The University of Tampa Top Questions

I would have told myself to pretty much do the same thing i did. i looked at different colleges and choose the one that i thought was the best for me.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would explain essential information so I wouldn't stress as much if my first year. I would explain the whole credit and hours ordeal to myself so understanding would be much easier and smoother. Organization and having a schedule would be the best advice I could give myself. If I organize my day I will get through it much easier and have more time on my hands for studying, extracurricular activities and personal time. Also, another piece of advice would be to stay aways from bad friendships and try to be with people who will let me grow as a person, not undermine my values. Most important of all, I would reassure myself that everything will be ok in college because I know how nervous I was about the university as a high school senior.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to not be so afraid and embrace the changes that are coming. I would tell myself that I'll miss home, but I can't dwell on it and to go out and make new friends; be proactive. Take that first week and find new people to hang out with, because you're going to meet some really great people who will be there for you when you need them most. I would tell myself that donating blood is great, but eat first and don't go an hour before class, because you'll probably end up being late the first day. I would also tell myself that reading the text book in all of my classes is a FANTASTIC idea and that I need to set aside some time each night to read at least a little bit. Oh, and don't be scared when you don't get A's on everything, it's ok. Life will go on and you'll still do great. Relax. Breathe. Go to the beach. Have friends and laugh often. Good Luck.

Dear Tatyana of 2010, I am a little older and wiser now that I have completed my first year of college. With this advantage, I would like to advise you to explore all of your career options and possible majors, so that you can go into college with a declared major. This way you will not be catching up next summer when you finally decided on a major in the middle of the school year. Also, it is not necessary to go to all of the parties the first week of college. If you do, the next two months will be spent sleeping in the library getting your 3.7 GPA. Last but not least, do not be so homesick. Yes, you are going to miss your family and friends, but do not worry. You are going to make life long friends in the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, your roommate will become your best friend, and you will end up loving college.

I found every minute of my first year at college to be so enjoyable. Yes there was a lot of work and reading, but something was just different for me from high school. I felt more comfortable with who I was and I was far less stressed than I had been only a year earlier. Now, having this knowledge, the biggest things I wish I could tell myself as a high school senior would be don't sweat the small things and enjoy your life in the moment. I was always very worried and stressed out about my schoolwork in high school. I wanted the best grades, the best class ranking, and the best quality of work to ensure that I would be ready for college. I was in fact overprepared in a way. I wish I would have had more confidence in my schoolwork so as not to stress about it so that I could truely enjoy every bit of my senior year. Reducing the anxiety that I had would have allowed me to finish my senior year with a bang knowing that my transition to college would be a breeze and that I could enjoy every moment.

I would tell myself to not care so much what others think of you. Don't push so hard to make friends, but let them come to you. Focus harder on school and avoid distractions. Always read instructions to to assignments and exams very carefully as to avoid any careless errors. Finally I would tell myself it's not about how much money or material pocessions one has, but how a person takes a bad situation and can turn it into a good one.

I would of most definitely worked harder and looked into scholarships and other ways to help my parents in paying for my education. I did not realize the sacrifice they make to be sure my brother and I get an education. I would have worked harder my junior and senior years to put some funds away for school. I also would have listened and took a better interest in all the programs and applications I could have completed to help with funding. Never in my life did I think it would be so expensive. If I could go back to high school as a senior, I would take a much more mature approach to my future and not think like all kids do that everyone goes to college and it's just what we kids do. No big deal, mom and dad can afford it. I have a great appreciation for budgeting now and learning to live within my means. High School students need to learn more about college life from a real prospective of studies, costs, and living away from home. It's not all a party.

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior I would tell myself to work as much as I could during the summer so I could devote more time to my studies during the school year. Also take a few more courses in high school that I was going to have to take in college or even help me along the way. Then I would tell myself that studying is a have to not a choice, and that I am very capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to and to always rememeber that.

Laura, when you are nearing the end of highschool it will be very important to apply to every college you really want to attend. But, first find out as much about them as you can. Visit them if you have the opportunity as well as speak with students presently attending and alumni to make sure the college you choose is the best fit for YOU. Find out exactly how much financial aid you will be awarded and get this in writing. Don't wait 23 yrs. to do this like I did, go straight to college after high school so you can be in the career you choose and have the stamina to keep up with everything. There will be plenty of time later in life to go in another direction if you are not happy where you are. School is so much harder when you wait and you are competeing with younger students for EVERYTHING. Make sure the college you choose supports their students in all aspects and provides help when needed. Finding the right school will help make the transition easier and you will be glad you followed my advice. Don't make the same mistakes I did.

Hello past self. Don't worry, college is not going to be nearly as stressful as you think. However, you still need to focus on getting your work done as soon as it is handed to you, otherwise the work will rapidly pile up and overwhelm you. You need to think of college as the real world, like a 9 to 5 job, and use that time to get work done when you are not in class. Take college one step at a time and no matter how confusing it may be or how big the assignment is, you will get through it. Work hard and you will succeed. Also, do not stay up too late. Sleep is important and having class when you are half asleep is miserable. Lastly, make good friends with whom you can work together and have fun with. College can be hectic, and you need to takes breaks with friends or have some alone time to relax. If you take small breaks or even a quick nap and get your thoughts in order, your work will be better and you will be able to focus more. Good luck with college, and don't stress!