University of Arizona Top Questions

?Character cannot be developed in ease...only through experience of... suffering can the soul be strengthened... and success achieved." -Helen Keller (1880-1968) I attended the same college-preparatory charter school from 6th grade through graduation. I didn't get to experience things that most other high-school students do, such as football games or prom. I spent my time studying as hard as I could under the impression that it would be worth it when I was accepted into the university of my choice. However, one thing my adviser didn't tell me was that when I was accepted into the college of my dreams, I would be unable to attend due to financial reasons. If I knew then what I know now, I would encourage myself to be realistic about college and take myself less seriously. It's important to experience more than academia in high-school, so you're ready for college. However, unlike other students who I am sure have faced similar problems, I was forced to endure a terrible personal tragedy in my freshman year. I would tell myself to call my grandparents every day and say I love them. I will always regret this.

The advice I would give my high school self would be small yet brilliant ideas. I would tell myself that I will be best friends with my roommate so don't worry about it. Then I would give myself advice that I should bring shelves, food, and decorations. By bringing these items, the dorm room will feel like my home and I will be comfortable after moving in. I would reccommend that I should buy a new bike and buy a basket for that bike. Lastly, I would emphasise the need to research the teachers I was going to have beforehand. I had a horrible math teacher my first semester so I would make sure I wouldn't take that class. It is important to have a good teacher so that the student will understand the concepts. If the teacher is aweful then how can the student learn? I would emphasize this to myself to make sure I understand. Overall I would reassure myself that college is where I should be and that I will love it. Attending this University is the best descision that I have made so far in my life.

When I was a senior I was worried that one of the only campus activities would be parties and drinking. I quickly found out that it is not very hard to find a supportive group of friends that enjoys almost any activity, especially the ones you enjoy yourself. I would reassur myself of this fact to eliminate anxiety. Also, I would suggest, especially for someoen travelling so far from home to be as open minded as possible to their new surroundings, no matter how different they are. It will not help you to be intimidated or judgemental about people around you, as they may very well become your family away from home and friends for life. Once you have found your own space in the world, never be afraid to ask those around you for help. Everyone needs to support each other in order to make it through the college experience. Lastly, never be afraid to make a fool of yourself. Never let a fear of failure stop you trying something new or taking a class that interests you. On that note, always be open to new experiences and you will get the most out of college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to take it easy. The transition from living at home with your parents, to living on your own in a dorm without parents takes a huge responsibility. I've found that in my first semester of college I took advantage of my freedom, not to the point of getting in trouble with the law, but to the point that I felt guilty. As a student in high school, your parents are around so you are controlled, in college there is no one around to tell you what to do and things get hectic. I would let myself know that the rest of my life is ahead of me and I don't have to rush into things so quickly, instead to take things with ease and slowly learn. If I would have done this I think my first semester would have gone over more smooth, but at this point I also wouldn't know as much as I know now.

Relax. You have time. Realize that yes, college will be hard, it will test you mentally, physically, and most important, emotionally. Even with all of the challenges however, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of you life. As long as you keep focus and remember you have family and friends that love and support you, you will do fun. It may seem stressful now but you will be fine. Apply yourself to your schoolwork and always make the deadlines. College is about balance. Don't think you have to beat yourself up over every little mistake. You are going to make a mistake, probably more that once. Mistakes are not just a part of college but also life. The important thing is to learn from them and do better the next time. It's okay to not be perfect, no one is. And even if it seems impossible to leave your high school friends and your family now, it will be alright, they are never further than a phonecall away. You will meet so many new people and friends and in no time you will be an independent, successful woman. Be prepared and have fun at graduation!!

If I could go back in time, the most helpful advice I could give myself (aside from advising myself against my high school fashion choices and charming strangers in clubs) is to stop worrying so much. As a high school senior, I was worried that I wouldn't do well in school, that I wouldn't make friends, that I would fail out and disappoint everyone. In reality, college life wasn't so bad at all and there were always people; classmates and faculty alike, who were more than willing to help out. I sold myself short in my first year of college because I was afraid to step outside my comfort zone; I avoided classes I thought would be too hard and people I didn't think would accept me. My time-travelling self would smack my high-school-senior self and tell me to stop being ridiculous! I would encourage myself to take chances; talk to new people, take difficult classes, apply for scholarships, study abroads, jobs, anything! I think taking the stress and pressure off of myself would have helped greatly, the transition doesn't have to be intimidating, just be open and ready for anything!

I would first off try to REALLY encourage myself to research different areas of study that I would be interested in studying. It is a great help to start college pursuing a degree that you are content with. It is not always bad to change your mind, but make sure you do that soul searching in first year if possible. The main goal is to not get behind on coursework. It is also immensely helpful to keep up with your classes. Do your homework in advance as it will help retain the information better and will result in better grades. DON'T GIVE UP! If you have trouble understanding a hard subject, just ask for help. There are many different FREE resources you can go to get help on campus. Start making friends in all your classes. It will be very helpful when the time comes to study for exams and discuss homework assignments. Make sure to attend all your classes! Try and live life with no regrets and make the most of your time spent at the University of Arizona. Before you know it, the years will go by and you WILL have something to show for it!

I would tell myself that everything is going to be ok and to just breathe. When I was a senior in high school, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant mellanoma. It was probably one of the hardest points in my life. It is hard to hear that the woman that I admire and love so much, may not live for another year. I was not sure if going to school away from home was best for me, especially when my family was struggling with my mom's recent news and the expenses that come alone with that. My mom and dad insisted that I go to school as planned. I have made wonderful friends, love my classes, and most importantly my mom is doing great. Knowing now how everything has turned out, I would tell my old self that yes some days are hard, you will cry, you will struggle, but everything is making you a better and stronger person. Also, by going to school as planned I am making my mom happy by having her see me happy and loving life. I am being the best Eleanor for my mom and myself.

I would have told myself that it's okay to go to a in-state University. Though out of state universities ofer great advantages their is also a huge advantage to being near home. Eventhough I wanted to go to an IV University I have found that the University of Arizona was actually the right fit for me. I also would have told myself to apply to a smaller amount of schools because in the end you only go to on University. I also would have told myself to take things easier and to not myake my senior year so hard. In the end, I believe that if I had not taken so many AP classes I would have been able to learn the imformation easier and faster. Now knkowing what I know, I take the time so that whenever I get into a situation that I got into highschool, I basically tell myself to have patience and listen.

My family has always been very close. I grew up acting as a second mother to my two little brothers, helping them with homework and packing their lunches. I never thought my mom could not do the job, I just loved helping my little brothers grow up. What was scariest about the thought of leaving was no longer being a close role model to my brothers. I was very hesitant to leave my family behind and venture to another state away from my main support system. I was afraid to give up watching my brothers grow up. My college experience has proven to me that the bond a family has does not change with distance and I am greatful for that. Worried that I would turn into someone my family no longer knew, I would tell myself that the transition from living at home to being independent is not scary but instead exciting. The shift in life style does not change you completely but instead improves on the person you were to help create the successful person you will become.