Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

BE READY.

I would say don't feel bad or upset about not doing as good as everyone else. Just do everything YOU can and make sure you do what's good enough for you, because you'll end up doing just fine then. Also, don't be afraid to be a bit more out-going. The people are realy nice at A&M! Oh, and go to more seminars about companies, and be sure to call your home more. You'll wish that you did.

Make friends, don't be couped up in your room. you can find alot of new friends. Don't forget to study. Biochem and ochem are hard courses, so do not procracinate.

Listen, you have to breathe sometime. I know you’re stressed about prom, school, and college apps, but you need to breathe. Don't stress too much about colleges, the right one will find you and you'll know when you step on its grounds the first time. You'll make friends, don't punish yourself for your introversion, everyone alone in college it’s a matter of finding each other. You'll miss your family, oh boy will you miss them like you never thought you would, but this is good. This means you're learning how to stand on your own. When you call them remember not to hang up so quickly, our mother offers more wisdom now than we ever thought. Take that wisdom and apply it to your life, this isn't high school, you can’t disregard everything. You need to study for classes, you need to learn to take care of yourself. Listen to your body when it aches and learn to treat it. It's not going to be easy, but I know this is the independence you've been waiting for. So when you get scared, just remember to breathe.

Dear high school senior, Take as much dual credit classes as possible so you can get your basic classes out of the way. They're typically cheaper and easier to take that way. Get involved with organizations as soon as possible! Joining group that share your interests is a great way to make friends. Also, joining bigger organizations where you can meet different kinds of people will change your persepctive. Tour the city of your campus before you decide to commit to going to school there, location does make a difference. Apply for more scholarships because college is very expensive. Save your money for fun activities in college. Spend money on places and experience not things. Learn how to cook. Don't feel the need to fit in by dressing the same as everybody else. Thoroughly research your major and the requirements towards your career path. Studying abroad is the best decision you will ever make. Leadership is going to become a big part of your life when you realize how vital it is to your future. Join a selfless cause or an organization that does community service because I promise that you will feel more fufullied.

Dear Past Self, I'm just going to throw it out there before I even begin: TAKE A DEEP BREATH, EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT! I know that you've been told all your life that senior year of high school is when everything changes as you shift to "college mode", but honestly, where you end up going and your test scores etc. are just small details compared to the big picture. Yeah, getting into an Ivy League school sounds terrific, you hopeful senior, but I know that you will make the best out of wherever you end up going. Trust me-seriously, I'm the future you-as long as you reamin who you are, that is going to reflect the results. However, still reach for those seemingly-impossible goals; go for those big-name schools and do your absolute best on your SAT's, go as far as you can go, just don't forget to keep the big picture in mind. Know as you begin applying to colleges, that no matter where you go, you will add to your life a unique college experience, something I cannot wait to begin myself. Best of luck, Future You

Oh little Vanessa! The final year of high school has finally arrived. Prepare yourself for what is to come, but do not stress or worry. Have some fun girl, but continue to work hard in your course; make every single minute count. This summer cherish every second of family time, horseback riding, and working. Ok so maybe not working? Just realize that when you finally get to Texas A&M your occupation will no longer be working for money, but instead you will be busting your chops studying to get that 4.0 GPA and graduate Summa cum Laude. Knowing myself, I know that we will stress about the unknown, but please don't worry! " I got this! ( George Lopez voice)" Just enjoy the ride into Aggieland and be proud that you've made it! My last words of advice are to keep calm, relax, smile, and breath. Everything will come in time so there is no point in stressing or worrying young one!

Do not let fear drive you. Embrace the college life without doubts and terror. College life is great, if you know how to manage your time. Remember when people kept telling you, “time management is essential”? They were not lying to you. The most important piece of advice I can give you is to manage your time accordingly. Do not, I repeat, do not procrastinate in anything. Procrastination leaves very little time for you to actually learn what it is you need to learn. You went to college to gain knowledge, but if you don’t focus enough on your classes you will leave with very little information when you graduate. Also, interact with professors and students; there is much to learn from both groups. Do not let yourself be driven by your shyness. All that doubt and timidity leave you with is a large amount of regret. Be fearless in all your endeavors, whether it is socially, academically or internally. Finally, believe in your intelligence. You were accepted to that great university because of your merit and nothing else. If you put the time, effort, and good attitude you will do great. P.S. Money management is also essential.

Stop trying to impress everyone around you. No, seriously. Your future won't care about all the friends you made. They certainly won't be impressed by all the parties that you went to. College is about having the time of your life and remembering it, not about the drunken nights of regret. Stop bragging and start caring for others. Become a good listener. The first two years is a struggle. You'll figure out your priorities, but until then your grades will suffer. Your advisors will tell you that you'll never get into veterinary school. But you will learn from your mistakes. You start going to class and earn the grades that you've been working for. You'll realize that each "A" is more victorious and rewarding than a hangover. Your weekends will have more library time, and you'll make different friends with the change of scenery. You will walk out of college with a diploma and an acceptance letter to a veterinary university. Your achievements and commitment will take you there. Remember to thank Mom and Dad because they've been there for you every step of the way, whether you knew it or not.

Dear high school Clare, Things will not be the way you envision them. Life will continue moving forward regardless of what happens to you. Making sincere friends is a process. Friends will come in time, but remember that people take time. Like flowers, with warmth and nutrients, people will unfold for you. Mechanical Engineering is challenging. We thought that sexism could not thrive in a competitive learning environment, and yet, you will encounter this discrimination in both subtle and unconcealed ways. At times you will be bitter; you will want to quit. You are a competent individual, but you need to crave and appreciate your education. Education, if not directly, than through association, will benefit you. Find outlets where your creativity and thoughtfulness will strive. Research is revolutionary; getting involved in something bigger than yourself will help you realize how important you are. If a situation presents itself as unmanageable, break it up into tiny parts. You can make it through anything. This experience, like each and every one after, is unique and is an opportunity to grow. View everything with patience and kind-heartedness, and you will succeed in this and everything. Much love and respect, Clare