University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

If possible, I would go back in time to tell high school AshLee to be more active amongst the student body. I would have joined more clubs, such as Associated Student Body programs and the science clubs. I would also tell myself to study more and learn more study habits, rather than 30 minute study nights. Lastly, I would have told myself to be more confident in my answers and learnings, and be more confident in myself in general. I would encourage myself to be more outgoing and positive, instead of being negative and realistic. This type of attitude would have made my high school experience less depressing for myself, and more happier knowing I have confidence in what I do.

Always plan ahead and figure out what your graduation requirements and what the degree requirements are needed to graduate. In college, not everyone knows what they want to do and thus it is always good to experiment. Depending on the type of degree, there are going to be some that take longer if you didn't enroll in the program right at the beginning. As long as you live at home and are not required to pay any fees, take advantage in saving all money that is possible.

Don't be afraid that you will disappoint your parents. It's your biggest fear, but your path is no where near the path that mom has dreamt out for you. In the end mom and dad will be amazed at what you've done and maybe even a little jealous. You have no idea what you want to do with your life right now, but that's not a bad thing. You will find your calling. It will take awhile, but it will be a lot of fun trying to find out what that calling is. Take classes from different subject fields and work differnet jobs to gain as much experience as possible. That will help you find the path that you are meant to be on. You'll learn about and raise your own limits. Be patient and don't let your temper get the better of you. Most of all remember to be thankful to everyone that has helped you during your college career. They will always be there for you to lean on and will continue to be there for you even after college. You'll survive. Just don't take Chemisty 163 again.

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school senior self that I need to just relax. Once the college applications are sent off, the work is done and no more time needs to be spent worrying about where I'm going to go to school or if I'll get enough scholarship money to be able to attend the school. I would also tell myself that when I get to college I should work hard, but I should also make time to have fun. Who wants to graduate from school with the majority of their memories taking place in the library? Finally, I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone and do something a little crazy like go cliff diving into the Pacific Ocean or join in with the students attempting to walk on a tight rope in the courtyard.

Advice I would have given myself as a high school senior would be to keep my head up; be confident. Also I would tell myself that taking the initiative now will save me from learning how to do it later. Making deadlines and making sure that I do things way in advance would be advice I would give myself to so that I would learn before going to college and make it a habit. It's been tough trying to get into the flow of doing things on my own without my parents always in my ear reminding me, I have to do it on my own. As a senior I think that advice would have made me a little more commited to making deadlines and taking risks, by not being afraid of failing.

Well, I would tell myself that going to college, even if you don't know what you're going for, is the best decision you can make. I've never met anybody that has gone and found it a waste of time. This is a place to not only gain knowledge, but to aquire experiences, friends, and to find out your true self. Join as many clubs as you can to gain as much experiences as possible. Keep close to your teachers, they are not only here to educate you, but to encourage, guide and even write you letters of recommendations for future careers and scholarships. They can open closed doors. Apply for scholarships and financial aide. There are people out there that you have never met that have money to support you and your dreams...it's just a matter of putting yourself out there and asking for financial help. The worst you can get is a no, which is no different if you were not to apply at all. If your job is on campus, you save on gas money, time and you work directly for the people that work with businesses and coorporations of interest to you.

Going to college was a good choice for me because I develop into more educated human being. I took a lot of college classes that broaded my horizon in life. Since I majored in liberal arts, I'm aware of the history, religion, math and science that deeply gave me insight about reality. My college professors very nice and professional. They care about education and they do make difference in students life. I also met students that are friendly. So, I'm happy that I went to college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high schoo senior, I would tell myself to work hard in school, get As in your classeses, go college and get a bachelor's degree. With hindsight, this is what I to tell myself because college is where you can get a bachelor's degree and graduate degree. But also you met a professors who care and are willing to help. You will become scholar that learns about aspects of society. College is where you find your path. So, I would tell myself that the college is the right choice. It is for your future and career in life.

I would advise myself to study harder to get into the college I want to attend. I would spend most of my time trying to think of some tactics of how to become a successful learner. During my senior year in high school, I would try my best to read books as much as I can. I want reading to become a hobby and a habit for me. Going to college, I would have to read more than two or three different textbooks for different classes. Not only trying to get familiar with the in-class work, I would go out and talk with some families and friends about their experiences when they first attend college. From their experiences, I would learn what I need to prepare and expect in going to another step in life. I should not get afraid but excited to learn more of the things of the world but to have more friends and have a great experience in life.

Don't haphazardly choose a school because it has a late application deadline, even if you're fortunate enough to find a wonderful fit. Honestly, it's unnecessary to find a school where you find yourself meshing well with everyone. A niche can be found at any university. Use the first semester to survey different fields of interest. Research the professors your taking classes with before signing on. A professor that teaches well can make the most intolerable subjects more than bearable.

My most important piece of advice to myself about college would be to develop discipline and time management. Your parents aren't going to be waking you up every morning with breakfast ready and your lunch packed. It’s up to you now to get out of bed and make it to class on time every day. Most of your professors aren’t going to care whether you show up or not. So don’t waste time and money by skipping classes. Unfortunately, you will actually have to study. There won’t be any more bird courses where you can complete all the homework, score C’s on exams and still expect to get A’s. Schedule ample time to study & find buddies in your classes you can study with to make things a bit easier and more fun. A set study schedule is so important, because in many classes you may have to teach yourself most of the class material. Many professors can be more helpful at teaching the material, so take huge advantage of office hours when possible. Last but not least, maintain a healthy balance between classes and partying.

I would say that college is not like how it is on TV. Yes, there are crazy parties, yes there are drugs, yes some of the classes are really difficult and yes, some of these professors really act like they are out to destroy your GPA. In reality though, those things make up a fraction of what college is really like. Prepare yourself to be thrown in an adult world where you as a young adult will struggle to push yourself past any and all limits you have ever had. Know that you are not the only one going through a tough transition from dependent to (almost) independent (let's be real, you are not paying for college COMPLETELY by yourself, so you aren't as independent as you think you are). Finally, you know nothing. By this I mean, there will NEVER come a time where you have learned all that you need to learn. So, do yourself a favor and do NOT act like you know it all. You will save yourself a lot of embarrasing moments. Other than that, take a chance with certain things. Step outside of your box, and you will love yourself for it.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior about transitioning into college, I would tell myself do not be afraid. I am from the island of O’ahu. Although it is the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands it has always felt like a small place. I even attended a very small all-girls school where my graduating class was only 46 girls. So when it was time to apply for college, I was afraid. Afraid of going to a school that was much bigger than my previous one, afraid of not knowing anyone, afraid of living somewhere other than where I grew up, and afraid of new experiences. I let those fears take over my next step in life. I ended up attending the university on O’ahu. Although it was larger than my last school, I attached myself to friends and took the same classes as them. In time though, I took the time to meet new people, learn from new experiences, and gain my independence. Fear held me back. Now I know I should have taken the fear of unknowing and pushed to be brave and confident in myself.

JOIN AN ACE CLUSTER!!!! As nerdy as you may think it is, I met all of my best college friends through my ACE cluster. They're people who are interested in the same major as you and will be your support system in your core classes your first semester. Few other things you should learn: How to do laundry. I can't even begin to count how many people I've taught how to wash their own clothes. How to cook. Top Ramen, Hot Pockets, and the number to the local pizza place, should not be the extent of your menu, learn to make basic food and it'll save you on that freshmen 15. If you're going to drink, learn your limit and drink water. It's not fun or funny watching a freshmen learn their limit at the first tailgate party of the year.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell them to apply for more scholarships. I would tell them how important each scholarship is whether it's $100 or $1,000. Every little bit will help. I would also tell them to apply for student loans because it will help build your credit as you pay it off. If someone were to enforce this on me when I was in high school my school financial situation would be much easier!

If I could go back in time and counsel myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I had a future to look forward to and not to lose hope. I would tell myself that I was strong enough and capable enough to leave home in order to explore the world on my own. I would have reminded myself to save more money from my employment. I would encourage myself to complete my senior classes so that I could graduate with the rest of my senior class, instead of having to obtain a G.E.D. afterwards. I would advise myself to continue my passion in philosophy, attend community college, and transfer to an out of state college. I would have told myself that it was possible for me to use a philosophy degree by continuing to graduate school and/or law school. I would have encouraged myself to take Women's Studies courses early on as well. Most importantly, I would have told myself that I did not have to self-destruct just because I was opposed to mainstream society's limitations or become its victim. Education is positive power and gateway to a brighter future.

Don't come here expecting an East-Coast or California party school in a tropical location. Don't expect UH to resemble any type of mainland college where your friends are going. Hawaii is its own place. You will get culture shocked at some point. You will be dissatisfied with some academic programs and other aspects of life here. You will be correct in thinking that mainland schools, including your in-state college probably, are superior in a lot of ways. But if you get past those thoughts, you will realize that you're living in a tropical paradise with a completely unique culture and atmosphere. The academics will be surprisingly awesome in some situations. And you'll probably chill out a lot and lose your mainland edge. You'll realize that UH is a completely unique experience and you can learn a lot outside of the classroom about the world in general. Be open-minded and don't panic

Although the UH campus is not as big as many public universities in the Continental U.S., you should know where all of the buildings are before the first day of school. A good chance may be when you need to purchase textbooks...and I would definitely recommend to buy them BEFORE the first day of class...and this also goes for getting your student ID. The lines in the first week for the bookstore and ticket ID office may even take up to an hour before you can reach the cash register...

Dont be afraid to pile on the classes or try new things. Just not when those new things can mess with your GPA

If it was possible for me to go back in time to speak to myself in high school, I'd give myself and others the advice to be persistent, have endurance and never underestimate your capabilites. As I reflect upon high school, I've learned that what others accentuate will hurt you unless you don't believe in it. Their remarks will only hurt you emotionally and mentally and in whatever negative things they speak of don't ever believe in it. Instead, prove them wrong. There are times when you want to be like others, but you shouldn't. It's your originality that makes you extremely amazing. Instead, smile and learn because someday you'll use the application of knowledge to it's finest to impact and help an individual or the world for good in any way. Your heart and mind is pure and don't ever let anyone define who you are because you only know yourself the best.

I didn't go to highschool and I started college at 16. If I could go back to my 15 year old self, I'd tell myself to never mention Hawaii. I thought about going to Hawaii, but the bear mention caused my crazy parents to move there to establish residency. I didn't want to let them down and with residency, it was actually pretty affordable to go there. I still feel like my potential is wasted at Hawaii and that it won't impress any employers. I find a lot of people from the north east can't adjust to the Hawaii lifestyle. I love the Northeast and the only good thing I find about school in Hawaii is studying abroad (away from Hawaii). The study abroad program is good and I loved that experience. I'd tell my younger self that I could do better and find a place where I would be appreciated for my mind and not scolded for my pale skin.