University of Utah Top Questions

"Sammi, get as involved as you can in college. There will be so many opportunities available to you that it will seem overwhelming, but if you find something that sounds interesting, go for it. Don't only focus on academics. Yes, your classes are important, but so much can be gained from real-world experience. Employers aren't going to look at each class you took; instead, they will pay attention to internships, work experience, clubs, volunteer experience, and what you have done in your community. Plus, you may find a passion for something you never knew existed! Most importantly, don't limit yourself. You're the only one that can stop yourself from doing something, so don't! Just because something seems impossible doesn't mean you shouldn't aspire to it. You will grow so much during college, as a student, as a woman, as a thinker. You will be amazed by what you accomplish in four short years! Don't ever look at someone else's accomplishments and think, 'Well, they're smarter, or more priviledged, or more popular than me.' You are just as capable as anyone else, so set your expectations high, and meet them!"

Dear Chesy, I know you’re about to start college and are very excited to begin this new journey but I would like to give you a bit of advice before you go. Learn how to study! I know that high school has been a breeze and that you haven’t really had to take notes or spend a lot of time on homework, however, college is different. Be sure to read the book and complete all of the assigned problem sets. Try to study a little bit every night so you don’t have as much to review the night before the test. Study groups can be helpful but be sure to stay on task while you’re there; sometimes it may be more beneficial to just study on your own. While academics are very important and it requires hardwork to succeed, don’t forget to have fun! Try to get to the gym regularly to help relieve stress and to wind down for the day. I wish you all the best of luck and I know you will succeed. It’ll be over before you know it, so enjoy it while you can! Love,Your future self, Chesy

While in high school, I participated in several AP courses and received my IB diploma from the International Baccalaureate Organization. I felt overwhelmed and stressed, not to mention the lack of social life that resulted in the vigorous course work and extensive studying away from school. Knowing now what college life is like first hand, I would tell myself to push through the advanced classes, because the hard work has paid off in more than a few ways. One way is the preparation for college like- structured courses. My first few days (and even to an extent now) have felt more at ease because the vigorousness of the courses is nothing new to what I haven't already experienced. Also, the study habits acquired have immensely allotted feasibility in studying at the college level. Probably one of the best advantages from sticking it out was the several credit hours that came forth from completing the tests and earning literally two years of college. I would have to say, however, that the most important thing is live a balanced life. Be physical; play sports. Be smart; study hard. Be you; have fun.

Self: Stay in school, study hard, and make solid friendships! Learn as much as you can and keep your open-mindedness. Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. Set goals and take steps to achieve them. You are never too old to learn. Be forever a student of life. Be kind to others and be of service in your community.

If I were able to go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would have told my self to learn better studing habits and to try harder in my classes. I would also tell my self to have more comunication with the high school counselor to get more inforemed about what to expect and what thing I should do to prepare my self for collage life.

I would tell myselft to take as many A.P. classes that I could. It is much easier in highschool than it is in college. Most of my classes are huge, and I would tell myself to take advantage of the smaller highschool classes that have teachers who care about you and your grades. A.P. classes also has more assignments which is simular to college classes. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships and save more money. College is expensive. I would have also told myself to research more about college.

I would tell myself that applying for all the scholarships that our out there would help so much when it comes to the books, supplies, class, and even lunch. I would also tell myself not to fool around when it came to school and to make sure to keep up all my grades, that partying can wait.

College has been an interesting experience, I don't regret any of the decisions that I've made regarding my education or the actions that I took. Everything I’ve done have taught me something valuable and I wouldn’t replace that with anything. There are a few things that I wish I would have been a little more prepared for; I had no clue the curve ball that college threw at me. I would tell my naive high school self to be more involved in the first year and meet new people, don’t wait around for someone to befriend you but find the courage to step outside of the box that I've lived in for so many years and put myself out there. I would also tell myself to learn good time management at the beginning of the semester when I can develop habits, rather than the end when everything in stressful. Lastly I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy these years; this is a time that is all about you. You make your own decisions, you're finding out who you are as a person, so enjoy life while the possibilities are limitless!

Apply for more colleges than you think you want to attend. Then you will have a larger selection to choose from once you receive acceptance/rejection letters. Ask as many questions as possible, and ALWAYS visit the campus. Don't let you parents or anyone else influence your decision! If you can, talk to some of the students on campus and see if they like going there.

“Confidently explore the opportunities provided by the university,” I insist. Giving a half shrug and trying to hide behind my own shoulders, I tell her I regret not taking advantage of so many opportunities. That cannot happen to her, so I tell her what can. “You will spend a semester in Italy. You will be editor in chief of the literary magazine. Your volunteer work at the Women’s Recovery Center will save lives.” I defiantly look my teenage-self straight in the eyes and say, “You will fail. Many times. And after each failure, you will pick yourself up and stand stronger-- because if you don’t, you will grow old, but you won’t grow.” Before leaving, I give her a hug and remind her to love herself. She quietly shuts the door. After hearing the click of the lock, I steal a moment of the night sky, absorbing the warmth of the moon to give myself a swift hug. I walk away, hoping she experiences life for me.