Brandeis University Top Questions

"Sapere Aude" -Dare to Know One of my biggest regrets during my senior year was that I never truly pushed myself beyond my comfortable limits; I always played it by the book. Know don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean that you have to go all Grand Theft Auto on life, but sometimes you have to find balance between doing what you know will garner you success and doing what you are truly interested in-even if that subject might frighten you at first. Whether it's academic like, finding an interest in a subject that isn't offereed at your school and taking the initiative to learn it on your own time. Or something personal like, questioning your faith or sexuality. I think it's important to take a step back and ask yourself why am I doing what I'm doing, and does it make me happy? lest you forget to feel anything at all. Just remember to breath, take a step back, and to evaluate your life choices every now and then because at the end of the day, you hold the key to your destiny.

Dear 17 year old Sam, Two years from now you will be doing everything you dreamed of, I promise. I know you think you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, but you're not. You're doing exactly what you are being told to do. That's okay a lot of the time, but don't follow rules because they are rules. Follow them because you agree with them. Go out. Make leaps and make mistakes. You are doing fantastic, everyone sees that, you can stop trying to provie it. Don't worry about that A because it doesn't have a + next to it. Skip that very last homework assignment and go spend time with Amy, she is more important to you than any grade ever will be. Get to know more of the people in your town, but stay ready to leave. Dream big and don't give yourself limits. Better yet don't give yourself a plan and a path. Do things that you want, when you want, and most important don't forget about Amy. She's going to need you soon, and you are going to need her even more. Sincerely, Yourself

"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright" -Bob Marley Annie- do not worry, everything will work out. Brandeis will admit you into their Midyear class, which is actually a fantastic thing! During your semester off you will travel the world- you will intern with the World Wildlife Fund in Vietnam, visit a Buddhist temple in Singapore, and experience Diwali in India. You will make friends across the globe. You will see that you are a talented and confident young woman who can tackle whatever challenge life throws at her. But don't stress- everything will fall into place and your eighteenth year will be your best yet. Just relax, smile, and continue to be the cheerful and carefree person that you are, because this is just the beginning.

Don't let your fear of what others will think hold you back from doing anything. College has more opportunities that you can possibly dream of one of which is the opportunity to completely reinvent yourself and grow into the person you want to be. Don't get stuck feeling like you have to do the same things that your friends from freshman orientation are doing - branch out, find friends with similar interests and do what you want to do. Only by being true to you will you find the friends that will last a lifetime - and that's what college is really for right? If you attend college with one of your friends from high school, don't be afraid to make new friends without them. Sometimes hanging out with the same old people that you've known forever will hold you back from growing up and moving forward. Finally, if you're nervous about choosing because you're not sure if a school has everything you're looking for: think about how you changed from a high school freshman to a high school senior because you'll see a similar transformation happen from college freshman to college senior.

If I could go back and give myself advice before coming to college, there are a lot of things I would say. First, I would tell myself to enjoy my mother’s cooking while I have the chance to – you don’t realize how much you’ll miss it until it’s gone. I would mention it is okay to be nostalgic. Others might say you’re too young to reminisce about the good ol’ days, but this has been your life so far, the only thing you’ve known; things will change and you will miss it sometimes. Most importantly though, and this applies to myself even now, your life is not finite. Nothing is written in stone and you shouldn’t fight the changes. One class after another, one experience after another, your experiences and outlook will change. Every person you meet and will meet has an influence on your life - some have small, transient impacts, and others will alter your perspective form the moment you meet them. Embrace what life has to offer you. More often than not, it is something wonderful.

Dear high school self, Don't worry, you are going to be great! It will take time, you aren't there yet as you write this letter, but where you are, it's the right place for you, and you're on your way. Take the gap year you are thinking about taking, it will change your life. Go to Brandeis. It is your dream school for a reason (you get in by the way)! Don't ever look back. You will make friends, you will change the world, you will change YOUR world, and you will be ready, before you know it, to save lives. Get ready girl, life is gonna be great! Love, a very excited, inspired future self

As I was approaching my entrance into college, I had a set plan as to what majors I would declare in college, as well as what clubs I would probably join. Thus, when I got to college, I did not open myself up to the possibility that there were other majors I would find more stimulating, and clubs that I had not even heard of before. Over the past two years however, I have begun to realize that there is a whole world within Brandeis of which I need to take advantage. I am just now, beginning to try to add a new major, one which is a bit outside my comfort zone (American Studies). Additionally, I have started to familiarize myself with more students on campus as well as alumni who graduated long before I came here. Were I to speak to my high school self now, I would tell myself to start stretching myself sooner and to never box myself in to the parameters I set for myself before understanding just how much the world of Brandeis has to offer. By doing that, I would grow as a person even sooner and learn even more over four years.

You're excited about attending Brandeis, and have decided not to take a gap year. You'll regret that decision, but it'll be okay. Don't change your mind. Go straight to college, what you accomplish there is irreplacable. Take time off later. Be more sure of yourself, right now. You'll know what you want to study the moment you begin school, so don't doubt yourself. Who cares that you're not in conservatory? Start that music major track now. Take music theory right away, don't wait, because it's stressful being behind. Your second major and study abroad will be much easier if you do. Other than that, your academics are great - so now on to you. Get some distance from that guy, he's not the one. It hurts, but it'll hurt less if you don't drag things out so long. Spend more time with your friends; the guy thing might not happen in college, but who cares? Relax about all that, and enjoy the friends you've made. Also, get help (therapy) right away. You're okay now, don't wait until things fall apart, it'll be easier that way.

Have fun! College truly an experience of a lifetime but it is a lot of work. Enjoy your high school years and make them the best you possibly can. Be involved as this will help shape the classes you'll take and maybe even your career. Make sure you apply to scholarships and as many schools as you can - you never know how life will work out! Be a good friend to those in your class and promise each other that you will stay in touch! It's easy to get caught up in the new people that you meet in college so make sure to promise that you will use your breaks wisely. High school is important, but don't get too caught up on the numbers as every college truly does have its pros and cons. Last but not least, enjoy your family as much as possible as your time with them will decrease greatly once you enter the university realm.

Pick classes which seem fascinating or unique. Don't take a course just because it satisfies a requirement, because you yourself may not find that course satisfying. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with professors and teaching assistants. You'll build important relationships, and you'll get importance guidance on assignments you might not have thought of on your own. Finally, join sports teams, clubs, or religious groups to meet other students. Your college experience will be a much more positive one if you have a group of friends to connect with and rely on.

When I was high school age, I lived in a very conservative Mennonite community. If I would have chosen to go past the ninth grade, the expected age to stop high school, I would most likely have had to defy my parents’ wishes. Basically, the attitude was that “higher education” was unnecessary, and that we could survive quite well in the world without it. My peers also would have thought I was a little strange, perhaps even conceited, if I would have chosen to finish high school. The advice I would give my high school self is: “Do not let peer pressure define what you do. Just because something is the accepted thing to do does not mean it is the wisest thing to do. Learn to evaluate things for yourself. Sometimes that means doing things that are considered strange or different.” “Never undervalue the strengths of your community, but realize that your community does not have all the answers. Do not be too proud to admit the flaws of your community. Be brave enough to challenge those weaknesses and to not be defined by them.”

Going back in time is something I think everyone would enjoy doing. Changing my past to make a better future is something I can only wish for and write about. My first semester of college was exciting, challenging, and eye opening in many ways. All the confidence I started off with faded away little by little as the semester went on. Having confidence in one's self is one thing but having the knowledge and study habits to secure it is a total different thing. Going back in time I would give myself two pieces of advice. The first being to never stop studying and to plan my everyday so that when things like student union events go on for too long I can easily adjust because I am already ahead in my work. The second would be picking something and sticking from the beginning. I was dedicated to alot of clubs from the beginning but as time went on I couldn't continue to assist in those clubs and left with disappointment in my heart. If i could go back I would tell myself the important organizations and clubs to hang on to and steer clear of the rest.

If I could go back to last year and give my high-school-senior self advice, I would say: -DON'T let the application process keep you awake at night. Whether you end up at your first-choice school (as I did, fortunately) or life takes you in a different direction, you will find your niche and end up happy. -Find a healthy balance between studying, socializing, and breaks. -Don't stay up so late that you wear out your immune system. -Build a support system in college. Never be afraid to ask for help, or too proud to accept it. Just a month after beginning college far from home, I broke my ankle and ended up on crutches in a boot. I had no idea how I'd even get myself to class on a very hilly campus. Now I am physically healed and emotionally stronger than ever. I know I could not have gotten by without the kindness of friends or strangers. My new friends who cheered me on when I finally made it up the stairs, the strangers who carried my cafeteria trays for me, all of them showed me the meaning and value of kindness.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

I would tell myself not to stress out about classes. I mean that in the way of, don't freak out if you get an A- instead of an A. I'd also tell myself that even though college isn't madetory, I need to go anyway. Because I'll meet my best friend, discover so much about myself, and have the chance to have a great job in the end. Oh yeah, I would also tell myself to study harder in biology so I wouldn't get a B+. Thank you for your time.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself, first, I would tell myself not to wait a few years to get into college as I did. The second tip, to give myself is to keep up with the homework and out of class reading. It is so easy to not do those things but you will fall far behind real quick. Third, and most important, do not let partying get in the way of school. Lastly, do not ditch class to hang out with friends, it is not worth it by any means. All in all, if you follow these tips you will do fine and be sucessful.

I would tell myself to stay in school and get the proper education needed to suceed in life. I choose to at the end of my high school years to get married and raise a family instead. I would encourage myself to get the proper trainning for what the future had in store. I have deadicated myself to helping save our planet, and find alternate fuel sources for humanity. I would have directed my future in the renewable energy sources. I am curruently trainning as a Wind Technologist, and want to make our future as bright as I can for future generations to come.

Getting caught up in the luxuries of ordering Chinese take-out at two in the morning and not having to attend class every day makes it easy for students to think that they do not need to finish the required readings for class. Even myself, who timely completed every assignment in high school, managed to find myself with 200 pages of reading a few days before my first psychology exam. I would tell my high school self what I quickly learned after that experience—that keeping up with assignments, even if they are not checked, avoids unnecessary stress and allows students to understand the material better than if they cram. I would also tell myself that other students are very welcoming and non-judgmental at Brandeis. I avoided joining several clubs that I was interested in because I was afraid of being rejected. For months, I would read emails about the week’s agenda and upcoming games and long to join my peers. One day, I decided to attend a meeting and quickly found that this was not the case. I only wish that I were encouraged to join sooner so that I could have enjoyed these activities more.

Upon entering college, I feel as if I have opened my eyes to the outside world and received a taste of the "forbidden fruit" from the Garden of Eden. It did not take me long to realize how much I did not know of the world until I met my classmates from all over the globe. I have been exposed to so many ideas of thought and cultures, and to think that I lived my whole life not knowing these ideas and cultures is mind-boggling. Besides receiving an academic education and fulfilling general requirements in different areas of study, I have experienced a taste of life outside my one, in one campus. I believe that this is why it is so valuable to attend college. It is not only for the education that students attend college, but also for the experience of learning about life and becoming more open-minded and understanding to our surroundings. It is a place where we can learn, grow and develop into better individuals of society all the while experimenting and trying new things in a safe and comforting environment. College is a place to take risks and find ourselves in the greater world.

I am attending Brandeis University double-majoring in International & Global Studies and Cultural Music. Following my undergraduate education, I plan to attend Wesley Seminary and receive a dual degree of a Masters of Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary and a Masters of Arts in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from American University. An undergraduate degree in International Studies offers me the opportunity to discover more intensely the interaction of culture, language, religion, history, politics, and economics in world affairs. This knowledge aids my understanding of the dynamic human relationships that unfold both here and abroad. I better grasp the vastness of human diversity as I work towards peace and reconciliation among nations and cultures. A Bachelor’s degree in Music also develops my skills as a musician and my knowledge of indigenous music as I use music as the universal language. A dual Masters degree will enable me to pursue a career in international non-profit agencies of denominational ministries, ecumenical councils, and interfaith organizations. My pursuit of education will continue throughout my life as there are endless books to read, facts to learn, discoveries to make, insights to perceive, and friends to encounter across this globe.

Although I have only spent a semester at Brandeis Unviersity, I am finally understanding that as a student, I can only get what I put into it. The more effort I put into my work, the better and more beneficial the results are. I have learned that there are people out there who are willing to aid each student, faculties, deans, advisors, professors, academic clubs and so much more that are willing to help, if asked! So far, I have learned that sometimes in order to succeed, a first step might have to be asking for help when needed. Also I have learned that we as humans have only one life to live and we should enjoy it, take a risk, do something different, take a class that sounds a bit weird, do not limit yourself just because something is different because in the end, one might end up enjoying it. These lessons also pertain to life, one cannot sit on the sidelines forever or remain in their comfort zone for life, to get the best out of life, we have to go out and live it, and not simply talk about it but experience it.

Everyday I think about how much I enjoy college compared to highschool. At Brandeis everyone is accepting and friends are everywhere. there is always someone to study with and help if you need it. The teachers have doctorates in their fields and are very accessible when you need help. You are treated with respect and everyone follows the honor system. Brandeis is perfect for me because they have both an awesome music program and a huge science program. I play the violin and the private teacher and orchestra have helped me flourish in my talent. The science courses and labs have enabled me to get good grades and all the courses I need to get to graduate school. Brandeis has everything I need.

The college experience has brought me from being an uninformed, rather ignorant, and prejudiced member of American society to, I think, a student who recognizes his own shortcomings and ignorance and who strives to learn, become informed, and to understand or intelligently critique the viewpoints of others. At college, the recognition of my own ignorance has humbled me. At the same time, knowing my own limitations allows me to strive towards goals I didn't previously know existed. Thus, college is both humbling and empowering.

With my college experience, I have found out that even in a new setting, new friends and relationships can be established after high school life. Adding on to this, Brandeis University has offered a wonderful learning environment for me to learn in, with numerous resources for students like me to utilize when needed. These include the library, as well as the career center which help students like me go towards the path they want to pursue. The extracurricular activities that I have joined are exciting and engaging while also meeting new friends. Brandeis University has been valuable to attend since I have been taught by intelligent and friendly professors who want their students to succeed in the future. The diversity that the university has with its professors and the students, only adds on to its already wonderful reputation as a top institution. With all these qualities, Brandeis University has been more than everything a student like me has asked for, and it will only continue to get better as my education continues.

My college career thus far has allowed me explore so much! Foremost, the courses I take enable me to explore the wonderful world of Academics. Each class that I take requires me to study a tremendous amount, but in turn I have gained so much discipline. Next, interacting from my peers has been extremely beneficial. Everyday I am impressed by the intellectual conversations I have with my friends. Lastly, college has allowed me to get to know myself and the person I want to be. I would be so very grateful for this scholarship so that I can continue my education with less debt! Thank you!

My college experience, so far, has been absolutely amazing. The challenging workload, the knowledgeable professors, and the all-embracing atmosphere at Brandeis have all contributed to my love for the school. I think it is a little early to pinpoint a particular aspect that had been the most valuable. However, the kind and extrememly intellegent students and Professors I have met during the first semester have encouraged and motivated me to work harder to achieve my goals.

Although I have changed my major since attending community college, I earned my certified nursing assistant license through the prenursing requisites. This has offered me a lot of working experience, as well as very personal ones because of some of the clients that I've been assigned to work with. I work in home care, so I get to use my personality and compassion to make those that are bed-confined or have had spinal injuries more comfortable in the environment of their own homes. I've learned a lot from their wisdom and stories, and everyone of them has also stressed the importance of continuing with my education and going as far as I can with it. This advice is only a mere part of what is going to push me past my community college experience and receive my four year degree.

I figured out that premed was not for me, and have been able to shift my direction with ease thanks to Brandeis' faculty.

I entered Brandeis University without the slightest clue as to what I wanted to do or study. I thought there would be a huge time restraint in college to how much I could explore and still pick a track on time to graduate. As it turns out, there aren't really any "tracks" at Brandeis (well, pre-med maybe) but I have not yet gone a semester without taking a class strictly out of personal interest. I have uncovered so many passions, but still have managed to set up a graduation plan--incidently stumbled into 1 major and 3 minors. The professors here are incredible, expert, and accessible, as the faculty. Academics aren't all, of course, and the experience with clubs, sports, the community, and the area are all of great value as well. I know I am getting the most out of my experience because when I consider if I had done something differently with my life (chosen another school for example), I think how horrible it would be if I had never made that friend, won that grant for my internship, experienced college athletics, or gained that perspective. I love my life because of where I am.

I learned so much about myself while still completing numerous requirements to become a professional. I am a third year in SUNY Dowstate Medical School now and I feel so prepared both academically and socially based on my experience at Brandeis. I go back there sometimes, which always brings back good memories. Brandeis was not only a stepping stone to attend medical school but also a place of tremendous personal grownth. I have developed life long skills that will serve me well no matter what I choose to do pursue in life. I was able to continue playing music in the Jazz Ensemble all of my four years at Brandeis which for me has been an interest of mine since I was 11. I was able to build connections with professors of all subjects and engage in debates with experts in various academic fields. I have friends that I see every winter that help me stay sane throughout medical school. I have an amazing girlfriend whom I met at Brandeis. In sum, Brandeis was the best school for me, maybe not for all but I encourage anyone to consider it.

In my experience in college, I have gained the most valuable treasure a person could ever receive, an education. With this education I have realized just how lucky I am to HAVE an education, for I am aware of the individuals in this world, and even within my own society, who have not received a proper education. An education, beyond that of grade schooling, is the most valuable necessity a person could have. Not only does going through college increase a person's chances of attaining gainful employment, it gives them a greater understanding of the world around them by way of the diverse demography they experience in campus life. College is truley a valuable experience that will carry with every individual who undertakes its course.

During my first year at Brandeis University I learned more than just my schoolwork. I was paired with two roommates of different religions; we quickly became best friends and learned about each other's religions intensively. It helped me respect my own religion and learn more about the people in the world around myself. As mentioned before, I gained a newfound interest in the arts; Brandeis is always offering plays and has art displays all over campus. In addition, one of my roommates was a painter, which sparked my original interest. I never thought I'd have cared much for the arts or any of the other smaller activities I took part in, but a good school will open you to new paths. I believe the most important thing a school can do is actively show you other options so that you can find out how you really, where you want to go in life, and how you can help others while doing it.

I never thought I would end up at Brandeis University. Upon my acceptance, however, I attended an open day for admitted students and was blown away by the wonderful atmosphere on this campus. Now in my third semester here, I can comfortably say that the friendliness of students and faculty, along with the incredible teaching ability of all of my professors, has made this experience one that I am very thankful for. My professors care deeply about the subjects they teach, and it shows through every lesson. Students care about the material as well, so I frequently find myself engaged in conversation about what I've been learning long after class is over. I am constantly surrounded by so many interesting, intellectual people who I'm sure will go on to effect positive changes wherever they may end up; I am proud to say that I see myself in that category as well. I often hear people saying that it doesn't matter where one gets an undergraduate degree, but I believe that earning mine at Brandeis will make all the difference for me.

College is a experience that everyone should go through in order to become someone important. I know the beginning of the semsters most professors ask us what do we want to me, what is it that we are here for in college and most of the students have a respond. Every student wants to be a nurse,police,doctors,or lawyers,etc. If you think about it all those names are important people, persons that don't depend on someone its actually the opposite people depend on them. For example usually all lawyers doctors have their own offices and they are the bosses what good is it to be a boss and not just another employee. I know that I would like to be my own boss and in order to be that you have to go through college. College is a choose or not because if you don't have to go to college or are in college but don't do the homework then you won't go nowhere. In college theirs a lot of work but many help around to get your career done. So take the chance to to study and become that boss !

Making the decision to attend Brandeis University was the wisest decision I have ever made. From the first day when I attended Orientation I felt like I was not only part of a community of informed and well-educated people,, but a diverse culture of students who cared about the environment, the world and giving back to the community. I have been able to take unusual and interesting classes and encouraged to explore my options before declaring my major. This exploration has uncovered possibilities for majors that I had never even thought about. Brandeis is well known for the arts and I have attended many screenings, concerts, art exhibits and performances that have really enhanced my experience. I am tenor in an a cappella group on campus and this has brought so much joy into my life. The Study Abroad program is a large part of the culture here and I am now filling out the paperwork to apply for the program. I feel that when I graduate from Brandeis I will have received a top-notch education, a high regard for ethics and morals, a love of the arts, and a respect for many diverse cultures.

My transition to the collegiate world was riddled with the usual obstacles: new classes, new people, and all around (I think you could use a better phrase or word) better new experiences. However, unlike most college students I also had to deal with grief of losing my father a day before orientation started and a week before I was actually able to begin college. I learned more about myself and the world around me than I could have ever expected during that first semester. I learned of pain and perseverance, of the coexistence of strength and unimaginable weakness, but mostly I learned who I was. So if I could travel back to my senior year, and give myself a piece of advice, I wouldn?t. I know now there are no shortcuts to growing up, and that every event good or bad has shaped me into who I am today. Sometimes true knowledge comes at a terrible price, but it is a price we must pay. Why, then, spoil my last summer of innocence and unbridled optimism with knowledge that I needed to and only could have learned the hard way?

Remember that everything happens for a reason. You will discover the reason that you will end up at this University, despite the fact that it might not have been your first choice. In making the transition to University life, it is incredibly imporant to get involved. Join clubs that you are interested in, because this is the best time to try things that you may never again have the opportunity to. Become involved in a research lab early as it will be some of the greatest experience you will have. It's simple- do what you love and live every day knowing that you love what you're doing.

My advice to myself would be to constantly work hard and study hard. Never think that the way something is at the moment is the way it has to be.You can change your grades, your friends, and your dreams. Explore and learn all that you can. Use your time wisely. Acknowledge your mistakes and grow from them. Utilize your gifts and graces to make the world a more socially just placee as we share life together upon this globe.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably tell myself to refine my work ethic. Though I am more disciplined than the average student, I still feel like I have room to improve. College is a lot more straining and time-consuming and thus requires better time management skills. I've always thought that if I had been a little more interested in focusing on schoolwork and less in socializing, I feel like I would have seen an improvement grade-wise. However, this would not mean I would encourage myself to be less social because socializing is very important to the whole transition phase of college. I just need more practice balancing the two. I would also recommend that I become more familiar with my professors (first name basis, etc) and utilize more of the resources made available to me while studying. Finally, I would tell myself to stop snacking so much, especially at night, because the freshman 15 is NOT a myth!

As a high school senior, I was extremely preoccupied with making the right decision about college and deciding on a career path. After being in college for two and a half years, I have realized that being in college is the best time to figure out what you want to do, whether it is through your coursework or your extracurricular activities. I switched my major three times, and I am very happy with the major I finally chose, so I would let students know that changing your mind is not the end of the world. As I stated before, extracurricular activities are a great way to explore options for your future as well as to meet new people who have similar interests. Finally, I would advise my high school self to attend every class, even if it seems dull, because that is the best way to do well. It is easy to sleep through classes or choose other activities when there is no one monitoring your actions, but by disciplining yourself and going to class, you will get the most out of your education and get better grades. Finally, I would remind myself to have fun while college lasts.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would reassure myself that I did the right thing by choosing the school that felt right instead of the school that was free. I would advise myself to look for more outside scholarships though, and to get a summer job to save up for all the money that I would need at college. I focused a lot on academics when making decisions in high school because that was what was important for me, but I should have paid more attention to money and the future of my social life. I would emphasize that balance is important in making decisions about college. One has to balance financial, social, and academic concerns carefully and not focus too much on one thing. A good balance between work, school, and fun is key to a good college experience, and high school seniors need to take this into consideration when choosing schools.

As a freshman in college, I would tell my high school senior self that college is a much different world than high school is. Growing up with the guidance of my parents at almost every step of my life, I was quite sheltered from what some would call 'the real world'. With the new independence in college, I quickly made many poor decisions without thinking of the advice my parents gave me throughout my life. During the first semester of college, I stopped serving my community and strayed from my faith, among a few other things. Looking back, I would tell myself that I should stay who I am and not let college change me. God made me and, therefore, I should not let my surroundings determine who I am. It's a different world out there, but that does not mean I have to conform to it. I would remind myself to stay true to myself and to my God because I am not alone, even though I may be away from home.

If i could go back and talk to myself i would have alot of adive to give. College isn't like what you see on TV. Its not all about parties and having fun. It's extremely hard to try and get through it. If i knew i had to work full time and go to school full time i would have planned ahead by saving money. The reason for having to do this is because i have to stay full time at work to pay for rent, my car loan, and other living necessities. The reason why i have to stay full time at school is so that i can stay on my mothers health insurance. Even if i could go further back i would tell my self to prepare for the future because so far it has just became more complicated. especially having one parent in prison. One huge advice for myself is to stay stong and i will come out on top. The harder you have to try the greater the reward will be.

Time , if we allow it, can be an immensly important part of our lives and can exhibit a great amount of power over us. If I could go back to the time when I was a high school senior, I would teach myself the art of time management, which I am currently mastering. The key to gaining a successful college experience in my mind, lies in the ability to manage time well. With this key, not only can there be academic success, but social as well. Putting in the time for what needs to be done can easily result in time for other things I have a passion for. While it may seem tedious and repetitive, following a self-created schedule has proved to be satisfying in my own experiences. Although I am content with my senior year of high school, I am sure that it would have been that much more successful had I known the significance of time management.

Now that I have been in college a while, I have learned plenty of lessons but yet have so many more to take in. If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her to enjoy every bit of the college experience to its fullest. Enter college with an open mind and an open heart. There are many things you wouldn't ever consider trying in high school that are available to students in college. Join clubs you know nothing about. Make friends with people from places you've never heard of. They say college is the place to find yourself and that statement is true to its word. As a high school senior, you're almost past the stage where you're judged by the brand of clothing you wear instead of the ideas you have to share. In college you start to realize that you are a part of the next generation that will be entering the real world. Your words and actions may have been overshadowed in high school but in college, don't be afraid to express how you feel. We all share this planet together and every bit of input helps.

Dear High School Zane, Do not worry about college. You are exceptionally suited to college life, especially at Brandeis University. The first few days will catch you off-guard, but after that you'll be fine. You'll have many friends and diverse social groups, you'll gain acceptance into the extracurricular clubs you want, and you'll handle your academic courseload just like you always have: with excellence. It's okay to worry about the future, but understand that your worries are completely unwarranted. You worry about finances; everybody does. Everybody else manages to pay off their debts, so why won't you be able to? You worry about academics; again, not a problem. Regardless of how busy you are, you've always found a way to reach the top of the class, and college offers you new freedom to organize your time more efficiently. The biggest thing you need to worry about is patience. If you can wait for results, or if you can focus on the present instead of the future's hypothetical problems, you'll be much better off. And if you figure out how to do that, please, tell me how. yours (literally), Zane Relethford.

Make connections. See your instructors during office hours and ask questions of instructors and fellow students. Find out if there is a course/instructor evaluation guide so you can determine who the good and not so good instructors are. Do not over-schedule. Make a schedule for classes, exercise, studying, recreation, and socializing in order to manage time. Find a quiet place to study in the library. Make sure you take ten-minute breaks for every hour that you study. Do not get behind on your schoolwork. Study as you go. Keep your room orderly and clean. Do your best to get eight hours of sleep and to eat healthily. Do the laundry a few times with your mom before you leave for school.

I would tell myself to enjoy every minute of the experience. College is an amazing opportunity to experience new things, meet new people, learn new information. Make the most of of the experience, and enjoy everything. Attend all classes and really engage in the classroom discussions. Developing relationships with teachers is very important, and make the most of their effort to help you. Go above and beyond in the classroom, and this will then translate into your social life. College is about getting a good education first and foremost, but it is also about experiencing new things and developing life-long friendships. It is important to not only excel academically, but also socially. Don't regret anything you do, or anything you try.