University of North Texas Top Questions

If I had the option to go back in high school and talk to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to take my time and not worry so much about what the future holds. I spent so much time my first semester worrying about a future career, how I was going to get by with finances, especially considering neither of my parents fully assist me in paying for college, or how I was going to make it through college. I was in a hurry to get through high school and then college, but I wasted so much time worrying about what the future holds and how I was going to make it work. If I had the chance to talk to my high school senior self, I would have also stressed that being in a hurry is not the way to spend life because I'll miss life and not even realize it's happening until it already happened.

Homeschool yourself through Texas Tech as soon as possible. It’ll allow you to graduate even earlier, which would give you enough time to get your pharmacy technology certification. Don’t talk to your biological family. If they let you become a homeless high school dropout, they aren’t allowed to take pride in your graduation from high school. Continue to stockpile even more money – it gives you peace of mind. And you’re right – credit unions are the coolest thing since sliced bread – continue to beg your friends to open their first account at one. Get healthcare coverage – you might just be allergic to allergy medication and require hospitalization. This is the last time you’ll have free time – take on more contracts in other cities, and travel more. Your cellular phone is for your personal convenience. Answer phone calls when you can give people your full, undivided attention. There is no solitude in college. Enjoy the silence while it lasts.

I would tell my high school self not to stress out and to get involved early in activities.

I would tell myself to not worry about the little things. Worrying about whether everything is absolutely perfect has no point. You will be fine even if it is not the best in the class. Friendships are going to fade too, do not try to make someone stay friends if they do not want to be friends. Ask around to see who is going to your college. By getting better acquainted with those people, you have chances to make friends around campus so you are not stuck in your dorm the first couple of weeks. If it does not work out at the time with being friends with those people, it is fine. Some of those people just need to realize how different the two environments are. You are going to want to join a club to meet more people and go to events with them. Also when moving into dorms, only pack what you know you will need. No need to pack pants during the summer. Start getting organized now, and it will be easier for you and more of a habit to be organized later when classes start.

Dear high schooler, Take your education serious. Even though high school doesn't seem all that important, there are many advantages of making good grades. Trust me you'll find out later when it's too late. If you make good grades in high school, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and take college applications seriously you won't be future you right now writing this to yourself! Studying for the SAT/ACT and applying for scholarships aren't your top priority at the moment. I know that! Wouldn't you rather be with your friends, out at the movies, or out at parties? Yes! Well not to burst your bubble, but your friends from highschool....you won't be any where near as close you thought you were to them less than a year from now. So start taking things more seriously! Stop coming up with excuses as to why you can't prep for college correctly! Love ya! Future self

As a high school senior, I would said to myself that I need to go on to college now instead of waiting till I got older. Its much easier to finish school without responsibilities as a mother or grandmother who has full custody of her grandchild. In addition, I would also say stay in school and finish at an earlier age so I can start a career that pays more and then, have kids so I can give them a much better life financially.

If I could go back to my high school self, there is really only one thing that I would advise; dream big. I come from a middle class background and although I knew scholarships were available, I never thought of applying anywhere other than community college. Looking back, I can see that I have definitely missed out on a lot. I see all of my friends having fun and enjoying their youth and I am stuck at home working two jobs. I was more focused on working and saving money in order to go to a four year. In three years, nothing has changed. I am still working and saving money so I can hopefully obtain my bachelors degree. I would tell myself to dream bigger and to take advantage of the memories that I could be making. When you are still living at home, you can not experience the full college environment. I would explain to myself that although I may have to be a resident assistant in order to stay on campus, the friends and memories I would have would last me a lifetime.

I would apply for more scholarships, look up different types of jobs and figure out what I want to be, and research campuses I was interested in. I wish I would have talked to several different counselors to help me figure out what I wanted to be and what classes I needed to take to be on the right path. I wish I would have learned to handle stress better, and learn to just breathe and let God take control. I wish I would have considered other colleges and figured out which would be right for me. Most of all, I wish I would have applied for scholarships to help me so I wouldn't have to work and be stressed out all the time because of money issues.

George Washington Carver once said, "How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerent with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life you will have been all of these." If i could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing everything I know now about college and the changes it brings, I'm positive I would save myself many stressful situations, irresponsible decisions and all around anxiety duing this chapter of my life. I would tell myself that everything in college has a way of falling into place; there is no need to stress out about how everything is going to work out because in the end college years are the years of struggle because in all reality we all have to struggle a little to succeed. College is the place you will make many friends, develop new passions, find new and renewed strengths and most importantly what ultimatly defines the person you are the legacy you will leave long after you are gone.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell me not to worry about what other people think. Keep a positive atittude no matter what happens or what people say. People are drawn to positive people. Always be open to new information and new experiences, they're what help you grow. Take risks, but be smart, trust your instincts. And always work hard, you'll go further, and you'll have a better reputation because of it.

I would give myself the advice to start applying for scholarships and financial aid a lot earlier. It really helps to get the most aid for school, because it is very necessary. I would tell myself also to take more school tours, and I really wish I would have taken the ACT, becuase it did not do too well on the SAT. I would also tell myself to get involved in more programs to help with scholarships, because i really need the money! It is not good at all to wait till the last minute! I do not want any more loans!

I've grown up with really terrible social anxiety. It's hard for me to go up to people and talk to them or do simple tasks like call someone on the phone or go up to a counter and ask for honey mustard dipping sauce. I went into college and for some reason my social anxiety because worse. I'm more reserved and not as outgoing as I used to be. Because of this, I want my past self to know it's okay to put yourself out there. The one time in college I actually broke out of my comfort shell, I ended up making a new friend. College is a place where you can reinvent yourself because no one knows you. Take advantage of this and become the person you've always wanted to be.

My advice would be to stay dedicated to your education. Stay focused and disciplined while in class and take lots of notes. Do not ever hesitate to ask questions while in class because believe me someone else is probably thinking about the same question.

Hey there. Yes, you. Put down the prismacolored pencil for one minute and let me speak. I know you are stressed about the SAT's, boys, graduating high school and growing up; but the college you choose will be everything you wanted, trust me. I know we wanted to go to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design to learn art from a professional art school-ah-the snow...the mountains...Let me get back on track, hhmm. But, once University of North Texas is brought up, look into it because I'm the future you and I know what I'm talking about. This college is an art school without costing us a lifetime in debt! You will love the campus. It is lit up at night--Its perfect for after-sunset walks, with your future, perfect boyfriend. Oh, you will die once you see the Library Plaza because of the founations, the benches, the old oak trees. Its perfect for sketching too. You don't believe me yet? You will once we go on the tour of campus. Believe me, you will want to spend all 4 years at this school. P.S Don't mess anything up.

If I could go back in time and give my former high school self some advice about transitioning into college, I would tell myself to enroll in additional college credit courses, during senior year, so that I could obtain an Associate’s degree. Since I currently live on my own and do not receive financial assistance outside of financial aid, the degree would have really come in handy because I would not have to work long hours at odd jobs for minimum wage pay, instead I would have a career while studying for my main career as an Educator. It would also allot an ample amount of free time so that I can focus on my studies. Moreover, I would have potentially had three degrees under my belt: an Associates, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s. Very few people are able to say that.

Stop procrastinating. You have your whole life to live, dont waste it all away.

Dear Julia, If you thought high school was an experience, wait until you start college! You will hit many bumps in the road your first semester in college. Classes will be a million times harder, you will be awake until at least two in the morning studying and getting your homework done, but don't worry, it all evens out. You will make incredible friends that will stay up with you and make your bad days better. I know mom is already trying to convince you to stay home and go to a university closer to home but don't give in. Moving to Denton will be the best decision you have ever made! You need to be independent and figure out how to be an adult without the supervision of mom and dad. It is okay to be worried about being homesick, you will miss home, but UNT will become your home away from home and the people you meet will become your second family. High school is just a small stepping stone to the rest of your life. You are destined for great things; never forget that. With love, Future Julia

If I was a high school senior again I would apply for more scholarships. I constantly worry about how I am going to pay for this year's school expenses, and I get stressed out about not finding a job. It would be a lot easier if I had applied for more scholarships so that I would not have to worry about this now.

If I could give my-high-school-self advice, it would be to relax! If I knew that attending the University of North Texas was going to be fun, enjoyable, and stimulating instead of scary and difficult I would've saved myself a lot of sleepless nights. Earning my Bachelor's at UNT was a fatastic experience. I've even chosen to attend UNT for my Master's degree in military history! I certainly stressed more than needed during the transition from high school to college, but I successfully made it through to the other side. It took a lot of hard work, but every minute of it was worth it.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships an prepare for the transitions because that last year goes by much faster then you would expect.