life. Never give up, you can do anything you set your mind to, and do not let any one discourage you from your goals and dreams.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to be more dedicated towards doing the work for classes. Because I have not always followed my own advice, I have indured much unneeded stress in my school work and have spent many nights catching up on the work I had not done in the previous weeks. I can not stress how important it is to stay on track of the work required from classes, but this can be easily avoided by disciplining myself to being dedicated more to my school work. Also, procrastination is a big problem for many students in college, including me. So studying two days before a midterm is not an option anymore; the studying has to take place at least one week prior to each big exam. If it wasn't for these two flaws in me, I would have easily been a part of the Honor roll in high school and college. So listen to me, younger me, DO NOT WAIT FOR LATER to do the most important things, do them that same day, it will benefit you.

My number one advice to myself would be to get my education done right away. College is not as scary and overwhelming as I may have thought at 17. I should go to a community college to get my GE classes done and then transfer to a University. It is so much easier to complete your education right out of high school, then to go back and complete it with responsibilities and a career. Working full-time and going to school full-time takes a lot of time and sacrifices, and I wish I had done it differently. In order to explore my options, to be able to study abroad, to have a wider option of classes and schools; I should have gone to college right after high school. There will always be time in the future to make money and to have a good time with friends and family. Without an education, it will be hard to accomplish any dreams I may have of living abroad, climbing the corporate ladder, or being in a skilled position. Bottom line, don't procrastinate, get school out of the way ASAP!

"College" can stir up a myriad of emotions- plethora of opportunities, chance at a different life or gaining independence, furthering education, or simply something our parents expect of us. But the reality is college is about choices. In college, you get to choose what you like or dislike, love or loathe, and what brings us passion for life or self-contempt. Your experiences in college are what you make of them. Remember the PB&J: Pace yourself, Be true to who you are, and use Judgment and discernment in all situations. P: Pick a college that best suits your academic abilities. Consider quarter or semester- Do you learn better with a condensed or expanded amount of time? Set a good regimen. Leave enough time to do all the necessary things as well as pencil in the recreational. Take the amount of classes you need and are able to manage. Schedule time to breathe and have fun. B: Many people will want your attention and may tempt to change your identity. Do what you love and keep your own head on your shoulders. J: Judge situations before making them. Weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately, make sure your adventure is fulfilling.