University of North Florida Top Questions

Hey, Stephanie! I know you probably don't recognize me, but I know you really well. Let me walk you to class...I have a couple things to tell you. You're going to meet some great people in the next few years; you'll have a roommate that will end up being a life-long friend, a truly inspiring teacher that will help you get through some dark moments, and you'll meet people who will introduce you to new music, books, and ideas that will open your mind to the myriad possibilities life encompasses. The thing you need to remember is that you can't let your depression get the better of you. You've done a good job managing so far, but self-medication isn't the way to go. Believe me, it will only exacerbate the problem in the long run. You need to get out from beneath the shadow of the ideas you grew up with: it's okay to ask for help, and you shouldn't be ashamed to take medication if you really need it. You'll be amazed at how much it helps; just try it sooner this time. Trust me.

I would advise myself to work harder at achieving grades in highschool, so that I would earn full bright futures scholarship instead of the medallion scholarship. I also would advise myself to join Psi Beta Honor Society, and look for transfer student applications. If I had looked for such, I would have known in time and could have submitted an application for UNF's transfer scholarship. With these changes, perhaps I could have lived on campus, and even joined a sorority.

Step out of your comfort zone. Don't assume your dream job will actually make you happy in life. It's not about the money and it's not about the power. Find what makes you get out of bed every day and follow your passion. Try classes outside your degree program and take internships during your breaks. You may be surprised at what you find out about yourself. The four years you'll spend in college will challenge what you think you know to be true. Keep an open mind and an open heart, and you will leave with so much more than a diploma.

Knowing what I know now, there is so much that I would do different. All of those times when you think that going out and spending time with your friends and going to different parties, study. I know you're doing great in school, always have and always will, but if you focus more then you could make even better grades and get to be top ten of your class like you wanted. Don't get me wrong, graduating with highest honors was amazing but we both know we could have done better. Never give up and always do the best you can. Just focus more on school and not so much on everything else and things will turn out even better then you ever expected they would.

I would tell myself to study as much as possible. It's pretty to be overprepared than not prepared at all. Instead of going out twice a week, reduce it to once a week and spend the other night going over the material presented in class. It really helps to read over the chapter(s) before the professor discusses it in class. You will have a much clearer understanding of the topic and you'll be able to comprehend what the professor is talking about. Everyone is in the same position as you, so they will be understanding of the things you are going through. Mostly everyone feels awkward when they first get there.

I would tell my self to go to class no matter what and to not date anyone on campus. I would remind myself how I can lose focus when I'm involved with women and to remember why I'm going to college.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a High School Senior, I would tell myself to get more involved in the extra-curricular activities available in a high school setting and enjoy the social benefits of high school - not just "do the academics". I would also research more college scholarships and become more aware of the financial responsibilities associated with a college education.

If i could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior I would make sure to tell myself when you go to college make sure its not in your home town. I first went to Florida Atlantic University in my home town of Boca Raton, FL and that was a huge mistake. I should have came right away to UNF in jacksonville. Once i got up here my life completely changed and I really started living my life. I saw once i was up here that i could take care of myself and that in order to do that i had to work very hard and not slack like I did in high school and while I was going to FAU. I would tell myself that the transition will be hard but that all you need to do is plan out the route you need to take and make sure not to fall behind. I would also tell myself not to let people get in your way of the decisions you make because these are the decisions that will affect you for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self some advice about college life, I would advise myself not to feel like it is mandatory to make a decision about what career I want to get into before I start college. I would tell myself to look at a list of careers online and pick many that interest me. Then I would advise myself to talk to people in that career and see if they are happy. Researching not only what is done in that career, but what the hours are and considering how that would affect my future life with a family and children would be highly advised. I would make it a point to let my senior self know that it's okay to take time to figure out what I would really love as a career and that it is normal for most college students to switch their majors or be undecided for some time. Above all, I would advise my past self to make sure I research scholarships and apply as much as possible to avoid taking out loans and causing my future self stress!

Be prepared.