University of Florida Top Questions

If I could tell myself one thing in high school it would have been to be more concerned about the connection I had to the campus rather than the prestige of the school.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything in life happens for a reason and that one learns more from failures than successes. Graduating from high school class president, valedictorian, and also with my Assoicates degree in Journalism, I was not sure where life would take me. Applying to the University of Florida, I went on to pursue a degree in medicine and plunged into the pre-medical field having no adequate science or math background compared to many of my pre-med colleagues. Having acquired A's my entire educational career, the transition to the world math and science was trying. In addition, my father serves in the U.S. Air Force and my family was stationed states away. Although the time was tumultuous, it is within my first year that I discovered myself and unleashed a new vigor of hardwork and determination to perserve and learn that life is full of challenges. I learned more through tribulation than I have ever before in my past filled with nonstop success. Life is what you make of it, plain and simple. Look forward, not backwards!

College is an amazing time of self discovery and becoming the man/woman you want to be. I strongly encourage you to take a well balanced approach to the type of activities that you do over these next 4 years. Join a fraternity, join a sports club team, volunteer every now and then, and start joing leadership organizations immediatly! Organize NOW what you want to accomplish by the end of your four years so you can properly plan how to achieve your goals. Don't get stressed out with school, just always stay on top of when your exams and papers are and you will be fine. BE SOCIAL! There are amazing people on campus to meet. Meet people at student organizations, bars, and just hanging out with friends. Be sure to do at least a few big road trips with your best friends and focus on making memories.

Research everythiing from books to school equipment and get involved in everything. Don't forget the reason you are at college: to learn! Embrace new things and have fun!

If I were to give my High School self advice, I would surely let her know she did a great job at what she did. I would tell her to get started cooking at home as much as possible to start her practice at the Culinary Arts. I would also tell her to stick with her first job for atleast a year, then get into the food industry as soon as possible to start her hands on experience. I would tell her to attend all food shows and Culinary opportunties that should could. The most important thing I would tell her is to open a savings account and start a budget, do NOT free spend, you will miss that money once its gone, and you never know when you'll need it or when an emergency will present itself. Lastly I would tell her not to stress the small things, and focus on what is good for her, and what her goals are.

You don't have the answers to everything, so take into account what those who have experienced this before have to say. Be ready. College is not a continuation of high school but rather a whole different ball game. Stay positive and stay focused. Make sure to put the Lord first in all of your endeavors and he will always bless you and guide you to do exactly what you need to do to make it through. Apply yourself in every way you think possible. Do not get discouraged, this is the beginning of your life. You are supposed to make mistakes and learn some things along the way. Follow your heart and live your dreams. And most importantly ask questions! You will never know the answer unless you ask.

It is important to complete your high school education and to obtain a college degree. Without accomplishing this will prevent you from earning a decent living for you and a family. You will also benefit from college life and all it has to offer. It will enhance your life in many ways such as-How to speak effectively, think critically, write effectively, use your time wisely, learn diversity and so on. I was a high school drop-out and was limited to jobs that had no growth potential for me because I did not have a proper education. I am a single parent of five children. I earned a minimal income as a result. At 47, I am learning the things that I should have learned many years ago. I recently received my GED and attend a community college in pursuit of an associates degree in Business Administration/Human Resource Management. I am unable to join clubs, study as I should, participate in extra activities, net-work with other students etc., because I have to work a full time job in order to pay for housing, car payment and other bills that come with life-Do not become me.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself that it will be alright, and even exciting. I wish I would have known not to be so anxious and scared of the changes and the transitions. When I came to college, I was so nervous and confused that I didn't fully enjoy the opportunity. I was preoccuppied with my concerns and fears. I would advise myself to put those negative thoughts out of my mind and be more optimistic. Afterall, positivity is key, and hindsight is 20/20!

Appreciate the comforts of home while you have them and never take anything for granted. It is important to get involved and stay involved in high school and take advantage of the opportunities available there. Appreciate the supportive environment while you have it. Treasure every moment and don't wish away such a special year of your life!! Make sure you do your best in school and allow time for those special memories. This truly is a special time and it goes byu so fast!

This has to be a dream. I am looking at myself--well, myself minus one year. Past-Me looks up. She is biting her nails, a habit I gave up recently. “How old are you?” she asks. “I’m nineteen.” The dawn of realization is almost comical. “So you’re in college?” “Yes, I go to the University of Florida.” Her eyes cloud with disappointment. “I know, we didn’t reach our dream of leaving Florida. But I have some good news.” “I’m sure,” she snarks back. Was I always that snarky in high school? “Without UF’s English department, we would still be lost with no idea what we want to do in life. We could still be trying to be sociologists.” She doesn’t seem too impressed. “Right now I’m looking into internships with magazines. And I’ve also found a graduate publishing program in London. We have a lot more opportunities now.” Now she seems to budge. “We have plans? Actually future plans? What happened to throwing a dart at a dartboard and taking the career it lands on?” I shrug. “Things worked out. I am really happy where I am right now.”

Dear High School Senior Laura, I know your childhood was extremely rough. I know you were bullied to no end by some of the people you thought you could trust. Do not be afraid to let people into your life. Love and friendship are two of the greatest experiences in life. You may not have self esteem now but try to love yourself and it will come naturally. Don't listen to those who hurt you, these people are in fact jealous of you and know you will go far. I know you have let yourself believe that you are not smart from what others have said. Believe in yourself and you will be amazed at what you will accomplish in the next few years. There is nothing wrong with going to a Community College. I guarantee you will have some of the best experiences in your life by taking this path. Take every opportunity you can in school. I know you won't but never give up on your dreams. Remember with everything you do to relax, enjoy life, and be thankful for everything you have. I am proud of everything you have ever done. Love, Your older self

I would ssay to never give up even when times get rough.

The advise I would give myself would have to be to apply for scholarships earlier. The University of Florida is a great school,but it is very expensive, and somewhat hard to find a job.

I would tell myself that its either now or never. I really would not wait to get as old as I am today to really think about returning to College. As, a high school senior, I had many dream of becoming a Nursing. I have a passion for helping people. I think one thing in life should be for us to give back to others whehter it be helping, sharing what ever it is. So, as I look at life in a different way, I see now that I have the potential to become whatever I want to be in life. Thank You.

If given the opportunity to go back in time, there are two pieces of advice that I would give myself. The first piece of advice may not be the most original, but I believe its importance cannot be underestimated: do not be afraid to take risks. Taking risks can include stepping out of your comfort zone to do something you never thought possible. For me, that something was competing in business case competitions on campus, which eventually allowed me to travel to two international case competitions in Montreal and Maastricht in the Netherlands. Here, I had the privilege to meet motivated individuals like myself from all over the world who shared a passion for tackling the issues businesses face today. The second piece of advice is the following: find a mentor in your first year of college. I have recently been exposed to the benefits of mentorship, and looking back, I wish I would have taken the initiative to pursue a mentor earlier. Mentors are invaluable because they have been in your shoes before, and they have the knowledge to take you where you want to go. With someone on your side, college will never be a lonely place.

I would advise myself to attend a community college first before going to a 4-year institution. The community college atmosphere allows students to become the independent learners that they need to be, while at the same time continuing at least some monitoring of their progress. At the 4-year college level, students are instantly on their own and often find it difficult to maintain a strong learning attitude with so much stimuli around them that does not promote education. As a result, those students who have not developed the ability to become independent learners often find themselves returning home to attend a community college within the first year of university.

I would give myself more advice on how to choose the correct courses and exactly what to expect when entering college. Of course, through time, students learn and become more aquanted with the college lifestyle. However, it is always nice and very helpful to receive reliable information on how to do things before being stuck in a sticky situation. Allowing myself to feel confortable and confident with the decisions I make.

Put forth effort into your studies of health sciences while you still can in high school AND your own physical well-being! Cherish your buddies and peers! Both organic chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology were available in high school- it might have done yourself good to get some steady background on these two areas before taking the prerequisites for dental hygiene in college. I think physical education and other recreational sports such as cheerleading and soccer would have given you a fit body, mind, and confidence level to get you a healthy head start in college. When you get into college, there will be less time to socialize and spend time with loved ones. Put in effort to make the best of youth, stay carefree, and you'll have memories of good friends and family during the stressful situations college will bring forth. Remember- you're kind, you're loved, and you're smart. Best wishes!

Throughout my time in college, I've learned that the potential to succeed and learn is propelled by the presence of confidence. As a high school student, I often faced circumstances of timidness and uncertainty in myself. During many discussions in class or amongst friends, I would have relevant and intelligent opinions, but often found myself to be afraid in expressing them. When I came to college, I promised a change in lifestyle. Since then, I have led student government campaigns, funraised tens of thousands of dollars for numerous charities, and served on the executive council of the oldest fraternity in the world, Chi Phi. If I could speak to my former self, I would tell him, "Never be afraid in anything you say or do. Forget about what others think. At the end of the day, all one has is themself. The moment you learn to let go of everything, will you be able to achieve anything."

I would tell her that marrying at this early age is a mistake. I would push her to join the military, get her education, get into a career, and then set up housekeeping. Talk to "Momma" about how u feel; she will understand and she WILL support whatever helps u succeed in life and get closer to GOD!