University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

I would stress the importance of staying strong in my relationship with Jesus Christ. During college it is easy to get swamped, or get behind in your work. Before you know it, you're in dire need of time, and more often than not, one of the first things to go is the time you spend with God. But, in reality, continuing to give God that time can cause it to not only seem like you have more time to accomplish what you need, but also allow you to do a better job with it. Along the same lines, I'd also tell myself to be sure and manage my time very wisely. Not fill it completely, just make sure everything is in order (first of course, making sure there is time for God). This would allow me to succeed much better in college, and be a shining light to all who wish to see it.

Ask why. In all things, I would stress, pull the curtain back one more layer, revealing honesty and truth and integrity. There is so much knowledge to be gained, so much understanding to be sought, and pursuing it helps bring understanding and clarity to an increasingly fractured, discomforting reality. Throughout my life, I have had recurring problems with mood and anxiety disorders, and I wish that as a high school senior I would have been more focused on trying to make sense of them instead of losing myself to the culture and habits with which I had grown up. I didn't understand why I would want to learn things in school; I was more preoccupied with my own problems that made my life difficult to live. Not until college, when everything was turned around and I was stripped to my core, did I realize that I could only understand my problems by pursuing understanding in all things. I would stress to my senior self that to seek out a lifestyle based on learning is helpful, compelling, and above all things,i necessary.

If I could ever have the lucky opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself, "Get ready because things are about to change!" I would elaborate on this by telling myself that college is going to be so different than what I have been used to for so long. I'll have to be ready to take care of myself because I'll be on my own. I'll have to learn to balance everything - class, friends, a job, studying, and everything else necessary to live on my own. I would have to learn how to study differently because college classes are so much more different than high school classes. I would especially stress the importance of time management because if I did not know how to balance all of my activities I would not be a successful student. I'd tell myself that it won't be easy and that it will be stressful at times, but I would reassure myself that it would ultimately pay off in the end and that I would have a blast doing it!

Dear Paige, Next year is going to be awesome. There are so many people that you are going to meet. You should really try to get to know them a little better. The relationships you make in college are more about quality than quantity. You will use some of the people (friends, RAs, classmates) you meet during your freshman year as a networking platform for the years to come. It is really important that you cherish the people around you. Also, you should make an effort to get to know your teachers. There is so a lot of really cool research projects going on that you can easily be apart of. Getting involved in these projects gives you experience to put on your resume. It also helps you to narrow down what you want to do with your life. Plus, getting to know your teachers really comes in handy when you need a letter of recommendation for a job or a scholarship. I know that next year can be boring just taking general education classes, but they still count for your GPA, so work on them. Most importantly, have fun and BOOMER SOONER!!! Thanks for listening, The futrue YOU

I would advise myself to follow some of the same strategies that many people told me to do such as visiting the campuses you are considering as much as possible and partake in any senior days and sporting events and campus orientations and really see where you are going and the city you are going to live in. I was lucky enough to follow this advice and I didn't miss out in touring all the campuses I was interested in and really seeing up close and personal the school and the city where I was considering going. I think that that is very vital and I was glad I did there prior to choosing a school. I also was auditioning for a special team at the university I was considering and taking the time to go thru the audition process was helpful in spending more time at the university I ended up choosing. I also knew that I needed to attend the summer orientation-summer camp at my school and I was really glad I pushed myself to do this even though I live quite far away and it was great to meet fellow new freshman.

Education was my first priority as an incoming freshman. I thought that a high school degree solely reflected academics and that other things were not as important. Years later, I still hold education as my number one concern although I have warmed up to other areas of high school life. Student organizations take a great deal of my time these days, but I would not have it any other way. I struggled my very first semester of high school with finding motivation for school. These organizations have given me that motivation and also a feeling of familiarity that was present in my high school. The only thing I wish I could change about my involvement with these groups is joining them sooner. I do my work so much more efficiently having to budget my time to keep track of meetings, projects, and outings with friends.

There is so much possibility in this world to discover and, in truth, so much time to do it. That does not mean you have to wait to discover them; run to them arms out, head up, and with a smile on your face. However fearful things can get, rememeber, it will always be momentary. There is always and will always be a sun on the other side of the clouds. Keep moving and everything is going to be alright; as overly cheerful and optimistic as that sounds, it's the truth. Trust your insticts and trust yourself. And most importantly, fight for what you love and don't let anyone determine for you what is realistic and what is unreachable; nothing is impossible. As Henry David Thoreau said, " Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." And last, but definitly not least, be happy.

I started off high school, i would say, above average.Having won an Essay write-off award in the 8th grade for AVID class I felt I was on my way to a successful four years and on to the start of a new career in college.As time went on i went downhill along with my grades.By senior year i found myself barely graduating from the same four years that i thought were to be a success.So here i am four years after graduation, married, and working in a warehouse.The best advice I feel I can give myself is to stay focused on education because high school could be the red carpet to your future.I only wish now that i would have pushed myself harder and set higher expectations for myself.Its never too late to go back to school and that i know now.

Simply put I would encourage myself to attend college immediately after high school and not to wait almost 20 years. I feel like as much as I am getting from the experience now, I could have gained much more as a younger person. At least when it comes to social aspects. I also would encourage myself to take a variety of subjects and to diligently search for something to be passionate about, not just a career to get me through.

I would tell myself to always focus in class and to do assignments early. I often procrastinate and there have been a few times where it has hurt me. Most believe that college will be easy, but it isn't. I never was a party person, and I would continue to advise myself not to be because I have seen the damages it has done. Partying can hurt your grades and end up getting you kicked out of school. Going in to that first college class is scary, but the professors actually are there to assist. So I would tell myself to always seek advice when it is needed. College is the time to shine and to show your abilities so don't be afraid to ask for help and to help others if needed. Your education is very important, and without college and good future job is slim.