Hood College Top Questions

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

Marie

Money. You can get the education and the experience you want you just have to plan for it a little better. I would tell my self that the Hills Scholars program will be the best experience ever. It will open many doors you never thought existed and you will grow so much as an individual. Once you graduate from the program, take off a couple years to save money for the four-year institution. Scholarships and grants are great but they will only cover educational expenses and they are not as easy to come by as everyone says. The extra cash will come handy once you start school again; you can work less and concentrate more on your education. By doing this you will also have time to experience the college life and make new connections. You will be able to volunteer and explore interests and most importantly, you will be able to keep up with your studies. My biggest regret is not saving enough money and having to choose between studying and work. No one seeking an education and wanting to improve themselves should have to choose between an educaiton and work.

Bethany

Don't worry, everything will be okay. I know how stressed you are about getting applications in on time, getting accepted to colleges, and figuring out how much each college will cost, but don't worry. It will all be worth it in the end. You'll meet great people and make a ton of new friends, and learn more about yourself and the world than you ever thought. All your hard work through all the years will pay off, so just breathe and relax.

Gemma

If I could send advice back to myself as a high school senior, I would relay one simple message: everything will work out. My biggest worry about the transition to college was living with someone. I had never had to share a room before, especially with a stranger. My roommate and I get along wonderfully. In fact, we are roommates again this year (my sophomore year). I would tell my past self this simple message because it applies to everything. I have always worked hard in school. Academics mean a lot to me. I know that furthering my education is one of the best investments I will ever make. By telling myself that everything will work out, I'm not only giving my former self peace of mind for the worries at that moment, including the roommate stress, but also any other worries that arise later. I am a firm believer in the thought that everything happens for a reason. As long as I work as hard as I can and put forth my best effort, everything will work out someway somehow. And however it works out, it is supposed to be that way.

Michelle

I would tell myself to focus on school and not worry about going out at night and on the weekends. School should come first. Get your education then worry about going out. Life is too short. Make something of yourself. With an education you have something to be proud of and something to show for yourself. Going out will not help your future.

Keith

The best advice I could give would be "don't wait for others to tell you what to do for class, find out yourself and do it". My biggest flaw is that i tend to procrastinate, and put things off without thinking about it. That was a major problem when i first began college classes, and as a result, my gpa went down for a bit. My current habit, taking what i need to do, and spreading it out over the time i have, is helping me stay on task, and helping me bring my grades up. If i had done that at the beginning of my college career, my grades would have been higher, and i would have been able to enjoy more of my collge experience without stress, as well as get more financial assistance. That's why I would advise my past self to not procrastinate, and be more proactive with my education.

Sarah

College is definitely a life-changing expereince. You do not want to miss out on it. Therefore, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely say do not simply take senior year as a joke. With all that is within you, avoid "senior-itis" and whatever you do, DO NOT wait until the last minute to apply for college. By doing so, you put yourself in harms way of missing application deadlines and falling behind in the college process. It is imperative that you try your very best from the moment that you become a senior to the moment when you graduate because believe it or not, your senior year does not go overlooked. It's alright to have some fun, for after all, it is your senior year, but do not lack on applying for scholarships. You do not want to wait until the last minute when your money is due, to realize that you do not have enough and that you should've applied for scholarships all along while still having fun. The moral of the story is to manage your time wisely! All is possible!

Brittany

Dear Brittany, There are so many opportunities for you to make a difference at Hood College. Yes, it will be tough being away from home at times, but your family is always a phone call away. Plus, they will love and support all of the opportunites you take a hold of in the years to come at Hood. Don't worry about high school drama, there are bigger obstacles to come, and don't be afraid to face these obstacles head-on. Tackle them with your God-given talents, and you will succeed. Also, procrastination is never fun to deal with, so it would be a good idea to practice staying ahead of your work now. Thank you for choosing Hood as your four-year-home. It is going to be one of the best decisions you have ever made. Don't be afraid to make new friends because they won't be afraid to talk to you. You are going to do great; take life one day at a time until then. Good luck! Your Friend, Future You

Ty

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as an high school senior, I woul d advise myself to definatley be prepared for the big change. One thing I would let myslef know is to not get off guard, a lot of incoming high school seniors get off guard because of the frredom they have with the transfer from hish school to college. Coming to college on your own is a big step in your life of being a youg adult, you have to trmember that no one is going to be behind you reminding you that you have a papaper due next week or that you need to study for your test on Friday. So it is a big responsibility, i would also warn myself to not get caught up in partying with other people because that can cause you to lose concentration. Other than that enjoy yourslef and be responsible.

Dana Lee

Hi,my high school senior self I just want to offer you some advice before you go off to college. First, don't worry, and just be yourself. That way,you will have no regrets.In addition, always keep an open mind and you'll be able to excel in all areas,both personal and academic. It would also be a good idea to learn to cook a few dishes,so you can have a homecooked meal once in awhile.In regards to academics, start assignments in advance ,so you don't stress about them later.I know you'll be fine since you've always been an exceptional student, but you should also have some fun. You definitly deserve to let your hair down,and enjoy life. Good luck!

Eleanor

I would tell my high school senior self that the freshman year of college is a weird thing, and to not worry about it too much. Focus on trying to find scholarships and money, but don't let things like that control your life. You're a smart person, so let your grades relfect that. But most of all, I would want my high school senior to know that the freshman year of college is going to be awkward and weird, no matter what. No matter what, you go into college with some sort of expectation, and more often than not the reality it not going to match up. You're going to make friends in the first week that you'll think you'll love forever, who you won't even talk to by the end of the year. You and your roommate might get along, and more likely you won't, and that's okay. Making friend who you really want to keep around takes time, so don't rush that process. Just focus on your studies and being the best student you can be, and try to only spend time with people who you really like.

Rachel

Start looking at colleges right now. I know you want to stay close to home, but don't let that be your priority. Also, focus on schools that have good science programs and good financial aid. Start looking for scholarships right now, too. Don't trust your parents to actually help pay, because you're going to regret it. You may think that you can just change schools if one's not right for you, but it's not that simple and you're going to get in too deep.

Susan

One regret that I faced the past days is the fact that I didn't take opportunity of attending Frederick Community College for their certificate programs. I felt like i wasted my junior and senior year taking extra classes that didn't really help me with college. If i attended the program, I would have a certificate of some sort and by now, I could be working with that certificate. I need a certificate where I can work in a hospital becasue that will allow me to experience working in the medical field. Experiences like this could really help me grow as a student and open doors to more opportunites. I learned that the graduate schools or programs I want to get into after my undergraduate school requires a large amount of hours from working in fields related to health and medical. Another thing I regret about is not taking my AP classes' exams. I didn't bother trying my best in the classes and I didn't take the exams seriously. If i have taken them more serious, I would have been able to skip some courses in college.

Shannon

"Breathe. All this work you are doing is worth it. People's opinion doesn't matter as much as you think it does." Those are the three things I would tell myself if I went back in time to talk to my high school self. I think that being able to take a step back and know that things work out for me, I would encourage myself to get through all of the hardships of high school like AP exams and hours of homework. The work that I did to prepare myself for college helped me more than anything I have ever done for myself. People's thoughts about me did not get me into college, or help make me sucessful, it was only me. I would remind myself that in a few years all these people will be gone and I would be moving on to bigger and better things. I would just tell myself to keep doing exactly what I was already doing, but to not stress out about the future, because it is bright.

Katrina

to learn the techinique that i have now to not get overwhelmed from school and life by shutting down, but by trying to take one step at a time

Stephanie

If I could go back in time to my high school self I would tell her not to be afraid of college. I would say that she is capable, she is smart, and she can handle the hard work. I would tell her that she needs a college education to pursue her passions and contribute to her community. I would also tell her that finding the right school is so important and to make the choices for herself.

Keesha

I would say to myself that college is tough and that I should keep my spirits up and work hard. Also, I would say never give up even when you feel like you do not have a choice. You just have to keep working hard and pushing yourself to do better and be better than you were yesterday. Keep your head up and know that your family is proud of you and is always behind you no matter what you choose to do. Keep working hard because it pays off even if you do not see it right away.

Jamie

If I could go back to high school and knew what I know now about the college life, I would tell myself never to give up. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to finish high school but then again I never found myself or give myself a chance. I graduate high school at the age of 19 years ago. I moved out of the house at 18 years old to live with my boyfriend. I have to say my boyfriend give me a new life and with that new life I found myself finishing high school and moved on to college because of him pushing me and to never giving up.. "You’re smart" he told me. I wish I had someone to motivate me like my boyfriend did throughout high school. My family never did. I went through a hard time with high school kids picking on me because I could not speak right and I had a learning disability. If I could go back to high school and learn again I would because I would feel that I'm at the same place with those kids, not because of age but because I am smart.

Mareca

If I could go back to old high school me I would be sure to tell myself to keep an open mind. College is filled with people coming from different cultures and backgrounds. If one comes close minded you miss out on opputunities that could possibly change their life. One may also miss out on possibly meeting and developing relationships with potential life-long friends. if one comes into college with an open mind then they will have a better college experience. Collge is definitely about lerning and recieving a degree, but it is alos about learning lessons, trying new things and finding one self. College can be overwhelming at times, so one should definetly make sure they take time away from the research papers to relax and talk a walk or hang out with friends. College can be alot,but going in with an open and willling mindset makes college more enjoyable.

Sariah

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there's one thing I would tell myself. As a growing adult, I've come to realize that the world is fast changing and ever expanding. Knowing this now, I would tell my past self work harder towards everything and to make myself a more well-rounded person. Instead of focusing on the subjects and things I'm already good at, I would tell myself to focus on the things and subjects I'm weak in. I would tell this to my past self because it would help me prepare for the tough world ahead. If I had worked harder to be a more well-rounded person, it would have made adapting to a new life much easier.

Le

Hi Le 2012. I am "you" in the future. I am Le, the college version. Wow, time flies by so fast. Look at you, I remember sitting in that table studying SAT vocabularies until midnight every day. Well, I am sorry to tell you that I am attending Hood College instead of UPenn. Which one is Hood College? The one near aunt's house that you never think you will go to. I love the life I am having right now and I am making the best out of it; nevertheless, I do not know if attending another school on your dream school list would be better or not. As much as I love Hood, I think you should go to a more challenging school. I strongly suggest you make more effort. Finish your application as soon as possible. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Do not procrastinate. Do not give up. Le, think about your future and your family; try harder and harder. Remember your favorite Vietnamese saying, "Hard times come before success."

Mariah

If I could go back in time and speak to me as a high school senior, I would be my own cheerleader! I would have said, “Hey Mariah, do not give up! College IS an option for you!” I would have encouraged me to have faith in myself and to avoid the errant the path that was my legacy. I would teach myself to listen to the voice inside that tried to encourage me to find the fortitude to branch out and create my own path; the one that could lead to an education. I would have emboldened myself to try even when I was told I would fail. I would have already taught myself not to be discouraged if I did fail, because there IS dignity and triumph in the attempt. Lastly, I would have told myself to apply for as many scholarships as humanly possible. The worse they can do to you is tell you no. Try.

Jillian

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to focus more in class. Then I wouldn't have to feel like I am learning everything for the first time. Also to work on my grammer because there are a lot of essays in college.

Rupa

The best advice I would give myself if I was a high school senior again would be to take a lot Advance Placement tests. This is because a lot of the general education requirements in college can be obtained through the AP tests. You should expose yourself to different types of classes so that it is easier to determine your major. I would also tell myself to get involved in more extra-curricular activities to show that you are well rounded. Being confident is very important and that you should follow your dreams and goals, not compare yourself to others and work at your own pace because we are all engineered differently. Make good friends that will help and guide you in the right direction and will support and not judge or manipulate you. You are responsible for yourself, do not expect that someone else will be able to help or give you the answers. Always think before you speak or get involved because your words make up your actions and character. Make good connections/impressions with your teachers and counselors because they impact your college process.

Heather

Heather, I know you have alot of things going on in your life right now. Trying to find your place in school and dealing with your little sister's illness, but let me tell you right now, things get much better for you. I know our parents do not value education and right now you believe everything they have said to you. They are wrong! The world is not just full of warehouses where your IQ doesn't matter. Trust me you do not want to work at a dead end job at 18 yrs of age and think that's all the world has to offer. I know your very smart, but you lack the drive to just try new things and meet new people. You could be so much more!! Come out of your shell. Trust me you will not regret it.

Francie

If I could go back in time and give my high school self some advice, I would tell myself to value my education more. Back in high school, I was a big time slacker who would skip classes, and not worry about my academics. I only did enough work to get by and this resulted in having to attend Community College to raise my GPA because no 4 year school would accept me. I would also advice myself to be more involved within my community and classmates. I was pretty much the loner type, and while many of my high school peers still keep in contact with eachother, I have found it difficult to maintain relationships with my high school peers because I was rarely involved with my peers or school activities. I did not even go to prom or senior dinner. Now that I am in College, I see how important it is to be part of a community and to help others in need. So if I could go back, I would advice myself to do volunteer work since it helps one become a better rounded person and one can use such experiences for future careers.

Benjamin

I would tell myself to start off with my current major in biology. I would also have started at Hood College.

Kala

If I were able to go back in time and give my high school self advice about making the transitions to college there are several things I would want myself to know. First I would tell myself to make an effort to make friends and get involved. I was so focused on academics that I missed out on what could have been incredible opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences. The second thing that I wold tell myself is to loosen up and not take everything so seriously. I spent my first semester entirely focused on grades and got myself so stressed out over it that I didn't really enjoy the classes I was taking. I would tell myself that this is a time to experiment. Try new things withouth worrying about what people will think of you or what could go wrong. I would encourage myself to enjoy college. My first year has gone by so quickly, I would tell myself to make the most of every moment. Most importantly I would say have fun in school, take chances, and have no regrets.

Kimberlee

Choose your friends wisely and pick classes based on your interests or major. Even if it is a class that you need for your major (or graduation requirement), but you don't really like it, tough it out. If you need to take it then don't waste your time or money registering for a class that you wont attend whether or not you like it.

Christine

Assuming I could go back in time and give myself advise I would tell myself to stay focused on the end result and continue to push through no matter what obstacles life throws at you. That end result is a four-year degree that will open the door to other opportunities including better paying jobs.

Nicole

If I was to go back in time, I would get more involved in high school activies and take my academics more seriously. Although, I graduated in the top 1{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class, I did not spend the time I should have focused on school work. At college, I struggled my first semester with trying to make new friends, adapt to being 5 hours away from home, as well as juggling my first college classes. To the transition easier, I wished I have been more organized in high school. I have always focused too much on one thing and never balanced out my time. I would make sure that as a high school senior, I would advice myself to have better time management skills. A person needs to be active and succeed both socially and academically. College is not easy but it is what you make it. The best advice I could give myself is get invovled, stay active, but at the same time do you work when it needs to be done. Stressing out is not good for not only your health, but it is also bad for your grades. Relax and enjoy.

Nathaniel

I would simply tell my high school self to give his all in his first year. I would tell him it is imperative to give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of his efforts to everything, even those things he thinks are unimportant. This quality is invaluable and will not only get him a high GPA but also higher admiration among his peers and potential employers. This is the only advice I could give for all the choices he has made thus far, even mistakes, are important to make him into the man I am today. It is important to gain such new experiences and to go into them without knowing the outcome or some plan. The ignorance of the path ahead is exactly what will make him strong once he traverses its treacherous waters.

Rachel

If I could, I would go back and tell myself that you cannot just sit in your room and expect people to come talk to you. I never realized how axious I would get when trying to talk to new people. It has never come easy for me, but talking to new people at college was the hardest thing. I assume it was because I knew I was going to be with these people for four years and I was so afriad of what they would think of me. For the first three months of my freshmen year, I mostly went to class and sat in my room, too afraid to talk to anyone, longing for the past. Then I was asked by someone who lived in my hall to go to karaoke. Saying yes to that was the best decision of my life. Was I scared and anxious? Of course. But the people I met there turned out to be the best friends I could have ever asked for. I learned that, if you want something, you have to work for it and go get it, and that you can't sit back and wait for it.

Christine

I would tell myself not to rush into finding the perfect college. I would advise taking some time off and finding out what it is that I want to do and what I value in my future and education. The decisions you make about your education really matter in many more ways then just picking a major. Where your located and who your with will in the end make a much bigger difference then all the classes you take. I would tell myself that college is about a lot more than a piece of paper, it's an experience that will change who you are and the road you travel.

Theresa

Some say the first week of college for freshman is the hardest week due to the change in homework, new friends, hours of free time, no parents, and most importantly all the peer pressure. It takes a lot from a person, especially me to admit that in the beginning I was scared and nervous that I wasn’t going to make it, or allow myself to open up to new people. The nights leading up to college, I was told many different stories from past friends who graduated from college. Telling me that I have nothing to worry about because I am a person who is outgoing, and my personality is one that no one else has. “What a confidence booster,” I thought. However, pulling up to campus I told my older sister Jess that personality only gets you so far and nerves stay with you forever. What was I going to do? Do I change who I am to fit in so people will like me, or do I act like my outgoing self and make friends similar to me? Finally the advice i would have given myself would have been along the lines of " Just be yourself T"!

Lindsey

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that I did an awesome job and it was okay that I thought I was going to pursue a career that I am not pursing anymore. I would also tell myself not to listen to what my parents say I have to do. To choose the college I want to go to instead of settling and only applying to one. Applying to many, and actually going to and looking at different colleges would be a good idea. With the sacrifices, grades, and extra curriculars that I did in high school I could pick almost any college to go to. However, I'd tell myself not to worry that everything will eventually work out in the end, no worries

Shannon

The advice I would give myself is doing drop out of school, and tries hard to make good grades because they could help you get into any college you want for free. It is not a good idea to drop out because it could make it hard to find a job and if you do find one it is not one that you would want to be on for the rest of your life. You plan on having kids I know you would want to have a good foundation for you and you children so you don't have to struggle to take care of them on minimum wage jobs that can barely take care of you. Finishing high school is a good head start towards your future and you will regret dropping out in the long run it is not worth it, and you must remember you have to stay focused on your goals and not what is going on in the world right now.

Cory

I would tell myself, to wake up and get higher than a C average. Why? because, in the near future you will have a hard time getting into college and countless hours of hard work to find scholarships and grants that could have been given to you if you actually payed attention in high school.

Heather

Advice to my college self Breathe. College is a big change and it’s scary stuff—pee your pants kinda scary—but trust me, you won't. Relax. You may get stressed enough to dream you go to school naked but you won't do it, not once. I promise. You’ll make some bad choices but they’ll be fixable and your chemistry professor will like his new shirt better than the old one. Speaking of choosing, pick a few good friends and when things get tough you’ll look over to see them running beside you. Even with friends around, you’ll feel alone sometimes, everyone does, but home is just a phone call away and moms send brownies to the downhearted. Accept that you're going to make some mistakes. Life isn’t written in permanent marker except for that spot on your dorm wall and they’ll paint over that. Grades aren’t everything either. Take time to have fun, run for charity, laugh with friends but every time you get behind the wheel of a car be sure you're awake and sober. And know that after college, no one cares about SAT’s anymore.

Nicole

If I were able to speak to myself as a high school student knowing what I know now, I would tell myself not to take anything for granted and to enjoy myself. High School is a time to have fun, not have a job, hang out with your freinds, really discover who you are as a person. In high school, this is something I would remind myself of. I would tell myself not to be so wrapped up in what I have going on outside of school, but to enjoy the time I get to spend with teachers who really care about you and make the freinds you will have for the rest of your life. Enjoy yourself, your never getting these days back and as soon as you step into the world outside of high school, your going to give anything to go back. So make each day one your going to remember. Most importantly, think about the future but not to far, just far enough so you have an idea of whats coming and be ready for it.

Katrina

If I could talk to my senior self, I'd let myself know to take more time to look for scholarships and grants instead of indebting myself in all of these student loans. There are so many resources out there, just take my time and look. Free money is fabulous and loans are nothing but a quick fix and one day, I'm going to have to pay that back and it's not going to be any fun! I would also tell myself that classes are more important than any parties. Not only that, but it is very important to get to know my classmates and find the studious ones who can become study partners. There's nothing wrong with partner studying, or group studying because you can bounce ideas off each other. That makes it so you can bring the material up in everyday conversations and you're learning and retaining information without recognizing that you're just studying. Finally, I would tell myself to never procrastinate because my best work comes from taking my time and rereading what I wrote. College is the time to hop into nerd mode and achieve my dreams!

nicole

I would have told myself to do better in high school. Also I would have done better in community college before I transfered. I love college now as an "older" student. It took me a long time to get through school but it is the right time for me now. I just wish I would have done better because it was a lot easier then and I took that for granted. College is a gift that many people do not have the opportunity to go to or the patience to be in. I am grateful that I am in college now and doing as well as I am. It is hard to look into the future when you are younger but I should have told myself to really find out what I want to do and where I saw myself.

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would emphisize the impportance of keeping up my grades so that I maintained a higher GPA, also I would tell myself to keep all ongoing art projects from my different art classes I took in high school so that when I was appling for colleges I would have a better portfolio and a progress chart to show how my skills have increased over the years. Going back I would also tell myself to start appling for as many scholarships and outside aid that I can get as well as start saving up as much as I can during high school so that I would have more money to pay for my college, because my parents are not in a financial place to support me and now I am in a place where I have no idea how I am going to afford this education.

Anesa

I would have to tell myself not to change a thing. I would say continue to push hard and have that motivation that you have always had because that is what is going to get you here. I would however, tell myself to search for new study methods ahead of time because when I got here I would see that some of the old methods are just that...old methods. I would also say to reach out a little more and have fun. I have well disciplined myself but a little fun can't be too bad.

jesus

Looking back on my senior year, perhaps my biggest regret is not focusing on school or participating in more senior activities. Back then my goals were completely different and the idea of attending my dream college was almost completely out of question. I spent time doing other things that were not school related. If given the chance I would like to go back and motivate myself into doing more scholarly activities. I would have enjoyed participating in study groups or working on senior projects, attending home coming games or senior breakfast. Instead I spent time working on cars. Which don't get me wrong, I still love doing, but if given the chance I would have chosen a different road. One that would prepare me for college life. Making sure to take the SAT on time, and enroll in classes that would help my college career. I often times see people that graduated with me, they chose other paths that led them to success sooner, though I am proud of what I’ve done so far, I wish it would have came sooner.

Crystal

I would probably try to calm myself down. I was very nervous about the college experience. I am the first person in my family to go to college. So no one had advice for me. I would tell myself that I am strong and that everything will work out perfect.

Kara

There are many things that I wish I could go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior. The first thing I would tell myself is to do as many extracurricular and volunteer activities as possible because colleges and scholarship foundations love students with a purpose. The second thing I would tell myself is that no scholarship is too small to apply for. Fill out every scholarship form until you can't find any more to apply to. Next, I would tell myself to take some of the required pre-requisites for my degree while still in high school (e.g. Writing 101 and Math 151). This would have allowed me to complete my associate's degree much more quickly and it would have better prepared me for the transition from high school to college. Lastly, and most importantly, I would tell myself to save as much money as I could to help finance my education. College is expensive so any savings would have made paying for college so much easier.

Reginald

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing all the things I know about college life I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships because college is not cheap. With the part of making the transition I would tell myself to make sure I manage my time wisely and dont procrastinate on any work. Knowing what I know now I would give the senior me the advice to know what my career choice or major will be so he will be able to focus on what he wants to become and not switch majors like most college students do. Being that college life and college itself is very expensive I would tell my younger self that he would need to make sure that he has money for any unexpected situation that might come up becasue you always run into a problem with financial aid.

Samantha

If I could go back in time and tell myself that everything takes time. It takes time getting used to the rigor of college life and learning to make friends. I would also tell myself that joining clubs and activities is an important part of succeeding in college. I would also tell myself that it is important to study so that I can achieve good grades. It also helps relieve stress when I am prepared for tests and exams. I would also tell myself that change is good, even if it doesn't seem like it at first.

Danae

There are certainly a few things I wish I could tell my “high school self” about college. I would tell myself to save my money before going to college. When I was in high school, I did not understand the concept of paying for tuition, books, gas, etc, so I would definitely forewarn myself about the stress of college debt. Although I have always been good with time management, I would tell myself to be more disciplined before college. It is always so hard to be responsible and do homework before hanging out with friends, and that was a hard lesson to learn when entering college. The last thing I would mention is to work on confidence. I did not know many people when I entered college, so learning to be more outgoing was a hard transition. If I would have known these things before entering college, I think it would have been an easier experience.

Kelsey

Dear 12th-grade Kelsey, Greetings from afar! This is college-sophomore Kelsey. The prospect of transitioning into college life terrifies you - I know, because I was once you! Hear me out... Secret #1: As a fact of life, transitions are hard (this is true in every aspect of existance...remember how tough adolescence was?) - but that doesn't mean they are filled with impending doom! No! Transitions are excellent opportunities for developing character traits like perserverence through discord, patience with the process of adjustment, and faith in your self-efficacy. Secret #2: Though transitions are hard, college isn't. So many students get overwhelmed by the idea of homework and papers and exams and research that they psych themselves out! Yes, you're going to have to do all of those things... but class participation, diligent study and a propensity for asking questions will make it do-able - even enjoyable! Secret #3: Don't worry about the future. You've got the tenacity and capability to acheive any goal, so go with the flow a little! Let life show you all it has to offer: the good, the bad, and of course those gray areas. Carpe diem, beautiful girl!