Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

Well, in all honesty I feel that if i were to go back and tell my self to do it all differently, then I would not have learned a thing from my experiences. If I could go back, I would tell my younger, more eager, naive self to realize that the world is out there. Whether you are ready or not. With that being said, don't lose your ability to maintain a positive outlook on life - it comes in handy when you feel alone. Remember you are not alone - everyone is currently going or has gone through this same transition of adolescent to adult and it's terrifying for all. Transitioning from one point in your life to another is a repeating occurence in life. Also, though there does need to be a certain level of seriousness and dedication involved in all of this make sure you are doing this for the right reasons. For yourself, for your future, for your well being and happiness. Life is short and only you can make your life what you want it to be, all the trials and tribulations you will encounter will better adapt you for the world.

The most important piece of advice I would give myself would be that plans are great, but if/when things don't go as planned, it's okay. College is a place to discover who you are, what you like, and what you don't like. Mistakes throughout the college journey are an inevitable and crucial part of it. In high school, I would make lists and plan things to the tee, but in college I realized that it is impossible to plan my whole life, and it's better to live in the now than to plan my life away. My first semester was a reality check--I didn't get all of the classes I wanted and I discover the major I had chosen in high school was no longer my passion. If somebody had told me this would happen to me my first semester of college, I probably would have went ballistic, but I accepted things for what they were and I worked with what I had. I finished my courses and discovered a major I am very enthusiastic about, but none of this would have been possible had things not gone as originally planned.

There are several things I would want to tell my high school self about college if I could. Probably the most important thing I would tell my high school self is not to let anyone dissuade you from your goal. This would be a very important thing to tell myself because in the last two years I’ve had a lot of people try to push me into things I don’t want to do. Though I have stood my ground and stuck with my goals, this would have been good advice as a high school senior because with encouragement to stand my ground I think it would have been easier. Another thing I think I would like to tell my high school self about college if I could go back in time is to save money. College is really expensive and it would have really helped if I had started saving up some money for it in high school.

I would tell my high school senior self to stay true to who you are, but still be open to experience new adventures. Do not worry about the small things, just focus on the big picture and continue to go after the things that matter most.

For starters dont be so worried about what other people are doing and tring to fit in. Dorm life is hard but you can get throw it. Stay true to who you are and have a little fun now the then. Don't major in CAD at WDT its not really for you, save two years, and 5 thousand dollors. Major in graphic design at the Art Institute of Portland insted. It is far form home but trust me its the best desion you'll ever make. I know your really worried about money but take a deep breath and calm down. There are many scholarships out there and grants but you just need to know where and when to look. There are going to be times when you feel like your going under and cant do it. These classes are ment to push you out of your comfert zone and it will be hard but you'll get past it and make some very great things.

If I had the luxury to travel back to my senior year I would have so much to say about what I should and should not do. The first of these would be about the preparation needed for college. One way to ensure complete readiness for college is by being aware of the college you are going to attend. As a senior, prior to my acceptance to Texas A&M, I looked up information on the school occasionally instead of actually visiting. Not a good idea! Providing that A&M is a huge school, one or two websites can't give you the full experience of the school like attending it can. Alongside from being aware of the campus, visiting helps the transition from high school to college much easier. I would also advise a high school senior not to wait until the last minute to apply for financial aid or scholarships. There is so much money out there waiting to be applied for, you just have to want it bad enough!

Live in a college dorm with your classmates and go to tutoring as often as possible. Do not become complacent with your studies or your classes. Also do not be concerned with work during school as it serves as a distraction. Make sure that you seek aid and assistance from professors, teaching assistants, tutors and friends to better understand your curriculum.

As a high school student it's very easy to blend right in with your friends and most times that's the comfortable zone. As a college student at a large school it's extremely important to find a way to stand out in the crowd. It could be by finding a great group of people to get involved with, or by talking to your professors on a regular basis or just by being an outstanding student. Blending in happens often, but learn to be extraordinary and don't be afraid to be yourself. No one can take extraordinary away from you.

The main advice I would give myself is go and meet new people. I grew up in a small rural town, Boon Michigan which does not even have a stop light and went to what I thought was a small school in a bigger city in Saginaw Michigan but it still overwhelmed me. I withdrew, became lethargic and generally freaked out with all the social situations. Now as a junior in a community college I seek out others and have become a strong social component of my RN cohort group. My epiphany occurred while working on Mackinaw Island the summer after my freshman year. The 10 to 12 hour days often without breaks gave me no time to worry about all the dorm life issues that occurred in the dorms at night. By the end of the summer I realized I had made lifelong friends. Life is full of changes and new experiences and you have to learn to take things as they come, embrace people for who they are and look for similarities not differences.

I would say to be sure to go to anything that the college offers for freshmen before the school year starts. All freshman should be involved and find a way to become part of the college community as soon as you can. The one thing that i do NOT regret is joining a soroity and the two other service clubs that I joined. Being part of these groups not only helps me feel a sense of belonging, but they also help me with study groups and even course/professor decisions as I regoster for courses. I would also say to be ready to study and never, never get behind in reading assignments or any other assignments or projects in your classes. Above all, always stay true to yourself!