Loyola Marymount University Top Questions

I wish my high school self had stopped procrastinating and created lasting friendships. Although my high school self was able to get away with procrastination and still get good grades, in college I learned that good work takes a lot of time and effort. Breaking the habit of procrastination takes a lot of work and if I had known that procrastination is bad and had broken that habit in the past then I would'nt have struggled as much in my first semester of college. Apart from giving myself academic advice I would also give myself social life advice. Instead of growing apart from friends during senior year because we were going off to college in the fall, I would tell myself to grow closer to those friends and create strong friendships. College is tough and you need people by your side to help you get through the tough times and to laugh with you about the good times and I often found myself lonely. Friends from college are great but they barely started getting to know me and it would've been nice getting to talk to those who already knew so much about me.

My advice would be don't give up because life will get immensly better. I know that the social aspect of school can be a struggle, when you feel you don't fit in because of your big dreams and maturity, but don't give up because in college you will find people who share your ambition and kindness. Don't allow your high school peers to stop you from beleiving in yourself and being who you were meant to be. In the end you will have gone separate ways and it'll be you who defines what you're made of. Cherish the moments you have before you're off to college because the chapter of childhood is closing and a new one is about to begin. This is the last time it'll still be sociably acceptable to live with your parents. Treat the present like the gift it is. You have a voice and a powerful message that needs to be shared, don't hesitate to share it. In college you can become whoever you want to be, chose to be the best you possible. High school is temporary, but the legacy you leave can be everlasting.

If I was to go back and tell m high school self anything it would be don't let yourself fall in love in college and have a kid. I love my son but it makes everything so difficult. I am not finacially stable and it makes it harder on me because I worry about having to pay off college and having a kid already. I also can not study abroad like I really wanted too. He's apart of my life and he makes me very happy I just wish I could tell myself be more stable before making some wrong decisions.

First of all, there are a lot of opinions. Our parents, our teachers, our friends, our coaches, they all have different experiences. Follow your heart. It doesn't matter what your parents want, or what your teachers think you are good at. When you get to the end of your education and begin your transition to your career, you want to be doing something that makes you truly happy. You will be successful both financially and as an adult if you are doing somethig that you are truly passionate about. When you choose a direction in college for money or because you think it will make others happy, it will be much harder and not true to your specific set of skills. We all have a purpose and the heart knows best. Second, the best way to transition is to suit up and show up. Prepare for college before you get there, register for classes early, make the necessary phone calls, be apart of your college experience. No one can do it for you. Even if you are intimitated of your first class or even signing up for college, just do it, ask questions, no matter what, it pays off!

Dear Senior, I know high schools seems tedious and uninteresting at times but hang in there. Develop good study skills and work hard but smart in all your classes. To be honest in high school there is a lot of things you can get away with not doing and still get an A or a B, trust me I did it. However you must chose what you're going to slack on wisely, for example, reading should not be one of them. You will have a lot of reading in college so make sure to develop good reading techniques and analyzing skills. When high schools seems tedious just remember what it's all for. I promise you college will be a much better experience. You will get to choose your classes and your focus, so everything you do will be more interesting. That excuse you used in high school, '"when will we ever use this in real life", no longer applies. I know this sounds crazy, but you will actually want to learn. And don't worry you will get the freedom you've been waiting for. Hang on tight. Sincerely, Your College Freshman Self

Make sure you know why you want to go to college. Don't waste time or money if you're not sure you should go right after high school or if you don't have the right motives. Don't rush into a major if you're unsure about what you want to do. Even if you do think you know what you want to do, give yourself some room to explore. If you know finances might be an issue, start looking for scholarships as soon as possible. Make sure you understand how financial aid works at the schools you have chosen. Do your research and enlist help. Use any and every resource you have to prepare for college, especially your academic counselor. Don't feel like you need to have everything figured out, just have some understanding of what programs your college offers that might interest you, majors, job oppurtunities for your major, etc. Don't get too down if things are going like you hoped or you're failing classes. Anytime you have a problem, whether it is with grades or social life, try to find help as soon as possible.

Dear Tyler Batiste, Take advantage of the college programs and workshops offered to you by counselors and academic advisors because they can make the transition process easier. Fortunately, your education in school thus far has prepared you for a rigorous and challenging environment at Loyola Marymount University. Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School (WESM) has enriched your education by placing you in high honors and Advanced Placement courses, which will be more than beneficial to your continuing education at any college or university. As a member of the National Scholars Foundation (NSF), and recipient of the West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation Student Athlete Award of Excellence, your membership and grade point average suggests that you are prepared and deserving of the honor of attending such a prestigious private university. In regards to continuing your education, you are academically prepared to work on obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, as well as, playing collegiate basketball at a Division 1 school. With that being said, do not lose focus and give up hope when challenges or obstacles appear. Each rejection shall open a new door for success. Continue to work hard and take advantage of resources that can assist you in collegiate life.

I would take more rigorous AP courses in high school. I could have many more units finished had I taken more AP tests.

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would remind myself to hit the gym and watch what I eat. Going into college, I had heard about the freshman fifteen, but I was unprepared for how true of a concept it is. By the end of the year I had gained almost exactly 15 pounds. The worst part was I did not even realize how much weight I gained untill I returned home for the Summer. I had been getting a decent amount of physical activity a week through rugby practice. Apparently, it was not nearly enough. I would tell my younger self to do more cardio through out the week. I also did not eat the healthiest during the year. I would tell high school Chris to take it easy on the wings and pizza and to try eating more fruits, vegetables, and less fatty meals like turkey burgers. I would also tell him that he does not need to put bacon on everything.

I would tell myself that I should have taken more college courses as a senior in high school through the Running Start program which I participated in my junior year of high school. If I had done so, I could have knocked out more courses while still in high school so I could graduate in 3 years instead of 3 1/2. I wouldn't change much of my study habits because I think I did pretty well in high school regarding my grades in classes. I may want to tell myself that I should have taken advantage of the Advanced Placement courses in high school to better prepare myself for college.

Be more open to new experiences and less afraid to leave your comfort zone. During my first year, my shyness kept me from fully enjoying my first year. I clung on to my friends from high school. Staying in touch is great, but you shouldn't be afraid to open yourself up to new people. Your high school friends will be doing the same. You will all change and have new experiences and maybe grow apart, and that's okay. It is important to make friends at your new school, and it is much easier to do so earlier in the year when people, no matter how confident they seem, are going through the same struggles as you. At the same time, be true to yourself. You don't have to hang out with people you truly don't like or do things against your values; though your values may be worth re-evaluating in college! It's four years unlike any other you'll have. Surround yourself with supportive people. Finally, grades are still important! Finding the balance between studying, having a social life, and having time to yourself to support your mental and physical health is crucial.

As a high school senior, I would advise myself to seek every academic and social opportunity to grow both as a person and as a student. I would advise myself to be very open-minded and aware at the same time. I would persuade myself to make a list of every ambitious endeavor I wish to pursue and write down what I need to do to accomplish each grand and small endeavor. I would advise myself to explore unknown buildings and converse with people of different departments, backgrounds, and interest, befriending everyone along the way. In doing so, I would not only find resources to fulfill my dreams, but perhaps I can be of assistance to another individual with similar passions. I would advise myself to try the strenuous tasks and embrace challenges. As a part of LMU, I would suggest to plan ahead for everything and be 10 minutes early to every class and take care of one's emotional, physical, and mental state. I would challenge my high school self to attend all the possible biology talks and seminars and listen to the professors, not just see and hear them. Overall, I would advise myself to trust faith.

First, I would invite myself out to get a frozen yogurt treat. Next, I would give myself four pieces of advice: trust, listen, give, and love. Trust your peers and trust in yourself but don't be naive. Listen and respect other people's opinions, especially if they differ from your own, but don't lose your own voice. Give back to your community, your friends, your family, your school but don't allow yourself to be used. Love what you do and who you cross paths with but don't allow your heart to be abused. In all honesty, college is going to be difficult. You will need to keep up with classes, work, service, and even more. Don't let this intimidate you or keep you from getting involved, just remember to trust, listen, give, and love.

Do not worry what other people think. Other peoples thoughts are toxic. They help to create this distorted image of yourself that is far from real or true. Learning to appreciate who you are as a person is probably the biggest thing that can help a person thrive in college. With this common insecurity it is important to break down walls and take chances or do things that you would not normally do, try out for an organization, talk to this random person, take risks because each risk you take is a step in building a wonderful person. Do not be afraid to fail, be rejected, or make mistakes, as you gone in college you learn that these are what create mold you. Its an adjustment and learning how to handle it is the hardest part but make postitive changes and become a better person while you adapt to your new home.

This too will pass. University has spelled some of the most memorable and difficult times in my life, but it is this same transition that has made me a stronger, independent young woman. My advice for my high school self is this; do not be discouraged of who you are now and do not be wholly afraid. In university, you will grow, you will learn, and problems that surface along the way will eventually pass. Trials and tribulations are a part of the learning process--of life--and it is precisely what I, as a student, have come to understand now. Although you are scared, and although life seems like it has entered a sort of expedited state, understand that instant gratification and knowledge does not exist. Although fear is natural, do not let it hinder you, move forward with an awareness that you will stumble along the way. To my high school self, everything will be okay, the scuffs that will mark your shoes is a sign of sprouting wisdom. Whatever menial and substantial problems you face are temporary. This--high school, university, graduate school--will pass, but the knowledge you will gain is everlasting.

I would not give myself any advice, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning process on my own. I think it was good for my growth that I didn't have much advice going into college. I had to figure things on my own, not having any friends going into college. I have made many mistakes in college, but every mistake has given more wisdom and guidance to pass on to the new freshman coming into Loyola Marymount University. The transition is certainly not easy and it is one that is especially rewarding if gone in with an open mind and heart. As a senior in high school, I never would have envisioned myself to be the man I am today with all the experiences and opportunities LMU has provided. I really love seeking advice and guidance, but I feel like getting diverse perspectives from those around me is most beneficial.

Looking back at myself as a high school senior, some advice I would give to myeslf after experiencing a year of college would be to try to look at the big picture and what could happen in the future as opposed to only focusing on the present. For me, the transition to college was not particularly difficult, but what helped me the most was making a large group of friends as soon as I arrived so that I never felt alone or homesick, despite the fact that my family lives 2,500 miles away. I would also remind myself about the importance of patience and allowing myself to really get to know someone well before making any judgements about them. Finally, I would advise my high school self to appreciate everyone around and never take anyone for granted, because some day they may surprise you with how much they really care about you and end up becoming one of your closest friends.

I moved to Los Angeles to come to LMU and didn't know anyone. At just 18 years old, I had never really done anything that drastic and it was really frightening. I was moving to a whole new city and didn't have any friends yet. Therefore, when I met a few girls I got along with, I instantly clinged to them and we became "best friends." If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would just have told myself to not worry about making friends so fast just so that I had someone here, but to really make friends with people I knew were genuine. Last year, I felt like I was so afraid about not making friends that I limited myself to these 3 girls I met instantly, and it turns out they weren't that great of friends after all. I secluded myself to them and therefore missed out on meeting other people. I would tell myself not to rush into a friendship because you're lonely or feeling small in a big city. I had to find out the hard way, but there are wose things than being alone.

Knowing what I know now about the college experience I would make sure that I would have more self control. My time management and decision making kills were poor in the first 6 weeks of my freshman year. I certainly had a lot of fun but playing catch up half way through the semester was extremely stressfull. Enjoy your freedom but make good choices and learn how to manage time.

Break out of your shell! Get yourself out there and try new things. College is the most exciting time in your life thus far. Take chances and make new friends! Explore your options and different career paths. Most importantly study hard and have fun!

I know you are 18, close to graduating, world at your finger tips, and you know oh so much more then your parents. Mom and dad really do know a lot of what they are talking about. Slow down. Remember how fast high school went? College will be the same. While we both know at 18 you don’t know, or have to know, what you want to be for the rest of your life, we have to use the next few years in shaping what we will become. You did your best in high school, probably should have taken some harder classes senior year, or maybe another college credit class versus just skating on by, but what’s done is done. It is ok to go to the junior college to find your bearings. Think of the money saved while you try to grasp what the future holds. It’s a great big world out there and what you think you want to do today may not be what the future has in store for you. Don’t take any of it for granted. Embrace the college experience and you will find that you will succeed!

My senior year of high school I enrolled in a program where I finished my last two required classes of high school while taking a full load of college classes for free at the local community college. In high school good grades came easily to me without exerting any true effort, but in college I realized that in order to not just learn, but understand what I am being taught, I have to make myself care about my courses even if I don't think it's applicable to my life. I wish I would've seen that the only person who controls my life is myself and that opportunities are something you have to fight for. The passion to fuel those fights can only come from my will to accomplish my dreams. Despite all of these valuable lessons, I wouldn't want to give myself any advice because life is about messing up and with this advice I wouldn't have had the crazy journey I did. I am grateful for the mistakes I've made and my mindset at the time because they gave me a chance to grow and get to the amazing place I am now.

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. The advice that I would give myself is that do not think less of myself and do not fear the rejection of the acceptance letter. That we must have hope and do not give up God will not leave or forsake you, he always goes with you. To apply wherever your heart desires and you will get accepted in the place that you belong. One must also know that the roads God takes us are different and what we might think is right for us might not be what God had in mind for us. But know this God always has something better for you! One thing is to never give up on your hope and dreams continue until the end. Another advice I would give myself is take it easy relax and enjoy every second of college life, you only get one experience , so make it the best. Don't slack off and keep up the hard work. God is always with you.

Growing up in a small town, I’d known my peers since we were all kids. Everyone knew of everyone else’s mistakes and blunders; judgment was inescapable. The social environment I grew up in lead me to believe, even as a senior in high school, that the judgment, rumors, and petty drama between peers were normal in all walks of life.College has proven that stigma to be incorrect. I learned that though some people will always judge and behave poorly, most people reach a certain level of maturity in college. Everyone is eager to be treated as an adult, and so they begin to act less like children. Had I understood this as a senior, I’d have had much more of an open mind toward meeting new people in college; I would not have been so afraid of harsh criticism, and I would have really shown who I am.

I would tell 18 year-old me to live more in the moment. Around my junior and senior years in high school, I started to get so caught up in worrying about my future that I took a lot of experiences and memories for granted. Planning for the future is a really positive thing, but I started to become so consumed in what step to take next that I didn't even realize the staircase I had just climbed. Looking back, there were many moments that I was depressed because I hadn't accomplished everything that I set out to by a specific time. When in actuality, I was doing pretty well for someone at my age, in my situation. The more I've done, the more I start to realize that having a fulfilling life isn't about comparing yourself to the person next to you, but rather comparing yourself to yourself. Everyone has to overcome different obstacles in life, but the way in which people do so is what differentiates one person from the next.

When you go to college do not get student loans uless you absolutely need them. Make sure you communicate with your instuctors and with your advisors because they are there to help you. Apply for financial aid it will help you out. Make sure to save all the essays you write you might be able to use them down the line. Keep all the syllabi to keep track of the classes you have taken and you might need them later in your college career. Study, study, study, make study groups or go to a tutor if you need help in a class. Ask questions don't be shy or think you have a stupid question. Reading is very important you will be doing a lot of it. Speak up in your classes have discussions and have an open mind about things you will learn more. If you can try to find a job on campus for extra money and you will be able to meet a lot of people that way. Finally, remeber that the people you go to school with may be the people you work with down the road, so have resect for eachother.

Stay curious, open, & ready to fall. (Trust me, you will.. It's the first step in learning. Just enjoy it, & make a new mistake next time!) Don’t get confident or complacent in anything from academics to your place of leadership in the school. Learn, sleep, & for the love of your body & mind, eat right! A heap of small choices, day by day, can have big positive results. Keep a positive, supportive attitude about everyone & everything- live in the moment & enjoy YOUR year. Strive for patience, calmness, kindness. Even if you choose to believe otherwise, you truly do affect everyone you encounter. Remember that, not just during senior year but every day for the rest of your life. The attitude one person brings forth can have the power to change the dynamic of an entire group - a classroom, school, or a nation. Be the positive change you wish to see in the world; don't let someone else do the grunt work for you. You'll miss out on so many beautiful moments, enriching relationships, & opportunities for personal development. Walk out of high school with no regrets, opportunities untouched, or relationships unexplored. Study hard, but stay well rounded. Live fully.

Retrospect is a powerful emotion. Many have looked back upon their lives and wondered “If only I knew then the things I know now, how would my life be different?” The assumption, of course, is that if we had been armed in the past with knowledge of the future, our present lives would be improved. I dare to respond to this prompt by declining to divulge lessons learned to my past self, for it was the process of learning these lessons that has educated me. High school was a safe harbor, a known port with gentle tides. My greatest challenge in my young life was setting sail, master of my own vessel, into oceans unknown. Navigating my way through the halls of college challenged me to grow and mature in ways a simple map to success could never provide. And as I followed my heading, setting and adjusting my sails through seas both favorable and treacherous, I found that it matters not what our destination is, but our struggle to arrive there that educates us. Thus, for the reasons I have described. I would choose to allow myself to remain my own cartographer and remain the master of my vessel.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be afraid. I was so homesick when I moved into my dorm that I wanted to go home every weekend. I missed out on some great opportunities and did not embrace my college experience fully until second semester. I would tell my high school senior to appreciate the opportunity and as hard as it is, to go out and not only focus on my school work, but to embrace life outside the classroom. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I did not realize the financial toll that my education would take on my parents, so I would tell myself to apply, apply, and apply starting in the fall of my senior year. I would also say to have fun. I threw myself so deeply into my academics that I hardly ever went enjoyed myself. Of course, there is always a limit and academics must come first, but building those relationships and making connections is important too, so I would advise myself to relax a little my first year.

I would let my self know that i woould need to study real hard. Because after high life gets really hard. By that time you will know that everything you do is on your own.So the help you looking for will not be around. I would make sure that all my studys of work is in order for when i start the real worl.

"Live in the moment. Life is a series of events that provide a path that unfolds one day at a time." From the age of 4, I played little league baseball. My baseball activities provided opportunities that provided me with experience across the United States. My high school career at Servite high school culminated with an opportunity to play Division I baseball at the university level. Even though I wanted to attend LMU, the team did not need another catcher on the roster. I instead took an opportunity at the University of San Francisco, another Jesuit university. All year long I remained dedicated to my committment and was grateful for the opportunity afforded to me. Even after making it to DI playoffs with my entire family in attendance, I still had the desire to pursue my education at LMU. With the continued support of my family both spiritually and otherwise, I made the move, and am now at home at LMU. By living in the moments provided, and taking it one day at a time, my dreams are becoming a reality!

Get involved with as many things as you can as soon as you can. It is so easy to stick to your own routine in college; get out of your comfort zone and go to a sports game or greek event. The time you have in college goes by so fast that by the time you finally appreciate it, it's over. Get involved with clubs and sports. And do community service. Your school will be your home for the next four years and maybe longer. Get to know the city you're in and give back to the community. Something as simple as a beach cleanup can lead to new friends and new experiences.

As a high school senior, I did not take the opportunities for scholarships as seriously as I should have. Throughout my high school career, I mainly relied upon my natural intelligence to get through my classes and still ended up with a great GPA. However, this mentality did not get me any additional scholarships to aid myself financially as a college student. If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to search out as many chances as possible to earn money for the future. I would work to not be as large of a burden upon my parents as the years at my university whittled away at the reserves of money that my family had saved. Additionally, I would have put much more effort into my math and science AP courses, because the credits I could have earned would have secured more college credits and allowed me to be far more academically ambitious in college. The effort that could have been redirected into my studies would have allowed me to become a far more successful college student. The person I once was could have benefitted greatly by having my current future thinking mentality.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not stress about the future. College is simply what you make of it and it passes by rather quickly. College is not only focusing on academic work, but also the involvement throughout campus. Don't be afraid, get involved, get to know people, because once this time passes you cannot go back. Transitioning into college is smooth if you know who you are and learning what it is you are capable of doing. It is a time where you learn your strengths and weakenesses, and what it is you want to do for the rest of your life. Do not think you know everything because you will learn that life is a growing and learning experience. College is simply the beginnning of your life.

If I could go back in time I would have told myself to allow more time to make a wise and conscious decision of where you wanted to go and what you wanted to do with your life. I I would have also told myself to start saving every penny possible because you do not realize how expensive life on your own is. I would have told myself to apply for every scholarship and grant possible because they add up and make the entire college process a lot less stressful. Lastly, I would have told myself to be open to new social groups because college can be lonely if you are not open to new people.

I did not attend high school in a traditional manner. At the age of 15, still a high school sophomore, I was enrolled in a casual home-schooling program and shortly thereafter began attending my local community college. I feel this was a detriment. My home environment was not conducive to ensuring focus and academic discipline. Rather, I discontinued my community college studies and began working at a young age with only a GED as my final academic credentials. I believe this significantly impacted the quality of work I was able to obtain and a career focus. While I held a variety of very interesting positions, including civilian support to the Montana National Guard, I believe that had I remained in traditional high scool, I would have developed a stronger sense of myself and my long-term career goals. I also believe those remaining high school years would have exposed me to a wider array of options from which to choose.

When we're teenagers in high school (especially a senior), we tend to procrasonate and not want to take our time on essays and projects. Come on, its the last year of high school. The last year to hang out with our fellow classmates and have fun. We also forget that Senior year is our most important year academically. Procrastination is the worst trait you could have and something to definitely work on. If you wait to do things, it will backfire and make you forget details . For example; you had a video to make on any topic of your choice and you start a week before. Then you remeber at the last minute you forgot to do a voice over and you forgot pictures. Now the video is not going to seem all that interesting. Those little details make a big difference in a video and makes it seem not so creative. The teachers also might not take you seriously . Taking your time and taking school work seriously makes all the difference. Even if the topic does not interest you. Make the best out of it and you will see the outcome makes a big change in your grade.

First thing I would tell my past self is pay more attention in school and don't goof off. Being in college is all about being focused and putting your all into your class so that you will be able to pass the classes that you are taking. Don't be a fool like I was and sit out a whole year. We could be graduating at the end of this year but I decided being with friends and partying was more important than class. I would say I am proud of myself now for not giving up but keep pushing forward and don't stray away!

Making the transition into college is different for all upcoming students. Each new collegegoer will face their own tribulations as they make the next step into their lives. With the knowledge I now possess, I would most focus on preparation and planning things out. For the most part, the college work load isn't as heavy and random as everyone thinks. The biggest part of being successful in college as far as I can tell is knowing your workload. As long as their is a good understanding of what needs to be done, planning accordingly isn't all that difficult. Being that the students are now the executive decision makers on the classes they are going to take, the actual work isn't too bad. It's actually stuff we want to learn about now! But the main difference in college is making sure you make a schedule that you can maintain. The best way to avoid sleepless nights, allowing you to actually enjoy your college exprience is to stay on top of your work. It sounds like very parental thing to say, but so far in my college career, it hasn't led me wrong.

College! It’s the exciting, yet nervous time as you transition into a new stage in your life. However, there are a few tips I wish someone had shared with me that will enrich your college experience. Roommates: you can either get the best or the craziest! As long as you and your roommate take the time to complete the roommate agreement that outlines important personal information, you’ll be fine. Many who skipped this essential part came out with horror stories. But those who followed this step found it profitable and gained friendships for life!The most overlooked point is studying. Take the time to learn how you study. Knowing this can save you tons of time and prevent you from flunking your first major test.The transition. I wish I could tell you to “do this” or “do that;” but there is no better way to prepare, than to just go to college. There is only one “you” in your specific college. Be yourself; that will be more than enough. Remember, college is fun! Make memories, get involved, and venture to be awesome. You only get this experience once, so make the best of it in every way!!

Sarah, it is okay that you are unsure of the career path you want to take. While college is the beginning of your lifelong career, it is also a time to figure out what you want in life and to develop as an individual. College is a fresh start from whatever stereotypes and labels that you experienced in high school. You will be able to transition into adulthood with a wider range of possibilities, while becoming educated about the world around you. Look forward to college, allow it to open your eyes to a world of possibilities and ideas. Retain insight from the varieties of people and cultures that you encounter in order to have a more diverse and complete knowledge of the world. While it is important to learn about mathematics and literature, always remember that the most important goals, for everything that you do in life, are to better yourself as a human being, to develop yourself into a well rounded individual, and to gain a perspective on life that is achievable through the insight found in each and every experience. With those goals in mind, a successful career is sure to follow. Stay calm, and carry on.

Start college sooner, because you wasted the years you spent waiting around for an epiphany after graduation. Going to college will help you find your path sooner. It was waiting there for you all along like an old friend, staring you in the face until you finally recognized them. Storytelling is your dream, and you will find it there. Just know no matter how scary and unsure things get, you'll always land on your feet. It may not be the way you wanted things to turn out, but thats what life is - detours. After so many, I can proudly say I know I am back on the right road and this is what I was meant to do. So chin up, kid, you'll figure it out and you're going to love it.

If I could give my high school senior self, it would be to be more open than you think that you are and be proactive. Looking back as a college senior, I know that I would have had a great time leaving my home state, however, as a high schooler, I couldn't even picture it. Also, just be open to the opporunities that come you way; whether it be to get inovlved, go to a seminar, join a club. Another piece of advice would be to be proactive. Look for positions in organizations that you maybe wouldn't know about as an incoming freshman. There are so many great programs and organizations on every college campus, and if you don't find them your freshman year, you don't always get the chance to be apart of them. Don't be afraid to be proactive about searching for awesome opportunities.

Dear Me, You are going to Loyola Marymount University! Congratulations on being able to attend your dream school. Rest assured, it is the right decision. I remember how much you struggled with choosing LMU because of money. Please know that you cannot put a price on the wonderful experiences LMU will bring to you! Your growth will be worth any trouble you have encountered in regards to getting to LMU. You've worked hard, now it is time to enjoy your college experience. With that being said...enjoy it! Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. It is okay to be scared, but be yourself, one hundred percent of the time. Yes, that is a challenge; one that many struggle with. Trust that you will be okay. It will help you to relax and see how fortunate you are. Experience every hardship and blessing to its fullest; this will help you grow in unbelievable ways. Take time to be proud of what you have accomplished! You have come such a long way. Good luck, you will accomplish and learn more than you can imagine! Love, Me

Since I now have a little of experience about college, the advice i would give to myself is stay focused, organized, and commnuicate with your teachers. These three points are important in college because they will help you to succeed. If you are Foucused on your school work, you will succeed. if you are determined to accomplish your colleged goal, then you will succeed. coming into college you do have to have a plan and set goals for yourself each semester.This is apart of having yourself organized. organization is key because then you wont be lost in your school work or overwhelmed. since you were organized and prepared, you will succeed. Lastly commnuicate with your teachers about any assignments or problems you think that you might face during the semester. a lot of college professors can be leniant if you communicate. stay focoused, organized and communicate with your college professor. you will succeed.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would really emphasize the value and importance of taking my academics seriously. For the past couple of years in college, I have been focused on a variety of aspects of the college experience. Becoming too involved on my campus has sometimes led me to ignore my academics. I have realized now, entering my last year as an undergraduate, that the main focus of college is to get the most out of every class I take. I should have made more adult decisions and sometimes put my social life and activities after my academic goals. As an incoming college senior, I will strive my hardest to receive the GPA that I have always wanted. I want to be proud of myself and my accomplishments. As I graduate, I do not want to have any huge regrets. My mom and dad always told me, "there are no do-overs in life". I take that to heart and I will always work my hardest to get to where I want to be in life. College is the most fulfilling part of one's life.

Going through high school is an extremely important time in anyone's life. This is because it is both awkward and stressful. Even though this is the case, this is also the time when students feel as if they have experienced so many years of school that they know exactly how their life is going to unfold. After experiencing college life, I would tell my high school self that this is not the case. Just the transition year alone between being a high school senior and a college freshman will house more drastic changes than all four years of high school combined. The last year of high school should not be spent saying farewell; however, it should be spent saying "hello". This "hello" is for all the obstacles that are to come and all the preparation that comes with overcoming them. My high school self was naiive to say the least. The most important piece of advice I would give is to not be afraid. Fear is so powerful that it can hold even the strongest of people back from achieving what they want. Without fear, the transition from high school to college will be much more stable.

Do not be afraid to get outside of the campus, and break that social bubble that can oftentimes envolope the entire school. LA is an amazing city and you have the once and a lifetime opportunity to explore it on your own terms. Using outside tools to reserach professors is critical, because every college will have a could of bad seeds. It is worth it to take a class with an reportedly excellent professor, but a notoriously hard class. Those are the professors that make you view the world from a different perspective, and will teach you the most offbeat subjects that cannot be found elsewhere. Take a class that has nothing to do with your major; you may end up falling in love with something previously unheard of. And lastly, do not be intimidated by the majority going the traditional route. Money should never be your motivation; each step you take should be in order to challenge yourself. Fail, make mistakes, and contradict yourself as much as you can; you will end up learning much more about yourself, the world, and your place in it.

High School Days: Be more confident and don't worry so much about what people think upcomming College days: Keep going past undergrad to Medical School Early adulthood: You don't know what the hell love is - don't get married . . . RUN!!! Mid-Career: Money isn't everything . . . quality of life is priceless. Get out of retail and find a Mon-Fri - who cares about the pay cut its worth it. The last few years: SELL ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE . . . NOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!! I HOPE THIS HELPS

I would tell my high school self that time management is extremely important in college. Manging your studies with your social life is a hard task, but college is for learning so that you can succeed later in life and end up with a good career. College is supposed to be fun as well but the primary directive is education. Enjoy your time in college, meet new people and form new relationships that will last a life time. I would lastely tell my high school self that in college, I am FRAT.