Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

I would tell myself not to ever think that you can't do it. Don’t give up, push your way to succeed in life and become something greater than just a person. If you continue pushing yourself for excellence you well get there and help a lot of people with what you will become and you have a lot in store for you in the future. Don’t ever just give up or just procrastinate and concentrate on what really matters to you and will count for you in the future. In time you will see that things get tough but you will get through it as long as you focus on what you have to do and not mess around, Good luck.

Jason Perry, This is yourself, two years into the future. I know you're having a tough time trying to decide which college to attend, but use your gut like I did and choose Anderson University. Anderson University is a small school compared to the other colleges you're considering, but the small size makes a big difference. It's an easier transition going from high school to a small university, plus the size makes you feel more welcomed because Anderson University contains a friendly, inclusive community that everyone truly needs when entering college for the first time. You will love the professors that truly care, the beautiful girls, and all the extracurricular activities that are fun. You will make friends for life with people that share the same values and experiences as you. By the way, makes sure you do well in your academics before you start pursuing girls! Overall, just be yourself because Jason is at his best when he is Jason and not trying to be someone else. Enjoy the college experience as much as you can because you won't regret it!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to join and participate in more school activities. While I did participate in a few, I felt rather distant because I didn't want to partake in dances or meetings. I would also tell myself that I need to apply myself more to school, study more, and to stop procrastinating.

i would remind myself to stay focused and to keep track of all paperwork relating to class requirements, finances, important dates, etc. i would encourage myself to be more aware of what i want out of life and to not hold back. i would try to be aware of being more involved and participating in as many after school/summer activities that would relate to my major that could be added to a future resume. as a high school senior, it is hard to think four years down the road. finances have become one of my major concers; i would advise myself to save more. i would have myself set up a savings account that withdrew so much a week or month from my account so that i was always saving money. i would remind myself to be patient and to have fun. college flies by, but you have to stay focused and prepared, but to also remember family and friends and to make time for them. i would encourage myself to exercise more and to volunteer as much as possible. remember whats important in life and work hard and do your best!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a few key topics to talk about. Firstly, I would tell myself to not shy away from the library. During my first semester I didn't take advantage of all the resources that Anderson's library had to offer. My second semester proved to be tougher than the first, so I discovered how wonderful the library really is. I spent hours studying and learning about Psychology and my other various courses. It was in the library that I first decided to make my major Psychology too. If my high school self knew about that coming into college, I would have spent much more time there my first semester. Another thing I would tell myself is that I shouldn't be afraid to talk to my teachers outside of class. During my second semester, I made good friends with Dr. Teresa Jones, my english professor. She gave me advice about my writing, as well as answered any question I had about school, and even personal matters. The teachers at Anderson really are helpful, and great people to be around.

I haven't been a high school senior for thirteen years but knowing what I know now I would tell myself to not be afraid of taking chances. So many seniors throw their caps in the air and catch them thinking, "What I am going to do now?" From the moment we are brought into this world, we have ideas of who we will be or what we will become. Time, life, and all of the experiences in between construct our views on the future. For this reason, we often choose to play it safe. As I look back at a young man afraid of the unknown I shake my head at what has transpired since then. Husband, father, career man are titles and responsibilities that I hold now, but it has taken much to give me the courage to pursue what seemed allusive so long ago. I am not afraid of stepping out and giving it all that I have any more. My life will not be defined by what could have been but rather what will be the next chapter.

College is a big eye opener. If you think you know youreslf now, you'll become more intune to yourself in college. Friendships will change, sleeping patterns will become irregular and there will be a lot of papers to write. But in the end you'll have a knowledge of something that will help you make a living and a lot of memories that will stick with you forever.

Hello Darla, It's you but from the future! I know it may be a little weird but I have been given this great opportunity to give you some advice that you will need for your future. I know you are enjoying yourself right now but things get tougher as you get older. You need to go now and talk with the counselors and see what scholarship options are available for you to help you further your education. You have to make this wise choice and take the opportunities that are given to you seriously! Things get really rough as you get older and not choosing to go on to a four year college after high school is a foolish decision and will make your life very difficult. You need to act now! Believe me, I'm you, you don't want to waste any more time. You will be very happy but financially things could be so much better if you take the time now to get a Bachelor or Master's Degree. Do it now while you are single and your responsibilities aren't so great. Trust me, I know.

Seth, shut your mouth; open your eyes and ears. Even if you think you know the answer, assume you don't. Don't worry about yesterday or tomorrow, just take on today. In the end, it is what it is. You have a good life - don't complain. Be coachable and open-minded, you have much to learn and experience. College is about learning how to think. Some day that will make sense to you. Enjoy it while it lasts, life gets crazier each year. Look to serve others: it's not about you. Just be a better Seth today than you were yesterday. The rest will fall into place.

Ryan, as much as you want to have fun and meet new people in college its not all about the fun. College is about having fun and meeting lifetime friends but it is also about gaining an education that will jumpstart a successful career. The transition away from home can be rough but picking a school best fit for you is key in order to maintain a healthy learning environment and given the right support to graduate. Be sure to envolve yourself with on campus clubs and sporting events that will expand your knowledge and allow you to meet important future contacts. Also give yourself ample time to complete assignments and do not wait for the last night to do the work; procrastination is easy to catch but hard to cure. Value the opportunity you've been given and make the most of it, school is not cheap so make every cent count. Don't take classes that are easy GPA boosters but instead challenge yourself and push yourself to new limits. Do not be afraid of success but rather embrace it and let it fuel you. Most importantly make the most of it because there are no second chances.

Dear Niave Younger Self, I know that you're about to finish high school and take the proverbial lead into adulthood but before you do you need to prepare yourself for a few things. First of all, college, unlike high school, is hard. I know that school always came easy to you in the past but things are different now. Tests are actually a challenge and classes can actually cause you to think more than just on the surface level. Secondly, have faith in yourself and in others. I know that this sounds incredibly easy to do but you'll learn one day that it's harder than one might expect. If you're not careful you could end up becoming a cynical young man who doesn't have much left to live for. The next thing you should consider is that it's okay toa sk for help. Whether it's concerning a personal dilema or a scholastic struggle you friends and family will be there for you. So, now that you know what to expect take a deep breath and relax. This life of ours my be stressful but it's an adventure worth living.

I would tell myself to suck it up and deal with the stuff I had to deal with, teachers who didn't do their jobs, projects that we weren't given enough time to complete, etc. The real world will tear you apart if you don't deal with that kind of stuff and push through and succeed. You will succeed, but it won't be to the best of your ability, unless you man up and take responsibility. Yes, it's the teachers fault for not giving you enough time, for being difficult, for being stubborn, but in the end, you're the one who ends up with the problem, and you have to figure out the solution. You have to be the one that says "Yeah, this shouldn't be happening, but it is, and you have to fix it." When you learn to do that, you'll be able to look at your boss one day and say "Yes, I can complete this impossible task. Get some more tasks ready for me." Success isn't the goal. Success is mediocre. Impossible isn't really impossible. Rise up above the rest and do what you have to do.

I would go back and tell my high school self first, to not be so nervous about this experience. Second, I would tell myself to not choose any other college than Anderson University because I would have the best experiences of my life at this school. This would be ten years ago, so I would remind myself not to try and grow up too fast. Everything I need to know and learn would come in time, so just be patient. I would also tell myself that it is ok to live on campus; mom and dad would be ok because they know they raised me right. Things are going to be completely different than high school or the small town in which I have lived all of my life. The most important lesson I would tell myself is to keep a certain amount of my guard up but still continue to trust people and to believe that not all people are out to stand in your way of success. I could tell myself a lot of things about college and advice that would make college transition a little easier; but I wouldn't be the person I am today.

Going back in time to my high school years as a senior. The best advice to give myself would be, stay focus in my education, not my friends, and don't get distractive with nonsense things. As a senior look at different career choices, so it can be easier to find the right college or university. Also play sports not only for a letter man jacket, but to earn scholarships to help out with college funds. Continue your education as far as you can. It's best if you make your own decisions on your career choice, don't let others tell you what career choice to pick. By picking what you like, it will be easier in college because your doing what you desire. Don't follow your friends steps, because in the long run everyone has different ideas. Also the maturity level of everyone comes in different times, sometimes it starts right after high school, and other times it starts in the late 20s. As seniors we work in groups, and help eachother. In college your pretty much on your own, you decide when to do your work. Teachers do not push you in turning in your work.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school version of myself, I would tell myself to start researching now. I would tell myself to start early immersing myself into the world that I will soon be making my mark on. Art and Design is constantly changing and it's hard to catch on and a lot of work. I would also tell myself to remember to take time for myself and my loved ones. Family is irreplacable and once you're off to college you realize how much time you wasted when your family and friends were right by your side. Once you move away it's hard to keep in touch with all the ones you love. Also, once in college, it's easy to forget to take time to relax and have your own quiet time amidst the chaos of school work. It's easy to put school first and start neglecting yourself. Lastly, I would tell myself to stop procrastinating! =]

The most important lesson you can take into college is: do not stress! Choosing a school is difficult and finding ways to meet the financial needs is even more difficult but everything will fall into place exactly as it should. Do not choose your best friend as your roommate; you will stick to them and you won't go out and make new friends and when she transfers back home at Christmas, you're going to be stuck in a rut. Don't worry about meeting new people; the rest of the Freshman class is just as nervous as you are. Registering for classes is the most stressful part so plan early in advance! Taking 18 hours is not as scary as it sounds as long as you learn to manage your time wisely. Stay at school on weekends even if you don't live far away; staying on campus will help you adjust. Be yourself! Remember you are unique and people will love you for the person that you really are. It's a good idea to buy a pair of rainboots; when it rains, it floods! Always keep your head up and be friendly to everyone you see!

Be more mature. Give college a chance. You will be attending college at the age of 32, when you could have had career and a professional job by now.

If I was able to advise my younger self on the transition into college, I would be sure to bring up several points. As far as schoolwork goes, college is very different from high school. If you want the A, you have to do the work. It's not so much the "cakewalk" that high school was. Also, time management is very important. With several classes and extracurricular activities to juggle, finding a balance between "school time" and "social time" is crucial to being a succussful college student. I think it would be equally harmful to have one outweigh the other. Spending too much time socializing or taking that extra nap when you have an 8-page paper to write won't accomplish the work needed to be done. In the same way, stressing over being buried 6 feet deep in schoolwork won't produce quality work. So the balance is essential. And lastly, get excited! College is nothing like high school in the sense that it is 10 times better! More freedom, more opportunites, and not to mention meeting new people every day! College is the time that you get to witness God paint the picture of your future!

I would definitely say to myself - go to college and get your degree. Although college wasn't an option financially back many years ago-the desire to work in another field was tempting. After much proding, I sought the 2 year associate degree and received it in the early 80's. After many years in the workforce in basically clerical job, the desire to finish the bachelor's degree became very strong. Anderson University offers an accelerated program and it worked perfect for me. I would strongly encourage "my" graduating class at high school to not settle for the usual, but to strive for higher education and higher goals in life. I would recommend college be attached to the high school agenda - so no one thinks they are "through with school" after 12 years! There is a personal fulfillment that cannot be described by finally receiving that degree. Going to college early give you some direction and guidance for your future - not mediocre jobs.

College is a time to spread your wings and discover who you are and who you want to become. It's not the easiest thing you're ever going to do in life but it'll be well worth it. Time management is definitely the most important thing in college. Plan time to spend with friends and have fun, but most of all make time for sleep and studying. You won't be able to make it through college without it. I would also advice to make time for God. It can be pushed to the side when you run out of time during the day. Keeping a good relationship with Him will guarantee a successful college experience and life.

First off, college is great and you're very successful and second, please break up with that boy. He's really no good for you. I really hate to tell you this, but you are completely unprepared for college. Yes, you have a nice roommate and cute matching dorm things, but I mean what college is really about. All the way through high school you breezed by with high grades and an even higher ego because of it. College is tough. You have to do homework and study, yes study, every single night. Always, always read (especially when it's "optional"). Don't get discouraged. Keep your faith. Ask for help. Don't smart off to your roommate--you're really hard to live with, too. Join clubs (but only ones you like). Make friends with people outside of your typical click. Talk to your professors. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Goof off. Go to Wendy's at two in the morning just because you can. You're smart and you have a great future as a teacher, but you have to work for it. You will achieve everything you want and so much more.

Dear Rachel, You are a beautiful, talented, funny, spunky young girl. Why don't you believe that? Don’t down play your strengths, figure them out. I’m just starting to figure out my strengths. It would’ve been so much easier to figure them out as a senior instead of working so hard to make money and stay away from home. You won't get anywhere in life pretending to be someone you're not. Theater is just a ruse you know, you won't be there forever. You have a lot of potential in areas you haven’t even started to explore in reality yet. Don’t let your tendency to go to extremes hold you back. Take the middle road and look for opportunities to grow. Your first year is going to be the hardest of your life but I promise it gets better. In your second year you will meet the guy of your dreams. One last thing, after leaving a place it continues to change after you’re gone. Don’t go home expecting the same thing you had before. And don't let your stereotypes get in your way. Live life and explore. Yourself

If I could return to my old high school days and give myself advice, there are many words I'd love to share with myself. The first thing I would tell myself would be to understand the phrase "less is more." I would tell myself to cease every opportunity life throws you, and to act responsibly. I would tell myself to treasure each and every friendship because college has its way of bringing people apart. Never give up on the ones you love. I would tell myself not to stress over the transition to college, it is so much better than high school ever was. Don't be worried about early classes or hard professors, you learn something from each experience. I would also tell myself to get involved more. You miss out on so many opportunities if you don't go out and explore what there is to offer. Although each of these things are important to me, the best advice I could ever give my old self would be to respect others, don't judge, and always remember the morals my parents drilled in my head for years. Have fun in college, but remember why you're there.

NA

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would first tell myself that the transition from living at home to living on my own will not be as difficult as it seems. I would then tell myself to try to talk to my roomate more instead of making allowances and assumptions for how we should conduct oursleves. I would tell myself to be more open. One of my major problems was not talking to people when I had issues with them. As a result it caused a lot of stress that interfered with my work. Next I would tell myself, maybe in a very loud voice, to not spend so much time blogging. Spending too much time on the internet was the biggest problem for my grades. I would forewarn myself to spend more time studying and tell mysef to "suck it up," when I was tired. Lastly, I would tell myself that I was going to grow in a very different way than I thought I would. I would not become a snob as I feared but would become a more intelligent, worldly woman.

I would tell myself to not be nervous about going to college and leaving home. I would tell myself I know you will study hard and put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort into your school work. I know you are worried about the work load, but relax because the professors are very friendly and are eager to help you. You have such a great opportunity coming up, enjoy college, meet new friends, study hard, and look forward to making new memories and having new experiences.

If I could go back to highschool and give myself future advice for college there would be many things that I would tell myself. The first thing that I would tell myself is that studying becomes a very important part in college. You cant just expect to make good grades in college by sitting aroud hanging out with friends and doing all kinds of fun things. the next thing that I would tell myself would be that you dont necessarily have one group of friends in college. you make all kinds of new friends that are very different from you but yet you dont really see them as different as you may have done in highschool. The last thing that I would tell myself would be to learn about time managment. It is so easy to go out and do fun things and forget that you need to study. then you fall behind in class and that is never a good thing.

Well, look at you! You are going off to college next year. You are excited and scared, as you should be. It's a big step, far away from homeschooling. You are nervous, which is a good thing, trust me. Though, let me tell you something. Don't loose yourself trying to find yourself at college. Don't put your worth in what your new roommate does or dosen't do. Don't go out of your way trying to please everybody, trying to get them to like you. You spent your enitre highschool experience trying to do that. Don't waist your time and energy comparing yourself to those around you. Make your own decisions! This is your time to shine, not to mention you are NOT there to get your MRS degree! Have fun in your classes, do what you need to do to stay ahead, and don't forget all the wonderful things you learned this year. You have grown so much, too much to undo everything. Don't be afarid of making mistakes, that's what life's all about! I know you don't wanna look stupid, you're not. Dare to be different, always.

The change from highschool was alot more drastic than I expected. I knew there would be a difference, but not this big. It woud be very helpful if I could go back in time and give myself some advice. First off, I would tell myself,"Hey bud, you better get readt for more responsibility than you've ever had in your life! Because once you get to college, you are all by yourself. No more mommy or daddy to do the laundry and make your food. No more being reminded of everything you have to do. You have all the responsibility now. Keep up with your homework and paper, make sure you do laundry every week, manage your money wisely, and take care of your body and personal hygene." Second, I would tell myself, "Study habits are very important! You ahve to study everyday in each class so you will be on top of things for next class. Sometimes there are days between the same classes. Get ready for college. It will be tough and take getting use to, but it will be some of the best times and memories of your life."

When I was a senior, I was excited about ordering my cap and gown. It meant I was almost finished and ready to move on with my next step. The week after that order went out, I found out I was pregnant! I had a rough pregnancy, in and out of the hospital. Yet I pushed on and with the help of a homebound teacher, graduated in the top 10 in my class. I chose to get married and raise my child instead of heading off to college. To go back with now, with three kids, has been quite a handful! I would tell myself to do it NOW! It would've been hard with a newborn, but I was still a child. Adults have so many more responsibilities. I would be better able to provide for my children now, instead of just beginning my career. In the long run, I feel like my life would be different financially had I just gone ahead and gone to college then. I am very proud of my accomplishments, but my young self had less to deal with, even with a newborn. My advice would have probably fallen on deaf ears then though!

I would tell myself to work hard and not procrastinate as much. Procrastination has been my biggest problem in college to this point. I would also tell myself to just be friendly from the beginning and not just talk to my best friend who ended up going to the same college as I did. It would help me make the friends I have now much earlier in my college career. The most important thing I would tell myself though, is to not stress over everything. Somehow you get everything done if you are motivated enough and everything works out in the end if it is meant to be.

If I could go back and talk to myself, a senior in high school, I would have so much advice! For starters, I would remind myself that even though going to a small school may not be for everyone, it was the best decision I ever made! I would tell myself that the friends you are about to make will be friends that you will keep forever! I would tell myself not to be caught up in the "hype" of college life because ultimately, that's not what's important. I would remind myself to do what is best for me, although others might disagree with decisions made. I would encourage myself to study more and hang out a little less! Ultimately, I would remind myself to enjoy it! Being a senior this year, I would love to go back and do it all again! Enjoy every class, friend, and late night! I would let myself know that I am doing wonderful and cannot wait to graduate into the real world and hopefully be a great teacher!

I would say to myself this : There is big, wide world out there. You will see things and be in places you cannot imagine nor understand now. Now you see life in black and white, but there are so many, many colors. You don't realize it but your current choices will affect the rest of your life. What you think as cool may have an impact you cannot grasp, and nothing you do can be erased because life rarely forgives. To be able to go to college is an amazing privilege that not many are given; when it is - sometimes you wish you could turn back the time and made different decisions. Do not waste time like I did; go to college right away, and get a degree while you are young. You can do so much more when you have time. Life is beautiful, but we live it only once. Chance or coincidence are rare, it's our decisions what makes it what it is - worthwile or miserable. Expect to work hard, but know that it is the best decision you can ever make - going to college, becuase it will pay off in ways you cannot imagine.

Go to college right away. Don't put off what you know you need and want to do. Study hard and it will pay off big. You can do it no matter how many people tell you that you can't. Be the best student and person you can be and it will get you far.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to not fight the plan that God has for me. There were so many times where I would try and go out on my own and stray from the path He had set for me, and it always came back to bite me in the rear. Not only was I living for myself but I was not listening. I would tell "myself" to stop focusing on what I want, and starting listening to what God has planned for me. I would tell myself to stop and pay attention to what God is trying to tell me. During my senior year I was always so busy doing various activities that I would forget to set aside time to spend in the Word. I would tell myself to step back, breathe, and listen. He will not lead me astray. "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul" (Psalm 143:8)

Brynne, throw out all expectations and pre-concieved notions. College is going to blow your mind. You will be challenged in ways you didn't think possible. You are going to be beyond exhausted, and will still have 6 more hours of day to go. You will have test after test after test and will wonder if you'll ever survive. Time will crawl on the weekdays, and fly on the weekends. But, you are going to never want to leave. Why? Because you are going to discover you in these next 8 months. You will grow in your faith, in your relationships and in your abilities. There is something about running on empty and stretching yourself that just changes you completely. You discover what you're capable of. Yes Brynne, it's going to be hard. But you will meet the most amazing people and grow in every area of you're life. And I promise you, you'll survive Spanish, you'll memorize the dates, and you'll come out of Freshman year counting down the days till the start of Sophomore year. Enjoy every whirlwind second! Sincerely, Brynne

If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take the harder AP classes and teacher cadets. I opted out of teacher cadets and AP history because I did not want to have A and B days, as well as classes that would take away from my elective classes. I took three art classes back to back my senior year, because I had taken my senior english and science early which left me with a lot of free class time. I would advise myself to take the harder courses so that I would have a few college credits entering college which would lighten my course load through my college career slightly. I also choose the easier class so that I remained in the classes with my friends that I had grown up with, which looking back now was not the brightest thing to do.

If I returned to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first encourage myself more and strive harder. Even though I was in the top five percent of my graduating class, I know that I could have succeeded even higher. I would have told myself to take more opportunities for myself and to open the doors that sometimes scared me away. I would tell myself that the road to college is not an easy one, but it is well worth it. I would say that I needed to prepare myself for long hours of studying. I would tell myself that I needed to be more open to new friendships. Most importantly I would tell myself to fulfill my dreams of becoming a teacher and let nothing stand in my way. I know I have been called to be a teacher and no person, friend, dean, or anyone can change my mind. To go into my career with an open heart and a desire to learn, so that other children may have the same opportunity. Go full force and believe that I can.

I would tell myself not to worry so much. You worrying will not help nor change things to come in the future. I would tell myself to enjoy the present and take advantage of oppurtnites that presented themselves. I would live life to the fullest and also live with no regrets. I also would maybe had tried a little harder at scholarships cause books are expensive!

If I could go back to high school I would take harder classes. While in high school I took the easy way out, I took the teachers I knew would be fun and I would not have to apply myself. Freshman year of college I was enrolled in a Biology class, the first two weeks into the class I noticed I was far behind all the other students. My test scores were not my normal grades and I was having a hard time following the notes. I began thinking back to high school Biology and remembered my teacher allowed me to make copies for her instead of being in class. At the time I thought it was a great idea but now I realize how bad it was for me in the end.

I would tell a senior to work the hardest they have worked their senior year. Apply to as many colleges and do everything on time. Senior year is very stressful and exciting and it seems to get overwelming. So by doing everything throughout the year and on time helps to relieve some of the stress.

If I could speak to a younger version of myself, i would remind younger me to not take myself too seriously and avoid stress. I would also emphasize the importance of relying on friends and professors. No one can tackle the problem of adjusting to college life without a strong support system. Never burn any bridges and take every opportunity to network. Most of all, don't procrastinate and work hard. In the long run, a good GPA and new knowledge is well worth the struggle.

I would tell myself to apply myself more and to make sure that I make the grades to qualify for plenty of scholarships. That way I would be able to go to college and not have to owe money or take out any loans.

I would tell myself to never stop following your dreams. It is so easy to let reality and hard times distort our dreams and desires. It takes perseverance and responsibility to survive in the college universe. Of course you must also be intelligent and knowledgable in some ways, but even the smartest and most intelligent people fall through during the four year pursuit for a degree. Dreams ARE achievable. Stay strong in what you have been taught by your parents, teachers, elders, and employers. Take the initiative to do your studies. Time management is crucial within the college life. Always remember to be thankful. Never forsake those who love you over your studies. Of course you must complete your assignments and education in a timely manner, but do not forget the important things in life you must work towards as well. Things such as family and friends. A college degree may get you a job, but it won't get you a family. Remember to not let these things go. Finally, do not forget to have fun. College is a thrilling ride, but some rides have steep prices. Make choices carefully, and you will survive.

If I had the chance to go back to my senior year, I would have told myself not to 'try harder or to do better', but to have taken the time to enjoy myself and make better friends with my classmates and teachers. I'm not saying I should have slacked off more, but I wish I had gotten to know everyone around me better instead of spending my time studying and trying so hard to make the grade. I would have said "take the time to see the other people in the world trying to do the same things you are."

Dear Alyssa, There are a few things I would like to run over with you before you enter the most amazing part of your life. First and foremost; please be yourself. I know that you will want to fit in with everyone, but it's time that you find yourself as your own person. Believe me, it's much better than being who you are not. Next, don't try please absolutely everyone; it's impossible! Plus, know that college is nothing like high school, in a good way. College has no social ladders! No one cares if you wear designer clothing and carry around a three hundred dollar purse. No one gives a rip if you hang out with the rude party crowd just to be popular. You are amazing just the way you are, and you will find an amazing group of friends who actually love and care for you. You may miss your mom and dad, but the awesome group of friends you make will become your family. Lastly, treasure each second. Time flies way too fast with all the fun you'll have. Love, Alyssa

If I could go back in time, and give myself advice, there would be many things I would say. I would tell myself to study harder, and try to make better grades. I would also tell myself to not give up in French, and pursue it another year. I would have told myself to listen to what I want, and pursue a university that offers my major. Instead of following the path my parents want me to, I would do what interests me. I would tell myself not to give up on my dreams, and do what I think would make me the happiest.

Wow. College is right around the corner! Are you excited yet? Nervous? Well, I want to share a few things with you, transition is both scary and exciting. It's kind of like the first time you ride a rollercoaster, you know it's going to be fun, but getting the nerve to get on and enjoy it it that's another story. Remember that you will be nervous but give it a few weeks and you will begin to fall into place. You might think you know yourself, but you do not until you enter college. You find out what you enjoy and what your strengths and weaknesses are. I want you to know that life in college is quite the experience and it is going to be the greatest rollercoaster ever. Unlike a rollercoaster ride you get a adrenline high, but in college you much more character! You gain more strength, a better sense of yourself, and life -long friendships. See college is going to be worth it, but remember you will always learn something no matter where you are in life.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to put all trust in God, because with Him on your side, making the transition to college will be much simpler. Secondly, I would tell myself that taking notes is crucial in being successful in college. In addition to this, always review notes that you have taken that day, pop quizzes are always a possibility. Next, I would tell myself that getting enough sleep is more important in college than it is in high school. It is not a good idea to have late nights in college, because it can backfire on you. Moreover, "cramming" a night before a test is a bad idea as well. The college workload is much more heavier in college than in high school. Finally, getting to know your professors well in college can be very beneficial. Be future minded! Your professors can someday help you by siging letters of reccomedation or just simply being references.

I would tell myself to live at home. Take the maximum number of credit hours a week. Become more social.