The University of Tampa Top Questions

Be as open minded as possible and dont sweat the big stuff!

In retrospect, I would advise myself of the following: Understand the importance of personal finance and the basic prinicples of money/financial independence. I would recommend creating a budget and a strategy for saving money. Make a 5, 10 and 20 year plan - this is critical for helping you to stay on track and to guide your academic/ career efforts; the process of thinking through your plan will also help you achieve a greater understanding of yourself. Surround yourself with individuals that strive to achieve academic and career success; ask them questions and discuss your thoughts, ideas, and plans so that learning and reflection is achieved through dialogue; Understand the importance of "thank you" - it is critical to be genuinely appreciative of people who take time to help you along way and to maintain the integrity of your name. Knowlege is power - never be afraid to ask questions nor to seek out additional information. Lastly, realize that life is a journey and that which you set out to study or the job you acquire following your studies may not be what was originally intended. Be adaptable and flexible to life's situations and follow your heart along the way.

First thing I would tell myself is to listen to my parents it?s a hard thing to admit, but they actually know what they are talking about. Also how easy it is to get off course there is a huge temptation to go out and drink because you are on your own and put schoolwork aside although it is fun it will not help in life. BEWARE of cafeteria food! It can make you very sick if your not careful, stay away from anything shrimp. Try new things just because your not used to it does not mean that it is isn?t good, college is a time of learning new things and discovering yourself. One of the most important would be talk to your professors if your not understanding it or are just stuck, they are there to help and you don?t have to do it by yourself. They enjoy you coming to office hours as well as going to tutoring; just because you go does not mean your any less smart. Last but not least cherish the time you spend there, these friends and relationships can last a lifetime.

Time management is something that is very important in college. Time becomes very important in college, there are so many extrairricular activities, social events and free time that have the potential to interfere with schoolwork and class time. There is no parental figure present to tell u how u should spend your time or what u should and should not do. You become your own disciplinarian and must use your time effectively to ensure you get your schoolwork done and have enough time to study for exams. There are so many distractions in college that sometimes its easy to forget that the main reason we are there is to earn a valuable education. However, if you are able to manage your time effectively there is definately a balance and enough time to enjoy the college experience while learning at the same time.

Take high school academics a little more serious and college life will be a little easier.

I would tell them to explore all the clubs and activities that the college has to offer. The best way to meet new friends is to get involved in campus activities. I would also tell them to study hard in school and get to know their professors because they are the best source of information to help you decide on a career and hey can open the door to other possibilities.

MariaAnna, High school is almost complete and college is right around the corner. Thus far, I am very proud of what you have accomplished throughout your school years and encourage you to continue to strive towards success. College will be a new adeventure, an exciting and positive journey, where many opportunties will be offered to you. I urge you to take advantage of all these opportunities to gain knowledge as well as further blossom as an individual. College is quite different from high school, so I want you to know that it might take some time in order for you to adjust. Friends will come easily if your honest and optimistic. Living with a roomate will definitely have its moments, yet that friendship will be of most importance to you as the semester goes along. Do not be afraid to change your major. If you know that Accounting may not be your future career, take a risk and folllow your heart. Do not forget to call your parents daily, for this will create an even stronger bond between you and your parents. Most importantly, never forget who you are, lend a hand to those in need, and smile!

I would probably give myself the advice of studying much harder in HS so that I can obtain some type of financial aid and/or scholarship. College, at least to me is much easier than HS and it might be mainly because classes taught are most of the time classes we are fully interested in. I would definitely advice myself to read much more in HS since readings in college are crucial for understanding and development.

Dont be so nervous and be as open to other as you can. You meet alot of really different people when you come to college, especially when you move out of state like I did. Financially times can be very hard, but if you stay focused you will be able to get throught it. Also, make sure you focus on your work, that is why you are in college, not to party, but do have some fun everyone once in a while its good for you. Most of all make friends, and join clubs. These people will most likely stick around in your life for a long time.

The most important thing to do is get your general education classes out of the way. You don't know what you really want to do until you try it, so it lets you experience life and get you ready to settle on a decision. Even if you go get an AA at a community college the education is the same, they are standardized so in the meantime you might as well save yourself the extra money so that you can get your bachelor?s degree at the school you want. From this point on no one else will be looking over your shoulder, pushing you to be the best you can be, it?s up to you. There will always people to help you find scholarships and employment opportunities as long as you are willing to ask. The world has many more opportunities then you can imagine and you will be able to find what fits you the best. Don't force yourself to settle on anything, there are always other roads you can take. You will succeed but it?s up to you to make it happen.

Learn to study and make time to do so!!

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I didnt go to high school ,I was very bad growing up.Didnt really have a mother or father in my life i aways made bad choices.If i could go back and give myself advice i would say stay in school it's the only way you are going to make it.

As a senior, it is very important to take high school serious, make the best grades possible and be active, it will help later when filling out applications for college and jobs. Find as much information on scholarships and grants as possible. Although community college allows one to get a cheaper education, it is not always the best way to experience the true "college experience." Finding the best college or universit y that will suit your major, education, and clubs and organizations that you want to be involved in is most important. Always put your education first and be determined to do your best. Be active and get involved. Make the best of your opportunity for success.

I would like to give myself some advice on which classes that I need to take in senior year. It would have been easier if I took general courses as AP credits, so that I could work on my double major degree easier.

I know that you are going through the worst times of your life right now. Your home-life is out of control, you are overwhelmed applications and homework, your nagging injuries and illnesses are causing you humiliating performances in your last track season, and you are so exhausted that you don?t think you can keep going. Amy, I know that this is going to be hard to believe, but the struggles you?re facing and will continue to face this year will actually help you thrive in college. Your transition into college will be smoother than you think. You won?t have a hard time managing your time and college workload because you have actually done the equivalent of that in your high school years. Also, you will meet people from all over the world who will help you realize that you were blessed even in your darkest moments. No matter how hard you think your life is, someone else in this world is going through hardship you cannot even begin to imagine. Hold your head up high, Amy. You will survive high school, and you will be just fine in college.

My high school career was plagued with personal anxiety over every little thing, and that was to the detriment of my social life. I got tunnel vision towards the end of senior year, especially since I was directing the school play, and I remember wandering blankly through the streets at odd hours of the night and shutting myself off from friends and family. There was one point where I was so messed up I collapsed under a table, choking back tears. I address this heap under a table. I would say, first off, you're doing fine for where you are in life. Second, keeping high expectations for yourself is good, but bottling yourself up to the point of crisis is too much for anyone to accept. In other words, it's good to be humane to others, but also to be humane to yourself. Third, be careful not to become too bitter or jaded by high school, because that's what old age is for. Stay innocent enough to cry, but not naive enough to do it alone under a table when you're strong enough to shout out into a crowd of people and be heard. Relax. Simplify.

Looking back I find much advice I could and should have known. To start with I would tell myself, don't assume the first people you meet will become your friends. They may become aquaintences but it will take time to find those you truely connect with. I would tell myself to not be afraid to go to the cafeteria alone. Plenty of students will do it everyday and there is nothing posted on your forehead stating you are a lonely freshman. Would you rather starve?! Seek out the resources available to you as soon as possible. Knowing computer lab and library hours will help you access what you need quicker if you find yourself in a last minute situation. In fact, don't leave things until last minute. You will run around foolishly, sprint to class, and show up sweating with your tongue hanging out. Your professor will appreciate your work but will not appreciate your appearance. Lastly, do not change but allow this experience to shape you. Keep your eyes and mind open. You will be introduced to new situations and outlooks, embrace them rather than turn your back to them. Try new experiences.

Be true to you.

I would suggest to get all the information you can and apply to as many schools as you can even if you don't think you will get into your dream school, still apply because you never know. I would suggest to ALWAYS visit the school and see what the surrounding area is like before you choose your school. I would also suggest to live on-campus, its a whole new experience and it makes being social and active easier plus you don't have to wake up as early to get to class!