University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

Knowing what I know now, I would make sure that my high school self was aware of and prepared for the challenges to come. I would let myself know that life will be full of unexpected surprises and pitfalls, but that they can all be overcome with enough dedication and perseverance. While things will not go to plan, I will be stronger than I think. Most importantly, I would prepare my high school self for how much dedication, time management, and adjustments life will require as there were many times knowing those skills ahead of time would have proven quite useful.

If I could go back in time, to a senior me, I would grab myself by the shoulders and scream three very important words: "SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS!" In all reality I would most likely use more elegant words but that would be a majority of the message I would want to send. I didn't take college seriously and I figured that if it was meant to be, it would work out. That thought turned out to be the farthest from the truth. This week, actually, came crashing down financially and emotionally, as I found myself with only one friend, my boyfriend, and crying in public for the first time since pre-school. Most of my days are spent in bed, thinking about how I can get out of this hole. If I could go back, almost two years now, I would do it all differently. I would find friends, be involved, and make an effort to be happier overall.

I would tell myself to put myself out there more. University of South Florida really encouraged extra carricular activities and I was more worried about having a job to pay for myself than exposing myself to opportunities. I would also tell myself to apply to every internship I can. I never knew how helpful it could have been until I was looking for a job post graduation and had a very hard time finding one.

Caine Now: Hey, You, Kid with the social anxiety who isn't completly sure on what he wants to do with life, let alone what kind of person he wants to be. Caine Past: Are you talking to me? Guy that looks oddly like my father... Caine Now: Yes, I am. Im you from the future, I actually come from about 3 years into the future... I just wanted to give you a little bit of advice to help you along your path Caine Past: My path... Caine Now: Yes, your on a good path, like, to being what you see now. But you could be better, you could spend more time applying for schlorships, doing volunteer work, and just studying more because you are going to need it! College is a chance for you to really find yourself. Honestly, you wouldn't even know your lost. Just putting in the extra effort will take you farther then you could ever imagine. Caine Past: Well, alright then...Yeah you sound alot like my dad too. Well either way, I really appriciate the words of advice. Maybe ill work on the whole extra effort thing.

Don't be afraid to go up to someone and talk, they are just afraid as you are. Go to all the awkward campus freshman events, it will help you break out of your shell. The people you are going to live with are some of the greatest people you will ever meet, cherish every moment with them. Leaving home is the hardest thing to do but its time, you wanted this. Don't compare schools for anything except academics, each school has their thing it just takes a while to find it. Invite yourself places if you see a group of people you know, they don't know you well enough to invite you so see if you can go anyway. Feeling alone is okay. Your friends in high school are going to be different the next time you see them, keep a couple of them in your life and don't compare your beginning experiences, every school is different. As much as you wanted to leave Pennsylvania, the grass is always greener somewhere else and you will miss home no matter how much you convinced yourself you wouldn't.

I would tell myself to get leadership positions whenever, and wherever I could get them. It's hard to get ahead with no leadership experience. If you want to do something, do it! The worst thing is wondering what would have happened if you did the thing you wanted to do. Utilize tutoring, don't wait until you know absolutely nothing that is going on in class. Attend club meetings, better chances to make friends and get involved.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would stress the importance of taking the Advanced Placement classes and exams seriously. Now that I realize the importance of college credits, and how expensive it is for each individual class, I would have told myself to study harder and aim to pass the AP exams. I tended to deem them unimportant and did not strive to achieve very high scores. AP exams are essentially college classes that you can pass free of charge if you put the time into your schoolwork. I could have had so many more credits under my name coming into college if I would have known what I know now. But ,I can not go back and change my history so now I just emphasize the importance of the AP classes to students who are still in high school so that they may be successful and get ahead of the game in terms of their college credits.

I would tell myself that college is fun but you have to be responsible about how you spend your time. I know that in high school I was some what of a lazy student. I would tell myself that College is a lot different than high school and you are on your own now, mom and dad arent going to be there to ask you every night wether you have homework or projects to work on. Staying on top of deadlines and developing good study habits are the key to having a successful experience in college. You may want to go out and party and experience the things you see college students do in movies but keep focused on your goals and you will succeed. You are an intellegent young woman and anything you put your mind to you can achieve.

I would tell myself not to worry or stress as much as I did but to also keep up the good work that I've already done. College's look for hard work all the way till the end. I would tell myself not to be so proud sometimes and ask for help when I need it because its okay not to know all of the answers all the time. What matters however is being able to figure out where the mistakes were made so that in the future those tough questions can be answered. I would also advise myself to get a job so that I could have some extra money for college just in case you start to get tired of the dining hall food and need a real meal. Because before you know it you start to spend lots of money on food and you bank account starts to slowly disappear. It is also important to remember who you are as a person and not to get caught up in any kinds of drama or in any groups that try and change you or your beliefs. Just be the best possible person you can be.

Apply to more colleges and explore your options. Find a group of friends who have plans for higher education. Apply to more scholarships, it's free money!