Stony Brook University Top Questions

Having the chance to go back and talk to myself in my senior year of high school, after obtaining some experience in college the first thing I would tell myself is to study more and get into better study habits. The classes in college are much more intense than the ones I have had to take in High School and therefore I did not have to study as much as I do now, it is a hard transition going into college not knowing what to expect with the material given, exams and grading. But I do know you have to work hard for every good grade you plan to earn and achieve. Another tip going into college is to join extracurricular activities as soon as you start your freshman year. I waited for my sophomore year to join a sport and I am enjoying it so much, I love having something to do after classes, working out, traveling, meeting new people and gaining new experiences. My only regret is not joining a sport/club sooner. So going into college, study hard and a lot but also make room for activities you will enjoy.

Don't make decisions based on fear, pressure, or other people. This is the one time in life that being selfish can help you succeed. Plans A, B, and C should all make you equally happy. Remember that roads tend to run parallel and just because you get on the wrong one, doesn't mean you have to turn around and go backwards to get to the road you were looking for. Sometimes continuing down that road, with open eyes and an open heart can take you exactly where you needed to be in the first place. Do not give into the myth that says where you go to school, what you major in and what sorority you join, etc., will make or break your college career and your life. Believe, instead, the truth that really it is YOU as an individual who will make or break yourself in this entire process. Maturity is not measured by a number of years, or how many things you have experienced in life. It is measured by how you choose to handle to obstacles you have been faced with. A failure can sometimes be a blessing in disguise; and lastly...Life goes on.

I would tell myself to study more. I have never really had a need to, and so never truly developed the skill. But now that I'm in college, I have a great need to study. I feel that those who studied in high school did far bettter because of it. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to not worry. Some of the courses I took were hard, but that doesn't mean that they were impossible. Worrying about it in high school did me no good. I would also tell my younger self to not worry about roommates. I ended up with two wonderful roommates. But worrying about it in high school didn't help the situation. Finally, I would tell my younger self that navigating through all of the paperwork is not impossible, and so therefore, don't become frustrated. It is all for your benefit, and it can help you.

Knowing what I know now about college I would tell my past self to take my time when making decisions. I would tell myself to make sure I put myself first and not others. I would tell myself that sometimes it is not worth walking on the road less traveled. I would tell myself that it is okay to say no to people. I would tell myself to just double major in Health Sciences. I would tell myself to make sure I make friends and enjoy life. I would tell myself do let sorority life consume me. I would say " You can still love your organization and not let it consume you." I would tell myself "Just cuase a guy is nice to you that doesn't mean you have to date him, love him and marry him" I would tell myself to that it is okay to be selfish and put myself first because no one is really looking out for you, so you need to look out for yourself." I would also tell myself to just keep the resident assistant position. I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy.

If I was given the ability to turn back time to my days as a high school senior, I would not give myself any advice. I am a strong believer that the challenges and obstacles you face make you who you are. I believe that the huge transition from a high school of 67 students to a college of 40,000 students was a big challenge for me and in a way, made me a stronger person for being able to cope with that challenge. "What doesn?t kill you can only make you stronger.? Life is not about taking the easy way out. Instead, it is about finding your way through the difficult times and growing because of it. Therefore, I would not give myself advice on how to make the college transition easier. I would want to figure it out on my own.

Always know how to manage your time. They say, time, is something, that once is gone, it never comes back and it's true. Never let yourself fall for the "maybe later" trap. While it may seem like procrastinating doesn't do much of a harm, it really does kill you in the long run. Be sure to not waste your time socialising, or partying all day all night.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior about what to expect in college, I would tell myself not to worry. I would tell myself that college will be just as adaptable as entering a new class with a new teacher. It's important to be yourself, and do not give into peer pressure because real friends will accept you for who you are, not what you do and don't do. I would tell myself to be open minded about the people I would meet, because there are many different ways to look at life, and you're bound to disagree with some. Regardless of that, everyone is in college for one thing. To make something out of their lives, and you can accomplish anything by just doing what you're supposed to do. Mistakes happen, and they are okay to make. What's even more important is to learn from them.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say that I shouldn't worry too much about life beyond college, at least, not yet. I was so worried about picking a major that would be good for a career, but I realized that this shouldn't be how I pick classes or a major. When I got to college, I found that the major I had chosen would be helpful, but it wasn't something that I really enjoyed, so I changed it to something that I was interested in. Now, I pick classes that are educational and fun, which means that I will probably remember the material more, and be less stressed about it. It doesn't matter if my major helps me get a career, because if it wasn't a major I enjoyed, then my career would probably make me miserable in the long run, anyway. College is about furthering yourself, but its also about being yourself and improving on who you already are. The experience is more worthwhile if you have fun while learning.

I often think about being able to do this. I do not regret any of the choices i have made during my college career, but sometimes I wish I knew what I know now. Perhaps the only thing I would tell my younger self would be to work hard. However; even if I had the chance to give my self advice, I probably would not do it. I believe that facing adversity is important in order to learn and better ourselves.

If I was an High School senior and I would give myself an advice it would be to never settle for less than my ultimate best. When I was a high school senior I did not finish appliying for Ivy league schools due to the fact I believed that I would not get in. So to me it was more like "what's the sense in trying". I would've told myself to finish those applications and to believe in myself. I also would have told myself to be more confident. If noone else did, who would? Also I would have told myself that everything happens for a reason and to just trust my gut instinct, or my intuition. I also would have told myself to hold my ground and be strong and not to let people walk over me (which is what happened freshmen year) and to focus. Transitioning college is probably the most scariest yet the most exciting experience I have ever had in my life. In order to survive one has to be true to one self and their goals. I wish I knew all of this but I wouldn't change my experince for the world.