KELLY
if i could go back as a high school senior i would take the time to start prepping myself for college, and getting all the college applications filled and apply for many places for financial need. if i were to start again, i would defenately start early and prepare. when i was in high school i had trouble dealing with the fcat, but other than that i had a easy start in all my classes, but knowing about about college life today makes a difference, more dedication and entrigity to be able to shine in your field of study. college is much harder than high school, because you no longer are depending on those saff and members in high school that used to hand feed you all the time while there. in college is adult life, and you are on your own. the advise i would give myself is to study hard and keep a good perserverance.
Emma
If I had the opportunity to reverse time and talk to myself as a high school senior my lecture would be centered around these three words: don't give up. Now I know that the road to a higher education will get extremely tough, you need to learn to stay strong and to never give up. I would inform myself of the difficulties of living at home, commuting, choosing classes, making new friends, how to let go of loved ones and lastly how to move on and start completely anew. Even though the transition is hard and at times you feel like breaking down and giving up, you just cant. The future has so much in store for you as long as you hold on and surround yourself with loved ones and great advice.
Chiara
I have always known I would become a veterinarian. What I have not always known is that the path to that goal would be long and difficult. Now, as an accepted veterinary student, looking back at two application cycles, six years of school, two degrees, and thousands of experience hours, a small part of me wishes the high school me had taken on the college transition a little bit differently. The memories I own of football games, meeting boys, making friends and living on my own are a little bit more vivid than the late nights at the anatomy lab and study sessions in the library. Despite the overwhelming distractions I experienced in my first few semesters, I figured college out, worked hard, played hard, got where I wanted to go and stayed true to who I am. Along with that I have phenomenal memories to cherish and a few lifelong friends. If I could go back to give the high school senior version of myself a bit of advice for the college transition, I would tell her, "don't change a darn thing!"
Lauren
I was very quiet and insecure even in my senior year and I wasted my fun senior year, so this is what I would tell myself; "Lauren, this is your last year before your life starts! Have fun while you can because life is going to be hard after this. You have still have time to get your act together though. Study hard! Miss. Flippin is going to yell at you during 1st period if you don't get you're english grade up and you will cry. Stop being lazy. You're so lucky to be at this school with all your friends. Don't get discouraged. I know going to college seems scary. School is more fun than you think it is. You can do whatever you want with your life. Doesn't that sound exhilarating? Think about that, Lauren Elizabeth. College is actually fun!"
Joshua
The first thing I would tell myself is that you should be bold and take chances. If you want to do something, do it. I'd then tell myself to not put so much time into partying with alcohol and drugs, because it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Instead surround yourself with a group of people that you can party with that don’t need these things. Next I would tell myself not to get too hung up on grades, because the farther I’ve gotten in school they are really only good for applying to graduate school, and don’t truly reflect how much you’ve learned. Also by not focusing on grades you can reserve more time to find a passion for something that will carry you much farther in life than that "A" you got in a class you didn’t care about. I would also tell myself to try and develop better relationships with professors and individuals that can help you throughout college, especially later when you begin to look for internships and careers. Finally I would tell myself to really look into joining a fraternity, because it may be worth it.
Kayla
If I was able to talk to the high school me, I would tell myself to relish in the fact that I'm taken care of for the time being. Although I spent a lot of time feeling too protected, I wish I would have known that afterwards I would be off to fend for myself. College has allowed me to grow in significant ways that I never would have imagined while living at home. I revitalized a super cool student group, met some of the most fantastic people I may ever meet, and developed a confidence in myself I would have never imagined. I do worry about the future a lot still, but instead of being paralyzed by my worry, I face it because I know that if I don't opportunities will just pass me by. I would tell my high school me to not be scared, but rather, be prepared.
Shane
I can't talk about college first-hand. High School self, you probably know why, because even if I contacted you in 2007, your freshman year, you wouldn't have listened because you would have already sprouted your doubts about education. Maybe it was because you didn't grow up in a stable home with your 1.4 siblings and your picket fence. Maybe you were fourteen and mad at the World. I can't remember, so I couldn't expect you to know exactly why. When I was your age, I ditched classes and slept in the ones I did attend. You probably did the same, which is why it took me three weeks to hunt down a teacher willing to give a letter of recommendation. It wasn't your fault. The next four years are not going to be pleasant for you. The cynicism you're going to get is gonna cement your feet in the ground, which is gonna make it down-right impossible to jump out of the way when the reality train comes from the yonder horizon. Of all things, I wish I could tell you to enjoy yourself. You do get that break eventually.
shayla
If I could go back to my senior year and give myself advice, there is a nice lecture I would spill out. “Stressing is not as necessary as it may feel, everything will work out and I know you will do your best at every single thing you try. You need to learn how to put yourself, your feelings, and your priorities ahead of anyone else. It is not selfish, it is smart. The years you spend in college are the years that could possibly shape the rest of your future so put yourself first. The things that matter so much right in this moment, in high school, will not matter to you in a few years. Be happy and be you; don’t let the disappointments and choices of the people you now call your friends change who you are and inhibit your ability to reach every single dream you strive for.” Most importantly I would tell myself what major I finally have my heart set on so I can start it from the beginning and get into Nursing School without so many setbacks.
Kaitlin
Let go of high school teachers. At first I was reluctant to go in and ask my professors for help, but the best thing you can do as a college student is get to know your professors. I found going in and sitting with my professors was not only a good way to get on a personal level with them, but was more helpful than an email was to a previous teacher. Professors are there and they respect a student who's willing to come in and sit with them to better understand the subject material.
Next, apply for scholarships. I went into my senior year thinking I had time and it was going to be easy to get schalorships, but at the end there were only a few left. I would advise all seniors to get on it before their senior year starts. College is expensive and without the few scholarships I did recieve I don't know how my parents would've done it.
Don't stress! I had this Tom Petty quote hanging above my desk as a reminder to myself.
"You have four years to be irresponsible here...the work never ends, but college does."
Julia
I have three important things to say. You may not heed all of my advice right now, but it will be good for you to have heard it as you go into the next stage of your life which is probably college. You know, it’s okay to take some time off though. Don’t go to college just because it’s what everyone does. Have an adventure! Go study abroad! Make yourself uncomfortable. I’ve learned more this way than I ever did listening to lectures. I’m not saying not to go to college, but it doesn’t have to be right awayYou will not be with the same group of people all the time anymore like in high school! You have to reach out. Study together with people, have coffeeDon’t fall into the practice of letting things you know are wrong go unchallenged. Doing it once creates a habit. There have been many times where I have an altering view, that may be different from everyone else’s, and I remain silent. You can’t be afraid to defend something even if you don’t fully understand a subject. It’s a key part of learning.
Terina
In order to make the transition into college from high school, I would have encouraged myself to pay more attention. To take school more seriously and actually try to learn what the teachers were teaching me. If I would have known what I know now, I would have been a better student. I would have gotten more involved, looked for more scholarships, gotten a job sooner and taken my time on my SAT and ACT tests, instead of rushing through them and only taking them once. I would have encouraged myself to think about the future, that school is not just about showing up, and meeting friends at lunch, but a place to start being serious about what I want and where I wanted to be in life. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would change my studying habits and stopped procrastinating about everything that I do. The most important thing I would have changed would have to be the free education. To take that for granted and take advantage of the help that was given out. Now that I am in college, and have to pay, it makes me appreciate class and the professors more.
Melat
Finding your passion is key to succeeding anywhere, especially in college! Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and pay attention to yourself and what YOU love to do. College provides all the tools you need to succeed in attaining your future goals, but you have to choose to utilize the tools given to you. It does not matter where you are, but what matter's is that you work the hardest and utilize your resources wisely. Do not let anyone tell you "it" cannot be done. As Siri once answered me when I asked her simpily "why?", "You ask why but I ask why not?". Who would've thought I would be speaking to a machine? Someone believed it was possible and made it happen. So, believe in yourself, explore wisely and be audicious. Say why not? All it takes is your intial motivation to accomplish a goal, to claim your passion.
P.S. When teachers, parents, strangers, grandparent's, guest speakers, and anyone who has grown wise said to you these things, they meant them. The hardest part is getting started, the rest easy. You can do it! Also, Ratemyprofessor.com, is your best friend.
Nicholas
I would tell myself to enjoy my college years and don't focus too much on school. While it is important, I shouldn't spend all my time studying and getting plenty of sleep. I would tell myself to spend time with friends and don't pass up on opportunities to have fun with them. With my graduation only a year away, I realize I may never see most of my friends again. I have a better understanding of how to balance my time between school and friends, and this is the one thing I wish I knew during my first couple years in college. I do not regret focusing on school and I will get a great job because of it. However, I do regret not hanging out with friends and doing activities with them.
gabby
best advice is to apply to a few colleges.
dont listen to others experiences as your experience will be unique to you.
Be patient and stay ontop of dead lines.
Life will take you places you could not possibbly imagine.
You can make it happen with faith and hard work.
Once in school, work hard because you are very lucky, never fail a class, never drop a class past add/drop deadlines...enjoy
Samar
The greatest challenge that I faced as a college student was the transition from a mild academic lifestyle to one involving rigorous coursework. If I could go back in time I would not only give myself a great deal of advice in this regard, but would also tell myself to pursue the studies which best suited my interests and not those that would make me financially stable in the future.
In my senior year, I quite often pondered what I would pursue in college. The question of money was always a huge factor in the decision I would end up making. Therefore, I would give myself advice in this regard by telling myself to pursue what ever best suited my interests. I would tell myself that although money is of great importance, being happy and passionate toward a career that was worthy of your best efforts would mean much more and bring the greatest amount of satisfaction.
In regards to the academic aspect, I would tell myself to always think critically about everything being presented in any course so as to avoid becoming a "normal" member of society and allow myself to ultimately work towards changing society as a whole.
Ariel
Dear Ariel,
Relax. You are clearly very stressed out, and that's understandable. You have a lot to pay for in the next few years, and you're leaving your family behind. This is not easy for anyone. Trust me, you are going to have a great time. The university is welcoming, and it's all you ever wanted in a traditional college. There is history everywhere, and builings older than your great- grandma. However, the best part is that there are still new discoveries being made on your campus everyday. Your music department will be small, but made up of the tightest knit group of musicians you will ever meet. Don't hold back, trust these people to guide you through each semester (and practice your saxophone!). Study hard, but don't sacrifice good times. Join a sorority, the marching band, student ambassadors, and student government; they will help you make new friends and lasting memories. Be that girl in the stands at a football game who loses her voice screaming for her team, the one who ran the Undie Run, who beat the boys in Sumo Wars, and an example of a happy university student.
Tyler
The best advice I could give my past self would be to take as much school as you can senior year to cushion the costs of school here at a university. I only needed to take 3 credits as a senior, which left massive amounts of free time that could have been filled with community college courses.
Jessica
Take your time, visit the schools you would like to attend and sit in the commons to get a feel for the environment. Talk to the students, faculty, and your support system about your options. College is not only a time to learn academically but psychologically and socially. If you don't feel college is for you, try anyway, there is more to than just reading books and taking tests. The experience of attending college develops every aspect of what life is about, exploring and attempting to define who we are and what do we want to make of our selves. Shoot for the stars, anything is possible when you believe.
Henry
The advice that I would give myself is to put academics first, it may seem like it'll be easy but it's not as easy as I thought. Just show up to all your classes, pay attention, and do all the assignments and you'll pass your classes. Just because its the first semester of college and you're living in the dorms doesn't mean that you can slack off and blow off school for hanging out with friends. College is when academics get serious, theres no teachers to hassle you about your grades, what you get is what you get and you can't blame anyone but yourself, this isn't high school anymore. It's alright to explore college life and have new experience and meet new people as long as there is a balance between your college life and your social life. Procrastination is even more your enemy in college than it was back in high school. Finding that balance and not blowing off going to classes or doing homework is the key to surviving and thriving in college after high school. These are the memories you'll remember so make them good ones.
Stephanie
If I could go back in time to give myself advice on how college life would be I would say, "Choose your major early and join as many clubs/activities you can." I would also say, "Be calm, relax, and be yourself. This is your time to shine and not worry about what other people think or if you are popular or not. This is a time to make mistakes, go on road trips with new friends and get lost somewhere, you will change you mind many times, but don't worry its normal. This is a whole new start to finding yourself. You were a quiet, shy, laid back girl in high school; now its time to show people who you really are and don't be afraid to show your true colors. Always know that your family is their for you whenever you need them and mom will end up being your college friend and mentor. Enjoy this new experience and have fun. This will be 4 years of your life that you will remeber forever."