University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself that high school is the diving board into college. It may seem scary and frightening but once you take that leap, you'll never regret it. It's the one time in your life where you get to bond with all types of people that you would never dream that you'd be friends with. You're exposed to the best professors in the field and have tons of opportunities to do what you want and how you want to do it. Just remember to keep an open mind and fun and learning will find its' way to you.

It is really important to get involved in clubs or activities right away and to try and develop friends as soon as possible. This helps to develop a support system of friends who you can rely on as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to initiate conversation with people or to invite them to something. Also be really careful in making sure you are ready for a particular class. One example is if the AP test placed you into a certain class, make sure you are actually ready for that class. When the AP Calculus test placed me into Calculus II for my first quarter of college, I really should have started with Calculus I. The college campus will be significantly bigger than high school, but don't worry you'll get used to it with time. By the time one quarter has passed by you be feeling pretty used to things.

I would tell myself to try to find a place to live close to campus. Living at home with my family would be fun, but the commute would take up a lot of time that could be used for studying. Living close to campus has so many advantages like being able to meet up with friends, attending sports events, and taking advantage of the 24-hour library.

I would tell students to take their language classes in high school and take the advanced placement test for the language if possible.

Learn time management skills early on!

Knowing what I know now about the ways in which education can influence your life I would advise my 'former' self to delve deeply into what I find interesting, what I find motivational. I would remind myself of the truth that college is an amazing opportunity while at the same time being not just a continuation of school, but a exponential increase in the depth and breadth of information and the benefits one can enjoy while being informed . I would also encourage myself as a senior to explore things that I find challenging - in ways that truly push me to think critically - and pay particular attention to the associations that are made. I would also remind myself to make the most of being in school and of the education system.

If I was able to go back into time the only advice I would give me is to be more involved. I would participate in many other programs because it would have allowed me to become more socially opened. I should have gotten more involved with the University of Washington during the summer of my senior year.

I would say this to myself upon traveling back in time: "Jamie, you have so much ahead of you. You do not realize now, but time does run quickly. Before you know it, you will studying for college finals. Now, it seems like life is rough, trying to get everything sorted out and organized, but there is so much more awaiting you. It is such an exciting experience. Don't worry! Do not worry about your roomate, whether she'll be nice, or if you will starve because you do not know how to cook too well, or even that you do not know anyone. Just imagine this: waking up one day after all it is done, not starved, surrounded by a well-known group of friends. You have just gotten a dress for graduation and you know now finally, that you made it and your dreams have come true. Put to rest your worries and dream a little, becuase in your dreams you'll find yourself."

I would tell myself to focus more on school. Like many college students I loved the new freedom and didn't focus enough on school as I should have. I would have also told myself of the study habits I learned along the way in college to help myself excel sooner in school. I would also stress how quickly you can fall behind in a class and how important it is to go to class. Most importantly, trust your gut and don't let people push you around and tell you that you can't do things. Focus on your goal and don't let anything get in your way.

Know thyself. Someone said this, right? That's why I'm in school now: to learn the origins of such iconic phrases that have survived history riding on successive waves of popular culture. What can't necessarrily be learned in school is the truth of that phrase. Trying to understand oneself is extremely important to getting the most out of the college experience. I would advise my past self to, "take some time off from school and try to figure yourself out." While it is alright to experiment and discover who you are and what really drives you in college it is important to make good use of the time there and to take advantage of the opportunities that really are unique to the college setting. Here I'm talking about the kinds of academic interactions that are possible and the scholarships and projects that colleges fund. Making use of these opportunities is much more successful when the 'self' is clearer, although never crystal.