Jose
If I was to go back and talk to myself I would tell myself that even though my older brother passed away the beginning of my senior year, that was no excuse to quit many of the plans I had. Now I am working twice as hard to get back my dreams of being successful for my mother, sisters, and myself.
Marina
Never doubt yourself, you make it out of the small town that you felt hidden in. There is no shortage of freedom and possiblities that you thought were no longer there; don't hold yourself back. Hold your head up, always smile and never be afraid to ask for help because someone will always be there if you need them. Never doubt your dreams because if you've held onto a dream this long then go for it, don't talk yourself out of doing something you love.
Olivia
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to overstress and worry so much about the small things or things that are out of my control. I would tell myself that life is a precious gift and nothing is certain,things can change and everything always has a way of working out way better than I expected. I would tell myself to appreciate relationships with my family more and really work on my attitude and not be so uptight or angry with events that happened and are not my fault, such as my parents divorce. To study more and really keep all my options open for places to attend college. I would more than anything tell myself you are beautiful and have so much going for you, don't let anyone or anything stop or keep you from achieveing great things. You can achieve anything you set your mind to and to keep postive beacuse things that were a big deal and issues or situations in high school really arn't that bad and years from now it doesnt really matter. Have fun and balance life better.
Day'Zha
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would express the seriousness of the college transition and education. I would advise myself to take my education very seriously. The second I stepped foot on campus I learned that college is hard work and that it is not something to take lightly especially if I am coming out of pocket for it. I also would let myself know that there are a lot of distractions that can cause myself to be sidetracked such as: friends, boyfriends, parties and peer pressure. Although having fun with friends, being in love and partying from time to time is great and part of the college life, but it shouldn't be my main focus or the reason I'm there. Lastly I would tell myself that I will learn a lot about life and people during my time in college, but I shouldn't be discouraged. I should also work hard my entire college career to stay on top of my work and grades. To never lose focus on the goal and that is to earn a degree no one can ever take away from me.
ShanDreaha
If would tell myself to make University of North Alabama your first choice. Get a summer job over the summer to start saving a little cash for you to have for the school year. Do not worry about missing your friends in high school; they would turn on you. Boys will alwasy be there, so focus on school first and you can date later. During college you're going to get off track (spirtally). So do not lose focus and always, always, always put God first.
Jessica
The advice I would give to my former high school self is for me to follow my passion. I spent the first few years of my college career searching for a major that felt like work to me instead of going after what I love doing and what I was passionate about all along.
Katie
It's not a walk in the park. Late nights often turn into early mornings, and there never seems to be enough coffee to satisfy the exhaustion. It's hard to catch a break, but don't let that scare you. Whatever anxiety you're feeling, whatever doubts you may have, leave them on the graduation stage. Leave them in the box you'll keep under your bed with all of your high school mementos, because you'll want to remember them one day. Because, one day, you'll be sitting in your own apartment that you help pay for with your own hard earned money, writing a letter to yourself about college life and about how coming to college was one of the greatest decisons you ever made. College is hard, yes, but it's also rewarding. You've got dreams and this is the place to help make them come true. The people you meet will be lifelong friends, and you'll learn more about yourself in your first year than you have in your past eighteen years of life. So, don't be afraid. Be excited. Be ready to learn. Because every late night is worth it.
Anna
When you go to college dont be afraid to try new things and talk to all kinds of people. Make sure you get involved in something so you can have a fun college experience. Make sure you know how to study take study tips teachers give you seriously and pay attention in class.
Bradley
If I could go back in time I would tell myself many things. The main point I would tell myself is to slow down and enjoy the ride. While I have been in college I have constantly looked ahead and planned of the future. Now that my college career is coming to an end, I look back and realize I was way too serious at times. I would tell myself to relax and give my absolute best in everything I do everyday, and the rest of my life will fall into place like it is suppose to.
Timothy
I would tell myself that life won't give you anything. I would tell myself that good things come with hard work, and the sooner you learn to work hard, the easier it becomes to work hard. I would say that i know life is hectic, but the future is what matters most, and you must prepare for it. Study harder, save more, spend the extra amount of time on that SAT prep book because it, more than many other things, decides what kind of future you may have.
In my highschool years, I wanted to find myself. To that side of me I say, you will only know yourself truly when you know how hard you can work. You must learn to push your limits, not work just enough to get you by. I would tell myself that you have the potential to do many things, but not without hard work and sacrifice. For all great things come through sacrifice and hard work.
Karen
Don't fear, college is better than high school. Everyone is accepting of others. The teaching and learning style is completely different than high school. Learn to write papers and learn to do it well!
Gabrielle
The advice I would give myself is to apply to as many scholarships as possible. I also would say that college is not that difficult and I should not have been so worried about it. That college is much better than high school and that you are allowed to be yourself more and come into contact with a diverse group of individuals.
Janae
I would tell myself to be more open. I am a somewhat shy person. I would push myself to do things that are difficult for me to do. I also would not just learn the material just for the test, but instead I would study it over and over because most of the things we learn will help in the long run. I would have not been so lazy when it came to applying for scholarships. I would have definietly encourage others more to enjoy high school as much as you can because once you graduate you may not ever see those people again.
Kyle
I would let myself know that I would end up changing my major to Computer Science, transfering to the University of North Alabama, and marrying my wife. Then, I would encourage myself to start with a major in Computer Science, attend UNA first so that I could recieve scholarships for my excellent grades and ACT score, and maybe encourage myself to go ahead and marry my wife before school began (we already knew that we would marry).
Shana
No matter how hard college get, never give up and always study hard to make the best grades you can. Get involved as much as possible and make life long friends. College is great and you will have the time of you life, but remember to stay focused on you goal and do you best and you will be successful!!
Megan
The advice that I would give myself if I were able to go back in time would be to not drop out of high school. As a high school dropout it will only take me longer to get to the rewarding path that I am now on. I would explain that two years after I dropped out I went to the graduation of our friends, and it was there that I realized almost every persons name being called I have known since kindergarden and that I also should be down there. I would tell my past self that I would realize that partying and "having fun" have taken this magical moment from me and I let it. That it takes another two years to get my GED, and then another 4 years before I take on the wonderful world of college. That I will never forget the day I was officially signed up for college and on a better path of life, one that doesn't take away oppportunities but rather provides a world of them. That I will cry because I am proud of my courage. Here I am three more years later with a Associate's Degree.
Cassidy
If I could visit myself during my high school years, I would urge myself to enroll in college straight out of high school rather than postpone. And I would elaborate by letting myself know that if not, I would get exactly what I “thought” and “wished” I wanted-- adulthood, and the adult life that comes with it. However, the adult life I dreamed of wouldn't be such a fantasy if I didn't have the skills or money to sustain it. The 6 years I wasted after graduation could have been spent completing my education, rather than doing nothing to better myself. In those 6 years, I would likely have already obtained atleast a Master's level degree and be well-prepared for a likeable and great-paying career. Instead, it's 2014 and I haven't even achieved my bachelor degree yet. Education is a lot easier to obtain when children, a recession, and general adult problems aren't involved. I have no regrets and wouldn't change a thing about my life, but being an adult is inclusive of an education. The education would lead to money and growing up is what should have been postponed.
Destinee
If I could talk to my high school self about my college experience so far, I would tell myself to keep my head up and try my best. I did not have the best high school experience. I hated where I was and what I was doing majority of the time. I would tell myself to put aside the drama of high school and focus on what is really important, my grades. Since I have been in college, I have fully focused on my school work. I've never been happier and more ready to begin my future. College has granted me with a world of opprotunities and lots of friends. I have also made great relationships with my professors that will benefit me in the future. I would tell myself to prepare for the greatest and most important change of my life.
Janae
Stay focused in school work, and try to have fun, but don't let that get into the way of graduating.
Deanna
If I were you, I would get a job as soon as possible. College is a lot more expensive than you think . You are most likely going to go to a community college, so take as many AP courses as possible. Study hard before you take your SATs because we all know that you are not the best at taking tests unless you study. Visit as many colleges as possible and DO NOT apply to out of state schools because you cannot afford them. Money is vital, much more vital than you may realize. You do not need another pair of boots, because they end up just sitting in your closet anyway; save your money. College is not as hard as you think, but it still requires a lot of time management. Please consider your options, before deciding which schools to apply to. Be more confident and do not let others bring you down, because you are possible at achieving anything as long as you apply yourself. College does require being more independent but do not take advantage of it. Learn and read as much as possible. Remember that the friends your make this upcoming summer are life changing.