University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

I would start off by telling myself to work hard at school. Before selecting the right college to go to, I wish I would have known what kind of environment is right for me. I would of reminded myself how learning in a smaller environment is best and being in the city in large classes just is not the right place for me. Moving away from home is something that everyone should experience, it's good way to find out a little bit about who you are as a person. I would want to give advice to myself stating "Do not take my family for granted. The days are too short to sweat the small stuff. Live every day with a smile and appreciate where you came from. Take a chance, you can always come home." I could not forget to say to myself how proud I should be as an individual. I have made good choices in my life and I have learned to focus on what is important. I would like to remind myself that taking chances is apart of living and experiencing. "Grab life by the horns and run with it, but don't forget to smile!".

Bob Marley summed it up with his song, "Everything's Gonna be Alright." Knowing what I know now, that is what I would tell myself as a high school senior. Somehow, things turn out exactly the way that they should. During Welcome Week as an incoming freshman, I was unsure of myself and what I was doing at such a big university. I had convinced myself that I was not going to find any friends. I had no idea how I was going to be able to find my classes on the first day, and I had doubts that I would do well in college classes. I also worried about being able to pay for everything and about living in such a big city. As it turns out, every little thing did turn out alright. I met my two closest friends that first week, and with only a little trouble, managed to find my way around. I love going to school with thousands of other students and got a work study job to help pay for school. After the first year I had a 3.9 GPA. I always tell myself now that everything does, in fact, turn out alright.

I would advise myself to stop looking around at what everyone else was doing and focus on what I wanted and was interested in. That love is the most important thing and that its alright to do that. Its not a matter of getting loved back but just the act of loving is so healthy for you. Its not silly or weak, its very healthy. I would encourage myself to love who I was and value that as a personal possesion. To pursue your dreams and hopes with courage and faith. That sometimes the acheivement of your hopes and dreams is not as important as your heart as you pursue your dreams. The healthy maintenance of hope and love will bear good fruit in all circumstances whether high or low in the social strata. Also I would extensively council myself not to set my hopes on relationships on men, but to focus on my relationship with God. It is a relationship that will bear much strength and health to yourself and the world around you. Trust God!

"Now that you're a senior, you have some exciting life choices ahead of you. Although your college choice is not the most important aspect, choose wisely. Choose a college that will challenge you not only academically, but socially, morally, and psychologically. Choose somewhere that will allow you to be yourself, but also offer places and situations where you can explore new ways of thinkings. Choose somewhere that will allow you to be flexible in what classes you take, so that you can reman open minded as to what careers and interests you may have in the future. Academically, many colleges are similar in academic rigor, so your choice will become, not so much which college can I get my best degree from and is well known, but in your success will be based on your ability and the college's ability to help you in becoming a intelligent, strong, social, thoughtful individual. Choose a college that will challenge you to become a strong assest to yourself, society, your friends and your family. "

If I could travel back in time to speak to myself when I was a senior in high school, the main thing I would say is, "Calm down." I remember that all throughout my senior year, as well as my junior year, I was terrified of what was to come as I became a college student. Now I could tell myself that college is very enjoyable and envigorating. Also, that the transition is much smoother than I expect and that once I settle in, it will be an incedibl feeling. I will say that once you are in college, you will truly begin to feel that you are coming into your own and that there is so much freedom to enjoy. My main point is: Sit back and enjoy the ride.

I would encourage myself to open up, ask questions. I was very shy and it was really hard adjusting.

Succeeding in school is simple, maybe that's why I ignored it for so long. If you don't miss a class and you do all the work, then everything else falls into place. There is no need for cram sessions or all-nighters. Trust me, just do the work.

The first thing I would tell myself is to stop worrying because everything I'd been hearing from others was true, the best days are still to come. Yes, it will be different at first, and yes, it will be hard sometimes. But college has presented opportunities to me that I didn't even know existed. My mind grows exponentially every day. I would tell myself to work hard, but to be encouraged because college will allow you to work, learn, and discover in new ways that make it seem as though you are doing none of the above. You are just living. Most importantly I would be sure to tell myself to take advantage of the diversity around me and to learn from it, rarely if ever again in life will you be surrouned by so many different ideas and cultures at once. It is an exciting time and you only get to do it once, so don't be afraid take your ideas and run with them.

It's important to know that no one is going to hold your hand, you're going to have to go out to get the help you need. It's going to be a lot more work than you're used to, get ready to read a lot. But just know that you're going to be okay, it's lots of fun too because you have so much freedom. Just keep up on things, study as you go, don't try to cram at the last minute like you do now. Don't be shy! try to make friends, make the first move because as a freshman, everyone wants to make friends so you may as well do someone a favor and approach them first. Make sure you leave some time for yourself though. Have fun!

Follow you dreams no matter what the cost. School is going to cost a ot, but in the long run you will be happy with your choices and your future career. Stay close with your family and listen to their advice. Take the time to travel or move to different cities to learn more about yourself and your family dynamic. You will learn and grown more from moving to a new city than you will from classrooms and work experience. Take classes that interest you, not just classes that sound easy.