Charlotte
I would not change anything about my life because I am the person I am today because of my experiences I have had. Even though I would love to tell myself not to date a couple of the men I dated. They also made me the person I am today. So I wouldn't change a thing.
Gabrielle
One of the most important factors to success in high school and college is organization. I was never an organized student in high school and I now regret it. When you are not organized, you tend to miss due dates of assignments, become overwhelmed and let valuable time pass by. Beginning my first semester in college, I knew I had to change something to keep up with the new work load and that was organization. I now have a planner by my side at all times! It helps me break down my days and stay on top off assignments. When you plan out your days/weeks/months you will value your own time more and will be motivated to get things done. Another awesome thing about organization is, you are less likely to become overwhelmed. Which takes away the stress that a lot of students experience. I also now feel a sense of accomplishment every day. When you are able to cross off things in your planner, you will feel satisfied and that will help fuel your drive for school!
McKenzi
Going back in time, I would tell myself to start looking into college and financing it earlier than I did, which was spring semester. What I'm now seeing is that it is very difficult to find scholarships that I'm eligible for. Another thing I would tell myself is to get a teacher to write you recommendation letters. This is also somehting I am needing but don't have.
jessica
The best advice anyone could receive would come from them, since no one know you better than you. If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school senior self I would defiantly take the opportunity. Although I would not change the school I am attending, the advice I would give myself would focus on what I could do to have a more memorable experience. My first advice would be to not underestimate the difficulty of my classes or overestimate my level of understanding of my classes; this is because in my first year at the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) I did not do well in all of my classes. I would also advice myself to not give up on my dreams no matter how hard it gets or how alone I feel because the people around me will always be there for me to help and support me in any way they can. My final advice to myself would be to join more clubs and organizations at UHCL because they allow you to make friends more easily and because it will be beneficial to have a diverse background when applying to law school.
Jessica
The greatest life lesson is to learn to follow your heart. It will tell you where your passion resides. Be wise in degree selection and ensure that you pursue a life and career you are passionate about. With passion learning will intrigue the deepest parts of you. Patience and commitment are the two truest attributes of will power. Your willpower will be tested throughout your education. Never give up. Education is a process that brings you more clarity on whom you are and who you want to be in. Most of all have the confidence to stay committed. Invest time in the university you attend. Connect with the faculty and students. Do not limit yourself by fear or insecurity. You are attending a learning institution in which curiosity is pivotal to exploration; do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions of others as well as yourself and enjoy the ride.
sarah
When I was a high school senior I was a complete mess. I had average grades and was planning on attending a 4-year college; However, I had no idea where I wanted to go or who I wanted to be. The worst mistake I made was thinking that I needed to know all of these things when most people generally do not know what they want to do with their lives. I was either going to attend my backup school or go to my community college. I finally came to the realization that Community College was the right track for me. I was student like many who did not think very highly of community colleges. When I finally decided to enroll in Las Positas College I realized that it was the best decision for me. It saved me tons of money and gave me time to really find out who I am as a person and my passions in life are. If I could give not just myself advice but all high school students it would be to go to a community college; it will change your life and outlook on education.
Danielle
Given the rare opportunity to speak to myself as a high school senior I would say "young one" this is what you do. Keep your gpa at a 3.7 or above because a 3.5 isn't high enough to qualify for as many grants or scholarships that are available. I would also inform my younger self to take as many AP courses as my high school offers as well as college courses that are offered at the local college for graduating high school seniors. In doing this one can accelerate the completion of your undergraduate education. This is especially beneficial if you are planning to complete a pre-professional major such as pre-med, pre-law, or any graduate school program that is lengthy. This tactic allows you to reach your masters, doctorate, or Ph D. swiftly. Also save as much money as you can from summer jobs, scholarships, etc. College is expensive and not being financially sound or at least a little secure can be stressful when you also have to deal with midterms, tests, assignments, and final. And last, "Do what you have to do, so you may do what you want"- Forest Whitaker
Patric
I grew up in Reno, Nevada. A city of gambling drunkards for all I could see. High-school was not challenging. I excelled with little effort. It did not push me to apply myself, nor did it instill much hope of doing anything worthwhile with my life. I was withdrawn and self-destructive because the society I saw through my angry tears was filth, rot, and decay. After nearly dying in a car wreck, I had a "good excuse" to just survive. By then I was well into my addiction to marijuana and alcohol. I would not change that because today I teach others to stay sober. That worked out well when the flop met the river.
I would, however, give myself hope. By teaching myself about accountability and discipline I would do my durndest to break my habits of procrastination and blaming the world. I would still say that degrees and diplomas do not make people. Grades and test scores do not say anything about character or what a person can achieve. Instead it is what I learn and how I apply it, so I would push myself to learn as much as possible from all aspects of life.
Deahann
As a senior, I would go to college right after high school. In my opinion my life would be totally different if I would have persued my education. I did not realize until later in life how smart I am. I can honsetly say, I did not have that opportunity that my children have.
michael
If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior and apply the knowledge that I know today, I would seek out a career counselor and ask them to explore and discuss with me, my abilities, how they relate to careers of my personal interests, and degrees that would help me establish those careers. Having some direction seems to be a tremendous asset for a young persons life. Career goals being established and achieved could have numerous positive effects on individuals lives and their communities.
Ashley
Please work hard and not goof off. You are going to be able to do it. It might take a while but dont give up. You are smart and you can acheieve what your heart desires.
Carolina
I was an ESL student, so at my high school I was not advice to take some higher level courses & when I decided to attend to college it was so difficult for me to learn the material. If I was able to go back I would advice myself to take higher level courses to get me ready for college, than apply on time for scholarship and take some college courses while finishing high school because it will be an easier way to get use to college work and when graduating from high school have some college credits. Very important to participate on leadership clubs or events because colleges or universities like to see that a student is involved in clubs that will help them to continue with school. I would also advice to read and read books because teachers mostly ask you to write about a book that was interesting for you when you were in high school.
Jennifer
If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I think I would tell myself not to worry about deciding a major so quickly. My whole senior year I was worried about figuring out what I was going to do with my life, and I was only 17, that is a huge burden worrying about making a desicion for the rest of your life. I wish I could have known that not many college students know what they are going to major in, and that is okay. I also think I would tell myslef that if I wasn't serious about school, then to take off a semester. I think many students go to school because it is what their parents want, and they feel like that is what we are supposed to do, but I if a student isn't serious about an education then they will not do good. I know from experience. Now that I want it for myself, I am doing good in my classes, and I am excited about each new semester. That is what I would say, but I don't know how well my senior self listened to advice.
Dorian
If I could go back to the high school senior I would advice to myself to focus on my studies and study as hard as possible. I would tell my self to be discipline and more serious about my academics. I would tell to myself to read more and spend less time in hanging around with friends, TV and games. I wish I would have made better choice in friends and the activities I was involved. I would listen more to the advise from my parents, my teachers and the elders around me. I wish I could have graduated with a higher GPA if I had focus on my books. I would also tell myself to think about what I want to do with my life setting clear goals. Lastly, I would tell myself to take risks and don't worry about anything else or what everyone else says.
Brian
Listen kid, this whole anxiousness about moving away from home, not being near your old friends, not sleeping in your old room next to your kid brothers, and not getting to smell bacon and eggs that your mom makes for you in the morning, home-to-college transition awkwardness is just simply one of those "you live, you learn" dilemmas. You have to go through with it in order to overcome it and become all independent and cool. There is simply no way to get used to living your life a certain way without experiencing that firsthand. YOU'RE GONNA BE OKAY. In order to grow, in order to become that person you're dreaming of becoming, in order to not be a momma's boy anymore, and in order to get your own rad pad without having family withdrawal symptoms, you're gonna have to tough it up. You're gonna have to persevere and grind your teeth through the missing, the crying, and the homesickness. Again....IT'S GONNA BE OKAY. I have a feeling that in three years, you'll be used to it, and it'll be like you never went through such tough times. Love.
John
When I was in high school I was very narrow minded about college. I viewed it as a task that I just needed to work through rather than a privilege. I only applied to one school (SUNY Buffalo) and thought of doing nothing else but the pre-med program. After a few semester of commuting I was miserable at the school. I felt like “a number” more than a student. I felt like I was really missing out on the whole college experience. I went to classes and went home that was it. My advice to my high school self would be to look into other colleges and dorm! I tell everyone that I know who is going to college to dorm no matter what. Living on campus would have been so much better. I would have made new friends and life as I know it now would be completely different (not that I do not enjoy it now though). As I visit friends all over at different schools I feel that I made a terrible mistake and missed out on a great life experience. The whole college experience is not complete without being away from home.
Jasmine
First of all, I would advise myself to be smart about the decisions that I would be facing soon. I would tell the younger me to stick with her gut and to go for education right off the bat, so that she would not still be in school four years later. More importantly, I would tell her to be careful in her new relationship (as I became pregnant one month after graduation). I would tell her that life will become rough, but to hold her head high and keep pushing forward with a smile. When it came to adjusting to life in college, I would tell her to sign up for organizations and attend school functions; to become more involved. To end, I would tell her that cancer is not to be reckoned with, and to make peace with the idea of those your love leaving your sooner than you would expect.
George
If I was to back to my senior year in High School, the first thing I would tell myself is, to make plans for college immediately and not procrastinate. I would remind myself to have a clear goal and a plan to reach that goal. I would remember to remind myself to have fun but not overdo it. I would identify all my strengths and build on them early on. I would also identify my weaknesses and work on reducing or eliminating them totally. I would seek advice and help whenever and wherever I can get it. I would choose a career path that is most interesting to me and pursue it dilligently to avoid wasting valuable time on other things. I would make sure I maintain a level head while experiencing the ups and downs that life brings along occasionally. I would recognize the fact that education is the key to countless doors of opportunities and that knowledge is power.
jeffrey
The advice I would give myself is get better grades in high school,stay motivated and determined and keep a future goal always in mind.I would also tell myself to join teams or clubs and also get into the school spirit by being part of the school doing interships and going to a tutor for help or becoming a tutor.
Ryan
If I could go back I would tell my high school self, do the thing that makes you happy. Dont worry about what job is going to make you rich, stick to your passion. If you dont it will set you ack furthur than you think. Motorcycles are your passion start on them early in high school dont worry about taking the class for college preparation they wont help you work on bikes. take the vocational class, specificly small engines. Do that and you will be the happiest person you have ever meet. If you dont you will quickly find out that traditional college is not for you and you will feel like a failure. Not only that you will be behind the eight ball when it comes to getting a carreer type job. And oh by the way the girl you meet in your senior year, turns out she makes a very good wife and she is will to help you make your dreams come true.