Darby
If I was able to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry. I would make sure it was clear that I am not making a mistake by choosing to attend Tiffin University. Also, I would tell myself that I would have a chance to meet incredible people and make friends who will be there for me when I need them. I would explain how much I enjoy my classes and the opportunity to learn and gain my Tiffin education. Finally I would reassure my past self that I will be alright and that going to college will not cause me to become someone unfamiliar, but to transform into a happier more confident version of myself.
Lori
We need to talk. Over here, in the mirror. No, you aren't hallucinating, it’s me, your future self. We’ll talk about eye creams later, but right now, let's talk about college. I know you don’t want to go to college because you haven’t figured out what you want to do with your life yet, but you need to change that plan, and go now. You'll love it, I promise, but you need to get it done while you’re young so you can enjoy a family and career later. And you need to put some of your paycheck toward school and not borrow every penny. Don't create a fortune in student loans. You can start small; go to community college, and once you take a few gen ed classes, you will figure out what your passion is. Think big, like doctorate big, in chemistry, medicine, or behavioral sciences. You can do it, I know you can, but let’s do it when your twenty something instead of when you’re forty something, and with a six figure paycheck, not a six figure price tag. Now, about those eye creams…
Kelsey
I would tell myself to expand my mind. College is a place of development and I would need to understand the differences between leaving high school and a sheltered life to going to college in a different city and expanding my mind to the different people, the different views, the multitude of options for classes, careers, activities, etc. I would also tell my high school self that college is not as hard as people make it seem. I would tell myself that college is what I you make; if you make it hard, that is your perception; if you make it easy, that is your perception. Last thing I would tell myself is if you believe you are up for the challenge and are willing to expand your mind, then you can do it.
Alexis
The adivce I would give myself, if I could go back in time is to fill out more scholarship application. That even though they can be a pain, it would help mom and I in the future.
Thank you for considering me.
kristopher
When I was a high school senior I was fearful of the world. With only my mother and sisters to guide me, I leaned on them to help me through every step and challenge that I faced. Going into college I have really grown as a person. I have done things, such as joining a fraternity, Christian outreach programs and various community service projects, that I would have never done without someone accompanying me or just because I was afraid to let go. If I could tell my senior self what to do in college and the transition that I made, I would tell him to never be afraid of exploring new things. Even now I feel that I could do so much more and without the fear of rejection or wanting support holding me back I can enjoy life to the fullest in academics and socially. I would tell him to get out of his comfort zone and stop worrying about life's troubles, but instead to live for now and never tstop to question the opportunities that are in front of you.
Pajah
If I were to offer my high school self some valuable advice based upon what I know now, I would tell myself to have more fun. I was always working hard, always concentrating, studying and preparing for the future. I was so fixated upon what my future would hold that I was not attentive to the present. Slow down, be present. I would tell myself that yes education is important, and you are excelling in it, but communication is also important, socialization is equally essential to success. In high school I had poor communication skills despite my outstanding GPA and it has been a hinderance. Put away the books for just a moment, go to prom, experience the social world and gain confidence. You are already book smart, but you must also be people smart if you wish to successful enter into the professional world.
Amanda
1.Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes. – Mistakes teach you important lessons. The biggest mistake you can make is doing nothing because you’re too scared to make a mistake. So don’t hesitate – don’t doubt yourself.
2.Find hard work you love doing. – If I could offer my 18-year-old self some real career advice, I’d tell myself not to base my career choice on other people’s ideas, goals and recommendations.
3.Explore new ideas and opportunities often. – Your natural human fears of failure and embarrassment will sometimes stop you from trying new things.
4.People are not mind readers. Tell them what you’re thinking. – People will never know how you feel unless you tell them.
5.Make swift decisions and take immediate action. – Either you’re going to take action and seize new opportunities, or someone else will first.
6.Accept and embrace change. – However good or bad a situation is now, it will change. That’s the one thing you can count on.
7.Ask questions. – The greatest ‘adventure’ is the ability to inquire, to ask questions.
8.Live below your means. – Live a comfortable life, not a wasteful one.
Desiree
I would tell myself to stop procrastinating. I procrastinated a lot as a senior when it came to college. I figured that everything would eventually happen, and while it did I am still regretting it. I would tell myself to stop being lazy and fill out every scholarship possible, even the one's with the essays. I did not realize how much I needed scholarships because college is extremely expensive and I almost did not get a loan in order to go my first year. Every scholarship helps, no matter what the amount is. I would also tell myself to stop worrying so much about what college is like and if I would make friends. College is amazing and I absolutely loved my first year. Friends are so easy to make as long as you don't stay in your room and you put yourself out there. Mainly, I would tell myself to just be yourself and don't try to be someone else. Not everyone is going to like you, but hte right people will. Once you love who you are, the colllege experience becomes so much more memorable. That is the advice I would give myself.
Katrina
Don't let other people affect your decision to which college you are going to attend, you are attending the school not them. Look at what the school has to offer and then the cost of the school. There are many options to attend a school that cost a lot, such as financial aid, grant, work study, summer jobs or jobs outside of school, scholarships, contests, etc. Make sure you have breaks because they can become handy when projects are due. Take the maximum classes you can handle but make sure to plan them well.
Cody
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take any opportunity that comes around. I studied abroad in Taiwan to learn Mandarin Chinese. Being in a different culture for 10 months, you open your mind up to new things and ideas. Use this to change who you are and better the world. You may not realize it now, but down the road you will do something that can change the world for good. You will encounter many new friendships, adventures and new skills that carry you through anything. Moving from one country to another isn't easy, but it will motivate you even more towards your dreams. Never allow yourself to give up, push through anything and enjoy yourself. You will have your ups and downs, but it'll teach you something in the end. When you leave your friends from around the world, you'll come to the realization that life is a combination of the people whom you spend it with and yourself that make it worth living. Also, listen to mom's words because she will always be there.
Faith
If I could go back into time and talk to myself I would tell myself to get more involved in activities and not be so scared of making new friends. I was to scared to let go of my high school friends and make new friends that by the end of the 2 months I spent every day and night alone. Once you realize that you need to make new friends college becomes a lot more fun. Also, the more activities you get involved in, the more you can add on to you resume. This then makes you have a very good resume because it shows that you are a well rounded person. Also, I would tell myself that I actually have to study for tests and quizes. In high school I could pass a class without studying because they were easier, but college classes are ten times harder. Finally I would tell myself to knock off with senioritis.
Sarah
As a high school senior, I did not really have any expectations for college life yet. I did not have anyone close to me that went away for school, nor did I have any older siblings go away, so I could not really ask for much advice. The thoughts that did go through my head, though, were mostly worries. I worried about money, my living conditions, and the athletic team I would be competing for. I also worried about missing my family and getting homesick, or hating being away. People can try to tell you what it will be like, but everyone's experience is different. So, to my high school self, I would definitely stop all of the worrying. Anxiety about a huge transition like this won't help you. I would also say that the college experience is what you make it; it's what you do then and there. Although the lack of preparation freaks you out, you don't need any because everything you need to succeed is there and inside of you. Transitioning to college life will be the best and (sometimes) the hardest thing you may do. It's worth it, so keep calm.
Nicole
The advice I would give myself is to not procrastinate on a college choice. I believe I made the right decision for myself at the time, but I should have done more research and looked at better options. There are a lot of choices out there and you have to continually do your homework to find out the best matches for you. I made my choice on the programs that were available and where it was located. I chose to go somehwhere closer to home, but I feel that there were many more better choices I could have made.
Molly
If I were to have a conversation with myself as a highschool student I would bring up many things but the two main points I would bring up to myself would be, How do you plan to manage your time and what would I be doing to make friends. The advice that I would give myself would be that fro the time managment buy two alarm clocks so you are sure to be on time, and to carry a paper planner with you as well as a electronic but the most important thing would to be to buy a digital watch that has an alarm. For the social aspect I would encourage going to many of the diffrent events that the campus has within the first week due to the activities allow you to meet fellow students. I would also encourage having many diffrent friend groups just if there is any drama in one of the groups you could hang out with the other people untill the drama blows over. I would also remind myself that the home to college transition is not easy and you are going to have some trouble so dont expect everything to be perfect.
Katie
The transition to college life is more difficult than you think it will be. It is not impossible, but you need to know an accept a few things. It is not necessary to try and hold on to all of your high school friends. This will only stress you out. The ones that really matter will become clear sooner thatn you think. You are growing into the person you were meant to be and sometimes that means drifting apart from old friends. This is normal and healthy. Also, get involved! There are so many clubs and activities available to you! Keeping yourself busy will help you avoid or better handle homesickness. You will also meet the people who will become your best friends through activities to partake in. Finally, it is completely normal to go through an adjustment period. Give yourself a break. No one expects you to magically feel perfectly comfortable as soon as you arrive at school. Just keep an open mind and remember that everyone around you is or once was just as nervous and homesick as you will be at first. Everything will turn out fine. Just relax and enjoy the ride!
Dawn
Focus on school. You don't need to prove yourself to others. Popularity is not worth paying for by struggling through adulthood. You are a brilliant mind, so put that brain power to good use. After all, those people you are trying to impress will be just a fleeting memory in ten years , after you have a child of your own. So stop wasting time with delinquents and embrace your awesome nerdiness!
Alicia
I’velearned that plans naturally change as I grow and gain more knowledge. Therefore I would tell my High School senior self to be proud of going to Fullerton Community College. View your letter D grade in AP Calculus in High School as a learning opportunity to grow as a student, not an indicator of failure. Don’t beat yourself up when you can’t get a job. No one’s hiring anyway. Remember that we all have to start somewhere. Start by joining the Honors Program in college. You will fit right in. Look for as many volunteer opportunities as possible. Giving back to your home campus will give you an extra reason to look forward to school and will add purpose to your life.
It’s reasonable to be frustrated about not having all the answers when you start college. Start by seeing a counselor. Write all your questions about internships, the IGETC requirements, and college, on paper ahead of time so that you don’t choke. Most importantly, it’s okay to take a risk. Continue applying for jobs, scholarships, and for other opportunities. You won’t know you’ll win until you take a chance.
Alyssa
Be ready to work hard and accept anything that comes your way. There will be ups and downs, but in the end you can make something of yourself if you just stick with this. Be prepared to stay up late, work 30 hours a week and go to school from 8am to 2pm. Be ready to lose high school friends, and find new ones. Be ready to tell everyone that "you can" even if no one else is behind you. Try and remember what your goals are, and work a little harder even if you feel like you are giving 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. This may be college, but do not fall to peer pressure. You have never partied in high school, so do not do it now because too many people get in trouble and you can not afford to do that to yourself. No matter how hard things get just remember that in the end you are forming what kind of person you are going to be as an adult, you starting your own life and you have made an amazing decision by going to college.
vanessa
Do not reconsider if you should go to college, you will not regret deciding to attend college.