University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

If I could go back and give my 18 year-old-self advice, I would say to be more outgoing in classes. I would tell myself to talk to people sitting next to me in class and invite them to study and work together. It's a great way to make friends and find help in difficult classes. It's a bold way to meet a bunch of new people who you may not have talked to otherwise and a way to get to know the different personalities at your school. Also, stepping out of your comfort zone is a perfect step into your desired career where you will need to know how to initiate conversation with many different kinds of people. You will be suprised at how many lifetime friendships this may start!

Don't give up. Mommy getting laid off isnt the worse thing that could happen.

Do what you love, but don't be afraid to work hard for it; Don't procrastinate and be very conscious of your shcedule and the things you need to do to graduate; Don't just take easy classes in order to get the credits - take classes that are interesting and engaging but also challenging; Make sure to leave some time for a social life - college isn't just about graduating, it's about the experience; Don't be afraid to try new things, go to new places or to meet new people; Keep good relationships with your professors - the better they know you the more they will be willing to work hard to help you out and the more enjoyable class will be; Try not to stress out about everything - prioritize the things that are most important to you, keep the less-important things in mind and don't sweat the small things; Enjoy every minute while it lasts because before you know it, it'll all be over...carpe diem.

There isn't much advice that I could give myself because I am proud of how I handled the transition.

Listen, self, you don't have to go to university right away, but don't take time off. There's nothing wrong with starting at a community college or going to a local school. Don't be so anxious to leave the state that you forget your education and your future and how important both of them are. The "big world" is out there waiting for you, it's not going anywhere. Be patient, and do what you know needs to be done.

That I should've gone sooner and not have been so apprehensive about it. Instead of being a struggling student, I turned out to be one of the top students.

It is June 6, 2008, I am getting ready for my graduation. I gather my metals, my bobby pins to hold the cap in place, grap the hanger holding my freshly ironed gown, and last my cap. As I gra by cap, a letter falls out onto the floor. I open the letter thinking someone left this in my cap by accident; however, as I read the opening sentence, I see that it is addressed to me. I search for who could have left me this letter and I gasp as I read that it was me. I sit down on my bed, too shocked to stand, and continue to read- it starts by insisting that I do not freak out-- too late for that. As I read the letter, I begin to understand that its intentions are to help me have a brighter future. It encourages organization, determination, and early studying instead of procrastination. The final request listed was that I never forget who I am through all the excitement but to still enjoy my college experience. I fold the letter in my pocket of my gown and walk confidently out of my room with a smile.

Be patient with yourself and don't discount your abilities. College works at a faster pace than high school and you are responsible for yourself now. You may question why you are here during the first semester, but stay focused and use the reseources available to you. The professors are here to help, not see you fail. Everyone here had a first year in college, so don't think you have nothing in common with these people. College is supposed to prepare you for your professional career, so take it seriously and try hard in your classes. At the same time, embrace the fact that this university saw something special in your application-- enough to be accepted!-- so have fun and get to know other people. College can be extremely fun and rewarding, you just have to stick with it and look for opportunity.

I would go back and tell myself as a high school senior to attend the University straight out of high school instead of completing my general education requirements at the community college. I would recommend getting involved with different activities on campus whether it was a sorority or a different kind of club. I would tell myself that it is okay to be different and you don't have to do everything that everyone else is doing. Most importantly I would tell myself that it is okay to have fun as long as I still focused on school work, but I didn't have to grow up as fast as I did.

I would tell myself not to be afraid. College is a great experiance. I would tell myself to get involved and try my best with my classes, but most importantly to enjoy! University life is a worl of opportunities to learn, live , and grow as an individual. The friendships I have made throughout my college experience are friendships are priceless. You only live once, and college is an important right of passage that I will hold fond memories of for the rest of my life!