University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

From my college experience I have gained confidence. In high school I was very quite and shy, and in college I have been given a chance to express myself and to really show my personality. I also have learned to think in college. In high school I never had to think. I could memorize facts and do just fine. College has opened my eyes to seeing what is really around me and how everything affects me, and I actually think about it I don't just memorize what is thrown in front of me. It has been valuable for me to attend college because I have met so many people with such diverse backgrounds and from such different cultures. I learn something new everyday and if I didn't go to college I would not be able to do that. I am just very appreciative for the opportunity to attend a University like the University of Northern Iowa. It is truly a wonderful experience.

Coming to college I had no idea what to expect, a new city, different classes, and living with a complete stranger were just a few of my worries. I have learned to appreciate the values and beliefs of everyone I have met, because everyone is different, and if one doesn't look outside of their own spectrum they will miss a world of opportunities. College has helped me find my niche, and helped me to discover what I love most, which is writing. I also love my political science classes, and I am thinking about attending law school. Without taking chances and broadening my horizons with taking different classes, I never would have realized my potential in these different areas of study. I am planning to study abroad next year and I know it will be a once in a life time experience, where I will meet many new people and learn about the spanish culture. All of my experiences at college have been valuable to me, and have shown me a life outside of small town Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Though I am only a little more than halfway through the first semester of my freshman year of college, I would have a lot to tell myself as a senior in high school. I could tell myself to study hard, get involved, and not to procrastinate. While all of these are important, they are not what is truly important in life. In the past month, the person who I looked up to more than anybody else in the world died. My grandfather was a man who lived life to the fullest and was liked by everyone he knew. I was devastated when I lost him, and having to continue with school was very difficult. I know that as time goes by I will feel better, but there is no easy way to handle that situation. That is why my advice applies to everyone, not just high school seniors. My advice is to live life to the fullest and to cherish every moment with loved ones. Tell them how much you love them and how much they mean to you because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

If I could go back in time and tell myself about college life now I would do it in a heartbeat. I would tell myself that even though the thought of college seems terrifying and scary and new, it is an essential learning life lesson. I would tell myself to be open to new experiences and to try new things. I would say that college is hard and in order to succeed you need to study, go to class, take notes, stay focused and manage your time wisely. If you do not have a vision of what you want in the back of your head you're not going to go very far. Be smart, make smart choices; trust your gut feeling, if something does not feel right walk away. Another point I would stress is to allow yourself to be independent. It is okay to be scared of being away from everything and everyone you have known for your entire life but in order to grow you need to separate yourself. Do not be affraid of making your own decisions or having fun at college, it is okay to start a new chapter in your book. Be only yourself.

I would tell myself that I shouldn't be afraid to take risks. Branching out and trying new things in college are some of the greatest and most life-changing experiences I have ever had. Signing up to live in the dorms was unplanned and scary, but it was worth all the worry and lead me to gain the confidence I needed to sign up for Camp Adventure where I then spent an entire summer away from my friends and family in a foreign place. I would also present myself with the life-altering question: Do you really want to be a teacher? (I waited until I was in my final year of college to evaluate and realize that teaching is not the career for me.) I was only playing it safe in choosing the education field. I would also like to remind myself to stay strong and resist peer pressure and also to remember what my values are. I only wish I could go back in time and inform my former self of what is to come while resisting from warning of the mistakes I've made and have shaped my life for the better.

If I could give advice to myself about making the transition to college, I would make it simple. Remember to smile, take deep breaths, and always bring a pen! I would make it simple, because every new freshman is overwhelmed. Trying to look confident while juggling maps and listening to long orientation meetings is stressful. That's why it's important to remember to smile and breathe. No matter what happens, from getting lost to any number of embarrassing situations, a deep breath will clear your mind and help you find a solution. A smile helps your mood stay positive as well. And the pen? Nearly indispensable for a college student. From writing down building numbers or new acquaintances (to look up on Facebook later, of course) or for signing up for the clubs you were almost too nervous to join (not to mention a pen is an instant friend-maker when you lend it to someone!). College is all about pushing yourself to your full potential, and with a smile, deep breaths, and a pen, you'll always be ready.

If I went back in time as a high school senior, I would have talked to my counselor a little more. I think he could've helped me decide where the best place for me to go and what major would be best for me. Also, I wish I would've done a little more research on which school would be best for me and my studies. I only did one campus visit, so I wish I would have taken the opportunity to look at other schools as well. I think I did all I could do in high school, academically, to get ready for my transition. Although, I think I could've learned better study habits before moving on to college including my reading and writing skills. Finally, I wish I would've known to be more outgoing with people. I needed to realize people no longer judge, and people are looking for friends.

Hello Matthew, I have some very important advice you need to live by. First of all always attend class, and try your best to be prompt. Allow yourself time inbetween classes when scheduling to give yourself time to prepare for exams for expample. Try and schedule your classes in the morning while you are most alert, most importantly get a day planner and use it. To simplifiy life as soon as you get your books read them. This will allow you to be familiar and more confident for the up comming lectures, also you will be able to participate better in class. Do your homework right away, this will relieve so much stress, putting things off only will result in bad things. Get to know your professors, they are people too and it is much easier to get help from someone who likes you. Respect everyone you incounter and don't be judgemental, you will find you have much to learn and you never know who has the answers. Time management is the key to success in school. Life is a balance remember the your Faith, Family, and friends come first. By the way they are all rooting for you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to explore your options. I feel that I went into college thinking I was going to do one career, but changed my mind a couple of different times. I would tell myself to prepare thouroughly for all tests and work hard because college is much more challenging than high school. I would also tell myself to work hard to obtain scholarships because it is a challenge to get through school building up loans. Also, to gte involved in activities or to do some volunteer work because it really builds a strong backbone in helping to choose what career choices you would like to do.

When I was in high school I didn't even think about how hard it would be to transition into college because I had seen kids older than me do all the time. I thought it would be a breeze, but boy was I wrong. If I had the chance to talk to myself a year ago I would have alot to say. First, I would say get your head in the books and start a good study habit because that is something that I lacked my first semester of college and I struggled in my classes. Second, I would say be smart with money. Don't spend it just because you have it. Third, I would tell myself to be prepared to have those awkward moments of meeting new people because those awkward moments turn into friendships that will last a lifetime! Last but not least, always remember that nothing is impossible if you just try.