University of Maryland-University College Top Questions

I graduated high school a semester early. At that time, my dad told me he was willing to finance my college education on the condition that I start in the fall. I felt I needed more time to decide what I wanted to do. My dad was wise enough to know that I should take core classes while I decided what to major in. I decided not to take his advice, and moved to Seattle instead. It didn't take me long to realize I should have taken his advice. My pride wouldn't allow me to admit I was wrong, so I joined the military instead. I used my military education benefits and completed my Bachelor of Science in 2014. I have children of my own now, and I would tell my high school self the same thing I tell them. A college education doen't define you as a person or mean that one person is better than another. It is, however, a key that opens doors which may otherwise remain closed to you. Limiting yourself by not taking advantage of any education available to you is not wise, and this was something my dad knew.

Have fun, but remember to stay focused. Hard work now will definitely make life easier in the long run. There is plenty of time to have fun in life, and it is much more fun with all the money you will be making after graduating from college. Remember to give back to the community that you are around. Volunteering gives you great insight and a sense of accomplishment. The reward for your time is immeasurable. Volunteering in the field you are going to school for is a great way to gain experience as well as network for the future. Get to know your fellow students and teachers. They will likely be your peers, workmates, and maybe even employees or bosses. Set goals that are realistic and attainable, both short and long term. Completion of the short term goals will give you the confidence to accomplish the long term goals. Finally, pick a field that you enjoy. If you like it, it is much easier to learn, and you will have fun along the way. Remember, have fun and stay focused.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to "work hard now so that I don't have to struggle as much later. Being the most popular, the class clown, and focusing on fitting in; did not help to advance my academic or professional career. Instead focus on community service initiatives to raise awareness about the things that matter to our society, find summer internships to gain a perspective about the workplace, volunteer, it makes you feel good to give back, play sports to build competitiveness, and listen to everything that your parents tell you because they are most likely right! I would tell myself to have fun, but not the kind of fun that damages your reputation or hinders you in the future from reaching your professional or educational goals. Let life happen, but do not let it just pass you by.

Dear Self, Study hard and focus by setting goals for the immediate and long-term future. Structure your week so there is adequate time to study AND have a little fun. Take advantage of every free lecture or band or performance that is available to you on campus. You never know when there will be an opportunity to share a common experience with someone; if you don't make time for experiences, you'll have very little to share. Network, network, network. It's okay to make mistakes. Do not be afraid of them nor the consequences of them. THIS is how we grow. Lastly, ditch that haircut. It's not as flattering as you think it is. Go get 'em, Tiger! Love, Self

Conquering College Conundrums: Conscientiously and Cheerfully How do you prepare a teenager that has lived their entire existence under parental guidance, to the introduction of a world that entails academic dedication, while also attempting to generate new and lasting social relationships? The answer is not simple, and there are countless of visionary pieces of wisdom I could impart onto myself today, that could have greatly eased my mind. But, where on earth should I start, and what unique insights can prepare an individual for the labyrinth of life choices and experiences ahead of them? The most poignant and sound belief, that would have anchored my initial trepidation, is that we can transcend every single hurdle we face, even if it feels insurmountable. Our basic needs and desires of acceptance, companionship, and success, always remain constant, even if the methodologies have a metamorphosis. Regardless of the nature of the matter, whether it is a seemingly impossible class, missing the comforts of home, not bonding with other students, or simply feeling out of place, time changes everything. Hindsight may always be “20/20”, but living in the present and appreciating every moment, is one of my favorite lessons in life thus far.

Just to tell myself that if you want anything out of life that you are going to have to work for it. Also never be dissapointed at failure but take it as a learning experience.

College is nothing like your school experience so far. You will come out of your metaphorical turtle shell that you always hide in and find it easier to be the leader you know you can be. I'm proof that you didn't give up on yourself. Take your time. You still work better on your own terms. There are online classes for that. You'll stick with the Biology thing for a while, but the teacher who convinced you to do that will mean nothing when you find your true passion - spoilers. Every failure you think has had disasterous consequences? They too will mean nothing compared to your achievements in the future, especially community college. You never would have guessed that community college was the best decision you ever made. When it comes to your university decision afterwards, try not to stress so much this time. It was exhausting. Just know your final choice is actually yours, not anyone elses. Don't give up and create some weird paradox right now. I like existing. You'll get there soon.

I should have gone and talk with the student counselor to take every piece of knowledge from her on how to fund and succeed for college. I was a 3.5 grade point average student for High School Freshman and Sophomore year, but I did not have a vision after High School. I never once used the admin resources to research for college. Knowing what I know now, I truly see it as a loss of opportunity in High School. Had I actually been admitted to college the following year, I want to say to myself “study for your undergraduate courses and stop procrastinating.” My freshman year in college was taking courses lackadaisically and not caring about my grades. The struggle I ran into my Junior and Senior undergraduate year could have avoided and given me honor student status. I still feel the ramification from that moment as I applying for graduate school today.

I would tell myself to go to college as soon as I graduated highschool. I would tell myself to be prepared to study and to be excited about the opportunity to learn. I would tell myself to look around at different career options and have fairly concrete idea about what I need to study and learn in order to be successful in my future career.

Congratulations on being the first in your family to embark on a college education. I’m really proud of you for being brave to go to College 450 miles away from home. Your college experiences will help define you. Remember don’t make rash decisions, the choices you make will follow you throughout your college career. Focus on getting great grades. Don’t overwhelm yourself take fun electives with your mandatory courses each semester. For your first spring break, I would suggest going on vacation with your best friends. If you happen to experience some sort of homesickness/depression, try to spend more time with your friend Jennifer. Being at the University of New Hampshire for the first year with your best friend is a great thing. I can’t reiterate this enough think about the decisions you make, missing class, going to parties and staying up late. Think several years down the line on the repercussions. Will this decision get me the degree I am seeking or will it hinder me from getting it? Above all though have fun while being responsible! I’m extremely proud of your success; you’re the first Fernandez to go to College.

Dear Past Self, College is not as stressful as you would think. There are many people available to answer your questions and meet your needs. Just don't be afraid to ask! Also, be prepared to study. Study, study, study! College professors expect you to do your work and research, but don't be afraid to ask for help! In college, you learn more information about subjects, sometimes in a shorter amount of time too, compared to high school. The number one thing I would say is to have fun! Stressing and worrying over assignments or even mom and dad won't get you where you need to be. The last thing I have to say is don't be afraid to plan EVERYTHING! You're going to need all the time you can get in college when juggling friends and family, sports/exercise, school,kand everything else. Plan ahead, stick to it, and you'll be just fine! Sincerely yours, Present Self

To take each class serious and to ensure I seek a tutor at the first sign of getting a bad grade.

If I could advise myself back in high school, I'd have a few things to say. I would have made my senior schedule more challenging, instead of just taking what my friends were. This would help be prepare for classes in college because I'd already have good study habits. Also, I would tell myself to do running start. It helps me adavnce my college career while still in high school, plus it's a great way to save money on college. I would have graduated with almost my whole AA, putting me about a year ahead of my classmates. I would also tell myself to apply for more sholarships. I barely applied to any in high school. I would tell myself to take scholarships more seriously, and the worst that can happen is I don't get it. While on the other hand the best thing that could happen is I do get it, helping me towards my degree. There are so many scholarships out there for the taking, so why not try and take?

As a current college student, if I could go back in time to talk to my high school self I would encourage her to focus all of her efforts on scholarships. At the time I had no idea just how expensive colleges, particularly universities, could be and chose a more relaxed method of applying for free money. Not only that, but the few scholarships I did apply for were purely academic based, which can often be the most difficult to win. Unfortunately, in my current financial state I am only able to take 3, maybe 4, classes a year and by this rate will be an old woman before I obtain my master’s degree. If I had known then what I know now I would have even been able to possibly graduate college debt free through using scholarships and grants to pay for my tuition! This information would change everything for me and allow me to achieve my long term goals without the thousands of dollars of debt to look forward to.

If I could go back and give my 18-year-old self advice, I'd tell him not to worry so much about the little things. I'd tell him not to spend so much time stressing out about the things which are out of his control. I'd explain to him that he doesn't have to have it all figured out right away - that there is a time for everything. I'd tell him that life is going to throw him a few curve balls, but assure him that he has the strength and perspecacity to not only survive but also to exceed even his own expectations. I would tell him not to short-change himself with his college education. I'd tell him to stick with it instead of dropping out, joining the Army, and having to go back to school a full decade later than the rest of his peers. I'd tell him he's capable of anything. I'd tell him everything I wish someone had told me.

As a senior I had a lot of outside issues going on. I was happy to become 18 and get my voter registration card. I was also happy to be able to drink and to go away to college. However, due to the family events I was torn and for the first time in my life I spoke up to my parents. I let my mother know that I did not want to go to college. She blindsided with, "What are you going to do if you don't go to school?" So I ended up going to college. I can't say going was the worst choice. However, I would tell my younger self to fight to stay home because they will need you. I don't know what my life would have looked like since I met my husband and many, many great friends which I still have today. Therefore, the decision would be a difficult one. One I might have to give up the life I have now for. However, I often wonder, would I have reached the point I am now? Finishing college, having a family and now attending law school.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school year, I would tell myself to take my education seriously. I was a serious procrastinator in high school and I didn’t care about my grades. I got into trouble a few times which ended up in suspensions, and I only did just enough work to get by. I barely studied and mostly just hung out with my friends. If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice then I would have definitely took another course of action. I would have dedicated myself to my studies and strived for all A’s on all exams. I would have studied hard for the SAT and would have taken on some volunteering opportunities. I would have left high school with an esteemed profile that would have looked great on college applications. Being able to go to college on a full scholarship would have taken the burden of college debt off of my shoulders. And I could have focused fully on my career, instead of wondering how I am going to pay back my college loans.

College.... such a scary term! Looking back I'm not sure I would have changed where I started my college education because I met my best friend there. I would however make sure that I knew how to properly save and invest my money to better support myself in the future. I would remind myself that the "Freshman 15" is really the "Freshman 20" and to take the GYM more seriously. Attending parties and events are all part of the college life, and I would have to remind myself to participate. The one major thing that I would need to change is my attendance.... going to class is kind of the point... doing your work is even more important. Not doubting yourself and giving 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} every day is the only way to go. I started my college education at York College of PA and shortly into my endeavor I was in a bad accident where I found myself on crutches for over a month. I found myself discouraged and helpess. I would remind myself that only I can make my situation better and I pave my own path. In the end, the effort will be worth it.

Never listen to the "nay-sayers." The people in your high school life are temporary; the situation is temporary. Adapt, adjust, and overcome. Oh, but don't get cocky the GPA is more important than you think, so stop procrastinating with everything. You should get more involved with school organizations, being a military BRAT seems to have stunted your out-goingness gene. By the way, flunking Freshman Spanish probably wasn't your best move, and taking Spanich for that matter when you clearly had a better aptitude for German. Don't let people push you around, and stop worrying about being popular; in the long run of life it doesn't matter. Overall, you're going to be successful. Shortly after graduation a major world event is going to take place, it's why you join the Air Force...you won't regret that move. But I would encourage you to vote better, these politicians we have...well you'll find out. I already know how much you value voting. More than anything don't ever let someone make you feel less than you are because those are people struggling within themselves, you're already stronger than that.

If I could go back to seventeen year old Meaghan, I would tell her not to take college as a joke. That when you have the opportunity to go to college for free, because you have a trust fund set up, that that is an absolute blessing. Use it. Do not drop out, it will be oh so much more difficult when you do want to go back -because, trust me you will- you will be married with three kids and hardly any financial security. You wont be able to get a job that can pay enough for you take care of your family, you will be a single income family. You don't have a job in the future. You won't have the funds to go back to school like you did when you were eighteen. Trust me! Stay in school so you can get that nursing job you want, Meaghan! So you can help your family when you do get married and have your beautiful babies!