Marla
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to take additional risks and to challenge myself more my freshman year of college. In high school I struggled academically from a lack of confidence which derived from my learning disability, dyslexia. In high school I did not apply myself because to my family for me to make a C was like a person without dyslexia making an A. I knew that if I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse C?s would not be acceptable. I need to make A?s. The nursing profession is very competitive and I was advised by many not to take my chemistries first semester to better adapt to college life. This would place me a year behind the rest of my class. In my first semester of college I received a 4.0 grade point average, something I have never achieved in my entire life. I knew I was on the right path to become a nurse. Now, looking back I wish I would have foreseen my academic success and would have challenged myself more my first year of college.
Marcell
I would tell myself to not worry or be nervous. As a senior I feared the worse possible outcomes and to be honest I was really overreacting. I would say that college is where I belong especially the University of Alabama. It has become my new home. I would tell myself to just be ready to truly see specific things with the eyes of reality. And lastly, just have FUN!
Violet
First, find a steady job, I know about jobs because I?ve been through 4 jobs in the past 2 years, yeah the experience is good but find a good one and I left one good job right now I?m hoping to get that job back. Second is flashy nice cars is not really good especially if you just got done with High School you need something you can afford. Third, try not get into a serious relationship because you have to drag him/her along or you have to drag along with him/her. Yeah I know love is the perfect thing to happen to you in life but only if you finish your goals. Fourth would be open your mouth be more outgoing, I was really shy when I was in high school especially in my senior year, you need to get more into the community get recognized. Last is the most important, study harder, arrange with your counselor to get into college faster, if you get the chance to get into a university go for it, don?t listen to what other people say ?This is your LIFE?, your smarter than what you think you are.
Brandon
If I could go back in time, I would have a important conference with myself and explain the essential facts of being organized, focused, productive and successful in any college of my choice. Always avoid mishaps and anything that can be of a distraction to you; therefore, my high-school form could keep a focused mentality that would not lure him to a bad start in college. I would further understand and recognize it when time passes, thus being successful. Organization is key in college. A steady schedule and calendar does wonders for organization, not to mention keeping up with e-mails from professors, organizations, scholarships and important phone calls. Staying productive leads a healthy balance in your life. It enables me to treat college as a full-time job to take care of business in the classroom as well as in my community. A full busy day is a hard earned day with success to come. Always do your best and give your full effort in every class you attend. Have a strong support group! Also, prayer and a positive attitude goes a long way. Work diligently and your results will be of satisfactory. Good Luck!!
Stephanie
Knowing what I know now about college I would tell myself that it is nothing like highschool. You won't have your mother there to wake you up if you over sleep, your professors won't care if you have three exams on one day, and the books are no where near free. Some good advice that I wish i had as a senior is to be prepared. Get as many scholarships as you can because every little bit will help. You never know how much college actually cost until your there. Tution is not even half of it, so just get any outside help you can. Also, don't take it so hard your first semester. Take classes that you know you can do well in so your GPA doesn't have to suffer the consequences. Make choices that seem appealing to you not your parents. Yes, they may mean well, but this is your time to venture and explore. If you want to get a step ahead I would also encourage you to join as many clubs and organizations as you can. Extracurriculars and leadership roles in college look good on any resume.
Taylor
Dear Taylor,
You may not know it now, but going to the University of Alabama is going to change your life--for the better. You should take some advanced placement classes this year to give you a leg up when you get to college. Believe me, having those extra credits will help! You should also start learning to accept responsibility right away. Your college professors do not accept notes from parents as excuses for why YOU were not in class or for why YOUR work was not done, so stopping skipping school! Studying is important, don't think that you will "just scrape by". You won't. Learn good study skills now, because acquiring them once you're actually in college is difficult. College is a wonderful place full of learning opportunities. Take every opportunity to learn. Learn from your professors, your classmates, your friends, your roommates. The most important thing I can tell you is to give it your all, and never accept less from yourself than you know you are capable of.
Desiree
If I could turn back time or find a time machine I would go back to my senior year in high School and I would have listened to my Mothers advice and realized she only had my best interest all those times it seemed like she was lecturing or harassing me she was training me.
I would have studied harder, prepared for my ACT, and SAT tests. I would have been thoughtful with my spending and saved more for college. I would have made better relationships with the counselors and asked more questions about scholarships. I would have taken the time to apply for more scholarships.
I am a strong individual and I am glad I made good decisions throughout my high school career. Life is full of what ifs. I do no regret because regret drags you down but I strive to learn life?s lessons and gain experience for my future. PS I do appreciate my Mother much more these days.
Rudy
I think the biggest thing I would inform myself of would be the importance of staying true to myself as well as putting my self out there. The University of Alabama is an amazing campus rich in social life, however, it is also very exclusive. I would remind myself to never let myself feel less competent based on my race.
Daniel
Study hard, make soumd choices
Lindsey
If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, there are a few tips I would give myself. Honestly, things have always come pretty easily to me, so I know I could have put forth more effort than I did. I know if I had done so, I would be much better prepared for college. It was not a huge shock for me, but I definitely have to work harder for my grades now. I would also recommend just slowing down every once in a while. We only get one senior year (hopefully) so there is no time to waste it. I had a blast all four years of high school, however, I wish I would have taken a breath every now and then. High school comes once and everyone should enjoy the time they have before all the responsibility comes. Basically, soak up every ounce of life that came my way and take every opportunity possible!
Destin
College is a HUGE transition from a small town high school. You will meet new people that open your eyes to things you have never even heard of before and you will begin to discover your real self. Don't start out partying too much because classes here are really difficult. Learning to balance school work, a part time job, and your social life if going to be your biggest challenge yet, but hang in there you get the hang of it by your sophomore year. Ask for help as soon as you find something you don't understand. Waiting until the night before the test doesn't do any good and be prepared to make your first C on a test. High school was a piece of cake compared to college. It's a lot of fun though so don't be nervous. Good luck!
Cyle
I would advise myself to think past the idea that I would always be in the same field for my entire work career. I would recommend that regardless of the type school I chose to attend, a community college or four year university, place an emphasis on academic courses in science and math because they could prove useful in the future. And surround yourself with students who want to work hard to maintain a good gpa. If you surround yourself with good students to study with, everyone in the group will learn something from each other. Always go to class prepared to take notes and learn something new every day. Most importantly always maintain a positive attitude towards every subject.
Leigh
If I could go back ad talk to myself as a high-school senior I would first tell myself not to worry because it would all work out in the end. I would tell myself to have an open mind because anything is possible. I would also make sure not to be so hard on myself. The biggest thing I would say is that I would find the friends in college I had always missed. The last thing would be that college turns out to be great and nothing to be scared of.
David
The best advice that I would give to myself is to start learning how to manage time and be responsible and organized so that keeping up with classes will be a breeze. Also, I would tell myself not to commit to a major right away, considering I have already switched it once. Another thing would be to remember that balanced meals and much sleep is needed, along with time to study and do homework, learn how to be able to keep up with all of that. Most importantly, have fun, and make plenty of friends along the way.
April
I would tell myself to take harder courses to better prepare myself for my college courses. I would also tell myself that I should work harder to maintain a high GPA, because it really affects scholarships. Finally, I would tell myself not to base my decision of which college to choose on anyone or anything besides what feels right.
chandra
Every year of high school I took concurrent enrollment and/or distance education classes. My goal was to enroll in enough college credits to earn my associates degree at the same time I graduated high school. Most of my classes were in the same classroom with the same classmates so I did not really feel like I was in high school. College was a weird adjustment coming from high school classes, with an average of five students. Most classes, at the university I attend, had over twenty to thirty people in each class. However, when I graduated high school and started college, all the distance ed. classes were worth the work. I wish I could have told my senior high school self to work a little harder and be more involved in high school. Even though my high school experience was different from most people's, I am very glad I took all the college classes I did and was able to earn my associates degree.
Zarie
Pay more attention to your studies, you have PLENTY of time for a social life!
Iris
I would have told myself that just doing what the teacher has listed down on a piece of paper is not enough. At that point, I would have looked at myself like I was crazy and the words did not come out of my own mouth. Then I would continue to explain that success is not determined by knowing that the person beside you is not going to get a better grade. It is not even knowing that your easy work is better than the adverage. You have to turn in every essay, document, or simple math equation with pride knowing that you did more than the standard obligation, because that's what your professor's will expect back. It is doing your work to your maximum ability and that's exactly what an education at The University of Alabama is all about.
Daphanee
As a senior in High School, I was very goal oriented and involved in a lot of organizations at school and in the community. I felt as if the college life would be somewhat easier because I didn't have to take as many classes and go to school from 8:30am-3:30pm as I did in High School. Therefore, I would - if I could - go back in time and advise myself to take it easy, know my limits. I feel as if I needed to rest a little more before embarking on such a big journey in my life. I have no regrets at all; however, I do feel as if I could have changed a few things for the better.
Tawny
The same advice I have been giving myself since my father died when I was fifteen: do not give up. No matter how hard life gets or seems to get, there's always something bright to look forward to. Having your degree. If you have a bad day, know you will have a good day. If you see rain clouds and stormy obstacles, know that rainbows will come and radiant miracles will shine through. Never forget who you are and what you are trying to acheive in life. Life is incredibly short and you should live as if you are going to do it all. You should work hard to become the best that you can be at what you want to do and it will pay off. But remember: the whole time you are in college, you are always thinking of crossing the stage and being on the other side as an alumnus, but you should also take the time and enjoy being young and having the freedom to do what you want now. These are the days that will make you and take you throughout your life. Never give up what you want to do.