University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

Knowing what I know now, if I could return and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have many words of wisdom. I would tell myself to remain on the track that I have chosen and not let the hardships of life get in the way. I would tell myself that finishing my degree in my chosen field will be the best thing that could happen for my future. I would tell myself not to worry about the student loan debt that I am going to incur because ultimately the education that I am going to receive is far more important. I would tell myself to focus on school for the next few years and worry less about activities and work outside of campus. I would warn myself that I am going to face a lot of obstacles and a lot of people that are going to be pushing me in different directions, and tell myself to not worry about these things and people because I am the one that knows what is best for me and my future. I would tell myself to jump head first into my education and not look back. Go for it!

There are many things I learned as a college student, but the most important things I would tell my high school self would be to be confident and faithful in myself, courageous and wise, and happy but practical. When I came to Mizzou, I felt incompetent, slow, and simply not enough in comparison to my classmates. I always thought that I was an excellent orator, and was deemed so among my friends, but when I found out my roommate was practically a national debator, my confidence dropped. The battle I face everyday is not of me learning to be more deft but rather learning how to gain courage and confidence in my own self. It is not exactly that I am not as smart as my peers but rather that I allowed my internal fear navigate my words, actions, and thoughts. So, if i had to tell my high school self some words of wisdom, I would say to strive for balance between confidence and humbleness, valiance and whim, and of course, between dreams and reality. The important thing I would remind myself is that these contrasts are not opposites, but rather complements and two elements of one.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would advice myself not to procrastinate because in college it's diffiult trying to make up missed assignments. For one, the teachers aren't as lenient in college as they are in grade school. Once you fall behind in a class, it's difficult trying to catch up and life becomes somewhat stressful because you have to focus on the current projects at hand, plus the materials you failed to complete. So to minimize procrastination, studying and working on assignments ahead of time is beneficial. It helps ease the workload and minimizes the stress that comes with the course. I would also advice myself to frequently check the school's website daily so I can be in the know when it comes to schoolwork and assignments. If I ever have any questions or concerns, I can use the school's website to email the professor. Basically, being able to maintain an open line of communication between myself and the college is helpful in staying ahead of the game while attending school.

Knowing what I know now, I would have applied for more scholarships, so that I would not have debt when I graduate from college. I also would have taken advantage of more opportunities that I was given in high school. When you are in high school it seems like you have time to do everything, so you put off somethings. Then you realize in the end that you didn't have as much time as you thought and you would have been able to do most of the things you wanted if you hadn't put it off.

I would tell myself to RELAX! My senior year, I was so worried about grades and the trasition after graduation, that I almost forgot to stop and smell the roses! I was always a 4.0 student, so i definitely see now that I was worrying way too much. Right now I am set to graduate ahead of time (I graduated highschool in 10' and will have my BA in 13') and have no issues other than finances and loans. Two years ago, I had every worry in the book on my mind 24/7, and to be honest, I was just driving myself crazy! I currently have a motto in which I follow: think happy thoughts, and your life will be beautiful. I wish I could just go back and tell my old fretting self to chill out, and that it will all work out. I have learned that worry and stress will get me no where. These days I no longer worry about where I'll be a year from now or how I'll pay for it. Instead, I focus on my abilities, light character, and determination to get me right where I need to be :).

Going to college can be a drastic change in your life. Leaving your family and friends back can also be difficult. For some, starting college means moving away from family and home. Many new students come to college environment feel stressed and overwhelmed. However, the university should not be something to fear. Yes, it can be difficult at first, but after a time setting, most students find that college can be a time of personal discovery and maturity.Perfect opportunity to create new friendships, have fun and learn new things! Learning to manage your time is one of the most important that you learn in college. The college is less structured than high school.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now In high school take as many dual-credit classes in highschool that you can. Even though you want to enjoy your senior year and take it easy, it's definitely better to take them in high school. The difficult classes are much easier as dual-credit than taking them at a 4-year university sitting in a class of 150+. Don't slack off in high school because grades do count even as a freshman. Now, even though your ready to move away of home think about all your options. College is expensive especially when paying for it alone. Attending a junior college first would be more cost efficient and classes sizes are smaller condusive for success. After obtaining an Associate's Degree then move to a big university. Make friends and get involved on campus. Have fun, these are the best years of your life but make good decisions because the things you do now will effect your future either in a positive or negative way. The harder you work the more your setting your self-up for future success.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would want myself to understand the importance of personal integrity. By this I mean that as long as I and God know the decisions and actions I take are right then that is enough. I should not need others to affirm me. I should not base my self-worth off circumstances and peoples’ affections. I would encourage myself to know who I am here to please. I am here to please God. Transitioning from high school to college requires one to identify them self in a different setting. In my situation I had the task of integrating old with the new, as I decided to go to college where I had grown up. It was difficult to meet new people while also maintaining relationships that I had from before and responsibilities I had to my church, to school, to work, and to my family. I was constantly afraid of failing people because I thought they decided how valuable I was. It took a long time to realize God had decided that long ago and I just need to know it for myself.

Listen here, punk. Let me tell yous something about yourself. You don't know anything. One more time. You don't know anything. Take every conception about college, what it is and what it isn't, and how life is going to be, and forget it. You have no idea. Your so young and you've never really had any real responsibility, socially or finacially or even scholastically. You had your parents there, and they helped you with everything. Not anymore. Your going to a place where there is no one to blame for your problems but yourself. You are going to a place where no one knows who you are, so forget whatever your reputation was in high school. You have to prove yourself to your new peers, and you have to figure out who you really are. That's a tough thing to do. Your going to go through some fire, kid. It's called life, and everyone who's not living at home leeching off their parents has gone through it. Your going to have to be a man, grow up, take responsibility, and realize above all else this: You don't know anything. Figure it out.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would tell myself to learn good study habits. I didn't have to study in high school to make decent grades and therefore never acquired good study habits. Telling myself to put my social life second to my school work would have definitely prepared me more for college. I would also say, "Jacob, listen to your parents and act more responsible. Learn how to balance a check book, get a summer job, save money, and pickup after yourself. Never forget the road trip to Harlem and why mom took you there." I would tell myself to enjoy participating in sports and other activities, but allow time to think about others and be involved in the community. Most important I would tell myself to put more thought into what career I would like to pursue. I would end my conversation with myself by saying, "Jacob, always live, love, laugh and enjoy your life, but also know when to take it seriously."