University of Arkansas at Little Rock Top Questions

Dear 25 year old Lisa Marie, Hi Lisa-Marie! If you are reading this, it is because I wrote myself a letter and sent it back in time to give myself advice about college life and becoming an adult. By the way, you age beautifully! My advice to myself is as follows: 1) UNDERSTAND STUDENT LOANS AND DEBT...this is a biggie!!! 2)RELAX once and awhile, enjoy yourself a little bit, it's ok! 3)TAKE CLASSES YOU LOVE and will want to do in the future. 4)SUCK

Michelle, major in what it is that you want to major in. You are the one that has to be happy and enjoy the field that you are in, let no one change your mind.

If I could turn back the hands of time, I would tell my high school self to focus on school and graduating. It is ok to party and attend social functions, but not let it consume and distract you from the main purpose of being in college to earn a degree. College is also a place where you will meet many new and exciting people. If you aren’t ready to be away from friends and family, then pick a school close to home. If you are the adventurous type then travel across the states to go to school. Most importantly have fun, while setting the groundwork for your life. It’s ok to be undecided on what your major will be and it’s also ok to change that major more than once. Remember you enter college as a child, but leave as an adult.

I would tell myself to be prepared, and that procrastination isn't my bestfriend, that I need to be prepared and ready for anything the professors throw at me. To know that I can do it, and that I'm strong enough to make it. That the classes, are challenging and nothing is going to be easy or handed to me. That I need to use a planner to keep things organized ad straight and rember to now wait to the last minute. That high school and college are two differnt enviroments that I can't compare, and I need to be ready and disciplined because it you're not ready college can either be a good thing or a bas one. It depends on how you handle it, you need to be responsible, and trustworthy in collefe and know what your doing.

It's really not as hard as you think. Yeah, you do have to study a little more, but it's actually fun because its what you want to study. Its okay to take a couple years off if you want to, but I promise that you will love it! There are so many awesome people to get to know and you can always have a few more friends. The opportunities ahead are amazing and no matter what, your instructors and other class mates will be there for you if you need them so don't ever hesitate to ask. There are no lockers so you have to carry your books around, unless you get to campus early everyday and get a good parking spot, that way you can just leave your books in your car and exchange them out between classes. Well, good luck. Hope all goes well, I'm proud of you!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student I would off top say to take school more serious. Take the advantage at getting an education while it is free. Nothing hurts more that knowing you may not reach your dreams because of money issues. A high ACT score and GPA gives you more opportunities. Sports are fun but don't let them consume your life. Nothing is promised and sports can only get you so far. When picking a school, weigh out your options. Go where you want to go! Have faith in yourself and stay positive. God will help you get through the struggles. Never doubt yourself. Sometimes you want to give up but you have to stay strong. Do alot of research on colleges you are intrested in and fill out every scholarship you can. Never give up I have faith in you, I have faith in us.

I would tell myself as a high school senior several things. First, I would tell myself to go straight through school for as long as possible without working. Many of the things I thought were important then (such as clothes, music, etc.) are not nearly as important in hindsight. An education will be important for a lifetime, and the older you get with more responsibilities, the harder it is to balance. Second, keep a record of grades and accomplishments because you forget and will need them on your resume. Do community service. Your community is in need of educated service members and your gifts. The lives you touch just by being a positive influence are priceless, and you may never be aware of all the lives that you influence, but trust that you did as many will say later to others outside of your hearing range. These may even be people that you do not remember, but that remember you. Third, follow your heart and pick a major you love. Never do something just for the money. If you don't like it, you won't be able to do it well enough to see the money.

If I could go back and give myself advice it would be that life after high school gets better. My senior year of high school was rough. My junior year, I moved to a school that promoted creativity and individuality. During my senior year, I was figuring out who I was and who I wanted to be in the future. Unfortunately, there were a few girls in my class that did not agree with me. They made my senior year, a year that was supposed to be special, into a very tough year. I didn’t want to go to class for fear of what they would do/say and I couldn’t sleep due to stress. The fun and excitement that were supposed to go along with graduating just weren’t there. During my freshman year of college, I found like minded people. I made new friends and found a place where I belonged. The bullying that I had suffered no longer had control over my life. I’d love to go back in time and tell myself that life gets better, and that there is no reason to allow bullies to stifle the person you want to be.

For women, never wear HIGH HEELS! That obviously makes you a freshmen because the campus is very big! Always have an umbrella, especially during the fall semester! And never wear pajamas. It is very tacky! Also, get involved with on-campus organizations. It's a good way to get the experience you need and learn different things about opportunities and scholarships.

I would have told myself to not worry about dating and keep your head in your books. Also keep my grades up and go to all my classes.