University of Hawaii at Hilo Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not be afraid to take a leap of faith. Don't limit yourself to what you already know, but go out and explore the things you always wondered about. Realize your passions early and go out and fulfil them as soon as you can. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing better than you, just do your best and have fun doing it. Don't restrict yourself from reaching your fullest potential for the benefit of someone else. Make sure that everything you are doing makes you happy. If you hate your job, find a new one. If you hate your classes, take a different one. Don't waste your time being miserable by doing something to make someone else happy. This is your life! Make friends, make enemies, but whatever you decide to do, make sure you're satisfied in doing it. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given, trust your instincts, and make sure you know that you are responsible for every decision you make. "You're young and you're healthy, so the world is your oyster"

I would tell myself to get out of the “senioritis” or lazy phase because college does not pay for itself. I would encourage myself to complete all scholarships that I am eligible for because every little bit helps. I also would recommend staying in shape throughout college and to watch what I eat because “freshmen 15” is real. I would also stress the importance of time management. Making plans for my day would help to use my time wisely.

The advice that I would give to myself is to apply for as many scholarships as possible with the G.P.A that I had at the time in high school. Now that I am older and have a family it is hard to pay for tuition but I continue to thrive to reach my goals of being a nurse. I was recently accepted into a nursing program and now I have to worry about family, finances and school all at the same time. If I knew then what I know now I would have finished college immediately after high school. Regardless of my circumstances, I am still truly blessed to have gotten accepted and I encourage anyone regardless of age with a goal of completing college to NEVER GIVE UP!

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school senior self with what I know now, I would have told myself that I should've focused in math and gone in for more help. I should've also tried ignoring my dad whenever he asked my to cover for him at work. I should've spent more time with school and joined more clubs. School really does matter. I should've applied to another university on another island or a different state. But this school isn't so bad. Just apply for the exchange programs earlier. It's worth it over here at UH Hilo.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself to really think about what you want to be in the future. After high school, I spent many semesters switching majors and that lead me to stay in school for even longer than I anticipated and also spent a large amount of money. I would tell myself that if you're unsure about what you want to be, just take liberal courses that will eventually benefit towards a degree. Back then I was undecisive and I wasn't sure if I wanted to become a nurse or a physical therapist. My mind now is set on being a nurse and hopefully I can achieve that goal.

Dear Alexandra, I wish that you would of realized before how important education was. Especially trying your best to make mom proud. Mom has always struggled as a single mother and tried to do everything she could for us to have a better life then her. From now on you will try your best and accomplish anything and everything you dream of. Being the only one that has graduated from highschool and college you should be very proud of yourself. Love, Future You

College is expensive. Now is a good time to jump on any scholarship and grants you can possibly get. I wouldn't recommend taking out loans unless it’s absolutely necessary. Most students take out loans and then graduate with a huge debt. They have a difficult time paying off these loans because there are not many jobs available. I wouldn’t want to be in debt before I have the money to pay it off. I would also recommend having a good support system to get you through college, like friends who have been there and can give you the best advice based on their experiences. Frequently check bulletin boards to find campus clubs, or start your own club, get involved in your student government, utilize student resources, and activities. Extracurricular activities are the best way to meet like-minded people. But don't forget to leave yourself time to do homework. Remember to try and not take on too much at once. People have told me that it’s very difficult to go to school and work part time as well. Also remember to take fun classes and enjoy yourself while you're there. College can be fun.

If you don’t want to drink but you are at a party with your friends you shouldn’t feel pressured to drink. I’ve personally met at least three people who were not drinking at the last five college parties I went to and they never drank one drop of alcohol. The closest they probably ever got to alcohol is when they were getting a beer for someone else. These parties took place at student’s houses and had between twenty to thirty students at the most. Not everyone drinks and you shouldn’t feel pressured too just because some students are. Use the tutoring program offered at the school, because being tutored can improve your grade. Getting help from tutors has increased my GPA from 3.6 to 3.8 my first year. Besides helping me understand the information the tutors were helpful by giving me tips on the class such as how the professor grades papers, what to study prior to exams, and how to prepare for exams. Being tutored will save you a substantial amount of time by helping you understand the information, instead of trying to understand it by yourself.

Some said college life is hard and some said its fun but to the majority it is a very challenging life. I find my college life very difficult and hard obstacle I face in my time of learning, this is my only chance to make a different in life, thats is why im giving it all my best and put my education to be my first priority. I witness adults coming back to school to get a degree because they themselves know how important it is to be educated in the world we are in. College life is hard, but if you complete your studies and gave it your eveything , then theres nothing stoping you from acheiving your goals and success.

I have made a lot of transitions: transfering between universities, graduating from college to graduate school, and now another change in career. Because of this, I would tell my high school self never to be married to a path (I would probably preface this by saying something like 'Making active choices and following through on them is really important, but...). It is incredibly confusing figuring out how to be in the world, and the craziest thing is that once you've made it -- you know, you're thirty years old, you've got an exciting job that pays okay, you travel a lot, and you have a good family life -- you are still not sure if you went the right way. It is important to ask yourself 'what do I really want?' but, the truth is, we want a lot, and desires are fickle. Want things, choose them, and fight for them, but when they've been fulfilled, don't be afraid to make new choices, and take new paths You never know how your own process of self-actualization will manifest changes in your professional or personal life, but you can live knowing that life is not a destination.

Knowing what I know now and being able to talk to myself back in high school, the advice I would give would be minimal compared to what some may think. My personality is one that loves to travel and have new experiences so moving from Southern California to Hawaii for my first time was not that big of an issue. I was able to adjust well and people I met always welcomed me with open arms. It did help a lot that I played for the softball team and took part in that. So I would definitely tell myself to take up a sport because the experience and people you meet will never be forgotten. I would definitely tell myself to learn all the recipies for foods I love and stock up on foods that are in California because as amazing as local food is, it is just not the same sometimes. Overall I would remind myself to move there with an open mind and to be adventurous and soak it all in. I am living in Hawaii, can not complain.

Keep an open mind. Coming out of high school, I had the impression that I was already on a very specific track, and that no variation would be possible. College is the perfect place to truly discover what you like to learn about, what is important to you, and what types of careers you may enjoy in the future. I wish that I was able to understand that at the very beginning of college, in order to fully take advantage of the opportunity!

I would tell myself to never give up, to set goals of all types and try to attain them knowing that even though I might fail, I will succeed in the end. Failure makes us stronger and there is no reason to regret it, there are times when it is appropriate to learn from your mistakes. Don't be too hard on yourself but at the same time, always continue to challenge yourself. No one will make you into anything great, that is your job. Now go be a success.

In the past, I attended colleges and did not get anything from them. The most important part of the experience freedom from my parents. This time my college experience has been different in so many ways. I am receiving the needed information to help me succeed quickly in my career. I understand that as individuals we have scotomas. These scotomas hinder us and we get used to our comfort zones. College has helped me to break these scotomas. I realized I can change. It began with setting goals. Once the goals were set, I started trying to figure out how to follow through on these goals. College has helped me to follow through in ways I did not realize. I have timelines to follow. I have to follow my schedule. I have to be dependable. I have to be knowledgeable. I have to be professional. All of these values I am going to need as I follow through in life. This college experience has been the real world. I have learned how to deal with others as well as my own self-image. College is a rewarding experience if you make the most out it.

I have recieved an education out of my college experience. I have gained knowledge and truly appreciate the information that my professors have passed on to me. I will take this wisdom and pass it on to every person that I meet along the way. I will share what I have learned and continue expanding my capability. I have had the chance to meet many unique individuals from all around the world and learn their cultures. I have had an experience of a lifetime. Not only do I enjoy the beautiful campus but I also love the friendly environment that I am constantly surrounded by every day. I must say I live in the most extraordinary place in the world. Hawaii has it all. From luxurious beaches to snow at the top of the mountains, you can take with you all that constantly surrounds you. It is a life changing exprerience that will change your view of life forever. This university is valuable because of its diverse surroundings, landscape, people, class availability, friendliness, cultures, and freedom. I wouldn't be the person that I am today If I had not been able to experience such an amazing University!

I have gained maturity and a great amount of knowledge. I am now an adult and feel like one. I take on the responsibility of a student and a part time worker. I learned how to manage my time and use my time wisely. I make decisions that will benefit me in my future. I have a very strong mentality to go far in life and to be successful. It has been valuable for me attend college because it allows to me gain more and more knowlodge and grow as a student and a person. Being in school has allowed me to expand my learning and gain as much experience as I can. Going to school has helped me value myself and what I am capable of. It has allowed me to figure out what I can and cannot handle. I encounter many different opsticles and I become a stronger person by learning how to overcome them. School in general is a blessing to me, and to be able to have that freedom to get an education is the smartest decision any person can make.

For me, the college experience so far has meant much more than simply an education. Being someone with a history of depression, college has been a place where I can not only grow, but become someone that I am proud of. I have had my ups and downs to say the least but I am still learning how to handle things on my own and function away from home. In the classroom I have learned discipline, tact, and how to deal with my superiors. Outside of the classroom I have had opportunities that I wouldn't get elsewhere such as joining a sorority. Being part of such a diverse organization, I have become more mindful and interested in other cultures. My experience at Binghamton University has taught me that with desire, focus and the willingness to treat any obstacle as an opportunity, it is amazing what you can accomplish.

In the midst of my attendance at UHH I've made life long friends, fell in love with surfing, and found joy in seemingly miniscule things. College is stressful at times, and deals many problems, but sitting on a board staring into an infinite stretch of water answers become as clear as the ocean around you. Though my education at UHH is a large portion of my experience, the parts i will always remember are those with friends learning the lay of the land and the beauty it has to offer. While completely alone with four of my closest friends, sinking my toes into Waipio's black sand beach, all worldly problems seemed to slip away and I realized I'm such an unimaginably small part of such a grand scheme and there to keep that scheme alive are many young people like myself who are studying at UHH to preserve this world's beauty. I would still be the punk kid I once was, if it were not for this College in Hawaii where i became a man. I consider it a priviledge to have attended UHH and to have been able to explore such an indescribably beautiful place.

In my college experience I have found a lot of more friends. I have learned to socialize more as it is key in networking and I have also found out what my true passion is in life; Graphic Design. I had never actually wanted a career in graphic design because I thought it'd be lame and I'd be classified as a "nerd" but by the time my second semester of college rolled around, I didn't care anymore and I found that I really did love it. Along with acting but it's a tough business to get into so I went with Graphic Design. I also had found out that I shouldn't care what people think, we're not in high school anymore and people don't judge as much as they do in high school and I will be forever grateful for that lesson because I can now be myself freely and not worry about other people's thoughts about me. I am who I am and I like what I like. I will not change or hide who I am.

College is hard. I miss my family, and I miss my home. I'm really poor, and I have to live with five other girls in a tiny apartment. I've had to learn how to manage my own time, and of course, I've had to deal with the consequences that come with not accomplishing crucial tasks. I feel nervous all the time, because I don't know how I'm going to get through this experience. I've always wanted to attend college, but I honestly didn't think it would sneak up on me so fast. Although pursuing higher education is a challenge, it's the thing that has made me most proud of myself. I've changed from a little kid into a young adult. I no longer need to depend on my mommy for every little thing, and I am learning new things everyday, furthering my knowledge about the world and myself. For the first time in my life, I think I know who I am.