Florida State University Top Questions

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

Kaylah

I would say the following: you are beautiful, have faith, and embrace the experience. You will go to class in sweatpants and not comb your hair because it's an 8 am class. Go to that party without makeup. His opinion does not equate to your self worth. You are the best you,in your natural state. Remember the power of believing in yourself. You will continue to be tested at FSU but have faith in your abilities. Your acceptance to FSU is not by chance. You are worthy of this quality education and you are here for a reason. All the long nights of studying and stress will continue in college but you are apt to handle it all and come out successful. Grow from your mistakes, you will make them. Lastly, embrace every laugh, sports game, failed exam, spontaneous decision and midnight Mcdonalds run with your friends because those occasions are one of a kind. In addition to growing intellectually and earning your degree, finding yourself along the way and enjoying every moment you experience is an integral part of attending college and matriculating into adulthood. Time passes quickly so seize every moment, I believe in you.

Ariana

Dear Ariana, As your glorious summer wines down and your official school year as a senior quickly draw near; Do your future self a favor and plan accordingly! While there are numerous festivities, outings & high school games that you want to attend, make sure you get all your college applications in on time. Greater responsibilities will be given to you and it’s not a better opportunity than now to start getting used to it. With that being said do you research and apply for scholarships that are within your eligibility requirements to help you with funding for college. Register for the SAT and ACT in time for your colleges to accept those scores and receive financial aid. During your free time; reflect on what you’re passionate about and mold that into a career that you will enjoy doing; so you’ll know what major you would want to pursue. I’ll give you a heads up now…it will get overwhelming at times but trust me when I tell you that it’s definitely worth it in the end! Don’t give up, make your family proud and go for what you truly want to accomplish in life.

alecia

I would have actually cared more about school while I was in high school and right out of high school I would have actually cared about college. I decided to take time off of school and work and then realized that I did not want to be a manager of a pizza store for the rest of my life. I realized that anything you put your mind to, you can accomplish it. As long as you work for what you want and do it with hard work and dedication, there are no limits to the places you can go.

Westley

I would tell myself to simply be myself, and be happy. I would try to help myself get over my social anxiety before it set in harder. I would definitely tell myself to take a few classes at different times! But of course, I'd make sure to tell myself that the transition would be so easy, and that my coming adventures with Dorman Hall would shape me and make me a better person, so make sure you enjoy every single moment of it. I would convince myself that being involved is the easiest way to make new freinds, and that I need to pursue my interests passionately and never stray from who I am. I'd tell myself to smile more, and live out my last high school year as if every day was my last. Meet new friends, don't skip any math homework, and learn to love without bounds.

Andrea

I would tell myself to worry less about relationships. I would tell myself to love myself, to not depend on another person to make me love myself. I would tell myself that friends are important, more important than having a significant other. I would tell myself that I don't deserve to be treated poorly, that I do not need to depend on a single person for acceptance. I would tell my high school self to love myself, to no take what my parents say to heart, that I did not have to hate myself. I would tell myself that love does not matter as much as having fun, and if it stops being fun, then it is time to move on. I would tell my high school self to have a higher opinion of myself, so that I would not be trapped in the cycle of self hatred and bad relationships. I would tell myself that it is okay to be the most important person in my own life.

Adolfo

Coming from High School, I was not sure what I intented to do with my life. Luckily FSU gave me the tools to find that my real interest is research, and the search for knowledge. As a result, transition was made easy by the school.

Cana

If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would attempt to finish my Associate's degree in high school. I graduated with only one semester remaining until receiving my degree, and would have graduated with my Bachelor's a year early. Attending Florida State University (Panama City) is a decision I stand by, in reflection. My teachers are invested in my success, and give me honest feedback and advice. I would also suggest volunteering more frequently; community service is advocated at my university and I would love to invest myself in my community more often. Overall, I have tried my best to be financially responsible during college and have worked to succeed in my degree program.

Brian

Don't worry about trying to go to the same college as your friends. Your true friends will stay friends with you no matter where you go to college, no matter how far away. You will also make new friends when you get to college, and they may even make better friends than your highschool buds. Also, don't be afraid to get involved in various clubs and organizations, because the people who are in those clubs have the same interests as you and they will become your close friends as well. It is not difficult to succeed in college as long as you put aside an hour or so evey day for the whole semester to study the material that you have learned recently. If you don't do this, be prepared to not sleep the whole week before finals because you will be cramming without a doubt. Put your grades before anything else, because without high grades, you may lose your scholarships. Don't be afraid to try new things. There are a lot of opportunities in college to branch out and find who you really are. Just be careful not to become too distracted from your studies.

Ryan

What got you this far in high school will get you through college. You'll be able to get B letter grades in your classes if you just pay attention in class and don't study. But, if you put in that extra time, a minimal amount compared to your hours of leisure, you will get a solid 4.0. That will make you feel very good. It'll make your parents just as happy if not happier, and you owe it to them. You should have taken more AP classes, duel enrollment at the local college, but since you're a senior its kinda too late. However, you can save up money with your job at Delco's to help pay for tuition. Oh, and you're going to end up being an art major, so just a semester and declare it. You will want to double major in political science as well, so plan accordingly. I know you might be thinking “why political science?”, well its because you will take a bunch of random classes your first semester and find out you like political science. Also, enjoy yourself. You are privilaged, and each day is a gift

Jessica

FOMO. The urban term for "fear of missing out." I am so grateful to attend Florida State University. At FSU, there is an amazing variety of academics, sports, and extracirricular activites. When I say extracirricular activites I am referring to more than clubs and community service. I am talking about the social life that college has to offer. I was involved in more activities than you could ever imagine my freshmen year of college. I truly suffered from FOMO. If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self that it is okay to take a night off and skip that tailgate or social. I would tell my high school senior self to resist the feeling that if you miss a party or event you will miss out on something great. That usually is not the case. College is only truly great when you learn to balance your academics, social life, and health. Binging on any of the previously mentioned will only dimish your happiness. Live your life, but be smart about your choices. Just remember why you are in college: to get a degree!

Leonardo

Make the best of what it can be. Be aware that your priorities during high school are all mixed up. Throughout college you realize all these mistakes, and it's too late to go back, but not too late to help the next in line. Many times we focus too much on being the "cool" guy, or hanging out with the popular crowd. None of that matters. In college, where the population increases from 2,500 to 32,000 students, there's no such thing as popular (unless you're Jameis Winston). Focus on your studies, where bringing college credits from your high school can not only be extremely helpful to you, but also for your pockets, the less credits, less money is wasted. If going back in time was an option, I would've told myself to stop fooling around so much, learn to study because there's no such thing as bypassing in college, unless you're satisfied with a mediocre salary in the future. Embrace the chance, because not many get the same opportunity as us, to receive a pretigious education attending an incredible university.

Jasmine

Dear Self, As you embark on your new journey in life as a young adult, I wish you nothing but success. A word of advice, as you step into the road unknown take heed to the unfamiliar. While the thirst to seek for the thrill that life has to offer is enticing, seek the avenues that have a beneficial outcome. Life can get very overwheming, if you ever feel like giving up or find yourself in confusion stay true to the values that your parents taught you. You are the determining factor of what happens in your life, no one else, what you put your mind to will be the result of where you end up in life. Mistakes are just lessons learned to strengthen your character and make you wiser, never make the same mistake twice, if you do you wanted it to happen and you can only blame yourself. Life is what you make it, your thoughts dictate what comes to pass, so stay true to your beliefs and never stop belieiving that you can do anything you want to do. Your mind is powerful use it for the greater good and life will never steer you wrong.

paola

Learn how to study!

Clarissa

Reminiscing about this past year since graduation I have learned so many things and have grown up quickly. During my senior year I was busy every day of the week working two jobs, one that I hated and one that I loved. I sacrificed memories that most of my classmates felt were crucial to their lives during high school. Sometimes I questioned my decision wondering if it was worth it. Today I would go back and give myself some food for thought: I would tell myself to keep pushing through, even through the job I despised because it would be worth it. I would make numerous memories during the 2013 summer term at FSU and I would appreciate it much more knowing I paid for it myself. I would remind myself to appreciate my parents each and every day because they helped me get to my dream school – despite the fact neither of them obtained a college degree. I would remind myself that I would never really live at home with my parents anymore and keep in mind this fact will be hard on them as well. But overall, be excited because the opportunities FSU offers would be unforgettable!

Rachel

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself not to worry. I knew that Florida State was the place I wanted to be, but I was nervous about not knowing anyone on campus. Since I'm from Pennsylvania and did not know anybody attending FSU, I would tell myself that making friends in college is INCREDIBLY easy! There are so many people that you're bound to find at least 10 who are interested in the same things that you are! I would also tell myself to take my AP tests, because I could have gotten credit for a statistics and chemistry class in high school instead of paying for them in college. I'd remind myself that it's okay to change majors- just because you're in college for a certain major doesn't mean you're stuck in it if you hate it!

Cindy

College is a big step. You will encounter things you have never experienced before. It is smart to not go away for college, stay home, and apply to as many scholarships as you can. Most importantly, get involved, make your life count. It is important and you can make a difference in the world. Challenge yourself every day, and do not settle for anything less than trying your absolute best.

Massiel

I would tell myslef not to start procastinating at such an early age because it will bite you in the butt later. I would have also told myslelf to apply during college and would have tried to apply for bright futures as well. Most importantly I would have told myself to enjoy life in high school and really think about I wanted to do so taht during my sophmore year I would'nt be questioning what I want to do in life.

Lillian

Don't listen to your friends who always said that college will just be a money pit--something they'll pay for that they won't end up liking and will inevitably drop out. From admissions to the courses, college isn't going to be a walk in the park for you. It's going to be difficult. You'll have to do your own laundry, buy your own food, and pick up after yourself. Classes will get tougher, and there will be times that you'll feel like you want to quit and just go home. However, persistence is the key to it! College matters. College is the next step to your education and your future. College starts to weed out who is strong enough to endure the hardships and trials of life to see who is ready to work in the real world and who is prepared to succeed. By running the race with endurance, taking difficult courses, pursuing academic goals, getting involved in student government and community interests, you're shaping your academic and corporate future.

daniel

I would get myself to have applied for so many more scholarships. College life, is expensive. Rent, utilities, food, gas, tuition books, it adds up quickly, and jobs in college towns pay enough to eat at the place your work at.

Mitchell

Most importantly, get organized! Either look into getting one of those desktop calendars or get really comfortable using the one on your phone. Make sure you stay on top of assignments (at least the ones you feel like doing as a high school senior) and don't let things pile up, cause that can happen very easily in college. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask people for help. Before you take a class, ask your friends/roommates/advisors or whoever what they know about the it. If you're having trouble with something, there are plenty of resources entirely devoted to helping you succeed. Most colleges have free tutoring programs that can pair you up with a student who has been in your shoes before, and many if not most professors are willing to go the extra degree to help students who show an interest in their subject. Finally, don't spend your summer laying in bed watching Netflix (there's plenty of time for that in college. Spend it with your family and friends, and the people that mean a lot to you, because those are the things you're going to miss most once you leave home.

Jacob

Jake, you need to save a little more and spend a little less. You need to invest time in learning to play the guitar, or a sport, and hone your skills that you already have. In college, you're going to be veru focused on your schoolwork and social life and you might lose touch with yourself a little bit. It will be important for you to have an insightful and meangingful way to reconnect and discover yourself. Don't be afraid of spending nights studying by yourself and know that your studies are going to mean much more to you as you try to develop yourself into an asset to your future field of interest. Don't be discouraged by rejection, it is inevitable. Be encouraged by the knowledge that you tried and don't put all of your eggs in one basket. There are many opportunities in the world, be open to all of them. You're going to be alright.

Clay

Going back in time now, I would do more internships through my junior and senior years of high school. Academics is greatly important and I have been successful enough to graduate valedictorian of my class and score relatively well on my ACTs. My regret is that I am attending this great colloege but, I have not been able decide on a major.

Mark

Hey dufus, it's me from the future! Listen up! This going to reflect how you begin your academic journey to becoming the person your going to admire for the rest of your life. Now, I know you want to experience life and have fun, but you must learn to balance it. Everything in life is a balance. You are going to be a doctor, think about what that means, Lots of weekends indoors studying for that organic test or physics test. Temptation is going to come knocking at your door (maybe literally) you have to say, “No! I’m destined to be somebody and that’s not going to change.” Your friends are going to tempt you to go out with them and socialize instead of study, you have to politely but indicatively say , “sorry guys, but tonight is just one of those nights.” That sentence is going to be repeated more than once, I can assure you. If you listen to me, your classes and social life will be much more equipped to handle whatever life can throw at you. Remember, you can have fun in college but study. Oh, and by the way, lay off the butter.

Arthur

In high school I was not completely aware of the huge transition that would occur in College. I did not take high school seriously until senior year, where I changed my mindset began to focus on football, and trying to make a career out of my talent because I had a drive to be succesful. If I would have taken hig hschool more seriously then maybe this transition into college would have been simpler. There are many challenges that come with college and for me the one that is impacting me the most is learning how to study. Being that I turned my act around my last year I struggled with tests because I did not know effectively how to study, as well as ask for help when it came to my academics. People in college want to see you succeed but they can only help if you ask for it. With all this being said I would tell myself as a high school Senior to definetely take my education more seriously, and not be too prideful to ask for help with my academics so that I could fully prosper here at the Florida State University.

Kim

Really know your major and STICK WITH IT. Know what you want. Focus on school.

remi

One of the most important things I learned after a semester in college is that every point counts. In high school there are many ways to make up any missed assignments or failed tests, once in college all of that changes. If a professor offers a way to gain extra points do not snub the offer but instead take advantage of it. The second thing I learned was that being involved and active made me the happiest. It doesn’t matter what it is, if it is something big like Dance Marathon or something small like a board game club, as long as it gets you out to meet people it is worth it. I always find that my most unhappy days are the ones where I find myself in my dorm room most of the day. Finally don’t be afraid to interact with people, everyone is just as nervous and awkward as you are going to be so take a chance and make new friends.

Emma

If time travel was possible I would want to tell myself not to care so much about what people think. I would tell myself that it is going to be a rough year ahead but just to hold on tight because in the end things are going to get better. Another bit of advice I would give is to be more prepared for entering college. It was a crazy first few months so focus less on holding on to what is happening right now and look to the future where the amazing college experiences are waiting. Don't be so scared of the future. I would also add that it is important not to fight the changes that are coming, do not hold on to lost loves or friends that left you, but focus on who stayed. Mom and dad are not going to work out but it is not your responsibility to fix them. Learn to it let go. The people who love you will stay and you will learn that the hard way but I promise you, things will not always be this bad. Everything gets better. Just hold on.

Ian

Dear Self, Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. I know your parents and teachers told you, but now I am going to tell you. As you begin your senior year, soak up these memories; have fun but be sure to apply yourself until the very end. Learn as much from your teachers and advisors as you can. Ask for their advice and opinions because there are things you should do in high school that will help you in college. Explore, shadow, and observe different careers now. Learn as much as you can in your senior year and take the difficult classes now, because they will make your first year in college seem easy. Get organized, become responsible and begin to take charge of yourself now while you have teachers and parents watching over you. Listen to their direction, learn from your mistakes, study hard, ask for forgiveness, and keep on trying. You will not want to miss out on your dream college experience because you wanted to take the easy road or because senioritis got in the way. You've got allot of support from your parents, teachers and family. Go for it!

Christian

Do not stress out everything will work out. keep focuesed on your studies and do your homework, play and fun will come even easier if you do! Have fun!

Michael

I would tell myself to be selfless. In college I have learned that the world doesn't revovle around me. My life has been opened up to new ideas and new concepts. I have been challenged to think outside of my circumstances and I have been challenged to learn about the world. I have been set free from the barriers of my own flesh and from the views of my own eyes. I have been taught and educated and stretched to understand others. I wish I would have spent my college years understanding others. I wish I would have spent more time listening rather than arguing, but at least I learned. I want to live my life serving the community and people. I want to listen to people and learn from people. Now that I am about to graduate from Florida State I wish I was selfless. Instead of living my life for myself I want to live my life giving it away. So if I went back in time I would tell myself, "Life is not about you."

Alexa

My advice to my senior self would include taking an ample amount of time to dedicate to academics. In the now, it is not enough to complete your homework to get an acceptable grade by settling for the bare minimum requirements. Dedication and application is the key to actually learning. Also, entering into college brings about new responsibilities and experiences along with the challenge of maintaining academic excellence. The sooner you learn the importance of completing work in a timely manner and staying organized and motivated, the greater the impact a higher education will offer. Also, always remember to look ahead and plan for your future. In our current economy, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable jobs fresh out of college. Make a legitimate plan on reaching your goals and work for them will utmost diligence. Wanting to reach for the stars is not enough; you have to work and practice diligence and dedication in order to get there.

Ashley

Getting your college degree is going to the best thing you do not realize you can do. If you do not have enough courage to begin college at eighteen, your twenties will be harder than they should be. Continuing your education will be one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself and it is much easier than living paycheck to paycheck. You’re eighteen now, but you will be thirty before you know it and life alone will teach you the difference between having a job and having a career. You will eventually trick yourself into believing you are ready to be married and will marry someone who hides an addiction. If you start college when you graduate high school, hopefully you will be able to avoid meeting him at one of your “jobs.” You already know how important this, even though mom and dad have not been persistent. Learn to listen to yourself instead of pretending you just do not know. You cannot run from responsibility and the older you get, the more you have. Bottom line and most important, having a college degree is much easier than not having one. It will save you from yourself.

Gregory

Be prepared for a lot of work and studying. Its not a walk in the park and you will have to work. Make as mnat friends as possible. Most importantly never ever give up.

Kendra

Wishing a student could go back in time and tell themselves what they know now, is something that almost every college student has wished at some point in their life. I have personally wished that I could start over and do many things all over again, because I feel that I have so much more knowledge now then I had last year. If I were able to go back and give myself advice, the number one thingI would tell myself is to perfect time management. I may have thought I had a lot of work then, but now as a freshman in college I have even more. I would also tell myself to surround myself with people who are going to lift me higher. This year I have learned that being with people who are determined to succeed will inspire me to do just as good, if not better. I would lastly tell myself to not get overly stressed about the small things. College work load and due dates are extremely ovewhelming, and it's important to take a step back and realize that in order to succeed I need to be relaxed and grateful for my oportunities.

Angelia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself to take more encurrent enrollment class that way, you dont have to take so many classes each semester. I would also tell myself to develop a good study habit and not slack off until the last minute to do assignments. When it comes to the transition from high school to college, I would tell myself to pick a class schedule that works best for you and do research aboout the teachers and choose good teachers that will help you pass the class.

Heather

I would tell myself that it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and homesick the first few weeks that you're away; however, it does get easier. Procrastinating is not an option anymore; homework does not do itself and staying up all night is not fun. I would assure myself that there is no reason to be worried about making friends or whether people will like you. It is easy to find people with similar interests as you and everyone else is desparate for friends too. The most important thing I would tell myself is that I made the right decision when I chose to attend the Florida State University.

Kayleigh

It's very inevitable that college is different from high school. Many students find this out when they've already done damage to their GPA first semester, but looking back as a high school senior there's advice that could come in handy to most soon to be high school graduates. Comparing to a 7 hour day in high school the average college student might be in class for 3 hours a day, the key is to plan and realize that the remaining "free time" isn't necessary "free" to nap and watch Netflix. Going to class, which may not be mandatory and getting to know your professor can benefit you in the long run when you might need help or even a good recommendation. College might not be for every young individual, but after adapting to new surroundings and study habits, this transition from high school to college can be a successful one.

Kaylynn

Hey, high school Kaylynn! Funny being reffered to that, huh? You can't think of yourself as anyone other than who you are now, high school Kaylynn. I know what it feels like, I mean, I am you but then again, I'm not. You're stronger than you imagine and a lot weaker too but don't let either of those things scare you. Being in college has taught me so much; it's taught you so much. Don't be afraid to admit how you're feeling, missing home and falling in love and taking risks is okay. Remember to always say "thank you" and "I love you", you'll meet too many people who carry the weight of the fact that they didn't say those things enough when they had the chance. You won't have any trouble making time for school work, you're good at that (after years of being bad at it) but make sure to make time for the fun things too. You're probably rolling your eyes, making a mental note about how cheesy all this sounds, and muttering "sure" under your breath but you'll understand, you've always understood.

Brooke

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say all of the hard work in the IB program paid off at the end. I didn't think I could make it to the end, but I did and it was the best decision I could have made, I couldn't have done anything better to educationally prepare myself than I had already done. I would tell myself to keep going strong, keep studying for the tests, not to give into the laziness and not to worry too much about anything else, it would all fall into place. However, I would also tell myself to relax and have more fun over the weekends and not work so much. High school flew by, and college is doing the same thing. I have to learn to stop and step back for a moment, take everything in and smell the roses. I would say enjoy being at home, because I often took it for granted, especially being around my family. Overall, I would tell myself that I chose the right path, and stop worrying because everything will be fine.

Shateria

If i had the ablility to go back in time to tell myself something about the "college life" it would be to have more fun and be open to meeting new people. Its nice focusing on school but its also nice making new friends and exactly experiencing the college life. Its much more than studying, the transition is hard but its worth it in my book. Just be yourself and understand that you are going to make mistakes, just make sure you learn from them.

Natori

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school I would tell myself to get a job. I knew that I needed one but I would always put it off. My dad always made sure I had the things I needed, so there was no reason for me to get a job. When my dad pasted away in December of my senior year it was very devestating, I not only lost my best friend but the one person that always belived in me in anything that I did or wanted to do. Life is short and I want to achieve all the goals i have set for myself. Which are get a degree in psychology and help adolescents get through a hard time like i had to go through. I had to get a job right away. A university was no longer an option for the upcoming year. College is more than just tuition and books. Now I go to school full time and work seven days a week to try to come up with money for next year which I plan to spend at Oklahoma State University.

Brittney

Brittney, I say to you that this predominantly black high school you attend in the inner-city of Orlando, Florida is not like any other prestigious secondary institution. With that being said, I want you to develop an open mind. You will become a first-generation college student and that experience it will not compare to the harsh youth you've had. My advice to you, Brittney, is to breathe, let God take the wheel. College will be tough, but as long as you have faith, you will be fine. Don't worry about your past too much, it is holding you back. Look forward, however, don't forget where you have come from. Use your disadvantages to help you succeed in life. Don't worry about your parents financial disadvantages. Someday, you will be blessed financially. Until then, work on your character, your grades, and most of all, your faith. Do not burn bridges. What I mean is, go back to all the teachers you have had disagreements with and apologize. You never know if they might become that person who changes your life. Always go by Daddy's moral; "Don't miss your blessings."

ALyssa

i would advise myself not to be so judgemental of other people and remind myself that high school was a sheltered experience and being in college I will meet all kinds of different people and also get to know who I am better.

Nicole

If I could give my high school self-advise it would be to focus on my schooling. Although the social aspect of college can be exciting, the most important doors open with a higher GPA. Plus when you take the time to focus on the material you will retain it much better than if you simply rush through an assignment. Focus on one thing at a time and remember that a grade that isn't perfect just proves that there is room for improvement.

Erika

Remember your goals and your dreams. Do not let other people tell you how you should act, what you should study or what should make you happy. You are made up of your experiences and choices and you will be celebrated for that during college. Remember, you like to meet new people. Don’t be afraid. Be bold. There are many experiences to have, but you have to have the confidence to go out and try them. Also, never give up and never let people bring you down. You will meet many types of people, not all will be good for you. Actions speak for themselves. Let other people show you how they are and decide whether they have room in your life. School is not everything in life; don’t forget your family. Lastly, remember to have fun and to balance your crazy parties and group study sessions.

Francesca

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to plan ahead. Do not leave picking your classes, getting loans, applying for scholarships and making a financial plan until the last minute. If you wait to long, you are just going to stress yourself out. Also, I would tell myself that once you get to college, you are going to have to make hard, adult, decisions and sometimes that means sacrificing something you love or think you need. Be prepared to grow up. College is just the start, but without a solid foundation for your future it will crumble on itself. That is why it is so important to take your classes, and your choices seriously.

Natalie

Be more responsible and independent! Don't slack off and allow yourself to cruise through the last year because you think you are finished. Take a lot of Advanced Placements classes and do the hard work now so that you can take less classes and spend less money in college later. Sacrifice temporary relaxation for future relaxation. You have the opportunity to earn amazing grades, get scholarships, and graduate at the top of your class. Don't waste time and be lazy and don't procrastinate! Make yourself and your family proud. Do the best your last year of high school and learn to be independent so that when you leave for college and live on your own, it isn't the biggest shock in the world.

Osuji

I would tell myself focus on looking for scholarships because they would have been well needed. I would have told myself to fill out more scholarships so i could pay for school and housing and meal plans. I would have told myself to live on campus. Most importanly i would have told myself to take more dual enrollment classes so I could be coming into college as a senior instead of a junior

Patrick

Life in college is drastically different than life in high school. Prepare to be thrown into a world of independence and responsibility. No longer will your parents be by your side every step of the way. While they can still offer you guidance, there are many things that you will need to learn. There are more opportunities than you can imagine to get involved, relax, and have fun, but these opportunities must be balanced out with hard work. Time management and prioritization will become most important things in your life. Work hard, but remember to save time by working efficiently. From a social standpoint, let loose and do not be introverted. The friends that you make and the people you meet will all make an impact on your life, whether it's a big impact or a small one. You are the result of everything around you, so surround yourself with the positive people and positive experiences that will shape who you are. That being said, do not change yourself to fit in - always be yourself and your experiences at college will be some of the best of your life.

Karen

I am sitting here with a broken heart, broken from the one man that I truly believed was the one I was going to marry. At 30 years old we haven't changed much. If I could tell you one thing it is that all of our past mistakes, regrets, disappointments, relationships have all lead to this day. I wouldn't change a thing. Live life the way it was meant to. Cry the tears that burn at the corners of eyes, smile when you feel the tug at your lips, most of all laugh. Laughter is the most important thing you can ever do that will get you through the darkest of times. As I sit here today broken hearted and thinking about the things that could have gone wrong but we will never really know, I laugh at the memories. I am sad but know that when you meet him love him with all of your heart and don't look back. Go to school and know that its ok you didn't know what you wanted right out of high school, but most of all know that we are happy. You are strong.