Howard University Top Questions

If I would go back in time and talk to me i would tell my self that i had to get AP clases. Because college it is harder than being in high school. Back than i didn't care about school, but now i know that i need to study to get a better life. I would tell my self to get a job because it would be easier for me to work in high school than in college. I would tell my self to put more attention in class when he graduates from my old high school, and I would tell him the things that happen to me throughout this semesters that I have been in college.

If I could go back to the start of my Senior year of high school i would tell my past self to live his senior year up, with no regrets. I would tell him that 2013 would be his year, and only good would come from it. I would stress that he become apart of more extra-curricular activities other than just basketball because here at Howard, it is not just about your g.p.a, it is about how many thing you can become apart of and accomplish, while achieving that great g.p.a. Doing so will add more substance to your name and resume and your ideal "worth" on campus. Being able to this takes alot of time management and if I/he could get started and accustomed to that transition earlier it would help him in the long run.

Listen to mom and grandma! I know you don't feel like you're emotionally prepared to go to any college, let alone one all the way in Washington DC, but you will love it. Trust yourself and trust your family. It will be hard at first and I know you don't want to go to a HBCU, but it will all work out in the end. The people you meet, your experiences, and everything that Howard University has to offer will all be worth it. Forget about all the people who doubted you in high school, forget about all the people you didn't like in high school because quite frankly, it doesn't matter. What matters is you and your new experience at this school that takes you all the way out of your comfort zone will totally make you a better, more emotionally stable, and overall healthier person. Stay true to yourself. Also, try to get a refund for your meal plan. It's totally not worth it.

Don't think about this moment. This moment is only a small dot in the larger picture that is your life. Choose what this picture will look like now so that you can focus more on creating it. Don't be afraid of it. OUT of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that senior year is not an excuse for you to become lax and just thing adulthood is a joy ride. Student loans and interest are a real thing so you want to apply for every scholarship you can. You don't want to worry about how you are going to pay for your sophmore year as a freshman with no help from family. You want to worry about graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 4 years and starting the journey of adulthood. You want to worry about building your personal brrand and network because you will need it in order to leave college with a CAREER! I would tell my younger self to keep her eyes on the prize because there will be many wolves in sheep's clothing trying to deter you because they do not want to see you succeed. You have to be your own hero so take this advice and hold it to your heart young one.

I would tell myself to have fun and don't be so uptight. Apply everywher and relax, God has a plan and just go with the flow.

Stay focused and don't give up no matter what.

Hey Ash, this is hard to say but I want to let you know that in October while you're away at school you will lose your brother to gun violence. However, you are strong and you can get through this. College is very different from high school and when you feel yourself starting to get down don't let the pain win. Take that hurt and channel it into studying, channel it into your outreach program, whatever you do DO NOT GIVE UP. Years later you will look back and notice your purpose in life so don't faulter or waver just remember why you're doing this and how you plan to change the world. Anytime you need someone call your mom and give her a chance because she loves you so much and she will always be there for you. But most of all Ash, KEEP YOUR FAITH IT WILL GET YOU THROUGH. Love your future self Ashley

Reflecting on my freshmen year at Howard University, I often say if I only knew the things I know now as a high school senior! I would first tell myself to strive for excellence all the way to the end of my high school career, better preparing me for the transition of becoming a college student. I would encourage my high school self to take the college decision process seriously weighing every pro and con of the life changing decision of choosing your undergraduate institution. I would stress the importance of being financially smart and creating a budget. I would inform my highschool self to take control of your college life learning the importance of a schedule and balance. I would attempt to break my lazy habits. Most importantly I would share that college, no matter where you end up is what you make it. You always have a choice and it's up to you to make the right one! Mistakes will happen but the outcome and comeback of those mistakes is what is important. I would tell my senior self to listen to the advice given to you from family and friends; taking all the help you can!

In college, you still play by the rules, are still slightly awkward, and your friends still ask you to do their homework. Don't worry about reinventing yourself at every phase of life, because you'll be faced with making decisions where the superficial things don’t matter. You're a beautiful young lady with a mature sense of responsibility, an unrelenting sense of compassion, and a bubbly sense of humor; you may not see things as I do now, but if you set your eye on someone else's prize, you may miss the one intended for you. Find peace in the idea that you cannot please everyone. Accept your circumstances, face your responsibilities, and always be honest; hiding from your truths is self-destructive. Make the best of what you have. A lot of people expect great things for you, so don’t fret when they expect great things from you. You are not always going to want to have a positive attitude, but keep a positive outlook and never give up. Remember without pressure there would be no diamonds; you are a gem even if you don't feel like it.

Enjoy and savor every moment of highschool life because the path of college is filled with many twist and turns. However, remember keep your focus on earning great grades because they are golden tickets into the realm of success. With those tickets you want to have tokens that allow bonuses. Those tokens will be your test scores. In those already challenging A.P. courses don't just get an "A". Aim high on the test so you can avoid a class in college. It will so be worth it. Even though, focusing on grades and preparing for senior festivites will have you busier than you imagined, take the ACT again so you can have the highest score you can get. Those extra points will get you into the honors society. Also, apply to plenty scholarships! Trust me, the more the better. In addition, even though your are leaving highschool keep in touch with teachers because you might need a recommendation for college activites you want to join. Lastly, if you have time go visit your college and talk to other students so you don't feel alone, social networks are good for that. Just remember, with anything focus is key.

Know what you are coming to college to do and always keep sight of your primary goal, to graduate and get your degree. While college is a fun, new, and exciting experience it can also be a challenging one that requires a lot of focus and responsibility. Yes it is very easy to fall into the whirlwind of partying, hanging out with friends, and going out, make sure to still take care of your responsibilites of being a student first. It is very easy to lower your GPA but even harder to build it back up. While your friends may be right alongside of you having fun as well, keep in mind that they could have also already taken care of what they needed to do and you should as well. When you first get to college take a look at the person on your left and the person on your right, chances are they will not be there that following semester or year. You don't want to end up that person, so once again remember what you are coming to college to do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to REALLY study and getting involved. Those were and are two of my main downfalls. Not studying enough is something that always put you in a place where you miss that question on a test. In order to be as successful as you want you have to work hard and study until you know the material forwards and backwards. To get many scholarships, jobs, internships, etc. the application requires information about volunteer would and extracurricular activities. In high school I did not become very active in school until my senior. Looking back I would say that I should have done even more than what I did so that I would have the experience that would help me get more scholarships and interships.

Stay true to yourself and leave the girls alone!

I would tell my high school self to be prepared to enter a new atomoshpere of indepence. Be ready to get involved on campus through organizations to make lifetime friends , and also off campus through internships to help you gain experience for your career path. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone to get to what you want, and network every step of the way. Do not sweat the small stuff, and remind yourself that everything will pay off in the end. Only play hard if you have worked hard, otherwise there is no reason to celebrate. Give back to the community, it is just as good for you as it is for others. When things go wrong, look in the mirror and make sure the one staring back at you is not to blame. And always be true to yourself.

If I could go back in time and speak with myself in highschool I would have a lot to say. To begin, I would make it clear the importance of staying focused and completing courses to the best of my ability. Also, I would advise younger me to get used to not having as much attention from teachers in the college setting because that was a major adjustment. In addition, be prepared for the change in material and work load. High school is challenging but college demands time and effort if you want to see academic results. Lastly, I would make it clear to maintain a balanced social life. College can be over whelming, but if you have friends and events to attend it can relieve stress that comes with classes.

I didn’t realize until 5 years after graduation, still attempting to pursue my degree, that I was very fickle. I was so confused about what I really wanted to do with my life. I went through all the possible routes…Air Force inquiry, changing majors every week, and even taking breaks to work full-time. If I was able to tell my high-school-self anything, it would be to do what I have true compassion for. I would tell myself to stick to what makes me happy regardless of the pay scale. I would assure myself that no matter how much people doubt my choice, to hold onto my values. I would even shake myself to get the fact that boys will still exist after graduation. Hopefully, my high-school-self wouldn’t be as stubborn as I remember and take heed to what life lessons I have went through for her.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot to say. First of all, I would discuss the necessity of time management. In college, time management plays an important role in how and what you can achieve. Knowing that I like to have fun, I would schedule activities on the weekend rather than during the week, so that I would not be distracted. Another topic I would discuss would be getting involved in school activities because that is how you establish good friendships and relationships. There are so many types of clubs that you can get involved in; whether sports, academics, or social organizations, the option is yours. Last but not least, I would discuss creating a healthy relationship with your professors. When you create a healthy relationship with your professor, he or she can help you achieve your goals and fulfill the potential they see in you.

Many people stress the importance of scholarship money and grants because of the exponential growth in college tuition. I was always aware of the exacerbating college expenses, but I never really understood how severely expensive college was until it was time for me to start paying for it. The advice I would give to my college self is to not wait until 12th grade year to start preparing for college. Although that it the ideal, during my freshman year in college I discovered scholarships that rewarded students who have yet met their senior year in high school. I would tell my high school self to apply as early as freshman year and to save as much money as possible. Further advice would be in regards to campus life. College is a different society in itself, so be prepared to have take advantage of the experience. Completing your work is important but all work and no play is unhealthy.

College is a system. In order to succeed within this system it requires that you abide by a multitude of stipulations. Whether or not you are aware of them is your responsibility. In order to qualify as competition to the elite, your unweighted GPA must be above a 3.8. Your SAT and ACT scores are the other half to the crucial components of your success in finding an instituion that will help you to soar above the rest. Do the absolute best you can - exhaust all efforts to do well on both or either of these exams. Apply to as many colleges and universities as you possibly can, and prioritize them according to your life goals. Even if you are unsure of your life goals in the exact moment you are applying, please do not fret. You can always change your major, but you want to have a line-drive approach until you are completely sure you need a paradigm shift. College life is a cataclysm of freedom, work and new social interactions. There is nothing worth fearing, so just do it, whatever it may be. College is a fantastic alteration of your life's framework - cease these days.

I would tell myself to apply myself to my full potential. I won't tell myself to go to class, listen to the professors and do my homework. A good education is not something to be wasted. Too many times, people who attend college straight out of high school, take their education for granted, doing only what is needed to get by. I would stress the need for better time management and organizational skills. No one is there to watch your every move, reminding you of due dates, etc. Your educational prosperity is soley in your own hands. I would also tell myself to get involved with clubs/groups on campus. They are great ways of making connections that last a life-time. Even though I was a commuter, it is important to stay just as involved in campus life as those who live on campus. Basically, I would tell myself to grow up, apply myself and get involved. These are the years you will never forget!

Assuming I can go back in time, I would make sure that I am absolutely prepared for college, mentally. Maybe partying wasn't such a bad idea because it is all in the college experience but I would make sure I let 'me' know that a strong study habit is neccessary to succeed. Unlike high school, you cannot make As by simply paying attention in class and not studying. I think this would have prepared my high school self, expecially for the first semester because this was the semester that I messed up in. I would have also told 'me' that attempting to study in the founder's library was not so smart. Every other freshman student crowds in the library to mix and mingle with their friends. I wish I could have told 'me' that the University's ilab was the best place to study. Campus involvement is truly a big deal. If I could have told 'me' to get involved in as many organizations as possible and network, I may not be in such dire need of funding for tuition. Many of my classmates' tuition is paid by someone they met this past year. If only 'me' knew.

If i were a high school senior, knowing what I know now, I would advise myself that the transition to college is not just about the differences in the rigor of coursework, but also the amount of responsibility that acompanies the college experience. You will take numerous classes and spend countless amounts of hours studying concepts such as Newton's second law and how to calculate polynomials. But the most important skill that college equips you with is the ability to take responsibilities for your own actions. You may have several assisgnments due on the same day from different professors, but the important skill is to know how to manage your time wisely and get things done on time. It is the most crucial element to success in the real world. If you need things done, you cannot wait around for others to do them for you.

LaToya, do NOT move out of your parents house & be so concerned about boys. STAY living for FREE so you can go to school full time and not worry about a full time job and trying to juggle work, school and a boyfriend.

Dear Me, Step 1) Take a moment and breathe. I know that applications and scholarship essays are getting to be a bit overwhelming, but it is all going to work out. Make a calendar so you can keep deadlines and upcoming due dates organized. I know you like to "go with the flow" but you are missing a lot of oppurtunities by not being organized. Step 2) Listen to your mom more. She has useful advice and will help revise your college essays. Stop trying to fight her help. She knows what she is talking about. You don' know everything. Just take my word for it. Step 3) Surround yourself with positive and ambitious people. These wil be the people you call on a Tuesday at 2 am stressing about your chemistry test. They will calm you down and help you to keep your sanity. Step 4) Save your money. You don't need another flannel shirt. Seriously. Stop buying flannel. Money is not easy to come by in college. And to be honest there are way cooler things to spend your money on at school then in your small town. Also books are expensive. Be prepared for that.

Hey Raymond, Here is some advice that you should really listen to. It will better your future immensely. You do not want to still be going to school at the age of 24. As soon as you get to Colorado State University, make sure you are well prepared for classes. Do not worry about making friends. You will become close with the people in your dorm hallway. A social life is important but you are in college with the main purpose of graduating to benefit your life afterwards. Take classes that interest you. You will more likely be interested in the lecture or discussions. Do not look for the easy A classes. They might not even be an easy class and you will be stuck learning uninteresting subjects. Keep a calendar or a whiteboard to write down due dates of assignments and exam dates. Do not skip classes no matter how early they are. Falling behind is not something you want to do. You can save yourself a lot of anxiety by going to class. I cannot emphasize how important studying and going to classes are. Studying "sucks" but failing is a lot worse.

If I knew then what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self two things. The first thing I would say to my high school self is to take your time. College will always be there. If I could do it all over again, I would seriously consider taking a year off before I entered college. This year off would give me the opportunity to work to save money for college and give myself time to really think about my future. I would also tell my high school self to take time to engage in community and civil services like City Year. The second thing I would say be open to and accepting of change. Going to college for many people is the real first step into adulthood. Up until this point in my life I was very use to a set routine and family structure. I learned very early on in my college career that everything in life isn't set in stone. There are so many different opportunities and possibilities and change is actually a good thing. Accepting change in one's life is key to transitioning into adulthood.

All of my life, I have known that I was destined to be a college graduate. Neither of my parents were college graduates, so I would be the first generation to explore this facet of education. Without much guidance, I applied to universities across the Nation. However, I was so focused on attending a university that I overlooked a key factor that is associated with furthering one’s education: funding. Considering, if I could tell my highschool self anything, it would be to begin applying for college scholarships much sooner. Each semester, I am uncertain whether or not I will find enough money to further my education, so I opt for student loans and working long hours. If I had only put as much passion into applying for scholarships as I had applying to college, I would not have such an educational and financial dilemma.

Dear Dominique, don't rush this year. I know that at 17, you don't feel like a child anymore but you have no idea what independence is truly like. Take in the moments that don't seem to matter and absorb them. There are stressful days ahead and how you deal with those days will ultimately determine your future. Walk slow, breathe deep and take heed to your parents advice. It may sound like rambling now, but surprisingly enough, they'll be right most of the time. Meet new people, but also realize that these new people won't always have your best interests at heart. Don't let this discourage you, because you're going to meet some great people as well and they're going to take your life by storm. Appreciate these people and hold them close to your heart -- for those friendships are going to last for your entire life. Know who you are, and love every bit of it completely. Be passionate and driven, courageous and strong-willed, you're about to encounter the best years of your life, maybe even the hardest, but they'll be worth it. Prepare yourself.

You’re about to embark on a crazy journey called “college.” Here are some bits of advice I wish I knew from the get-go. •College is not what you see on TV. •You will be in class half as much as you were in high school but you’re learning twice as much material in each semester. •Go to class. It seems like common sense, but sometimes taking a nap or hanging out in the student center will be much more appealing. •You are an engineering student, take your math and science courses seriously! •Take time to get to know new people, your network is almost as important as your coursework. •Apply for scholarships. It doesn’t matter if you have a full ride, still apply. Also, don’t disregard small scholarships. Even if it’s $500, that’s $500 that doesn’t have to come out of your pocket.•Take a deep breath and relax. You only get the “college experience” once. Take time to enjoy the next 4 years. These 4 years will be stressful, fun, exhausting, and full of stories, memories and all nighters. But, most of all, the next 4 years will be worth it.

I would sit my self down and tell myself that it is okay to ask for help. Talking to the professors is important and teaches you not only communication but responsibility. I would tell myself to not procrastinate on anything. Start studying for finals as soon as the syllabus is recieved so that there is not a lot of stress during finals week. I would let my self know that I should take the sayings "work now, play later" and "work hard, play hard" into consideration because it is okay to have fun in college. Networking is key when it comes to achieving things. Lastly, I would tell myself to do what I love regardless of others.

First thing first: If I were going to go back in time to 2010, when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to not move in with my freshman roommate! After that I would tell myself "the end goal the prize. Sleepless nights and neglecting a vibrant social life may seem undesirable right now but in a few years you will appreciate the hard work. You don’t ever want to say you didn’t study enough rather you didn’t sleep enough. You are a bright young girl and you don’t give yourself enough credit, believe what mommy says and know that you can do all things through Christ strengthens you. You really can and never second guess yourself and whatever you do DO NOT GIVE UP!You will go through your fair share of hardships but you will get through it, keep your head up Fayolah because your future is bright."

If I could go back and give myself advice, it first would be to handle the new freedom you have with responsiblity. With no authority to monitor your every move, it's very easy to dabble in things/places you shouldn't. Which brings me to my second piece of advice, stay focused. There are so many distractions in college. From the opposite sex to parties, it's a challenge to remember what you came there for. Feeding off of my second piece of advice, don't be afraid to ask and most importanty accept, help from others. My biggest struggle was attempting to do things on my own when I didn't have to. Accepting help from others helped relieve unneccessay stress I built for myself. Last but not least, enjoy this experience. Learn and grow from obtaining this college life that so many aren't fortunate enough to experience.

As I look back on high school now as a second year college student I can think of a lot of things I would want to tell Indigo Silva the senior class president of Heritage High School class of 2011. I would sit her down and say, “Indy, you really have to take your time when applying and deciding where you want to go for college. These are four years of your life that you have complete control over. No parents telling you when and where to be, no mommy or daddy to hug you when you’re feeling at your lowest, no more constant food in the fridge and gas in your tank, in fact there may be no car at all. You’ve got to take all of this into consideration and really research, visit, and interact with the campuses that interest you. Know what things you would like to participate in and what activities you enjoy. Most importantly, know the person you are now; be confident in that person and prepare to push and mold that person into the individual that you want to be. You’ve got this Indy, trust me, I know it.”

What is a college education if you have no direction in life? A person’s vision drives one’s degree. If I could speak to the high school me, I would tell myself to know me. Instead of simply following in the steps of my father, nodding my head to appease my teacher, or remaining silent to avoid becoming a social outcast among my peers, I would have told myself to speak up. I would have demanded myself to trust my abilities. With knowledge of yourself comes knowledge of the world around you. If I knew what I wanted to become, I would have better planned for college and better shaped my high school career. However, knowledge of oneself must be worked for not given. I would have told myself to go to work. I believe I would be much better off artistically, personally, financially, and educationally. I am just now realizing my passion and creating my visions. Although I am young, they always say “The early bird gets the worm.” I may not have been the earliest then, but I am surely up at the crack of dawn now.

I would tell myself not to be afraid of making friends. Everyone feels the same way their freshmen year, whether you come with friends or not. The first few weeks of school everyone is coming in the same way - ready to make friends. That is the best time to find people who are interested in the same things. Making friends is a continuous thing but making them in the first few weeks of school makes everything better.

Dear younger self, You're about to graduate from Elmont Memorial and you will be attending Howard University in the fall. It will be the first time that you're away from your family for so long but it will be worth it. Don't be so alarmed when you find out that your financial aid package isn’t ideal. Everything that you'll begin to worry about within the next few months will all be worth it. Howard is amazing. your transition was great. You were surrounded with people who were also transition and you guys will learn together. You will meet some of your best friends on day on of college. Yes, you will get home sick and you will go home at least every month for the first three months but after that you will realize that it got better. You weren't home sick because Howard was horrible. You were homesick because you were just learning to adapt to a new family. Stay strong, transitioning is easy when the people surrounding you love you. With Love .

If i could go back and talk to myself, I would advice myself how important education is. As for myself i didn't finish high school. i dropped out of school when i was a sophmore. So I had to go and take some GED classes in order to finish school. I would advice myself today that it is very important to stay in school and keep with education because it is very hard not having an education in life. I am attending college after ten years of not being in school and I have struggle with it but am willing and encouraging myself to the best. Because I have three kids and I would like for them to have the best life and also teach them and remind them everyday how important it is to stay in school and take advantage of everything that is being offered in high school and college.

Andreea : College is not the same as highschool! Take this time to really understand how to manage your time and work to be effiecient in complete tasks. College professors are not like highschool teachers. In college they give you a due date once, and expect you to have it in by then. There are no constant reminders or "late assignments." Also, take advantage of all the resources that your college has to offer. Work shops, tutoring and study halls are there to help you better understand your classes and homework. If you don't understand certain things, go get help, that's what they're there for! With your good work ethic, you should be able to maintain a good GPA through out college as well, and try your best to do that! You will be recognized for your achievements and it will be a extrordinary fullfilling feeling! Keep up the great work and go achieve your dreams! You have your whole life ahead of you! You'll be a great nurse when you finish your degree!

As a High school student, I had different ideas of what is expected from college. I used to think that at college, you have tons of friends and a whole bundle of fun time!!! I knew that you are expected to study but I used to think that if I can study a little, I can have plenty of time for socialization and being in sororities. NOT!!!! Going to Howard University, it was an eye opener. In addition, being in School of Business where excellence is required, it requires discipline and hard work. If I was to go back in time, (1) I will take as many Advanced Placement (AP) classes as I can. It preps you for the studies expected in college. (2) I would start money management skills very early. In college, you have so many expenses but little money. You would need to stretch that dollars to last you for a long time. (3) I would volunteer in more community services in high school. A lot of the scholarship opportunities in college require community service. It is crucial and very important that you give of yourself. Life is always better lived in the rearview mirror.

If I could go back in time and talk to young Tylar McNulty about college life, I would tell here to stay focused. When I first arrived at Howard University that had been the first time I had been away from home. I was so excited about being on my own and not having to answer to my parents that I did not take my schoolwork seriously my first semester. I would tell myself that even though I am away at school, I am there to perform in my studies. I would tell myself to set time away every day to go to the library and study for each class; if there is no homework for me to work on, then I will read on to the next chapter to stay ahead of the class. I would just tell my young self that attending Howard University is a privilege, and that I should do everything I can to make the best out of my experience.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to work harder and start early. These simple words would have made a world of difference in my transition into college because I would be more prepared for college. I would advice myself to work harder because college is a lot more than fun and games which was the perception we were given as seniors in high school. By working harder and keeping my GPA high while still a senior in highschool, I would established a study and work habit that would eventually come in handy as a college student. I would also advice myself to start everything early because by waiting to begin my college application, FAFSA application and Scholarship applications so late in year, I missed out on a lot of great opportunities. After a year in college, I believe that early birds do get worm . Many opportunites in college are set up in a first-come-first-serve standard where students who are first in line are presumed to be the ones working hard and dedicated to recieve anything.

If I could go back in time I would have challenged myself to apply for more scholarships. I did not get many scholarships to go to Howard, and they only offered the top scholarships to the highest performing students, and at the time I did not fall into that category. This put me at a huge financial disadvantage and forced me to work a full-time job, while I was attending school full-time. Spending so much time working made me feel very disconnected from the Howard community. I did not get an opportunity to do many of the extracurricular activities that characterize the college experience. When most students were building lifelong friendships, I was working trying to make ends meet. Morever, the time I spent working off-campus cut into the time that I should have been studying. Consequently, my grades suffered. Had I spent more time applying for scholarships to attend college, I would have had more resources to actually enjoy my time there and I would have been a better student. As much as I hated completing the seemingly endless scholarship applications, doing them would have paid off, literally.

Dear High School Self, I am writing to you as I finish up my sophomore year in college. I am attending Tarrant County College, and will soon transfer to Dallas Baptist University after I get my associates. I know that you do not have intentions of staying at a community college for more than 1 or 2 semesters, but this will change. Here you can save ALOT of money, and participate in smaller classes where you can interact with your professors, and really absorb a great education! Remember, this is why you are going to college! Yes, you need a degree so that you can one day get a great career, but rememeber that you are here for at least the next 4 years, and so really dedicate yourself to learn in ALL your classes! They are ALL valuable to your future. Make an effort to get an A in your classes, not just pass. Set high goals for yourself! If you take the time to study, you CAN do it! It is not impossible. When things start to feel overwhelming (and at times they will) stop, breathe, and remember: "I am just here to learn". Then, do just that!

If I could go back in time to give myself advice I would tell myself to get more involved. I would remind myself to get more involved in not only just my scholar studies, honor society, art club, and mentoring; I would tell myself to get more involved in community activities. I would tell myself to volunteer more and make a difference in the community. Also I would tell myself to have transfered straight to a four year university, to not worry so much about the costs that I would have found a way to have payed for it eventually. I would tell my past self about all the opportunities I missed out on going to a community college and then transfering because I didn't have the funds to attend the university at the start. I missed the chance to join many of the design teams, Student Government, and many even an opportunity for selective honor research. By the time I transfer I won't have much time to get involved on campus or in the community. I would also tell myself to keep up the good work and congrats on graduating top of the class.

Quite frankly, I would make sure that I would have gotten a job during senior year in between and surrounding my sports seasons in order to offset some of the fees for applications, transcripts, enrollment fee, pictures, trips, prom, and so on; having a small amount of additional income would have made a world of a difference. Also, with that job, I would be able to work up until it was time for me to go to school at the beginning of August. I would have told myself to study harder for my AP exams, so I could bring credits with me into my freshmen year of college. I, also, would have told myself to take the SAT and the ACT more seriously, so that I could have more scholarship money from the university I am attending now. I would be sure to tell myself to apply for at least 5 scholarships a week to increases the chances that some of my fees would be paid for. Lastly, I would have to really tell myself to focus as much as possible on ceasing to procrastinate, for that would be the enemy of any potential success.

I actually wouldn't go back in time because as a high school senior I had a mom who was willing to "push"me into college. Her persistence in telling me to focus in school rather than everything else going on, got me to graduate high school with honors and advanced diploma. Her persistence still continues as I work hard to get my degree. I know I have to keep my GPA up in order to get scholarships and know what I am going to maor in and what my back up major is.

If I could go back and talk to the high school version of myself I would say two things. First, I would tell myself to enjoy being carefree. I would tell myself to enjoy all the moments leading up to graduation (prom, pep rallies, hanging out with friends etc.), because I will never be that young and carefree again. Time flies and there is plenty of time to be an adult. The second thing I would tell my high school self would be to really pursue scholarships because paying for college is no joke. I worked hard in high school and had the GPA, I would definetly encourage myself to remain consistent in the hunt for scholarships because now I regret not applying for more. If I could tell my high school self anything I would say enjoy yourself and look for scholarships!

A year ago today I took a trip to Washington, DC to see Howard University. I was a senior in high school and it was “Accepted Student Day”, also my first time visiting campus. The welcoming committee, full of faculty and students, took us on tour, to lunch, and showed us all the reasons we should come to Howard University. It was love at first sight. After completing my freshman year at Howard University, looking back on that day there are many things that I wish I could tell my high school self, but there is one bit of advice that seems most important to me. I’d tell myself to start prioritizing and making daily schedules. The most difficult aspect of college has been prioritizing, setting aside the right amount of time for the right things and saying no to the things I do not have time for. I would tell my high school self to start making daily schedules and sticking to them so that they become ritual when I get to school. I’d recommend calendars, planners, and sticky notes galore because the most challenging transition in college is making time for what is truly important.

The biggest peice of advice I would give myself is to learn how to be independent. It was a huge shocker when I went to college and noticed that I was truly on my own. My mother or father wasn't around to make my meals or tell me to do my homework. I had to make desicions on my own. I wished I would have been more independent in high school so that the transition to college would've been much smoother.