University of North Texas Top Questions

Dear Self, DONT WORRY ABOUT TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING! Stick to what you love to do best. You've know since you were little what you love to do, and thats all you need. Don't worry about being too well-rounded, worry more about trying to pass the AP tests and doing dual credit, it will save you a lot of time and money when you get here. Also make sure that the college you choose to go to has everything that you need to get the best out of your major. Your going to love college, so don't stress. And if you don't know how to do something or you have any question, DON'T be afraid to ask. There are NO stupid questions. P.S. DO YOUR FAFSA EARLY.....a lot of people need money just as much as you do!

There are so many little things that I would tell myself If I could go back in time. Slow down; enjoy every moment you have; dont worry so much about your gpa, it is not the most important thing in the world; spend time with your family because before you know it, all this time that you are taking for granted will be gone. The main thing that I would tell myself is to not quit, but give everything that you pursue, your all. There are so many things that I quit simply because they "were not cool" that looking back would have greatly enhanced my life. And while all of these things may seem minute, it is incredibly frusterating to know how different my life could have been if I only had a little more experience.

When I was in high school, I was very good at doing the absolute minimum amount of work necessary to make A's and B's. This made me cocky, and I assumed that I was above public education. I also assumed that I would not have to make any more effort in college to make good grades than I had in high school. Toward the end of my freshman year of college, I learned (the hard way) that this was not the case. If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that many of the college classes I would eventually take would be infinitely more stimulating than high school had been. However, I would warn myself that while several of my core classes would feel insultingly elementary, laziness would get me nowhere in college. I would tell myself that I would later decide to go to graduate school, and that I should be keeping up my grades and working for as many scholarships as possible.

When I was in high school I had a few jobs. My senior year I was working at TCBY, a frozen yogurt place. It was a fun job and I was making pretty good money. Some how I had it in my head that saving wasn't important. I made lots of money, and spent lots of money. If I could say anything to myself then; it would be to save my money and not spend it on foolish things I don't need. I need more money then I can count on my hands and toes and I spent a whole boat load. I would tell myself to save it all because we need it. If I had saved more then, i wouldn't have needed the loans I took out and might deter my education. I would also tell myself to have more fun and not stress out so much. Life is an advanture and I need to enjoy it, not hide from it.

BE PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT WORLDVIEWS AND BELIEFS! Learn to develop a poker face and be respectful of others' points of view. Nobody really cares what you wear to class, as long as you have something on. Don't be so freaked out about being on your own; you'll love it, even if you think you're going to miss your hometown friends too much. It's easier to make friends if you get plugged into an organization. You'll learn to function on 3 hours of sleep, seeing as how you're going to stay out late having fun and hanging out with friends who are going to change your life. Studying is actually necessary in college. It's harder to stay focused on God in college, but it is definitely possible; just stay strong and don't lose sight of what is important.

Do not be afraid. You are well prepared for this. Always pay attention, go to class, and try your hardest. There is nothing to be afraid of. The most important thing you can do is stay calm, take it all one day at a time, and remember to have fun. Try to find time to relax but do not let schoolwork slip. College can be difficult, but you are ready for it. Fear will freeze you in your place. You have to fight that fear and take every step necessary to get to your goal of graduation and graduate school. Jump into college with everything you have. Do the reading, finish the assignments, and get some sleep when you can. There are always people around to support you, so do not feel overwhelmed. Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit that you do not understand something. Above all, have confidence that you know what you are doing and that you can accomplish anything you attempt as long as you try as hard as possible.

Remember these words throughout college: Do what is best for you and be happy. This requires you to know your needs, your desires, and your responsibilities. Learn your strengths and your weaknesses, and then develop ways to make them benefit you. Colleges and universities allow you to create your own schedule, so you want to make sure that you engage yourself not overloading yourself. When I say ?know your needs?, I mean that you must pay attention to your personal, academic, and professional development. This includes your health, your technical abilities, and your lifestyle. With these in mind, you will be able to develop study habits that include exercise for your mind, your body, and your spirit. This includes taking breaks. When I say ?know your desires?, I mean that you must know what you want out of life and keep that in mind when you make life-changing decisions. Choose classes, internships, and jobs that line up with the desires of your heart. When I say ?know your responsibilities?, I mean that you should prioritize your duties by importance. You must take care of yourself, your academics, your professional development, and your networks, in that order.

I would tell myself to prepare better for the AP courses and tests.

The advice i would give to my younger self would be to Relax, and SAVE! Save your money, focus on working the hardest you can in highschool, take advantege of what everyone has to offer, the harder you work now, the bigger pay off in the end! Ask all that your brain can think of, quench the thirst of curiousity. Take advantage of all that interests you in highschool, think of it as a test run to understanding who you are inside. Even though it seems useless, these are the hoops you must go through to become a well rounded person. A literate person cannot be fooled! This transistion will be awkward but exciting, someones been in your shoes before so keep your head held high!

College is not a time to relax and take it easy. Especially as a music major it is time to work as hard as ever. Don't procrastinate and when you know you need to do something do it whether or not you want to do it. Go out and get involved thats the best way of making friends, or more important go to study sessions they help you do better in your classes and also meet people who are in your class. College life will be a whole different ball park, your not going to know people and you are going to be out of your comfort zone, but college is the place to do what you want so the best way to transition is meet people and just try hard because the only people you are trying hard for is yourself, so just try to be the best you can be.