Kelsey
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be distressed over not having a specific career path chosen before my first semester of college. I am a student at Montgomery County Community College and I am very grateful for having the opportunity to study here. It has enabled me to experiment with many different subjects while still working and building professional and personal relationships. I have always known that I love art and design, but I also have an eye for business. One day, I hope to own my own design studio. After finding that Bachelor Degree in Business Administration was not creative enough for me, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing did not offer enough stability, I found myself gravitating towards graphic design. I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and enjoying every aspect of my education. I would tell my high school self that it is in fact possible to combine my creative and entrepreneurial passions into one major that fits my personality and future goals to own a business possible.
Katherine
The advice I would give myself would be: become fully involved in each opportunity that presents itself to you as well as actively look for new opportunities. During my freshman year, I was much more concerned with "being cool," "fitting in," and wasn't nearly as concerned about my grades. However, all that changed sophomore year when I switched my major to the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. This program is tremendous; the amount of opportunities available to us as undergraudate scholars is extraordinary. Since sophomore year, I am proud to say I have been an elected member to an Executive Board for a Student Professional Organization, joined a national sorority with which I've also received leadership positions, implemented and led a successful community outreach program, interned with multiple high-profile companies, and have fully reached for the stars. I'm dreaming big, and the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management allows me to do so. The administration is wonderful as well; both my Deans and Academic Advisors have recognized, and assisted to, my success thus far and will only continue doing so.
Keyanna
Networking is key. Education will get you far, but who you know will help you to succeed.
Ryan
Do more reaserch into what you want to do when you graduate college. If you come into college with an idea of what you want to do for a living you have a better chance of being successful. When I was in high school I didn;t really know what to expect when I was entering college.
Takaaki
Pay attention to what is going on in the world and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Try many different things and find what you want to do for your life.
Lindsay
The transition does not happen in a day. It takes time to meet people and conect with your peers. You are going to meet so many people all at once so it may be hard to have a deep connection with them right away. Don't let that get you down, but instead just be who you are and show everyone your true colors. It doesn't matter where you come from or what you have, but instead who you are on the inside. The transition will take time for classes as well. Make you sure try not to fall behind because there is much more freedom. Create a time management schdeule and do your very best to follow it because that will be a huge asset in the end. Most importantly have fun and expereince the world. This is the time where you discover who you are going to be in the world and may meet your friends for life. Experience everything there is out there and enjoy it.
Courtney
I would say apply to more colleges senior year. I definitely made the mistake of only applying to a few and even though the first school I attended was away from home, I wasn't happy and thats why I transferred to Temple. Also read more and study more. If the option is available to take college courses while in High school do it. H.S was too easy for me and I got straight As, so when I started college everything had to change from the way I read books, to the way I studied. It was a real culture shock, so work hard in H.S even if your school doesn't push you that hard, it will help once you start college.
Brittany
Looking back on all I have achieved so far in college, I would tell myself don't be afraid to step up and get involved. I held myself back and missed out on some great oppertunities my freshman year because of being shy. As soon as I became involved both on campus, and off campus within my industry, I went through an incredible transformation. By becoming more involved I developed the leadership skills necessary for me to succeed after I graduate. I have learned how to be both a leader and a follower. By being active on campus I have been able to set myself apart from my fellow students, creating oppertunites for me to learn and grow from. I have created a network with my fellow students and industry professionals that will be a great tool for me to use through the rest of college and after graduation.
Becoming involved in college has been a greater learning experience than anything I could learn in the classroom. Get involved in organizations, extra cirriculars, and volunteering. Create a professional network with those around you. Don't be afraid get step up and get your name out there. Never hold yourself back.
Leah
I would tell myself to be open-minded to the vast variety of majors and minors that Temple has. I came in as an undeclared college of liberal arts major, when I should have just came in undeclared. There really is something for everyone here, and I think I found the perfect major for me based on trial and error (Tourism and Hospitality Management). I would also tell myself to study a little harder even when I don't feel like it. Getting good grades is really crucial to understanding and learning the material. I would tell myself that it's going to be worth it in the end, and even when I feel like giving up, I can't. I would tell myself that I'm going to make some of the best friends that I've ever had in college, and to treat them well. Overall, I would tell my high school self to stay determined, open-minded, kind-hearted, motivated and stay true to myself, because Temple isn't going to try and change me, I'm accepted for who I am.
Savannah
Peabody is the absolute worst dorm to live in. You will still have fun and make friends, but just try not to get stuck with a room in Peabody. Oh and make sure you get involved with activities. No one should ever say they're bored at Temple. There's always something going on. But just make sure you stay balanced and keep up with your school work. Go to your professor's office hours if need be. The teachers are here to help you.