San Francisco State University Top Questions

This question is actualy a question that I think about quite often. If I were able to go back in time and talk to myslef as a high school senior I would tell myself that I don't have to settle. I am one of six children and my parents have had a rough time supporting us all, knowing that I always settled, telling myself I am just going to go to the local city college, and tranfer to the local state school. I settled. I have put myself through colege, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, hard working dollars and I know now, that anything is possible. There are resources out there for people like me, and hard work does pay off. Settling is never the answer, for anyone. Thinking about this question often, I have learned that I settled, and I have learned to never let myself do that, there is much more, unimaginable opportunaties waiting for people in this world. It's up to you to go out and get them!

I would recommend to myself the books I have read through out my transition into college. If I had known that I want to be a scientist and work with kids when I had graduated, I think I could have taken a shorter amount of time trying to figure out what I wanted to do as a career. I would also told my high school senior self to drive slower so that I didn't get so many driving tickets and would have taught myself the importance of self-love and saving money.

College is more than just classes and books; it is about adventures and new experiences—new hairstyles, new diets, and new friends. But not all of these new experiences will result in positive changes; it is also about new pressures, being uncomfortable, and meeting new people. These people may try to persuade you to be a new type of “cool”. And in college, “cool” means partying, which often means drugs and sex. As I finish up my last year in college, I can reflect on how these past years have helped me grow and mature. But they also influenced drug intake and hook ups. I just wanted to fit in, and so I gave in to the party lifestyle. As a college student, I felt cool being up late smoking with a cute guy. But now—as a young adult—I am ashamed when I have to tell my serious boyfriend that my past is trashed with drunken nights and make-out sessions. So, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to have adventures and to experience new things but to never abandon my self-respect to have fun; never, ever sacrifice substance for style.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely have a lot of advice to give. I would first tell myself that it is not as easy as I thought it was going to be back then. I use to think that college was going to be simple and the financial part of it was going to just work itself out on its own. I was definitely wrong. I would warn myself to start working more hours and try to save up while you were still living at home. I would also tell myself that Ms. Berry, my English teacher, was only trying to prepare you for the reality of college and not just being a cranky old lady. Thanks to her, I tested into the highest English class and only had to take one at the JC. I would also tell myself to get good grades at the JC, not just at the end, because that GPA is cumulative and it is very important to transfer! I would end it with telling myself to not stress out, and to try your best.

Do your homework, and don't take such a demanding courseload.

I would tell my 17 year old self to have high goals and higher hopes of being a college graduate. I would tell myself not to take a break in between high school and college, and put my education first and before everything else. Not to be scared of hard work and failure. Find good friends and an even better support system, which is available in college. Take advantage of all college has to offer, especially workshops and counseling. Be aware that you are not invisible and things can happen like getting pregnant before you are stable. Finally i would tell myself college is a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} worth it. I'd ask myself where do you see yourself 10 years from now and do it. I'm 27 now and it's taking me this long to find this out the hard way, struggling every step to suceed, not only for myself, but now for our six year old boy and his future.

If I could go back in time to my senior year in highschool I would tell myself that everything would be alright and that I would soon learn everything I needed to learn to become the person I am today. I was a horrible student. Rebellious, unmotivated, lost, and confused. I would never goto class, you could find me either ditching class or in the principals office having a nice chat. I didn't know what I wanted to do in life except that I needed a way to make money and live. After highschool I went to community collage and realized I needed to take my studies seriously. At the same time I applied for a job at Wells Fargo. You would not believe how much I doubted myself. I would have never thought in a million years a student like myself would work in a bank. It's been four years now and I am a supervisor. I bought my first home through Wells Fargo and now I goto SFSU full time. I have learned so much through the hardships I have faced. I wouldn't change a single second of it for the world.

If I could go back and speak to myself as a senior I would emphasize the importance of planning for my college education. Speak to your counselors as they have access to resources for college and valuable information. Apply to all the scholarships you qualify for and take the time to gather letters of reccomendation from helpful teachers. Challenge all the tests, such as the SAT, and practice for them with the study guides available in order to achieve a high score. Enjoy a healthy balance of work and play but always make school a priority as education is the key to a successful career. The more prepared you are the higher your opportunities so take this time to gather all the tools you need to know an opportunity when it presents itself. Surround yourself with others who are dedicated to their education and encourage each other to set high standards and achieve high goals. Do something for others who don't have the opportunities you do so that you will always remember what a gift education is and how fortunate you are to be receiving it. Be grateful to those who take an active role in ensuring your success.

I would advise myself to not be discouraged to open up to people. Being in college I’ve learned that I can’t always burry myself in my school work. To really have a successful education you need a support system. Meaning you need friends. I would advise my senior high school self that just because one person hurts you does not mean that everyone is going to be the same. Having a wall up 24/ 7 can be a good and bad thing. Yes it can protect you from those you can hurt and take advantage but also it can keep you from opening up. Remember the quote from a Cinderella story. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”.

Don't be afraid to reach for the stars. Apply to as many schools as possible, enjoy your company. See eveyone's potential and do not be afraid of meeting new people. Believe you have something to say and don't worry about mistakes. Love yourself, believe in yourself and ask for support.