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I would tell myself, "self, college isn't a cake walk. So far, what i've learned, it's probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. Take your time in school, study, miss a few parties, focus on the big picture, your future. Sure, the party of the year will be the talk of the lunch table for a while, but what about putting food on your own table? With your own money? That's something to think about. Invest in your education and I promise, you will be successful. I'm only saying this because I love you (me.) You can still make time to be a teenager, but do it in a way that helps you become a successful adult. Also, one last thing, being a nerd is cool! Don't listen to what those other kids say, one day you could be their boss, if you play your cards right. I'm glad we had this talk."

I would explain the importance of going to college right after high school. I missed an important time in my life because I chose to be a grown up to soon. I would put emphasis on choosing one career. The best advice I could give my younger self would be to keep studying and to always excel to my best.

I am assuming that if the average college student could go back in time and talk to themselves as seniors in high school one would tell him or herself to not attend every party and study once in a while. I did not attend a large college with frat parties, big sports events, and socials because I found out I was pregnant shortly after graduating high school so the temptation of parties over studying was simply not an option for me. However, now entering into my senior year, I look back and wonder where the time went? I wanted nothing more than to finish college as fast as I could so I could start my career to provide for my baby. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to slow down. College life is fast-moving, hectic, and chaotic but it is important to take the time to enjoy the simplicity and beauty of special moments. I wish I appreciated the fact that I was blessed enough to be able to attend college instead of dreading it. I am glad I have realized how lucky I am before it was too late.

If I have the opportunity to turn back the clock and be a high school senior again, I would tell myself to not make any changes to your life. Because the path you will be going down may be rough at times, but you will get a beautiful family out of it, one full of love and laughter. I would tell myself to prepare yourself for college and when you finally commit to it, study, study, study. To never give up because the final reward is going to be great. Sometimes taking the other path, though detered at times, is just as rewarding. I would also tell myself to hug my loved ones more, for they are not always going to be here. Finally, I would tell myself to never second guess yourself about anything and always go with your gut instinct about everything.

I would go back into time, to let myself to complete classes to fulfill the options credits. These would be a math, science, humanity and social science. You do not need to pick your degree or major. If you are still unable to decide on a degree, take time off and get a full time job. This will help you understand what you want to do with your future. When you apply to a University, be sure to look into Scholarships or Assistance. Any help you can get financially will help you lower your long term debt in student loans. Have fun and make sure that you participate in class to soak up as much knowledge as you can. If you are an observer, it will not be guaranteed that you will get the most of your school dollars.

Life after high school is really just the beginning. The world is full of opportunities and you are the key to making this world a better place. Set your goals high and use every opportunity to challenge yourself to be the very best making sure that your actions will help you become a better person and impact those around you positively. Your first challenge is to achieve a higher education and be the first in your family to finish college. Do not be afraid; you have it in you to shine bright take the steps to learn. This education nobody can ever take it away from you and the pride you will feel each time you say I finished my degree will be unmatched. More doors will open for you and you will not have to coward from opportunities because you do not have the education. It is more important to you and your family than you can understand right now. You will soon have a family and when you look into their eyes you will say with pride: Mommy is a college graduation and you will be to one day!

Looking back at my years as a senior I would have stayed at home instead of off campus housing. During my first 2 years of college got side tracked and a little too social. If I would have lived at home or atleast on campus I think that I would have been more focused. When I went to college I lacked structure which lead to bad choices which eventually caused me to drop out. I was salutorian as well as the vice president of every student organization that our school had to offer but I still dropped out of college. I then became a single parent and had no time for school. I had no choice but to get a job. I then began to make money and completely forgot about school. Now my child is in school and I have to explain why I did not finish. I wish I would have gotten it over with after high school. I now know and understand the importance of my education. I would have told myself to stay focused and not to give up. Slow and steady wins the race.

The advice I would give myself is the importance of co-op/intern positions of companies within the field of interests. Companies are now looking for applicants who have a certain amount of experience in a particular field. This transition allows a person to experience if they would like to further their education toward that field. It also allows them to gain working experience of that field, and secure a job with a higher pay rate. When you have the available tools from an internship it can open a bigger door for networking opportuntites within the field. Networking is crucial in terms of finding a job, and the earlier you can establish a network the easier a job hunt can be.

I would give myself the advice of taking college more seriously. I should have fully looked into my options of what I really wanted to do with my life, and not just have went with the first thing I thought of. I would also advise myself to talk to more people about college to help me figure out what I really wanted, I never asked questions to my guidence counsler, so I feel like I didn't know what I was getting into. I would tell myself that I should have started out at a community college, since I didin't know what I wanted, that would have given me time to figure things out and try new things to help decide what field I really wanted to go into. I would give the advice that it's ok to not know what I wanted to do, don't feel pressured into picking something just because everyone says I need to pick a major right then. It is ok to change your mind!

I would tell myself to go away to college. Don't wait so long to finish school. Reach for my goals and don't give it a second thought. I have always made decisions on the right here right now facts and thought of everyone besides myself. Now being a single mother at such a young age, I would tell my highschool self to make sure I put my future first. Make decisions that will be for the long run, not for the short term. I would also tell myself to stay motivated and to strive to do the best I can possibly do.