University of Mississippi Top Questions

Think hard about leaving your family and living so far away from home. The transportation cost was something I did not think about when attending a college so far away.

I know what you're thinking, "Here comes another adult trying to tell me how to live my life." I just want you to hear a little piece of advice from someone who has been where you're going. First all, you're beautiful. Never let anyone make you feel differently. No one is perfect, but guess what? No one is YOU either! You don't ever have to compare yourself to others, just be the best YOU that you can be. You have a lot to offer the world, but you have to believe in yourself and stay focused and determined. You're very smart now but you still have a lot to learn. Learning doesn't stop when you reach my age. It's for as long as you have the passion to do so. So don't ever be afraid of what you know and learn in this world. Take that and use it to your advantage. Don't be afraid of what you're capable of. Don't run from success, run toward it. And if you should stumble along the way, pick yourself up and keep going because you're stronger than you know.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably tell myself a few things. First, I would tell myself not to try and hurry through life. Ever since I was young, I have had my career plan mapped out, but like often in life, plans change and that is okay. As a high school senior I was so sure about the plan my life would take and now as almost as senior in college I realize plans change. Next, I would tell myself that it is okay if I truly don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life. At only eighteen years old, it's okay to be unsure. Finally, I'd tell myself that even knowing what I know now and changing my career path after three years in college, I would still go the same path and do it all over again because ultimately it is what made me who I am today and is the reason I am at Ole Miss.

I would tell my high school senior self to stay on my academic works. I would tell myself to try to achieve higher on the ACT and to study more for it. I would apply for University scholarships before the deadline and kept deadlines on my calender in my phone.

I would tell myself to study on the weekdays and go out on the weekends. I would also tell myself to not date anyone from my home town once I move off to college.

You gotta go, it's 6:15. Wait! Don't forget the classic Instagram pic capturing the beginning of the Holy Grail of all that is high school: senior year! #Surreal. Imani ,my friend, I want you to know that everything happens for a reason. This year you'll face joy like never before, students you merely passed in the hallway last year will become close friends , and you'll look back at every moment with no regrets. Everything you've been told to look forward to this year, is 1000 times better than what you've heard! However, like I said, things happen for a reason. You know those schools that you were "predestined" for acceptance, SPOILER ALERT: let's just say you'll be knocking on some closed doors. Also, just when you think you've found the perfect school in sunny Malibu, California, dorm, roommate, flights and all, well brace yourself because no one imagined the household income would drop to zero. Defeat is a real emotion you will have to overcome. Nevertheless, do not be fooled by closed doors . They are God's way of protecting and preparing you for something greater. See you Spring 2015!

Dear High School Self, Although hanging out with friends on weekends is fun, please remember that getting used to saying no every once in a while and staying in and studying is very important. Mom and Dad probably haven't told you yet that they don't make enough money to puy you through school, and you don't qualify for financial aid, so you need to be proactive about your future and start doing your homework, as well as applying for scholarships and grants. Cherish every ounce of sleep that you get now, because you're going to be spending a lot of time staying up late and studying. It's also important that you get a side job while in high school so that you can save a little bit of money while you're still living under Mom and Dad's roof, because pretty soon you're not going to have that kind of time. Please, just take life seriously. Gain knowledge about credit scores, loans, budgets and bills. It will be very beneficial later on. Sincerely, Your Older, Wiser Self.

Know what is important to you and remember it. Stay true to yourself. Keep making thread anklets and necklaces for people because once you leave, you might not see those people for a very long time; you will take comfort in the fact that you gave them a momento of yourself. Friends may come and go, but family will always be there-so be good to them. There will come a time when you will be homesick and miss your family so much. At times they annoy you, but appreciate them being so close to you right now. Continue to use a planner and study well. Those skills will DEFINITELY come in handy when you're juggling fifty things at once. Read more nonfiction books. I know we LOVE reading Nicholas Sparks and Sarah Dessen, but they will NOT help you here. Try broadening your horizons a little. You know you are short, so take my advice and learn how to sew so you can fix your colorguard uniform pants and not have them jaggedly hemmed by your best friend. Enjoy home cooked meals. Enough said.

Volunteer more so you have the experience and the background for better internships during college. Also, don't attempt to major in Biology at Ole Miss, it is a weed out major, and you will not do your best.

Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to stay focus, make sure to surround myself with positive influences, and to stay involved in activities as much as possible. The transition from high school to college was quite easier and straightforward for me, but at times I would slack off and have to make up for it toward the end. I have found staying around people that share my same interest(going to school, doing the best I can and of course making good grades) helped me to stay grounded because there was no time to play if we were trying to reach our goals. I only participated in a few activities, but I find the more you're involved the more people you meet and the more opportunites become available. Overall, keeping focus, staying involved and being around the right people would definitely help not only me, but anyone making the transition to college.