Skye
I need to be more diligent and focused when it concerns my acadmic integrity, work ethic, and critical thinking. I needed to build a relationship with my teachers and build the window of open communication about my problems on and off the classroom field. I wish that I had been more interactive with my peers and readily available and open to their opinions and responses. I wish that I had been more opinionated and agressive when it came to the classroom. I need not to accept my limitations but to push the boundaries of what was set before me and create an octagon from the four dimensional thinking that so many highschool students become imprisoned in.
Beatriz
Dear Beatriz 2009,
Moving to college is going to be quite a ride. There is no need to worry about the transition, it would be best if you look at it from a different perspective. First off, once you get to college there are going to be opportunities for you to make a bunch of friends. Just remember, you are not the only freshman that is going to be attending that college. One great way to meet people is get involve in clubs and attend activities that the college might have on campus. Second, college work is not going to be much different from regular high school. You will have less classes, but some homework will make up for it. Some good things about college is, each course is studied in one semester, and you get to nap between classes, and sometimes you will even have one class a day. College is about finding a new "you", and finding out different goals that you might would like to accomplish. Just go to college with an open mind; and don't be afriad to try new adventures.
Sincerely,
Beatriz 2010
P.S. Stop stressing, college+new friends=excitement!!
Tonica
I would tell myself that just because you come from a small town in the mid-west doesn't mean that you have to get married, go in the military or go to a junior college. You can become or be anything you want to be. Don't sell yourself short! The world is full of possibilities and opportunities. You just have to believe in yourself and find others who believe in you. Guidance counselors don't always have all the answers and sometimes hold you back by pushing you into vocations like the military or trades. If you want to go to college but don't feel you can afford it, there are many grants and scholarships out there but you have to try for them. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Dream Big!
Taylor
If I could go back in time to offer my high school senior self advice about college I would be sure to emphasize how important it is to keep a good time management schedule and get everything you need to have done finished early, and not the day before. I would encourage myself to be outgoing and optimistic, to be myself and not wear a mask to impress others.
I would also remind myself how important it is to make your own decisions on which college I was attending. I believe USAO is one of the best things that will help me to be motivated about have a positive attitude towards my future.
I would tell myself to stock up on Easy Mac, Noodles, and Deoderant whenver possible, to always prowl around in search for good sales, and to keep God, family, and friends close.
Ashlee
College is a great time in a person's life. Having the experience that i have now, i would give this advice to anyone: go to class, do your work, give yourself a break, have fun, don't let life or school get you too stressed, you can do anything you put your mind to so don't give up, make friends, volunteer, join clubs/organizations, be outgoing, don't be afraid to try something new, step outside of your box, have an open mind, take risks, do not procrastinate, save money, do your best, put yourself out there for people to see, enjoy this time because it goes by fast, trust is God because he will get you through anything and everything, and be true to yourself. College is all about starting over. You can be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do. So get out there and do it! College is not easy, otherwise everyone would go. You have to work hard but in the end, the result will be worth it! Good luck and follow your dreams!
Elisa
First of all, ?Don?t worry about the money.? I chose a school based on how much money they have gave me. I didn?t care about their location, their reputation, etc. Therefore, when I arrived to my current school I just wanted to go back, I hate it. If I can go back to my senior year I would tell myself to research the school more and forget about the money. I figured out that a lot of people have school loans and it?s not a bad thing. Go to the school that you want to go!
Chelsea
Transition into USAO was easy and painless due to the great staff and current students at the time. College is a lot of fun, however, do not underestimate the amount of work and the amount of time you have on projects. As the classes become more advanced so must your thinking and the level you need to be on to understand what is going on around you. Also, some advice I would give myself is to not live with you highschool friends. You hear this most of your senior year but it is completely true and you will just be miserable in the end. College is not highschool. Your freshman year may be easy but it is very hard to catch up if you fall behind and not just in school. I have a job that I have to juggle with school so know your priorities. You can always get another job, but you cannot always save your grade in a class. Although the classes and grades are important, have fun, because if you do not make college memorable it is just another job.
Lauren
Dear self, pick the college that really speaks to your soul. Your college choice does not have to be about how big the football stadium is or how much the college is charging you to attend. Just because a certain college is very inexpensive, does not diminish its quality. I would also tell myself to just breathe, don?t rush into leaving everything behind. Life is this fabulous journey that takes us into unexpected situations. College is such a big growing experience that you?ve got to grow tougher skin. Disappointment WILL happen but you must tell yourself ?everything will be alright.? There are so many students, friends, faculty and staff members that understand what you?re going through. Self, you?ll be fantastic in college don?t worry about that silly expression ?freshman 15.? Walking becomes refreshing and making new friends will be perfect. Trust me.
Stormi
I would tell myself to take all my core classes first to get them out of the way and really keep track of what I need to take in the future so I won't fall behind and will be able to graduate on time. I would also tell myself that summer school is worth it because you can get so much in during the summers and will be able to graduate sooner or on time.
Elisabeth
Be ready to work hard, become independent, and be broke.