Florida Atlantic University Top Questions

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

Kaylee

Throughout my college experience I have changed as a person inside and out. My outlook on people has changed completely; I will never judge someone by how they look ever again after attending college. I have learned that I cannot depend on my parents anymore and not to depend on anyone but you. I think it is valuable to attend college because it changes who you are completely. Since I have been here I have noticed a difference , I came here as a child and I am leaving as a adult. I have learned things are not always going to go the way you planed them or wanted. I have learned you are not always going to have that second chance, so do not sit and wait on something, just do it. Work as hard as you can because that may be your last chance to get the grade you want or show your skill. The biggest thing I have learned in college is you have to be a strong individual and believe in yourself. If not you will not make it through college its rough. But if you have belief in yourself you?ll survive and succeed in life.

Adriann

Learning to work on my own. It has taught me that I can learn without a lecture. It has shown independent work is very useful in learning how to manage my life and responbilities. When I graduate, noone is going to hold my hand and wait for me to finish what should've been done awhile back. The teachers here show you that you're an adult and should be respected as well. You're accoutible for every accomplishment or mistake you make while on the way to forfilling your dreams. It was taught me that even if I mess up it's okay to go back and try to figure out why I made a mistake and what could be done to not let it happen again.

David

I definetly acheived a greater network of friends in terms of social interaction. Also i'm not ignorant of what is happening in a first-world nation. My level of presentation has sharply improved. Also my work ethics have generated less time-consuming methods and greater profitable methods in conduct. It has been valuable to attend because you are getting back what you paid for. The technology introduced at the schoolshould not be taken for granted, and must be exercised as a utility of virtue within the working world.

Dmitry

My college experience is nothing short of an adventure to doors of the rest of my life. I grew up in an orphanage until the age of 7 when I was adopted into a supportive family. You may say I was one of the lucky ones but I know that the skills I learned as a young child living in Russia, gives me the ability to adapt to new surroundings and new expectations. College is more than independent study, it is about becoming an adult and forming a bonding relationship with your interests and decision making. It makes you reflect on your past and plan your future.

Emerald

I went to a community college but I got accepted to a 4 year but couldnt afford my dream school. So my first year I made it sour because of this. I attended LACC. Regardless school is for my education so after the 2nd semester I realized that going to a community wasnt all that bad and then got focused. It's valuable to attend because of all of the negative surroundings that are in the Los Angeles area. Im' very focused on this because recently had a friend that passed because of gang violence that was going to school stopped and got involved with drugs. School is a important key to accomplishing life and important to go for anyones well being.

Ashley

I could start off by listing all my accomplishments, which is the logical thing to do, but I only get 200 words. High School was a blur to me, I barely passed. School always mattered but I was lacking something that I couldn?t explain. Fall of 2008 I received straight A?s for the first time. Spring semester I took 11 classes, I struggled, and when I got my grades back I did exceptionally well except for one grade a C-. This was devastating ?Finally I gave my all and it still wasn?t enough? I told myself. Summer soon followed; I felt as if a veil covered my face. Everything exhausted me, people described me as ?not there?. Fast forward a few months and I was diagnosed Manic Depressive. This answered why studying, waking up for classes, talking to classmates took too much energy, the C- was just my breaking point. I?m not ashamed of my illness and now I?ll answer the question, it was valuable to attend college because I learned to fight life?s obstacles, demand yourself to do your best and now I fell that I have the strength to conquer any goal.

RACHEL

I have learned quite a lot both educationally and personally. Having attended FAU, I have matured into a well-rounded adult who is ready to take on the world.

Cristina

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a senior in high school, I would talk myself out of not wanting to apply for scholarships or schools just to stay close to my "then" boyfriend. I would convince myself that all the hard work, good grades, service hours, honors, and awards I got throughout my high school years is all worth me going to a prestigous school. I would let myself know that the person I was willing to sacrifice it all for was not the one, and even if he would have been, when someone truly loves you they would never let me throw my education and achievement away. I would encourage myself to apply for schools and scholarships , and would inform myself that all I would be doing then by not applying is procrastinating because five years later I would take it seriously. By that time in the future precious time would have been wasted. I would let myself know to keep pushing and remember that no one but God can stop me, and only He can continue to believe in me and give me the strength I will need for my journey.

Kristina

Honestly I wish I had someone that told be to study in high school even as a senior. Now that I am in college I am not use to just sitting down at night and reading the text book, because in high school it was always read for me in class by the teacher. So if I could go back in time and tell myself one thing that would help be out in college is would be to get yourself in the habit of sitting down at night and reading the chapter before class starts the next day.

Amy

Be respectful of the newfound freedom. No one could have told me all the "freedoms" that I would have in college; but all of those freedoms I have, are universal in on campus housing. If I want to play music at 4AM then I am free to do so; but I have also learned, the hard way, that everyone else has that freedom as well. I would have adjusted much easier to college life, and the stresses that come with being on my own, had I respected or better understood the freedoms that come with college dorm life.

Dwidgelyne

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior-knowing what I know about college life-I would sit myself down and say, ? No more playing in the sun, it is time to get down to business. Through your freshmen and junior year in high school you have been focusing on the wrong things: when is the next party, is that boy really in to me, can not wait for senior skip day! You allowed yourself to get behind, and you put unnecessary things before your education. Although, as the dedicated and determined person you are, you did not give up! I am very proud in you achievements, but do keep in mind that in college you most be more focused than in high school. The professors have high expectations and you must live up to them. As long as you apply yourself, attend class and do the required assignments college will be a breeze. Most students complain and whine about how difficult college is, but in reality it all depends on how driven you are. Forget about the parties, clubs and outings, those things come second and your education comes first!"

Joseph

Study, study, study! Never before in my life have I thought, "So tonight I'll study until 2:00am, wake up at 7:00am, and keeping working until class time." Of course, college is harder than high school and I can assure you it is worse at an honors college, but in high school, my brains were enough. I could pass a test by just listening to a lecture and by common sense. It worked, I came out with a 4.1 weighted GPA and was accepted to a number of schools. However, I never developed good study habits and that is what killed me. I can only describe the transition as trying to jump out of a speeding car on your feet and running. It can happen, but you stumble. So my advice is to get into good study habits. Read material daily, find practice problems even if you were not assigned them, and get some sleep. I have heard it put like this once: There three things you can do in college. Study and get good grades, have a good social life, and sleep. Pick two. Welcome to college. Learn to study effectively and you'll do great.

Lisa

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would warn myself that instant gratification and material things are not the most important thing in life. I would emphasize the importance of a college education and a goal oriented career. I would not be so selfish and think further ahead into the future than taking one day at a time. I would emphasize the value of an education. I would make responsible decisions about what will be important when I am 45; what type of financial security is necessary; and what kind of opportunities I wanted to provide for my family. I would make sure that I was in a secure, financial position with alternatives in place for unforeseen issues. I would not choose a career in real estate appraisal because then I would not have to explain to my nine year old son why Mommy has missed every one of his basketball games because she is working two jobs while trying to finish her degree so that she can go to law school and have a career in which she can provide him with every opportunity that he deserves.

Bethany

Things will never be this easy again. College can be fun, but it can also be very difficult. Always ask questions, learn from others, keep an open-mind, and don't worry if you aren't sure what you want to do with your life. Some of the smartest people in the world are still trying to figure that out. Take advantage of every positive experience you can in college. The memories are going to last forever.

Maria

If I had to go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to first and foremost stay in school. I never finished High school, I earned my GED instead and although I am currently in college and have a good job. I would tell myself to finish and earn a scholarship and really look into what I am interested in and stick to it. I would tell myself to study hard and prepare myself for what is ahead and that it's a lot easier to go to school full time on a scholarship then trying to work full time and still complete a degree. I would also tell myself that college is a tool that will serve me for life and not to take time off, and instead go straight to college, so that it won't be so hard to remember what you know you learned already. College has been a very rewarding experience but if I could go back in time I would change everything I could about the path I chose to get to where I am now.

zacharie

I would tell myself to replace the regular classes with AP classes so I can have a combination of both AP and honors. I would also tell myself to take those college classes that were available to gain some credits. I would tell myself to continue what to do what im doing because my senior year was one of my best years academicaly.

Emelia

Dont waste time and put off taking your SATs and doing the college application process. Do everything as soon as possible. And really think about what career and major you want to pursue so you dont waste time and money once your in college. Dont be afraid to stay close to home or go far away. Choose your school based on the qualities of the school, not where your friends are going, money issues, distance from home, etc. Doing all this early planning makes it so much easier at college. Live on campus. When you get to college, GET INVOLVED!! Join clubs, sports, anything. Dont be afraid to go out and try something new and meet new people, you will make a lot of great friends this way. It also helps develop connections for later jobs, etc. Go to class and study! Dont fail out and think its ok, its not. Party and have fun, but be safe and smart about it. Try to have a balanced lifestyle of school, fun, friends, work, excercise, etc. Have confidence in who you are and be proud of it, dont let others influence you to do something you are not comfortable with.

Melissa-Kaye

I would advise myself not to do so much as to overwhelm myself and allow my academic performance to suffer. That specifically means not working during college and instead applying more actively for scholarships and accepting loans to pay for school. With the number of AP and IB credits I received that transfered from high school, I should have easily been able to graduate college at least a year and a half ago. However, being that I was a new mother when I started college, I felt a lot of pressure to provide for myself and for my son - which, to me, meant working; and I couldn't rely on my parents for support because they simply weren't financially able to help. Ultimately, I struggled with balancing how to be a full-time mother, student, and employee; and my grades and school work ethic suffered as a result.

Ashley

To a young child, 4 years may seem to be an eternity. Now, as a freshmen in college, looking back at my 4 years of high school I realized I could have made my high school experiance more enjoyable. I believe the best advice I could have given myself would have been to participate in more school related activities. Being involved with student government and school sports would have enabled me to make the most of the opportunities being presented. I also believe that as a freshmen and sophmore, most students, including myself, are not focused on their grades and future but rather the newest clothing trend or hottest rap star. Knowing that even my freshmen and sophmore year would impact the rest of my life may have motivated me to look beyond my material focus and turn towards my education.

Jennifer

If I was to go back and return to myself as a senior, I would advise myself to prepare myself for alot of reading. The most important thing in college is reading the materials to help you understand what is being said in a lecture hall by a professor, even if it is boring or if none of the questions on the test has to do with the book. I would try and get used to and prepare myself for a lecture type classroom because you have to be able to take effective notes by just listening to the professor, not what is written in front of you on the powerpoint. Another thing is to GO TO CLASS! Going to class is important because it helps you understand the material better if your rereading something from the book and you heard it more than once. Another thing is to see your porfessor during their office hours if you have any questions, or at least e-mail them so your not lost in the dark. It would be better if high school english teachers would grade at least one paper that is like a college paper in a writing class.

Lester

In a sentence: Live your authentic life! You have finally moved away from home and the religious fundamentalism that you were raised with is six hours away. Meet new and interesting people rather than stick with the "safe" crowd at church, and above all, come out of the closet while you have the chance! You did not choose to be gay, and there is nothing wrong with you. While you are looking for your authentic life, choose an authentic career while you are at it. Forget what your parents wanted you to do, and forget what the "noble" careers are that your church embraces. TAKE LIBERAL ARTS COURSES! Nothing will prepare to live a complete life like a philosophy, sociology, or anthropology course, so take them in your first semester. Take a course that is diametrically opposed to your belief system just to challenge it and see if it can withstand a good debate. If it collapses, then it is a good thing you got rid of early. If it withstands the pressure, you will be able to rely upon that for the rest of your life.

Amanda

My words would be simple and direct. Plan ahead. Transitioning from high school to college is an adult process. You grow up quickly and immediately need to make adult decisions. The decisions made at the high school level most likely will play a major role in a life long career. Ask questions, utilize the advice of your advisors, parents, and teachers. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but ensure you learn from that mistake. Be flexible and willing to change. Keep one goal in mind, but be flexible in how you acheive that goal. Make decisions from your heart, think clearly about what choices best suit you. To perform successfully throughout your career, you need to love that career. And lastly, after gathering all of your information and listening to all of the advice thank those close to you who have given their endless support.

Catherine

Hmm...if I was able to go back to my High School Senior year I would give myself loads of advice and preparation steps for my college transition. If I was a senior again I might've said something to myself like "Do more extracurricular activities!" or "YOU HAVE TO GET STRAIGHT A's!" If I have a chance to go back to my senior year with the knowledge I know now I would most likely be more successfull. I would tell myself to not go out with friends as much because I'd need to pay attention to my homework assignments and study material discussed in my classes. By saying no to going out with friends I could've gotten into a better school than Palm Beach State. If I were to have that opportunity again I would sieze the moment and buckle down on my time management skills. Time for school, work, friends and family. I would have prioritized better for maximum success.

Jessica

I would tell my self to save every penny. When a graduated the economy was fine. Now im living paycheck to paycheck and trying to go to college. I would tell myself not to settle for fau like my parents oushed me to do. Go to pbcc and then go to ucf like I planned. Also I would save myself a lot of wasted time and money and tell me that i don't want to teach math, buit what I really want is to teach third grade.

Binh

If I could go back in time and find myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for classes early and choose more comfortable hours. I would tell myself to check all the classes and spend more with the guidance counselor and on the wonderful website 'RateMyProfessor.net.' I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible, because they are the greatest thing ever to your education. I would also tell myself not to get morning classes, since they are very annoying and that classes are very easy to miss. Applying for comfortable hours means not to get classes too early in the morning and not to late. Get classes that don't interfere with other schools hours. Sometimes you lose time waiting behind elementary, middle, and high school buses. I would also tell myself to look for clubs and ask about what each club contains before considering to join. College can be stressful, but if your organized and plan everything accordingly and ahead of time, it will be a breeze.

Nattalie

Growing up I had always dreamed of one day becoming a famous singer like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. Education never really seemed to play a significant role in my life until about my freshman year in high school. I lived in and out of foster homes and was under the care relatives. When i finally settled down i was able to discover that there was more to life than I had known before. The idea of college was sort of enforced in the hose hold in which i resided. Tranistioning into college was not hard, it was rather strange. Being in another new environment for me was different and took some getting used to. After settling down I came to find that it is more than just attending class every day. College is about self motivation, assertion, comprehesion, hard work, and determination. Knowing what I do now I would have like to have set an actual career goal for myself , being an undecided student really affects you as a student and as an individual. I wish that i would have been more decisive and actually took heed to advice given to me as a teen.

Racquel

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and coach myself as a high school senior, there would be so much to say. First of all, I know I would have told myself to pressure my parents about living on campus my freshman year, because it is so active and there are so many more possibilities socially and educationally when you are involved and are experiencing the true college life. I would also prep myself for the work load that is to come, and teach myself that procrastinating is definately not the answer. Another piece of advice I would give is to stay active, and avoid that freshman 15! College life is much different than high school; nobody tells you when its lunch time. One with a busy schedule is more prone to a junk food infested, heart clogging lifestyle, and that is something I would like to avoid. Most importantly, I would advise myself to expect the worst. If I think that way, then nothing will turn out as bad as I thought, and I wouldn't get off to a bad start. Staying focused, motivated, and having your priorites in order is key to college success.

Rachel

To talk to my past self would be very interesting I think I would have told myself to study harder for my advanced placement exams so that I could get out of more classes and get closer to my major. I would tell myself that money is very important and that when dealing with large sums of money it is sometimes very hard to spend and save wisely. It is so important to know as much as you can about the colleges you are applying to and the places that surround that college. I would reassure my high school self that it is okay to not know anyone that is going to your college, sometimes it is an advantage that way you get to make yourself a new person and meet tons of great people. I would tell myself to not be afraid to join clubs and organizations on campus, most of all though I would tell myself to have fun and learn something.

Melody

I would have told myself to pick one volunteer or one on campus activity that I'm really interested in and stick with it instead of half-heartedly being in five or six organizations. On scholarship and college applications, they usually ask what your role was in that group or organization, and if you were just a body warming a seat, it's not impressive. It's better to pick one thing and really get into it and use that as your extracurricular if you're not in sports. Another thing is I would have gotten recommendation letters from teachers that I liked or who taught classes I excelled in. I've found that many scholarship applications want letters of recommendations from former professors over any other letter, so that would have given me the extra leg up I needed in some competitions. Other than that, I would have told myself that the school I picked is the right one for me and to stay ACTIVE in homework to avoid laziness. College years really are some of the best years of life.

noelle

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to apply to more than just one school, and that going away from home is a GOOD idea. I would tell myself that college is suppose to be fun. Don't stress out senior year because you will do enough of that when college exams come around. Make lots of friends because when living on campus, they are the ones you will hang out with all of the time. Go to school events, no matter how lame they seem to be. Getting involved is a healthy way to spend free time; locking yourself up in your room is not. Do not agree to share appliances, such as a refridgerator, with assigned roommates before you meet them; it only turns out a disaster. Take extra time to fill out as many scholarship applications as possible; definitely do not get lazy about writing essays for money- every penny counts. Scout out different places and older students to buy textbooks because they are more expensive than you could possibly imagine. Finally, I'd tell myself to explore everything and definitely study abroad.

Katherine

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself first and foremost not to get a credit card. There were times when I did not have a job in my first year of college, and even though I had housing and a meal plan, I ran up large bills on my credit card for gas expenses and recreational activities. I would also tell myself that it would be a time of great growing, academically as well as personally. I have learned a lot more about what is important in life, and have focused my energies toward positive results. Though I struggle to get by with a minimum wage job and tons of school work to finish, I have attained a 4.0 gpa for the first time in years. So most importantly I would tell myself to beleive in myself, keep going and never let the negativity of the world bring me down.

Pawel

The best advice I could give my pre-college self, is to choose your friends wisely. We often make friendships haphazardly, let life pass us by as we are fascinated by the new freedoms of college, and four years later we have no idea who we have become. I believe a big part of that are the friendships we make, and the people we choose to spend our time with. I heard that if you want to get an idea of how the world sees you, take the five people you spend the most time with, and average them out as a person. That average is you. In retrospect, I would make friends with the different kids in class. The ones that have some issues that they need to overcome. For one, you could help them with their problems, and when you see them get over their difficulties, it would be great to know you had a hand in helping them. Not every dog will have his day, but if you can help the underdog get to that graduation podium, well, that is something great.

Kelly

If I could go back I would tell myself to apply to colleges early! Also, I would say to check for scholarships everywhere I could because it is difficult paying for college without them. Another piece of advice I would tell myself is too focus more on my classes and actually read the chapters assigned by the professors, it really makes a difference. Lastly, I would say stop being so shy and talk to people, start coversations because having no friends in college can get very depressing.

Bellanca

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships no matter how low or high they are, every penny helps! Also, I would tell myself to make more of an effort to meet new people, join clubs, and try new things. No matter what, never forget your goal which is to obtain an education, a degree and become successful.

Kathy

I would tell myself that, "anything you can conjure up in my head you can do in life. It may seem like a hard struggle now, but the feeling of attaining what you've worked hard for is a feeling worth fighting for. More over, the feeling of living your dreams, being at your fullest potential, getting to a place where there's no regrets, is certainly worth being patient and driven for. Stay on track and plan for every obstacle, road block or fork road. Never lose sight of the true path and only then will you realise the importance of my words. Good luck kid!"

Ashley

If I could talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would definetly take the opportunity. I would go back in time to tell myself that I don't need to control every detail of every day. I would say that life is short, so don't be afraid to live it! I would tell myself that the economy will get bad, so save money today. I would tell myself to not strss out over the small stuff and that life has a funny way of letting things happen another way that what we wanted. I would say don't take the overabundance of math classes that re just going to get dropped anyways. Finally, I would tell myself to live life like it is my last day on earth, because it very possibly could be.

sadaf

Going back in time I would inform my former self that taking more duel- enrolment classes is good for me now; that taking a larger course load now means a lighter one in the feature. In High School I would take classes not only in the summer but also on weekends. I would try to learn as much as I possibly could in those years because that is what is bound to help me in college. As a college student I now realize the advantage of having many classes under my belt. The advanced placement classes that I took are now helping me in college. It is because of them that my college life is easier. I would also force my self to apply for more scholarships. Colleges eat up money like a sick monster; I just wish that I had been a little bit more prepared for that. I would also tell my old self to hold on tighter to my former friends-call them everyday, have lunch together every weekend, anything so that I don't lose them. College is an experience like no other. It forces one to grow up and realize that life poses many challenges.

Ashley

If I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now about college, I would tell senior me not to worry about impressing others with materialistic objects (fancy clothes, shoes etc). When people (especially prospective students) think about college what comes to mind first? Social life ofcourse, and the baggage that comes along with that (how to dress for the party, how to impress the guy I met at the party and etc). I was a victim to that myself. I use to take at least an hour picking out an outfit and doing my hair before class. I now know it was time well wasted because everyone is focused on their career goals and the classes they need to pass and order to get there (well at least everyone worth being friends with). I would tell myself that the friends I would of made based on the clothes they and I were wearing would not even be worth it. I instead should surround myself around others who know what direction they are going in life because those are the people worth my time. College is about finding yourself so don't try to be like everyone else.

Erica

From what I know now, I would have advised myself to take more challenges classes from the start in high school. When students are in high school they are allowed to choose different electives and in my case I chose to take Web Design and Pottery. They were not the most challenging classes but they were something that I enjoyed. Now that I am in my third semester of college, I realize that my time could have been better spent taken a few more challenging classes. For example I could have taken a science class or maybe an extra math class. Once you get to college there are no more easy classes. Everything you do in college requires a lot of work. Another thing I regret not doing is taking Advance placement classes or signing up for dual enrollment classes at the local community college. Both options would have allowed me to earn college credits without having to pay the college credit price. These were just some mistakes that I made in the past and if I was able to go back in time, these would be the things that I would do differently.

Nicole

I would tell myself to get my nursing license right after i got out of highschool. I put six years into a nursing home as a CNA to have it close down. Now we have an over abundance of CNA's and not enough nurses. It would also helped during my husbands recovery form his snowmobile accident three years ago. He is now unable to work and my job is gone so I am trying to futher my education to get a better paying job to support my family . I have three wonderful children and a husband to support.

katryna

Breath! Looking back I remember all the kids who were really intelligent and that there was no way I was going to keep up with them in college. I was scared probably more than most thinking ? Ill be all alone in college?; that terrified me ! Now that I am here sitting I my dorm room I realized college is about three things; organization, being mature;, and taking a deep breath ! I needed to realize that yes some of the classes may be hard but I wasn?t the only person thinking that. There are so many other students who are just like me; scared and thinking this is so different from what there used to. Knowing that I?m not alone made me a lot more comfortable. At least try hard. The studying and organization skills that I picked high school helped out so much. The truth all comes down to the fact that once you realize that you?re your going to school for you makes even the hardest class that much more easier. AND HAVE FUN! Honestly its not that scary, its a lot like high school but instead your around people who share a common interest: EDUCATION!

Christopher

To be prepared for homesickness. As a senior, I was so excited to leave New York to go down to Florida and it never crossed my mind that I would miss home. Being only 17 years old when I came down here, I was a young freshman and it was a hard transition for me. My family was a call away, but I knew that it would be a while until I could see them. I had made it through to Thanksgiving break but it had finally taken its toll on me. That day I had bought a plane ticket with money I saved up and went back home to see my family. Coming back for the 2nd semester has only been harder too because of going home a month for Winter break. It is a tough thing and I wish I had known how hard it really was going to be.

Martine

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I'd tell myself that my life is what I make it. I'd explain to myself that Even though I came out of high school unsociable it doesn't mean I have to walk around college with out friends either. If I knew that when I was in high school, I probably would've had an easier transition from high school to college because I wouldn't have clinged to my highschool friends as much as I did when I graduated.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about the transition into freshman year, the advice I would give myself would be very simple: "go to class!" and "do your homework!"

Aldenise

Focus on school and finish education before engaging in a serious relationship or commitment.

Natalia

I would tell myself to join the clubs and activities the school offers. It is a great way to start the college year and making friends. Also it is a great way to know more about the school through the students who have been there for years. I would also tell myself to take school more seriously and not withdraw from classes because I thought I was going to fail, when I could try harder and use the available resources and free tutoring offer on campus.

Jevais

Dear Jevais, I know your enjoying senior year and hoping you get that promotion at work really soon but you have more important things to focus on. I've been in your shoes and I want greatness from you. Take the initiative and apply to colleges early; do not wait to do it with your friends. If you want a bright future then forget about your part time job and focus on school. Make school your career and in the near future it will definitely pay off. Instead of sitting around the cafeteria for forty-five minutes every day, go to the library and apply for some scholarships. No one is going to hold your hand anymore. The next 12 months are going to bring great oppurtunities for you and you need to be ready for them. So hit the books and study hard. - From someone who cares

Brittany

My transition from a high school senior to a college freshman was rather smooth to begin with, however, there is a couple things I would inform myself about. The greatest obstacle I faced as a college freshman was learning self discipline. I'm very self disciplined in alot of ways like staying in shape and staying out of trouble, however, it's hard to make yourself go to EVERY class when there is no attendance taken or no one forcing you to go. I slacked off in a couple classes my first semester and founf myself struggling in academics for the first time in my life. Even though I'm only a sophomore in credits, this is my fourth year at FAU and I definately wised up to the idea of not missing class on a regular basis. My education will determine my future, and after all is said and done, I want that future to be bright and prosperous!

Xavier

If I could go back in time I would tell the past me to definately be more prepared and organized. College throws a lot at you and if you don't have some method of organizing it all than you will be swamped by it. From test dates and finals, to advisor meetings and practice it all starts to mix together if you aren't careful. Also I would tell myself to do those last twenty community service hours to obtain Bright Futures because college life is very expensive. I would also mention to handle my college funds more responsiably and budget what little money I have to work with. Those main points would have greatly benifitted me had I known a head of time.

Vasha

I would go back in time and tell myself not to leave work for the last minute. In high school that was ok because there was not that much work to be done. I would tell my self to also to study hard for each test that I have. I would also tell myself to go to sleep early so that I would be able to wake up in the morning. Lastly I would tell my self that college is not like highschool. It is harder and requires you to study twice as hard and not the night before for a test.