Kaplan College-Indianapolis Top Questions

If I was able to go back in time to talk to myself as a senior I would being up 1 thing that has changed my life. I would want to know that I love my life, but it be a little easier if I would just speak up for myself. I don’t need to wait for someone to speak up for me. Once I learned how to use my voice I learned my boundaries went further than I imagined. I was able to work full-time in the US Navy, complete an AA and BA in College with High Honors and care for my family. Before I was able to speak up, ask questions, or explain anything to someone I would find myself getting very frustrated, sad and angry because I felt like people didn’t listen to me. I wasn’t making sure I was being heard. Life became easier, happier, and less frustrating once I could express my feelings, ideas and thoughts. I could achieve more, be more productive and still am able to do that. I am no longer intimidated by confrontation, in fact I will now stand up for others depending on the situation.

I know it sounds very cliché, but I would tell my high school self how utterly important education is. I would say that even though it seems as if school would never end and I probably would not want to feel like I was still going to school forever it is over before you know it. I would rather do it right after high school than try to do it at a later time like now when I am 33 years old and a single mom. It is harder to do things as you get older. It is not impossible, however to do it when you are young is so much easier. If you are able to do it while you are young than you can spend your older years actually enjoying your successes. You can plan a future when you are done with school and make good money and live and lead a very good life and actually enjoy what you do. You can figure out your passion along the way but without education, I feel like life can be very empty and difficult because of having to struggle. You do not want to live paycheck to paycheck.

I think that going back to talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably tell myself that rooming with your "best friend" really doesn't work out. I would also explain to my younger self that college is a big transition both physically and emotionally. You become a whole different person in college away from your parents, as you decide what choices your going to make without them guiding you. The last and perhaps most important advice I would give, is to imbrace the changes that are going to come in your life and challenge yourself to work on problem areas.