Montana State University-Billings Top Questions

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

Zoie

If I could go back and give myself advice on college, the first thing I would say would be to be money smart. I would tell myself to start saving then, paying for at least part of school as you go. I did not do that until this past year, and am now stuck with a ton of debt, and on a future teachers salary in Montana, that is not going to be payed off very quickly. I would really emphasize the importance of saving money, and using it appropriately. Secondly, I would tell myself not to focus so much on writing down everything the teacher says; just write down key points in the lecture. Alot of information is lost when you are too bust writing all the information, you miss important things he/she is saying. Giving high schoolers the info I did not have is very important to ensure their success. I speak to high schoolers now, and explain to them how important it is to start planning now.

katelynn

I am now a college senior at Montana State University Billings and looking back on my experiences, there is advice that I wish I could have given to my high school self. During my freshman year in college, I was content with being “good enough” in my academics. I would be happy if I received a B, even happier if I received an A. I also had this academic point of view throughout my high school career. It was only during my sophomore year of college did I realize that I was capable of earning straight A’s. Since then, I have resiliently worked hard and have achieved straight A’s for the past three years. In subjects where I received B’s, more specifically during my college freshman year, I have decided to retake them in order to earn the highest grade I can. From this experience, I wish I could tell my high school self: “You are capable of more than you imagine; do not sell yourself short.” If I had this information my senior year, I would have approached college with more determination and confidence, achieving more in less time.

Sarah

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to not stress out about college, but take it seriously. Visit all of the college representatives who come and visit the high school. Take every opportunity to visit with all of the representatives and get a clearer view of what college is. Get to know them and let them help you through the college process. My number one advice to tell myself would be to save money now, get scholarships first, loans later, and get to know all of the faculty immediately. Scholarships do not need to be paid back and loans can become a difficult responsibility. If you want to have money, save it. Do not spend on extra things you do not need just because you have the money. Also, pay your loan while in college. This lowers the amount of interest you will end up paying. Lastly, I would tell myself to not be afraid of getting to know the professors. Faculty are there for you to help you succeed. Make friends with them and ask for recommendation letters. They are there for guidance when you need it.

Tamera

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, i would have told myself college is not scary and everyone can go. My parents did not go to college and therefor did not give me any advice or show any interest in steering me in college direction, because of this i thought only rich or really smart people were selected or got to go to college. I knew nothing about campus or the cool things you can do on campus, and it intimidated me so much that i was afraid to even go on campus. I would tell my younger self that college is my only option to really succeed in an adult life, choosing what i want to do and enjoying a job that i can choose.

Chelsey

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would be sure to emphasize how important it is to take classes in high school seriously. I did not take school seriously in high school at all, and when I got to college, I had to make serious adjustments and changes. I was so focused on doing well in athletics in high school that I let my education suffer because of it. When I received my scholarship to play volleyball for MSU Billings, I really needed to buckle down academically, because I wasn't just playing volleyball for the love of the game anymore. I was being paid to play in order to have my education paid for. I still really struggle with school, but I work hard and try my best to do as well as I can. College would have been a lot easier for me though if I had just taken the time to do the little things right in high school.

David

If I could tell my high school self anything, I would say, "Don't waste any time or procrastinate. College is expensive; and you can't waste time or money while trying to meet such an important goal. Try your hardest in every class, and study more than you think you need to. If you put in more work, it will pay off. Don't get discouraged. Save up as much money as you can."

Lexie

Change is a good thing. Many college students might say that high school was easy, but I believe high school was just as hard except just in a different way. College is a necessary adjustment that better prepares you for facing more obstacles outside of your comfort zone. High school seems like all there is to life when you are in it. The cliques and jocks make it hard for anyone to be different and still accepted. It's not so much that you belong to a category in college, but you belong to a family far greater than your high school ever was. Boyfriends, girlfriends, and even best friends may drift further apart as we go our separate ways. I have found that people who were meant to stay in your life will always make room. So keep pushing and keep thriving off of nobody but yourself. Find yourself, teach yourself, believe in yourself, and most importantly be yourself. The right people will come along and change your life without you even noticing. One day you will look back and realize you don't even know the person you were in high school.

Craig

Hey, Craig! It's me, you. I know this is a bit confusing, but bear with me for a bit. I have been sent from the future to tell you about this decision that you're making about where to go to college or even if you should go to college in the first place. Currently you are about to embark on a quest to make a lot of money. At least, that's what you hope it is a quest for. That's great; money leads to happiness, right? That's what I thought. And let me tell you, Craig, I was wrong. You will excel at what you do, and you will have a promising career begin to take shape. However, you will have a realization at some point. You will have a yearning deep inside of you for something more, for something that money cannot purchase. You will feel lost, and you might try to find your way by seeking even more money, but let me tell you, you will not find it this way. Do not waste your time worrying about finding the career that'll make you rich; instead focus on doing what you love.

Abigail

This is your last year. You're a high school senior, and the time is slowly approaching for you to begin the journey to fulfill your dream. However, the journey will not be easy. I have seen what is up ahead and am here to tell you Never Give Up! You are about to embark on a long trek with several ups and downs before you come to your destination-graduating college. You will face circumstances and situations which you will ask yourself how you will overcome them? But just stay focused on the goal. Don’t slack off while in your senior year. Be the best that you can be. Study harder than hard. Demonstrate to the world that Yes you CAN make it. Take advantage of opportunities given to you, and DO NOT procrastinate! Take your time to study. College life is not a walk in the park; however, it will be glorious fun in the end. Keep in mind that even though you are on your own physically, there is someone greater always watching you. Don’t overburden yourself, but take it one step at a time. It’s the beginning of a brand new story.

Danielle

Knowing what I know now, advice that I would give myself is that college isn't as scary as it seemed. Also, that I should kick myself into gear and try harder in school. Also, that I shouldn't keep using work as an excuse for doing poorly in school. I'm working more hours now than I did in highschool and I am achieving a 4.0 gpa, which I thought would never be possible. I would also tell myself that taking a year off from school was the best thing I ever did because it gave me the focus and determination that I needed to make getting that 4.0 possible. Also, I want to make myself realize that it wasn't the teachers that caused me to get the grades that I got in high school, it was my attitude. I think that having the right attitude towards school is all it takes to be able to achieve the grades that I really wanted, but thought I didn't have the time for.

Sarah

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to talk to as many people I can and develop good relationships with all of my professors. After attending college for one semester, I have learned how important it is to constantly be talking to people and meet as many people as possible. This includes professors as well. After all, professors are some of the most important individuals that a person meets while in college. They are the ones that will provide you with the tools for success. Also, I would tell myself to study for every exam and every quiz. It is so important to do well on these, especially since quizzes and exams are usually the biggest part of your overall grade. To help you do well, it is important to not only do your homework, but to also understand your homework. Most college students tend to overlook their homework especially if it's not graded. This isn't the right idea! Always make sure you understand all your work to the fullest.

Wendy

I would tell myself that just because my parents cannot afford to send me to school, that that is no reason to sell myself short and not shoot for the stars. I have been talking myself out of going to college for many years and I would tell myself to just believe! I got a 4.0 my first semester with a full load, and I continue to do so moving forward. I would remind myself to work hard, believe in myself, positive self talk and JUST dream BIG!!

Franklin

Go to the school of your dreams. I cannot stress that enough. Transferring from school to school is dangerous and expensive. Do not worry about the size of the school or how far away it is from home. You will be a lot happier if you go to your first choice school. I have attended two different colleges and I'm about to enroll in a third simply because I have not been happy at any one school. You will be completely satisfied at your first choice, I promise. You will spend way too much money transferring credits, requesting transcripts, applying for schools, and moving in and out of houses and apartments. Just go to your dream school and do not look back. Everyone will still be on your side.

Elliot

Study study study. There is no time for extras in your life. School must be number one.

Delanie

When I was in high school, all I wanted to do was get away from the small town I lived in. I only visited one school and I chose to go there, not really understanding what college was like. When I arrived I was disappointed. I hated the social scene, was bored and I didn't really like it. If I could go back, I very much would. I would tell myself to visit other schools, to try more things. I know now that just because you think you like one place, you may like another much more. I also would have to told myself to stay in-state instead of going out-of-state because it was so much cheaper. I'm glad that I left my home but I do miss it occasionally. When I was a senior, I should have been more open to opportunites that I had been given. Lastly, I would express that scholarships are more important than anything else. Once you see how much school actually is, you see where your money priorities lie. Sometimes you make decisions that will change your life and there's nothing else to do but keep on moving.

Marcie

Expect the unexpected, dream big, roll with the punches. Tried and true cliches that come all too easily to mind, mostly because they're true. They're true because the pattern of life doesn't differ that much from one individual to another. We share more of the same experiences than not. Life will hit us with the unexpected, we will dream big and have those dreams pummeled down by the mighty punch that is circumstance. Life wares on what was; grinding us down to a lack luster sheen of uniformity. How do we lose our initial spark of luminosity? We forget. We forget why our dreams are important. We forget what motivates us. We forget that we are individual, unique, special. I would say to my high school self, "Don't forget." Remember your strengths and weaknesses. Know what you are capable of and don't falter from that truth. Allow yourself to fail in pursuit of your dreams. Remember your successes and failures and respect how they have crafted who you are. Shine as brightly as that first time you realized you could, and remember that you always can.

Dailyn

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a lot of advice. The first thing I would say is to always keep your options open. Just because you have one career plan doesn't mean it will work out. Always have other ideas in mind in case something goes wrong. Another thing I would tell myself is that I need to work hard to achieve my goals. If you don't work hard, you will blend in with the crowd. People need to know what you are capable of and if you don't put in the effort, you're not going to get anywhere.

Katherine

I would tell myself that high school is not reality. I walked the halls of my high school hating myself for not being pretty or popular. When I came to MSU-B my whole world changed. I was accepted. People were incredibly sincere and helpful. They were a specices I did not know exsisted. In high school you walk the halls and see the same people everyday. In college you choose to be around the people who make you feel like you are worthy. I would tell myself to keep my head up and stay strong. College has opened my eyes to the good in the world. High school was brutal, you felt like you were worth nothing, and at MSU-B no one has made me think that. I would say that in life we get all kinds of advice and I need to start listening to it. If I would have actually listened to the words "high school isn't everything" I might have had a better time. I would end with telling myself I can't fix everything. I was always so worried about how I would survive, all I needed was to belive in myself.

Jeremy

Jeremy, it is your senior year, the time of your life, and I have some advice, to help answer that big question. What are you going to do with your life? First off, NEVER stop asking that question, for you will be asking and slowly answering it for the rest of your life. Right now your mind is flooded with extrapolations of the future, all of which branch from the same beginning, where to go to college. You have been asking for advice, from your mom and dad to Mr. Miller, and all it has done is make it harder for you to decide. But I have got an answer for you, one that sparked interest in Mr. Miller's eyes. No matter what decision in life you make, whether deciding which college to attend, which job to take or which activity to do, the only thing that can make it enjoyable and memorable, is you. You alone make something fun; you alone get the best out of your life. Whether attending Harvard or jumping into a career, you must trust in yourself that you will make the best of it, for that is all you can ever hope for.

victoria

If I was given the opportunity to talk with high school self knowing what I know now I would advise myself to do what I can education wise to set myself up in order to attend college. My college future was uncertain, my parents did not seem to care if I went to school or not. However, if I could go back in time I would tell myself despite my home life struggles to work hard take the SAT, enroll in college, and apply for scholarships. I learned the hard way, I lived on my own and had a child. However, this was a blessing since I was able to attend college, whereas before I was unable to since my parents were unwilling in helping me apply for financial aid. College is important not only for yourself but for your family as well in order to ensure a brighter future. I would give these words of wisdom to myself and advice, that no matter what adversities are set in front of you whether it be family or life, you must keep going and not let these things get in the way of you reaching your highest potential.

angela

If I could go back and give myself advice on transitioning in to college; I would tell myself to evaluate my priorities upon entering college. College is about learning about yourself as well as what you want to do with your life; take the time to figure those things out. Learn to love yourself as a human being, for all your quirks and differences, because that is what you will bring to each class and each situation in life from here on. Those are important; so learn to embrace those. I would also tell myself that it is OK to make a mistake! Making a mistake is an important part of growth; just be able to identify what you learned by that mistake you made, instead of spending your time beating yourself up for it. Lastly I would remind myself I am not perfect, I may study hard for a test and still not do well, as long as I gave it my all that is the best I can do. A grade that you didn't want or hope to achieve doesn't define you as a person; move on from it.

Lewis

I would not waste much time on the little details about college. Financial aid, orientation, what classes to take, how to write a senior thesis…no... I would be fully confident that he would figure those things out as every college freshman does. My advice to him would be focused on two major things; to have patience and passion. Patience that college life would be boundless and that the lessons from growing up in a household of twelve siblings and living under the shadow of pain that was an alcoholic mother, would, unknowingly to him, give him an appreciation and appetite for life that would make him unstoppable in college. I would tell him that all the pain he feels now about his dying mother is not a curse, but a blessing. I would tell him that he would find his passion on a campus, a passion for helping and inspiring others. I question whether he would believe me, but in that I would walk away with a smile on my face…because I know what is in store for him. I cannot attempt to change what he went through, as it led him MSUB, and his passion in life.

Emily

"Slow down." Two simple words uttered with heartfelt sincerity from the mouth of a twenty year old college student to an anxious high school senior. My years in high school were devoid of alcohol, drugs, promiscuitity, and questionable activities. However, I also became a single-minded machine focused on academic goals who casually ignored the passing time. Family and friends became an unnecessary distraction in my pursuit of academic excellence. College was a barely tangible dream tinged with uncertainty as I pursued countless scholarships in a desperate attempt to become the first member of my immediate family to pursue a collegiate career. Worthy dreams clouded every waking moment, but in my pursuit of college I desperately awaited graduation day and ignored the present time. Looking my high school self in the eye, I would grasp 'her' shoulders and tell 'her' that time is a fleeting friend. Lost time can never be regained and graduating from high school means moving away from beloved family. I would plead with myself to set down the books and spend quality time with those I love. Textbooks wait without changing for your return. Loved ones drift away and their time must be cherished.

LoriAnn

Dear Me, Don't be so shy when you are going after your dreams. Don't waste time on people who aren't going to be there for you and don't waste time on things that would benefit you. People won't always agree with you, Do things for yourself, QUIT PLEASING PEOPLE. Stay active, becuase when you get to college your anexiety will kick in full blown and working out helps. Jump right into college, Don't wait 6 months becuase it really pushes you back in your future plans. You know what you want to do, just do it. Don't take a ton to the dorms, don't try to help everyone in need of help. Be friendly to people in the dorms, but not everyone is your best friend. Don't be discouraged when someone doesn't want to be your friend either, they are the people who aren't worth it (mentioned above). Most importantly, Don't Lose Yourself. You are a great person. Don't Forget You becuase I currenly miss you. Love you Girl, Me

annie

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to not put things off to the last minute make sure you attend class even when it seemed impossible to get up and go. That the struggles get easier and when its too hard ask for help because there is going to be someone there. Also to make time to study and take time to have mental breaks because those are equally important. I would let myself know to work more with the adviser to make a plan of study and not to do it alone!

Jamie

To myself I would start to plan for college sooner then I did, the less rush when the move comes the easier. I would apply for as many scholarship as possible in highschool. Working while trying to go to school is time consuming and takes away from study time. Being worried about money issues while studying and taking exams doenst make them easier. I would try and get involved with on campus groups and clubs to meet friends and other students. Friends are a great support system when your away from home. Also meeting other students who are interested in the same things as you will promote good study habits. Last of all if you have a question ask and find answer! There is now such thing as a dumb question!

Shanna

During my senior year of high school I attempted to take my own life. I would go back and tell myself how diffrent college is than high school. I would tell myself that no matter what struggles you are facing today that they will go away eventually, and giving up now is not an option. I would tell myself about the friends that you make and how easily you make them, because you are all scared when start off and finding friends is the best way to feel more at home. I would also tell myself to get involved with groups and clubs on campus. Lastly, I would tell my self that you can't be afraid to fail, because when you fail and pick yourself back up you only get stronger.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school self, I would tell her that it's always a good idea to really think your options through before making a decision, because the thing that you want to do now might not be the thing that you want to be doing in five years. I would tell her that instead of making quick decisions about where to apply to college and only applying to one or two schools, she should apply to as many as she can to see where she could get in. I would also say that sometimes even though things seem tough and you don't want to do them, do them anyway because they could lead to experiences that you'll never forget for the rest of your live. Go out and live life to the fullest instead of staying at home or in a dorm room all the time, and go out and make friends, because they'll be your friends for the rest of your life if you open yourself up to people.

Jolene

Set goals! Reach out for help! Never doubt yourself! You have so much potential to continue on in life and you can become the person you have dreamed about. You will suceed if you take one step at a time. Sometimes you may feel like giving up and tossing your papers in the air and doubt yourself, "Why am I here?" Learning is never easy, you have to work hard, study and even if there is a fork in the road, reach for the stars because you will shine. You CAN do it!

Kaci

Assuming I was able to advise myself on how to react to college life, I would first off congratulate myself on making it through high school. Secondly, I would be straight forward and say "Hey, college is hard. Don't look at it as a breeze like you are now. You won't make it. You have to study. Getting by without studying like you did in highschool will not work, Sweetie. You should spend more time on the books than you do on your cell phone or laptop. Yes, I know that we all need a little break here and there, but if they are distracting you take them away completely. You don't need them now. Finals week, it's tough, but hey you'll get through it just fine. You need to keep better track of time, go to bed earlier, and remember this makes or breaks you. Keep your head up, and don't stress too much. It only freaks you out in Biology." After saying to myself what exactly I needed to hear, I would be sure to follow my own advice and make it through my first year stress free.

Kristen

If I were to go back in time and meet myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to take my time in life and not get in a hurry to do anything. Focus on completing school and looking toward my future. I would also that I start school at my local college rather than attempting to go so far from home right out of high school as attending the school that I did in the Chicago area where the pollution was high caused me to be sick so much of the time. I had to leave after the first semester because of these health issues and was then discouraged. I felt that I had failed even though I received good grades and did complete the semester, however, I did not start again right away and the opportunity to return to school did not come to me again until many years later. I would remind myself that life is short and that it is my life to choose what I desire for my future.

Erika

Don't worry about what other people think of you, you will not always get picked on and made fun of. In the future, you will find that furthering your education is not only fun and interesting, but a very mature and responsible thing to do. Just because you're not the brightest student with one of the highest GPAs doesn't mean that you won't get through it successfully, even though it may take you a little longer than others to grasp the knowledge coming to you. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Mollie

As a senior in high school, I often worried about how my life would change. The transition itself from high school to college was almost seamless when it occurred. Surprisingly, the topics that most worried me seemed so minor when they actually happened. I wish I had known that I could adjust. I wish I had understood that I had prepared myself for life’s next step. I wish I had known that life happens the way it’s supposed to, regardless of my anxiety. I wish I had realized that the challenges and obstacles I had overcome in high school were the very ones that helped me face college with an open mind. Could I go back in time and talk to myself then, I would have reassured myself that hard work pays off and life will work out regardless of worries and stressing over the little things, so relax and enjoy the ride.

Cassidy

Throughout my first year of college, I spent minimal time actually reading the material and using textbooks and other resources. This is also how I went all the way through high school. I graduated high school with good grades and my first year of college I ended with good grades as well. However, throughout my second year of college, I started using more rescources and spending more time in my textbooks and other materials. I put in much more time and effort toward my studies. I still ended with good grades, but found a distinct difference in my level of stress, confidence, and overall learning experience. I noticed that I was confident in my knowledge and I didn't have to spend study time cramming for tests because I was actually soaking in the information. My advice would be to take the time and study and read the material given to me. This advice had been given to me for years and years, but since I was always still able to get good grades, I never really took it to heart. Once I experienced the difference for myself I realized how much easier school could have been in the past.

Kelly

There is so much I would try to explain and convince 18 year old Kelly of if I had the chance to talk to her with the knowledge I’ve gained through my college experiences. Most importantly, I would want to convince her that time flies, and she needs to focus on the big picture and her future. Also, she shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. She has way too much potential for that type of negativity. Another big one, would be to focus on her education. Go to class every day. Do the homework. Get the grades. Apply for scholarships. I would tell her it's important to find joy in learning and to learn from her colleagues’ experiences. And for goodness sake, master Spanish, and study abroad! No one ever regrets doing it, but I sure regret not doing it. Also, don’t bring too much stuff from home. You don’t like half those clothes anyways. Lastly, it’s important to know the decisions made during these years will shape the rest of your life. It’s very important to stay focused and take care of your whole self. Like Dad always said: Mind. Body. And Soul.

Celena

If I could say anything to my high school senior self, I would want to reassure her that college is not as scary as it may seem from an outsider’s perspective. No it does not mean the classes are necessarily easy, but they are not impossible either. At first glance when you see all the work you will have to face ahead of you, it may feel intimidating, and you wish you wouldn’t have to do it all. The math assignments, the essays, and the speech presentations; just the thought of it makes you distressed, but at the same time you want to make the most of your education, and you can only make the most through hard work. As you tackle each problem, you can look behind and feel a sense of accomplishment as you see all the tasks you conquered, the tasks you once thought were impossible. And then you can look ahead and see the fruit of your labor, be it a college degree, a job, or even a greater opportunity for the next step in your life. No matter what, just don't give up.

Kiela

My best advice I would give myself would be to breathe. Too many times I have found myself in a pile of books, papers, tests and stress. Each and every time I have learned something: life goes on. Stressing everything is just going to bog someone down. I wish I could go back in time to tell myself this because that one simple task of taking a deep breath has gotten me further than I could ever imagine as a senior! Taking a breath allows you to clear your mind, and sort through the mess of homework. The human brain cannot function without oxygen! I feel like I could have been just a few steps further, a few pounds lighter, and a few gray hairs less (yes, even at twenty!) had I known to inhale… and exhale.

Bryana

The first thing that I would tell myself as a high school senior is to pick a bachelors degree that can be more applicable after graduation rather then a general degree. I would also tell myself to be more involved in applying for more scholarships. Another main point that I would tell myself is take more ap classes in high school. Although, the main point that I would say if I could go back is to enjoy friends and family while you are still there becuase time flies when you are away.

Eric

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would immediately give myself this sage advice: procrastination will not work in college like it did in high school. The day to day work may be less common, but the daunting large assignments and projects will stack up if not handled in an efficient manner. A day planner, as well as a well thought out work schedule is essential to success in college. As long as one stays on track with the classwork, success is not a strenuous task, but if one falls behind it can become next to impossible. Second, I would advise myself to make friendships with my classmates, as they can be a more accessible resource than the professor if you need help with the class material. This also provides you with a potential study partner, and invaluable element to the college experience. Third, I would tell myself to become well acquainted with my professors, as a good relationship with them makes them more approachable, and allows them to better understand you and the unique problems you may have over the course of the class.

Jennifer

Dear Self, Ahhhh, there is so much I could tell you about college life, but let's begin with the basics. The first thing you must do is go see an advisor! Do not try to "wing it" and take courses randomly! It is also vital that you go to the Career Services Center. They will help you narrow down your skills, gifts, and job fields that fit these giftings. Spend time on the government website for the Occupatioinal Outlook Handbook to get a glimpse of job opportunities, wages, and necessary education required for the career path you are considering. In other words, do your homework (before the real homework begins)! Keep your eyes focused on the goal and take advantage of the resources offered by the college. If you are struggling, use the tutors! Lastly, don't be afraid to speak up in class. Ask questions and offer your opinion. You matter and learning is an interactive process! You can do it!

Corina

Take the SAT test more than once. Try to achieve the highest possible scores to help for future scholarships. Don't stress as much as I did about the transition from high school to college. It is different but not as hard to adapt to as I thought it would be. All of the hard work in high school really does pay off in college.

Alexander

First that high school is high school leave the bad stuff behind because college is a new begining and it is a great begining. Secondly to start actually studying for classes and to put in effort in every class more than what is needed just to get by. The classes here are on a different level and better study habits would make life a little easier. Take as many course's as possible and more general education requirements for degrees not just firefighting classes because you will have to take them no matter what. Also to follow my dreams of being able to study abroad and take Spanish classes while in California where I would be able to speak Spanish a little more easily and not trying to learn it in a state where there are not as many Spanish speakers. There are many things to worry about while going to school, but going to a dream school should never be one of them even if it costs more than I want to spend. The experience I have recieved and am recieving is worth every penny that I have spent to get to this point.

Mitzi

Stick with your continued education, don't wait to go to college. Your college education is such a valueable piece of your life. Without your education you won't find a good job, you'll have to work more than two jobs and waste valueable time that you could be spending with your children. Don't be a fool, go to college.

Ashley

In high school I was a hard worker, but I would tell myself to work even harder. I believe I should have spend those extra five minutes studying, instead of saying it does not matter. I would tell myself to save the chit chatting for later; to get all my work done to the best of my ability. Another thing I would tell myself is to be more enthusiastic about school. I think I should have had a better homework ethic. What you do in high school greatly affects how you are in college. If you were that student that worked hard to get their work done, but not right from the start, then that's how you are going to be in college. Yes, in high school, that's what I did. Today I am struggling to get a good method down to doing my homework the best I can and as soon as I can, and it is hard to change an old habit.

Jessica

Do NOT just go to school because that's "what you're supposed to do." If you don't feel ready, then don't go. Your parents will understand. Don't think going to a community college first makes you less smart than everyone. Whatever you do, DO NOT major in Chemistry!! That will be the worst decision you could ever make and you will lose so much time in your college life by doing that. You need to sit down, make a clear plan of what you want to do and start at the beginning. Work hard! College is not like high school and you can't just do the bare minimum and expect good grades! Take deep breaths, slow yourself down, you need to go at your own pace, not anyone else's. Don't overexert yourself and be okay with taking time to have fun! If you follow all this, you'll do just fine and have a wonderful college experience. Also, that guy in class isn't worth your time. He's kind of dumb and it'll just take your focus away for awhile, just ignore him! Keep your head up! You're awesome!

Kayla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to take my education and future seriously, and to apply for scholarships even if I'm not positive of what I want to go to school for. I would urge my younger self to strive to do the best work possible, and to know that the decisions I make now, will affect my future in ways I would never expect. I would reassure myself that I am smart and capable, and that I can and will make a difference in the world even if I don't know how it will happen yet. I would let my self know that I can and will go to college, and that I will be a 4.0 student with high ambitions and an equally paralleled drive for success. The most important thing I would tell myself, is that my passion for helping others will become a lifelong pursuit that includes the research and development of better psychiatric medicine and lobying for better resources for the mentally ill, but it all starts with my education and decisions.

Kelsey

I would advise myself to set a limit on the amount of money I use to eat out, spend on clothes, and other activities. It is important to have enough money for fun while attending college, but it is also important to save money for important college aspects. I would advise myself to work as hard as I possibly could during the summer in order to have enough money to pay for college. You’re supposed to have the time of your life during college; it is hard when you have no money to have fun. It is important to save money all the time!

Amie

As a high school senior, I took extremely difficult classes while participating in meetings for planning prom, pep band at the high school sports, and volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was extremely stressed. The lack of sleep and stress had finally pushed my body too far by the begining of May. I have multiple sclerosis, and at the end of April I had a relapse and lost all the feeling on the right half of my body. Sadly, this occured at the same time as the Advanced Placement tests for all the difficult classes I was taking at the time. I had lost my ability to write and I had a minimum of three essays for each of the several Advanced Placement tests. I was unable to take the tests and therefore the classes seemed rather pointless. If I could go back in time and tell myself that I would not be able to take the tests that would have allowed for college credit, I think I would have been much more stress-free and relaxed. My advice would have been to take the classes, but to take more time to enjoy my last year of high school.

Katie

Senior years starts. The next day is Christmas Break. Then it's graduation time. That's really how fast the last year of high school flies by. During the year, I really was preparing for college. I was predicting all the fashion trends that would come in the fall. I "college-ized" my Facebook profile by getting rid of all the stupid high school pictures. I saved up the money to purchase the perfect college cell phone, the iPone. Then, all of a sudden, it was time for college. The first day I wore the perfect outfit that mixed the right amount of sophistication with fun, but I had no notebooks. I had no pens or pencils. I didn't have a planner. I didn't have my financial aid turned in. Even though I looked ready, I was NOT ready! When the time machine is finally invented, I'll be making my trip to the second semester of high shcool, and I'll get ready for college for real. In college, no one cares what you wear, or spends time looking through Facebook photos. The best friends I've made in college are the ones i met wearing sweatpants.

Sydney

I would tell myself to not miss any school. Also, try your hardest in every class and even when you feel like giving up and you feel like things have gotten to hard, don't back down, just push back that much stronger. Not everyone is going to like you and noone is going to just hand you your high school diploma on a silver platter. You have to work hard for what you want and make sure you go to college and stay in college as soon as you graduate. You are smart and wise and you have the brains and the guts to go threw all of this. Quit second guessing yourself and just do it for once. I promis you won't regret it.