Southern Utah University Top Questions

Dear High School Me, College is one of the most rewarding and difficult things you will ever do. If you want to succeed and make the most of your college experience you need to adopt this motto now: Work hard, play hard! During the week you need to: Kill yourself studying, go to bed on time, eat nutritious meals, and exercise daily. On the weekend study when needed, but take time to have a lot of fun! Make Sunday your day of rest; the one day a week that is completely stress free and homework free, and this will be your lifesavor. Do not be afraid to ask questions; you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. You are not a bad test taker, so stop making excuses. You just put in the time and study! Two hours is not long enough, make ten hours your minimun study time per test and you will be successful in whatever you do. Do not limit yourself. Finally, remember what Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away." P.S. Buy snow tires before you crash your mom's nice car in the snow!

As a high school senior I was not well versed with the many job opportunities and career paths available with a college education. Gymnastics had been my passion my whole life and I planned to continue with the sport in college. Although I loved doing gymnastics, it did not give me the chance in high school to branch out and learn more things about the world. With little knowledge of degree paths in college, I decided to stay with what I knew; exercise. I highly enjoyed my undergraduate and graduate studies in Exercise Science and Sports Performance respectively. However, as I looked to future job opportunites within this field, I realized that it wasn't my true passion. After searching and running my mind through all the possibilities of careers available, I decided that accounting would be something that I could see myself doing the rest of my life; therefore, I have decided to go back to school. As a high shool student I would have told myself to make sure that the degree path I chose was my passion, to make positive connections with others, and to enjoy each step along the way because it goes by fast.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to start my college career right away. I would want to attend school without the hardship of being a single parent and an untraditional student. I would advise myself to make more friends when first starting every semester of school. I would also tell myself to open up more in class to the professors and my fellow classmates, to make the connections with people that would be life long friends and collegues. I would also tell myself that no matter what happened along the way to keep trying and make the most of what is put in front of you. I would advise myself to let others in to my little world and help me when I am in need and be there to encourage me when I need it the most. Most of all I would tell myself to work hard and stay focused on what is important to me.

I would tell myself to not take as many hard classes the first semester because it will already be overwhelming being away from your family and freinds. And you need to be open to making new freinds and not only hangout with the few, if any, that you moved away with. College is a time to remember, so make sure you are having the time of your life and don't get too stressed about school.

I would tell myself to get started looking for scholarships sooner as well as pick a college sooner. I would also say to get more volunteer hours in and get a job over the summer to help get more money for any school supplies that are needed. Also, don't pack so much stuff when you're getting ready to move down. I would say to spend more time with your friends so you could say goodbye, even though it isn't forever, it's still really hard to not have them here. I would say a few things about my family as well. Let dad think he's right more often so there would be less fighting before I leave. Don't sweat the little things and tell mom and dad that you love them every day because it's really hard to not have them there when you need help.

I would tell myself that I struggle in the future because of the decision I made to NOT focus on school. That I am married with a beautiful 9 year old daughter but stuggle each day to support them. That I live from paycheck to paycheck with no progression in the career that I am in. That I sometimes feel overwhelmed and inadequate of being a supporter, husband, father and student. That school is the key to a better future for us and his future family. I would plead, beg, and cry to him, to focus on his studies. I would let him know that the people who he thinks are his friends are no longer a part of his life in the future. That everyhting our parents have told us about education is true.

I wanted to start by saying first off, I spent the first half of my high school senior year concussed and recoverying at home from a moderate concussion I got while playing varsity football. I was recoverying at home for about a month until I was able to come back to school, but it was still a recoverying process for me. I was still experiencing concussion symptoms, or post-concussion symptoms, by the time I returned to school. I couldn't play football anymore so I was sidelined for the rest of my senior season. After winter break was over, I was getting better and finally catching up in all of my classes. By May 2013, I graduated with honors and as Valedictorian. It was one dramatic and traumatizing school year for me but I made it, and now I'm in college at Southern Utah University. So what advice would I give to my high-school-concussed-senior-self about college life? Well, I would say, "take your studying very seriously; be patient with the learning process, learn from your quiz, exam, and homework mistakes; and save up as much money as you can for bills, food, and rent."

Go into a different field. Make sure you graduate with a job in mind so you don't have to pay lots of money and can get grants.

Don't worry about the classes being too hard, going to class and doing well in school is the easiest part of college. The hardest part is dealing with roommates. Don't let anyone talk you out of doing what you know is right. A lot of older girls are going to put you down, but doin't listen to them; they are not more mature than you just ecause they are older. Remember that you are smart and that you make good decisions. Making a bad decision is ok, just make your own choices because that is how you will learn to grow up and be an adult. Don't be afraid to try new things, just figure it out as you go. Nobody is suddenly prepared to be independent, so it is ok that you don't know how to do everything yet. Just remember to stick up for yourself and don't let your older roommates push you around. They don't know any more than you do.

I would tell my high school self to take high school more serously, and learn as much as possible. I would tell myself to take concurrent enrollement college courses and get my Associates Degree in high school, college is way more expensive!

My name is Julian Serrano and I am you. You are now a high school senior and think you are ready for college but let me give you some advice. In college you are going to think it’s okay to cut class when you want to, put friends and activities before work and homework assignments. When things get closer to deadlines you’re going to rush it. You then will end up missing important information, realize that the time you spent away from work or assignments cost you in the long run. By rushing your work your grades will suffer. All this can be avoided if you do one thing: make school one of your top priorities. You will see that those days you wanted to miss were worth going to, the friends you wanted to hang out with will still be around another day. The more time you give yourself on your work will result in better conclusions. Now what I told you I’ve found true but it’s up to you on whether you heed my advice. Work hard now and reap the rewards of a successful and disciplined future.

I have experienced college life for the past two years and I have come to realize that senior year is meant to be the most pivotal and hardest year in high school. It was not meant to slack off and skip class, joke around, or to welcome “senioritis.” At this life-changing year you should start looking at scholarships since Junior year! Prepare yourself for difficult decisions and sleepless nights. I know college is a new mysterious idea for you and the entire family, but please ask for help. Don’t feel ashamed about community college; maybe that is the best choice so embrace it. Talk to professors about where they went for their education, you’ll be surprised how many went to local junior colleges. An education can be attained at any cost.About the drama, you have managed to avoid it for three years so don’t let anyone else bring that stress to you. You are going to be fine, I promise. Please, just don’t break down in tears over stress there are so many options for you. Finally, appreciate yourself and all you do. Don't be afraid of change and hey, Scholarships!

Stop worrying about everything! You are going to do just fine. College is great! You are going to make so many new friends and learn so much more than you did in high school. I would just give you one piece of advice, and that would be to apply for every single scholarship you possibly can. College is expensive, and with your dad leaving, the family just doesn't have the money to help fund your tuition right now. So get on it! Write essays til your hands fall off. Education is so important and the only way you will be able to afford it is if you find a way to pay for it yourself. Work hard now so you can play hard latter. Thats all I have to tell you. You will do great.

I would tell my high school senior self to really enjoy your last year of high school while it lasted. It may have not been the best high school experience out there, but may as well make the most of it. Another thing is to really look at the scholarships out there and apply for as many of them as you can! You can never know unless you give it a try and there really isn't anything to lose is there?

I would just make sure that I knew that life would change dramatically, but for the better. I was scared to leave my family and go to the next level of education. Everyone told me how hard college was, but in reality, it isn't any different than going from the junior high to the high school. It is not as scary as everyone makes it sound. The next biggest surprise for me was the difference in ages. It seems like in college everyone is way older than me. I would tell my high school self to learn to make friends with older people and to just be friendly to everyone and I'll be just fine. Don't be scared, you can easily handle this!!

if i could go back in time and give myself some advice about college it would be, to apply for ass many scholarships as posible and to stay to date with your college work because, everithing will pile up and you'll loose your head. look for scholarships because you may think you have enough for that year and you will be surprised with the book and material prices. live like a college student not like a graduate .

Hello younger me. Right now, work is your top priority. You are a responsible and conscientious young woman. You care for others, and give frreely of yourself. These are admirable qualities. However, there will soon come a time in your life when you will realize that you have neglected yourself through your selflessness. Don't worry, these times will come with their own challenges, but you will grow so much! Growth is never easy, but the ends do justify the means. 'When you are ready, remember this: everything you do should be for yourself. You must make your own decisions and take responsibility for the course you have chosen for youself. As I have always said, trust your heart and even if you go astray you can always find your way back. Greet every challenge as an opportuinity to achieve greatness. And don't be afraid to ask for help. Although you are usually the one others come to for help, there is so much love and support in your world. Others will feel important if you let them help you and show you that you are loved.

Knowing what I now know about college I would advise my past high school senior self to get involved more, to stop being so shy and put myself out there. I would advice her to get involved in clubs. Most importantly I would advice her to take risk and get into those AP classes. I would tell her to get her head in the game and stop worrying about other people and strive for more than her best. I would tell her that being the new girl on your senior year should not matter that much that all she needs to focus on is going a hundred and ten percent with everything and the friends will come sooner or later. The best advice she would ever need as that no matter what she did and no matter what she strived for God will always be by her side through every up and down.

Eric, life started yesterday. Potential fills your soul, as ambition inhabits your deepest crevices, yet you don't look within? You feel as though everything will come in time, and it will, but that which becomes your future will only be a consequent of your decisions and will to act. Yes, right now life is tough, but only through courage and perseverance will you find the light that leads you astray the darkness of home, school, and confusion. You’re not alone; though Dad is cold, he secretly bleeds hope, and cries prosperity for you. Insecurities, hate, doubt, and complacency must be shaken. You see that the world is cold... so be that fire of warmth; you know that life is a challenge, so take strategic steps that'll allow you to conquer anything; And pain is inevitable, so dry all tears of self-pity and make past nightmares new understandings. Stay motivated to achieve and become more; Do it for Mom, Kameron, Grandpa, yourself. Tomorrow life will still be difficult, and you will manage as usual, but I ask a favor. Before every nights fall, set a goal to accomplish in your tomorrows. It’s time....life started yesterday.

I should have saved money for school and prepare for the college life. I know that I am a hardworking student that is determined to reach her goals in life. So, have some motivation in myself and never give up!