Syracuse University Top Questions

I would love the chance to go back and talk to the high school me. I would definitely tell myself the importance of being prepared with clear goals and a path in mind, as I entered Syracuse with very vague career intentions and am just now figuring out what I want to do, yet am scrambling to accomplish everything and get my affairs in line. While no one knows exactly what they want to do when entering college, I wish I had put more thought and consideration into majors and minors when I first entered in order to give me the best advantage and opportunities.

If I were to go back in the past and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say to work harder to obtain college credits to be more ahead of myself when I enter college. I would also say to be more outgoing and be involved in as many clubs and organizations as possible. I know that when I participate in clubs and organizations, I will become more active and gain confidence in making new friends. Now I enjoy gaining new learning experiences and develop social networking. Become more open to people and not shy away from meeting new friends in dorms, classes, clubs, and organizations. You never know, those people could be you friends you will be with forever. Participate in class, whether in lectures or small classrooms, to gain an understanding about the topic. If having any concerns in class, make an appointment with a professor or meet up with classmates in a study area to discuss your circumstances. Academics always comes firsts. Make any sacrifices, such as missing out on a football game or not attending a social event, to keep your grades up to an A. Always make yourself and your family proud.

I would tell myself to slow down and not be so focused on finishing college to work. The time will come when you graduate and go off to working in your career field. The best thing I have learned since I have been here is to appreciate the moment and to slow down to take notice of the things around you. Enjoy the moment and appreciate all the things that are around you from the buildings you walk in to the people who pass you by everyday. College is one of the greatest experience you will ever have but you have to let yourself enjoy it. You will learn more about yourself than you ever could have thought if you just take the time to slow down and enjoy every second of life, because you won't have it back.

Don't panic when you get the first B of your life on the first graded paper you get back. Always leave your door open when you're in your dorm, and talk to everyone. Find all the cafes on campus, and figure out which one has the shortest line for coffee. Don't waste your time on facebook. Call your friends from home, even if you're angry that they haven't called you! You will lose contact with many people- including some of the kids you considered your best friends; don't worry, you'll make better friends here. Don't run home every weekend, and especially not the first weekend. Enjoy the good weather- it'll snow soon enough in Syracuse, anyway. Get used to procrastinating and b.s.ing papers- it's not about how much you can do, it's about how well you prioritize. Talk to your professors. Remember that this is a beginning, not an ending. Don't trust your roommate to be careful about your stuff, and be clear with her that you will report her for breaking University policies. Don't worry when not everyone likes you. Don't panic. Enjoy.

Don't be affraid to leave your room and talk to people. College life is much better than high school life. The students don't find themselves obligated to insult you, the teachers are helpful, and the staff is actually considerate. There are people out there who will accept you for who you are. Just be yourself and people will find you. You may have had teachers who put you down, telling you that you want succeed. Don't believe them. The future is wide open and nothing is set in high school. Simply put, don't think the world is corrupt and unethical just because your high school decided to be that way.

Be Prepared. High school it was easy to get by just listening in class and still get good grades. College is where the real work starts the work is often long and there are sacrifices that have to make to made to your social life. Time management is even more important if you do want to have a social life. Get the work done early and always have a plan. There is alot of competition in college and as long as you have a plan to get through it all the stress won't get to you. The most important advise I could give any high schooler is not to stress. Keep calm. College you get your independence but its no reason to be afraid but rather excited. Get out there and enjoy your work and your fun. You are finally getting to move directly towards your dream.

Partying is great so long as you know how to balance academics and fun.

I would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff. I've had a great time in college - far better than at my high school, where a generally depressing attitude was difficult to cut through. I was nervous entering college - compounded by my choice to commute right from the start - but the first week of classes were genuinely interesting and fun. Until I sent in my admissions packet, I constantly second-guessed my choices (which turned out for the better, since I would have attended RIT, but chose SU at the last second). I didn't know what supplies I'd need, what paperwork still needed to be mailed, or how I'd fit in when I did start. So I'd tell myself this: you don't need supplies (just go with the flow and get it as you go), the paperwork is messy but worth it in the end, and you won't even care to fit in once you start. College so far has been one of the few places where I truly don't care whether I fit in or not - my program and good friends don't mind either.

I would tell myself to stay true to myself and my personality. This will allow you to find the best group of friends, clubs, activities, and major. I would also focus on getting involved in campus activities, as well as the importance of interning and gaining experience for my future career path.

If I'm allowed to travel back in time and talk to my high school senior self, one of the few advices I would suggest is to not hide in your room and perhaps try your best to meet people and learn about the great event the university has to offer such as Mayfest, Homecoming, watching sports game...etc. After going through the year of sophomore and half of junior year, I have come to realize that friendship and meeting new people are few of the most powerful ideas in the world. Not only broaden your horizon on the world and the changes way you view it, but also allow you to be more socialize, and through conversations and understanding different cultures and view points, you become a better, mature person. You will also learn knowledge regarding your pursue career, techniques successful people developed during their education that may help you. In a way, through knowing others, you will be educating yourself, though not in any way GPA or school transcript could recognize, but the results will show through your actions and words.