Christiana
I know that you have worked hard to get here. You have had some good times doing it too. You have made new friends and pushed yourself farther that you thought you could. So don't stop now. Remember your dream and take it for a ride because you never know where it will lead. Set up good study habits and a kick butt sleep schedule (trust me you will need it). But do not be afraid to have some fun. Do not get overwhelmed by the amounts of endless schoolwork and worry. Kick back and let go every once in a while. Also remember to smile. It has been proven that when people smile they seem more attractive, more confident, and way more friendly. If you smile, you will be sure to make friends. Have fun and don't let the fear of this new world come raining down on you. Keep your eyes on your dream and shoot for the stars.
Rebecca
Please reconsider attending community college... you will regret the student loan debt in about six years. But since I know you aren't going to listen to me, my next most important piece of advice is this: Whatever you do TURN IN that paper for your Utopia/Anti-Utopia literature course because you will cause your teacher grief and yourself. (Countless years later you will continue to kick yourself for not turning in that one assignment.) Most importantly, pursue your degree for what YOU want to do, not because of other people's expectations. You already know the answers, just trust yourself. Lastly, you are going to do things the hard way, and life is going to bring much pain, but it will also bring much joy. The path you choose will be one of the hardest, but don't ever give up. Just remind yourself, everything must begin with a single step. You WILL graduate, and you will be successful, but only if you give your best effort and take that trecherous first step. All the experiences you accumulate along the way will have purpose, and you will be a source of strength for many people as well.
Shaquiya
Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making transition, I would make sure that I gave myself some useful advice. I would tell myself to make sure that I study as hard as I can. Coming into college, I was still on a high school studying schedule and could not seem to get over it. Being a health student requires lots of study time because one has to take many rigorous science courses. In saying this, I would describe the horrible time I had trying to maintain a low C in general biology my freshman year of college. as well as the horrible time I had retaking both Anatomy and Physiology one and two twice. Hopefully, hearing these things will help to prepare me for the science area and I could make better grades than I did in those classes, which I have to pass to gradate. Then maybe, just maybe, I would not have to get my AA degree after three years in college and take even longer to get my bachelor's degree and go further in my education.
Shayanne
Even though you might be extremely nervous and a bit scared, being in college is nothing to be worried about. Life in college is much more fun than high school ever was, even if you were perfectly comfortable in the high school setting. Compared to high school teachers, college professors will treat you respectfully as an adult, something everyone always wants. They are not there to criticize you and tell you what you can't do; rather, they teach in a more relatable style that creates a positive feeling when learning new material. Also, do not be nervous if you are going to be on a sports team. All of the players have to or have had to be in the place where you will be when you show up on the first day. If you were recruited and are on scholarship to play a sport, you are obviously good enough to be playing for your college. Over all, branch out and make new friends, be involved in on-campus activities, join a club, participate in events, and make memories you will never forget.
Pettress
Many times I wished I could go back with the knowledge that I have now. Growing up I was not considered a bad or troubled child. My downfall wasn’t knowing how much I was able to accomplish by applying myself.
As a young child I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Not understanding my disability lead me to believe that I was stupid. No matter how hard I worked, I still fell behind in my studies. I made it through high school with the support of my mother. She pushed me to work harder and to learn my strengths so that I could focus my time on bettering my weaknesses. At the time, I didn't understand why she worked me so hard. I learned that I was able to do everything that everyone around me could. I have an associate’s degree in dental assisting and would love to obtain my dental hygienist license.
If I could go back in time, I would treat my life as if I believed that I had a future. Making changes in my thinking and confidence level, would have enabled me to believe in myself and ensured that I had an even brighter future.
Taryn
You won't be able to successfully do the time management for ROTC: don't even bother with trying. Hit hard on the classes instead, you'll need to take a lot of credits each semester in order to make up for the lost time when you study abroad in Oxford for a year. Take World Regional Geography earlier when you're taking lighter classes so that you can spend more time studying for it and get a good grade. When you're going for dorm rooms, even though Irwin is described as the Freshman dorm, it has a better layout and better storage than the older students' dorms: go for Irwin. Take advantage of the tutoring system: even if you're doing well, they help edit papers. If you bring your car (which you really shouldn't), then you only need the two meal per day plan and you can go home every weekend. Going home disrupts routine and can throw you off when you need to do homework: it's better to just stay on campus and push through all the work.
Kathryne
Hey you. YOU! Over there. With the carefree attitude and hopeful eyes. Financial aid wise, you’re screwed so start looking into loads of scholarships where the only thing that matters is your essay. Get a job, save up and apply to everything you possibly can. But you can still go to Community. I am you 2 years down the road, saving a boatload while not skimping on the education. It’s been wonderful, but it’s time for change. Just save. So you can transfer smoothly into that four year institution. Because when push comes to shove, you don’t wanna be me- scrambling, praying, hoping, scouring for aid anywhere you can so you can go, but doubting yourself and the belief that everything will work out. It was once your mantra. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, kid. You got into college- great, but 2 weeks before you get there, you’ll “owe” before attending. (But that's okay because visiting it, it didn’t feel right anyhow). Strive to discover those coins. Treasure every penny. Add it to your imaginary jar. Pray for the unthinkable-actually attending Purchase College in two Falls.
Kalie
Hello, self, it's you from the future. I'm writing to give you some much needed advice. The most important thing I can tell you is that from this point forward, your life is about making you happy. It's not about what your family thinks you should do, what your friends want you to do, or anybody else's opinion; it's about you and what you want. This sounds like a lot of freedom, but it really comes with a lot of responsibility. This is your life to live, nobody else can live it for you. Also remember that what's meant to happen will happen no matter how many steps you take or in which direction you took them. There is no shame in changing your plans if you realize you're not happy or if something doesn't seem right. Remember to have fun and be yourself at all times. If people cannot accept you for who you truly are, then move on. Best wishes in whatever life throws your way.
Alexa
I have made life-long relationships, I have close relationships with my professors and have been in a posittive and encouraging environment. I would never trade my college experience.
Robin
I have gotten an education so that when I go to do my carreer I will be better prepared for being able to help people effectively, and successfully. I also am a first generation college student in my family, and was a single teen parent. I took many classes that helped prepare me for what needed to be done in the community and what is out there to know within the community. I hope to hgive someone else inspiration to go on and not stop even with the barriers in there life. I want to make a differance in as many peoples lifes as I can, I plan on continuing all the way to get my masters degree. I think between schooling and life experiances has better prepared me for my future.