University of Phoenix-Online Campus Top Questions

I would encourage myself to become more focused in a hurry. It seems that when thinking back in time during my Senior year, that I was completely caught up in sports and enjoying my Senior year, that I really didn't focus enough on academics. This advice to myself would have really helped me lay a platform to build upon for the next level of education. College is not easy an takes a lot of time management that most high school students do not really need to graduate from high school. By focusing on academics during my high school year, I would have given myself more critical thinking advice that would focus more on academics to prepare myself for the my future education.

As a senior in high school, I worked three jobs and went to school full time. Just a few months after high school graduation I got married. Looking back, I would have told myself to focus more on my classes and my grades, as well as saved more money for college and applied for more finanical aid. For me, going to college wasn't the rough part. I loved college and didn't have a hard time transitioning at all. The problem was having enough money to pay for it and the books. Another thing I would say is to not overload yourself with classes. College classes means a lot more work than high school classes - just because you had seven classes in high school and worked three jobs, doesn't mean you can take six college classes and work a full time job.

I would have told myself there are going to be a lot of distractions on a large campus. I need to stay focused and not let those distractions get in the way of my education.

The advice to myself as a senior, knowing what I know is to plan and make an educational and a financial map for the next four years. Prepare by searching out every grant available and make a budget. Make sure before applying for a school to check the schools scholarship opportunities; some applications must be turned in before applying to the school. Attend a regionally accredited community college and then transfer to a university. Attending a community college first a smoother transition into college and cost less, therefore the grant money will cover for more classes. Furthermore, sell the books back immediately upon completing the class and reward yourself with that money by buying the book for the next class or a school sweater. Maintain the best GPA possible; this will help to qualify for more grant money when needed. Keep persistent making college a priority. Only get one credit card. Use it sparingly to build credit and for emergencies. Do not apply for department store credit. Reference and update the educational and financial map to stay focused. This financial map will help you graduate incurring less debt. Most important it will give you direction on your educational journey.

Begin with the end in mind. Find out what you can really be passionate about as early as possible and spend the precious time and fiscal resources on developing that passion into a viable life?s work. We spend far to much time in our careers to do something we do not like and with some preparation, and honest self evaluation , we will better serve our own needs as well as provide better service to our fellows.

What you have ahead of you is a very important time in your life. Don't underestimate it, but more importantly, don't underestimate yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it whether it be from your counselors, your teachers or your family and friends, and even God. Now is your time to shine and you can shine, but you must not be afraid to shine. You should not be ashamed that others will not shine with you. You should not be ashamed that others will have to be a shadow, but you must learn wisdom. Wisdom is not accomplished over night, but learned day by day by a daily search, need and want for it. Life stands ahead of you, ready for you to take it. Death stands by your side as a reminder that it can have you at any time. Love is there to make it all worth while from kindred spirit to cherished soul you are the nectar from which they receive thier sustanance. Keep this in mind and you cannot fail.

When I was a high school senior, everyone seemed to think I knew what I wanted in life and declined to offer any feedback, including school counselors. Since I didn't feel that anyone had anything of value to offer regarding academic advice, I followed my own ideas regarding my academic focus and planning. As a result, I floundered and faltered and received only feedback from people who did not support my success. As a result, I ended up dropping out of college and settling for accomplishing expectations that were not my own. If I could give any words of wisdom and advice to myself as a high school senior, they would be to seek and listen to the guidance of academic advisors, along with the dreams of my heart. Since those dreams involved helping others, having the academic guidance to help keep them alive would have enabled me to successfully complete my education and pursue the career of my choice and heart.

In the past while still in high school I goofed off alot and didnt take my grades as serious as I should. I didnt do any scholorships and I didnt take the SAT/ACT. After high school I moved away from home and eventually 4 years later got married and started a family. My best advice I would give myself is to not take the little things for granted. Education is not easy but it is a neccessity to get somewhere in life. I would have done better with my grades, took more time to look and apply for scholorships and most importantly I would have been more serious about education. From a broader perspective I would have started college soon after graduating high school because while all my peers have careers I have nothing at the moment.

Remember that education is the best thing that will help one to have quality of life. Going to a higher institution of learning enables one to take life one step at a time. College can be fun without drinking and partying. Time management is the key to learning. Time management allows for de-stressing of academic challenges. Remember to not put a price tag on education---there is none! If one runs into a challenge, do not take it personal...this is part of the learning process. Remember that going to college is a place where one goes to learn and not to get away from home. Education is a powerful tool if one knows how to use it! Ask for help, when faced with a hurdle you cannot jump---there is no shame.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing I would tell myself is to be strong and hold on to the dreams that I once had. Although colleges are to be institutions of "higher learning", there are many people there that can and will bring you down if you let them. You have to stay strong and fight for any and everything you believe in. Secondly, I would tell myself to take more care in managing my finances. A big part of becoming an adult is finances and learning how to manage them. It is vital to make good financial decision in college because your decisions there could affect your everyday life after graduation. One word. SAVE.