Rachael
Just because your parents are not there to harp on you to get your homework done, doesn't mean you have to wait until the last minute to do it. Procrastination is one of the worst things that can happen, yet almost every college student is diseased with it. It doesn't make you any less cool to be prepared and on time with your homework submissions. Eating and sleeping properly is also crucial to a good education and a college student's health and attitude. Who likes to party with someone who is grumpy? Self discipline helps you free up your time, so you can enjoy the rest of your college experience.
Nikki
If i could go back in time, I would tell myself not to work so hard and that i should just focus in school. I shouldn't taken two part time job and got distracted from school. Even though I did very good through out high school and get mostly A's and B's, I regret it now more than ever that I focus too much on how much money I got in my pocket rather than my grades. But then again, college was very expensive and it was also a time in my life where I learned to became very independent. I need the money to pay for my gas, food, insurance, rents, tuitions fees, and books. The only way for me to be able to keep going is to be able to work so I can have enough money to go to school and support myself. Even if I can tell myself that I shouldnt work so much and should just go to school, I dont think that I will be able to go to school without going to work. There is no other options for me to choose even if i wanted to.
Ngan
If I were able to go back in time to talk to myself about college, the first advice I would provide is that you just have to buckle down. You really do, because some people think that they can get by with not studying for an exam or final like how they did in high school. It doesn't work like that in college. Next advice would be to get involved with the what the university provides. Join some clubs and participate in a dance, an assembly, or just some extracurricuar activities! Being in college is much different from high school, because in high school we're all so use to teachers assigning homework and telling us due dates; however, in college, most classes are self-paced. Whether or not you do your homework is up to you, because come time to the exam if you studied and did your homework, then ace that test. Although, if you decided to wait until the very last minute, then you're most likely not going to do so well, statistics depicts that. Well, that is the advice I would give myself if I were able to go back in time.
Jesika
The first thing I would say to myself is don't stress so much. Sometimes you miss the important things because you are too busy intimidating yourself with the future. As long as you choose a career that you have a passion for and can find a major that will get you within that career, everything will be a lot easier after that. If you feel as if there is another place where you could be happier, there is. Keep in touch with your loved ones. They will always lend you much needed support. Introduce yourself to professors, students, college staff and eventually everything starts to work out!
Jessie
I would try and convince myself to make the decision on what major I wanted to go into and then spend a little time with that major to make sure that it was what I wanted to, so I don't change my major serveral times and end up paying for classes that I never needed to take. I would also say to ask the people that know you the best for advice on how you should go about doing things. Also, asking those with lots of experience in applying for schools and scholarships is a good way to help you know where to begin.
Rachelle
As a high school senior, I was constantly concerned. I worried over my grades, where I wanted to attend college, and especially money. Pressure to make high grades overwhelmed me, because I needed scholarships. The thought of filling out the FAFSA application was intimidating, and I wondered if I would be given enough financial help to afford college without numerous student loans. I wasted so much time worrying over everything, that I didn't even enjoy my senior year; I felt relieved when the year was over. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to worry so much; everything will work out in the end. My parents helped me fill out the FAFSA form, I graduated as a valedictorian, and I confidently chose and applied to the university I now attend. I didn't recieve all the scholarships I would have liked, and I do have student loans already, but eventually, I will pay off the debt I owe for my education. Worrying cost me the enjoyment of my senior year, and if I had it to do over again, I would stop myself from ruining the year by living a slightly more carefree life.
Tammie
A college degree is important to have these days. It is hard to find a high paying job that you will enjoy the rest of yourlife without a college degree. College is an exciting time in your life. Not only do you learn many things in the classrooms but you discover things about yourself and life. Dont be in a hurry to grow up and start a family, enjoy it because it will be gone before you know it (you dont get summers off or extended winter breaks from work only school). College is where you will meet the friends that you will want to keep in touch with forever. You meet so many new people and find out which are the ones that will be there for you when ever you need them. College can be stressful and consume a good amount of your time but stick with it, everything will work out in the long run. You may think that quiting school and working full time is a good way to go but you will make a lot more money in the long run if you stick out and complete you degree.
Traci
I would tell myself to save money! Every little bit helps, even if it is the spare change in your pocket. I would also encourage myself to take the time to figure out what I want to do and to use as much time as I need to prepare for it. College straight out of high school works for some people, but for people like me, it is a much more valuable experience if you aren't rushed through the process.
Jessica
Reminiscing back on a calm collective day in May of 2006, I vividly see how my graduation day played out. It was a day of true acknowlegments for all seniors, parents, and teachers of Cheney High. Today, I say with a hint of fragility "I was only eighteen, just eighteen". The exasperation that I felt on that day had my mind racing with many questions such as, "What happens next?", "What if I fail?", "Who can I look to for support?", and "Will I be able to find a job afterwards?". It has been a little over three years now, and I still have the same intense feelings, but only in the form of passion and concerns towards the major I am pursueing. Given a chance to converse with myself as a senior about college life and making the transition, I would explain that these questions are normal and give the standard answers about what to do, but with an emphasis on that what determines your outcome in life is all about action and reaction. It's all about using the doors that are open to you, so that you can create new doors for others.
Shital
I would tell myself not to ever give up on my dreams no matter what obstacles I have to over come because in the end of it, it will be all worth it.
Aisha
Knowing what i know now about Wichita State University i would have encouraged myself not to fail at my first choice of college in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Oral Roberts. But if i did have to go there, I would just tell myself to be there to help and encourage those who are depressed and upset. I would try and see the best even though it would be hard. Because i'm not a drinker, drug user or party person, but that's what this school revolves around. I would just tell myself, go focus on what you're there for, your education.
Shyla
First off I would tell myself that working 45 hours a week and attending school simply does not work. There is not enough time for school, nor anything else in my life. Next, I would tell myself that I need to spend more time at the library and student centers so I won't fall behind in class. These resources help me keep caught up with my class no matter how lost I may get sometimes. It also helped me review and fix homework that I wasn't sure if I did correctly.
Donna
I would tell myself to relax. Entering college is not as scary as it seems. There are always people to help you with everything you need from money questions to where your classes are. Even though college is different than high school drastically you're not alone. Never be afraid to ask a question because somebody else probably has that same question.
Zonaira
To work hard and dont play with the future.
Katie
Even if I could go back to my senior year in high school nothing, no words of advice; or even flashing neon signs, could begin to prepare me for the death of my best friend. The girl who had been closer than a sister is no longer with me. That was the deciding factor to stay at Wichita State. Attending Wichita State, though, has given me the opportunity to pursue the career I am passionate about through a wonderful department. However, I would have told myself to save money, because college books are a lot more expensive than high school books! Also, I would have advised myself to take advantage of every scholarship opportunity.
Brittany
"Don't panic. Everyone is in the same boat you are. Literally. Once you get to the dorm to move all of your stuff in, which I'm telling you now, you brought way too much stuff- so consider yourself warned, everyone is going to have the same questions you do. Oh, don't forget to look up the room numbers for your classes, because believe it or not, there are more than one kickboxing class at 9:30 in the morning on Tuesday's and Thursdays. I know you plan on focusing on your studies, and having the social aspect of college fill the spaces between studying, but I can tell you right now that that is not going to be the case once you realize how easy your classes are. Stay focused, and make wise decisions, otherwise you'll be paying for your new found mentality with next years grade card. Other than that don't forget how to have fun, embrace campus life and make sure you call mom for more quarters. The change machine is always broken, and you'll need to wash your favorite jeans for when you go dancing!"
Diette
I am almost 35 years old and I have two teenagers and a two year old and I would have to say my advice to myself would be the same I give to my teenagers. Please, please, please don't wait to go to college. It is much harder now as an adult to take care of older and younger children while studying. The only positive thing about waiting is that I do value education more now than I did when I was in high school and I enjoy working hard to see that A at the end of each semester. If I had to do it all over again I would not have waited so long even if I would not have done as well when I was younger. I believe it is important to keep educating oneself and now that I have discovered this I will always stay in school even if it is just for fun. I believe my children see how hard I work and that they are proud of me for not giving up on my dream of becoming a teacher.
Stacy
If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would have told myself to read more. Reading allows you to become more knowledgeable and diversifies your learning experiences. The college enviornment is built around reading. Students must read textbooks/assigned readings in order to succeed at a high level and to graduate with a Masters degree. I believe that if i had read a lot more as a senior in high school, college would not be as stressful and it may become more fun.
Gregory
Looking back, I realize how high school teachers always pushed us students to take challenging courses to make college class work seem less extensive. I wish I would've pushed myself further in high school, not just for the sake of time and reducing the credits I need, but also for my own intellectual benefit. In high school, the cost of college wasn't really spoken of either; I was unaware of how costly a college education really is considering none of my family has ever gone to college. I wish I would've set money aside or plugged myself in with resources providing scholarships at an earlier time.
Kurtis
I would tell myself not to stress out and that college is a great experience. College is all about learning, but in a different way. Instead of spending the majority of time in class, most of all studies are done on your own. This really isn't that bad if you manage your time correctly. With good planning you have time to make new friends, work out, and have fun. Also I would tell myself teachers at Wichita State care about you as a person, and don't look at you as just another student in the crowd. Lastly, I would tell myself to look more fiercely into scholarship opportunities and to ask WSU financial advisors every two weeks about scholarships, and that any amount of money helps.