Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

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

Bridgitte

I would tell myself as a high school senior to stay focused and avoid procrastination. It is easy to get behind in your coursework by choosing to sleep instead of going to class or staying up late with your friends. When you get behind it makes you feel overwhelmed. It causes you to do unhealthy things like pull all nighters and drink energy drinks. You'll beat yourself up inside when you have to retake a course because you didnt apply yourself. Get this nonsense done in good time so you can be a big girl. Also, remember you are paying for this! Maybe not now but eventually you'll have to pay and the loans add up quick. Be sure to research and register your classes with highly rated professors. Good professors are those who are interesting enough to stay awake through lecture and those who are willing to give one on one time with students. Remind yourself every now and again why you are putting yourself through this torture. Theres a light at the end of the tunnel. That light is your dream. Its the what you'll be doing for the rest of your life.

Kayla

I think about what I should have done differently very frequently. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself to actually try. I have been blessed with the ability to not have to sudy much at all. I graduated high school with a 3.7, but I could have easily had a 4.0 GPA. I just told myself back then that it wouldn't matter, and of course I always had better things to do than study. Now that I am a college student I see the real picture! I could have tried harder on the ACT and had a full ride to college. Boy would it be so much easier on me to not have to work a full time job and study through nursing school. I had to take out a personal loan through my bank this semester just to pay for school. I am currently paying that off. My school doesn't offer student loans, and all of my savings paid for my first two years of school. If only I knew then what I know now!

Kristine

I would say to myself: Look to the future. Consider where you want to be in 5,10, 20 years. College is an opportunity to help you become the best you can be. It will open doors for your future that otherwise will be shut to you. A college degree out weights the effort put forth and the cost that is involved. Someday in the future as you accept the diploma and you are looking forward to starting the new position you have just accepted, you and your family will be proud and thankful that the initiative you have shown is providing the rewards not only to you but to your community. Since you want to become a nurse, you will become a positive influence in the community and to your family. The nursing profession is an honorable profession and I hope I have learned that it is an attainable goal.

Jennifer

As a high school senior, I know that it is difficult to make the big decision of where to attend college. Go with your gut- not with what any of your friends or family members say. If you follow that feeling, you will end up right where you belong. I love this school, and I have absolutely no regrets about choosing it. Once you get here, embrace your new surroundings. Don't sit in your room and only go out to parties on the weekend. Experience college the right way- attend school-sponsored programs, join a student organization, make new friends everywhere you go. Another equally important thing is that while you went to college to achieve your dream of acting on stage, know that sometimes it is okay for dreams to be put to bed. Dreams change, mine did, and I am so happy that I changed my major to accommodate. I love where I am in my life now, and I hope that you can appreciate where you are going as well. Good luck on your months to come, may they bring you excitement, new experiences, and most importantly, utter joy.

Samantha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself while I was a high school senior I would tell myself college is not all that it is made out to be. College is portrayed as a partying place where you go to school hungover from the following night of drinking and having easy classes that you do not need to study for just like in high school. Yet, for me that is not the case. I am a nursing major and it is not like this at all. I came in to college knowing it would not be easy but I did not think it would be as hard as it has turned out to be. If I could go back I would tell myself that I will not go out partying or pass an easy class even if I do not study. I will tell myself that I am going to have to study and work hard even if I thought I did not have to. I would show myself that college is not all fun and games like I originally thought it to be.

Jammel

I would tell myself to look at more schools in depth. Don't pick the school that most of your friends are going too, pick the school were you think you will be comfortable. Pick a school that puts an empahsis on family and community. Fill out alot more schalorship applications because most schools are expensive. Consider some schools that are out of your home state. You've been in Ohio your whole life, try something new for a change. Pick a school were you think you can grow into a better man, to mature and gain self awareness. Pick a school that helps you get involved and where the general population seems to be friendly. Pick a school that actually cares about you.

Holly

The first piece of advice that I would give myself would be that college is an important part of life, but it isn't the most important part of life. Getting stressed out about homework is pointless and a waste of time. I would tell myself to forget the stress, sit down, and do the work. The second thing I would say is that college is hard, but not impossible. With good time management skills and determination, the work will get done and everything will be okay. The third thing I would say would be that there is a difference between being the best and being my best. I would tell myself that as long as I'm trying my hardest I should not get discouraged because I am doing the best I can. The fourth thing I would say would be to remember what is important. There are a lot of things in life that matter, and there are a lot of things that don't. I would tell myself to think about the importance of something before worrying about it. Lastly, I would tell myself to remember who I am and whose I am.

kevin

If I could go back to my senior year I would definitely change the way I approached senior year. Once I became a senior everyone said it was a blow off year and it kind of was in the beginning because I wouldn’t really have to try and even if the teachers tried to talk to me about trying harder it didn’t matter because all I needed for me not to take finals were all C's. A thing I wish I could change would have to be being more self-dependent on myself because the hardest transition for myself in college would have to be how I didn't really have anyone here for me at school. There were no longer anyone there to tell me to do my homework or to make sure I end up doing this. It was all up to me to complete all the things I needed to do in order to become successful. Not preparing for this in college was a wakeup call for me but I was able to strap down and do all of these things but I definitely had to learn it the hard way.

Victoria

Hello, younger self. I know that you have been anxious to be apart of the college life as you are shy and somewhat of a hermit, but don't be afraid. Your passions that others thought to be bizarre in high school are shared by many in college. Check out the student organizations and wear your favorite shirts that say, "Hey world! I love anime" because chances are someone will feel the same way. That foreign fashion style you like? Don't worry, you will end up meeting a girl decked out in it. The dolls that you collect? A large handful of students on and off campus collect them too. You are so full of creative ideas that should be shared with others. I know you have always wanted to start a costuming club to share your love of sewing and craftsmanship, so now is the time to go out and do it! Be true to yourself and let the world (or campus) see who you really are.

Megan

I would tell myself to take more college credit classes so it make the transition to college slightly easier by not worrying about as many classes and taking as many credits. I would also remember to create and establish good study habits so that when you get the freedom of getting away from school you still have to maintain desipline and work. Other good habits would be to develop a hard work ethic to keep up with work and being able to focus even though there ismore of chance that you would be able to become distracted.

Jesse

If I were to go back in time and give myself advise, I would urge myself to continue my education beyond an Associate’s degree. I earned an Associate’s Degree in Small Business Management in 2006 and entered the workforce. If I were to travel back in time and speak to myself I would congratulate myself on the accomplishment but also explain that the degree I earned would not be sufficient for competing in the job market down the road. Having a Bachelor’s degree is very important in today’s job market when vying against many other qualified applicants for a limited number of positions. I feel that this would be the best contribution that I could give myself several years ago, to continue my education. I only wish today that it had been possible to receive this information from myself. I believe that it is the only way I would have found it to be credible.

chayse

Start looking for scholarship money now. It costs too much money to go to college. It is easier to have someone give you money than to take out loans.

Natalia

After experiencing collegiate life, the advice I would give to my high school self would be to attend a smaller university closer to home. Upon graduation I chose to attend the one of the largest universities in the country 2,000 miles away from the small community where I grew up. It was my hope after graduation that I would be able to escape the unhappy memories of high school by attending a university far from my home. However, I was blissfully unaware of the hardships that I would experience in my new environment. I was naïve to think that I would be able to adapt and find ‘family’ at college. While others flourished among the other thousands of student I struggled to find my place at such a large university. I realize now that in my desperation to fit in I made many mistakes. By being at a smaller university closer to home I would have been able to adapt more easily; avoiding many of the problems I encountered. As I have since transferred to a smaller university closer to home I can tell myself that I did not need to move away to have new positive experiences.

Torri

If I had the chance to I would tell my high school self to calm down. There is not much need to stress about college because academically I am prepared for the work. On the other hand, paying for college has been tough, so I would have told myself to try harder to find a job. I would tell myself to work nonstop at it because eventually it will help decrease a lot of the stress that I now feel. I would have told myself that all those times spent sleeping in on the weekend could have been used more wisely and that all though I understand the job search had been hard, in the long run it would have definitely helped.

Shane

What I would say to myself is, "Hey man, you really need to start taking your school work a lot more seriously, ESPECIALLY MATH! I know you think it sucks right now but all this is a cakewalk compared to what college is like. If you're not paying attention now, how do you think you'll do in a class like INTUITIVE CALCULUS, which is a requirement for your major by the way. Yes, I know you've heard this all before and you're going to keep hearing it. Trust me though, you need to listen. Doing good here in high school will also help you on that ACT exam your teachers are making such a big deal about. Also, you need to be more responsible with your money. I know it's cool having your first job and some steady cash flow, but college IS NOT cheap. It's ok to buy a few nice things, but don't over-do it. In college you'll be intorduced to the wonderful world of never-ending BILLS and also SCHOOL EXPENSES (books being the main expense). You need to start saving now! Listen to my advice, please.

Nichole

If I only knew then what I know right now. I think most of us have had that thought from time to time. If I happened to stumble across a time machine and had the chance to meet up with my high school self, there are a few words of advice I would give. Firstly, I would tell myself that it was alright to feel afraid and that college was something strange and foreign to many people. To me, it was a whole new world, one I had never explored before. I feel like fear held me back from doing a lot of things. Things such as joining new clubs or going out of my way to befriend classmates. Secondly, I would tell my past self that it was alright to not know what career path to take and not to worry so much. College is meant to be the place where you'll decide. I spent so much time stressing out about finding a major, I forgot to have fun sometimes. These small pieces of advice are words I know I would have liked to hear at eighteen. Even so, my college experience has been one amazing journey.

Justin

If I could go back in time to talk to myself in High School, I would give myself Financial, Educational, and Self-Help advice.

Amy

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to worry so much about trying to figure out who I am while still in high school. Just because you go into college not knowing what you want to do with your life doesn't mean you're not going to graduate on time. I would tell myself I don't have to know what I want to do with my life. I spent so much time trying to pick a major I have already changed, but it took me until college to realize that was okay. I would tell myself that it's okay to try new things and that I shouldn't be so scared to try those things. In high school, I thought college would be difficult so I had to be perfect. I would go back in time and tell myself that it's okay to explore and realize you're not in the right place. Because it's not until you reach that moment that you actually find out who you are. I think, as a high school senior, I just needed to hear that everything would turn out okay. And it has.

Nicole

I would tell myself to make sure you know who you are before going into college. It is a big adjustment, and most people will do anything to just fit in. If you know who you are before, you will not fall into peer pressure and get dragged in all different directions. Make sure to get a planner and in the beginning of each semester, take the syllabus from each class and put everything in the planner. The best way to do this would be to mark the exams in red and the homework in black. Time management is key because there is a lot more time in college than in highschool. It is better to do the assignment right away even when it is not due for awhile because you will end up forgetting.

Kelley

Dear Kelley Boatwright (Age 17), Listen up and take the SAT and ACT, or you will regret ignoring this advice. Do not let your grades suffer from stress at home. Please don’t get caught up in whether or not somebody cares about you. Care about yourself enough to realize that this isn’t the time to pine over someone; this is the time to set yourself up for everything you want in life. Do not look for others to help fill a void within you, instead improve and prepare yourself for the future. If you want someone see you differently, you must first change yourself. Stop being afraid and realize that you have more options than you think. Do not dwell on the life and mind altering events of your past, they will paralyze you. You are the only thing that will hold you back. Do not become complacent and stop striving for more from yourself. You are better than that and you know it, just don’t forget it. Most importantly, don’t lose yourself. Keep your neon rainbow aura of quirkiness and never, under any circumstances, stop creating. Sincerely, Yourself at age 27 (with two kids)

Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth, I would like to give you some advice about college life. First, I want to assure you your choice to continue your education after high school is a great decision. Second, I want you to meet with your counselor and/or mentor and narrow down your strengths and weaknesses relative to your hobbies, personality, and intelligence. Finally, once you have narrowed your choices, I want you to shadow the professional(s) in the appropriate field(s) of study. This will confirm you are on the right career path. Don’t forget to ask a ton of questions! After all, everyone has a story. As a college student, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I graduated with a Bachelors degree and 3 yrs later I have decided to pursue a 2 yr degree in Physical Therapy Assisting. Several student loans later, I wish I would have researched all the possibilities. As a 17 yr old, you must feel a lot of pressure from your peers and the adults in your life, to rush into such a major life choice but I promise that if you take the time to research your interests you will do great! Sincerely-Me

Brooke

If I were to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to research college and the career fields that I was interested in. Having grown up in a very low income county, where most of the residents were working people that did not have the resources to consider college, our education did not always answer the questions associated with seeking a college education. I spent two years of college deciding and figuring out, through experience, what my major actually was and how I felt about my future career options with that major. I dont regret any of my experiences, however, I know that had I been better educated on the possibilities of a college education, I think I would've been better prepared. Lastly, I would be sure to remind myself to keep an open mind in college and to really take advantage of all of the opportunities and relationships presented to me during the four years of school. Making the most of the time spent and enjoying the college experience is key!

Kimberly

Knowing what I know now about college life, if I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would most definitely tell myself to study a lot more! College is a whole different world compared to high school and studying is something that should take up more than just an hour of your time per day. I would also tell myself to make sure and take some time every now and then to just relax and have fun with friends. If you study all the time and do nothing else, you will drain yourself and after so long studying won't even help anymore. I'm not saying to not study, because you do need to study a lot, but don't try and study 24/7. Lastly I would tell myself to make sure I don't procrastinate. When you have homework due or a test you know you need to study for, don't wait until the last minute to do it! Give yourself plently of time to get your work done!

Jessica

Don't take time off! Go straight to college and work like crazy to finish your degree. It is so important to have a college degree in this world, that not having one will prove extreemly difficult. Also, enjoy the last few months you have as a senior in high school. Don't take this time for granted. Soak up the experiences people are giving at you; these lessons will be forever engrained in your memory. Continue to work harder than you did the day before; never undersestimate the power of hard work and perseverance. Share your knowledge with those who want to learn. Apply to college early and have an open mind about the college experience. Stay at home and save your hard earned money; college dorms are cramped and expensive! Most of all, push yourself to succeed; there is not another person in this world who will do the work for you or encourage you enough to make it. Roll up your sleeves and get out the elbow grease.

Marie

College is very different compared to high school. Students are completely on their own. There are no parents to force students to do what needs to be done. Students have to adjust quickly and realize how much responsibility is now placed upon them. It is easy to succeed academically and balance a socal life but it takes time to figure out how. Remeber that true friends and those who will succeed with you, realize that the first and most important reason for attending school is your future career and academics, not partying.

Ashley

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a highschool senior, I would have said a lot of things. First, how important getting good study habits then would have been. The time classes, home work and projects takes is much greater than in highschool, so you should prepare now. Then I would tell myself to gain some independance and responsibility. Your an adult now, and you'll be expected to act like one. Go to class even when your sick and study hard! Finally, I would tell myself to appreciate college. It will be hard, but it's your future your working so hard for. Not everyone gets the chance to go to college so don't take it for granted!

Lauren

Senior year for many students is an exciting yet stressful time. It is common for a student to become over whelmed with advice from parents, friends, coaches and teachers. In my transition from high school to college, I had pressure coming from many different coaches. I decided to play softball at a private college in Ohio my freshman year. I listened to those around me more than I listened to myself. I felt as if I had to play a college sport and education was not the top priority, neither was tuition. Today, as a transfer student to Kent State University, would advise myself to first think about what you really want and not those around you. Secondly, to understand this is your life and you can do whatever you want with it so plan accordingly. Third, remember who is paying the bills after college. Also, I would tell myself education lasts forever and there is nothing wrong with challenging yourself with a large course load. College is a time for growth and exploration. Make the most of that time and do not be afraid to step out of the box. Do something different.

Alexander

Hello me, a little odd to be seeing you again, you look good! Anyway, you will be in college next year and there are some important things i want to let you in on. First; stick to your friend Eric, he will help you with whatever you need. Even though he will be sarcastic and mean about it. You two will be together for your future college years. Also, start researching the gaming industry, it's ins and outs, get a very good feel for it. Next you will want to start studying up on screen resolutions in America and Europe. This will prove to be most invaluable to you as your professor pays very close attention to these, as should you. As for your dining plan, buy things for yourself, not other people. it is a dining plan, not a charity. You will run out, and you will beg for food. Keep close contact with your friends and go out to eat with them. Also, there is a very beautiful girl named Brittany Walker, now please man, for me, and technically you, talk to this girl. She is you as a girl and she is perfect.

Andria

If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I better enjoy my time at high school while it lasts. College is so much harder and I will have to spend hours doing homework and studying as opposed to high school. I would also tell myself that college may be harder academically, but it is so much fun socially. I'd say that in college I am going to meet so many new people and make tons of friendships that will last a very long time. At first, moving in and making the transition to living away from home is an extremely difficult transition. However, over time it gets easier and I will learn how to take complete care of myself without anyone to help me. It will also teach me a lot about how to save money and use it wisely. College is an amazing experience with many ups and downs, but it is definitely worth it. It will be rough, but never give up because your goals are too great to quit on. Time goes by so fast so live it up but make good choices!

Erica

If I were to travel back in time to my senior year of high school, I would have a lot of advice to give myself. College life and making the transition from high school was a lot more difficult than I expected it to be. The most important advice I would give myself would be to better my study habits. Throughout high school, I was taught that flash cards are the easiest and most efficient way to remember information. Once hitting the college level, I found this to be false. I would tell myself to reread chapters of the text book over and over again. I found that information is retained easier and stays in memory much better when using that study tactic. Other advice to give my high school self would be to work on time management. As a college student with eighteen credits this semester and a part-time job, good time management skills is a must. I would also touch base on the importance of self discipline and making school work my number one priority. If I were to have known these specific habits before entering college, the transition from high school would have been much easier.

Rosario

At times many students in high school that are seniors never know truly how college life is until they get into it. The student starts to see more variety of people than they had ever known compared to the people in high school when going to the college to get everything prepared. There is something that will truly help the person when getting to the college that is actually being your true self; not somebody else. Many students never think about the situations of when they will be far away from their family for the whole year in the beginning. There are students that all of a sudden start to get depressed because of being far away from their parents and family members like their home. At times that makes the students want to even leave because they do not have someone that is a truly deep person to talk with about personal stuff or even just cry for sentimental feelings. By just talking with a person that the student feels close to they feel better, are able to concentrate, and even work on school assignments or study for test.

Teresa

Talk to a high school counselor as a junior and find out what future educational opportunites are available to you to work on during high school as well as after. You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year in high school. The earlier you apply for these and the more you can apply for will increase your chances of acquiring available scholarships. Work really hard on getting excellent grades while in high school. You could be named valedictorian and get a free ride to college. You can reduce the number of credits required in college or at a university by taking as many college classes as you can while in high school. Focus on the science and math classes. Get involved in school clubs and organizations and look into volunteering in communiy service opportunites. Look for mentors. Find people you have volunteered with or have worked with in some way and see if these people are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you to apply to scholarships. The sooner you get started on what needs to be done to secure your future, the more success you will have.

Brooke

If I were to give advice to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would recommend is to get involved as soon as possible. When I first came to college, I was very focused on my academics and didn't give myself time for a social life. However, I have learned that one of the most important aspects of the college experience is the social experiences. Transitioning to college would be so much easier with friends to rely on and activities to look forward to. Additionally, I would advise my high-school self to broaden my horizons and not be afraid to try new things. By attending a large school, I have a lot of opportunities to experience things that others do not and I wish that I had embraced them from the beginning. Therefore I would advise my high-school self to step outside of the box and not to be afraid of new experiences. Lastly, I would advise my high-school self to take the time to get to know campus and the surrounding area because it becomes a vastly important part of the college experience as the four years fly by.

Michael

If I was able to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to follow my dreams. I had a belief that the job market only wanted candidates with a college degree and that the degree content made no difference. I would help myself understand the world will fill you with self doubt; make you believe that the path you are on is not going where you want to be. I would encourage myself to test my limits, experience new things, and not let fears and worry keep myself from doing what makes me happy. As I have learned, there are no mistakes, just life lessons that you continually learn from. I graduated with a degree that was not right for me, and I am now using that lesson to work school back into my life to acheive success with a degree that motivates me. If you focus and put your heart into learning, you will be successful everytime.

Megan

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice, I would tell myself to be sure to get involved and to be yourself. Getting involved at my school was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Some kids just go to school, go to classes, do homework, study for tests, and that's all their college experience is. That kind of experience can get very boring and a break to participate in an activity on campus is a good way to give your brain a break and meet new people. I would also tell myself to be yourself because you'll find some of your best friends in college. If you're being true to you and just be yourself, then you know that you'll have friends based on who you are and not who they think you really are. Finding your true friends is one of the best things that can happen in college, and its better if you find friends who like you for you, rather than fake friends who think you're someone completely different.

Ronna

I would advise myself to look for scholarships before going into my freshmen year. I would also give myself advice to work hard on my classes and take college very very seriously.

destiny

I would have advised my high school self to seriously consider post secondary. I would have told myself to start post secondary junior year, and the reason why would hae been to save money. I would have told myself that in the future your going to have to put yourself through college, and would have advised myself that getting a job then would have been a very good idea.

Jacob

There are a lot of things to be said, a lot of things to be done differently. . . College affords many wonderful opportunities; however, they come with a price. What I overlooked in high school, I should have considered more seriously in retrospect. Faced with large school bills at the end of the day can be a daunting prospect; when your guidance councilor talks to you about scholarships, consider them as a win-win situation. The time is takes to complete a myriad of scholarships is well worth the possible rewards you could receive. Every dollar counts, and college represents not only a transition into a different level of education, but into the "real word"--as frightening as that could seem for a high school senior, the steps you take early on will help you secure a more stable future for yourself.

James

I would tell myself that you need to change how you study and become more responsible. In high school not writing things down and just relying on your memory got you by but in college you need to write things down and study until you know the material. Being confident in your answers and not questions them is crucial in the field that you will be going in to. Answers will not be given if you say you do not know and you will have to work for them and actually understand. Asking questions is not a bad thing and there is no such thing as a stupid question, if you are uncertain make sure you find out the truth or answer. Finally do not take anything for granted and be the person you are and want to be.

Noah

First, I would recommend patience. Do not spend your time wishing life away. Do not rush through highschool, but embrace the time you have left. Cherish it. Time will go faster than you think, and you can never get it back. More importantly, never forget where you come from. I went to a small school my whole life, and wanted to experience somthing bigger. I found everything I was looking for, and more. But it does not mean you change who you are. Be yourself. Remember your family, friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and mentors. They shaped you into the person you are today, and its everything you learned from them that will make the transition to a new enviorment that much easier. Remember what they taught you, and the sacrafices those people made in order for you to be happy and successful. Education is a powerful thing, and you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to utilize it in order to create the life you have envisioned. Take advantage of it; do not waste it. Make sure you have your priorities straight: schoolwork should always come first. Make the best of every situation, and let the good times roll!

Ryan

Study, study, study. College hit me hard, I was all for having fun and making new friends, I just never had to study in high school and carried that mentality with me to college. If I could, I would have studied a lot more my first year to have better prepared myself for this year.

Samantha

So its almost time, graduation is soon and you haven't decided what you want to get a degree in. The best thing that I can say is to get all of the core classes finished; this includes math and English. Math may be a difficult subject for you but do not be afraid to ask help! There will always be someone there to help you! After those classes are out of the way and if you are still unsure about your subject, take a break. An internship would be wonderful because you can get experience and find out what it really means to work after college. Also, with an internship as your break you really don't have to worry about getting credit. Get away from home, get away from school and go work but don't stay away too long. You can't go anywhere in life without a degree so get home and finish school, taking that break is the biggest boost you will get!

Alyssa

Moving out and going to college will be one of the most exciting experiences you'll ever have. It is a time to discover who you are as a person and make friends outside of your normal social circle. My advice to you is to work harder in hichschool - take more classes, discover other interests - keep in touch with friends from high school but don't worry about not seeing them ever again - you'll see them a lot during breaks, and finally, don't stress out over leaving home. Going to college is such an amazing experience. You'll learn to live on your own and being completely responsible for yourself. Going to college is the begining of becoming an adult so why not start out the transistion with success? Keeping up with your grades in high school will be so helpful when it comes to getting your work done for your classes in college. Even though your best friend is going to a different school in a different state, you will still keep in touch and will cherish seeing eachother over long breaks. Leaving home will be difficult at first but you'll get used to it.

Trinity

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself to stay focused and not worry about what people think. Please dont be afraid to take tutors and keep your grades up and definetly dont wait until you get your mid term grades. Go to your professors office hours to help understand what they are doing and what you want to see. Dont go out and party every weekend its not that important.

Logan

You dream each day with your eyes wide open Of all the good you could do in this world. But these same eyes that hope and imagine and dream Are fixed sadly upon the ground. Black clouds of doubt encircle your head They billow as rain starts to fall. The wind whispers, “You can’t. You’re nothing. Give up.” Towards defeat you begin your slow crawl. Dear girl, if you knew this world’s plan for you You’d rise past these small, fleeting clouds A mere drop of faith is all that you need To silence this tempest so loud. I beg you, stand tall, above all your doubts. Your future is so wonderfully bright. This world seems stained in shades of black and grey But I promise, it’s a place full of light. You dream each day with your eyes wide open Of all the good you could do in this world. Dust all fear from your shoulders, and lace up your shoes. A new life will soon be unfurled.

Casey

Dear Self, I know you are probably worried-- wait, let's be honest, I know you better than that, completely and utterly scared for college, but here is some advice; take a breath. You have no idea what you want to be or where you want to go in life, but that's because you don't know who you are right now. Stop chasing that boy who will let you down, and chase your dreams instead. Two years from now everything will click; you'll know what it truly means to be you, and that can't be done if you're living your life for someone else. Did you take that breath yet? If not, you had better practice now, because you're going to be taking a lot of these in college. Between stress from exams and pressure felt from peers, the best thing to do is to stop and take a breath. Don't give in to the pressures of college. Continue to be the person you've spent eighteen years becoming, but continue to grow every day. Aspire to be better than you were yesterday and greater than you will be tomorrow. Sincerely, Me

Jeanette

Learn to be able to manage your time. Teachers in college are different from teachers in high school. they do not spoon feed you the work. it is your responsibility to know when something is due.

steven

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would pay better attention to the preparation I need as a college student, study harder, and actually learn to study before I enter college. I would make sure about my financial aid awards and sign up for the awards earlier. I would check into employment oppotunities for undergraduate students on the campus, and I would try to learn how to budget my money better. I would advise myself to be friendlier, to surround myself with people who help to get studying done and to help me with my studies, studying as a group and helping each other. I would advise myself that I can't work all the time, and so I need stress release that I can find in various ways, and that I should be physically active to relieve stress and burn off energy. I would advise myself not to be shy about accepting help like tutoring or help from my professors, and I would remind myself that they want to help me and that I don''t have to be embarrassed when I need help. I would accept my adult self.

Olivia

I would tell myself to take the ACT one more time! A lot of the class placements are determined by your ACT score, so I would tell myself to take it at least once more. I would also tell myself to set more time aside to study, or to get better study habbits. College is very much about time management. One last thing I would tell myself is to get very good social skills! Its not as easy as it seems to make friends in college especially if you going away to college. You have to put yourself out there!

KAMREN

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about the transition to college, the advice I would give myself is to stay on top of my work and do not procrastinate. Procrastination was the one thing that sometimes kept me from getting the grades I wanted. In high school, teachers let the late and missing assignments pass and give the students time to complete them. However, college is a different ball game. College professors do not provide the students time to complete the assignments, with the exceptions of good reasons. I would tell myself to become aware of paper and project deadline dates, and begin to start as early as possible. I would tell my high school self to begin to use time wisely and not focus on the high school drama around me. I would tell myself to be prepared to be treated like an adult and be responsible for making big decisions towards my college education. I would tell myself to relax and I will succeed in college.