CUNY Hunter College Top Questions

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

Young

College is an entirely a new plane of field. Be all you can be. It just don't apply to U.S. Army anymore but to college prospects as well. The chances of your classmates know who you are are slim, and if they do. Let's say classmate B is from your highschool and exactly wasn't your pal, but that's okay. Classmate B is just one in a sixty or more depending on your college classroom environment. Therefore, Classmate B also is a foreigner in a universi-polis. And now you have the second chance to start over, make the first impression you wanted, the one that you wanted to be back in high school or a better you. So break the box around you, experience to the fullest of your capabilities both academically and non-academically. Meet new types of friends, sign up for a club, take classes that always interested you which is not related to your field of study; afterall, must you not forget why you are in college. From my experience, four-years go by quick and if you are not focued in school, you may risk another year in school...

Cait

If I had the opportunity to go back and speak with myself as a high school student, I would have a lot to say. Primarily, my message would be to stay calm and take your time as you begin. I would emphasize this first because a lot of students, including myself, are too eager to excel and prove themselves in the beginning. In this way, you can easily lose focus on what is most important -- yourself and happiness. There is no sense stressing if you do not have too. Do not overwhelm yourself by taking on too many classes with heavy workloads. Be easy on yourself by taking what is required and performing your best within your means. I would also explain that independence and fun are exciting aspects of college life, but always put responsibility and health first. In addition, I would urge myself to save as much spending money as possible while in high school! I would tell myself to prepare for many nights eating ramen noodles and pizza. Finally, I would tell myself that what is to come will be a wonderful adventure and to expect plenty of new experiences that will change your world.

Pia

Stop being so stubborn and thinking that you can achieve everything you want to by yourself. There's always going to be somebody to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. You're not alone in this important and struggling stage of your life. You're surrounded by so many people who are going to support any decision you make to make your dreams a reality; they're more than willing to help you get there. Accept their assistance because it could make such a great difference than when you would have done it on your own. They've all been where you are right now, they understand all the stresses that you're going through. You can get to where you strive to be thanks to these well-educated people. Don't take them for granted and take any opportunity given and I promise you, you will go far and succeed.

tania

I would tell myself to not only major in something that I love but also somethingt that could guarantee my financial independency. I would also advise myself to have a double major. I would finish in the same amount of time. In addition I would convince myself to take summer classes because then I could have graduated in exactly 4 years, instead of waisting time. I would have also chosen a college that is more carreer oriented, that offered internships and job placements.

Esther

Transitioning into college, it is important to know that no one will run after yout to get your work done. At this stage, you need to be able to proritize your work, time, and personal life outside of school. Make friends with those who share the same, or even higher goals than you. It can be beneficial to have at least two phone numbers of students in each of your classes to form study groups, or to keep eachother updated with due work. It is also beneficial to try to study a little bit everyday, instead of cramming the night before a test. It is also important to build a relationship with your professors, go to their office hours and ask for advice on how to improve your work. Overall, being a college student will bring challenges your way, but its how you attack them and go about them that will make all the difference.

Bruce

I would tell myself to first ask yourself why are going to college, don't just go in there because it is what you are expected to do, if you do that you are going to lack the hunger and the drive to push yourself in college when the going really gets tough. Ask yourself away from the hype, family, and friends why do you want to go, why is it important to YOU? What do you want to achieve and accomplish. Then I will tell him to learn everything you can about the college ot university that you will be spending the next 4 years of life going to, finacial aid office, counselors, student government, the works. The more you know about what is available to you the more at ease you will be and you will know how to use those resources when you really need them. Finally I will tell him make the most out your time, make sure you ace your classes and EXPLORE what you school has to offer this can be a springboard to future sucess if you do it right. FNALLY TRY TO HAVE SOME FUN WHILE YOU ARE THERE!

Chioma

Being the first in my family to graduate from High school in the United States was a very challenging experience for me. The credits that I received while I was in secondary school in Nigeria could not be converted to the grading system in the United States. My high school counselor was left with no option than to give me a “D” letter grade for many of the classes. Through out the two years that I spent in High School, I strived to boost my GPA by taking many advanced placement classes. Even though I was able to increase my class rank by 300 students, I was not able to improve my GPA as much as I wanted. I was not eligible for many scholarships and I was rejected by all the colleges that I had applied to. I felt like I was never going to make it because my GPA was ruined. However, I have realized that the problem was not my GPA but the way I reacted to my situation. If I could go back in time, I would advice myself to have a positive view of my situation. Although GPA is important, it is not everything.

Mario

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the best advice I could give myself would be, get a job - college is expensive & worry about getting good grades. Making the transition to college was the hardest thing for me financially, because my first year I did not have a job and the college expenses for my parents where overwhelming. In addition, I would tell myself to focus more on my class grades and not slack off . Lastly, I would tell myself to take advantage of the compass test , because while in high school it's free and once in college that test comes out of your own pocket. Not only that, but if you pass them in high school you won't need to take remedial classes in college, saving you more time and money.

andreana

My advice to my high school self would be to really take the time to know what school works best for me. Just because it looks good on a website doesn’t necessarily mean its the right school for you. Going to school visitations and orientation gives you the opportunity to see how you fit in the environment. I would also say to my high school self to learn quality study tips. There is a difference between cramming and understanding material and knowing how to correctly study is very important.

Jessica

Dear high school me, Greetings, you made it! You are about to embark on the rest of your life, and each turn you take on this crazy path called life will mold every decision that comes after. Stop falling asleep in Italian class, and realize that knowing another language can open an entirely new world to you. Keep up with it in college, too. As much as an adult you think you are, realize that you have a lot of growing up to do. You have made some great friends at this point, but focus on yourself and your future starting now. Immediately. Explore and review your options, consider your strengths, and start realizing that the hobbies that you love (photography, sculpture, art) can be your career if you work hard enough at it. Also, get some of those general education requirement classes out of the way first, so if you change your mind, which is highly likely, switching colleges will be a breeze. But also, take a few electives in subjects that fascinate you, subjects that may further making these hobbies into careers. Pay attention, participate in lecture, ask ‘Why?’. Expand your life starting with your mind. Now.

Leslie

If I could go back in time and tell 17-year-old Leslie anything, it would be to be fearless. At 17, the world that I knew was small and intimidating. That fear was paralyzing; it did not allow me to seek out different experiences for fear of failure or for fear of inadequacy. 27-year-old Leslie now understands how big the world is, how full the world is with possibilities for anyone who wants it bad enough. Failure is not something to dread; on the contrary, failure is a liberator. Failure allows you to weed through what works and what doesn't work and continue on your path more efficiently. Fear is the quicksand that keeps you stuck at a job you dislike for fear of the unknown. Fear is the kryptonite that stifles all human super powers: creativity, art, ideas, innovation, beauty, love, compassion, acceptance and tolerance. So if I could go back in time and tell any 17-year-old anything, it would be to be fearless.

Caitlin

Dear High School Senior Caitlin: FIRST, kudos to you for deciding to take honors academic courses to prepare you for college courses because that has helped tremendously! College is fun, don't make it a stressful transition. Take high school more seriously, study those extra hours, make those higher grades that count toward your GPA because that grade point average is more than just a number. Your GPA can be a ticket into many different organizations and societies that will aide in taking you to higher places and meeting people who share some of the same goals as you! Along with academics, continue on with your dancing career; don't let it go to waste. Keep learning new moves and improving because many colleges will appreciate your talent and offer you scholarships in this area as well. Stay in touch with colleagues and those people who have helped you through the years; you will thank them one day. Keep doing more than just the minimum, never stop improving, and continue to challenge yourself daily because education is unlimited. Also, drink more water and try the vegetarian diet; it is very rewarding! BRAIN POWER!

Anna

So Anna, you're applying for college... so heads up first, Hunter is another Tech, except there's a prettier library and the computers can go onto Youtube. Remember everything you did this last year? Like how you decided to not go to class sometimes, or when you didn't do your homework till 4am the day it was due, or even worse when you decided to just not do it at all? Get your stuff together. Do your homework, make a schedule, clean up your desk once in a while and go get some sleep. It doesn't help when you decide to do your sleeping in class. Also the judo class that you're taking, keep it up even after getting into college. There are occasions when people ask you what skills you have and you can't just list a whole bunch of stuff that you learned but was never good at. The last thing I want to say to you is just go for it. Don't worry about what other people think, so what it's a CUNY? You might not have known much about Hunter but you're not going to regret it.

Meghann

I would tell myself not to take myself so dang seriously. I've always been a perfectionist. I have always put letter grades and my GPA in front of my happiness. I'm not really talking about the different between an A and a C. I'm talking about the difference between an A and an A+. I took time off school because I became depressed as a result of this kind of thinking. When I got a B for the first time, I was really upset. It was pretty ridiculous. When I came back, I had realized that it didn't just matter what I did inside the classroom. That would help, but work experience and internships could also give me an edge. I have tried to find what I love doing and become a well-rounded job candidate. It's alright if I get a B so long as I keep going. I don't need to be perfect. And I shouldn't take myself so dang seriously.

Kenroy

Take the SAT, go to college.

Colleen

Be sure to sign up for any scholarships that apply to you. Thankfully your college experience will be an easy transition when you enter LaGuardia but it will get much more difficult when you enter Hunter as the work load is larger. Take this time to learn to manage your time better and plan which assignments get done. When you take your first classes try not to get too nervous about the work you are given. You know your strengths and you take your work seriously. This is why when you are given any assignments or its time to study for your midterms or finals do not second guess yourself. Study and do the best you can. Your professors will see you are taking the class seriously and putting in the effort to do as well as you can. Just because you are transitioning to college does not mean it will be brutal. If you keep the responsible behavior you have now you will do fine. Do not let the horror stories about college psych you out. It will be stressful at times but you will be able to handle it. Be sure to enjoy this time as well.

sean

I would look myself in the eye and say “your life will soon become very hard but the efforts are worth the reward". Because even before my senior year of high school I knew what i wanted and what is was going to take to get there. And there is no better advice to give someone that knows what they want then to just perceiver. Just like what John Quincy Adams said "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."

Evangelina

Knowing what I know about college life now, I would go back to my bench at Arvin High, October 2005, tap on my shoulder, look at myself and say “Evangelina, stay positive, connect with people and don't be afraid to leave your family. Don’t be afraid to open yourself up to new experiences and incredible knowledge because once you do, the sky really is the limit. Be prepared for late night studying, writing papers and moments of self-appreciation for writing such awesome papers. The advice I’m giving to you is out of love and fore warning of the many rough and not-so rough school years ahead. Go away for school and don’t become another lazy statistic by not finding employment to help with tuition. Do not allow your parents to hold the burden of payments. Have fun in college because there are fun times but do not lose sight of the goal and what’s important; your time, energy, and money. Listen to me and have a wonderful prospering life.” Along with knowing what I know now, I know that I cannot change my past but my future is bright.

Virginia

College has a way of making a person humble. I entered college assuming that I will do well, but I did not prepare myself well in some classes and ended up with below than average grades. I learned that in order to succeed you need to work towards your goal on a daily basis. Make a table of assignments and deadlines for each class. Actively participate in class by asking questions and open your mind to the answers. When studying do not simply memorize, instead, give yourself time to understand the answer. Balance an academic life with a social life. Having a job, volunteering or simply hanging out with friends and family replenishes your drive to study. Also, network with people in class to form study groups or have someone to call for help. Most importantly be honest with yourself and plan for your future. If there is an opportunity that you want, believe in yourself and apply so that you won’t regret it later. Build your resume and curriculum vitae: apply for internships and summer enrichment programs and volunteer in areas that interest you. Mainly, make things happen for yourself. Improve yourself and take care of your health.

FRANKLIN

Going to college has been paramount on my agenda. Growing up in a family of six with both my parents Masters Degrees holders in their educational careers,i promised myself that i would also acquire the same level of education as they did. My College endeavors hasr been chalenging for me,but i continue to strive for excelence in my studies. As a full-time worker and also combining it with college can be cumbersome on your body and mind.I managed to encomperate healthy lifestyle into my studies,such as exercising regularly . High school life is different from college life whereby the student has less responsibility to assume, especially with financial challenges that college student has to deal with. In my honest opinion i think high school students should start thinking about saving for college when they are still in high school.This would reduce the burden of financial instability by half. In conclusion,my advice i would give to myself would be acquire as much knowledge as you can in high school because that would go a long way in your studies at college,save for college and get a mentor to help you make good career choices.

Jonathan

The one piece of advice that I would give to myself is to stay true to who I was and who I wanted to become. The transition into college was difficult for me as I was the first member of my family to enroll in college and this resulted in me trying to fulfill what my family expected of me instead of what it was that I wanted to accomplish for myself. Four years into college I am now making a new transition into the school and degree program that I want to study, and while I can't dismiss the immensely valuable knowledge I have gained in my time at Hunter, I have inhibited myself from growing into the person I wanted to be. Stay true to who you are and never abandon your dreams in order to satisfy others.

Sean

If at this moment I were able to speak to myself as a high school senior, psychology-volunteer work

Samantha

When I was a senior in high school I allowed people to make me believe that the most important thing in life is to make money. I was told the best careers would be in science. With this mentality I went into college to do science, but I wasn't happy. The only time I was happy was when I went to my art classes. I became depressed because I saw my future in science as torture not happiness. I then was advised by my peers to do as my heart desires. I changed my major to Fine arts and now I am ecstatic. You may be good at something, but if you don’t love it there is no point. Do what you love and you will be successful in more realms than just money.

Aubrey

If I can go back in time, I would tell myself that college life is tough. Not only in deciding what major to take but also going through it and bonding with new people. Because once I get into college, the choices are: go big or go home? I considered myself as a very shy person in class because I don't have courage to speak up in class or simply ask the teacher about a discussion question. Therefore, I would tell myself to learn how to communicate with new people and not to be a shy person. College life is not as easy as it looks like in the movies. Some times college can be fun, but most of the time it's very hard. One of the reasons is that I have to sacrifice my social life for school, because I have a goal for my future. Another reason that being in college is hard because of the competition among the students in class. Sometimes when one of my classmates got a higher grade than me, I would stay up all night to study. Therefore, I would tell myself to be prepared for the hardness of college life.

Megan

My advice to my high-school senior-self wouldn't come in the form of words, but rather, zen paraphrenalia. A bracelet, with the caption "WWDLD?" on it would be enough of a reminder that inner peace and self love is the real goal in life. Asking myself "what would the dalai lama do?" would allow my stress and pressure-bound high school-self to remember that there is a greater goal than the obvious when it comes to higher education. College is more than just pursuing an academic degree; it's about self discovery and learning what you really want out of life. It's like meeting your true self for the first time, allowing that person to develop and make a presence. As a serial-stresser, you can imagine how difficult this was for me to learn. To this day I still sometimes struggle with over-stressing. If given the chance to go back in time and help my younger self through such an incredibly tumultuous transition , learning to ask for guidance through others lessons (such as the dalai lama, confucious or the buddha) would be my greatest gift.

kathleen

If I were to go back to high school, I would give myself the same advice. . I don't think I would really change anything that happened from high school in which advice was given to me. I was unlike a lot of my fellow students and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I felt lost, and empty in a sense. So I attended Nassau Community College and studied liberal arts. In the second year of college I was given the rare opportunity to intern at Red Bull Energy Drink Company. This was a major accomplishment, and when I think about advice from the past, I wouldn't change anything because where I am today is where I belong and I am learning so much from this expirence.

Allison

I would tell myself that I should start looking for scholarships for a four year school before I go to Community college because i knew then I was doing that. I would also tell myself to read more and take a different approach on studying because the way tests and work is laid out in college is way more different than it was in highschool. I would tell myself to become friendly with the professors so I can be more comfortable talking about the problems i would have with my classwork and homework. Also I would tell myself to take advantage of my professors office hours more often, because it's better to do that than to feel clueless at home, with assignments and projects. Lastly I would tell myself that I should make a few more friends in each of my classes, not only to meet new people but it's a good idea to have people that you can ask for help that are in the same situation as you are.

Scott

If were able to speak to myself while I was in high-school I would have many pieces of advice to give to myself. The first thing I would tell myself is to try to take life seriously and to not try to have fun all of the time. I would tell myself that school and studying are very important facts of life that should be respected and regarded as being extremely valuable tools which will help advance my future and will lead to successful living and without them one is basically on the bottom-rung of societies economic strata and that is not where anyone should want to be. I would tell myself to try to be nicer to people all of the time and to try and value friendship more because it helps develop social skills and builds relationships which are important for future development. I would tell myself about all the things that were to transpire in my life and how to handle the situations more appropriately which would benefit all parties involved. I would especially tell my high-school self all of the things that were most important for me in my life for my advancement.

Marilyn

College is a drastic change, but in the best way possible. College erases the lines of all previous stereotypes and opens a window for you to be whoever it was you wanted to be in high school. That being said, make more mistakes and get more involved! It's not very often one gets to do something over, high school is your chance to have those embarassing, uncomfortable moments with people you don't know, as hard as it is to believe, it will help you socialize in college! Volunteer, play the sports you were too afraid to, it will help with scholarships! Continue to care about your grades but don't be afraid to get in a little bit of troube, it will give you something to talk about! College is its own experience, but don't let your ideas of an amazing, action packed future inhibit you from being happy and taking control of your life now. You may be overwhelmed sometimes with stress and choices, but just remember to trust your gut and that your friends will always be there no matter the distance. Also, do your best to look better in your college student ID picture...

Alexandra

College is a time for you to grow and learn all that you can, but not to the point that it becomes stressful for you. Breathe. You want to spread out, but do not spread yourself thin. Do not be scared that you are not good enough for something or that you are missing out on fun with your friends because you chose to be involved in an academically involved extracurricular activity. Not to say that your friends are not important, but figuring out who you are and what you are capable of is important. Remember that you are smart, high school was a breeze. Remind yourself of that when you are studying for an exam or while taking the exam, you CAN handle it and you can pass. Do not doubt yourself, you are strong and you have been through obstacles. This obstacle is no different than any other, except the prize at the end is your own achievements. Look to the future often and be proud that your choices that you make now are taking you there. Stay motivated but most importantly be happy.

Joseph

Young man, if you must be so angsty, I’d strongly advise you to consider directing your angst anywhere other than academia. Something as simple as exercise might suffice as an outlet. Without higher education, meaning not just a bachelor’s degree but a master’s, you very well might spend your twenties doing hard manual labor for petty wages like I myself have done. While the School of Life has its valuable lessons to impart, it often leaves you broke, scrambling for work that is degrading at best. I know you’ve spent the last thirteen years in school and that the thought of another six years is maddening. I know you want to travel, to be independent, to be young, but who ever told you that through going to college you forfeit these things? I promise you, you can do it all! Just give college a fair chance. Do you think at age thirty I’d be back in college (and very happy to be back) if I didn’t mean every word I’m saying to you? Finally, with utmost authority on the subject, I’d like to add: You don’t know it all.

Laura

Wouldn’t we all enjoy a safe travel back in time to warn ourselves to avoid making misguided decisions? If physics would allow me to do just that, I’d have an overabundance of warnings and advice that I could give my former High School self. The most significant advice I could offer myself concerning college life however would be of the fiscal sort. After the obligatory introduction, explanation of time travel and of the future, proof of identity, and barrage of questions that I’m sure my past self would need me to answer before she listens to anything I’d forewarn, I would continue as follows. With my “timely” intervention I’d advise myself to utilize the summer of 2006 differently. During that transitional summer between adolescence and young adulthood while I prepared for a mystifying journey in college education, I would have shopped less! Not only would I have urged myself to save a larger percentage of my wages, but I would have also encouraged scholarship applications as a sublime alternative to student loans and paying out of pocket for school supplies. Why incur any student debt if your mental faculties are sharp and your determination strong?

Jonathan

To travel back in time and speak to a high school senior version of me, the first thing I would do honestly, is live out the childhood fantasy of having a dramatic meeting with myself (for I was, and still am a sci-fi nerd). I would burst into the room, locate myself, and cry out: “I’m you from the future! Come with me, there’s no time to explain!” And knowing myself, I would promptly respond with: “okay.” I digress from answering the imposed question for a reason, and that’s because there wouldn’t be anything in particular that I would impart on myself that would dramatically change my experience in college. I believe that: not everything that we do in our past will be looked favorably in the present, but it is how we deal with them, and use the future to better ourselves, to prevent those same regrettable situations from reoccurring, is what defines us. It's a necessity to experience life for yourself, rather than follow blindly advice, even from your future self. At the very most I’d tell myself: “relax, you’re in for one hell of a ride. You got this.”

Noa

Take it easy, work hard, and put yourself out there

Nina

Keep working hard because it does pay off, and do not rush to grow up. And it is just high school, it is a brief point in your life and you will succeed and you will meet better people. Just trust that everything will work out because it will.

Mahira

I would tell myself to study hard and get a 4 or 5 on AP classes, find a effective way to study and also to get a job and save a lot of money for all the college expenses.

Stephanie

In life we are always forced to make decisions. If I were to go back to high school and talk to myself, I would give warning that every decision made in life will stay with you forever. Over time we all will make mistakes and fall down, but we are responsible for finding the right path for our new future. College is a scary place and the times you have in there can be amazing but can also haunt you. Making the decisions that you know will help you in the long run is the best advice I would give. Imprace every moment in life and in college because time will be gone before you know it.

Yin

Decide on what you would like to doand what you imagine yourself to be before you enter your Freshman. Don't assume that because it is the Freshman year that you can be lax. Study the programs offered and how declaring majors work. Ask ahead of time how financial aid works. Make sure that the information given to the College is acurate. Be careful of what you plan to study and make sure you know what classes you registered for and know whether you can handle the courses before you register for them.

zimaro

If I could go back to HS to start all over, I only would give myself an advice about majors and important classes. That means, I would be studying hard for classes i m intended to take for my majors, and excel in its. I would like to extend my study time and reduce fun time.

Eileen

I recently left a marriage of 19 years. I was in an abusive, controlling, degrading marriage. I am now free from this and am wishing to educate myself so that I am financially independent. In today’s society it is nearly impossible to make it financially without working two jobs. I have quit my second job of 19 years, and am as asking for help financially. An education would aid me to be independent and financially secure. Thank you for your consideration. Eileen Gianola

suysen

knowing a lot about college nowadays, i feel there are so many things i want to try over again. I would advise myself that college is a place where life is giving you the chance to think clearly about how you want to live your life in a much later time, whether it is about a career, a family, friends, even your passion. People always say college give you freedom, but I think that freedom shouldn't be abused of because that freedom is for each individual to explore for what their future holds. I, feeling constrainted to getting good grade each semester and making sure i mantain my academic stardards, would like to say to myself that college is too short just as life is ; therefore, I shouldn't just spend my time sitting on a chair and holding a paper and a pen most of the time. The chances that corresponds to myself in life is waiting for me out there and being in college will help you get there.

David

I’d sit him down and splash brandy in his eyes. He’d writhe and shrill, struggling to rid the pain. He’d shoot for the kitchen, but I’d yell “SIT DOWN YOU AIN’T GOING NO WHERE!” and kick him back on the couch with my oxford sole. I’d take my bottle and its fiery contents and smash it right over his shoulder. He’d duck and hide between his arms, warm cognac and tiny shards diffused over his neck and arms. Afraid and defeated, he’d look up through his teary eyes, uttering the following with a crackled voice like any prepubescent teen would who has yet to explore the world’s grievous demands and vices: “ what I’d do?" I’d laugh, for indeed he’s done nothing—not until years later, of course; not until it's reached its fullest effect; when it does no good anymore; when the father hurts because he too was plagued by liquid fire … and now his son. I’d sit in front of my young self, with the broken Martell in my hand, and hope that my tears would be enough to keep him from that first drink.

Brendan

If I could speak to my high school self and give advice about college life I would say: “Live, and don’t be afraid of failure.” One of my greatest problems growing up was that I was always too afraid to move or do anything for fear of failing. It was not until my first year in college, seeing how much the world of opportunity opens up with simple effort that I learned I made a mistake. What was completely obvious was if I jumped on some opportunities sooner I would have an even larger position in life for me to work with. However knowing my previous self I now that I would be the only one capable of talking to myself. This is because I was (and still) a very stubborn individual when It came to taking advice from someone I do not fully know or trust. My high school self would have to hear the information just right at the right time. Thankfully since I am the perfect candidate for the task my message would be heard perfectly and when I come back to my time in 2012 my will be very different, and all for the better.

Alvaro

Youth is mark by the spellbinding lure for the unconditional: Dora the explorer is unconditionally the hero, Swiper the Fox is unconditionally the villain. As a senior in high school, the world is slightly more complicated, but individuals and experiences are seemingly easily compartmentalized into unconditional opposites, the metaphorical black and white. But like an incurable malady, you must be afraid of the unconditional, for rarely is life ever black or white. Rather it is a mélange of black and white. Live life in the complicated nuances of those mélange. Live life in the grays! It is those nuances, Fredrich Nietzsche calls, “the best grain of life.” Contained in those grays are the infinite possibilities of new feelings. Each experience and individual, as similar as it may look to a previous experience, is a new feel; each love is a new feel, each heartache is a new feel, each moment ripe with a new feel. Your capacity to understand the grays enhances the sensitivities of each new feel. For if living is an art, then you must be afraid of the unconditional, because art is rarely ever only black and white.

John

Hey. I know you messed up pretty spectacularly during junior year. I suppose it was a good thing that you were forced to take a remedial summer english class. It proved you’re not “smart but lazy”. You’re actually, both stupid AND lazy. Yes, it was humiliating, but I hope you found it to be a humbling experience. Stay focused in your final year, and learn and retain as much information and knowledge as you can, especially in your precalculus class. I know you’re anxious to see if you got into that college upstate, but I’ll just tell you now. You didn’t. You’ll be commuting for the next two years. But that’s a good thing! This will give you the opportunity to save some money for your eventual transfer (yes, you will transfer), but only if you actually save! This means you need to cut back on the comics.You got involved in some pretty bad stuff last year. Don’t worry about our parents. They still love you. Just remember, save up and stay humbled. Ask your professors for advice whenever possible, and learn as much as you can about everything. Good luck.

Keishla

I would put all my efforts to be more responsible and acquire more knowledge, so when you get to college to have all the tools necessary to not fail and go forward. Because here in Puerto Rico are very few aid and is very difficult to study and complete a profession to be somebody in life.

Melina

The advice I could give myself would be to seek for all the help possible, speak to advisors and college guide staff at the school. Sometimes we feel that we know everything that we are suppose to know, but end up making mistakes or choosing the wrong career path because we weren't aware of all the information needed. By choosing the wrong college or sending the wrong information to financial aid, it could delay many things. It is always good to ask questions and seek for the help needed. This would be what I would say to myself. If I would have ask the right questions and seek for help, I could have been a college graduate by now.

Stephanie

Stephanie, you waited a while to figure out what you needed to do and that's alright. In high school you didn't quite fit in and you constantly attempted to find something or someone to stick on to so your fingers ended up in all the honey pots. Then you pushed people away because you figured you weren't good enough. You are good enough and it will take you a few years to figure that out so be patient. You don't have to please anyone but yourself. Make sure that you keep your head up and that you realize you're worth far more than you think. Don't let the stress of growing up keep you from having fun. You'll have enough time to worry about those things. Enjoy your journey, help as many people as you can because that's when you'll feel most fulfilled. Remember that you are capable of changing the world. You just have to be around to do it.

stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself that I am in total control of my future and college career. In college, your professors treat you like an adult. Its your responsiblity to know deadlines for papers and to keep up your grades. If you do not show up for class, nobody is going to come and arrest you for truancy. Many times, I found myself saying "why do I need to learn this, I will never use this again" as a high school senior. I would tell my high school self that prior knowledge, time management skills, and taking advantage of resources colleges offer is key. You are your own advocate for the future. You get whatever you put into it. As long as you keep that in mind, the transition from high school to college is fairly easy. That is the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time.

Alexandra

If I were to speak with the younger me, I would reassure myself that it is ok to be different. I would tell myself that there is so much more to school than fitting in and peer pressure. I would tell myself that reading by yourself on a Friday night, is so much "cooler" than doing whatever it was that your friend were doing that night.I would tell myself to take things slower. Take everything one day at a time. There is no reason to rush. I would explain that even though you may feel as though you are grown, and an adult, that you still have so much to see and learn. I would also say, find out what you love. Do not feel pressured to be something you are no. I would make sure I knew to always follow your dreams, no matter what they might be, and to never sell yourself short. Lastly, I would tell myself to never give up. Push through until you break though. Success isn’t born over night. You have to fight long and hard sometimes, but if you do, you will always come out a winner.