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!