Florida State University Top Questions

Don't think you can get away with not having a meal plan while living in a community style residence hall. It just doesn't work like that. Also, join a few groups that interest you- somewhere between 3 and 5- so that way you can whittle it down until you find the one or two that you belong in. If you ever run out of anything- whether it be milk or shampoo- don't be afraid to ask you neighbor for some. They will almost always say yes. On that note, try to befriend your neighbors. Invite them to things and just be nice to them; it will help you later. One last thing; don't ever be afraid to be yourself. Project yourself- don't hide- and people just like you will find you.

I would tell myself to have fun while it lasts, becasue once you get to college everything is serious and there is no room for mistakes.

If I could travel through time back to 2008 and give advice to the high school senior April, I would tell her to not be afraid. Meeting new people won’t bite you. I would say to do everything you have ever wanted to do in college, and if you fail at one thing try another. At 18 years old no one knows what they want to do for the rest of their lives, but you must test the waters and see what keeps you afloat. I would advise April to make sure to take time to have a social life, you don’t want 4 years to sneak up on you and realize you had no time for fun. Talk to your professors. This would be one of my best pieces of advice. They have been in your shoes before so visit them during office hours and ask your professors for help; that’s why they are there. Run for every position, shake hands with everyone you meet, attend all football games, take a road trip and don’t worry about the how, instead focus on the now!

If I could go back and talk to myself before coming to college, I would tell myself to focus. Focus on academics, focus on the friends you make, focus on who you want to be and what you want to do with your life. Don't get caught up in dramatics from high school and people you meet that will be bad influences on your life. This is your time to find yourself and who you will be for the rest of your life. Study hard, make great friends, love your life.

Take risks. I don't mean, put yourself in dangerous situations. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, something foreign to you. Life as a college student is one of the most challenging yet gratifying experiences you will have throughout your lifetime. Don't be afraid of life on your own. You'll learn how to live with others, and most likely make some close friends along the way. Don't think you have to have everything all figured out. Most incoming freshman have no idea what they want to be when they graduate, and many students don't declare their major until their junior year. Don't give into stereotypes. Sometimes, high school drama carries over into college. Many incoming students and their parents associate sororities and fraternities with drinking and poor grades. In my case, joining a sorority was the best decision I have made since being in college. My grades have improved upon joining a sorority and my social life is very fun but very safe. Stay focused on your goals and dreams. Pursue the career path YOU want to pursue, because very soon you will be on your own. Lastly, have fun.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high-school-senior self, I would have told myself to really think about if being at a private art college is really what I wanted. While I do not regret the learning I acquired at my first school, I do regret that I missed out on that "freshman experience" by starting off at a non-tradional college. Now that I am at The Florida State University, I am able to really make the most out of my college career. I have many opportunities at Florida State that I did not have before, both academically and socially. Looking back now I'm not upset I took a long way to get to my dream college; after all life is an arrow that moves forward, each experience shaping you. I just wish I could have told myself what I was getting myself into, so that I could have decided if it was really what I wanted at that time in my life. I don't believe I knew exactly what I wanted, and since senior year I have grown exponentially as a person. I know who I am now: a Seminole.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school to give myself advice, the one thing that I would say is "time management." Throughout my last two years in high school, staff members (teachers, counselors etc.) told us about the imporatnce of managing our time more wisely. The expansion of technologies for future availability among youth is the main reason the staff highlighted this key area. Even though I classify myself as a "good" time manager, I still need to improve in order to become a great one. After attending community college for almost two years now, I see why time management is a very important skills that needs to be perfected. When transitioning to adulthood, more responsibilites are placed upon us and our busy lives begin to unravel leaving time for nothing short of homework or studying. If time is properly managed, everything (and then some) could be finished. For example, my educational path asks of me to absorb books like the clouds absorb moisture, but I'm not worried because with the proper time mangaement I'll set aside time to read, whether it's 15 minutes or an hour.

Assuming I could go back in time, I would tell myself to open up more to people. Being shy isn't going to make you friends, and although the quality of education is important, it is also extremely important to be happy and have friends. The transition is tough at first, college is lonely. I would tell myself to expect to be alone a lot, and that it is okay to sit at a table alone and have lunch. In college it is normal to be alone, but it is also important to find individuals who will push you harder and help you stay focused. Most importantly I would tell myself to stay focused and make decisions that will ultimately make you happy.

Jessica, I know this is a new beginning for you. No one in the family has ever attended a university, but I just thought you should know it's going to be the most challenging journey of your life. Your parents may be on the verge of divorce, and your mom may be on the death bed, but you will succeed. All you need to do is this: stay close to those that prove to be most loyal to you, when you fail a class it's not the end of the world, and never compromise your morals just to make your friends happy. Pleasing your peers is not more important than doing your best in school. Always be one step ahead by standing clear of procrastination. Stay away from bad neighborhoods; there may be a time you will be shot at, but you will be protected. Avoid bad situations by praying and using common sense. You can do everything you set your mind too as long as you have the will power to push through. College is fun, but the smile you'll see on your grandpa's face when you graduate will be priceless. Keep striving!

I would reccomend to all high school students to put all the effort into their school work. I was stuck going to a community college to bring up my gpa and it held me back from my dream college. This year I am now able to attend because I had to give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in my first year of college to get a good gpa to qualify. Anyone can do anything, as long as they put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in. Now, I realized that the hard way and I wish I actually listened to my teacher who warned me throughout highschool. It stinks to see your friends go off without you, but I learned my lesson and now I do not take anything in college as a joke. I take every extra credit opportunity I can and I always keep tutors and teachers willing to help in the front of my mind.

Being the first in my family to attend college meant many things for me. I was proud of what I had accomplished and grateful for the experience my parents never got the chance to have. I was excited but most of all, scared because I had no idea what to expect. I had heard stories, seen movies, but knew no one who could truly guide me. After graduating from a university I am proud to have attended, I would go back in time and tell my high school self this—don’t be afraid. The next few years will be worth every second. Get involved by joining clubs as quickly as you can and don’t wait around until your last few years. Take advantage of all the opportunities allotted to you and don’t pass up a chance for a fun night. College is about more than just books; it’s about finding yourself and meeting the people who will make it worth your time. But most importantly, enjoy every second of it. Once it’s over, you’ll wonder why you ever wished for it to pass more quickly. Breathe it all in, every second of every day.

I would recommend to take AP hard science courses, I wasted much time taking calculus and physics. I would also recommend to learn how to program so what you also are more prepared in college to get into a research program. Dont spend so much time on video games, it will hurt in the long run. You should work in high school and try to save up so you dont have to get in debt, or work during your time in college. Enjoy your mothers meals, that wont be happening when you go to college.

College life is very busy, and a great amount of hard work is required to achieve academic goals. I should start applying for financial aid and scholarships from now on due to the fact that educational expenses are more in college than in high school. I should decide my major ahead of time. In this way, I will have a better educational plan according to the requirements of the institutes where I am applying. In the college, I should be involved in extracurricular activities like clubs, organizations and community work. These activities will look good in my application for four year schools. If I have to go to a prestigious four-year school, I have to keep up my college GPA. Besides college GPA, high school GPA is important too due to the fact that the four-year schools evaluate students based on their high school and college GPA. I should concentrate on my studies of high school and college, and I should take as many honors classes as I can. I should work diligently to be an asset for the community, to prove myself a competitive student and to embark upon my future life.

I would tell myself to be fearless right off the bat at college. I feel like I missed out on so much being timid due to the change in surroundings the first semester and that I passed up so many new opportunities and friendships. The Florida State experience is engrained in the relationships you make with your peers and no time should be wasted!

If I could go back and tell my high school self anything, I would tell myself to get involved in as much as you could. I wish I had joined more clubs, gotten involved in more, volunteered more. That is so important to colleges. I got very involved my freshman and sophomore year in college and I loved every second of it. In high school, I was too shy and reserved. I should have just jumped in and done everything I could. I would have told myself to really think about my priorities too. I loved high school. I had great friends and great memories but I didn't even scratch the surface of my potential. I have really opened up and grown since being in college. I've learned I'm capable of doing great things. I can only imagine how my life would be if I was this on fire and determined from a young age. If I had been more determined in high school, I probably could have gotten into a better college or even finished earlier than planned. I don't regret anything in my life but it would be awesome to give younger me advice.

I would tell myself that going to a community college will be the best decision I ever made. As excited as all your peers are to go away, they will be homesick and in a lot of debt. I would tell myself about how vital my first two years of college are in growing up. I would warn my past self to not take Pre-Calculus and not to petition my original class placement. I would tell my passt self to relax about finding a major. Everything will work out.

Know that I have completed my freshman year in college, I would tell my high school senior self to enjoy the time at home as much as possible. Once you enter college, new responsibilites arise that can overwhelm many- rent, tuition, laundry, etc. I would tell my high school self to enjoy the times when mom can do your laundry and cook you dinner and when you have much fewer cares in the world. Entering college is your first step into adulthood and your success or failure when transitioning from high school to college can directly impact the rest of your academic career.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to stress as much about transtioning to college. I was worried about making friends and adjusting to living in a new enivronment. I actually found the transition very easy and natural. I became best friends with my roommates and began doing everything with them. They created a support system for me, and we all learned how to transition together. Academic life was also relatively easy to transition to. It is very different than high school, but I found I enjoy college classes much more because they are specific to your interests and major. I would tell myself not to worry because I ended up loving where I chose to go to school.

The advice I would give to my high school self would be to learn and practice a better way of taking notes like Cornell Notes. From what i've learned from my experience in college is that notes help you out tremendoulsy, not with just helping you memorize a lecture but it can definatley help you out with up coming tests and quizzes. Another thing I would tell myself is to spend some time each day at the school's tutoring center, even if I think I know a subject it will be a big help just to get more practice on at the tutoring center. The most important thing I would tell myself is that college is not as hard as everybody makes it seem to be, i definately can be challenging at times but if you put enough effort and determination into it, you will get through it and it will pay off!

If I were able to go back in time to speak to my high school self, I would have told myself to really think about what I wanted out of college. I would have met with my advisors in order to map out my path towards my degree. I would also have told myself to not let working a job distract from my studies. I have had plenty of time to work so far in my life and not enough time for school. One other thing I would tell myself is to really make an effort to make friends on campus. The people you meet could be in your life for a long time.

I have had an excellent college experience, and really I have appreciated all the opportunities given to me. However, if I had to change soem things the most important one would be to never, ever live on-campus in dorms. My worst experiences have been due to this huge mistake and I have regretted every single one of them. Housing is a nightmare and a waste of money, I could have saved money and not been so much in debt if I had lived off campus and saved my self many headaches. I also would have taken my loan money and put it into a savings account so it would have accumulated some interest and I would have the same amount as what I owe plus interest. I would warn myslef to be careful with who you trust and read rate your professor before enrolling in classes, it is usually pretty accurate. Also, stay away from all Greek life they are horrific. Besides that I woudl relive all my mistakes and learn from them, those above were just unnessasry issues that arose that if I could have avoided I would have.

Advice i would give myself is not to worry about the drama, and the women and the distracting activites like parties. Its all fun in games when your in high school,But its time to grow up and become something. Sitting around playing video games worrying about if your girlfriend is made at you because she didnt walk you to class in the hallway is pathetic. Get into study habbits, because for anything out there in the world thats successful takes hard work and time. Sometimes the road ahead is going to be tough, but you must accept the challenge and overcome it. You fail once, you get up and you go again until your there. You are the one that controls your own path and destiny. What you put out is what you get in return, now that being in college i have learned that. It would have to be one of my best traits because now a challenge to me is exciting. Lets see how many people i can prove wrong, because when its all said in done, when its your time to die. Your the only one that goes, no one else.

Dear Ludmila, I want you to know that life will bring you a great deal of contrast and open up a new bigger world in which you might feel small and naked for a while. Not to worry though, you have been working hard on furthering your education in order to be prepared for this step. Just remeber that it is very important to work on yourself as a person and stay focused on who you are, it will help you to stay true to your desires and wants. College is a beautiful and a resourceful place that will guide you through the various mounds of knowladge to pull you closer to the very reason you are there if you choose to. Make sure that you take advantage of everything that the college has to offer you to succeed. Stay in the game, don't over - welm yourself, and if you feel like your head is going to explode ask for help! Always ask questions if you don't understand something and make sure that you don't procrestinate any assighments. Study as hard as you can and eat propper. Good attitude at all times, hard work will pay off!

Dont think you know it all because you do not. Give yourself space between your social identity and your academic life. Work harder than you've ever had or ever will. Strength of character above all else is what is important. Rise above your misfortune.

I was born and raised in a very large, sexy and international city - Miami Beach, Florida. While my parents are somewhat conservative, in comparison to some of my South American friend's parents, they are liberal in comparison to the average American parent. For example, my 1 am curfew was early by most of my friends standards but my aunt and uncle up in Atlanta were appaled that my parents didn't have me home by 11pm. My high school years "were a lot of fun". I did of course study hard, participate in athletics, the musical theatre productions and community service. I had a choice to stay in Miami for college or go to Florida State University. My parents strongly encouraged me to "get out of town" and explore a little. I was very nervous about the transition. I started summer session to ease into my new life and had zero problem. Because of the comparatively fast lifestyle I witnessed during high school I was not easily impressed or influenced by the out of control behavior experienced by most college freshman. My parents loosened the reins while under their supervision and I was the wiser as a college freshman.

Reminiscing my high school experience, I wish I would have taken more chances. I didn't realize how fast time was passing. I thought I had time to do things later but I didn't; and now I find myself in college waiting around as well. I would tell my high school self to enjoy every minute like it was my last, to go out with friends and sometimes even break the rules. I have good memories of high school and I carry with me great friends from that time; however, I have too less exciting memories. I would also kick myself in the butt to do my school work. I was not motivated and didn't realize how much my work then affected my work now. I would tell myself to pay attention to the details of how I accomplished difficult tasks and to learn to ask for help then instead of struggling now. I would give a lot of advice to myself, but knowing who I was then I would have ignored it because I was so hard headed. However, I can't complain becuase what I did and who I was made me who I am now.

Don't ever let your high school teachers scare you when they go on and on about how much harder college is than high school. As long as you continue to work hard in high school, college should be no problem for you. Since you're already doing so well in high school, college will be a piece of cake. By working hard in high school, you have already developed the essential study skills and work habits needed to succeed in college. These include time management, prioritizing, and responsibility. Also, do not be afraid of your college professors. They are there to help you and want to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and if you're really lucky you'll get an incredibly awesome professor who will definitely be your favorite. Just be sure to work hard, study hard, go to class, never procrastinate, and remember to have some fun! In your college lifetime you will meet so many new people and you will definitely make many new lifelong friendships. Just go up to someone and say hi. Everyone else is new and is in the same boat as you too.

I would definitely advise myself to become as active as possible. The more that you are involved in campus, the more you feel like you belong. I also feel like college is all about experiences that you have while you are here. College is a great place to find yourself and figure out exactly what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life. The more that you are involved on campus, the better chance you have at figuring out what you like doing and where you fight in. I came from a small high school so finding little things to be involved in, helped make the transition from a small high school to a larger university. I would tell myself to take every opportunity that I can, both academically and socially. Learning social skills will help you to communicate with not only your peers, but professors and professionals as well. College is an amazing experience and i would tell myself to live every single moment while I am at Florida State to the fullest!

Hello Rachel. This is the future you. College life is not like Gilmore Girls: a place full of learning and self-discovery with support and encouragement from the adult leaders at the school. College is very much like the real world as people are only looking out for themselves and most professors are forced to teach classes to continue their research or graduate degree. The only one who is looking out for you, is you. Work hard. Go to every class - even if it's painful. Pursue your dreams. Demand respect. Research your options. If an adult (such as an academic advisor) happens to be listening to you, ask every question imaginable about your options at school and in a future career. Rachel, the only thing that is holding you back is you. You are full or fear, doubt, insecurity, and apprehension. You are questioning who you are and what your place in the world is. You are comparing yourself to other people. Stop it. You are unlike anyone else in the world. Stop doubting about who you are going to be because you are already you. You can do anything.

I needed to take more serious about applying scholships during my senior year, because it is something that you can't get it right away.

Live in the moment. You only get one shot at a college experience so make the most of it. Also, confidence is key!

I would tell myself: Stop thinking so negatively about leaving your hometown to go to school almost 500 miles away. I know you're scared now and don't know how you're going to be able to handle not waking up next to your precious puppy every morning or being close to friends and family. However, experiencing the independence of a real college student is magnificent, and the invention of FaceTime and Skype is a brilliant one. With that said, the friendly environment at FSU and the familiarity/comfort of a few of your close friends attending FSU with you are going make you feel right at home. I know it seems difficult, but try to maintain a job over the academic year because having no "spending-money" is no fun at all! One last thing, don't bother worrying about having to change your study habits because so far it has earned you almost two years of straight A's!

Dear High School Self, You're pretty smart, so I won't bore you with advice about going to class and studying. I know you will, but do yourself a favor and join clubs and programs from the beginning instead of waiting until Spring Semester like I did. It is not enough to simply go to class during the day, do homework on the weekends and watch Netflix at night. This also applies to your social life. Friends will not just drop into your lap. I have found that clubs are a great way to find like-minded people as well those who are completely different. You need both. Finally, I know that FSU is a long way from home, and you're going to be homesick and full of heartache, but remember that your friends and family are a call away and there is no shame in going home for the weekend. Use the counseling center on campus. You don't think you need it, but your entire world is about to drop out from under your feet, and I'm not talking about college. I wish I could prepare you for Daddy's death. Be strong. Love, Yourself

I know that you may not believe this, but I am you. You can ask me anything that only WE would know to prove it is true. I am here to tell you that procrastinating IS NOT going to get you as far as you think it will. We both know how easy "Test-Taking" is for you. You have gotten by so easily because all of the assignments that you have considered "mundane" have been completed one or two days before the due date and been graded as "A" or "B" work. Then, when you take a test or exam, the grade for the course is boosted even more! My experience this first semester of our college experience has been contradictory to our previous thinking. I am needing to prepare material and reflect thinking at a much deeper level now. If you start to plan and shape your products at a higher level NOW, the transition will not be as painful as it will be if you don't. It is simple. Just put some more thought behind your work. Study and dedicate more effort to your #1 job which should be...being a student. I'll be waiting.

Brigett, Enjoy your last year in school because after you leave everything will change. Once you graduate you realize all of the things you thought were important ( being popular, goofing off, and partying) won't be important anymore. Dont grow up to fast. Before you know it your life will be extremely complicated , so don't jump ahead. Your gonna miss highschool whether you believe it, or not. Highschool is fun, and college is even better! Just remember the amout of responsibility you have now doesn't compare to what you will have.. Don't let that stupid bully get you down because nothings wrong with you-- its her with the problem. You are important to a lot of people, so don't let others bring you down. Take the time to thank all of your great teachers who helped you find yourself, and hang onto your best freinds while you can. Soon you will realize your "best friends" disappear fast; especially after you start a family. Keep your grades up, and your motivation even higher. Stay in church. Lastely, always remember those who were there for you when you needed them most. Chances are, they always will be.

Firstly, I am proud of you for staying with the IB Program. I know it is tough and stressful and you are exhausted, but believe Mom and Dad when they say it will be worth it. Several times in your freshman year of college you will think "thank God I did IB"; it really does prepare you. Be confident and enjoy life. Do not take everything so personally. Remember that who you are is exactly who you want to be. Partying just is not you, and that is okay. Be happy you are different. Do not hesitate to make spontaneous plans with friends. Show your cat, Angela, more than ever before, how much you love her every chance you get. After 15 blissful years of life, cancer will take her in October. Continue to study hard, you will make all A's and love FSU. Your professors are excellent, and you will pick up the material easily, so do not be afraid to anwer questions in class. Missing home is a promise, but you will get used to life away in Tallahassee. In college, you will learn and grow as an individual more than you can imagine. Embrace new knowledge.

The most important thing I would tell myself is to make sure to know how to study. The thing I have struggled with the most in college this far, is knowing how to study. Gradually I have found using note cards is best for me but that would be the most important. The next thing I would tell myself is know who you are, know what you truly believe, and dont let anyone persuade you to change. The pressures of college your freshman year are alot greater than in high school, and I have found its best you express your opinion and dont let anyone compromise your decision. Lastly, I would inform myself of the much stronger competion in college. In college the professor doesn't care if you fail or pass and the students that are there want to be there and are going to do everything for a passing grade. Things are so much different when you have to pay for school. Always go to class and take VERY detailed notes.

Dont worry so much college is a fun and exciting expereince that you only live once in you life time, dont go to college and joke around there are alot of people taking college as a joke and its ashame. Pick a major that suits you something that makes you, you have fun and live life to the fullest

Don't hesitate to ask for help. Making the transition from living at home to living at college is hard, and you shouldn't be too humble about it. Don't take out credit cards - you don't have a job yet. Don't get a liberal arts degree because you won't be able to find a job that pays more than one you could get at a gas station. Study math. Most people don't, and it's what'll separate you from the good jobs later on. Allow yourself a maximum of 1 extracurricular activity. Preferably an intermural sport, because the exercise will keep your weight down and your mind focused on work. Drink lots of coffee - You're gonna need it.

I wouldn't choose to give myself advice. By choosing to give myself advice, I could possibly have changed where I might have ended up. If anything changed up to this point I would be upset because everything I have gone throough till this day was worth it.

Eric Thomas said “When you want to succeed as bad you want to breathe than you’ll be successful”. This quote speaks volumes, for the reason being that we all want to be successful; we want the luxury life, the money, etc. But for one to be successful, one must know what they want to be in life, whether it means to be a doctor, CEO, Entertainer, or the President of the United States. Entering college is an exciting experience; you become an adult, and have adult decisions to make. But to become an adult one must act like one, meaning taking care of your responsibilities. Part of being responsible is prioritizing. Eric Thomas made it clear that when it comes to being successful, following your dreams, you want it so bad that you shouldn’t care about being cool, or the next party, or sleep. With prioritizing, when all your work is done and you have perfected it, you can enjoy life. . Life is about you, and if success is important to you, you’ll do whatever it takes to be successful and fulfill your dreams.

Remember your foundation; being away from home is a major step. I would have to say that listening to those that are there with you during your high school experience, the free knowledge of life that you acquire should not be taken in vain. It is easily thought that you will go to college and you are bound to flourish, going to college is one thing, succeeding in the life after is another. Invest in yourself, talk to those who have been down that very path that you have all intensions of going through or perhaps avoiding the mistakes they’ve made. I remember speaking to someone who was as I thought, a bright individual, but his actions and performance in college has shown otherwise; long story short, he was kicked out from one of the most prestigious schools of my state; he allowed himself to compromise his schoolwork, his future, for a few days of partying; essentially telling himself that he could catch up, he has time. What I would like to say to you is, the time is now. Invest in yourself; remember your true goals… not just those of today, the ones leading to tomorrow.

In my town you could dual enroll with the local college there. I would of dual enrolled to speed up my college career.

Take your time. These four years are the fastest of your life. Don't be in a hurry to move out of a dorm, to get your own house, to graduate, to move on...These years are beautiful and influential, scary and crazy. You become who you'll be in your adult life while in college. Remember to work hard, be honest, and be true to who you are, because if you lose yourself in college, there's a very slim chance you'll ever fully find you again. Don't ever quit because something is hard, simply push harder. Don't ever believe you have to do or be something because "everyone else is". If you stumble get back up. College goes by too fast to spend any amount of time feeling down. Do something that scares you: study abroad, sing karaoke, or take an art class. Remember that education is a privilege, not a right. Don't ever take your education for granted. Learn all you can about whatever you can. Leave your comfort zone in highschool. You won't need it here.

The first thing I would tell myself is to stop procrastinating. Go get things done! Push myself harder, challenge myself! I would tell myself to start saving money, ALL of it! Living on your own and being thrown into adulthood is a lot harder than you think, and you don't know everything you think you know. You're parents are right, never doubt them! Study harder, read more, take the initiative and make smarter decisions. Go to sleep at an earlier time, and wake up earlier. Eat better, because the freshman fifteen are no joke! Tell your parents how much you love them and appreciate all they do, because being an adult is not easy and you hve no idea how much you will miss them. Start getting prepared now, because trying to get scholarships at the last minute are not easy. The last thing I would say to myself is to get in the right mind-set. You're whole life is about to change and you have yet to experience the best times of your life and make so many memories. It's time to grow up, don't be afraid, take charge of your own life!

As a high school student you are footloose and fancy free. For the future you will need to work hard and expect to be competative with your work ethic and drive. You will have a lot of competition, so work at your skill and be the best in your field. Work on your "people skills" you will need them in business. Make lots of connections in your field, for the peolpe who teach you can also be your biggest cheerleaders for your success. Take every opportunity given to you to learn as much as you can by being involed and volunteering in your vocation. You will have the chance to meet very influential chefs and learn many business skills, take notes and ask many questions. Explore the city in which you will live. Visit museums and learn the difference in our own culture. Soak it all in for this opportunity comes once in a lifetime. Then take what you have learned and make a difference in peoples lives.

If I could go back and talk to my senior self, with the lessons I have learned, I would tell myself not to worry. I would say, “The best years of your life are coming up. You will be making great friends, in addition to the ones you already have. Continue to be who you are, you are ready for this. Also, the food is not so great, prepare yourself”

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would have gotten much more help from my counselor. I would tell myself to get help with scholarship information and do everything I can to get as much money as possible to help with college costs. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to work hard because it will only help you in the long run.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would emphasize the importance of networking in the college atmosphere. Everyone around you in trying to further their education and become better and more sophisticated person. This is the one time in your life where you will be surrounded by self motivated driven individuals. Therefore in whatever field of study that you choose, reach out and make as many friends as you can. This will be very beneficial because you are surrounded with individuals most like yourself. This type of influence can only help push you in the right direction. Staying motivated is another important aspect of college. Do not become lazy at the end of the semester and finish just as strong as you started. This type of go get ‘em attitude with pay off and relieve stress. When registering for classes…take a breath, everything will work out just fine. When you become enrolled in the class, get to know the teacher. This will help tremendously throughout the semester and believe it or not, half of them are pretty cool. Most importantly just enjoy yourself, because college is about finding your niche in this world.

First, always remember that in college, you and you alone are responsible for not only learning, but all scheduling, registration, payment, and administrative tasks. Unlike high school, it is not your parents' or the government's responsibility. If you don't get something done or miss a deadline you have no one to blame but yourself. Use your time wisely! No one is looking over your shoulder making sure you get the work done, and for the most part you are free to set your own schedule. This does not mean that you don't need to manage your time--you'll be surprised how fast time flies, so plan ahead and discipline yourself. Read the instructors' syllabi! Usually, everything you need to know about what to expect is there, and most instructors won't argue about items that you were supposed to know by reading the syllabus. Be confident, but know your limitations. Also, try to pick a major that is practical and which you can HONESTLY see yourself doing for your entire working life. Most of all, enjoy the time you are in school! You will be amazed how much fun it can be if you apply yourself.