Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

Sitting in my apartment while I am away from home at one of the biggest universities in Texas, I think back on how nice it would have been to have the intelligence I have now, making my transition into college life much easier. There are so many things I would have done differently while I was finishing my senior year. First and foremost, I would have definitely applied for more scholarships during my senior year to help cut some of the expenses that my parents have to pay for my current school year. I know it has been stressful for them, trying to make sure they can make enough money to support my education. Lastly, I would have told myself not to be afraid to get involved in student activities once the first semester of college starts. The most important thing during my transition was finding ways to meet and become friends with other people. I realized after some time that you need other people to help cure the loneliness that comes with being away from your life at home and in your hometown. Combined, this would have made a better first semester of college for me.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take it slow in the beggining of college, at least for the first year. As you grow and learn during college, your interests and goals may change. If you jump into limiting, major-based classes too soon, it leaves little room for changing or exploring other academic concentrations. I would tell myself to be sure to start only with the basic courses, the classes that are generally required for a vast array of majors. That way, I could give myself plenty of time to be sure of what major I wanted to pursure before taking any unnecessary coursework that might keep me from graduating as soon as possible.

I think if I had the chance to go back and advise myself for the future I would probably break down and cry. Being a triplet, it was hard for me to split away from my family and be alone. I wanted to pursue my career and I'm ok now, but when I first left I felt really homesick. I think what would have really helped was going to the orientation camp ("Fish camp"); I had work and I didn't think it was very necesary at the time but I wouldn't have been going into all blind and alone. Atleast I would've known someone. The hardest thing for me, though, is being so far away from my best friend and significant other. When you want someone in your life and want to be a part of theirs it is really hard to balance everything out from far away. I love my classes and opportunities and clubs but that's only Monday through Friday afternoon. I would tell myself good luck and enjoy the summer, you'll be fine, just stick to what you believe, make some friends that kind of think the same way and live.

I would tell myself that this is no longer a world where countries form barriers between each other. We are now in a global economy, where something insignificant in one country can have a ripple effect across many borders and affect other cultures and countries. I would tell myself about the importance of learning other languages, respecting other cultures, and the wonderful experiences that can come from studying/traveling abroad as much as possible.

Go back and enjoy what you are doing - don't just learn the material; know the material inside and out. Budget your time so that you have more time for working, socializing and studying. Study even if you don't get assignments to do, and take responsibility for your education. Try to stay ahead in your readings, having an idea about what will be covered in class as you walk in, so that you can ask questions and participate in discussion. Get as much one-on-one time with your teachers as you need, and make sure that you understand everything that you are going over, even if you think you will never need to know it again. Get a routine going - plan a bedtime, and wake up at the same time no matter if you have school or not. Avoid missing school if you can - even if it is a waste of time, once you start skipping you tend to skip more and more, to the point of having a problem. Eat a good breakfast and lunch - they will get you through the day with a better attitude! Most of all, make sure that you do your best!

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself to manage time from the beginning of the first class and get all organized with a daily planner. Keeping tests, and projects organized is very important, from the very beginning. If a freshman gets in the habit from the first day of school, it will be routine and will never seem to be a pain. Good grades usually follow this plan, so staying organized definitely has its advantages. I would also tell myself to put myself out there. No one is going to come find you, especially at a school with 40,000 plus students like Texas A&M University where I attend. Putting yourself out there and joining one club the first year is just enough to meet new friends with similar interests, but still remain on top of schoolwork. After the student figures out his time and how much free time he or she has after that is when a second organization or sport should be added. Everyone can be successful at college as long as the student practices good habits from the beginning.

The first thing I would tell myself is ?Read everything assigned to you?RIGHT AWAY.? After starting college classes, I learned how easily you can get behind on readings. I would definitely tell myself to study more and not to over think what the professors are lecturing about. When giving social advice, my main point would be to get involved! There are so many opportunities to join clubs at Texas A&M and it?s not hard finding the perfect one for you. Another thing I would advise would be to always do your best to get along with your roommates since they are the ones you have to spend most of your time with! Overall, the main thing I would tell myself would be to work hard but remember to have fun because this experience only comes once.

I would tell myself to not take the easy road out a difficult situation. If I could go back I would change the way I handled a situation with a class and my grade in that class. Instead of taking the easy road at the time, I would tell myself to stick with it and do the best possible job, as thats always better than giving up.

I would tell myself to study harder, and work more. School is expensive, you can get there, but then you have to pay. Save money, and don'y buy stuff you don't need like a camera or eat out every friday. In my experience, they sa they have money, but tell you we ran out of funds and I'm sorry bout you have to pay the rest out of pocket.

Many opportunities will arise to discover who you are when you enter the journey of college life. In those circumstances, choose what you want to do, not what others may influence or pressure you to do, otherwise you will regret missing out on those moments. Be friendly to everyone and work hard in everything you make a commitment to. Step out of your comfort zone because people can surprise you, and even through tough experiences, you will come out stronger and wiser. Are you interested in arts, sports, community service, or politics? Go ahead and try out all the organizations you are interested in (without comprimising your school work), and make lifelong friends through those activities. It will take some trial and error, but figure out early in the semester how to manage your time and balance your social and academic life. Most importantly, make the most out of every waking moment because it will pass by faster than you think.