The University of Tampa Top Questions

Freshmen year of college has been a whirlwind of new experiences and growth. I would tell my high school self to always be aware of all the good that is around me, and to not rush through everything. One thing that I have learned about myself over this past semester is that I am always anxious to see what happens next. As a result, I am never content to where I am. I find myself saying, "I can't wait untill this happens!" I would tell myself to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride of the college experience. I would also warn myself that I will not be prepared to be living away from home, because I was in shock at how different it is to live away from home. My final piece of advice would be to always bring trash bags on move-in day in case of a terenchal downpour that will soak all of my stuff.

I prepared myself for college life fairly well, not really the partying type because I'd much rather get the most from the education I pay for. I would tell myself to get internships in fields of study earlier than I did, that way I would have learned I wanted to become a cinematographer and go to the American Film Institute earlier in order to begin getting more experience in that field of work. Other than that, I would tell myself to continue to live a happy life and if I work hard enough I will one day be able to afford to support my mother and get her out of debt as well as the local community.

As and adult and a single mother of 4 small kids i have learned that the best years to get your life inorder is during High School and the frist year of college. If I had a chance to go back in time and speak to my younger self i would advice myself to focus on the future goal and concentrate on the rewards it will give me and my family. I would advice myself to enjoy life as a young adult but not to stray from responsibilties and ensure a successfull future. I would advise myself to slow down on the rushing to be on my own because once I am the sole person responsible for the household focusing on school become extremely difficult. I would advise myself that time fly by very fast and if i don't stay focus i would be stuggling for year to c.ome

Going back, I would remind myself to think about my university choices before choosing. I would convince myself to apply to more schools, then really weigh the pros and cons of all my possibilities. Even though I think I'd choose the same school, having more choices might make the transition easier, knowing I could've gone somewhere else. I'd also tell myself not to bring so much stuff to move in with and that if I felt I needed that stuff I could bring it back another time.

The most important thing to know for a smooth transition from high school to college life is to be open minded. For most people college is the first time they have truly had to make an entirely new group of friends. Everyone is just as nervous as you so don't hold back. Always think would you rather people like you for who you are or who you are pretending to be. So needless to say always be yourself. Be kind and understanding to those who are different from you because you don't know their background. Be open to making friends with people you wouldn't have talked to in highschool. Remember this isn't highschool; no one is here to wake you up to go to class or hold your hand along the way. Its up to you to make your college experience exactly what you want to be. Don't compromise your morals and who you are just to fit in. Last and but certainly not least have fun and enjoy the ride it only happens once in a life time.

If I could go back in time. I would tell myself to choose a school that not only satifies my educational goals, but also satifies my personal goals. I would tell myself to not just listen to what others say, but listen to what my heart says too. College is a big step in life, a step that a lot of people don't take. This is a special step in life and it should be what I want, not what others think I want. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not let destiny choose, I should choose.

Stop being lazy and get out there! Fill out as many scholarships and grants as you can. That way, later on down the line, instead of having to worry about paying back student loans, you'll be able to use the subjects that you learned in a career field that you will enjoy. Be yourself. Don't necessarily follow the crowd, but make friends that will be there to help you out when you need it. Having close friends while in college really helps, as moving from high school and the comfort of your home to your own apartment or dormitory can be really stressful. And that stress can sometimes put a strain on one's classwork which would eventually lead to lack of effort. Stay calm. Stressing out over the little things won't get you anywhere. It prevents you from concentrating on your goal ahead. Remember, college is supposed to be fun, and is there to prepare you for the future YOU want.

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to be open-minded and more invovled in school. I would tell myself to ask questions about anything to any one you see or meet. Do not be afraid to meet new people or to speak your mind. Try new things and if it does not work out, do not stress out or worry yourself. Pick yourself up and try something else. Another thing I would say is to study, study, and STUDY some more! You can hang out with your friends another day. Stay positive and optimistic!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself a few things. I would tell myself that there will be MANY distractions and temptations living on campus away from home for the first time. You need to have a strong will to succeed and never take your eye off your goals. One of the best things a college freshman can do is get involved in a group or club on campus, like the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and to find people like yourself that want to succeed in college and not just take up space and waste time. I would also tell myself to always speak your mind and to never falter from your values and morals. The time you spend in college will create your character and who you are for the rest of your life. I would tell myself to follow The Standard of Sigma Chi which includes being a man of good character, a student of fair ability, with ambitious purposes, a congenial disposition, possessed of good morals, having a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, it would consist of two things: Do not take Army ROTC and develop an effective study habit. I would advice my senior counterpart not to take Army ROTC because he would not be able to fully enjoy his college experience. Being in ROTC would make it mandatory for him to get up at 5:20 a.m. Monday through Thursday each week for physical training. Developing an effective study habit would make the transition between college and high school very smooth for him. There is so much free time that sometimes he may forget to study so once he developed the good habit of study at a specific time then he would avoid such things as bad exam grades and lack of needed sleep.