University of Maryland-University College Top Questions

First and for most I would tell myself that college is not what I expected. I assumed that because I did so well in high school, that college would come easy to me. Therefore I slacked off, ending up with a horrible first semester. I would also have been more hard on myself to get a job, because no matter where you go college can be quite expensive and you never know what circumstances will come about. I experienced this first hand, and it made my situation way harder, but I was dedicated to going to school, so somehow I made it work. I would also have told myself to think about my future seriously. In high school I pretty much lived for the moment, and did not think about how it could impact my immediate future. Lastly but not least I would tell myself to always put my best foot forward no matter with what. I have realized that if I do my best with everything that I do then overall my life will be better and I can become the person that I want to, and achieve all of my dreams and goals to be successful in life.

The advice I would give is ‘look up’ because all my life I have been told that I couldn’t do anything. I have been everywhere from homeless to women shelters; from a ward of the state to a teenage mother. As a victim of abuse, I became accustomed to walking head down through life. High school graduation day, I looked up and knew life was going to change because I had beaten an odd. I did the same when I graduated college because not only was I looking down physically, but metaphorically. Nothing came given and life lessons made me not only stronger, but I have never looked down since. If I could go back, I would tell myself to ‘look up’ and don’t close any doors of opportunity or feel as if you aren’t good enough for anything. Earning my education broke glass ceilings that I no longer have to be stigmatized for. I chose to turn around and offer hands to others because where I succeed others achieve the same and I will tell them to just ‘look up’.

The year is 2002; I see my 2002 self standing outside. 2011 me: “We need to talk.” 2002 me: “WHAT?! HOW?! WHAT’S GOING ON?!” 2011 me: “I’m from the future, year 2011, I need you to know something very important.” 2002 me: “What?! Am I in jail?” 2011 me: “WHAT?! NO! Don’t be so dramatic. I want you to know that you will earn a scholarship to go to school, but don’t major in biotechnology. You need to major in psychology. You love researching how the mind works and you’re a natural at figuring people out. ” 2002 me: “Yea, I have a gift.” 2011 me: “Don’t get cocky, just listen. You waste too much time and money switching your major to psychology. Oh and remember it’s ok to party, but please…..keep your grades up! Don’t lose your scholarship because loans eat up your money after graduation.” 2002 me: “Thanks for the advice.” 2011 me: “Oh last thing. When you meet Simon, don’t be so hard on him. He turns out to be a really great guy.” 2002 me: “Simon?” 2011 me fades. 2011 me: “Please remember all I said today.”

The advice I would give myself now is do not rush to figure out what you want to major in. It is a tough decision and can be changed numerous times while a person is in college. Also, to start studying while in high school. It is hard to study for college courses when I did not study a lot in high school. Studying for tests are harder in college and having the right skills before hand will be easier when it comes to test times. Save your money because in college it goes fast. Plan a head on what you will be spending each month and make sure you do not go over your spending. Budgeting it good and will keep you out of trouble. Also, just have fun with friends and other peers. Make friends so you can have people to study with for tests. Studying in pairs is better than alone. Do not be afaid to ask you professor for help, they are there to help and clear assignments up. Use the tutors that the class has, they know how to help and will help if you need it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to let hardships in life bring you down, such as not getting into the college or program I applied to. I would also tell myself I need to push myself to always give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in all that I do, even if I get negative feedback from those around me. Without doing this a person may never know their true potential and have less of a chance to achieving their life long goals. The last thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to ask questions during class. Even if I am too shy to ask with all of the students in class, I should ask my professor after class, or set up a time to meet with them. Although, the students in my class are also there to learn and may have the same questions I have. By asking questions, I will have a better understanding of the material being discussed during class. After all, why should I waste my knowledge and money if I don't put the effort into understanding the information?

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give would be this: Do not rush to enter "the real world." It is harder to go back to school once you've left and are working full time. Once you get to that point, you have a stricter schedule, less flexibility, and also bills, bills, bills. You cannot just stop paying them and go back to school. I would tell my high school senior self to take the time to go through college and experience the freedom and the flexibility you have and find what you really love and want to do with your life.

I would tell myself to always have a notepad handy, be prepared to write lists and prioritize time properly. The freedom that comes with college can't be taken lightly. Plan to study hard, stay organized and go to each class. College is the key to the future.

When my junior year of high school began, I entered Pierce Community College. I utilized the running start program to achieve my High School Diploma and Associates of Science degree in the spring of 2010. Pierce Community College has been an excellent stepping stone toward achieving my goals, by offering an Associates of Science degree and providing the specific engineering classes that I will need to transfer to the University of Washington. It has taught me the fundamentals of knowing what i want to achieve and finding a way to make it happen. Learning new things has open my mind to all sorts of possibilities that can be accomplished with a little knowledge and a whole lot of diligents.

College has been so different from the rest of my life. I went from a tiny, unkown part of Maryland to this giant university, right next to Washington DC. I have met so many people, and gotten so many different experiences. For example, this past winter, I traveled to El Salvador for a community service class. I have survived Snowpocalypse, and I have become much more of an independent person. College has taught me a lot about going out and finding things on your own, not just waiting for something good to drop in your lap. I've learned that life isn't like high school, and I really need to work hard to achieve anything. I've learned that the most unnlikely people can make the beest of friends, and not to be so quick to judge someone I see in class. They may come back and help your save your grade. College has taught me a lot, not just in the academic sense, but in life. These life lessons are important, and will carry me through the rest of my life.

I personally am loving my college experience right now because I'm learning so much. I am now on the final track - meaning I am finally taking the classes that are related to my major and i'm learning exactly what I will be doing once I graduate; therefore I'm so excited and willing to learn what i have left. As i said earlier, the best part of my college experience at the moment is that I'm learning some facinating things and I will be graduating soon. Also, the teachers have been extremely encouraging and it's always nice to hear someone giving you positive feedback and positive thoughts overall.