The University of Texas at Arlington Top Questions

If I could go back to my high school senior self I would sit down and talk to myself about time commitment and volunteering for many activities. I would ask myself to start volunteering at many medical facilities, missions, and other facilities to expand in my leadership skills and be able to help others in need. I would also let myself know that in college I need to be able to know how to use my time wisely to study for my classes. I shouldn't think that college is like high school, it is a little bit harder and I should keep my mind in my studies and nothing else, if I want to be in the nursing program.

Your days are numbered and, for the most part, so are your brain cells. The allegorical bubble of eternal youth proliferated through social media has led many teens to a sense of invincibility, yielding an ocean of misplaced priorities and dispelled values under the guise of YOLO, "you only live once." To ensure that your tree of life blossoms with purpose, I offer the following advice. First, mind your time. You do not waste time; time wastes you. There will never be more than twenty four hours in a single day. Take full advantage of each and every one of them. Second, a healthy body gives way to a healthy mind. Cut back on the sugar and give that treadmill a run for its money. Third, pay attention. Education is a blessing. We spend up to eight hours a day in school. This sacrifice of time, energy, mental and emotional well-being should bear sizeable fruits. Invest in yourself. Last, pick up a book. Students who read an average of twenty minutes a day will have read 1,800,000 words per year. It's social suicide in some circles but it will make all the difference.

If I could go back in time, I would of given more thought to the future, my goals, desires, and plan a better way of getting there with more ease. I would of taken my SAT more than once to try to get a scholarship. Also, instead of working as much my senior year, I would of worry more about tomorrow and less about today.

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school, I'm sure there are a few changes I would make. If I could tell myself anything, it would be not to worry. The pressure of going to college and knowing what you want to do is very overwhelming. I would tell myself don't focus too much on the next chapter of your life. Instead, focus on making the end of this current chapter amazing. I would tell myself that even though my dream school is expensive and farther from home than I would like, don't be afraid to work hard to acheive that dream. I would tell myself start small, focus on the little things, and enjoy high school as much as possible. The final year of high school can result in just barely getting by, or working hard and earning that diploma. Work for it! I would tell myself not to feel small, but to be proud of where I am and what I have accomlished. I would tell myself take more pictures, give more hugs, and to remember every little detail, because it goes by fast, and then its's gone.

Looking back to ten years ago, I would change a few things, who wouldn’t? The main thing I learned in transition to college was that I was mediocre to less than average. I was above average at my public high school, but I didn’t realize I was going to be in school with people that cared about their education and had done so well! I was there for the ‘away from home’ experience. I quickly learned I should’ve had more extracurricular activities . I should’ve taken some classes to get college credit and I should’ve actually studied for that 3rd ACT instead of going out with my friends, which my parents still don’t know about! I was one point away from getting in-state tuition! I started behind and stayed somewhat behind through my undergrad years. I wasn’t involved in my major like I should’ve been. I wasn’t involved in much at the University. So applying to graduate schools I quickly realized I had done it again; put myself behind. I am going to be involved in my graduate school and can’t wait to get a do-over.

The transition from high school to college is exciting but challenging. To be successful, you must learn to manage your time and stay focused. College is the first step into real life. There may be a lot of weight on your shoulders and people depending on your academic success. Managing your time is the most important part of succeeding in college. Learn to make time for studying, sleep, and yes… even a party or two (as long as it does not interfere with your classes!). Setting time aside to have fun and enjoy college life is just as important as studying. There may be times when your studying may become frustrating and tedious, but don’t look at is as a time for a break to play volleyball or play a video game. Stay focused on your immediate objective and your future goals. Work through the tough calculus problems or ask for help. Focus on your school work and read a motivational quote from time to time. Staying focused will lead you to achievement. Manage your time, and stay focused. Do whatever it takes, never give up even in the most disheartening situations, and you will always find success.

I would advise myself to take a stronger interest in the sciences. Healthcare is a good direction in pursuing a career. I would strongly urge my high school self to become interested in becoming a Registered Nurse right away. It is a rewarding occupation that is needing nationally. I will suggest to myself how rewarding it is, because I will have the ability to help people in their time of need.

I would tell myself to pay attention to the classes, then focus on friendships. Just because the dorm you are in is hosting a party for freshmen, doesn't mean you can ignore the homework that's due the next day. And don't try to do everything at once. Plan out your day, then follow that plan.

Inevitably, this question is not so hypothetical in my view. While I never reached senior year, I had, however, became a mother at 17. Therefore, I can say the things that I currently teach my 14 year old daughter is equivalent to what I would say to myself at her age now, given the chance to go back in time. I once asked my professor, “I feel as though I’m plagiarizing when I come to class as I study upon the works of others. How can I feel honorable knowing I have only gained information created from others thoughts?” He simply answered…”MAKE IT YOUR OWN!” I began to realize that nothing learned is completely from ourselves. We learn from those before and among us, from parents to strangers and grow upon that knowledge in an ever unattainable goal of creating something new. Life is truly the pursuit of happiness, never owned…only experienced through learning, creating and passing the torch to further generations who strive for that same glimpse of discovery. To answer the question, I tell her to do her best at becoming who she is, with her own originality and to never give up on curiosity.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would leave him with three words. Let it be. There were a lot of decisions that I made throughout my college career, in which I worried too much about the future instead of the present. I am, and always have been an organized and goal oriented person. So, I don't think those words would affect the success that I had academically, which is the main reason for college. Rather, those words would have impacted the personal life and the social interactions I had with quite a few people throughout my five years in undergraduate studies. The overall quality and diversity of people that you are able to meet in college are far beyond that which you will meet in the working world. You are likely to meet your best friend for life, people that can/will impact your career, and, in many instances, your spouse. For me, the quality of my future family will be the measure of my success. With that I say, the potetial of meeting your future wife in college is very high. So when you meet her, let it be.