The University of West Florida Top Questions

I would give myself the advice to do take the ACT or SAT as many times as one can take because you do not want to take up time in taking classes that are credited to your degree.

Spend more time thinking about what I want to major in so I don't get behind in classes. Maybe even start out at a community college while deciding then transfer to a University.

I would go an visit my school and its' surroundings more to become familair with the environment.

I would tell myself to make best friends with the library, to study Socrates, and to lose myself in the labyrinth of history. I'd make sure that I worked well honestly. I'd let myself know that the right questions were often enough more important than the right answers. I'd try to make sure that I learned that no one would be there to make sure my work was finished, or to remind me when there was more to be done. I'd tell myself that a professor can be approached when things get confusing, that they are there to assist in the pursuit of knowledge. I'd recommend that I get well aquainted with coffee and, last, but certainly not least, I'd recommend that I pay more attention to my mom when she's doing laundry.

The most important piece of information I could give my high school-self about college would be to prepare financially. I took for granted that my parents would send me to college, so I did not pursue scholarships. My father was diagnosed with cancer my senior year and, despite being retired military and having a supplementary insurance, my family went bankrupt. I would tell my high school-self to prepare for the worst case scenario and to go after any scholarships that I might qualify for. I was not able to get federal grants until I was 24 years old, so I spent 5 years working a cash register, driving a beat up 1984 Chevrolet Caviler, and watching my friends get their degrees before I could ever get started. Not only was I delayed in pursuing my professional dreams, my father passed away without seeing me go to college. Having his PhD, I know it troubled him greatly that I was not getting to live up to my full potential. I would reveal to my high school-self that with perseverance I was able to get a bachelor's in English and a master's in administration.

The first thing I would inform myself of, if I could go back, is to always be on time and prepared for class. For example, if something needs to be printed for an early class, print it the night before and always save the work to a flash drive. I would also tell myself to branch out and not just surround myself with the same kind of people, get to know others, respect and accept their values and different belief. Also, I would tell myself to always get to know the professor on a one to one basis, for all classes, that way if help was ever needed I would not feel uncomfortable approaching the teacher for additional help in or out side of the class room. The last thing I would tell myself is to have fun, make alot of friends, and not stress so much over things that can be fixed.

Please continue to fight for what you know is right for you do not allow others to change who you are inside. Remember to watch the warning signs you do not deserve to be in the abusive home no matter what you grew up with there is real happiness out there for you and for others. Remember to help all you can and keep your head up, don't weat your heart on your sleeve and please let something be about you and don't waste so many years on everyone else who only hurt you in the end.

Make sure you make decisions that you think are best for yourself and not for someone else. Your future is in your hands and you have to do what you want to do. Don't let anyone convince you to do anything other than what you want.

Think more of what you want in life. Don't worry about frivolous things and focus on education. Getting past the simple things and seeing the important ones is essential to getting through the college experience. It'll be worth it. Just stay focused.

I would be bette prepared. I though college would be somewhat like high school but it was totally differant. In high school you have people to hold your hand or help you get through various classes, but in college half of the professor don't know your name they ony know you by numbers. I woud have been more mature and tried to be more independent rather than wait on the teacher for everything.