Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

Attending college classes has forced me to manage my time and become more responsible. I have made a wider variety of friends with high standards that have been a positive influence. I enjoy the different classes available to me and the different techniques that are used. I'm learning more about myself and learning more information about the world.

My college experience is invaluable. I have learned that obtaining a degree is not what college is about. Obtaining an education is what it is about. College has helped me define what exactly an "education" entails. Yes, it is math, and science, and writing, etc., but it is much more than just that. When I graduate college I expect to have an education in hard work, time management, perseverance, organization skills, social skills, leadership skills, and much more. College is much more than just academics., it is a forever life changing experience. I believe that as college is the transition into adulthood, it is the perfect foundation for adulthood as long as you take it seriously. Most college students get so wrapped up in the social experience of it all, which is fun, but lose focus of the well rounded education that they need to obtain. This is why my college experience is so valuable to me. I am taking it seriously and working hard, while still having fun and earning the education that will be the base of my life, and will impact the lives of my future family, friends, coworkers, and customers.

I have received an excellent education in my field of study as well as in being my best self. I have learned how to be self sufficient and to be dedicated to something. It has been valuable to attend because it has helped prepare me to be a good citizen and efficient worker.

My college experience was valuable to me because it taught me how to push myself so I could reach my individual goals. My college did this by stressing the importance of getting involved in various activities outside of the classroom such as research, internships, and volunteer work. Participating in each of these activities helped me develop a true passion about the subjects that I was studying and made my overall collegiate experience a lot more enjoyable. These experiences have helped me push myself to learn more so I could make a greater contribution to society after graduation. My college experience taught me to strive to become the best student that I could possibly be. I also consider my college experience to be valuable because it set me up to succeed in the ?real world? after graduation. My college not only focused on academic excellence but stressed the importance of having morals and sticking to them. While in college, I learned the importance of not only being successful in my future field but the importance of becoming successful in an honest way. This moral foundation and work ethic taught by my college will help me be extremely successful in my life.

Being an older student, (29) I have been able to get enough life experience to make my college career so much better. If I would have attended right out of high school, I would not have taken the classes seriously or really understood them and enjoy them as I do now. I look forward to continue learning new things at school.

Education has always been very important in my family. My father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1984 and was paralyzed from the neck down for all of my life. My mother had to take care of him and had to go back to school to get a higher degree to support our family. My mother didn?t plan on her husband getting sick and having to take care of him and be the breadwinner of the family, but because she was able to go back to school and work hard she has been able to manage. Watching my mom struggle with having to take care of 5 children and her husband while going to school made me realize the importance of furthering my education, for I never want to be put in the situation my mother was in. By furthering my education I am preparing for the future. With this scholarship it will help me further my education in Special Education and if one day I have to be the main supporter in my family, I will be prepared.

My college experience has been a roller coaster of sorts. I began at a community school, Snow College, in central Utah where I was extremely successful in academics and goals. Brigham Young University was a big step up for me and I have struggled as I've tried to balance difficult classes to qualify for the Business School as well as hold a part time job to pay for school. My GPA has fallen significantly as a result, but I've learned to readjust my focus and make sure the path I'm charting leads to my goals. Though BYU has been incredibly frustrating, I believe an individual learns more about himself as he bleeds climbing the mountain than he does surveying the valley from the peak. In that aspect, BYU has been worthwhile to me.

William Lowe Bryan once defined education as "one of the few things a person is willing to pay for and not get." With an overwhelming emphasis on grades and test scores in our education system, the most common classroom question is, "Will this be on the test?" Rather than seeking to understand class material, students have begun a process of informational bulimia. Stuffing themselves with facts before a test, students regurgitate them as quickly as possible. What college taught me is that there's more to learning than memorization. During my first semester of college I took a science class to fulfill a general ed credit. With little interest in science, I attempted to learn as little as possible without failing. It wasn't until the last week as I reviewed for the final that I discovered what I had missed out on. As my TA described the life of a star and the workings of the galaxy I finally caught on to his passion for science. I had a sudden epiphany to the beauty of science. I then realized that I could find value in any subject if class stopped being about transcipts and began to be about understanding.

I attend Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa Fl and I am enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program. This is by far the best decision I have made in years! This school is amazing! The teachers are fantastic, all of the staff members are so nice and helpful, the support you recieve here is incredible. Aside from the wonderful staff, the curriculum is perfect because not only do we get lectures that are actually interesting but we get to do lab everyday so everything we learn in the text book that day we get to practice hands on so you really understand the material you are learning. They also have an MLS program that all the students take and basically what that is, it's a course about being sucessful and managing your emotions. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this amazing organization Ultimate Medical Academy has created. I absolutely love my school and would highly reccomend it to any one! Sincerely, Taryn J Elliott

As this was my first year in college, the main thing I got out of the experience is a better understanding of what it takes to be out on my own and mostly independent from my parents. Before going to college I didn't truly realize how much money it takes to obtain an education. I am more aware of how much I depended on my parents to get me what I needed and how dependent I still am. I have also learned greater responsibility as there was no one looking over my shoulder to make certain that I was doing my homework and honoring commitments. This year at college has also helped my confidence, because I did not have my parents to do things for me and I had to make my own decisions. I have also been able to gain friends that come backgrounds different than my own and I have been able to see world and local issues from other people's points of view. This has helped me better understand how to approach other people and know where they are coming from. I have been able to enjoy more activities and get to know more people.

Going to college allowed me to really discover who I was. It sounds completely cliche, I know, however, attending Brigham Young University helped me to really set my own standards and without my parents there, dictating many of my actions and responses, I was able to discover my own opinion and my own true state of mind, my own state of being, and my own set of values. I have learned more of what I want out of life and been able to discover those things that will truly make me happy long-term. Not only has the secular learning been incredible, but learning about religion, including the current social and economical problems and issues facing the United States today has really helped me form my own opinions; something I could not have done at home. Attending BYU has been the best decision I've made, and the knowledge and experience I have gained from attending has aided me in my work ethic, family, and work life as well as in my own personal growth.

I came away from college with a friend and with job experience. Yes, I received a good education and I could write at length about the value of a liberal arts education, but I think the value is obvious and inherent even to opponents. I developed critical thinking and research skills that will benefit me in whatever I do. Beyond interesting classes, long papers and engaging professors, though, I value most the discovery of a passion and a career path and the professional experience, training to make that path a truly viable one, and a best friend who taught me to be independent, honest and loyal. I suppose one can find a job and a friend anywhere, but it was only at this university that I found the job of my dreams with supportive mentors to encourage me, and only at this university that I could share the struggles and joys that would bond me to another person for life. I will always respect the university and the learning I gained in the class, but it is where and to whom I went when class was over that I will always truly value.

I have learned a lot about what I am capable of doing. This school has forced me to find what I am good at, and what I need to work harder at. Getting a college education, is not just about geting good grades, it is about growing and becoming better human beings. The relationships that I have gained here are the greatest part of my experiences.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is learning about diversity. I have come to realize better that life is about living in diversity. Learning how to embrace diversity! Diversity makes the world go round. If we were all the same life would be boring, but I also know that diversity sometimes causes contention if not dealt with wisely. As a future teacher I know my classroom is going to be diverse. I want to help create a community where everyone feels comfortable and where everyone can be successful and reach their highest potential. Learning more about diversity has been one of the most valuable tools I have recieved by attending college here at BYUH.

I have learned so much about my limits and my capacity through attending college. I am more readily familiar with my interests and strengths. I can work well under pressure and exceeded the expectations I placed on myself. Furthering my education has deepened my experiences, and broadened my possibilities.

I have gotten a lot out of college, like knowing that it's not as hard as everyone tells you its going to be and it also had made me more responsible. I also know that I have become a better writer and know that everything I do I will have to write papers or something, one way or another. I have made many friend and people that are majoring in the same field. College has also pushed me to wanting to finish school so I can go out and get the dream job that I have always wanted to have. College has been very valuable to attend for me because I'm getting to further my education and become a better person and a role model to someone that looks up to me.

My education has been valuable in more than the facts I have learned. I have also learned the kind of person I want to be. One of my teachers told be something he heard as a student. His teacher said that there are very few great professionals out there and a whole lot of mediocre ones. I want to be one of the great ones. I want to care about what I do and put my heart in it. I want to be trusted and respected for my dedication in whatever I do. As I have moed away from being achild and living with my parents to becoming an adult out on my own I have had to make decisions about who I want to be. My university has given me the basis for making those decisions. I signed an honor code that requires me to uphold some standards in all situations. Sometimes it has been hard but I have had to hold to that commitment that I made. That is who I want to be.

Don't stress about the future, just don't waste the time that you have in highschool. There are great opportunities in highschool like sports teams, clubs, student government, and internships, take advantage of them and enjoy them. Those will be opportunities that you will never have again and they will prepare you for the future. Take time to prepare for the ACT and dont screw it up because it will help you get accepted into universities and also scholarships. Live with no regrets, if you want to do something, do it with all your heart and love it. The more you are able to do now, the less you'll have to worry about later and you will be able to focus more of your time on the things that matter. Don't put off finding financial aid for school because university is expensive and unless you want to pay off loans for the rest of your life, it is worth your time to find scholarships. Most of all, love life and live with no regrets!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, the most important thing I could say is stop trying to be perfect and look like you have it all together. It?s not worth it to make yourself sick emotionally, physically, and mentally just to be ?good enough? for other people. Perfectionism can ruin your life, so you need to start taking little steps to overcome it. Turn in a less-than-perfect paper. Make a mistake in piano practice. Try out for the volleyball team even if you get cut. Don?t beat yourself up over a B on a test; it?s not the end of the world. No crying in the bathroom. Just have fun and be a kid once in awhile. Nobody?s perfect; don?t be so hard on yourself. People who truly love you and really matter won?t care if you show your true colors, and those who care don?t matter. Don?t keep all of the pain inside, because it hurts. Only be valedictorian if you want to; don?t do it for others. Love, don?t hate, yourself, and look out for your brothers.

As I look back on my life as a senior, I realize there are many things I could have told myself that would have eased my college transition. Naturally, recommendations would include advice such as, "Learn to study more; high school was easy, but college actually takes work," and "Create balance between your social life and school." However, having excelled at school throughout my life, I knew that college studies would not be too large a change. But in my senior year of high school, I spent most of my time looking forward to going to college, and not nearly enough with my family. Now, when I return home on school breaks, I can not believe that I did not spend every available moment with them. When I left for college, my little brother could not yet walk or talk. Now, he is a vivacious three year old. How could I have allowed myself to miss out on his childhood? Not having a family support was the most difficult part of my college transition, and I regret not having spent the time with family earlier that I now so desperately wish I had.

One of the most important things I learned throughout my transition is to value what truly is most important to you in your life. It is easy to get caught up in the reality of being on your own and having the freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want. I would warn myself to not let that happen. Make it a priority to keep in close touch with your family and friends who are not close by. Those relationships will continue to be important after freshman year at college when all the other distractions have dwindled. Secondly, I found that it is important to learn early on to be comfortable with being yourself. This is something I have just recently learned. It takes a while to learn who you are and what you stand for, but as you go through the process do not let anything stand in the way of becoming who you are striving to be. Not only does this apply to morals and standards, it also applies to the silly, goofy side that everyone has inside. Let yourself shine! Show your weird quirks and you will be loved all the more for them.

Shoot for the moon. You have more time than you think you do, if you are careful you can pull off more classes or more hard classes. Apply for scholarships, there are so many that are only for high school seniors, don't think you can do it later. Tutition has to be paid. Most of the time you will spend for your classes will be outside of class. You will hear it over and over again: expect to take two to three hours out of class per hour in class. They aren't kidding. You can learn a lot better if you read the textbook before class. It may seem boring, and you won't understand it all, but then you know what to ask questions about. Always ask questions. Not all rules are absolute, people can give exceptions if you can convince them that they should. The websites that administration provides don't have the answer, but if you go to their office and ask hard questions you can get to the person who knows. Poke around on your professors sites, they can have really helpful stuff that you wouldn't know about otherwise. Get out there!

Study hard, but enjoy life. Love every moment you have available to you; see more football and basketball games, participate in the dorky pep rallies, and appreciate what your mom does more. Most of all, don't be in a hurry to grow up, but embrace every moment and don't hesitate to become who you are intended to become. Don't let fear inhibit crucial personal growth in these, the most important years of your life.

Don't quit. As much as you would like to make your job the priority, the instant gratification you will see in the beginning quickly becomes a suffocating barrier. Make school your priority. Even though you may not see the results right away, I promise when you are twenty-one you will understand. Don't waste your talent -- there isn't anything that will offer the satisfaction of being able to be indepedent and knowing you have a job with security. I am almost twenty-two. I have put myself into credit card debt using my time to shop rather than go to school because I was forced to withdraw when I put work before school. I am unemployed and can't seem to find a way out of the rut I brought onto myself. I could have graduated, with a good job (that I enjoy), and have security in my life. Please don't make my mistakes. Please don't quit. Remember living in the day is a good quality, but it isn't when your forget about your future. Don't let go of our future, our dreams.

Getting ready for college, I worried so much about all the little details. Picking a room (and therefore a roommate), picking classes and deciding what to bring with me, all became such big deals. Actually coming to school I realized how easily these things could all be changed at school if I didn't really like them. I couldn't have picked a better roommate, classes are easily changed around, and stuff is just stuff, and your parents can mail it to you! I would tell myself to truly come out of my shell as soon as possible. When I finally started getting to know people, I suddenly had many more friends, and it just made life so much more fun! One of the best traditions I wish I would have started earlier is Disney Movie Sunday. It gives people a good reason to come to your room and to keep it clean, and you get to watch a movie! Mostly importantly I would tell myself to not waste my time worrying, because college is amazing!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that succumbing to senioritis only makes working later difficult. I'd beg myself to practice doing my homework right after school, and then to get up the guts to go out and get a social life. I'd also tell myself to go out for those intimidating classes like McQueen TV, and writing the school newspaper. Taking higher-tech computer classes couldn't hurt, either. Most of the campus jobs with openings are in computer programming, and it's frustrating not to have any skills. I'd tell myself to learn how to cook better, too. But if I could tell myself only one thing, it would be to not be afraid, but to get out there and do things, because some things come around only once, and others are precursors to finding out what you want to do with the rest of your life.

Pay attention in your english classes. No matter what subject you go into, no matter what major you have, there will always be writing. Writing essays, research papers, autobiographies, everything you could imagine. Those english lessons and writing skills will be what you need from now until forever. Writing is the most important thing you could practice in high school to prepare for college.

Not every University is the same and its important to find one that fits with your personality and life ambitions. While it's important to focus on the programs offered by each school and their respective quality, do not over look the social attitudes of the school you will be going to. If you are a far left liberal, you msot likely won't be happy at one of the most conservative places in the world. This will affect your GPA indirectly. While your views on the world don't change your GPA, being around people who don't see things the same as you can change your mental outlook and cause depression. Feeling outcast based on your religious beliefs and political views is not worth an excellent program. Be sure your school is not only strong in your desired field of study, but also agreable with your views on the world.

"You'll be fine." Trying to explain the complexities of this puzzle which we have dubbed "college" is beyond anybody's comprehension when attempting to describe each and every significant detail of this higher level of learning. No matter how much we have read on a topic, we will never actually fully learn about it until we have experienced it for ourselves. That's why I have chosen to advise my past self with just three simple words. The assurance received from them is enough to boost the confidence of one who is on the brink of changing the rules to a game he or she has played for the past eighteen years. The future is something which we all fear. It may be because of the fact that we can't perfectly predict it. If someone told me that as long as I kept doing what I was currently doing I would be fine, I would finally be able to sleep at night without worrying about what tomorrow was going to bring. All other advice is obsolete because it just causes more stressors, which could ultimately result in the downfall of our success.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself about college, I would tell myself to learn how to study. In high school I never really had to study on my own, and in college it is absolutely necessary to be able to learn and study by yourself. I would also tell myself to research more scholorships in preparation for school. There are a lot of scholorships out there, not just the ones that your particular college has to offer. If I could have researched and applied to more scholorships, I wouldn't have to get a job in order to pay for the costs of college. The last thing that I would tell myself is to retake to ACT. I only took it once, and was satisfied with my score. I believe that I could have done better had I prepared a little and really applied myself.

If I were to go back and give myself advice, it would go something like this: Elise, things aren't going to turn out the way you want or expect them to. Just remember that it turns out good. Don't waste a lot of time wishing they were different, or trying to figure out where you went wrong, because you have a really great life. Always do your best. Don't be afraid to make decisions and be your own person. It's okay that you aren't just like your sisters, it's okay that your life goes differently, you'll make mistakes, but you'll learn from them, and you'll be okay. Truthfully, if I never came back to give you this advice, you'd be just fine. Like I say, you have a good life. You are going to have a lot of fun and you'll have great stories and amazing experiences you never counted on. The best advice I can give you is don't worry, enjoy life, and know you are more amazing than you realize, and you will do great.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay focused on school. As a senior, I didn't have a lot of distractions. I did homework and ran cross country and track. I tried really hard to have good grades. I had no idea though how different it would be to live away from home. I would warn myself about roommates staying up late, about watching too much TV or going over to others' dorms to goof off too often. All of that was fun, but I know that if I had been a little more focused my grades would have been better. People told me not to expect my grades to stay as high as they were then. I accepted it as an inevitability. If I could go back I would tell myself not to accept it. I would tell myself to keep working hard, and keep my aims high.

Now that I am attending college and have gotten a feel for what it is like and what it takes to get used to it, there are many things I would tell myself. First off, I would remind myself that Advanced Placement and Concurent Enrolment classes are VERY helpful, and can save a lot of time and money. I would teach myself to be a bit more diligient in my study, and to seek to obtain the study skills that college requires. I would tell myself not to just go through the motions of student life, but to actually learn, and try to comprehend the things that were being taught. I would remind myself that taking knowledge through the journey of life is a lot more valuable than taking a GPA. I would also tell myself to not worry so much, and not be to afraid of moving on from high school to college, because I know I was scared to death to do that. Lastly, I would tell myself that the resources on campus would be some of my vost valuable tools, if used correctly.

In high school I was very concerned with getting the best grades possible and I did very well. The only problem with that was that I did not work enough to save any money. I would talk to my high school self about the importance of finances. Working for and saving money is such an important lesson that we often learn too late in life. If I would have understood the importance of working and saving money, I would have more financial freedom and this point in my life.

Fortunately, I do not have many regrets as my parents always taught me the value of hard work and the importance of dedicating all of my energy to achieving my goals. However, since attending college and reviewing my high school experience, I would love to jump back in time and whisper two pieces of advice to myself: ?Lighten up!? and ?Step outside yourself.? Focusing so much of my time on studying forced me to forfeit many social opportunities that might have helped me mature and become more balanced. While achieving my academic goals helped me become who I am today, I do regret not ?lightening up? a little by having more fun in trying new things and not being embarrassed along the way. I would also have stepped more outside my little world and expanded my circle of influence. I realize more now how important relationships are in life. I regret missing opportunities to help build self-esteem and confidence in others by calling them by name and complimenting them. High school is an opportunity to create friendships that last a lifetime and the world is so much bigger than one person.

College is hard, alot harder than most things in high school. But it's also amazing, and most definetely something to look forward to. But enjoy your senior year as much as possible! Senior year you have very little to worry about, and enjoy that while it lasts. Do all of the "senior" things, like homecoming, prom, and owning pep-rallies. Senior year as well as every other year of high school, push yourself. Take AP, IB, and honors classes. Learn to study, which is different than doing homework. Learn to read your textbooks and manage your time carefully. Also learn to cook for yourself, do laundry, and manage finances. Save up your money so that you can take a semester or two off from working and focus on getting into the groove of college. But most of all, have fun your last year of no worries and living at home!

So, you're a senior now about to go off to college and live on your own for the first time. You will miss your family more than you think you will. You and you sister Cherilyn will eventually get along, so I suggest you work on that relationship now. You will date a lot, and be hurt, but you will find true love. As to who and when, well, I won't spoil that surprise. Just know that you will find someone that will love you more than you can imagine. School will be a challenge and you will experience some mental breakdowns, but you will grow from these experiences and learn that you can do anything you work hard for. Yes, your eating disorder will continue to plague you if you let it, but know that it is possible to overcome. You will come out the conquerer with hard work and support. Tell your husband about your problem and let him help you. He will still think you are beautiful. Most of all, have fun! Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family because you only get to live those crazy college years once. Love life!

I would first of all apply for more scholarships so that I would feel more secure monetarily. I would also tell myself that it is okay to take the first semester easy so that my grades would have been better.

Be passionate about what you do. Though it sounds cliche, go big or go home. You will get out of college what you put into it. Throw yourself into student activities and social clubs because it makes school life so much more fun and fulfilling. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Have faith in yourself and dream big. I believe in you.

I would advice myself to learn to study. As a high school student, everything came fairly easy for me. I was one of the top students, and I never had to study for my classes. BYU, though, is very competetive, and a lot of you learning must happen on your own time. My first few semesters were very hard for that reason. I had never developed study habits from before.

The time that you spend in college should be some of the best years of your life. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow and to find who you are. Take those opportunities! You will see many of your peers trying to put in small amounts of effort, yet still expecting to achieve their goals. Take the time that is required to learn the material so that you understand it, don?t just learn what is required to pass a test. Now, it?s going to require more time and effort than what was expected during high school, but it?s worth it! College is so much more important than passing tests; it?s about putting in an honest amount of work and gaining an education. That education is what will open up opportunities for you to truly become who you want to become. But with all that said, don?t forget to have fun! Spend time getting to know new people; they will become your best friends. When you?re walking through campus, stop and notice the beauty that surrounds you. Your life is in your hands and it will become whatever you make it.

I would go back and tell myself to apply to a lot more scholarships. There a lot of financial available that goes unused! And college adds up. I would tell myself to apply to as MANY scholarships as possible. I would also go back and tell myself to get a little bit more involved with those around me. I did well my freshman year, but the more involvement and service that you give, the more people that you meet, and the better overall experience you have. I would make sure to mention to do better in a specific history class! I got straight A's my freshman year EXCEPT for that class! Now I have to retake it. So I would tell myself that no matter how much you dislike that specific class, to just stick it through and do better! I would make sure to mention better time management and less procrastination! I still struggle with these, and they are necessary life skills! And last but not least, I would tell myself to RELAX a little bit better and just enjoy the college experience! This doesn't mean slack off, but it means to not stress as much.

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself advice about what to expect in college, the first thing I'd tell myself is to learn how to manage my time wisely. The biggest thing that students get excited for when beginning college life is the sudden freedom not usually experience in grade school years. Time management is actually good self-management. When time for studying, playing, and relaxation is balanced, success usually follows.

I would share a few things that I believe would empower me to make a more meaningful life for myself as a college student. I would tell myself not to be afraid to learn about new cultures and ideas--even if they opposed my personal beliefs at the time. I would council myself that by opening up and allowing myself to discover new things, I would be strengthened in my individuality. I would also tell myself to get involved in things I love and feel passionately about. This would allow me a way to feel some permanence during such a transitional state and would provide meaningful moments that would strengthen me through the tough times. I would let myself know that there will be tough times, but if I allow it--the journey will be worth it. I would emphasize the importance of working hard and setting goals for my schoolwork. Setting goals would allow me to reach new levels of learning that I would not be able to accomplish if I was not working towards something. I would tell myself that doing the bare minimum becomes extremely easy when you haven't set goals that motivate and promote growth.

If I could go back in time to my previous high school self, I would explain the importance of college. I would also explain how important decision making is and to start now, or whenever the current time was. I would tell myself to take more classes that would earn me college credit and to take my AP classes seriously, that way I could receive credit for those classes in college and never take them again, as well as not having to pay to take them. I would tell myself to choose the college that I would be happy at, and to not have my parents decide for me. I would explain that college is the time to get out on your own and become an adult, which includes making your own decisions, becoming financially independent, and growing up. College is not about partying and having fun all the time. It is about gaining knowledge for your future trade and learning how to live on your own. I would tell myself not to be afraid of making scary decisions, because no one knows what makes you happy but yourself.

I would encourage myself to explore any career interests my first year of college and find a field I am both passionate for and proficient in - in order to find the best path for myself. This would minimize regrets and prevent a change of major later on in my education that would be a setback. I would also advise myself to work and volunteer as well as attend courses to maximize my post-graduation opportunities. I have come to learn that networking and volunteering pays off in opportunity as well as knowledge.

With out a doubt, I would tell myself to search out all career options. When i was a senior in high school I was still very directionless. I had no goals and I was unsure of what I wanted to become. I simply saw the examples in my life, such as teachers, mine workers, secretaries etc., and decided that that was what I should do. Those are by no means bad professions, but whether they were right for me or not, I never asked. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to see what is really out there, because through the years I have discovered that there are many interesting and exciting options. It took me five years to find the right major and career and I know that if i had only taking the time to search it out in the beginning, I would have saved myself valuable time and money.

I would advise myself to start getting used to putting work into assignments. I would tell myself that there will always be that one person who gets it faster, or does a project better, but that is no reason to stop putting in my best effort. In college, I would tell myself, people are there because they want to be, unlike a lot of the kids in high school. The competition is more intense in college and everyone is working harder than in high school. Get involved and work your hardest, even put in extra time because what you learn here is what you will take with you to the real world. Lastly, I would wish myself good luck!

Follow your dreams and be proactive. Don't let a single opportunity pass you by. If you desire to become a doctor, just put your mind to it. If you try your hardest to get an A in every class, you will learn how to be a hard worker, and be ready for life at the time of your graduation. Be prepared for some of the best, yet hardest times in your life. Classes won't be like High School. You will need to study twice as much and be twice as bright. You are competing against 40,000 other students who also want a good grade, but only the elect will come out on top. Be persistent and diligent, and always follow your heart.

Royal High School, sports, bonfires, and homecoming. Those were the good 'ole days. I loved growing up in my small, farming town. I've had the experience few have had by growing up in a 1,500 population town. I knew everyone and everyone knew me. As a senior, you think you know everything and life couldn't be better. Before you know it you're accepted to a school, graduated from high school, and have all your things packed and on your to college. You're scared out of your mind thinking about starting over in a new, huge place, with 30,000 students you don't know, and starting college! How do college classes even work? I know that's what I was thinking when my parents dropped me off. But looking back, after living the college life and making the transition I would tell myself to relax, put myself out there, study, and have fun! I would've definitely studied better, been more outgoing, and joined a few extra curricular clubs. Now in my second year at BYU, I can say I know all the tricks and I'm an official college student.