Texas A & M University-Kingsville Top Questions

Self, i know high school seems so easy; it's as if you're there only to have fun and learn some stuff. Maybe it's alittle harder for you because you're taking your college classes; but hey, don't take that for granted. Your school is being nice enough to help you go even closer to your goal of being a dentist. Remember to listen to all your teachers and their 'boring' lectures because one day you'll understand. Also make sure to apply to ALOT of scholarships, you will see how helpful they are. Once it's graduation day, it's all over! You will then be going into 'real life' as they say. Everything is much harder, self; you will be away from home and your friends. Once you're accepted into the college of your dreams, PLEASE don't take for granted that even if you don't pass your classes, you will still be at the university. No, it doesn't work that way, you have to give it all you've got. If you don't understand something, go to a tutor or your professor. And one more thing, NEVER GIVE UP.

Of course everyone would say cherish each moment in high school, and that is true. You do not see the people you would normally see in high school, college is a lot bigger and you do not see the same people everyday. Making new friends and meeting new people was not difficult for me to do. Personally I wish I had applied for more scholarships. College is highly expensive and on a single mothers salary it is hard on the wallet. I regret not applying, because I could be recieving money, instead I am adding stress on my mother and adding unnecessary debt to myself.

At the age of 17 I thought I knew it all. If high school was easy than college was going to be a peice of cake, right? Wrong! I put off almost every scholarship possible becasue I did not want to write an essay. It was not until I had my parents grilling down my back about how much money we did not have and how I had to apply for scholarships. Therefore, I ended up waiting until the last minute to apply for scholarships. In the end I did not get much money because my process was sloppy. Now, if I could go back I would master the art of learning to not procrastinate. In college I learned to get things done early, so I could go back and revise every last detail. Also, I would tell myself it is wise to listen to your elders because their advice can help a person in the long run. If you sit down and plan everything early on things would not be near as hard in the future.

Going back ten years as a high school senior, I will advice myself to be more active in school. Tell myself that school is not all about making good grades and studying, but it is about forming everlasting relatonships with other students, faculty and staff which will help me become ready and more prepared for the challenges life ahead of me. In college, I have learned to grow and develop as an individual. I have learned to trust people but most importantly, trust and believe in myself. One big adivce i will give me is to step out of my comfort zone, think outside the box and reach for the stars because the sky is just my starting point.

I would tell myself, to fully apply to any scholarships that were given to highschool seniors. Also to remember to turn in scholarships by their deadlines. Then remeber to always talk to your college advisor, and always introduce yourself to the professors in order to get recommendations. Also you can have fun at college, but school work comes first and dont get caught up in wild parties or the temptation of alcohol.

Dear Ben, I realize you may be a little apprehensive about leaving the little niche that you have made for yourself, but don’t be. Your vast curiosity and determination for knowledge will surpass any hardships college could possibly throw at you. Believe me, I know. It would be wise however to focus that curiosity. As much fun as having three majors and three minors might be, I doubt your father would appreciate you spending that much time in college without getting a degree. Besides, you need to save some of that money for graduate school. You always did want to save the environment and graduate school would be the fastest way doing that. The other bachelor degrees can wait until after you get a nice paying job and move out of your parent’s house. Other than that, keep being you. Your future self, Benjamin Carpentier

You are going to do great in your studies. Try to relax, don't stress out. Enjoy your experience as an undergraduate. Stay focused, and everything will always work out.

Why in the world did you not apply for more scholarships? Thats the most important thing i would tell myself. I could be enjoying myself with the extra money i would have received. I would also tell myself to get ready because college will not be easy and it will take so much time and dedication for the simplist thiings. I would tell myself not to get discuraged with whatever little hardships i come across and just take it one day at a time. Something else i would tell myself is to not do everything at the last minute and to finish my homework whenever i have some spare time. Other than that i would tell myself to just have fun and enjoy myself.

In college things are very different than what you are used to in high school. Get involved in campus clubs or organizations to enjoy the experience more. Make new friends and keep in touch with the old to keep yourself sane. Study hard but make sure to have fun as well. Help out other students who are struggling; one never knows how helping someone in need will help in the long run. Go out of your way to make life easier for yourself-do homework the day it is given and do not do it the night before. Get to know your teachers and make sure they know you. You can do this your first day by shaking their hand and introducing yourself. I did this with all of my teachers and now I have 7 references that can be called upon in future job applications. Go to campus activities because many of them are actually a lot of fun. Join the campus activity board so you can set up future activities for the student body to enjoy. Above all else, make yourself known around campus. Depending on the size of the campus, this may be challenging but worth it.

If I could have given myself advice in my senior year, I would have told myself to stop focusing so much on my social life and to start to focus on real life. The life that happens after the protected years within the high school walls. I would have told myself to fill out a FAFSA and to try and make up with my parents after that big fight, so that they could have my back while I went through some tough times trying to get enough money to pay for the simple costs of living. I would also tell myself to take care of my body and to take precautions to make sure I didn't get pregnant. It's very hard to go to college with a baby, but I'm managing. I think that I would have been more prepared if I had known those things then.