Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Latu

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Also to start investigating careers and to have good goals for what I want in life.

Roderick

If I could go back in time I would warn myself about the freedom that would be given to me. As a Highschool student I woke up at five am every morning to prepare for school, and if I was not doing sports or extracurricular activities I would arrive back home at five in the afternoon. I participated in speech and debate, as well as sports and not would return home until eight oclock . As a college student I had schedule that was ultimately dictated by myself. I chose where I worked, when, and when I finished my classes. Living away from parents allowed for freer social life, which taught me alot at the expense of time and money . If I could talk to myself as a senior I would counsel myself to find what interests me as student or to find something meangingful and important to me. I learned the importance of aligning my passions with a plan to succeed and serve. I would also teach myself to organize my schedule so that I could optimize my ability to accomplish meaningful tasks. Education is a blessing to all those who are accountable for their efforts to learn.

Cameron

If i was able to go back in time and give myself advice, I would need to tell myself to make sure I get better study habits. You need to be able to study for long periods of time at various hours in a day. When studying you need to find out if you need dead silence,moderate noise, or just a cluttered area. I'd also tell myself to look up and apply for as many scholarships as possible so while attending college you can avoid loans. The more scholarships means less loans and less debt you will need to worry about.

Prince

It is very fascinating to reflect upon senior high school life and the mistakes I committed i would make necessary resolution, i wasting my time on friends going out to recreational activities such as school and friends parties which it has advert effect on my circular education and resulted into poor performance in my final year examination.When i pondered over these things tears gazed throung my eyes and regreted my past, but i thank God that i have been able to sought admission on long waiting stayed in the house.If the time is alloted me to started it once again in Senior High i would take my studies serious and make good friends who will advise me and help me to plan my time wisely and alwasys seek for knowledge of certain subjects that i encountered in the past.Thank you

Mason

If I knew what i know now about college I would only give a few words of advice to myself. I'd tell myself, when things get bad, don't think it's the end of the world, work to make things better and don't stop. I'd also say, start filling out scholarships now and don't get discouraged if you get denied one scholarship, there are plenty of people out there willing to help you through college financially. I'd also tell myself to not hesistate and get involved in clubs, organizations, and make friends. These things are whats going to help you through college. Then finally, I would tell myself to start bettering my study habits so that I'm ready when it comes time for college exams, essays, etc. I believe if I knew all this back when I was in high school I probably would have had a much better start than I did.

Shawn

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself to look into all my options in chosing an area of degree on which I would like to major in. I would also tell myself to research optional majors and not set myelf on just one particular one. I would advise myself to take more time in exploring all avenues and options before making a final decision.

Candace

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would defiantly sit down and have a talk with myself. I would let myself know that college is a lot different than high school. Sure college can be fun but it is a lot more work than high school. I would tell myself to work on prioritizing and making a list of things I need to do in order to get assignments done by the deadlines. In college teachers aren’t as understanding as they are in high school. If you miss a deadline than that’s it you will get no credit. There is no room for procrastination. I would tell myself to start putting that into action right then and now so by the time I started college I would have broken the habit of putting things to the last minute and I would be prepared for all the assignments and things that are to come into my life throughout college.

Amartuvshin

I would advice for myself that be smart and look around. See what opportunities opening to me.

Michael

Go to school right after you graduate! The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes to stay motivated for school. The sooner you finish school, the faster you can start to accomplishyour life's goals! Study everyday, do the work, and never lose sight of what you want to be in the future. Make good habits, they will make everything in your life easier if the habits are good. Be responsible, accountable, diligent, studious, and most of all, stay happy!

Emily

Emily, I know at this point in your life that you're probably optimistic, excited, and completely worried about the future. But, I want to tell you one thing; that it's all going to be alright, so enjoy your life as you live it. That doesn't mean I don't want you work hard, and get the best education you can as you go off to college, but know that you are living in a brief moment of time, so don't take it for granted. Know that your trials will make you stronger and the blessings in your life will probably be under appreciated. Remember you are already starting off your life with great advantages that some people in the world can't even fathom so, live a life that would honor those less fortunate. Be aware of everything you can learn in college, both inside and outside the classroom. Don't get too caught up in your focus on education and success that you forget the important things in life. The things which include, your loved ones, your ability to serve others and the ability to find beauty in everyday life. Emily. Go. Enjoy. Live. Learn.

Jacob

I would give myself the advice to enjoy it more. While the graduatoin is the ultimate goal, life is about the journey. That's going to be my job to remember that while I'm at the university.

Sydne

The advice that i would give myself is to figure out what you want to do, and stick with it. Dont doubt yourself, and always be true to who you are and what you know and believe. Find good friends and stick with them. Be kind to everyone. Work hard, and dont let yourself slack off.

David

With the struggle I make every day to balance schoolwork and working part time, I wished I received financial aid before coming to college. I cannot qualify for Federal Aid because my parents and I make a certain amount of income. But it is not enough to make it in Hawaii's high costs of living. I also receive no financial support from my parents. I have also been working during high school while trying hard to maintain a high grade point average. If I could go back in time to change my Senior year, I wish I took more time to enjoy it with my friends. Because of work I missed a lot of chances to spend time with friends and family, now that I am in college I hardly see them at all. I would also search for more academic scholarships to pay for school.

Daniela

If can give me and advice I wolud tell myself: that I need to be a hard working all the time, take a good job to earn money to pay collage. I must advice me to do not focus to much in the future and enjoy the present. I should try to serve others as much as I can, love the opportunities to serve around me and remember me that is no enough, I need to put more effort, I want to be a blessing for the people who needs help and the helping hands who serve other. Smile more, be patient and save money for collage.

Donnie

I would advise my high school self to take higher level classes so that I would be better able to cope with the caliber of study required at a college level. I would have worked more closely with my counselor to discuss different majors and career opportunities, as well as held a job for a while longer to save up money to pay for tuition and books. I was always worried about my future, but looking back, I realize that I didn't work at making my plans into a reality. I think what I would have stressed the most, would be the value of waking up early, exercising, creating and looking over my daily schedule, and not stop until everything on my to-do list was completed. It has taken me a while to finally learn what I should have learned years ago, that is, the value of time management and hard work.

Jeanette

If I would be given a chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably say 3 words. Enjoy, Prepare and give your best shots. Enjoy, college life is far different from highschool life. You are expected to be more responsible for your choices and action. Not that it is not fun, It needs hardwork that you needed to turnaside fun moments. Prepare mentally and financially. College life is one step higher and the things you will learn is far different from what you already know. Save if you can. there's a lot of expenses waiting to get your desired degree. And lastly give your best shots. Your grade will help you a lot in entering good schools without paying as much as you should if you would be able to get a scholarships.

chase

I would tell myself that as you go through high school and through your life you should do two things. The first is to be active in your community. Play school sports, serve, attend a religious group, and be willing to understand those around you. The second would be to take as many diverse classes so you can understand where your strengths are so you can understand more fully what you would like to do as a career and then be able to taylor your education to acheive it. With these two things, you will be well rounded and attractive to employers and universtities.

Vy

Just like Doraemon walking out of a desk from the future, I would surprise myself: "Hey, go out and take a piano course! And master it". I really admire the piano players, just hearing a music piece once and they can perform exactly right. The feeling looking at them having their fingers fly on the keyboard really atonishing. "Makes your friends adore you by showing them your talent". Morever, be talented at some kind of arts make me easier to apply in famous universities such as Harvard or UCLA or get scholarships. And its also a good hobby, help you relax and can stimulate you brain. Its not late for me to start learning, but I could earn extra privilege if I started it earlier. So "make yourself talented, meet you in the future".

Ann

I would tell myself to spend less money and be more outgoing. Some people will like you and some people won't. Just be who you are and have fun with it.

Jerrica

Talofa Jerrica Fuimaono, No time to explain, but I am here to tell you that you will attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. I know, you never planned to go there, but you will. And you love it! Here's some advice: First, enjoy dating, but don't get too serious. Enjoy your youth while you can because once you start school, your life will change drastically! In a good way. Second, you might want to switch one of your classes to take up Psychology. That is your major. Third, take Spanish seriously and use it as much as you can. If not, you will regret it. Finally, you do not end up going on a mission, so make sure you enjoy the time you have with your friends and family. Even though I just told you we won't be going on a mission, I know you'll try to prove me wrong-- which is a good thing! Most importantly, keep your testimony strong! Do not let Satan win. Oh! And being a nerd is considered "cool" and really attractive out here! Work your hardest to be your best! You will not regret it. Aloha oe, Jerrica Levi

MaVisitacion

College education serves as a stair to higher learning and development for your future career. If I will be given the chance to go back as a hig school senior, I will tell that as young as I am I should be serious in my studies and be ready for college. I will see to it that I am prepared to choose my major. Defining your major before entering into college means defining your career. I will advise that knowing what you want to be plays a big role in a college life. If you don't decide on what major you will get on your first year of college, you will be more confused and troubled. So preparation is a vital part before entering college life. Setting a goal in the future is also a good advice I can give. A student with goals in mind and is determined to accomplish it will find success in college. As we live in a world where competition is everywhere, we need to be ready in every challnge we will encounter. College life will be more enjoyable and fruitful if students are more prepared and are determined to accomplish their goals.

Adhna

I would give to myself the advice of not spending so much time in looking for a job and saving money. When I look back on the way I prepared myself for college, I wished I was more informed about financial aids and offers and work for a little while, enough to get me started, but not wait for so long. I believe it is usually best to get started with the minimum, study, work as much as possible and be smart in looking for opportunities to get help. Another advice will be not to spend so much money on clothes and unecessary items that I end up giving away or not wearing because of various circumstances. There are lot of adjusments to make during the transition of highschool and college lives - whether they be temporal or mental. I would encourage anyone to seriously ponder on what courses or activities they enjoy the most so they can study it/them and develop all the necessary skills to reach the level of professionalism in their choiced field(s).

Jenna

I would accept more help from my parents in setting up my class schedule, finding housing, and joining clubs on campus. My parents advised against some of the classes I took my freshman year and I would have been wise to listen to their input. Finding housing is really stressful for me and when I included my parents in the process it was much easier to find housing in a good location, with amiable roommates, and attractive facilities. I have moved back home with my family because of financial circumstances and have enjoyed that more than living off-campus. I was also very slow in getting involved on campus. i didn't start joining clubs until the end of my junior year. I would have gotten to know a lot more people and had more weekend activities to participate in if I had listened to my parents and joined clubs earlier in my college career.

creighton

I would tell my self the importance of getting a good education. Life and time go on no matter what you do. The faster and more focused on studying, the better my life will be. The more I study the better my grades will be and the faster I will graduate. The sooner I graduate, the sooner I will be happy because i will be working at a job that I love. I will get payed more than if I don't get a good education.

Kendra

Looking back now, I do not know if there is much I could say that would prepare me for colloge life. College life is something you just have to go out and experience on your own and there is not much you can prepare yourself for, but I would tell myself to be prepared to work hard in school. College and High School are very different experiences. In high school, I thought at times that it was too hard and I would wait to do my homework and assignments. So if i could go back and prepare myself better for College I would tell myself to work hard and make sure to get all of my assignments done because school just gets harder.

Cedric

The very first thing I would tell myself would be that I should take as many college level classes(AP and IB) as were offered. I would say this because in high school the classes are free and in college you have to pay for them. So i would definately tell myself to get all the free education I could. I would also tell myself to save all of the money that I made in high school rather than spend it on stuff that does not really matter now. I say this because if you have the money to pay for college in your pocket, college life will seem so much easier! On the emotional side of things, I would tell myself not to worry about all the high school drama and to soley focus on my free education. Other than that, I think all the experiences I experienced were all for the better.

Hannah

Most of the time, the productivity of dwelling on the past (and perhaps the regrets that come with it) is limited. The object of my paragraph will therefore be to name a few simple yet important things that would benefit my high school self. As I have learned, it's by small and simple things that great things are brought about. I would primarily remind my high school freshman self that establishing good habits for the next four years is key-- they remain a huge help throughout college and later life. Among these habits are taking thorough notes, getting enough sleep, and staying organized. My sophomore self would be glad to know that sophomore year is the worst of it, so just hang on and remember that you have wonderful teachers and it is never too late to ask for help. Junior year, my advice would be to keep in mind that college may be a whole two years away, but those whole two years go by very quickly. As my high school self approached her last and final year, ready to be a senior, I would have reminded her to do her absolute best until the final bell sounded.

katherine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a few recommendations to follow. First, I would tell myself how important studying and reviewing really is, it is vital in having a successful college career. I would also tell myself to appreciate all of the small things that i get to enjoy and to not take advantage of my situation and that I am extremely lucky to be able to attend this university. The third thing that I would tell myself would be to be conservative with money and to save in for what is important and to not fret it away on unimportant and insignificant things. But most of all I would advise my self to enjoy this time in my life and to be happy and to be the person that I want to be and to have fun and participate in campus activities and to meet new people and make the best of life.

rachael

Don't stress out about what to wear or who to talk to. Just be nice to everyone; smile even if you're not sure they're looking. Most people won't be mean to someone who's nice to them. Get good grades! Scholarships are a must-have. It's not just about getting into a good college, it's about being able to afford college.

Kristen

My first year of college was very hard for me. I came on a volleyball scholarship and had very high hopes of both volleyball and basketball that year. I pushed myself too hard at first, and expected way too much of myself. I also shut myself out from accepting compliments or kind gestures because I wanted to "figure it out" on my own. I went into depression for three months because I had such a negative attitude. It affected my schoolwork, sports, friends, and even my family who was an ocean away. My second year of college at BYUH gave me a second chance to change my attitude about everything. I did. It changed my whole experience and made it a priceless experience. So, my second time around, I would most definitely change my attitude and expectations of myself going into school my very FIRST year, instead of second. Attitude changed everything.

Kristin

If I could go back in time and give a high school senior version of myself college advice I would tell myself that college is more expensive than you could ever imagine and it's not easy, but it's well worth it. I would advise myself to start looking for college scholarships now (well, back then), so that I wouldn't find myself in a pickle when it comes to finding money for school. I'd say that even though it is tiresome, very hardwork, and sometimes you'll feel like it just isn't worth...it is. The things I've learned in my college experience so far are things that will help me throughout life. I'm beginning to feel more educated and to grasp a more complex understanding of the world around us and that is in itself is priceless.

Norman Vincent

The advice that I can give to myself is that I will tell myself to read the Book of Mormon and apply its teachings, listen to the missionaries and do what they will teach to me, and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If I will be able to do this earlier I think I will be able to enjoy the blessings of becoming a member of this Church earlier. If I had known this earlier I will be able to get instructions and avoid experiencing sorrows and regret because of lack of correct spiritual knowledge. But I know it is according to God's plan, and all things happened for my own good.

Naydi

The first and most impotant advice i would give myself would be not to fall in love in your senior year. Second i would tell me to prepare myself for every pop quiz and every major test, specially in math. I will give myself some of the answer of some test. i'll tell me to listen more to the teacher to always try my best, to never give up and do things to the best of your abilities. that life is to short so be dumb and play around. Finally to trust in myself and my parents.

Michael

Do the best that you can in High School. Make the highest grades that you can. If you do people will give you money and you wont have to go looking for scholarships!

Shae

I would assure myself, I know I was pretty overwhelmed with the idea of having to decide on a major in college that would ultimately determine what kind of profession I went into. I was nervous about working and going to school. About meeting new people and moving away from home. I would assure myself that I know all of this is a lot to take in, but the wonderful thing about graduating is learning more about yourself and the world around you. It's about learning to make decisions, try new things, meet knew people, learn new things. It's wonderful! If you have the right friends and trust in yourself then you will be able to do so many wonderful things in this life! The world is open to us like it never has been before in time. It's a wonderful time to be alive and wonderful experience to have so many opportunities set before you. If you but take the time and work hard. You will do great things.

ashley

Get involved and be very pro-active with your school and the work you do there. Take your education into your own hands and don't just run but fly with it! Nothing can replace experience so it is very important to find ways to be involved with your major outside of the classroom. Find the time to volunteer and work with those who are interested in your same major. If you dont' know what you want to major in don't be frustrated while you try and find out. Be patient and have fund being exposed to all topics and forms of learning that will benefit you in your life no matter what your major is. Get to know your classmates and teachers. These are the people who will be meeting you in the work field and it will be extrememly beneficial to get your name out there as much as possible. Some of the greatest things I have learned have come from the advice and counsel of others as well. Most importantly, keep working hard, never give up and keep a positive attitude because as my dad always told me, "Attitude is altitude."

Trezlyn

If I could go back in time, and advise myself about college and the major transitions that accompany college life, I would tell myself to develop a habit of study. Being able to find a balance between the daily demands of life (laundry, cooking, cleaning), school work (studying, learning, taking tests, researching), and social activities (dating, serving others, making friends) is one of the hardest aspects of the "transition" to conquer. Also, I would tell myself that any dream can come true if I am willing to work hard and keep my eyes on the goal. I would advise myself to focus on other people rather than solely thinking and planning for myslef and my future plans. There is much more good that comes from serving others and looking outward than will ever come from being self absorbed and single-minded. I have found that when I put others before myself, everything works out for the better. Do not forget about your dream, but strive to reach it through unselfish, society enhancing means. Finally, I would tell myself that the future is full of wonderful opportunities; be excited! Be courageous and remember that optimism is the key to success.

Merie

College life is hard it is a different level so if I have to go back and talk to myself I would say severals things that would help me in achieving academic success. The more I start early the more it become an habits and it will sink into me and will become part of me and that will help me better. The first thing is to be organize. Organization is very important if I am organize evrything will just flow and I won't be stress. Most student at the college have a lot of stress because they procrastinate they put thing to the last minute, consequently they stress out and just give up. In college, we are left alone no one is there like in high -school to push us to do things so we have to be really organize. Second is to be commited. There will be some unexpected events that will come on your way but if you are commited you will succeed. Commitment is a key for success,this is the only way we can achieve things.

Haley

Humility. That is the lesson I would teach myself if I had the opportunity to go back in time. Too many times in my collee years I allowed my selfish pride take over and instead of succeding like I'd hoped, I fell much farther and failed miserably. Be patient with life, is another lesson I would teach my high-school self. College is a time for knowledge, study and enjoyment and all will come in due time, but the key is to not rush what will come to us if we choose the right and not rush. College passes us by in the blink of an eye, so I would tell myself to not waste such precious time on unimportant issues and roommate fights. Learn to love everyone and see what they have to offer in this world, try to look at them in a new light and not a judgemental one. There are many lessons from my college years that will carry on for the remainder of my life. If had the opportunity to go back and tell myself advice, I wouldn't. I want myself to learn and grow and I not spoil that opportunity for myself.

Shaefer

There are three words of advice that I would give myself if I were to go back in time. First, find a schedule that works for me. A lot of times students take an too many credits per semester and join too many clubs. What ends up happening is that this overscheduled students feel stressed and their grades seem to be mediocre. They end up not having a healthy social life as well. Its best to find a balance of coursework and 1 or at the most 2 clubs. This way you will be able to specialize in these areas and the end result will be that you will become a stellar student. The second piece of advice would be to work as a student. It is important to find a job that will put classroom instruction into action. Having a job is an extention of your education, so it is important to find a job that is within your major. And the third and last piece of advice I would give myself knowing what i know now about college life is to find friends with similar goals and focuses. These friends will be your motivation and support.

Michael Angelo

College is not easy. If I had studied hard during my high school days, my life would have not been difficult in college.

Paul

If I could go back and give myself advice about college, I would make sure to tell myself to go over material at the end of day. An hour at the end of the school day to review what you learned and write it down will make all the differencei n remembering. I would tell myself to be more organized and to make study plans. That would have imporoved my grades in High School because it has improved my grades in University.

Hyrum

I would go back in time to tell myself about how to better deal with college life in general. Sometimes roomates are great and very easy to become friends with, and other times they are not so people-friendly and you may have a hard time dealing with constantly cleaning up after their messes. Staying up late to finish with all the homework and studying will become a regular thing...get used to it! It will be worth it in the end. Make sure you come to class prepared, meaning all the required material has been read and the assignment has been fully completed. I would also tell myself that I would enjoy college more if I looked for more opportunities to serve others. Beleive it or not, there are people everywhere that are having a hard time, and just a simple act of kindness could completely change their day or week. Be a friend to everyone, evven if they don't seem like they want to be your friend back. Making a difference in someones life is much more important than any A you could receive.

Jenna

In high school you never have to worry about food and housing because your parents are there; enjoy it while you can cause once your in college the magic fridge is gone. Budget your money every month pay rent first and then take out some money for food and only use that amount for the month. Don't fling your money around with useless trinkets. Not every book that the teachers put on there syllabus they use, you don't have to buy all the books. Finish all your homework at the library before you head home cause your home nothing gets done homework wise. Find a phone service that is good so can call home and stay in touch with the school and your boss. Talk to your professors they will work with you as long as you are open with them.

Shae

I would first tell myself not to worry. I am a worrier and have a difficult time with change. It's a difficult point when you are graduating from High School to feel like it's such a big accomplishment but at the same time only the beginning. It's stressful to look at costs and make the ultimate decision of what do I want to do with my life. I would tell myself that a lot of college life is all about the experiences. It's about making the most of what you have. It's about doing your absolute best in all that you try. It's about having and making goals and working on them. This is the time of life that will help you become who you are and can become; no matter what you decide to do or where you decide to go. Enjoy it, work hard, and make the most of every day.

reghan

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would tell myself to many things. First of all, I would tell myself to enjoy high school while I am in it. I wanted to get out of so fast that I was not able to truely enjoy freedom I had from having the adult responsiblities. Another piece of advice that I would give myself would be to study has hard as I can. When I went to college my freshman year, I thought that I knew how to study until I got my first test results back. Once I realized I barely passes I knew I was going to have to learn to study properly so that I would be able to get into nursing school. Also, I would tell myself to just enjoy being young. I rushed trying to get through college that now I realized I have not enjoyed my youth because I was stressed out to make good grades which by the way is not a bad thing, but most of my memories are sitting in the library studying.You only get one chance to live your life. Live it to the fullest!

Hayley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to find a good balance between friends and having fun and doing shcoolwork. I would go out on more dates and try to surround myself with lots of different people so that I can learn to make more friends and be more outgoing . I feel that after going to BYU Hawaii it would have been beneficial to be more outgoing in making friends because once you get to college you are more on your own and you have to learn to make friends and put yourself out there. So, advice I would give myself would be to not care what other people think about me and be more confident in who I am by going out on lots of dates, hanging out with different people all the time and surrouding myself with people who care about me not by surrounding myself with people who I feel like I have to try to impress. Coming to college has made me realize that you really need to be confident and believe in yourself and do what's best for you.

Tori

Take every advantage you can to lead the perfect college experience. I know I have some regrets about not living in a dorm on campus or working on my grades to get into an amazing school and get offers for scholarships.

Candace

Let college help you decide what career path you want to take. If you make firm decisions before coming to college, you may lose out on some wonderful opportunities. Always do what is best for you. Professors are wonderful mentors, family and friends give great advice, but ultimately you have to choose the path that is going to suit you best. College is a time to take risks. Push yourself to a level that you never thought you were capable of before. You just might find yourself loving something that you never thought you could ever be good at before.

Jordan

Looking back on my life as a senior in high school, it would be so amazing to be able to go back in time and tell myself to remember to enjoy the ride! I have always been a perfectionist and take my studies very seriously, but sometimes I feel that my overachieving dedication can be my downfall as I stress out all week and only take a step back to breath, let go, and just have fun, on the weekends. I wish I would have found a better balance between my experience of high school and my freshman year in college verses solely my studies and my GPA. Life is made for living, and once I graduate, there’s no looking back - it’s just me and the real world! So that’s why it’s so important to learn now, that balance of hard work, but still with a smile on my face willing to help others every opportunity I can get and remember to enjoy all that this life has to offer, for I never know when it may be my last! Life’s too short to be a stressed mess - get an education and enjoy every minute!