University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I would tell myself work hard be dedicated and remember to shoot for the stars. I would tell myself work hard in your classes and be involved. Remember to serve your community take risks but above all work hard in your classes. I would tell myself that its ok to fail and to change your mind but its not ok to just skate by. Work hard because in the end it pays off.

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If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get involved earlier. Find interesting clubs right away and participate in the career fairs and job searches as early as possible. In doing so, you will get the greatest, most diverse experience possible. I would also tell myself to continue working hard and not let the freedom of college infringe on your work ethic. It is very possible to slip up academically when you're surrounded by the countless social opportunities however, hard work pays off. You are paying for your education and it is up to you to get the most out of the college experience with academics at the core.

If I were able to talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to try to reconnect with former classmates who attend the same college that I plan to attend. By talking to classmates who were older than me, I would be able to learn some tips and tricks to college life. For example, if I were able to learn about the characteristics of each dorm, I would have been able to choose a dorm that was made up of people who took similar classes as me. Although it was not hard to make friends in new classes, these friends usually lived in different dorms, so organizing times to work on homework together was not convenient. However, if we lived in the same dorm, a quick elevator ride or walk down the hallway would allow us to complete our homework efficiently. Another reason why contacting older classmates would be helpful is because they can provide their opinions on anything related to college, especially coursework. Because my classmates have physically taken the class, sometimes their feedback is just as valuable as an academic advisor’s advice.

As much as you hate to admit it, Dad was right. Beginning your college career at a local community college was the best to start. Temptation was calling to hop onto the nearest vehicle and flee Rockford for four years and return experienced, confident, and ready to conquer the world! Everybody else seemed to do that...only to return and start over. Why you may ask? They weren't ready, just like you, little did you know it. You were not ready to leave home and that's okay! Over the next three years, you got a chance to develop and see who you were as a person. Being at a community college gave you the oppurtunity to strengthen your friendship with Sarah, forge close bonds with other friends, appreciate your mother and father more, and most importantly reminded you that not everybody is the same. It's okay to be different. Not everyone goes off to a 4-year university and comes back, armed and ready to begin the real journey of adulthood. It's perfectly fine to still be unsure of life even at 22. What is most important though that you always remember you are welcome home.

"I'm you from the future! Listen, I don't have much time. Don't go to university right away (turns out I wasn't ready). Go to community college. No, really! You'll get great grades and save a few thousand on your education--speaking of which, do NOT skip those scholarship applications! Loans suck. "Anyway, once you transfer to U of I, you must make college your LIFE. Yes, it means your social life will suffer, but your goals will be far more attainable. Don't be arrogant and say to yourself, 'I know this stuff'; in reality, you won't know the material just by going to lecture. 'How will I find the motivation to study?' you may ask. Make friends. Seriously. Stay on campus and ask for help from peers. Everyone is friendly and you may even be friends for life! Form study groups with your friends and be sure to LEARN, for goodness sake. That's what college is for, after all! Oh, shoot, I gotta go. Don't mess this up for m--er, you!" "Wait! Should I live off-campus?" "Definitely. Much cheaper and more freedom. Bye, me!"

Keep doing what you are doing because that is the probably the only way you will get into college. Start working Diams earlier and push more for the allowance to take AP chem for there is very little math involved and your current math situation should have no effect on that course. Trust me, I just took that course in college and math involvement is minimal. Also, watch the anke picks so that you don't tweak your knee and do knee specific warm-ups before practice and competition. Make sure your phone works before falling asleep the day before the make-up ACT.

“Be confident. You worry too much about pleasing others that sometimes you forget to think about what would make you happy. Now that I am in college, I can see that everyone else is literally in the same boat as me. While it is part of your nature to care for others, you can’t forget to take care of yourself too. There is so much you have yet to learn. Just after one month of being in college you won’t believe how mature of an adult you will have become. All of your fears about not being able to get a job that you enjoyed will be gone. You will develop lifelong friends who are on the same path as you, and you will be able to grow with each one of them along the way. Take the initiative and talk to your professors, it’s not that hard. Get help if you need it; there are endless resources and countless people here who want to see you succeed. Be fortunate that you have gotten as far as you have. Thank mom and dad for all that they have provided to get you this far. Be happy.”

Seriously research universities before selecting one based on costs and proximity. There are more important things than being close to home. You are independent and love adventure, you should definitely explore all the possibilities before selecting! Look at classes offered, extracurricular activities, school spirit, volunteer opportunities, internship possibilities, and what the social scene is like. Don´t just settle for your easiest option. Be bold and dream big. Go where your heart takes you!

What are you passionate about? I don't mean what you like to do in your spare time, or even the school subject you're acing. What is it that electrifies the spark within you, the genius of your heart? This is your true vocation. It's okay to be a little lost, even if you're a self-described "high achiever." Doing well in school doesn't mean you know what to do when you're outside of it. Embrace the unknown and all the flexibility of uncertainty - you'll be glad you did. There is so much grandeur in the world, and the walls of your high school cannot even begin to contain it. Your next step isn't just another step to your future; it's a journey to savor. I know you are impatient to begin the bright future everyone is telling you that you'll have, and that's okay. Take that energy and use your upcoming journey to discover what makes that spark go ablaze. Take your time, find your passion, and look forward to the ride that will take you farther than you ever imagined. I promise, it's worth it.