University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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!