University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

I wouldn't undo any of the mistakes that I have made since leaving high school. Their teachings have been very valuable. However, I would have appreciated a little bit of advice from my older self. I would tell myself to stop worrying about every step of my future and to realize that there is no way to have everything planned out, and in that acceptance of what may come, lies the beauty of college. College is a time to find yourself. Ofcourse not everything can be left up to fate, so I would tell myself to embrace college life with an open mind and perserverence. An open mind is crucial. College exposes you to so many new people, places, cultures, ideas that it is necessary to view these new things with a nonjudgemental mind. I don't think you have to change who you are and what you believe, but it is important to be aware of other's ideas and beliefs and to keep your mind open to them. Perserverence is what keeps you going in college, and though the ride is very important and can be fun, the goal can not ever go out of sight.

The best advice that I would give myself, if I were to go back in time and talk to myself in High School, would be to continuosly follow my heart, dreams and ambitions. Everything in life happens for a reason, so all of my mistakes, achievements and everything in between is all a part of the learning experience. I would not specifically prepare my "past self" for specific situations that I know will happen as my "future self" because all of those things have made me (my "current self) who I am today and I am extremely proud of that young man! I am blessed to be successful, accomplished and an inspiration to people in my school. All of that is because everything that I went through, made me everything that I am today. I would just encourage myself. I would tell him that "You haven't seen your best days yet! Keep striving for achievement in every field of human endeavor like you always do and nothing but greatness will come from that. You have been fully equiped with the motivation, tools and inner drive to successfully complete what is given to you! Never let it go"

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would have told myself to work harder, to take classes that were more challening, to take a summer class or two in order to have some credits to transfer to my college. Going to college costs a lot of money it would help a lot of high school students to take AP classes and to take a few summer classes between their junior year of high school and before fall of their freshmen year in college. I definitely would have taken more honors and AP classes, I would have worked a lot harder to take and pass AP exams and get credit for college. One of the best things you can do for yourself in high school before college is to get as much college credit from your high school classes and just be ready to work hard and make a lot of new friends.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself while I was a senior in high school I would tell myself to find more means for scholarships. I honestly did not take college seriously when I was a senior in high school. I wasn't excited about going away to school and living without my parents. I wish that I would have gone to visit more colleges instead of just a couple. I would also tell myself to have more confidence in myself and not look at college as something that was going to be difficult to accomplish.. When it comes to the transition of college I wish I knew that change is going to be hard. Nothing in life is easy. Just take it day by day and before you know it, it will be over. Always remember that you are not alone. Every student has some kind of anxiety about being in a different place for the first time. I used to be really shy and quiet when I was a freshmen. Looking back I wish I could do that differently and be more outspoken and meet more people; which can make the transition alot easier.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to explore as many campuses as possible. Deciding based on statistics and college websites can help narrow down the possible list of colleges to attend, but ultimately one must actually visit the campuses and decide based on how it feels holistically. Also, if a college is one of the top one's on your list, make sure to apply for the scholarships as soon as possible, instead of waiting until you've narrowed down your choices. Even though I made a great decision by choosing MU, I wish I would've toured the campus earlier and applied for the general scholarships earlier. As for the college transition, just remember that everyone else is new also. It may take a few days, maybe even weeks, before you find real friends but it pays off. College doesn't consist of cliques and hierarchies like high school. I am friends with a range of people from cheerleaders to science nerds. The opportunities are endless in college so don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try.

I would do everything the same way. I have accomplished a great deal academically, despite the hindrance of financial aid. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and sincerely hope I can have more help to continue my education in graduate school.

I think the biggest thing I would say is be yourself from the start. Everyone will accept you so be who you want to be. But be focused. Have fun but think about the future

I would try to get involved in the Greek community early on. I would also explore more career paths and majors before committing my freshman year.

The largest peice of advice I would give myself would be to have an open mind and to get involved in the things that seemed appealing to me. My college experience has been great. I have had the opportunity to get involved in research as well as teaching as a teaching assistant. There are so many opportunities at the University of Missouri and the problem with many students is that they come straight from college with their whole life planned out. College is a time for growth, both academically and personally. I feel that many students miss out on some great lessons by having a closed mind and dismissing many of the opportunities that arise that are not affiliated with their "plan". So in large, my advice would be to let loose from the tight hold you have on your future and explore. No one is going to tell you that you cannot go back and follow your original plan, but if you blind yourself from all of the other diverse opportunities you may not follow the path you really want to deep down inside. Explore, explore, explore! These are the best years of your life, so have fun.

I would advise my younger self to take more advantage of the activities offered by the university, specifically the residence hall. The staff and administrators want to know how to help you, so make your voice heard. Also, following the syllabus is the key to passing the class. Pay attention to the class schedule, follow instructions carefully, and try not to procrastinate too much.