Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

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

Jordan

A great education.

Brandon

If I was able to travel back in time, I would tell my high school version to work hard, set goals, and make sure to leave room for fun too. Education is extremely important. Enjoying life is equally important. I would tell myself, find something you love to do that would provide an income and then always commit to your best.

Bezaleel

If i was a high senior now, i would have a goal first in my life to achieve. First i will put forth an ambition, like to become a CEO of a company and then join government in ym city to help my nation grow. I want to be in government and stop corruption in my country, with that knowledge and goal i have, i will easily implement things what i suppose to do in college, like reading and submitting assignments on time, dressing up in a way where we grab the attention of the professor and be a professional. I really want to improve myself when i know that i'm almost senior in high school and i need to be serious about my life and people's life around me. I really care for the people instead of myself, even if i knew this much information which i knew now, i would really want to prepare myself a awareness in being away from bad friends and chose not to follow them. I would rather prepare plans everyday as i do now and wake up early which i need to improve on. I would study much better than now.

Melanie

The best way to transition into college life is finding other freshmen who are in the same situation and develop meaningful friendships; this gives you the opportunity to learn things about life and learning in a comfortable way because you know you're not the only one experiencing it all. It will be hard being away from your family, but make good friends that you can trust and have fun being an independent individual. Be responsible with your money always and be smart about the activities you engage in. It's always a good idea to do your best on your assignments; never lose your work ethic by copying other people's work - this will not prepare you in any positive way for a test or otherwise. Be realistic about your academic goals and manage your study time efficiently and with breaks. Exercise as often as you can and develop healthy eating habits on your own as this will contribute to your thinking activity and academic success. Remember that in college, it can be a fresh beginning in your life and most people will be new; you don't have to be the person you were in high school.

Carla

Carpe Diem, sounds like a cliche', sure it does, but it is the only word that fully decribes college life. There are many things that will come in your way and it is up to you to take for a ride. Make decisions that makes you happy, to stay determined in your studies, and to have an awesome time. College seems like a long four years but believe me it really does go by quickly. Make sure to speak up even if it means standing alone amongst hundreds of students. You will be an example to many people, represent who you are from the heart. Don't try to impress someone else, but impress yourself with the skills and knowledge you have attained thus far. You will never have this experience twice, so do it, and do it right. Sure there will be speed bumps, but you can get over them quickly. Ultimately, just seize the moment, never take those moments worth remembering for granted, choose friends that will last a life time, don't waste time on those who are there for the moment. Be true to yourself because the truth is the only way to happiness in life.

Kellie

Study harder! Keep up your grades and don't let them slip! There's more to life after high school! College will be a great experience to to meet people and to learn and grow! Don't give up, it's worth it!

Francesca

The advice I would give myself if I could go back on time would be to be more appreciative of my family. When I moved away for collge I realized how much my parents do for me. Back in high school I did not realize how much my life depended on them. I thought I could do it all on my own and handle life without their help. I moved far away from my family and was very home sick my freshman year of college. I missed the home cooked meals and how my mom would make sure I was doing my homework. I sure hated it back in high school when she would check on me to make sure I was doing my work but when I went to college I missed having her check on me. I was responsible and do get my work done but I miss the times when I could chat with my mom and have family dinners. I used to think it was a chore to sit at the dinner table as a family but now I realize those moments helped me to be where I am today.

Mary

If I can go back in time and give advice to myself, I would emphasize that there is a time to play and there is a time to work, and right now is the time to work, and play will come later. As a high school student I didnt care much about college. I didnt apply for any Universities. My parents immigrated to the United States and did not have the opportunity to have an education. My siblings didnt bother attending college so why would I. So I had fun first and had a job at a local store. It came to my knowledge that retailing is not for me. I wanted to go to work with a smile and eager to begin my job. The only opportunity to see that happening is to attend college, and so fortunately there was a community college in which I lived very close too, that gave me the opportunity to start my education. If I can go back in time, I would've done my school work and applied to University and not follow the example of my siblings. I woud've been a better student.

Heather

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would tell myself to get more involved earlier in life and to take advantage of the leadership opportunities offered in high school and in the community. I would tell myself that it doesn't matter what people think about you, because in college there are plenty of people that will love you for who you are, not what you wear or do. I would tell myself to stay active in Church and to also take advantage of the leadership opportunities that are offered there. There are so many missed opportunities that I didn't take that I think would have helped me in my life now and would have boosted my leadership skills and helped me to excel in my future. The most important thing I would tell myself though, is to love myself more and to realize the potential that I have. I don't think I realized my great worth as an individual and I think that for anyone that is the most important thing to realize. If I believe in myself, I can do anything.

Shelley

Enjoy your time in high school. Take part in as many activities as you can. Learn as much as you can from as many classes as you can. Take leadership positions. Serve and enjoy life. Help as many people as you can. Trust yourself. Conquer your fears. It may look scary but many times it will only appear so but is really OK.

Roxanne

I would have started really taking care of myself a lot earlier, instead of taking my parents for granted so often. It would have spared me a lot of pain. I wasn't used to cooking, doing my own laundry and such before I came, so to have to worry about those, along with getting a job and going to school part time, was very difficult. I got very lazy in high school because many things just came naturally to me then. However, there were hardly ever times that I would use that time given to me to a good advantage. I got by as many do, but I could have made so much more of a difference in my life, and in others. I could have tried harder, I could have learned more, and now because of that, I have so many regrets that come to haunt me through these difficult times.

Kealohilani

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a lot of advice. The first thing I learned quickly while transitioning into college was that NOTHING is free. Everything in college costs money, including classes, books, supplies, dorms, and even food. I would tell myself to work hard on scholarships and financial aid opportunities as much as possible. I would also advise myself to work hard in school, but to chill out. If I learned anything in college so far, classes are much harder than in high school, but you're on your own without the stress of parents and teachers on your case, so let the little things slide once in awhile. There's no sense in stressing yourself out, do only what you can handle and have some fun. However I would also make sure to warn myself not to have too much fun, without the supervision of parents, it becomes easy to get a little crazy with the freedom. The most important thing I could tell myself is to find a balance in life between school, extra-curricular activites, and fun.

Marie

College life is full of adventure, fun, knowlege, experiences, and descions which build character and help you find who you really are or want to become. College is a whole different level then high school. In going into college, first of you should be ready for change and have the attitude of being ready to take on a new challenge. If at times you fail or fall, never give up, pick your self up and keep moving forward. Remember no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes but learn from the ones you have made in highschool, and always strive towards being better. Always push yourself beyond your ability because you have more potential than you think you. Be responible, repectful, on time, and do not procrastinate. Its important to be honest, true, and hold integrity. In transitioning JUST BE YOU!! despite what anyone thinks. Dont be scared, try new things, but stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with good people and good friends.Dont blame others for your mistakes but take it upon yourself to see that you make things right. Be an attentive listener, responsible doer, and strive to be a student leader. Despite anything JUST BE YOU!!!!

Ka

Ka Ki, I wish you know how blessed you will be able to attend college. There are many young adults do not have the privileges like what you have in the future. I want to know understand how important receiving an education is for you and for your family in the future. I advise you to cherish every minute during your college life and make every minute meaningful. Continue to love the Lord, your family and yourself.

Xueni

High school is the time for students to search around the area of subjects that they may potentially be interested to further study in during college. Some may over look the importance of doing well in High School, as a college student if I can go back to high school I would advice myself to take every class seriously because in quite honesty high school will be the one last time for students to receive a free education during their life time. I will take the time to fully absorb the knowledge that will most likely be useful during college.

Lisa

There are two very important parts of college. First, to move out for college is a VERY growing experience, and second, you have to learn how to balance school and friends, but don't disregard one for the other. Once you move away, the people you associate with become your family, and it is important that they become part of your life. Also, getting a job while going to school is one of the best ways to avoid idol time and bad habits. Work hard, play hard, and always take at least one class that is not required and simply interests you.

Jennifer

Don't give up! Remember how badly you want to become a teacher to help students progress and how much fun it will be in the end. Finishing school and getting your degree so that you can start interacting with children is what you've wanted to do since you were 8 years old, so keep going and prove to yourself that you can do it! Enjoy life as you go through college and don't stress out too much. It will all be over soon and you'll be living your life long dream!

JOSEPH

In choosing a college to attend as a senior in a high school, I know most people look to how famous and popular the college is in the society. In as much as I agree to this common opinion, I would advice myself to look for other qualities such as interaction with people from different society and cultures as well as a place where I can have opportunity to develop my God given talents. Having said this, its becomes clear to advice myself that after having finish with college, the next life will be to find a good job which will requires me to work with many people of different opinion and cultural background. Having experienced how to work with such people in group projects in college can help me fulfill my job. Also, I would advice myself that excelling in college is great but maintaining integrity and honesty in obtaining grades is the only key to a successful college. Honesty is a principle and I would learn to develop it the more while in high school. Lastly, coupling my studies with serving God can always assure me of a better college life through his grace and mercy.

Blake

Get a vision of what you want to happen with you in your life. Then work as hard as you can to achieve that. Don't look back.

John

That is pretty interesting question, I would have taken the course with my own interest rather than my folks' interest(which I did). I should have done proper research before picking the college, should have spoken to the student who were studying there through some means of networking websites(Which I didnt do). Should have taken extra effort while doing my course(I took it lightly should have made some more effort in it). Never had any idea of doing my masters during my undergraduate(should have thought of it at the very early stage). Should have tried for an internship somewhere related to my field which would have helped me in various ways at the later. That is all I can think off right now.It is never too late though, I am trying to figure a way out and shaping my career out of my graduate studies

Allison

I would tell myself that I will have to be a lot more independent. I have to have confidence in myself and the work that I do. In college, there were many times that I had to stand up for myself and what I knew to be right. It caught me off-guard, but I still did the right thing. If I knew ahead of time, I would have been prepared.

Margarita

I would advice myself to be persistent. I would tell myself that the first year in college will be a rought time at first but, as i adjust and get use to it i can pursue myself and get use to college life. I would advice myself to set goals on what i should do. Make sure that i get everything done before i hangout with friends. Hangout with the good influence friends i can find and not the ones that would make me procrastinate. Just be on it and try my very best to pass each class and graduate with a social worker degree :)

Brian

If I were able to go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would most definitely tell myself to focus more on my studies. I would also tell myself to apply myself and not take school for granted . And most importantly I would tell myself the importance of setting acedemic, career, and other personal goals in getting to were I want to be without wasting too much of my time with things that prevent me from getting an education and to not stress about the small things.

Jarom

The best advice I would have to give is to find a college that has the same standards as the student who is applying. The college must also have a great faculty to work with the student so that they bring out the best, and prepare the student for life after graduation. Colleges that are too lenient on rules and regulations show that they are not serious about the lifestyle and success of their students, which will have a great effect on their integrity, honesty and work ethics in the future.

Natalie

The best way to find the right college is to research. Just like you would for a school research paper...You must prepare yourself by indulging in the entire experience of looking up the facts and history of each University, contacting those involved with the school and others who have attended, and visiting the campus (if possible). By being pro-active in this research will allow the students and parents to become learn for themselves and get the entire picture of each campus and college life. It will not only help the students get a feel of what each campus has to offer but it will help them get excited to further their education and it allows them be in control of their future. By engaging in and taking apart of this process it will also help each student make most of their college experience because they will know the expectations as well as develop an understanding of what opportunities each has to offer for the student's future. By seeking multiple sources, it will allow for a bigger and better picture to develop so that the student can determine their decision for what will be best for them.

Ella

One really important thing before deciding on a school, would be to check out the location, some people like to be in the city and others in the country. Another thing that is important is to take some career surveys to see what the probable majors for your student and make sure the schools that your applying to have them. Finally, i would make sure to check on things such as dominant religion and other things that will give your student a common ground with the other students on that campus.

Sharlee

Many colleges offer similar atmospheres and "unique" characteristics yet many have the same abiding philosophys which is what makes the decision so difficult in deciding where to discover and dedicate your higher education to. Whatever choice is made, make it right for you. Plan for the future but live in the moment. Accept change as it is what spurs growth. Reach out to the parts of your self that has not yet shone through as your discover new realties in your self. This time in our life is about fine-tuning, education and loving life. Make the world your campus as you meet people who will change your daily life. The life you have always wanted and always dreamt about is happening!

Jessica

Find a school, and check it out. Make sure you know you can stay there for the entire duration, Transfering is a pain.

Justin

N/A

Matthew

The University or college should be in a nice, safe area. I personally would not want to study in a busy or bad neighborhood or even send my children there. I would visit some of the campuses first before choosing the right school to get a feel for it and whether or not you can see yourself studying there. I wouldn't worry too much about the financial situation. Many universities offer reasonable financial aid and student loans. When you are actually studying at the school of choice, take the initiative to meet your professors and introduce yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The worst question is the one you don't ask. Have fun and enjoy meeting new people. Whatever you do, don't be miserable and give up. The college life is a great learning experience and should be viewed positively. It also doesn't matter what career path you choose as long as it fits you and that it's something you will enjoy doing for the rest of your life. Remember to be considerate of others around you as they are in the same situation as you and that is to gain an education.

Cassie

We all know the first two years of college are rarely taken as seriously as they should be, so finding a college that is going to give you the best bang for you buck could really help out and cut back on student loans. Although I would have liked to go to BYU-Hawaii for all 4 years, I think it was good that I went to another school that had just as good of a reputation, but was closer to home and the environment was more condusive to learning for an underclassmen. If your college includes a location that optimizes on social life and has a great amount of distractions, then maybe save that for the upperclass years when you will be more mature and ready to take on those temptations.

Alicia

Look for a college that not only meets your academic goals but also somewhere you know you will feel comfortable in. Being a person of a mixed ethnic background, I knew that I wanted to go to a college with cultural diversity and I feel that my choice has been one of the best decisions of my life because I learned so much from my college experiences. After finding the right school for you, don't be afraid to approach people and make new friends. Friends may come and go but some friendships can last a lifetime and it never hurts to meet more people and establish even more lasting friendships. Be confident, be yourself, and express yourself as you learn more about yourself and others. Keep a balance between work and play, study hard, keep an open mind, and become anxiously engaged in all of the new things you will learn. Sometimes it may seem tough, especially during midterms and finals but never give up because having a positive attitude and strong determination will help bring you to your fullest potential. Manage your time well for academics and socializing because both will contribute to your overall learning experience.

Alexa

Get involved in as many social activities as possible to really enjoy it, but only in situations and with people you feel comfortable. This is the best way to branch out and meet new people and make friends.

Maverick

When looking into the school that you would want to attend, don't look at just the prestige of a school or the courses that they offer. You need to also consider the social aspects, cultural influences, and how this school can help you grow as a person and achieve the goals that you have. Upon entering school remember to put in the time and effort required to do well in your desired field while still making time to have fun with your friends in a good wholesome way. An education is just one of the many things that you will receive while attending your selected university. Don't be afraid to try new things, but never sacrifice your standards or values.

Dawlani

You should choose a college that can offer what you want academically and socially. You should pick a college where both the parents would feel comfortable sending their child to and the student would feel comfortable being at. Pick a college that has the major you want, and that you think will give you the most opportunity academically and career wise. When you do go to college, make sure you are able to balance your social life well with your academic life. You need to have a good balance of each. Don't let your social life overshadow your academic life, but have a social life so that you won't go crazy with too much studying. Join clubs to meet knew people. Join study groups, and dont be afraid to ask questions or see a tutor if you need help, because you are paying for your education, so get your moneys worth.

Emily

I suggest following your intuition. Paint a picture of who you really want to be and then do whatever it takes to get there. You will be around positive and negative forces and the only way you will really be happy with yourself is to be your best and let your soul lead you where it wants to go. While this may sound religious, hippie, or unrealistic, I can find no better direction for the individual in other sources of magistration. While I advocate decisiveness, I also recommend enjoying college as a child; to delight in curiosities around you and absorb the excitement of the world. Investigate as much as you can where you will be placing yourself for your education, and then don't be afraid to pursue things that appeal to you.

Brian

I would tell the student to look for a school that had their desired course of study. After they found all of them, to look in that group that was most like them. If they are an out doors type of person, make sure that there are lakes and rivers and mountains near by. I would also tell them that once they got there, to be very social because this is where they are going to find there life long friends. To the parents, I would tell them to help their child find the best college that suits them and to support them in anyway possible. To remember that they are very poor college students trying to make their way in this school, so its not so bad to send them a package of food and goodies once in a while, it will keep them going. And to both of them I would say, be prepared for the hardest, yet most satisfying part of your life.

Roxanne

You just need to follow your heart and do what you think is best for yourself and do not let people tell you anything different. Choose a school that fits your needs academically, physically, emotionally and spritually. Do your research and find a school that you will be able to attend for four years and be happy for those four years while there. Choose a school that has great faculty in the field that you want to major in. Choose a school that you will be proud to be an alumni of. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to attend the best of the best college. It would be nice if we all could attend Harvard, but not all of us would be well-suited for Harvard, let alone happy at it. Name isn't everything when choosing a college. Choosing a school that you can achieve at and get good grades at is all that matters. As long as you can get a job in the "real world" after you get your degree, you will be fine. Just remember to pick a school for yourself that fits your personality and lifestyle.

Amy

Always visit the school and have questions that are important you to you ready to ask. Dont settle.