University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

To enjoy the experience while it lasts because it will be over so soon. Also, to worry less and enjoy the experience more!

If I were to talk to myself about going to college, I would start with the obvious, which would be keeping up with the readings, putting the frozen pizzas down, and going to class - no matter how early it is. I would give myself a stern talking to on the topic of money. Money - do not spend what you know you do not have. It is definitely really easy to whip out that debit/credit card and get whatever you want, until the bank statement comes in. Then your notified that you took out a 5,000 loan in the beginning of the year, I would tell myself not to get into this situation. Take out your own trash in your dorm room, so things do not get complicated between your roommate and you. I would give myself a heads -up on the whole roommate situation, by keeping your belongings on your side of the room and not to take advantage of each other. Really important advice; keeping up with homework assignments, remembering to write down important dates, and to also take notes every class no matter how irreverent the material might be, there is a connection somewhere.

When I was a senior in high school I thought I had it all planned out. I took all required classes, AP classes, participated in school activities and worked part time. Yes, I thought I was on the way to success. But I forgot the most important part. I didn?t realize what was coming over the hill. I plunged into a school miles away from my hometown with no friends in sight and no one to comfort me. I realized that while I prepared well academically I didn?t think about my social LIFE. It was such a difficult making friends and getting adjusted to live with someone I never knew in a room that could only fit two beds. Sometimes I wondered why I chose this school. Why did I go so far away? But then I realized. Because I WANTED to experience something new. If I could tell myself right before transitioning to college that it's not going to be easy and that it will take time to adjust perhaps I would have spend that time wondering about my future instead of the past. I would tell myself be strong because the best is ahead!

Listen, you are about to embark on a journey that many go through. Not everyone makes it out with their objectives complete, but that's why you've got to keep focused and inspired. Just because you aren't treated like a child anymore doesn't mean you can let loose and exclaim, "Freedom!" You have to take charge of yourself and your future. Things don't necessarily become harder to the extent that they seem impossible, yet nothing will seem like a walk in the park either. Keep your head up and don't drop your guard. Don't get too too serious, though. Reward yourself for the larger, tougher things you accomplish. Work harder for your shortcomings. From here on out, you shape what becomes of you. Don't mess it up. After all, we each have only one life to live.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself of a few things. The first would be to go to a school that will help me reach my ultimate career goal, which is to be a Photographer. Instead of going to such a large University, I would tell myself the importance of keeping my options open to smaller art schools that would provide more opportunities for me regarding my major. The second thing I would want to caution myself about is making friends. To be careful to whom you open up to and your motives behind it. It is important to branch out, join clubs, and meet as many people as possible so that if you find yourself caught up in the wrong crowd, it will be easier to leave the not-so-good-for-you friends behind. Finally, I would tell myself to stay postive and focus on my ultimate goals. To be happy, and do things for me, no matter how big or small. To smile often, and to always be open to people who will help me to grow into a stronger individual.

I would tell myself to research my school a little more so my transfer in would be more smooth. More to that, I would include taking care of my housing before I went to South America for six months. Right now I'm living in the off campus dorm which can be a hastle to catch a bus and get to campus. I would also structure my year off a little better. My volunteer work in Patagonia proved to be very fulfilling, but my time in Buenos Aires seemed a bit long. I wish I could have worked for a non-profit organization, gotten a job, or taught English to some Argintinians. That being said my trip was definitely a success, just with a few moments of being too free. I lived away from home for all of high school going to a boarding school in Southern California. This factored into my transition to living in a new place relatively easy. I would tell myself to bring a bike so I could ride to campus and not have to rely on an unrelyable bus. Apart from that I have been pretty prepared.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to give the best effort everyday. I would highly recommend to never get behind and take it one day at a time. I would also tell myself that if I don't understand the material presented , to never be afraid to ask for help , there are professors who are more than happy to help. I would also tell myself to get more socially active and involved in social activites. I agree that academics is important but a little fun is allowed as a distraction as well. I would also stress the issue of having a career plan set, when I entered college I was confused and lost about what Iwanted to major in and that added more stress to my sophmore year , so I would remind myself to have my plan set and put into effect my freshman year so that I would not fall behind. Overall, I would remind myself that I want to prove myself that I can get a college degree and be successful and in the end that is all that matters.

If I could go back to my high school self, and give myself a word of advice, I would tell myself to BREATHE. Instead of stressing about the unknowns of college, and where I was going to end up, I would tell myself to take it one step at a time, and that everything will work out for the best. I would tell myself that I need to be more disciplined about studying and going to meet with the professors. Leaving home can be a hard trasition for many people especially when one goes out of state like I did to the University of Colorado and keeping a positive attitude would be another word of advice I would have loved to give myself. Keeping a positive attitude and an altruistic view when meeting people would be crucial. Even though my transition to college was not to difficult and I felt I made friends very quickly, these previously stated ideas would be extremely helpful had I learned them in highschool.

If I could go back in time to give my high school self advice about the transition to college and college life, I would focus mainly on the importance of first semester. I would tell myself to get involved right off the bat and meet people that share common interests. I would explain how first semster, freshmen year will set up all of college, both in GPA and in being involved. I would talk about the importance of planning time wisely so that friends, family, and especially grades are not neglected. It is easy to get overwhelmed and side tracked with the amount going on and the freedom college gives you, but focus and dedication are key to succeeding. I would say to not get stressed easily. Take everything one day, and one step at a time, and when something doesn't work out, be ready to adapt. Everthing will not end up how you expect it to, but change allows for new opportunities and situations that may result in better success.

College is a place where the opportunities are endless. There are unlimited possibilities that are available, but being outgoing and opening the doors for yourself is the only way you will attain what is out there. Start out by getting your basic requirements out of the way the first year. These diverse topics will give you a fundamental base for your studies, and hopefully one of them will catch your attention. Concerning this if there is something you want or are interested in, don?t let anything hold you back, teachers, peer pressure, or time; whatever you desire is fully within your capabilities. Meet new people. Part of college and education is what you know, a large piece of it is who you know; this included teachers. They are there to help you, attend their office hours and get to know them first hand. They will help you on your endeavors. Concerning class, do not just copy down the instructor?s notes or lecture. Listen and get to know and understand the material versus merely regurgitating it. Lastly, get involved. There are many avenues to practice what you have learned; doing them reinforced to you and employers your capabilities.