University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

Hello Siobhan of the past, Here is a little college advice to keep you afloat. Don’t go into debt; you’re younger than most college freshmen, the last thing you need is a big fat bill rocking up on your front porch. Apply for scholarships; there’s no need to borrow money at this stage, your grades are good so there are plenty of scholarships out there you can apply for! Get good grades; You need to work really hard on those grades, the closer your GPA is to 4.0 the more scholarships, colleges and advantages come your way. Volunteer work; getting involved and giving back to the community is a must, this shows everyone that you are worthy of a few scholarships and that you will appreciate their generosity. Buy used books; money is always an issue in college, buying used books will help save cash. Study those techniques; studying in college is important, while you are in high school, practice mind-maps, note taking, researching, etc. Most important; give your best in everything. You have set a series of goals, work hard in everything, and all your goals will be met. Sincerely, Siobhan of the future

Knowing what I know now about college, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that it is NOTHING like high school. College is a chance for you to put yourself out there, find out who you truly are and figure out where you belong in life. This is the true factor to where you go in life, and your success as a person. It does not matter whether you were the captain of your football team or even if you were valedictorian of your graduating class. This is college; everyone has their own story and successes, but what you do in college is what proves your true talents. The harder you work, the more you will succeed, and the better future you will have. College is all about what you put into it. By involving yourself on campus through other clubs, sports teams, fraternities/sorrorities, or other activities you will have the time of your life! If you are willing to work and study hard it will show. College is an experience of a life time if you make it one.

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to know what I want before attending college. Now that I've taken over 100 credits, I wish I could go back and start all over fresh. And get a tutor for math right away, it was difficult then, it's not getting any better. Be aware and know what you want because it will hurt you in the end when you need Financial Aid. Apply for as many scholarships as possible and always do your best in everything that you do.

High school me, You are smart and talented. Don't stress about making friends because, although it will be difficult at first, you will find your ninch and be happy. Work really hard to get through those general education classes because, believe it or not, your program classes will be much easier and more interesting. Speaking of your program, be prepared to be confused because you will switch your major/minor about four times before finally landing on elementary education with a math minor. Also, don't be afraid to get involved. I know you are shy and it takes time to become comfortable as yourself, but go out there and just do it! Once you finally get involved you will meet some really amazing people on campus, more people than you ever would have thought. You even get a job with residence life as a community advisor, and this is one of the smartest things you will ever do. This job will make you even more strong and confident in yourself and provide you with so many opportunities, but be prepared to work for it. Now take a deep breath and dive into freshman year, -Future you

If I went back in time to tell my high school self some advice about college, I would tell myself to stay as dedicated to schooling as I have already. Continue working as many hours as possible when possible to come up with the correct funds, but draw the line at some point to enjoy yourself from time to time. Be smart about where you spend your money. Get involved on campus as soon as you get there and be open to meeting new people. Keep record of all involvements and services right away. Do not procrastinate on assignments. You will get much more out of the resources when you take all the time to understand it. Make positive connections with the professors and at the off-campus placements because these people will help you down the road. Get involved in the community. Apply for as many scholarships as possible since you are paying for your own education, regardless of how financial aid is determined. The first semester will be the hardest to adjust but take it seriously. The GPA in the beginning can effect your status later in your education. Grab your education by the horns and have fun!

I would would force myself to take the hard classes that I avoided my senior year. The background information makes college life a much easier transition and the more you know for your first year the better.

I'd tell myself not to let fear ever get in the way of letting you grow. Although I'm a first generation student and trying to pay for schooling all on my own, I'd tell myself I can do it if I perservere. I"d let myself know that there are so many great people who will support you and who look up to you and there's no need to be concerned with things you can't change. I'd tell myself to have better time management but to never stop exerting the maximum effort. Most importantly, I'd tell myself to take every opportunity that is given to me and always remind yourself that you're blessed no matter how many obstacles you face. I'd tell myself that I'm going to fall down sometimes, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that no matter how many times I fall, I always get back up.

I would tell myself to try my hardest and to not give up on grades, extracurriculars, and studying hard just because it's senior year. I remember feeling discouraged and fed up with high school in general. However, I got a pep talk from my friends and family and succeeded in finishing up my high school career with a good GPA, an acceptance into my dream college, and great memories. I did so well in some of my classes that I actually got college credit for completing them. It gave me a great start on my college career with 7 free credits! I realized that hard work and perserverance totally pay off and now I'm more determined than ever to do well in college.

I would tell myself to keep up the good work. It might not seem like it's going to pay off to stay in on those weekends when you have a test coming up, but it does. Your hard work will catch up with you and you will be rewarded once things start moving in your major. Keep giving it your all and don't ever doubt what you can do.

Take your time and really, REALLY think about it is what you want to be. Don't be who your dad or aunt or friend or teacher wants you to be. Be yourself and take advantage of all of the many resources available to help guide you in making the right dec ision. I left college over twenty five years ago and have now returned because I want to make a difference in this world and help those in need. Currently I am working for a charitable non-profit and with my degree will become a Director for a national or international organization that administers aid and care for people with basic needs. I love my life and am doing everything possible to make a difference in this world. We only have one life to live, live it well!