University of Florida Top Questions

The greatest lesson I have learned is how to be open minded. College has made me a person who will try anything because you cannot stand on the wayside and let life pass you by. When I moved to Gainesville, I knew no one but I really had to put myself out there in order to meet people. Sure, it was a little uncomfortable but I wish I would have walked into class the first day with this mindset rather than waiting weeks to warm up. Also, stop worrying so much! You have four years to figure out what you want to do, do not rush into a major that you think is safe. Pick something that is going to make you happy rather than one that is going to be "financially stable". Take all sorts of classes, explore your talents, and learn! Sit in on classes during drop/add and find something that interests you. I have taken three semesters of American Sign Language and it has changed my life, wouldn't have guessed that four years ago! Be yourself, explore, and be happy!

The number one thing that I would tell myself if I could go back would be to stress out a little less. I was very stressed out over the whole college application process and worried constantly about what I had and had not done to make myself appealing to colleges. I was also stressed over my final exams. I would also tell myself to bring cooking supplies to my dorm because dorm food is awful and you want to be able to cook some food yourself. Also I would tell myself that you would do well achemically in college courses and would make lots of good friends.

Social skills are fundamental in life and leadership skills allow us to break free from our shell and become active participants in activities where we meet new friends, making our time in college memorable and exciting. More importantly, tolerance. We have each encountered conflicts among our peers at some point of our life and at times we do not know how to act upon them and oftentime fail to realize the consequences of an offensive reaction. Flexibility in these problematic conflicts allow us to respectively manage uncomforable situations and alleviate stress. For all we know, the world could one day flip unside down and we might not know who we end up asking help from along the way. High school is a perfect environment where one can put these skills into practice, it is a stage in life where one is exposed to ever possible life scenario and is put to the test, giving us a little taste of reality. High school is where you make your mistakes and learn from them so that when you face the real world you are well informed of how to behave and can live a harmonious lifestyle with everyone around you.

If I had the ability to speak to myself as a high school senior concerning my current knowledge of college life, the advice I give might sound cliché but it would be necessary words of wisdom. First and foremost I would harp on responsibility. When transitioning from high school to college, it easy to maintain the mindset that one's habits in high school will be as effective in college; a notion that is very much mistaken. Now that I attained a year’s worth of experience in college I realize that responsibility as I had known it is nothing like what I experienced it to be. I would tell myself that to be thrusted into the world without any immediate support is what lies in the future; a true test of one’s ability to overcome adversity and to cope with the stressors that accompany the daily rigors of life. Also I would lecture about fiscal responsibility. Reminding myself that I am no longer a child, and that the burden of my financial security no longer falls upon the shoulders of my mother; but on mine. And that sacrifices will be made to ensure my well-being.

You dope! Quit wasting your time right now! Even though you are able to educate yourself better the most people about different avenues of life, this world will always need proof. Rather then arguing that you are capable of great things, it is much easier to show them your diploma with countless awards stamped onto it. Instead of being well into your PhD program by age 27 and traveling the world on someone else’s budget; you are counting your nickels and dimes just to pay your next month’s bills! Sure, you are having some fun by going out and meeting girls that are egotistical, selfish, and flat out boring. But imagine the good times that you can have with the women at the universities which are a hundred times more intelligent, independent, and well worth your time! I know that you are planning to get your degree regardless of what age you start to get things rolling, but the time is now. The faster you start filling your cup of knowledge and wisdom, the faster it will overflow and you will be able to quench the thirst of people around you.

The only thing I think I would do differently is look more closely at what I wanted to do with my career when I started college versus what I want to do now. I started off working with design, art, and computers and then I realized I did not enjoy what I was doing very much. Sure it was fun as a hobby, but I could not see myself doing it as a profession. I decided to change my major to criminal justice and I absolutely loved it. I always watch fictional and real investigation shows on television and they have always deeply interested me. If I had looked more closely at myself and the type of person I am, I would have started off with criminal justice as my major instead of having to change it. We all have those learning experiences in life and I think that was one of them.

I would go back in time and tell myself to find out what type of student involvements that are offered at the school that I am going to attend. Getting involved early is the best way to establish a foundation for yourself. I would also tell myself to save as much money as possible by applying or more scholarships, get a job, and stop spending money on unnecessary iteams, because college is more exspensive than you think. Last but not least, I would say to myself do not take high school courses but instead take dual enrollment classes to get all of your prerequisite classes out of the way.

The most useful advice I could give my high school senior-self can be summed up in a single sentence: "Abandon all of your insecurities and the walls you've built up around yourself since middle school and just enjoy yourself, because you will be accepted and you will make so many new friends." I never expected college to be such a thrilling experience. I was such a guarded kid in high school for personal reasons. There weren't many people like me in my home town--if there were, I was just too reserved to go out and find them. But the friends I have made in college are some of the greatest people I've ever met. They accept me for who I am and we have the best times together. I would want my high school senior-self to know that he won't regret showing his true self in college, because there are so many people who will love and accept him. (Also, I'd warn him about taking useless electives. It's not wise for an engineering major to pay tuition for "Rock n Roll & American Society"--just secretly audit the class!)

Knowing the things thought I now know about my college life, I would tell myself about the tribulations that will come. I will lay a blueprint in front of my high school self that will show me how to be properly prepared for college. One of the first things that I will tell myself is go to office hours. It is so important to have a connection with a professor. It could be the difference between getting an A or a B+. In addition, professors are good resources when a students needs a recommendation. I would also tell myself to do my best and be resilient. When certain expectations aren’t met, I would tell myself to not let my pride keep me feeling like one of the best unique individuals with inner strength and motivation. I would also tell myself to have fun because there are to many exciting things to do, but stay focused. I would also tell myself to be grateful because there are people that don’t won’t me to be in college. Every that I do will build my character. So be happy and humble in the face of opposition.

Now I know college seems like a whole new realm of questions and wonder, but fear not. You are going to be just fine as long as you stay on top of things and open yourself up to change. I have to tell you right now that college is not like high school. They are not going to give you a checklist of what exactly needs to be done. You are going to have to climb out of that turtle shell of yours and ask questions and demand answers. Do not assume that you will get your projects and studying done eventually. This is the first warning sign of procrastination. Stay away from that! It will be the root of all evil when it comes to college life. Remember, this added life tile is not meant to be confusing. It is suppose to be a new road and adventure for you! I know it looks intimidating at first, but trust me, you will find that the prime of your life will be here. Look forward to college. Embrace it and do not look back. It is fun; I promise!

Note to high school self: Do not take yourself so seriously. Mom always says "College will be the best years of your life.." But what about this year? Don't rush through senior year just to get to college. College will come. Take time to make the most of the time you have left with your high school friends and your family at home. Delve into those college books with a fury to make sure you know what will be the best fit for you. The sky is the limit and where there is a will there is a way. Remember that no dream is too big because if you don't dream, you will never know what "could" have happened. Visit the schools you're interested in - even if you are only "a little bit" interested. Don't base your decision off of anyone but yourself! No matter where your girlfriend, boyfriend, or bestfriend is going next year, the next few years are YOURS. The next few years are your chance to find yourself, your dreams, your impact. College will be the best years of YOUR life - just keep listening to mom!

I would tell myself to get out of my comfort zone. High school friends are great, but it's okay to get to know new people. I would also tell myself to not let fear stop me from getting involved more on campus, especially in activities that I would have liked to do. I would have told myself to focus more on studying, going to class, and time management. I would also tell myself to know what I want because that is the only way I will get to where I need to be with less of a struggle. I would also suggest to budget more and not completely take financial aid for granted.

I would tell myself that it is okay to not get A's in every single class. The most important thing is to learn and apply the material to your life and future occupation. In addition, I would advise myself to be open-minded and patient with others.

I would sit down with my younger self and let her know that the best way to move forward is to be completely honest and straight forward with people. It makes living so much easier, and it's self-rewarding because you aren't hiding from the world. Being bashful only hinders success, and it is possible to be confident and outspoken without being over the top. I would tell her that real life can knock you off your feet, but dreams and ambition are always possible, regardless. I’d mention college is nothing to be scared of; it is an experience worth paying for. Most importantly, I would tell her to start taking control of her life tomorrow and doing something about it to achieve her goals. Stop procrastinating, do what you need to do to get ahead of the game. Always practice and work hard, it'll pay off in the long run. Never let fear of failure get in the way of your effort; that is greater than any failure you could achieve by trying.

If I could go back to my senior year I would definatly tell myself to apply for more scholarships! College is so expensive, and takes alot of energy to get through. I wasnt really sure if I was gonna make it last semester but my family helped me. Another thing I would tell myself would to be work harder at everything I was doing to make sure I got far in life. I would make sure I got a better ACT score so I wouldnt have to fill out any scholarships, and have my school all paid. I would also have spent more time doing homework and scholarships instead of trying to find things to do (some of which would have got me in trouble). Im not trying to "wow" you in anyway im just honestly trying to make some money to make my life less stressfull. Thanks for your time

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would go back in time and tell myself to be more outgoing and confident. I feel that people would have respected me a lot more had I not been so insecure about myself. I have always had a problem with doubting myself and that has held me back in a lot of things I've done, especially school. I would also prepare myself for basic college procedures. Because I was homeschooled, I never really took tests or had deadlines for projects and that ended up being something I wasn’t prepared for at all. If I had better prepared myself for those things, I wouldn’t have had such test anxiety and stress throughout college. Applying this knowledge now will help me progress more as I continue my schooling at UF.

Choose a more general major, like business and get a masters in PR because that's what you'll end up really liking. Since you don't know what PR is yet, I'll just let you know that you're perfect for the job. Look around more and apply for ALL internships that you come across. Don't waste time on boyfriends because the memories you'll remember will be those spent with friends and experiencing new things. Try getting into a multicultural sorority or other groups so you can be more involved. Make sure you do a study abroad EVERY summer because you'll only get so many chances to have that kind of experience. When you're abroad, don't hold yourself back, whatever you do. Meet as many new people as possible and never say no to a new experience. Make sure you use tutoring services from the very beginning because it will make your life easier. Have fun while you're here because it goes by way too fast.

You're now in the phase of senioritis, ready and prepared to launch into a new world. We all think we’re ready, however being ready doesn't translate to being prepared. College can challenge your goals, change your mind, and create the necessary obstacles for you to transform from just a student to a student making important decisions. You are now thinking that how different can it be? College is hard. However, it can be easily simplified when being compared to a day at the gym. Step one, come in with an end goal- how many calories to burn. Step two, figure out how that goal can be accomplished- what machines to use. Step three, know that it's a mental game, distract yourself with things that will keep yourself pushing for that extra mile- the fit person next to you running 5 times the pace. These three steps can be the manual for anything you want to accomplish. Walk through that door, whether it's your lecture hall or the cardio room and "Just Do It". As the common phrase goes, you always regret not going to the gym, but never going. Don't let McDonalds influence you.

If I could go back and share one piece of advice with my high school self, it would be to not overcommit and to figure out earlier what my goal in being in college actually was. By the time I hit my sophomore year in college, I was so burnt out from activities and work on top of a rigorous academic load that I knew I couldn’t survive another 3 years of it. I barely had time to breathe, and I had no focus and to think about where college was taking me. Here I am, five majors later, wondering how I’m going to pay for college again. You see, in that sophomore moment, I realized I needed a break, so I took the 2010-2011 school year off and have spent the past six months teaching English in a third world country. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world, but I wish it hadn’t have cost me thousands in scholarship dollars to take a year off. If I had known earlier what I needed to be working towards, I could have arrived here in a better financial condition.

College is a life experience that you should enjoy. Don't overwork or fret too much. The classes are hard and challenging, but they're supposed to be. You'll learn all your own study habits and make new friends and discover so much about yourself. So take it easy, take it slow. This is the time to work hard but play hard too. Remember your goals and what's really important in life and you'll do just fine. Good luck and try to get an off-campus apartment as soon as you can!