University of Florida Top Questions

The advice I would give to myself if I could go back and talk to myself is to apply for more scholarships, get prepared for huge changes, and be alot less lazy.

I would tell myself to embrace the potential of each new day and the changes that college brings. No matter how big the problems and obstacles may appear at first there's always a way to make it through. If there's one thing I've learned from my experience in college it would be this, don't panic and be who you are. College is a great place to form friendships that can last for a lifetime; to make friends that are more than willing to accept your personality and all the quirks that go with it. That's the beauty of a University system, it unites so many people from all kinds of different backgrounds and places that otherwise never would of come into contact with one another. Most importantly I would tell my younger self to enjoy it because even though it may seem as if time is moving slower than molasses during those afternoon lectures it will be over in a flash, but the memories that you make will be what truly lasts.

If I could go back in time, I would give myself three words of advice: "Don't be afraid." In my time at the University of Florida, I have come to realize that, going into college, you have no idea what will be best for you, what you will love and what you will hate, who you will treasure forever and who will be brief in your life. The most important thing that I have come to realize about college is that you can never fear the future: if you love what you are doing, you will love what comes afterwards. Fear stops people everyday from joining interesting clubs or taking difficult classes, or from changing their major once, twice, or even 12 times (like one of my closest friends). I would be sure to tell myself to be as self-aware and adventurous as possible, trying everything and meeting everyone just for the chance in order of finding something or someone you will treasure for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would advise myself to volunteer time or intern at an organization or company while still in college. First, contributing some of your time toward work will minimize the temptations of on-campus lifestyle. I believe that managing a work schedule and academic studies would have made many of us better students, because we would not have the time to attend the fraternity parties, collegiate sporting events and other on-campus activities. Secondly, your contribution of labor could lead to financial assistance towards your college expenses. Some organizations and companies offer scholarships to student that work for them. Also, if a company considers you an asset, they could offer you a paid internship or employment. Not only will you obtain valuable work experience, you would have extra money to pay for tuition, books, food and other personal expenses. I believe college life experience can be great. You just have to manage the coursework, parties and sporting events. Working as a volunteer or intern will help you utilize your time more efficiently, so you can focus more on your education.

The number one piece of advice for my past self would be to not only get involved, but get involved as much as possible. At 18 most people (myself definitely included) have no clue what they want to do for a career. The best way to figure out the answer to that intimidating question is to get hands on experience. A "valuable" degree is important, but it won't do any good if you aren't loving what you do. For instance, many of my classmates studied all day every day, determined to get into a professional program like medicine or pharmacy. Many of these people got in only to find they had written their own career-life death sentence. It is vital to get hands on experience, even if it is just volunteering. No textbook will provide the intimate view of what a career is actually like. In addition, I would advise any incoming student to relax. Have fun! These are some of the best years of your life. No one ever lost out on a job because they made a few C's in college. College is a special time, so enjoy the ride.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not stress over social issues and to keep my focus on my goals. I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship available because after the joy of getting into your dream school bubbles down, reality sets in and you learn that without financial aid, attending college will be impossible. What I have learned through my transition is that fitting in with the right crowd or aspiring to be some popular fictional character has no place in college. Unlike high school, no one knows each other, and everyone has a chance to start new. If I could understand that as a high school senior, my insecurities and negative views of myself would transform into confidence and self-understanding. Transitioning from high school to college has taught me to set the standards for my personal growth high, and to rise to the occasion. If I could, I would go back and tell every college senior that they are not alone in their insecurities, and that their passions are contagious when they have a hunger to pursue them regardless of what others may think.

If I could go back in time, I would definitely tell myself to spend more time thinking about my major and what career I would want with that degree. I didn't put enough consideration into my major when I went to college straight out of high school, so I was undeclared. When it came time for me to pick a major, I had no idea what to pick and I dropped out of school. If I had put serious thought into my future, I would have had more career options for myself and more opportunities to improve my life. I have realized that my options are severely limited without a college education, and I have put a lot of thought into my future this past year. I finally have a major picked out, and a career plan for myself. Now that I have everything figured out, nothing is going to stop me from achieving my dreams!

Since being a senior in high school, I have learned countless lessons and have embraced them as they have led me to the place I am today. During senior year there are an overwhelming amount of activites going on and with college as a life changing decision, I can definitely say to be patient, keep up the hard effort, and be flexible. By this I mean to be patient and calm overall when it comes to the application stage, understanding that the place you are meant to be will always be in your favor no matter any other circumstances. At the same time, keeping up the hard work leads to continuing success in high school as you're about to complete it. Last, being flexible refers to adjusting to college as numerous changes take place on a day to day basis. From living with a random roommate, taking difficult courses, and being away from home, you are suddenly thrown into a portion of the real world. Within 4 years you will be a well educated adult who has learned the basics of life, one who has grown because of college and its useful assistance for everyday matters.

If I could give my high school self advice about college life and making the transition into college, I would tell myself to be more open and less hesitant. I would tell myself to not let a fear of making a mistake prevent me from taking a chance, or doing something I might enjoy. This is something that my major has forced me to realize. My major is architecture which requires you to take a chance and let go of any inhibitions. It has made me realize that it is not only about the final answer, but about the process of how you get there. It has made me let go of my desire to always do something right, and to embrace my mistakes and learn from them. These lessons translate beyond the classroom to everyday life. When you are in high school it is about getting good grades to get into college, but when you are in college it more about the process, exploring and embracing new ideas and experiences. I would tell my high school self not to be afraid and to just enjoy college life.

Be prepared, college only gets harder and harder. Make friends in every class because you are going to need them as study buddies and even as stress relievers. This is not high school. Studying the night before does not equal success and not taking notes will only lead you down the wrong path. Do not skip class. It will put you way more behind than you think and a 'sick note' does not allow you to make up any missed assignments. Set yourself a bedtime, not at 2AM but around 8pm or 9pm. Being well rested will put you in a better mood, make you think clearer, and it is better for your health. Give yourself a break. Go out with friends, have fun and enjoy the college life, but do not make it a habit and go out every night. School is your priority, failing a class ruins your grade point average and you will have to PAY to retake the class. Just past it the first time!