Cariss
If I could go back and talk to myself again, I would stress the importance of applying for as many scholarships as possible. I would have exhausted the search and spent as much time filling out applications as possible. It would have been really nice if my first degree could have been paid for entirely by scholarships.
I also would stress the importance of staying on track. I took a break from school before going back and finishing my first degree and it was very hard to return to school and get back into my old study habits. However, I was successful.
Now, as I am starting a new career path and attending a trade school, I know how important it is to apply for scholarships and to stay focused at the task at hand. I am disciplined in my studies and hope to receive as many scholarships as possible based on my GPA and need.
Cheryl
If I could go back in time I would tell myself that college is fun as long as you know how to manage your time and take the right classes. But overall do not rush through it, enjoy the experience because once your out then its time to take on the same responsibility your parents did. Also, at first, transitioning may become a little intimidating knowing the people that have put in some years in school; do not be afraid to ask questions because what you do not know you can not solve. Last but not least, be yourself and have fun.
Dominique
I would tell myself to continue to be strive for excellence. Being that college is so expensive, i would advise that i seek more scholarships and grants from the government because its so important to have money for school. Also to partipate a little more in activities around campus.
Jessica
I would tell myself to apply for financial aid as early as possible. Due to the large number of students, financial aid is difficult to find. I would also tell myself that it's okay to call Mom and Dad when I'm in a difficult situation. Just because I'm finally on my own doesn't mean I can't go to them with my problems and ask for their advice. They would be extremely flattered, and I'll more than likely feel much better. Finally, I would tell myself that time management is key. It's important to keep a strong balance between school work, studying, being an active part of campus, and making time for myself as well as off-campus activities. Yes, college is about learning and earning a great education, but if you don't allow yourself a strong balance of all these things, craziness and being overwhelmed will ensue. It's important to experience all college has to offer. After all, it's one of the best and most memorable times life offers.
nedley
I would tell myself to get more involved and do more dual enrollment classes to get better involved. Also, to learn how to do a better job of time management and make more money and not waste it on useless things.
Rachel
If I had the opportunity to travel back in time and give advice to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to buck up and get studying. I find that learning how to study is one of the most important things I ever did, and I only regret that I didn't do it sooner. I continually revise my study methods and push myself to do more and more often. While I graduated high school with a good GPA, I could have done so much better if I had only put forth more work. I was one of the lazier ones when it came to my high school coursework, and simply coasted by without trying -- because I could. I didn't listen to my peers telling me that it got harder in college; I'd heard that all throughout middle school and high school and it hadn't gotten harder at all. I feel as though I needed a kick in the butt from someone I respected and believed, not just a guidance counselor. If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would have provided myself with flash cards and note-taking methods.
Melissa
Hello! Don't worry, you'll make the right decisions. Don't worry about the path you've chosen because it'll only cause you undue stress- you'll get where you need to go, and you'll be satisfied with the result. Oh, but you might want and try to persuade mom to let you live off campus. I tried and she never let me, and I ended up having to spend thousands of dollars in extra housing costs to appease her :(
maya
If I could talk to myself back in high school I would say RUN away from the boys there so not worth it. Make sure to study, get the most out of your high school career. Include after-school activites in your life it's worth it in the end....study..study.....study and your mother was right about everything.... just don't attempt to her you'll never live it down, have fun with your friends and be a kid. You'll have plenty of time to be stressed out when you get to college.
Ida McKenna
I would definitely tell myself to get my time management together. My first semester in college was a mess of missed classes and late assignments because I was so used to the constant reminders of high school. Senior year is a breeze with everyone always telling you when it's time to do things- take the SAT, apply to college, take final exams. College is much different- teachers give few if any reminders of assignments and exams, and both are worth a much larger percent of your final grade. Thankfully, I've learned a lot more discipline, and as a recovering procrastinator I can definitely say college has made me a more responsible person.
Lacey
I would give the advice to do exactly what I'm doing. High school should prepare you for college and you have to stay being active and doing different activities. I would say to myself tor remember that academics are key, but doing sports, volunteering, and being apart of the different organizations will help you adapt to the college life. I would tell myself to get the best grades you can so you can pepare for the hard work it takes in college. I would also say to remember to have fun because college takes a lot of hard work and effort, and high school is just a stepping stone.
Ashlee
When I graduated high school I thought I was fully prepared for college. However, I quickly realized I was not! In high school, I didn’t have to study much and spent my free time hanging out with friends. I picked up information easily and scored high on most of my tests. I thought college would be a breeze. Needless to say, college is much tougher than high school! If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to start studying right then and there. I think this would have made it easier to study in college. Studying in high school would have allowed me to learn more study skills and also retain more important information.
I would also tell my high school self that college isn’t about partying and having a good time. Although college can be fun, the most important thing to remember is focusing on your education. Therefore, I would tell myself to pay attention in class and focus on what I really want in life. I think this would have helped me balance college work, extra-curricular activities, and my social life.
Joseph
Transitioning to college is an interesting and fun time, it is a time where you finally get to be your own person, to really get to know yourself. The transition is easy and will happen regardless, the difficult part of the transition is learning how to transition well, to adequetly adapt to life away from your parents, and to learn vast amounts of knowlege; however, most importantly, to learn about yourself and to never let anyone take that from you.
Catherine
Get a liscense - you can't meet people with that wishy-washy attitude of yours! Be more open and quit hiding behind your brother. You are a real person and it's time to step up and face the world. Being 18 and in college means that the world now accepts you as an individual so it's time to get ready for that and become more independent. And please, don't pick up bad habits like procrastination this time...
Brenda
The most important advice I would give myself would be to take complete advantage of all of the opportunities offered. For example, I was an Advanced Placement student throughout my high school career and although I passed some of my AP exams I did not take all of those classes seriously because I did not realize the benefits of applying myself. I would make myself study hard and take as many AP and Dual-enrollment courses as I possibly could so that by the time I start college I could be atleast half-way done. I am a low income student and this could have alleviated all the troubles of paying for tuition and personal expenses. High school students do not realize how essential and beneficial AP courses and exams are to their post-secondary education. I would take full advantage of all the programs offered at my high school if I could ever go back in time. Senior year could have been just as much fun with just a little more studying. College life would have been a lot easier to deal with.
Lakia
Knowing what I know now. I would definitely go back and tell myself to stay determined because college can sometimes be overwhelming. Even scary! I would tell myself to be ready to go through a few hardships but to make sure that I stay motivated. I would also tell myself to keep every single email I get from my teachers so that I can go back and review anything I may have forgot.
Nathaniel
If I could go back in time and give advice to the senior version of myself, I would probably go insane and jump out of a window. However, if I had the knowledge I have now when I was a senior I would have done a few things differently.
Firstly, I would make sure that I passed all of my AP exams, especially Calculus. Going into senior year I had only failed one exam, but I failed most of the six AP exams I took in my final act of high school. Passing those exams would have made a world of difference in my course selections thus far and would have allowed more flexibility in my schedule.
I would have also given more time to priorities, such as certain friends, school, and alone time. I had a tough time balancing everything senior year with my responsibilities eventually catching up to me (AP exams proved that), and I never had time to simply relax and breathe.
The final thing I would do differently would be to not start a relationship with my dear friend since she moved out of state when we graduated. Now thoughts of her constantly plague my mind.
Melissa
Before making the transition from high school to college, I wish I had known that college was a lot less stressful than I anticipated. High school for me was very fast-paced and demanding. I wish I could have told myself that college classes are something you have much more control over and not to worry about the future.
Jamie
Positivity, productivity, and passion are more than just words to me because my experience at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has led me to embody these words with my whole heart and soul. UCF has given me a greater view of myself and the world as a whole. I’ve become a better leader, learner, and individual in general. At UCF, I've learned the value of servant leadership, diversity, knowledge, and becoming something greater than myself. This university is giving me all I need to succeed, but only part of what I’ve learned has come from the classroom. The rest is from the people and opportunities I’ve experienced at this university. When I graduate, I’ll have more than a degree, I’ll have experiences that benefit me in the long run and memories that last a lifetime. I will have been a part of a legacy of excellence, community, and involvement. I will leave UCF a better place and UCF will continue to make me into a leader who can help shape the world into a better place as well.
Matthew
When I first transferred to the University of Central Florida from Daytona State College I was majoring in Information Technology. Even though I struggled in those classes the professors were willing to stay after class to help me be successful. After careful consideration I changed my major to Health Services Administration and have found my calling. I am excelling in my classes and I am very appreciative of all the encouragement that I have recieved. Although UCF is one of the largest schools in the nation you will experience a small college atmosphere. Besides the great education, you will also experience great friendships, great sporting events, well-known speakers and much more. UCF is an all around great college at a great value.
Shauntae
Education is vital for the developmental of wisdom and knowledge. Even though attaining educational goals may seem challenging, the mere significance of getting an education gives me the initiative to continue. I find an enjoyment joining organizations to treasure the academics and culture of college.
During spring break last year I went with Campus Crusade for Christ to Chicago for an opportunity to mentor students living in a high crime area. While I was there, tutoring these students I saw their great desire to use education as a means to leave the slums of Chicago and then pursue a better lifestyle for themselves and their families. The children eagerness to learn simple math problems despite their deteriorating economic and social environment reassured my initial plans to immerse myself in my studies.
I once lived in such a community where gangs roamed the streets and gunshots rang until morning. I refused to allow that environment to seize my pursuit of higher education. Thus enjoying my college experiences is not solely dependent upon getting straight A’s or getting involved in organizations instead it’s defines my sense of achievement and success so that I can inspire others to do the same.