University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

“That phrase you keep muttering to yourself, that ‘everything’s gonna be okay’? That's not a lie you’re trying to make yourself believe. It’s the truth. Everything is going to be okay.” This is what I would tell my high school senior self because that year was the hardest I have ever gone through. Because of my parents’ divorce and home foreclosure, my older sister and I had to live alone in an apartment. With my family shattered and home taken, the depression and anger I felt consumed everything making school nearly impossible. I failed one class and almost failed several others, despite my previous 3.5 GPA. I never even applied to colleges and had no idea what I’d do once I graduated with no money and horrible grades. I pretty much gave up. I didn’t believe things would turn out alright. Yet, they did. It was really difficult but everything worked out perfectly. So if I could go back and give myself advice, it’d be to never give up and to push through the pain. No matter how screwed up things are, keep fighting to stay alive because it will get better.

Although I dont think I would really listen to myself, because many people told me the same, I would tell myself to take school a bit more seriously. Even as I took AP courses and honors classes in High School, I would still tell myself to push further into my education. I didn't realize back then that I could have gotten much more ahead if I tried harder to get better grades and take all the classes I could. I got a bit lazy my last year and, as a result, I am a bit behind in my plans to double major. Also, I would tell myself to decide more quickly and confidently on my major(s) of choice. I do not regret the decisions I made regarding my majors, but I wish I could've done it sooner. Lastly, I would tell myself to noot waste time on te people I knew were not going to be there for me permanently and that I would come to school to form new, and better, relationships of all kinds. Don't worry Rachel; everything will be ok, better than ok.

If i could have a chat with high school seinor Aaron, i would encorage him to remain focused and determined to finish college. I was still wet behind the ears when my parents droped an immature eighteen-year-old off at college. I did not have the drive and commitment required to complete my degree. I failed most of my courses and was released on academic suspention in only one school year. I moved around working constructrion for five years. five interesting years that i don't regret, they taught me alot about life and the hardships that come from not having a college degree. Two years ago I found a degree program at a local community college that interested me, Viticulture and wine technology. I have completed the two year degree and plan on starting the 4 year degree in the fall. High school Aaron had no idea what he was stepping off into, but if I could talk with him I would tell him not to fear, the Lord has his back and he won't regret any of it. But life will be simpler if he stays commited to his education and finish what he starts.

Remember to let yourself experience new things and enjoy the first year because it is easier to keep up with GE courses and do whatever you want like stay up til 5 am and go to a 8 am class, then to take upper division classes in later years and try to have a social life.

First of all I’d like to ask you to work harder and to not procrastinate so much. Secondly, do not rush into college; take a semester off now to get your head together instead of jumping into a school you don’t even want to go to. Take the time to think about what you want with your life and stop trying to please your parents. Think about it for a few weeks, months, even years, as long as it takes, and when you know- that’s when you go to college; that’s when you succeed. Choosing a school is not like choosing a shirt, invest time into the decision and think about where you are going to belong. And let me tell you that UCO is not what you are looking for; it is a simple solution, a quick fix, but it is not the school for you, it will become more of a problem for you than a solution. So really, the best advice I can give you is to think. Think long and hard about who you are and who you could be. But most importantly don’t let anyone stand in your way.

I would definitely tell myself to apply for more scholarships! Also to go out of my way to make even more lasting relationships with professors and proffesionals in various fields. However most importantly, to save up enough to not have to work 2 or 3 jobs during my college experience so that I would be able to really enjoy just being a student.

You'll be surprised how many people don't have common sense.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, first I'd tell myself to relax. High school was stressful in that I couldn't see what was ahead of me. I was so worried that I wouldn't "cut it" in college and I wouldn't find my place. When in reality, going away to UCSC was the best decision I ever made. I'd tell myself to stop thinking of all the "what ifs?" and just trust myself and my choices. I'd tell myself to take a more active role in my classes and try to make learning fun. And most importantly, I'd tell myself that college isn't just about getting a degree. It's about becoming the person you want to be for the rest of your life; it's about the experience. Academics are important, but if you can't apply them to real situations, then your knowledge is useless. I'd tell myself to think hard about what I want out of college so I could make the best of it. I like to think I have done that though, and wouldn't need to go back.

If i were to give myself advice as a high school senior i would say that personal motivation is a must and to try your best at everything. I would let myself know that college comes with many distraction and that there are going to be times when you want to be lazy and not do anything; but with self motivation you can do anything.

College is just a step and it is different for everyone. Let down your expectations and do not be afraid to commit. Commitment is intimidating, but the only things worth doing are things you must commit to. Commitment does not mean that the path of your life is set in stone; it means you don't know what to expect and you're still willing to run with it. So embrace friendships with people you thought could never be your friend. Attend classes and clubs you could never see yourself joining. Take on a job or internship you never thought you would succeed at. Don't let yourself become stagnant, go abroad, play capoeira, take an art class, or learn to study just a tad more- you'll be surprised what the tipping point might be. Don't stress because in the end, all things work out.