julie
I definitely would of continued my education through collage. I am 25 years old now, and now that I think about all the time that I missed knowing that all the fun and hanging out with friends didn't give me a good career, or is just time that I could of used to go to collage instead and be some one important in life right now. It makes me think that I would like to go back and made me pursue a carreer. If I could go back to my senior year knowing what I know now and about life, I would definitely talk my self in to going to collage and even though I wouldn't change anything that I have now. I would of really liked if I could of start college right away after High School.
Chelsie
Some advice that I would tell myself; would be to not committing yourself to a major, because it will most likely change. Also I would tell myself that high school and college are nothing alike, and that high school does not prepare you for college. Definitely learn how to plan your time, do not procrastinate, when your schoolwork is due it?s due; the professors in college will not follow you everywhere reminding you to turn in your schoolwork. College is stressful, living in a new location, away from home is hard, but the situation is survivable. Have fun, enjoy your time at college, attend classes that you wouldn?t normally attend, and participate in other, non-academic activities, such as sports, organization, and other student functions.
Michael
I was one of those students in high school who could float through semesters with minimal effort and achieve A's and B's. I had to adapt quickly to succeed my first semester of college. You must be proactive in your studies, the sooner you fully engage in your studies the better. If your career goals are vague in high school it is OKAY. Do not be afraid to take a mixed lot of classes your first semester or two to find which area of study piques your interest. Maintain a strong relationship with your academic advisor, the better they know you the more they can provide for you.
Now that I am further along in my college career I am exploring all the possibilities my education can provide for me. There are so many extracurriculars, internships, study abroad opportunites, etc. that will enhance your knowledge, job experience, and desirability. Make close friends with professors who can provide you with reccomendations and additional opportunities. Networking is a tremendous factor in your future success.
My last reccomendation is this: make friends, challenge yourself, and use this opportunity to find an area of study/career path that you absolutely love!
Sam
Don't let the whole process intimidate you. The whole process isn't as bad as it seems. You know what you need from a school. What you as a person thrive best in. Trust yourself and don't let anything stop you or steer you from your path. But remember don't be to proud to accept help when and where it is offered. People tell you that after High School nothing will be the same. Don't let them fool you. Thing's aren't to different. I still breath literature. I still stay up too late. I still eat like a bird. I have yet to gain fifteen pounds. True some things are different. I no longer livve with my parents or have to answer to anyone but myself but that's all really. That's all.
Kenneth
If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself that now is the time to kick it in. I would tell myself to take the hardest courses available; it will pay off when you get to college. Always turn assignments in, even if they are late. I would tell myself to learn to study now, because this is a big skill needed in college. Learn to manage time, and do not wait until the last minute to get stuff done. Learn to manage your money wisely and not waste on useless items. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, that way you don?t have to put up personal funds to pay for your education. Learn good communication skills, because this is essential for college. When you get to college, use the resources available to you they are very helpful. Overall I would tell myself to have fun in college. Stay away from the drinking and parties. Meet new people and get the best grades you can.
Jesse
The advice I think I could ever give myself is "don't think of a senior project as a lot of work because you will have to do the equivalence of a senior project a week and read a ton of books on top of that. Oh yeah and be sure to get very good grades, or maybe you can, for your senior project, build a time machine. Then all those things that you missed out on as a kid that would help your scholarship attainability, would be within your reach instead of wanting to join the boy scouts at 18 you would have had a chance. And of course le piece de resictance, the filling out of scholarships, that is the biggest thing of all, fill out as many as you possibly can!" Those are the exact words that would spill from out my mouth in that situation, not that I will ever get the chance to say them, but now I can work as if I did say them, and work on my college education like I wished I could have worked through school my whole life. Now is the time to change, I am in college now.
Avery
Take advantage of the help that is readily given by parents, teachers, counselors and others who are so willing to share their knowledge with you. Get involved is as many activities as you can without sacrificing your grades. Research any and all financial aid possibilities. Get some exercise once in awhile and volunteer at your favorite animal shelter when you can because both of these activities are good for your heart. Oh, yeah, and invest in a good alarm clock!
Jessica
I would say to myself that everything happens for a reason no matter good or bad but it's what you take from it, and how you grow from it too. Nothing is perfect but make the most out og every situation and opprotunity.
Michael
I would tell myself to go to a community college and try to walk on to the basketball team. That is the biggest thing. Another thing is that I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships because that would have helped out a ton. And if I was going to the U of I anyways I wouldn't have lived in the dorms to save myself some money and I would have talked to financial aid to see if they had some scholarships that I could have applied for. I would have told myself about the classes to take/not to take and what to expect as far as which classes were difficult and which ones were not. With telling myself this I most likely would have been a little happier and better off in my first semester of college.
Veronica
The first thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior would be that all the work and stress that I am going through is worth it. In high school I was in the International Baccalauriate Program which is a rigorous course load which kept me up late almost every night, sometimes into the early morning finishing my homework. However, my first semester of college was relativly easy because I was extremly prepared. Also, I would tell myself to remember not to make snap judgements about people, but also to remember who I am and to not let hanging out with someone change that. I've found that people like you more when you are yourself rather than what they want you to be because the respect you.
Jennifer
I would tell myself to live on campus and be more involved with student activities and intermural sports. Living on campus offers a great variety of social events and opportunities and being involved with different groups makes campus life fun and interactive. Living off campus can be isolating and students miss out on opportunities to make new friends and learn leadership skills outside of the classroom. Campus life is great.
Amanda
I would tell myself to live it up and not be scared. I was so worried about not making friends and fitting in that I feel I spent too much time trying to fit in and just not letting myself go and be me. I would also tell myself that it's ok to grow up and be responsible. You need to actually get homework done and learn what's going on in your classes because the information will be used again. It's ok to be smart and take your time on homework. Next I would say to be careful with money and be active! Food became my vice when I was stressed which wasn't good. Finally call your parents at least once a week, it'll make both of you so much more happy. And just have fun!
William
Since I was scholar athlete in high school, I was obsessed with the sports I participated in. Consequently I found that by my senior year, sports stop being fun and school work became an inconvenience with regards to sports. After going to college, I once again realized that participating in sports (club and intramural) can be fun and can provide an enjoyable outlet away from school work. If I could go back and tell my younger self something of value I would point out that the right balance of school work and outside participation (sports, clubs, etc.) can create a harmony where the total experience can be exciting and fun, instead of something you dread. I believe that if I had known this to be true, I would have enjoyed my high school experience more and would have been both a better scholar and a better athlete.
Rafael
I would advice myself to try harder in high school and study more for the act for a better chance at scholarships instead of loans. I would also tell myself about how big of a responsibility it is being on your own, like paying bills and keeping the apartment in order. Another big thing is that college offers a different lifestyle, socially, because nobody is there to say when it's time to go to bed or when to do homework. Any high school student needs to understand that there is a way bigger responsibility in college and one needs to take it upon oneself to succeed.
Margaret
I would say to go and visit more schools. Even schools you aren't interested in can give you insight into what size/type of college you would be most happy at. Apply early, like in October so you don't feel rushed and still have time to apply to more if you find different ones you like. Apply for more scholarships, money becomes a large factor when you are discussing going into thousands of dollars of debt for school. Talk to advisors at your college as soon as you make the choice to go there. Look into honors programs. Check out Greek life, even though you aren't "that" type of person, it turns out there really isn't "that" type of person, rather that "type" of house. Don't go home unless it is something important, focus on living college life.
Bonnie
If i could go back and give myself advice for my future college years I would have to go with stay true to who you are and remember why you are at college. You are there to learn and better your life for the future. Don't get caught up in all the petty things in life like drama and just going out and having a good time. It's important to have fun, but once you just open yourself up to the entire college experience, you are bound to learn more than you ever thought you could. Not just in the classroom, but with everything that goes into building a great life for yourself. Listen to those around you, and always stay open minded. Everything we do in life has a purpoese. When you come to college be the best you can be.
Jamela
Relax and breathe easy. Do not be afraid to ask questions, continue to be who you are and live life to the fullest. It is okay if you switich your major a million times do what makes you happy. Life is short so be friendly to all and help where you can. Do not rely on the food too much at the cafeteria, it will make you less tolerant to milk and cheese. Try hardest in every class even if you don't like the class, we all have to jump hoops sometimes to get to the better side of our life. Make friends and offer help to others.
Carpe Diem!!!
Ben
I would tell my past self to work hard and try to learn as much as possible. Not only learn the material related to your major, but every class you take, work hard and let the information sink in. To be open minded to new ideas that may differ from my own. Also to make an effort to make friends and just relax, because if you work hard and are learning then everything will fall into place.
Tegan
do not procrastinate on studying for a test! do a little bit at a time so that it is not overwhelming and so you have time to ask your teacher questions
Sara
Be prepared to get thrown into a world where you have to stay on top of your school work. Don't think about slacking off or getting behind. Get involved with other things than JUST school work. Work on building a well rounded reseme. Socialize! This is one the best places to make some amazing friends. Keep the family ties strong. Most of all, make the most out of everything that is handed to you.