Marissa
I would tell myself to relax. Being anxious and constantly worrying won't help me succeed at school. I would tell myself to be confident that I'll do well. I would tell myself that the friendships I had in high school will still be there when I go to college and that making new friends will be difficult, but it will happen. I'd tell myself to take time out of each day to blow off steam and that I shouldn't overwork myself. I would tell myself it's okay to break down when I need to and that it's okay to be sad because college is a huge transition. Overall, I'd tell myself that everything will be okay.
Kevin
Most people spend their entire lives being directed by externals; their parents, the academic system, following friends, being directed by trends and fads. Eventually they're directed at their workplace by coworkers and bosses. Some even latch onto a significant other for direction. As soon as they lose that external direction they give up. Being off on your own at school you learn what its like being an adult. An adult with no self-sense, no self-direction, no self-worth, no confidence, and no competence is poison. I'd tell myself to try developing myself, it doesn't matter in what or if you can make money with it or impress people. Stop trying to pick the perfect thing. Pick something and do it. When it's painful and you fail and everything screams at you to quit, decide to keep doing it. When you think you're good enough at it to stop, keep doing it. It's the act of deciding to go on in the face of pain, convincing counter arguments and logic that will create yourself. If you never exercise your ability to push though, you will forever stay on the path of least resistance.
Jessica
I would tell myself to get out of my shy shell and get involved. Because of my now outgoing personality I've enjoyed my college experience by interacting in activities whether it's playing games, joining an organization,or using the fitness center. Also, because of getting myself involved, I have met a plethora of great people. If I had continued to be shy, I wouldn't know all the amazing people I do today.
Matt
My advice to myself would be to do the required work that is assigned in class and study for test. Always be on time to class ready to learn. Always ask your instructor questions , because this shows your eager to learn . Make good friend while at school , especially with your class mates. They might become your best friends in life. Always ask for additional help when needed , so that you understand the material in your classes. Rater this be tutoring or studying with other students. Last i would say have fun . Getting loose somtimes can release the stress of everday school life.
Amy
If I could go back in time, the first thing I would tell my college freshman self is what being an individual entails. First, it means acknowledging that you know yourself the best. Your strengths and weaknesses are what set you apart from others and a true individual will take this understanding of their self and improve. One such weakness was my ability to go outside of my comfort zone. This inhibited me from stepping outside the box and trying new things because being in a new place was too anxiety provoking. Sharing my opinion and taking a stand are things I struggled with for the same reason. A second weakness to develop is cherishing every moment. Friends are precious jewels in life. They are rare and stay close to your heart no matter how far away they may have to go. Cherishing every opportunity to learn is vital too because it makes the educational experience more exhilarating. Finally, I would tell my past self to utilize all campus resources available. Not only are these facilities and their faculty members there for the students, but these resources are included in student tuition and fees--more bang for your buck.
Shannon
Dear Shannon,
You are a smart, independent, beautiful young lady and you can't let anyone stop you from completing your dream. There are going to be many people in the future that are going to tell you that you won't be able to reach the goals that you are setting for yourself but I know that isn't the case. Make sure you keep setting goals and reaching them, you can show all your doubters that you do have it in you. I know that life will get hard, there will be time when you don't want to get out of bed in the morning but those days when you do get up and get out of bed when feeling like you can't are the days that lead you to better days where you accomplish your goals and you are some day closer to living out your dreams. Always remember to F.L.Y., First Love Yourself.
Taylor
As a high school senior about to start my life, there is one thing I wish I would have had and that is, have the feeling of comfort. Thinking about college would fill me with butterflies, but not the good kind people usually talked about when you were finally free from high school and your parents. A month before college started I was questioning my choice and if I made the right one by leaving my family, friends, and hometown. The first day of college was coming close and I was not doing well. On the outside though, I was "happy" as I could be, but on the inside my nerves were getting the best of me, would I fit in like at high school, would people like me? My first day had begun and I met my roommate, we were both nervous but we met a special person who told us, "Don't worry or be scared for this experience, because at this moment everyone is feeling the same and wanting the same thing as you, the comfort of fitting in and hoping for college to live up to its name. Worry shouldn't even be in your vocabulary."
Melinda
I would tell myself be ready to read and really pay attention to detail. You are going to be on your own and most of your questions you can find out by just reading what is in front of you or with a little research. Find more activities when you first arrive on campus. School keeps you very focused but also remember to have fun and hang out with friends everyonce in a while. When you are first meeting your roomate be open minded and and not so picky; realize you are not going to live with them your whole life. Find a schedule and routine that works for yourself not your friend that lives down the hall. I wish I would have known a few of these before coming to college, but I have learned them throughout my time at school.
Patricia
To start I would tell myself to relax. College is an intimidating thought but in actualization, it is an amazing experience. There is no reason to get nervous about it because everyone is in the same position as you are. I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year of high school because college, although amazing, is a completely different ball game. You don't have your parents to clean up after you or your best friends since kindergarden to hang out with. I would also tell myself that being yourself is the most important thing. College is where you will figure out who you are and who you want to surround yourself with, so you should act yourself and not be afraid to stand out.
Ashley
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a lot of advice to give. College isn't just about the social life. Yes, having a social life is important but shouldn't be the only thing in your life. Apply to as many schools as you can, in state and out of state. Choose the school that meets your academic needs. Don't worry about where your friends are going because you will meet new friends and build life long friendships. If you are unsure about what to major in, don't stress about it. Take classes that help you explore major and career options. When you figure it out, you will know that it's exactly what you're destined to do. Study, study, study! College is nothing like highschool. There is no homework and extra credit. Professors don't care if you come to class or not. Your grades are based only on exam scores. This is where your future starts, right here, right now. Work hard to achieve your goals.