Moregan
The advise I would give to myself would be to apply to more scholarships while I had the chance; school is not cheap. I would also tell myself that studying isn't an option but a necessity.
Heather
Make friends and maintain them through all four years; you will need their support and friendship through the four years and beyond because they were there with you from the beginning of what can be a difficult time away from familiar surroundings, family, close friends and much more.
Alexa
I would tell the past me that I shouldn't be nervous and even though it is out of my comfort zone I need to make sure to put myself out there.
Sierra
Buy a minifridge. You'll use it, trust me.
Victoria
Our high school was full of racism (anti-indianism really) due to being near our reservation. This creates an illusion that a good education is beyond our realm. We are not good enough as Native Americans, is the conditioning that we put through. I would tell my self that breaking down racism is possible and a great education is possible for us and we don't have to listen any longer to the negative stereotyping that has been imposed upon us. We are smart, loving and vital in spirit and we deserve the great education. I was told in high school that I could make a great secretary, but no one ever told me that I would make a great counselor or psychologist. Today, I know that I have been a great chemical dependency counselor (for 3 years!) and that I will make an even greater counselor or psychologist once I complete my education at Whitworth University. My brother is so proud that I am at Whitworth because their reputation is that they are the best place to get social work and/or counseling degrees. I feel that!
Tashima
"He who fails to PLAN, PLANS to fail." Words said by my freshmen year reading teacher, and if I wasn’t laughing and talking to friends when he said this maybe I would have paid some attention to them. If I could tell myself anything it would be to take heed to those words. To many of us young people don't have a PLAN for our future and don't take into consideration how important it is to make one. I have learned my lesson being 21 years of age, with a 2year baby girl, still living at home with my parents, and no income. I have to say life without a PLAN hit me hard! I look back at that day in school goofing off and think where was my PLAN. I believe that I have matured a lot since then, so I guess u can say time shows you the truth about life.
Yana
If i was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would love to give myself one advice; apply to as many colleges as i can. It would have been the best advice to take for me then because i would have seen what schools i was qualified for and what schools i wasnt to make sure i dont lower my standards to some college that would just be a waste of time. Another suggestion i would give my self is to actually enjoy my last year of high school to not stress so much the big stuff because its still going to work out in the end. There are many issues and circumstances that arrise in senior year. Any case, those to where my two biggest concerns. College life is a lot more different then high school, you have more time for studies, work, friends, etc , but back in high school it seemed very scary, new, and different from what were used too. So i would have loved to know then what i know now; to not stress, take chances, work hard, but still rememeber that im still a kid.
Anika
Make the choice of where to go to college for yourself. Do not let friends, or especially family try to pursuade you to where they want you to attend. I would also suggest not to make the choice where to study on what acedemic programs they offer, because chances are you will change your mind a few times of what you want to study. It is better to choose a place where you know you will be happy and thrive, this will make the study portion of college come much easier. Living in the dorm the first year is the best advice I could give anyone. Here you are with other freshmen every hour of the day who are going through the same transitions as you. The support system created in the dorm will get you through anything that may happen your first year. All the bumps in the road will be just fine and taken care of. Do not worry so much about your future, remain in the present and focuse on doing will in classes, college is truly the best time of your life.
Kallee
I would tell myself to not have expectations for what college is going to be like. I would tell myself this because you never know what your experience is going to be like because you could have experiences that are amazing but do not seem great because they are totally different than what you were expecting. Also, I would tell myself that it is amazing to be on your own and to have the freedom of responsibility! Furthermore, I would tell myself to not be afraid to make a fool of myself, I need to be outgoing and not afraid to meet new people! Also, I just need to be patient about finding a good group of friends and to not become discouraged because I have not found a good friend or friends the first semester! But overall, I would say to get involved and to just have fun! Also, keep focusing on your academics like the way you have been and you will do just fine!
Lindsay
Dear high school senior,
Your parents know a lot more than you give them credit for. Listen to their advice about chosing a college, and give it serious consideration. They know you, have lived life longer, and love you - what they say might be in your best interest. Also, just because you had a dream college doesn't mean you are a failure if you choose another one. Sometimes the perceptions that are given to a school at a younger age aren't really everything you will need to grow into the person you will be.
Don't be too excited to move across the country from your family. It may seem like a fun and thrilling adventure to move a thousand miles away from home, but when everyone else goes home for a short break, it won't be fun to be left at school alone.
Lastly, realize that you won't always be best friends with everyone in high school. Determine the friends who are worth keeping, and be okay with losing a few, you'll make more in college.
Love,
College Freshman
PS. Don't feel silly when you are homesick, other people will miss home too.