California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

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

Joelie

Your freshman year of college is one of the most important years because that is when you meet your friends that will stick with you for the next 4 to 5 years or even the rest of your life. These friends are important because living with a bunch of people your age, you are bound to get into a fight with someone or have your heart broken and you are going to need your friends to pick you back up. College should also be one of the places where you make your best memories. Keeping that in mind you should take your classes seriously because they are important but it is ok to fail once or twice. Failing is one of the best ways you can learn. It can teach you about yourself whether it is the fact that you need to change your study habbits or if it makes you realize you no longer like something. The degree you chose your freshman year of college may not be what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Stephen

I would tell myself to rethink my original career choice to be a mechanical engineer. Although this is an interest, this was not the career choice I should have made in high school. I would also tell myself that college takes much more application and work than high school, and although you're more "free" in college to make your own choices which would make college seem much more laid back, you have to know that those choices need to be well thought out and good ones, and the point of college is your pure interest and pursuit in knowledge and advancement in a certain field. And because of this, I would tell my high school self that the work I do towards my major is much more meaningful and advancing, and to prepare and acknowledge this for when I do get to college.

Rushi

Always be happy with whatever you’re doing in life, remember everything is experience and it always happens for a good reason. Socially, try to be the best person you can be to this world and society, do not change who you am, because it’s not living if you’re constantly changing for this judgmental world. There is still lot lying ahead of you, obstacles to face, issues to resolve, new lessons every day. Don’t ever let yourself down, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will. Always remember to be thankful and helping. You’re here for a reason, do good to yourself and others. “Some people wait for the special someone that changes the world……. Others make things so that they are the one that change the world”

Ryan

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would likely tell myself to pick a school closer to home. Even if you want to get away from home, you will get homesick. I also recommend that you avoid freaking out about the transition, it is very scary aat first, but it gets easier when classes start and you start working on school, the time passes fast, all you will do by freaking out is slow the time down.

sabrina

Hey Sabrina, are you feeling alright? Seriously calm down. You do not need to stress out the way you are right now. First of all, based on your academic record throughout high school, you are going to be admitted in at least two if not one of the colleges you will apply to. Second, brace yourself for an awkward transition into what I call, reality. Do not fret. There will be a time of relaxation before you start school and you may lose friends. It is alright to let them go. You are in control of who stays and who goes especially if you will be a better person without them. Lastly, you can go anywhere you want! Exceed your limit! Stay optimistic about your decision because in the end you are the one going to college not your parents. If you need to pull out loans just know what you want to do beforehand and go for it, but always subsidized loans. Commuting to school will make you tired, trust me. Now before I go understand this, change is good. If I were you I would start making changes now. Remember you come first! Take care and stay positive.

Ethan

After completing my first year in college, the best advice I could give my past self would be to force myself to be socialable and commit to the Pep Band. In college, where I only knew my roommates on move-in day, it could only be beneficial to know more people. If I knew this beforehand, my first quarter would have gone differently, all for the better. I waited until I was forced to be social, and then it was to late. Almost everyone had a closely-knit clique. Another piece of advice would be to commit to the Pep Band. I always had a problem of procrastinating and this is where it got the best of me. I just needed to practice my trumpet to know the music, but a voice in my head told me to do it later. Later never came. Game after game I did not know all of the music which was required of me. Eventually I finally decided to “join” and practiced until I could play all of the songs flawlessly, but it was to late. The notion was already cemented in my fellow Pep Band members that I am a lazy player.

Virginia

Dear high school Ginny, You are finally getting ready to start college. Since I just completed my first year, I feel like I should give you some advice. Looking back, the transition from high school was much harder than I expected. In high school, I was able to breeze through classes and barely ever study. I thought it would be the same in college, despite what Mom and Dad said. My biggest fear was that I would have a hard time putting myself out there. However, after easily making friends, I let having fun take priority over studying and homework. Consequently, my grades suffered. Saying Mom and Dad were upset would be an understatement. Heck, I was even disappointed. You have so much promise and can do whatever you set your mind to. With that in mind, here is my advice for college: work hard and never give up. There are going to be times when you want to just go and hang out with your friends or go online but try only doing those things in moderation. I know it'll suck at times but just trust me. Keep up the hard work. You got this. Sincerely, College Ginny

Natalie

College is what you make of it. If you wish to succeed then you need to keep on top of your priorities. However, keep in mind to enjoy yourself & join a club, maybe a few. Never give up despite all the difficulties you encounter along the way & stand up for what is right. College is for your career, your life, so it's up to you to ensure you achieve your goals & all that you can. Learn what you love to do & go for it no matter what other people may say. Don't be afraid. It's your life, your time, your decisions. So make the most out of it & live it up while you still can. Never stop believing, especially in yourself. ;)

Aaron

I would tell myself not to be so afraid. This would have been vital advice for myself, as well as for many incoming freshmen. I had always been the shy, quiet, anxious kid in high school, and I was not prepared for the new world that college was. Thusly, I was the traditional Cal Poly commuter student who came to campus, went to class, and went home without talking to anyone. I did not begin to make real connections on campus and make my great friends until my junior year (last year). My advice to myself, as well as other freshman, would be to not hold back. Get involved on campus, and don't be afraid of who you are. If you are a nerd who loved Harry Potter and Star Wars (as I am), there will be a place for you at Cal Poly Pomona. You may be surprised that by being yourself, you have a great time and make lifelong friends.

Michelle

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself to avoid all the problems that set me back professionally. First, I would tell myself to go to junior college to save money and to earn transferable credits. Transfer to a school that is not just excellent, but a school that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Apply to housing at least the first year because it will save you money. Pick internships that are not on campus because you will have a better chance of obtaining a job after graduating. Lastly, and most important pick a career path that will be growing once graduated, so you do not have to face the hardship of trying to find a job in a bad economy. I would tell myself to focus on a career path in either technology/engineering, medicine or finance because there will always be jobs in these fields. Also, do not make the mistake of moving out of your schools local area after graduating because you will lose all networking connections, which will make finding a job even harder. Good luck!

Victor

I found out my junior year of college that the secret of succeeding in my college life lies in three words; DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. I got in the routine of doing assignments right when they were assigned and I found that I was almost always prepared for tests and final exams. Also, if I studied at least an hour a day for final exams I found that I did a lot better than if I crammed the night before. Its better to give yourself time to complete your assignments and go through the semester at a steady and calm pace than to continuously scramble and have anxiety over the millions of assignments you left at the last minute. College really sets the tone for your life and for your future, so be responsible, give your work 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your effort, and treasure your friendships. Also, while you are in college, attempt to gain work experience through internship experiences. Because my internship Senior year, I was able to get a job and begin my dream career. You'll have the opportunity to form invaluable connections if you reach out to people in your intended field of work before you graduate.

Brittany

High school helps student prepare for college, and college help students prepare for life in the real world. College offers students the chance to become the person person they dreamed of, but of course it comes with more responsiblities. For high school students try your best on the SAT and the ACT and you will be closer to being accpeted to any college. College is abbout being self motivated, determined and willing to make scarifices to achieve your goals. The transition from high school to college is huge difference because in high school, teachers reminded you of what is exected. Howevever, in college you must make wise decisions and think critically to determine what is expected of you. My advice to future students is to be smart, strong and determine and you will go far in college and in life. The best way to predict the future is to create it, start strong and end even stronger.

Maria

If I could go back I would remind myself to stop bulking five college classes because it is too much for me to handle. I would advise myself to join an honor society becuase it would look good on my resume and so that I could form long lasting friendships. Also, at times I could not differentiate between my personal issues and my schoolwork. I could have paid attention to college admissions representatives and taken the main college admission test such as the SAT which is the gateway to many scholarships for universities and community colleges as I was unaware.

John

Well it was 8 years after I left high school before I applied for college. If I could go back to my high school senior self I would tell him to try harder, dedicate himself to his studies and understand that there is a great potential within himself. I would tell him to apply to schools. Tell him to make sure that he begins his college career even if at a community college level and sticks to it. That he makes that dedication needed to get through college and come out on the other side a better educated individual that can find and work at a job that he loves.

Kimberly

If I had the oppurtunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to try my best and to give it 200{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and not slack off because all the wrong choices I would make in a high school would not only affect me then as a high school student but they would also affect me in college. The more focus and dedicated you are in high school the more opportunities you have as a college student. An A student in high school has alot more oppurtunities and advantages in college then an average student, interms of advancement in a placement test, the more knowledge you have the higher score one will receive which leads to taking more advance classes and allows one to graduate sooner. There is also programs that give students incentives for high GPA's, and SAT scores. Colleges also offer well performed students extra grants, and scholarships to pay for education. Remember this is important because you are paying for your education, this extra help comes in very helpful for your pocket. The bottom line is that your performance in high school dictaes your future in college.

Merielle

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her not to worry so much about social status. No one really cares about your past once you start college. Focus more on your studies and start developing a better study habit as opposed to joining all the clubs and taking part of random extra-curricular activities. Being involved and busy only pays off if your studies or sleep are not suffering. You can focus better in school if you did not stay up all night catching up on studying. Also, since you live in strongly engineer-populated town, start networking now. Making connections will pay off; the industry is a small world.

Emily

Growing up, I knew I would be the first to graduate high school in my immediate family. That drove me all through my high school years. However, because of this, along with procrastination, I didn't start looking into college until the end of my senior year. By then, all the deadlines had already passed for most universities, as well as scholarships. If I could go back and tell myself about college life, what things I could do differently, etc., I feel as though I'd need to let myself know not to procrastinate. I should have started looking into schools and scholarships prior to my senior year, but even at the beginning of my senior year would have been helpful. I would tell myself not to go into college only looking to pass, but to go above and beyond. Now, I'm struggling to raise my GPA in order to even qualify for most scholarships. Of course, the past is the past. I must go on and continue to work hard in my schooling, because I've realized just how crucial it is in order to have a brighter future.

Alyshia

You must learn to persevere. The whirlwind of college is going to sweep you up faster than you can blink. The tests will be overwhelming. There will be endless coffees and sleepless nights, and more often than not, you will feel like curling up into your twin sized bed in your newfound box of a dorm room to leave your problems for another day; but you can't. What will set you apart from your peers, what will determine your success, is how much you give when there is nothing left to give. You must push and strive for all the things you know you can accomplish because you owe yourself that much, and no one else is going to do it for you. Even this isn't a fool proof method, and when you do make a questionable decision, or do something you regret. Forgive yourself. You are human. You will make mistakes, but you will pick yourself back up and you will fight to be better tomorrow. As you grow into adulthood, do not forget who you are and what you stand for, and always remember to love yourself.

Tori

Knowing what I now know abou college and campus life. I'd have to tell myself that I need to learn to be less socially awkward and more accepting of others attentions. I would warn myself that in college there are so many things that you coul be out there dong jus so long as you feel comfortable to go and talk to people about it.

Devynn

I would go back and tell myself to start thinking about college earlier and work on being in honnors programs starting freshmen year. You don't realize how important it is till it is too late. However, the best advice that I heard a lot but didn't take seriously is "getting involved". Everyone tells you to get involved but I never really listened. It really hurts you when you start to apply to colleges and you weren't involved in school programs. Even though I was super busy outside of school it wasn't enough. The best high school decision I ever made was joining the ROP program, and I wish I could have done other programs like it earlier.

Katherine

If I were to give myself college advice as a high school senior, I would tell them its much easier than you think. Although at times it feels like college is going to be this horrible experience with having to change and meet new people and having to find financial aid and scholorships, I would say its good change and its not as hard as one would expect its to be. The school itself helps a lot with money situation and asking questions never hurts anyone. The people in college are different than those in high school. They don't care what you were or what your past is like, all they really care about is you now. You can make friends with anyone and they will respond in a kindly manner. Meeting new people isn't so hard the 3rd or 4th time around. The level of difficulty in classes is no harder than that of an AP class in high school. Plus you get to choose when to come and thats pretty amazing compared to high school. Its an exciting experience, plan to make the most of it.

Lisa

With the knowledge that I gained over the years, the most important thing I would tell myself would be to make lots of friends in college. I would tell myself to try and be as sociable as possible because networking and having friends is very important in my social and academic life, especially having friends in the same major. High school did not prepare me for how difficult architecture actually was. It did not prepare me for the late nights of staying up, working on projects, or the constant stress in the major. I was not prepared to stay up night after night alone, working on projects and breaking down from the stress and loneliness. I wish I had known how important it would be to have a study buddy or to have someone help me when I needed it most. College is about making friends and creating experiences while pursuing your education. Knowing more people would have made a substantial difference for me. The only thing I regret would be that I did not put enough effort to meet and make new friends in the beginning, especially since I moved 120 miles away from home just to attend college.

Gerardo

As a highschool freshman, I dreamed of going to college. Unfortunately as I worked my way through school, I graudally lost interest in college and focused my ambitions on becoming a rockstar instead. The rockstar life, although it was exciting for a while, never took me anywhere. I never made it big and I dropped out of college. After I got out of the Army, I started attending a community college and am now doing really well in school! My grades are excellent and my teachers respect me because I take college very seriously now. If only I could go back in time, I would tell myself: "Gerardo, go for it! You can get better at playing the guitar but don't lose sight of college. It is the only way to be successful in this society."

KAYLA

If I could go back to high school I would tell my high school senior self to not sweat the small stuff. To enjoy life as a young adult more because once you get to college things are not as easy. Classes are harder and you are on your own left to figure out a way to pay for your college education. I would also tell myself that life gets better, life in high school does not define who you are and the mean kids that seemed to have it so easy are just normal people with the same problems as me.

Aivan

Aivan (that's me), you should have take more AP classes so you don't have to do the all the GE requirements in college now.

Olivia

If I could go back in time, one of the first things I would advise my senior self, regarding college life, would be to not stress out so much. College life is easier than high school teachers and advisors make it out to be. In college, most professors only care about two or three tests that you take in the course, unless it is an English class, where most of the work is essays. There is hardly any assigned homework, but studying is important to maintain good grades. I believe it is also important to get involved. When I joined the track team on campus, it was then that I meet some of my best friends that I spend a lot of time with. Joining a club will make campus life fun and you will meet so many people. It may seem scary moving away, but it is one of the best experiences for me. Also, eating at the dining commons can be terrible at times, but remember that the farm store is an option for healthy food.

Victor

"Never look back at life thinking you "should've", "could've", "would've", done anything. Be appreciative on what your parents have provided for you and actually adapt to the life you soon will end up living if you truly are given that opportunity to. Don't be lazy and slack off because it is your last year of high school and you think you already have it easy, make sure to finish above a 4.0 and don't settle for anything less. Whatever work you put into studying is going to determine on what you become later in life. So remain humble and keep focus on what you are set out to achieve. Every human being can change the world. It just depends if you are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to change it and make an impact in it. Lastly don't ever stop being open-minded, if you want to be the best, then you have stay open-minded and take all criticism as a positive and benefit from all of it. Good, bad, or neutral, make sure you never stop growing as a person. You have high potential on becoming someone, now prove it".

Mark

I was born with clubbed thumbs. My thumbs look like a ping pong paddle, short and round compared to normal thumbs. Throughout high school, my biggest fear was people's opinion about my stubby thumbs. Even though almost nobody actually looked at my thumbs, their opinion had a huge affect on me. Over my first two years of college, I have learned that my thumb shape is the least of my worries. By playing collegiate baseball, and working in the tutorial center, I have gained self confindence in my abilities on and off the baseball field that surpass anyone else's opinion of my thumbs. I would tell my high school self to take that self confidence and thoroughly apply it to my dreams. I would absorb knowledge like a sponge just because learning is one of the most powerful tools we possess. Finally, I would tell myself to take nothing for granted, and to try to becoe a better person everyday.

Primrose

One important aspect I faiedl to realize back in high school is that the world is so much bigger than I thought. I would tell my former self to get out there more, and discover life. I would tell myself to not be shy, to meet new people, travel, learn about the many different cultures, and to explore the world. I would tell myself to not worry about what others think, and to always be yourself, do what makes you truly happy. I would also tell myself to stay close to God, pray always, study the scriptures and be kind to all people you come across. We all have different lives and experiences which in turn helps us to be special and unique, what I would tell myself is completely different from what others would them themselves. In my life, I was always shy and timid. Being in college has helped me to open up and be myself. This is something I wish I knew earlier in life. I wish I could have done more things, and been involved in more school activities and dances. Now that I know these things, I plan on taking advantage.

Carly

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself I can think of many things to say. I would remind myself to enjoy life, and not let the stressful things get to me or let them affect my mood. I would tell myself to be openminded as well as try to not be afraid of the future. I would also tell myself to enjoy the friendships I made in high school, because sadly they won't last forever. One piece of information I would like to tell myself is to continue to be a hardworking individual that does not believe in giving up. On your darkest day, remember that the sun will rise tomorrow. Try to think about the big picture when you are upset: will this situation matter ten hours from now, what about two days from now. If the answer is no, try to take a deep breath and let it go. The biggest piece of advice I would give to my younger self would be to love. Don't be afraid to love and be passionate about things. And always remember that everything happens for a reason.

Christa

Stay focused and dont let anyone put down your dreams.

Daniel

I substitute for high school frequently, and I am always telling students I wish someone like me was advising me at their age. I would first start by telling myself to studied more with less procrastination. I would also tell myself not to let my relationships take priority over my schooling. However keeping im mind that the right girl will only motivate my study habbits, not hinder them as she would be considerate of the educational goals that I have set for myself. As soon as you transfer to Cal Poly start taking a variety of classes that include dance, philosophy and physical education. Those classes not only help you build confidence, but they will help you make friends and enhance study skills. Don't get caught up trying to hang out with people. Focus on your studies. Don't just chase the Bachlor's in pre-veterinary medicine, but go after the doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. Go to the different veterinary schools and find their prerequisites, because without those you won't get in to those schools. Don't lose focus, stay motivated, learn to roll with the punches and never give up on your dreams.

Nadin

Take more AP credits and less classes

Aaron

One of the most important things I would tell my high school self is to learn to love learning! Ultimately, all knowledge is interesting, so do not get complacent or lazy in the mundane classes. You have every potential to be excellent, so jump at it and be just that! I would also tell myself to worry a bit less about girls, and really take the time to find myself first. Figure out what you really want to do with your life before you spend a couple years in college to figure it out. That way, you will not spend time bored to death in classes you are not really interested in, with little motivation for both school and the future. One final thing I would emphasize to myself is to procrastinating. You are definitely better than that. Do not settle for mediocre any longer. Impress yourself, impress your instructors, and prove to your family that you are worthwhile, because you most certainly are. You have been through a lot in life, so do not let your old habits carry over to college, and do not let them drag you down. Good luck, and be amazing. You can do it!

Brittany

As a high school senior, I was constantly worried about what school was best for me and whether my decision to go into architecture was the right choice. While in my fourth year of school, I feel that I haven't made much of my college experience. My particular major is very demanding with torturous all-nighters and dead-lines coming all too soon. With all this, I didn't have much of a social connectedness with the main campus. While the general education classes allow for interaction with other people, I generally remained quite unsocial. This however doesn't make me regret my choice though. Finding what you love to do is the best even if I know I might not be able to get a job because of the current market. I would tell past self though that I should become more involved with the activities in school. This could include living on-campus and joining various clubs and a sorority. Honestly, going to college isn't just about gaining that paper that says you have a degree. It is about yearning for what you love and being able to share your experiences with those around you.

Tracy

I would tell myself to take my time and attend every day of high school. Try to listen to the teachers advice because it could be crucial to you years to come. And to try your best with everything you try and do.

Anastoria

I enter college next month but what I do know is that as a high school senior, I was a great student. During my first three years of high school, I did not study. I was really hard on myself. I felt like i'd never finish high school. i wish that I had listened to my mom in the beginning. She told me to study, she also told me that I should stay after for help. Getting things together at the last minute was hard and I do say thatg my senior year of high school was difficult and emotional. Before my senior year of high school, I made a move from East Hartford, CT to Atlanta, Georgia. I was not aware of the curriculum chage and culture shock. In georgia, in order to graduate you have to take a four section test .I took the test twice because the first time, I didn't do well. The 2nd time, I studied and stayed after school for hours. I was told 3 weeks short of graduation that I would not graduate with my friends because of failing the test. I was sent to a private school and graduated there.

Jasmine

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to excel further in my studies. In high school many public high schools do not prepare you for SAT or college level work. Public high schools can only do what they can with the resources they have. I would tell myself that just because I have an 85 GPA on my transcript it really means that colleges are looking at it as a 2.5 GPA out of a maximum of a 4.0 GPA. I wouldn’t be near an average GPA so I would definitely need to take advantage of the honor classes that my high school offered. In college, professors do not accept mediocre writing. There is a standard college level writing that must be followed. I found this out the hard way when I had no choice but attend a community college. In community college I had to take a placement exam that placed me in Basic English. This Basic English class taught me that I had a long way to go before I could even major in journalism. This is the advice you need.

Sarah

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school and give myself advice on what it really takes to be an outstanding college student the main areas that I would focus on would be patience, confidence, persistence and determination. I would stress to be patient with myself when trying to discover what it truly is that I want to build a career out of. The suggestion would be to start by taking general classes towards an AA that could then later transfer into something more in depth, and while doing so to make sure and research the areas and fields of interest and job shadow those of importance. The main point would be that no matter what decisions I make or what I decide to do that I do it with confidence. That no matter what happens to never give up on myself, to be determined to turn my dream into a reality, to do whatever it takes to fulfill my vision, and to use persistence to get through the times in which I will struggle. If I am patient, confident, persistent, and determined regardless of where I end up, all will be well.

Jesse

I would had prepared myself the summer prior either in taking a class or understanding what I wanted to do in my career. My first year I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do therefore there were some courses I took that I didn’t need which backs you up at the end. Since I was working during my college career I should had worked less hours and focused on school. As a senior I have been able to raise my GPA and do better in the classroom but the first couple of years were a struggle. Since I needed to work in order to pay for school I should had applied for more scholarships even though it’s discouraging when people apply and don’t get chosen as well as being time consuming. I don’t regret attending Cal Poly because I have networked and met many great friends who have helped me as well as my involvement in a few clubs. That being said I should had attended a community college first so I wouldn’t have to struggle with money while I would still be able to take classes toward a degree and transfer after.

Stephanie

All students run across the "senioritis" page at some point near graduation. We get distracted and unfocused. Please, stay on track and keep the motivation strong. You're a great student, you work hard and you always push yourself. Don't let your focus be too far ahead in the future to the point where you lose sight of your goals now. You know where you want to be and you know you can get there. It's also not the end of the world if you don't go directly into a four year university straight out of high school. I know you will feel like you'll be unaccomplished if you finish your general ed in a community college, but I suggest it. It's cheaper, more accessible and allows time for you to figure things out. Also, it has been a much smoother transition into a four year university as a transfer student than a first time freshmen. Keep that under consideration. Also, remember to not overwhelm yourself, use this time in your life to make memories. You're so young, you should not be so stressed out. Relax, live, and don't take life too serious.

Christie

I would tell myself, to "Put the extra effort forth now, while the math is simple, because it will only get harder from here on. No matter what always remeber to keep your chin up though and keep moving forward, everyhting will work out only when you Trust In God."

Leo

Enjoy your time there and expand your social circle. Dont worry too much about the academics and let loose more, you only have only time to enjoy your college experience.

Bill

The thing that I would tell myself if I had the chance is to learn how to balance play and work.

Erika

The only thing I would go back and tell myself is to take dual credit. At my high school the councilers only pushed A.P. classes, I had no idea I could have alomst a complete year of college done before I had even graduated high school. If I'd known this I would have one year left in school and things would be better set up for me right now. I know I wouldn't advise myself to do anymore note taking, studying, or homework because I already do it all and have a high GPA because of it and I'm proud to say that I do because I have worked hard for that GPA. When in high school, I got sick and was out of school for an extended period of time, I taught myself everything from home as a freshman and kept that trend going all throughout high school. By the time my senior year rolled around I wasn't in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and for a hardworking, perfectionist like myself, that was devistating. When I got to start fresh in college I strived to not let my illness affect my grades and It hasn't.

Jackie

I am walking down the hall in my high school and I bump my shoulder to one who looks like me as a senior. This is the time I can help myself become better at certain things so that I don’t make the same moves and perhaps take a different path to see what greatness unfolds.Greek life, it is excitement that’s shown and heard in those two words. High school Jackie would’ve not wanted to pursue it; Graduate Jackie says that I should consider it. Sure it will be time spent socializing as well as attending mixers rather than studying in your dorm room. It is fundamentally all about networking and the people you know. It is perfectly fine to seek a sorority that is fit for who I am and what I can offer them and not to think that it’s all a waste of time.Last, seek an internship related to your major early so that I will know what I am interested in and what I want to excel in. It is normal to also change your major enough to know what you want to become an expert in.

Jeromie

Don't waist time. College life has the ability to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable times of your life, but it can also be one of the most regretful. You must understand the importance of maintaining a stellar grade point average, while developing yourself into a professional that the world needs. Take full advantage of the resources that are accessible to you, and work hard to build long lasting relationships with your campus community, professors, and established professionals. Your future is truly in your hands and no one other than yourself can decide the life you are destined to live. Lapses in judgement can result in regrets that are irreversible. Don't fall victim to the distractions that college life presents as their will be many nights where studying will not seem appetizing. You must have a clear vision and always stay focused as you embark down a journey that will surely change your life forvever. The ability to pay attention at the most unpleasant times will surely build character and be of great benefit to you. Never be afraid to think out loud and give yourself advice like I've given from me to you.

Swapna

I would say it is ok to make mistakes as long as you learn something from and better yourself. Since sometimes your mistakes can lead you to make the best decision of your life. College is not for fun or enjoying the campus life, it is another step to make it on your own and to better your standard of living. College is not something that fits your personality, rather a necessary resource that will help you out in your future.

Parker

Hey Self...you will be graduating high school soon and going into college. I know this is daunting, but all those AP classes you are taking have you in great shape. Unfortunately, you know that workload it took you one year to complete? Well, it is now packaged into a little more than two months. So, read every chapter, take lots of notes, and dedicate time to understanding material, not just memorizing it. Also, if you decide the book is too difficult to read all the way through, just pay attention to the professor. They will often skew the material into a better understanding for us anyways. But, other than studying, remember to network as much as possible. Make friends in your major and other majors. Make friends with your professors too. You will want them to remember you and have them available when you look for your first job, or need that recommendation. And remember, change your major as many times as you want. Oh, and don't worry about finances too much, you can pay that back later. So, study hard, play hard, and have the best time of your life!

matthew

Young Matthew, as excited as you are to being going to college and expanding your vast array of knowledge be aware that most of your education comes not from the classroom, but the people you surround yourself with. Be outgoing, be loud, be noticed. Help anyone you can to better themselves as it will always benefit you. Make lots of friends and participate in student body, special groups or organizations as much as you can. The people in your class are not your competitors but you team mates and will be collegues for the rest of your life. Never think you don't have anything in common with the person next to you for you both have a passion to further your education and pursue your dreams. Now go forth in confidence that you will never let a moment pass you by. Carpe Diem, my friend, Carpe Diem!