Dominique
If I could talk to myslef as a high school senior I would share the importance of patience, setting goals, and making well throughtout decisions. I would tell myself to maximize on your youth and get as much education you can, in order to put yourself in a position to a career, not a job, and ultimately financial freedom. I would let my younger self know quick money is not as important as consistent money. I would stress the importance of having balance in life between family, work, and friends. Lastly, I would say not to be so hard on myself, embrace the good with the bad, and accept the lesson in order to truly learn from it.
Sylvia
Check the due date of the scholarships that you are applying for, and check it twice. Sometimes you will get two different dates and be out of luck if submittion is late.
Derek
The main piece of advise that I would give to my senior self is not to give up, and keep studying. When I first got out into the world of college, I was scared by the loans, and at the time, I had a falling out with my dad. This really made me depressed, and so the first semester of college, I pretty much gave up on my classes and stopped caring about my grades. At this point in my life, I've fully picked myself back up, and now I'm making a 4.0 gpa, and I feel more confident with myself after overcoming my depression. I'm not sure if I would actually change anything however, because I truly believe that by overcoming this failure and depression, I am now a stronger person than I was, and I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.
Kalika
Start on scholarships and time management sooner, also start preparing to decorate your space - it costs more than you'd expect. Also, get more involved and take time out to do the things you enjoy with your friends.
Logan
I would tell myself to stop stressing out, that its not as bad as it seems and to not worry about college, but enjoy the rest of high school. I would tell myself that you are smart, outgoing, and athletic and college is going to be the best thing thats ever happened to you, but the nervousness has got to go. The insecurities are unneccesary and that will hold you back from doing things that are out of your comfort zone. The transition will be tough, but thats the worse part. It'll be hard forcing yourself to go to class when you "technically" don't have to, but it'll be worth it when you get that 4.0. Avoid the frat boys, they are no good. Playing volleyball will give you the best friends you could ever imagine and they will remain your friends far after the game is over. Overall, remember your self worth and never give up on yourself. You can do this. Just breathe. Get out there and give it your all. Your are smart enough, pretty enough, and brave enough. Don't ever let someone tell you different.
Eryn
Don't act like you know everything, Eryn. Calm down and listen to what these people are telling you, they know what they are talking about and you will NEED this information soon. I know that you want to be finished with high school and out of your parents house and that is coming all too soon. Do not rush anything. Take all of it in, and don't fight constantly with your parents. College life is grand, you are great, and you will be perfectly fine. I promise that you stay on track and you will struggle some, but it only makes you stronger. My advice is to relax. Take the time to make new friends, because that is how you will survive your life. Be thankful Eryn for you have turned out to be a great young lady and the people you have surrounded yourself with are only proof of that. While at first the transition will seem tough, you'll see what I mean soon enough, the person you are becoming is breathtaking, and we will both be proud. So worry a little less, don't stress everything, and enjoy all that is around you right now.
Janet
Focus on getting the best grades possbile. Don't merely focus on being in all upper level classes. Get the highest grades possible. Have a goal to complete your college applications before October. Give your Texas schools more prefrence than your out of state applications. You should use different study methods such as using a series of flashcards to study for an exam, alternating between subjects while reviewing for exams, or have study partners quiz you on information so that it is not in front of you. A must for college is knowing and establishing a good relationship with your professors. Reach out to your teachers now by asking questions, even if you know the material. Those teachers can potentially become prime candidates for writing letters of recommendations. I know that if you fully apply yourself to experiment with various study methods, consolidate information for tests, develop good communication skills and understand the importance of establishing academic relationships, you will go beyond the horizon and succeed in college. For now, keep striving for good grades and continue to study for those standardized tests. College will come faster than you expect, your future is waiting.
Nicole
Not to be so concerned about the people I meet. The students are more than willing to help out new freshmen and transfers. I would also tell myself not to wait to join campus programs such as SGA and GATE. I found out too late only Freshmen could join GATE, and that has become a huge regret. I would tell myself to travel and make new connections with the people I meet in the groups I am with. This school wasn't as cut throat as I expected, but it is still an expensive choice.
Mia
If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior, I would give alot of helpful advice. First, college marks how much you have grown and now it is time to start the rest of your life. It is extremely scary, but think of it as the adventure it truly is. In the beginning, make time for school work, social activities, working out, and going to the store for necessities. A balance of each equals a happy life. Make many friends in the beginning, because they will be the ones next to you when you are in need. Do not be afraid of what people think about you. Also, do not hang out with your roommates constantly; the relationship will turn against you. So, hang out with other friends you make. Overall, first two months at college are the hardest; being away from your loved ones and home are extremely difficult. Put all of your trust in God and pray because He knows what is best and will guide you in the right direction.
Nora
College is hard work. You're not going to just slide by and get through with a blink of an eye. Study everyday and mentally prepare yourself for your future career.
Amy
When I was a high school senior, going to college was not something I really wanted to think about. I felt as though it was very stressful and many times thought I would not end up attending college. I was also scared and did not think it was something I could do. If I could go back in time and talk to myself during this stage of my life, I would tell myself that attending college is very important even though it may be stressful at times. I would also tell myself that it will only makes things better in the long run. Attending and graduting from college can help you be more successful in the future. It may be scary, but everyone who chooses to has to go through it as well. All of the other incoming freshman are in the same position and may feel the same exact way.
Haja
In high school I did not know, as I do now all to well, how expensive obtaining a higher education really is. When I was in high school I was under the impression that my financial aid would completely cover all my college expenses, so when I was told to apply for scholarships, I didn't listen. I presently am feeling the pinch of my not so wise decision. If I was granted the opportunity to go back in time, this is what i would say to my former self: " Self, try to find as many resources you can to help pay for college or you'll be sure to regret it." Now all I can do is wish I knew then ... what I know now.
Marianna
When I think back to myself as a senior in high school, it relieves me greatly that I am the only one that can do so! Fortunately, the people I consort with these days have the incredible advantage of knowing me as an adult and not as the awkward seventeen year old with the bad haircut. It was the 90's after all. Do I want to go back? Absolutely not! But if I could give my old self some advice it would be as follows:
- have fun! Don't turn down weekends, spring breaks, or summer get aways with your friends. Make it happen because you will never look as good in a bathing suit again!
- don't take the full loan amount. It will take you eleven years to pay it off...at 2{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} interest.
- be active on campus! It is college after all and when you hear about other people's experiences later on, you'll wish you had.
Lastly, enjoy the experience. One day you will wake up, have a spouse, two kids, and a dog...and you're trying to go back! Only this time....you won't look as good in a bathing suit.
Amber
I have gained knowledge that could not be attained without a secondary education. I have made great friends, met wonderful professors and I have gained a self confidence that would have been nearly impossible to reach in everyday life. Although I'm just beginning, UT Tyler is definitely going to make me the intelligent, career ready person so I can go places!
JASMA
UT Tyler has given me friends for a live time. This school isn't as big as most UT system schools so its easy to meet new people and become friends in no time. Even if you met someone only once, the next time you see them they will remember and you all will speak to each other. This has also been a great school for networking. The Career Center here provides its students with the maxiumum amount of opprotunities to get an internship or possiblely a job through mulitple job fairs. However the most important thing i think i have gotten out of my experience here is the sense of belonging. When you feel like you belong somewhere, you do much better. Feeling like I belonged here made my college years seem much more valuable.
Areli
As a freshman in college, I have gone through major changes and obstacles; leaving home, meeting new people, paying my own bills, and picking up after myself are just a few things I have had to accustom to. Even though it has been hard I am thankful for the obstacles thrown at me because it has made me a much more responsible individual, and I am able to view life in a very different way. Attending college has made me realize what the real world is really all about and what I want to make of myself. This year has been filled with new expierences that made me uncomfortable at times but as each day goes by I am grateful because I am able to view the world differently and set my priorities straight.
Jordan
Playing a varsity sport while juggling classes has brought me to an understanding of what it takes to handle multiple responsibilties at the same time. I really like the way coaches focus us on school more than sports.
David
I have gotten the chance to better myself through a great education. The campus is practically a private school education at a state school price. The experience of attending this college has been so valuable because it is preparing me for my future as well as providing plenty of opportunities to get involved both in my community and in my campus. I love that UT Tyler has a ton of socially geared events in order to get people involved in each others lives. The few years I will spend at UT Tyler will not easily be forgotten and the education I recieve will last a lifetime!
Amanda
I would tell my high school self to learn how to study for comprehensive exams. My high school allowed students to be exempt from final exams and I never learned the study habits that it takes in college. I was shocked when it came to take my first college final and I didnt know the right study ways. I would also tell my high school self to always read read read. In order to be sucessful in college, reading is necessary. I wouls also tell myself that I should take my time to have fun and meet new people. I was on the dance team for 2 years and I didnt branch out as much as I would have like. I am taking the next to years to really get to know all my Level 1 mursing classmates on a personal friendship level.
Laura
College has been a great experience so far and I thoroughly enjoy the daily challenges of becoming a more mature individual. However, if I could start over again, I would get more involved with the school and better organize my daily schedule. Being involed in college is very important because this allows you to meet more students, which leads to valuable friendships. This also allows you to meet more staff, giving you the opportunity to build connections, a very important skill for both school and the workforce. Getting involved in different clubs and organizations also looks great on resumes for the future! Secondly, I would also put more emphasis on my daily organization. Using a planner is a great tool to the difficult task of prioritizing. Grades always come first so studying should be at the top of the list. It is also important to incorporate time for excercise and fun with friends, because this will alow you to be healthy and get the most out of the college experience. Sleep is another vital aspect that should be incorporated because this allows you fully recharge and have energy through out the day. These two changes can be very beneficial!