University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

I would go back and tell myself that colledge is an amazing time and you shouldn't get cought up in all the stress to do perfect on every piece of work you are assigned. You only go to college once so you might as well enjoy the expierence.

The most important piece of information that I could give myself if I were to go back in time to my senior year of high school would be to follow my passion. I started at the University of Northern Iowa as a business major. I did this because it was practical and would give me good job prospects when I finished college. Two semesters into college and I knew a business major wasn't going to work for me. I didn't enjoy the classes and found myself not caring about the work I did. I have since changed my major to Environmental Geography. I have found a home in the sciences; I am still anxious about obtaining a job after I graduate, but I feel as if I have started my career path. I find it exciting and am always thirsting for more. These kinds of feelings I would have never found in the business major. I needed to follow my passion and not let fear deter me from doing what I love.

The biggest thing that I would tell myself as a high school senior is not to worry, it isnt that bad. I never believed the ones that told me and I wish that I had. No matter what the circumstance is in college, time will pass and things will go one. You have to believe in yourself and you will achieve. There will be smooth and rough patches but you will always get through them. Don't stress and just relax. Also don't procrastinate, it is not worth it. Get the work done and you won't have to worry about it. I would also tell myself to keep in contact with your family. Family will always be there for you and you need someone to confide in when times get tough. Family knows you best and the have your best interests in heart even if they dont show it. When push comes to shove, your parents will help you fight. As much as I would want myself to know all this, I know I wouldn't believe me. You need to learn things first hand to truly understand things yourself. Good luck!

Even though I have only been out of high school for two years, I feel like I have learned infinitely more about life than ever before. If I could give my high school self advice about college, I would first mention that I should lighten up and take things as they come and not be so serious all the time. I didn't realize the importance of slowing down to take in the scenery once in a while. College credit classes are another thing that is very important and would have saved me a great deal of money as well as helping me prepare for the increased class load required of me. Finally, focusing more on determining a direction in life as early as possible. This would have saved me a lot of stress and money.

There are many things I would tell myself about the college life and transition if I were, once again, a high school senior. I would tell myself not to be scared to get out and get involved. I've realized that by getting involved you meet so many new people and it is a very easy way to make friends that could last a lifetime. Be involved. Get out of your dorm room. There are always so many people walking around the halls or in the lounges just hanging out. Join those people. Make an effort to meet others because if you don't you will find yourself struggling to have fun. This will also help you in the whole transition of living away from home, which can be hard. Meeting people and making new friends will help you overcome this, what can be difficult struggle. I would also tell myself that my job in college is being a student. You aren't paying for college to go out every night and have fun. You are paying to learn. Manage your time. When you know you need to study, study. When you do study reward yourself when you can.

If I were talking to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that studying is what helps you get the grades you want. Grades are mostly based on tests and little homework is given to pad your grade. So as hard as comprehension is for you, you can do it! I would also tell myself to stay at school on the weekends in order to meet new people. Extra curricular involvement is also important in the skills you learn and the new people that you will meet. One last thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to try new things or make new friends. The transition to college life is so much easier if you are outgoing and not shy like you were in high school. You will be happy once you have come out of your box!

I would have pushed myself to take more difficult classes to prepare for the long road ahead. I wouldn't change my work ethic one bit, but striving for a double major or a minor would have been a lot easier if I would have taken more college level classes in high school. I also would have mentally prepared myself. College is a hard transition and a time to figure ones' self out. I would have told my self to not be transformed by the patterns of the college ways.

Looking back on my senior year of high school, I realize that I was unable to take time to really enjoy the many social experiences that usually take place. Instead of hanging out with friends, attending athletic games or dances, and participating in my usual activites like show choir crew and the drama department I was spending endless hours studying for my bulky course load. Not only was I taking on a full load of high school courses, but also a couple college courses at night. By doing so I was able to complete my overall goal of graduating high school at the end of the first quarter, and immediately continuing on with college. Even though I am extremely pleased with being able to get a full year ahead in my academics, I sometimes regret that I did not get my full senior experience. Looking back, I would tell myself to slow down and allow time for the full experience. After all, what is the point of rushing to reach the finishline when you aren't even enjoying the scenery along the way?

If I could go back and talk to myself again I would emphasize how important it is to get organized and know exactly what the expectations are in each class. By being organized and knowing exactly what is happening in each class it is much easier to prioritize assignments and have my work done in a timely manner. This helps to avoid some of the stress that can occur when assignements are due around the same time. I would also emphasize to myself how important it is to find the resources to get help if needed in the classes. Search out the tutoring center, writing center or student advisors so that you know where to get help if you need it. It can be very overwhelming to face all of those classes so you need to know where the resources are for help if you need it. You don't have to feel like you are alone, reach out and get the help you need so that you don't have trouble in your classes.

College is an adventure. You think you know what it is going to be like in high school, but you are completely wrong. Don't worry, high school does equip you with necessary tools that you didn't think you would need, but you do. As you start this adventure, you need to make sure you wear high boots, to avoid getting stuck in quicksand that so many students get pulled into, and drop out. Make sure to wear a hat, to protect your head from all the knowledge coming at you, so you are not too overwhelmed and have time to get organized. Drink lots of water and take notes on all the new discoveries you will make, so you may retain the new knowledge to help others. Remember your grappling hook, so when times get rough you can reach to higher places and get help. Sleep at night, not during the day, otherwise you will be attacked by insects that will only slow you down on your journey. Finally, have a heart to learn. Life is too short to let it pass you by. You only go on this journey once, so drink it all up.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few words of advice I'd like to share. Be true to yourself. College is a time that calls for a lot of disipline and freedom. Remember your inner self and follow your beliefs. Don't try to be someone you think everyone wants you to be. Secondly, don't be afraid of hard work. At be times that college will require so much time, effort and late nights that it might make you want to give up. Push as hard as you can to succeed. Thirdly, reach out and explore new and different atmospheres, activities and people of diverse backgrounds. Make friends with someone you'd never imagine to in high school, join a campus activity that spikes some interest to you. Don't be afraid of the unknown. My last piece of advice, always smile for your well-being, and those around you. There will be many times you won't want to smile because of the stress but smiling is a stress reliever an can make someone's day so much better just by showing that you care.

If I could go back in time and give my senior-self some advice it would be to be open to new things and to try new things when you get to college. I'm now a sophomore in college and I've started to be more wiling to change and more open to new things but it wasn't easy. If I could go back I would tell myself to be ready for new experiences in college - because they will happen- and to be completely accepting of new and adverse situations.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior there would be a number of things I would say. First I would say to bring plenty of quarters for laundry, and that you'll never run out of uses for duct tape and ALWAYS wear shower shoes in the shower! Secondly, I'd say to leave the room door open and to take more initiative to meet people. I would tell myself not to deal with conflict when I'm emotional and tired, and that it's healthy to swallow your pride now and again. I would tell myself to learn things in order to use the information, not to just pass the test. Next I would say, "Be faithful in friendships, bold yet humble in opinion, patient with yourself and others, and live in the moment. Prepare for tomorrow, but live in today. Life is right now." There are a lot of things I wish I had known. On second thought though, I am thankful for the experiances I had and the lessons I've learned as a result. So I'm not sure I would tell myself anything...except for maybe about the shower shoes.

Don't worry so much! You are going to transition wonderfully into this great school! You are going to make some amazing friends and do some great things, only after just two years. Stop fretting about where classes are, everything is centrally located and you will have no trouble getting to class. The dorms are great, they aren't luxurious but they are definitely big enough. Professors are not scary. They are your biggest allies. Go to the library or the union to study, great quiet spots and the union has delicious food and smoothies. And whatever you do, do not procrastinate.

Take risks.

What college you attend is the first of many important decisions in your life as a young adult. Please do not take this lightly! Picture yourself in five years. What do you see yourself doing? Picture yourself in ten years. What kind of person do you want to be? Who are you? What makes you, you? Your college experience will forever shape who you are: make sure you find a college that will help you reach your long-term personal and academic goals. Finding the right college fit for you is so important, and that requires considering many different aspects of what will soon be your life as a college student. What are the academic programs like? The academic advising? What other resources are available? Are there opportunities to get involved? How will you stand out on this campus? What will my social life look like? College is a coming-of-age experience - choose the school that will take you down the right path. You will discover things about yourself that you didn't know about. How exciting, and congratulations!!

Don't worry! UNI is the PERFECT fit for you. You will grow so much spiritually, physically, mentally, and your music career will take off! BE PREPARED!

If I was allowed to go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life, I'd have some major advice for myself. First, I would tell myself that the transition from home to college is a bit difficult but that my friends would be there for me when I needed them. Secondly ,I would tell myself that my study habits must change. As a high school student, the word "study" had no meaning to me. A's were grades that came easily with no effort given. In my transition to college, I received a major wake-up call. Lastly, I would tell myself right off the bat to get to know my professors. They are there and paid to help me. They have office hours and I'm more than welcome to take advantage of those. Who I know will help me along my path of becoming the professional I want to be as well as what I know.

The University of Northern Iowa is the perfect campus for you. It is easy to make friends and get one on one time with your professors. The classroom sizes are consistently small, so you can always ask questions. Your MIS major is one of the leading areas of this school too, and the professors in this area are prestigious and helpful. The social atmosphere is perfect for you as well. Everyone is so friendly you can make a whole new group of friends every night. You will love your college experiance here. Be sure to get involved in a few more activities and volunteer more of your time, especially during the 2008 floods. Work hard that freshman year, college classes are much more difficult! Good Luck

I would tell myself that I need to do what makes me happy and not what others expect me to do. Also, that a variety of involvment around campus is more important than monopolizing my time in one area--intramurals, campus ministry, and student government are a blast!