Emma
A few things I would tell my high school self is not to take life too seriously. Life is short and you shouldn't spend too much time caring about what others think of you. You have grown so much in the past year or so, and I believe you will figure everything out soon enough. Look at things with an open mind, don't ever talk negatively about someone behind their back because you never truely know what their going through behind closed doors. Everything you have been through has led to this moment. You've accomplished so much and you're going to be very surprised where life is going to take you. Live everyday to the fullest. Seize every opprotunity to do something new or exciting every time you can; you may never get the chance to again. Love and embrace all people, and never become something you feel pressured to be. Take chances. Something you do today, may change your life tomorrow. Keep your head up kid, you're going to be fine.
Cassandra
If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not focus on those who i thought I considered as friends, focus on my school work and just be happy being myself. I was bullied a little in high school and those i considered my friends, were not my friends. Second, I would tell myself to focus on my school work because paying attention to what I've learned in the past and what I learn in the present, definitely helps with what I will learn in the future. Finally, I would tell myself not to worry too much about making sure that people liked me and just be happy being myself because at the end of the day how I feel about myself is what matters.
Delia
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior is to take more chances in life. I would tell myself to get myself motivated to start working on projects and a job to support my hobbies. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as those are the lessons that will take your determination higher to achieve your goals. Always remember that you can learn more from failures than just pure success. It is better to try something new than not try something at all. Make sure you stay focus on your goals knowing that your family and friends are there to support you all the way. Do not give up on your dreams especially when there are so many different opportunities in the world that can make your dreams possible.
Jennifer
If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self as a senior there are definitely some things I would share with myself. First of all, I would tell myself to try and work on more scholarships. After being in college for one semester, I realize how much easier and enjoyable things would be if I had applied for more scholarships. One very important thing would also be to spend as much time with my close friends as possible, making those relationships and bonds stronger. Seeing how some of your so-called friends change once you aren't in the same city as they are opens your eyes to who is really going to be there for you in the long run. I would want my high school self to realize which relationships you need to put first and that people who come into your life quickly, even though they seem great, will exit your life just as fast as they came. Finally, I would tell myself to not waste money on unimportant things because, let's be real, it's no fun being a broke college student.
Nicole
As a highschooler, I was a student who was very involved in sports and other various activities offered through my school. I also worked as well, so I was constantly busy. If I could go back in time though to my high school senior self, I would tell myself that I was doing a great job and that everything I was participating in then would only strengthen the person I need to be in the future. I feel as though with being involved in so much I developed a great sense of time-managment and also figured out how to prioritize my life (from school work, to activities I was participating in, to work and also maintaining a social life). Those two skills have proved to be key skills to possess when it comes to wanting to succeed in college. So with having those skills already in place, it was an easier transition for me to make going from high school life to college life (which I have found to be much more serious and future oriented and requiring much more of you). So in all, I would thank myself for being as strong as I was.
Maricica
The advice that I would give myself is, don’t worry so much. Everything will work out and it all happens for a reason. You’ll meet some of the most amazing people and they will touch your lives in ways that you would have never imagined. Don’t be afraid to open to people, as well. They really do care about you and are there for you whenever you need it.
Tiana
As a returning adult student, I have thought about this many times and frequently wish I could go back to my first degree self and offer up a few pointers. The first suggestion I would make is to pick a career that is enjoyable and interesting. Do not sweat if it doesn’t work out as education is the one investment that no one can take away from you. Having a profession you love and that makes you happy is more valuable than any amount of money, title, or fame. Second, I would urge graduating seniors to always keep in mind their priorities as that mindfulness will guide difficult decisions. Lastly, college is fun, challenging, and a very enriching experience. Taking advantage of campus opportunities and becoming involved in communities will open countless doors and provide the experiences that bring depth and reward to a college degree!
Brooke
Dear High School self, looking back after completing my first semester of college, I have realized how much has changed. College is a great experience, but if I could go back in time, I would change a few things. Do not be shy and afraid. Do not let your anxiety run your life. Build up your confidence, you will turn out to be happy. Go out and have fun! Make a lot of friends, do not stay home on Friday nights because there are people that will be willing to spend time with you as long as you talk to them. Not everyone there is judging you based on how you look, it is about being yourself. Stop hiding in your shell and thinking "I will just wait until college to make friends." Although I have lots of friends now, it would have been easier to make more if I had more in high school. Life will turn out okay if you just reach out of your comfort zone sometimes. I am not saying that there will not be bumps along the way, but life will turn out well. Sincerely, Me
Katelyn
If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would definately make a few changes. I would take more college prep classes and learn how to study before I started college. High school was so easy compared to college life. While the professors are willing to help, it is now my reponsibility to complete my homework (no matter what) and turn in all assignments. College deifnately brings a whole new level of responsibilty to my life. Although I accumulated more than 200 hours of community service, I would volunteer more and give to my community. I realize how important it is to give. My final words of advise to myself would be to get involved in any and all activities on campus. Campus involvement is a great way to discover a hidden talent and an excellent opportunity to form lifelong friendships.
Mike
It is the best thing you could do for yourself. The study aboard program is something you should do for sure.
Lilliana
You are good enough to get into that university you think is too good for you. You are smart, and you are witty, and you are a hard worker and quick learner. These are characteristics that people want to work with. Stop telling yourself you're not good enough, or smart enough. Stop assuming the world is against you. Sure, you will make mistakes. You will mess up. That's all part of growing up.
I'll tell you what you won't do: you won't fail. Did you know you were capable of taking 18 credit hours in one semester, while actively participating in two clubs, and a volunteer community theater, all while maintaining above a 3.6 GPA? You do that. You don't fail at that. I know that you think it's a waste of time to apply to schools you know you won't get accepted to. Do it anyway. Some schools will reject you. At least one will accept you. And at at least one school, you might thrive.
Vincent
"Don't jump into things too quickly Vince! It's okay if you're still undecided, but perhaps instead of hanging with your friends this weekend, research some possible careers and pathways you can pursue with the degree aimed for. This will save you the hassle of changing majors later (which I'm in the process of doing right now!). Also, don't be afraid to reach out to people when you're feeling lonely. Everyone is in the same boat! Above all, stay true to yourself: your morals, goals, and your education should come before all the other schenanigans that will undoubtedly come up in college. Heed my words, as I am the much wiser Vincent from the future and it'll make things alot easier for you. Best of luck! P.S. You don't know everything; that's why you need an education, dummy. Just kidding, but seriously, keep an open mind kid. Everything isn't set in stone just yet."
Ethan
First I would tell myself to try harder and build strong study habits while the high school teachers are right there with helping. In college it is hard to gain the much needed study skills and habits with the added workload and academic difficulty rising as well as the many events/activities happening around you on campus. In addition, the professors here on campus are not as helpful as a high school teacher would be. Along with gaining appropriate academic skills, I would encourage myself to take as many AP (college credit) courses in high school as I could. It is almost dumbfounding how many free credits I could have accumulated in high school that I would not have had to take in college. This would have allowed me to focus more on my major classes and not all of the non-applicable general credits. I came into college with very little study skills and did not preform as successively as I wanted to and am now working twice as hard to climb back up. Moreover, learning the very useful academic and study skills in high school would have allowed me to be the best college student I could be.
Raquel
I would tell myself to take advantage of the opportunities for social engagement on campus, such as clubs and sports. I would tell myself to actually go to class, because it is held for a REASON. Also, to review notes after class to help retain material. I would tell myself to relax a little and not worry so much about getting done with school "on time." I would tell myself that everyone goes at their own pace, and it's okay if you don't fit into the four year graduation plan box. I would say to take your time and enjoy school, rather than constantly stressing about taking too long to finish.
Alexandrea
I would tell myself that developing good study habits in high school is so important. Also, time management. If you can't manage your time you will be lost. I would also tell myself that higher education is VERY important. Choose a college that you feel will help you pursue your career. I also would tell myself not to rush into any university without researching everything about it, including graduation rates, retention rates and drop out rates. I wouldn't push myself to go to college unless I was sure about the direction I wanted to take. It's ok to wait. I waited many years and feel more confident and motivated than when I was 20.
Hayley
My first words of advice would have been, don't be overwhelmed by the amount of students that seem to have their career path in order. It is a false assumption. Everyone is going through the exact same situations I am. Hoping and praying to get good grades so I can get in to the School of Education. Also, make sure to go to professor office ours and have personal, yet professional contact with them. It gives a foundation as to what they expect and guides students to productive learning environment, which will make you more comfortable as to the expectations of the professor.
Also, go to all study sessions that are available before tests. It will help guide as to what the test will entail. It is a worth the time to go.
Cassandra
If I could go back in time to talk to my high school senior self, I would warn myself of the difficult road ahead. I would say that, "Things are definitely about to get complicated and many unexpected changes will occur all at once. You may feel all alone and lost for a while like it is the end of the world, but just remember that you are not alone. Make sure to trust in your family and friends because they truely care about you and will be there every step of the way. But most importantly make sure to believe in yourself and stay strong even when it seems impossible. Things will get better so stay true to yourself because as they say 'you don't know who you are until you lose who you are.' Do what you want to stay happy and not what others want you to do. You are your own person and you're about to start your own life. Also don't neglect your studies because keeping your grades up is still very important, but remember to have fun and meet new people too."
Heather
I wish I would have known how to manage time better, so that I would have had more time for studying and doing homeworks and to be able to focus on school more which with help me reach my goals and to get good grades that will benefit me in the future. I also wish that I would have looked more into the colleges and got a better idea of what they offered and known how much schooling would cost. I'm a transfer students now and if I would have looked into what schools offered I don't think I would be in this situation right now but after looking through their information I think I made the right choice.
Caleb
I would try to make me understand why I will benefit from trying hard in high school. I would also explain why you should do your best and not just to get through class by only doing what is needed to pass.
Samuel
Forget what everyone thinks about you. In high scool everyone makes a big deal about what someone does, how they act, what they like, what they wear, and it just creates a destructive atmosphere for most people. If you allow yourself to stay true to who you are, you will grow so much in college because there is a group out there that will accept you. They will help you grow as you help them grow. There are so many different types of people in college, you will fit in somewhere that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Some people get stuck in the mentality of high school and within a year you will see them start to struggle and resort to going back home. STAY CONFIDENT in who you are. The world is a lot larger than people make it out to be and college destroys that facade. If you keep that confidence you will strive to be the best that you can be.