University of Maryland-University College Top Questions

High school is an interesting time for all of us. We see it portrayed in the media and in our popular culture, and we hold it to so many different standards. At the time, it seems like the most important years of our lives, and I fell into that trap of thinking. Looking back, I did not find myself or my true identity in high school. I did not make friends that would be with me for life. I did not change the world or live each day dedicated to a passionate cause or goal. If I could, I would go back and tell myself to simply focus on my grades and let all else fall into place. High school is merely a stepping stone; a “tool” that leads you to college. College is what changes you and develops you. College is what will lead you to a career and a purposeful life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self to be confident. Confidence is the most important thing in achieving your goals, with out it, you are completely hopeless. I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence with in the last two years and it has helped me a great deal. I have been able to achieve things that I never thought possible and I have gained the respect of several of my peers. With my confidence, I was able to become a national certified EMT and a nursing assistant, I was able to graduate high school and I was able to work full time and go to school full time. Although my journey has been difficult and there were many times that I believed that I could never make it, I maintained my confidence in myself and pulled through it. Who would have ever thought that one word; one action can do so much for a person?

I would tell myself to calm down and take time to smell the roses. My entire high school career, I spent worring about college. You see I had no money and no idea where my parents were so I could not even complete the fafsa. I got accepted into amazing schools. All of my dream schools, but I did not even get the chance to go. So I joined the military and now that money has run out. I would tell myself just to have fun because it is not always fair. Sometimes you don't get what you earned. I would say Ash go have fun and stop worrying. You will find your way.

Studies may seem challenging and sometimes solving a new problem may seem impossible. Nevertheless, the first step is to recognize the issue and work to make the corrections. Applying additional time into studying will always work in your advantage. You should work to obtain as much knowledge as you possible can. Additionally, there is a wealth of knowledge in books, my suggestion is taking the time to gain a full understanding and avoid shortcuts. Every piece of knowledge will reward you in life; this includes college and in your future career. Someday it will feel extremely rewarding to deliver your knowledge. You will be so empowered to share your proficiency with others. The opportunity to learn will surround you daily. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and if we look around we can learn from one another. As you become more attentive you will eventually learn how to become efficient. Ultimately, everyday is ever changing, which proves that learning is infinite, it is up to you to apply it.

I would tell myself that even though I don't have a lot of experience or money and things seem blue at times- NEVER DOUBT MYSELF. That I'm capable of doing extraordinary things. Who knows, I could find the cure for cancer. John Green worte, “You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking how you'll escape one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present.” I would tell myself to live in the present and live it up every single day and go where you want to be. Instead of looking for a person from your dreams, be the person of your dreams. I would tell myself this because if you set a goal, and don't stop until it's accomplished, one day you will achieve that goal.

If I could go back in time the advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is, "Never give up on yourself, if you fail just keep trying until you succeed". The first semester of College is so crucial, it can make or break students and may even derail their future if unsuccessful. Unfortunatley I know this from experience, I started off my freshman year straight out of high school, moved into a college campus and naievly thought I knew exactly what being a college student would be like. Needless to say it was a time to sink or swim and I could not stay afloat, the transition itself was a process, and the workload seemed impossible, I quickly began to loose confidence and before I knew it I was drowning. I felt like I failed my parents who had invested everything into me, but not only did I fail my parents, I failed my younger sister who always looked up to me. Despite what happened that semester I returned to school, and I didnt give up on myself in fact I went back more confident then ever and by next semester I was getting A's.

First, take the SATs. You'll regret not taking them later. Second, begin researching universities now instead of waiting or you'll end up going to a university your father picks for you. Third, you are good enough to survive in this world. You have an intelligent, creative brain and you will succeed if you apply yourself while studying a subject you excel at (I recommend picking psychology from the start. You'll thank me later when you realize that becoming a forensic psychologist can happen for you). Fourth, submit the romance novels you've written to a publisher. Seriously. Just do it. Fifth, you're a transsexual. Deal with it already and move on with your life. There's no point in being angry and stopping yourself from moving forward. Instead, become who you are and IMMEDIATELY apply to the universities of your choice. Then, enroll in a university that appeals to you and begin an undergraduate degree in psychology (the minor can be in anything, but I know you'll pick English) as soon as possible. You'll have your undergraduate degree by age 21 instead of 23 and you'll like that. I promise.

Now that I have had a chance to experience the hardships of adult life, I would tell myself don't waist your youth. Get into school quick and stay until your finish your degree. The older you get the harder it is to go back to school and finish. Once you finish one degree continue persuing your next degree which will keep you marketable within society. Finally, I would tell myself to never give up and keep setting goals and chasing your dreams.

The advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to focus on learning time management. Throughout high school, I was told college is difficult and scary. College isn't difficult nor scary, it's all about managing your time wisely in order to get your work done. As long as you don't procrastinate and allow yourself enough time to get your work done, college will be a breeze.

I would say to expect the unexpected. As a high school senior, I thought I knew it all, and thought that the plans I had for college would go exactly as predicted. As it turns out, I have had my fair share of valuable experiences, and have grown because I let go. Not everything should be planned, but the motivation to improve and succeed should always remain prevalent.