University of Idaho Top Questions

Reflecting on my college experiences thus far as a senior at the University of Idaho, I am confident in stating that the years lying between a high school senior and a college senior have the potential to be the most impactful time in a person’s life. I would not be the person I am today without the priceless opportunities provided to me by my university and the unconditional support I have been given in different areas of my life, much of which I have received in unexpected ways. Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to always keep an open mind, to prioritize my values, and never to underestimate the wisdom and advice coming from those who can relate to our struggles. Most importantly, however, I would advise myself to embrace change as an inevitable part of life that offers endless opportunities for growth. Having said this, I am a strong advocate for encouraging high school students to attend a university because I would not have been able to obtain these values without the firsthand understanding of experiencing college and everything it has to offer.

If I had the opportunity to speak to my 12th grade self, it would change my life. Life has not been easy but without the experiences I've had, I would not be who I am nor have my daughter. Putting that aside, I would have a lot to say. Most importantly, I'd tell myself that life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself. Without a real drive to succeed and hard work, you don't turn out to be much. Additionally, relationships should be supportive of this and of life's positive progress. Don’t hold on to dead or toxic friendships and relationships. I would tell myself how important it is to stay in school no matter what, that education should be the highest priority. Taking care of yourself and your future solely relies on having a real career in motion. Life is full of choices, so don’t settle. Don’t let anyone talk you out of having standards. Finally the most important is to be very careful and knowledgeable in doing so, but take risks and do things that inspire and intimidate you, these are the things that will change your life.

Although I can't go back and warn myself about college or the "college life" the only thing I can do is learn from my mistakes and try harder next year, but if I could go back I would tell myself that the "college life" isn't as great as the movies make it seem. Yeah, living on your own is great, at first. The movies fail to mention that the educational endeavors get more challenging and your motivation if not kept at its peak will dwindle away. There are parties and those may seem fun, but in reality they are a wrong way on the road to graduation and success. It may not be high school, but there will always be people trying to bring high school to college with their drama, so don't let them get in your way you are greater than that! Show them who you can be, and don't try to impress those that try to bring you down with there negativity. Most importantly show those that believe in you by offering you money that their investment in your education wasn't ill spent and in the end go get 'em tiger!

If I could go back, I would tell myself many things, but the most important are the following: - Get active: There are so many clubs devoted to outdoor activity, and they're some of the best ways to get to know people. They may be expensive, but they're worth it. Whatever you choose, make sure you do it with new people. This is an open, friendly campus. Don't be afraid to meet new people. - Find a job: Yes, I know. It's hard to balance school, friends, and a job, but it'll be worth it, and it'll allow you to put yourself in a more stable situation for the future. It also builds up that resume, and that's important. It's a tough world out there, and it might take a while to find even the lowest of paying jobs, but the sooner you start, the sooner you will find something. It just gets harder the longer you wait. - Dont' procrastinate! You love your friends, and they're great, but school comes first. Remember that. As much fun as going out tonight sounds, you have work to do. Do it. One last thing: Good luck!

I know you're depressed right now and therefore aren't planning your future, but don't waste 8 years piddling your life away at community college. First, don't let your succubus of a "best friend" drag you down into her pit of "slackerdom". Remember when you were just a little girl and everyone would ask what you wanted to be when you grow up? You would answer: "a zoologist". Stick with that gut passion; because, after bouncing from pyrotechnics to painter to special effects makeup artist to chef, you're going to find yourself back at animal biology. Sure you became a fairly decent painter and had some fun in those 8 years; however, if you just knock out your 2 years at community college you can be done with school in 4 years. Still take painting, you just won't be as good; but it's not like you're going to sell your paintings anyways. Also, check out internship opportunities at Cosley Zoo and Willowbrook Wildlife. Those will help you confirm your love for wildlife conservation and nature as a whole. Game plan: community college, internships, university and BAM! get intership at African wildlife reserve.

You need to calm down and take time to do everything. I had the bad luck to try and do everything at once but that only caused me to be too tired for fun things. Therefore, you should have a good schedule for everything and yet, leave some room for fun because it's no fun to go to a college if I don't experience all aspects of it. The schedule is only a guideline for you to follow, not to control your life. College is about getting your education and forming strong bonds with your classmates so take time to slow down and smell the roses in other words. Don't be in a hurry to finish college because that's the last time you will actually get to be a kid in a way without having the burdens of being an adult in every way. Be happy and make wonderful memories along with your education because it will go farther than separate. It will help turning you into a happy full-grown adult. Have fun and learn everything you can learn at the same time.

If I could go back in time and give my high school self some advice, I would warn myself about a lot of the influences there are in college. Drugs and alcohol run rampant on so many campuses, and I was not prepared for that. I would tell myself to be aware that people I meet might be into those kinds of things, and to be careful who I choose to hang out with because I want to steer clear of that kind of stuff. Staying clean and focusing n my studies is very important to me, and things like drugs and alcohol are very distracting if a college student gets into them. Thankfully I have been able to stay away, but it wouldn't have been as much of a struggle if I could go back and warn myself about it.

The best advice I would give is to get involved on campus! By joining a club or volunteering, you will meet new people and make new friends. That will make the transition from high school to college much easier. A freshman usually has to leave the family he/she knows to go to college, and usually does not see many of his/her high school friends much once the school year starts. Getting involved is a great way to make new friends, but it can also help a great deal with networking. If you join a club related to your major or your career interests, you may have the opportunity to meet industry leaders and professionals who can help you when you are looking for an internship or job after college. Once I got involved with clubs, I was able to meet some industry leaders and important career professionals and now have a prospective internship. Getting more involved in my college has also helped me to meet important faculty members from whom I can easily get a great letter of recommendation when I need one. I cannot stress enough; involvement on campus makes college a blast!

College is not what you expected so great rid of those ideas of what you think will happen. The homesickness will go away after awhile and you'll forget about it. Don't groan about having to call your parents every week, your mom appreciates it and in the end you eventually realize you do it for yourself too. Bring more movies-you have more free time than you thought you would-or check out books from the library. Don't be afraid to be foreward and ask for help, swallow the pride you had in high school where you didn't need assistance and just get off your butt and do something about it. It is alright to cry about leaving home because you are now forced to grow up and face the future head on. Remember to be truthful about yourself and forgiving. Go out and talk to people, make as many friends as you can because in the end they will make you happy and always have your back. Keep laughing. Study more, it will only help you in the end and relieve a lot of stress. It will only get better. Have fun.

I would tell myself to start applying for all the scholarships that you can! college is expensive. Pay attention more in classes, esecially math and english. Learn how to write really good essays, you will need it. Start saving your money now. Take more AP classes, then you won't have to take them in college.