Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

Honestly, college was not much of a shock for me, as far as academics and independent living. I was raised to figure things out on my own and provide for myself. Also, my parents pushed me hard in grades, so I already had a good study ethic. The big change for me in the transition from college to high school was the social aspect. In the small town where I grew up, fitting in meant being just like everyone else. Looking back, I realize everything I did - how I dressed, the music I listened to, the way I acted - revolved around being accepted by my friends. Therefore, the advice I would give myself would be this: Live YOUR life. I know it's hard to believe now, but there's a whole world of people out there with the same interests and hobbies as you. Your true friends should love you regardless of who you decide to be. Cliché as it sounds, don't worry what others think. Put yourself out there and be bold. The opinions of those who matter most won't be the ones judging you.

You can't do anything alone. Dealing with the stress of acclimating to a new environment and new responsibilties is hard and it will take a toll on you if you don't ask for help. Asking questions does not make you any less of a person. Make friends you can trust. Everything works out for those who are willing to work hard. You may not be the smartest person in your class but you can be the hardest working. The best advice I can give someone who is making the transition from high school to college is to work hard and don't stress out. Do the best that you can and work from there.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to the professors. To make friends and to attend SI's. I would also tell myself not to worry about bombing a test it happens and that all I can do from there is to get better. Always ask others about classes you are taking and share what you know. We are all here to help and you would be suprised what you can find. Most importantly I would tell myself that it does not matter that you do not know what you want to do after college right now. You will find that most people change their minds in college several times. As you take more classes you will realize what you like and what you do not like. It is amazing how much you will be shaped by these classes. Lastly I would say A&M is great and you will love it.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself how important it is to search tirelessly for scholarships as well as how necessary it is to save up for extra spending money in college. As a high school student you do not really realize the financial burden that going to college is; the cost of tuition itself, housing, gas, food etc. All of the costs come up concurrently to one another and sometimes unexpected expenses also arise which can create financial trouble if that expense is not accounted for in the money you have available. So again I say, strong financial awareness and planning is paramount for any high school senior preparing to go to college. If you are prepared for a majority of the expenses that will arise and have a strong savings plan prepared, college would not be nearly as stressful or worrisome of a decision.

Join clubs early on. Volunteer more. It's harder to "fit in" when you're a Junior/Senior because everyone your age has already established their social circle. Study more efficiently, but don't be so hard on yourself. All of those all-nighters don't always work out in the end.

Get that job and license early: the earlier you assume an adult role in your financial responsibilities, the easier it is to be more prepared in dealing with it on your own in college. And don't quit the IB Program even though you really want to: if you put your all into the program and pass all your exams, you'll get the credits that could help you in college.

As a timid and supposedly attractive woman, I have had the typical guy problems of any good-looking girl. Because of this, I would warn past me of the different guys I would encounter and what I should do in each situation, saving me discomfort, fear, and some heartache.

Dont get too caught up on one thing. Their are lots of options to consider and you want to be open minded. Just because you are studying autobody doesnt mean you are going to be stuck as a body tech. forever. Utilize your time and skills. Most important dont cut yourself short. You are new to this feild and you wont know everything right off the begining, but with time you will develope into one of the best there is. It wont come quickly though. It might even be years after college before you are compfortable with everything. Make sure you never reach your peak. Their is always something new to learn and something you can do better. You might be a little scared of what the future holds but dont let that hold you down. To be the best, you have to beat the best, which means you have to believe in yourself.

Pace yourself. I know you're super ambitious but just sit back and enjoy life. Don't change your work ethic because that will take you very far in life, but also don't freak out so much. You will have time to get things done and enjoy life, don't forge to take advantage of every precious moment and relationship you have because before you know you'll be done and out of college. Whatever you do, don't compromise who you are, if you can't find people who like you for who you are, they're not worth your time. Take advantage of every opportunity and don't be afraid to take risks, make new friends, and get out of your comfort zone, where there are risks there are rewards. Enjoy! You'll do great.

Looking back at my senior year, there is not much I would tell my past self to change for his last year in high school and the subsequent rollercoaster that is college life. I would however tell him that there will be struggles; more than he's ever faced before, but he should not let that hinder him, nor should he use that as an excuse to not give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} every single day. I would also tell him that there will always be time to play and enjoy life, but that studying and focusing on a rigid schedule would do him good and would benefit him far more than going to football games or other frivolous extracurriculars ever would. Saying that, I would encourage my younger self to actually talk to other people and ask to study with them, because two heads are always better than one, plus there is no way to tell how much one person can affect your life in a positive manner. I guess the moral of the story would be to study hard now, so that there will be ample time to play later, with a lot less stress hanging over your play time.