Montclair State University Top Questions

I would have gone to Montclair right off the bat! I transferred from Rider University to County College of Morris, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude with an Associates Degree in Educational Psychology. I then transferred to Montclair, which is the perfect fit for me! The classes are challenging, and the people I have met are great! If I had attended Montclair originally, it would have cost me a fraction of the cost that it is now. I was offered many scholarships as a freshman, and even with my educational successes, was offered nothing as a transfer. The school does not offer scholarships to transfer students, so I would have told my highschool self to attend Montclair as a freshman!

Parking is very limited. If you commute, get to campus before 10am to save yourself the stress of possibly being late to class due to a lack of parking, even if your classes are later on in the day. You can always use the extra time to work out, meet with friends, or get schoolwork done.

My advice for any future high school graduate is to always stay motivated. First, always do your research; this is very important before you choose a school. Make sure to go on plenty of tours and see what financial opportunities are in store for you before applying. It's always good to ask for advice on schools from teachers who are particularly in your field so you get a personal quote to vouch for schools you are thinking about. Once you find out which school fits you best, take the chance of networking with the people at the school before hand. Remember you are choosing a school that you feel is best for you, so make it worth anything you put into it. Also, communicating with people at your future school prepares you ahead of time. Don't be discouraged if you have to start at a community college first; remember you can always transfer once you feel ready to go! There are even more scholarships and opportunities for transfer students as well!!! Another thought would be to remember why your in college and avoid falling into any bad habits that occur. Alway have fun and embrace your future goals!!!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself is that college is not easy and as you get older things definitely do not become easier. When we are young all we think about is growing up but in reality growing up comes with a lot of responsibilities. Yes, making it to college is a big step but staying in college is the big challenge. In high school there is always the teacher that is always behind you making sure you get everything done on time. I am only in my first semester in college and I learned that in college you are on your own. There is not a teacher behind me making sure I am doing fine. It is different, now it is up to me to look for help. As a senior I thought I was going to have plenty of free time to just hang out but college is very time consuming. Although you do not spend most of your time in class like in high school, homework takes most of your day. I wish every senior would realize how serious college is.

If I could go back in time to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to remain focused. As a senior, I had the mentality that I would go to school for business but when I applied, something happened and I got accepted with the major "undecided". From my freshman year till the ending of my sophomore year of college, I was still trying to find the best bet for me as a career path. It took a while but I eventually found my way. Now that I am in my junior year, I now know what I am meant to do with my life is in the communications major. I still plan on minoring in the business field but I want to expand my horizon. The reason for this little story is that for the past 2 years, I have felt so low about myself. I've been discouraged mentally due to the fact that I'm watching my fellow friends so dedicated to their plans for the future and I was still figuring out the steps for my life. But I held on and now I feel like my future is looking bright.

Girl you're amazing just the way you are but there are things that can make you better. I know it's senior year but this is your chance to make your 50 yard dash. The finish line is only a few months and half-dozen all-nighters away. Get involved in your studies. The most effective way to learn is to engage every sense. This is small potatoes compared to college. Get involved with your family and friends. This gives you a chance to miss them. Budget your time and money. In two words, college is time-consuming and expensive. Set aside time to hang out with friends, to study, to worry, to sleep. Just don't forget to leave breaks for spontaneity. Be open-minded and imagine every person a potential friend. In America, they are innocent until proven guilty. Talk to your professors. Better than potential friends, they can be your potential mentors or even co-workers. Never forget the basics: to eat, to sleep, to slow down if you're going too fast. Sometimes progress is best made with baby steps. If you fall down, try again. Maybe your race has a shortcut. Just keep striving.

I would tell myself to not be afraid of college. I would tell myself to not wait, and to aim for as high as I wanted to go. I would have told myself that every problem that I thought of in high school, every excuse, would work out in the end so not to worry. I would tell my self to sign up as a Biology major at CSI not as Liberal arts. I would also tell myself to focus on my school work rather than time with friends because the school work will take me where I want to go.

To go back in time and change the decisions that I made is something that I have thought about countless times. I would tell myself to contact and ask questions to the college that I applied to without hesitation. I would tell myself that there is always a way to go to college even if I didnt have the financial resources to do so and that hard work and never giving in go along way in getting where you want in life. I would tell myself that college is not that different from highschool but that the only difference is that in college you make the descisions that impact your life. I would also tell myself that no matter what help is always available to you whether it is financial or spiritual. I would tell myself that being true to yourself and believing in what you believe in makes you an honest person and that is what colleg is about: being true to yourself in order to find your way in life.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would still encourage myself to attend Montclair State, but I would inform myself that it is not as easy as I thought it would be. I was very naive as to how expensive college would be, I would have probably pushed myself to do everything I could to do excellent in school and to apply for as many scholarships as possible, to take some of the pressure off of my parents. Even though they don't want me to worry, I know that paying for college is a huge stress on them and they would never tell me not to go, or to choose a different school because they want the best for me. Another thing I would tell myself is to focus on Broadcasting and the opportunity I had while in high school. I never thought that I would end up in the Broadcasting field, and I was involved in a great program in high school that focused on that. I would tell myself to follow my heart, do what makes you happy and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

When I sarted Fullerton College last fall, I have to admit that I was a little nervous. What kind of people would be there? Would I make any friends? Would I get lost trying to find my classes? There were so many questions bouncing around in my head. However, when the first day of school came, I discovered that it was an exciting and animated place. I learn so many new and interesting things in my classes and my teachers are easy to relate to. There is also so much diversity amongst the students; in my Political Science class this semester I met someone who just barely came from Romania. It's amazing the difference between high school and college. College has been very valuable to me because I have learned how to become a better student and study more efficiently. I have also learned to manage my time between classes, studying, and various activities I'm committed to. It's also taught me to appreciate the time and effort the teachers' put into the lessons. College has much to offer and I'm just barely dicovering eveything that is associated with it, but I'm ready to find out.

College has enabled me to interact with many people some of who i wouldn't have met . It has taught me to appreciate diversity.I have made life time friends.It also goes without saying that more jobs today need a college degree.The best and worst experiances in college so far have shaped my view of sociaty and life as a whole.I am now more mature and can make rational decisions of my own thanks for college.I have also bettered myself through some of the co-curricular activities found on cumpus such as student leadership seminars.Above all, college has equiped me with knowledge other than that which you aquire in classroom,that is usefull in today's tough economy.It has taught me how to stand out from the rest,how to be irresistable to employers or even more,starting my own business.I have commited many mistakes in my life,going to college is not one of them.

When I was in elementary school my parents got divorced, and shortly after my father filed for bankrupcy. I grew up watching my family fall apart bit by bit. I've seen rock bottom and how it affects others, while being unable to do anything to help them. This expereince has left me greatful for my college volunteer experiences that have allowed me to become a child advocate. I am now able to help teens in the foster care system find their voice and attain their independence. Without my education I would not have been able to assist them with the same capacity. Furthering my education will assist in bolstering my ability to empower youth to discover who they are and what they can do for themselves. College has empowered me to realize what I am going to do with the rest of my life, and that is something that is more valuable than words.

I have recieved so much out of my college experience at Montclair State University. I have recieved a top notch education. I have also gained friendships and relationships with the people at this college that will last me a lifetime. I met my husband at this college and we just recently got married. I have also recieved a sense of independence and work ethic from this school. They have a lot of job opportunities here and they all work around your class schedules. Most importantly I have gained a whole new outlook on how I view myself. When I first attended this school I was a spoiled brat who was not used to working or studying. By attending this school I was forced to push myself to meet the standards of my teachers, bosses, and friends. Through this I have grown exponetially as a person, student, employee, friend, and wife. I am truly thankful for all of my experiences at Montclair State and I would not change them for the world.

I was a airplane mechanic in the U.S. Air Force for four years. When started working on airplanes after my tour of duty I always wanted to become an automobile mechanic. Many times I had tried to enroll in school, but there was so much money and overtime I just couldn't turn down. In 2009 my mother suggested that I move back to the east coast and live with her while I went to achieve my ASE certification at Montgomery Community College. It has been difficult to find money for school and if recieve this scholarship it will be greatly appreciated. I am an honest, hard working, and somber man who wants to one day help the environment by working on hybrid and electric cars.

Walking onto this campus as a college freshman was the hardest thing I have ever done. Not only was I leaving behind loved ones and lifetime memories, but I was also leaving behind my dependence. Waving my family goodbye, I knew that my life had changed forever, though I never imagined becoming the strong, independent woman I am today. Through my experience at Montclair, I have learned that nothing is the end of the world. I have learned the value of true friends. I’ve learned that making mistakes and stumbling along this journey called life is the greatest thing anyone can do. To not be afraid of who I truly am, to stand up for what is right, and to stand down for someone who needs to be up more than I do, are all things I have acquired. I have found myself, and I have learned to love myself more than anyone else can. Without attending MSU, I would have never discovered my purpose in life. Becoming a successful screenwriter with an education from New York Film Academy will begin for me in September of 2011; when I walk onto that campus for the very first time – fearless.

I can say that this fall semester was the best time of my life. In my high school, there were people who comes from similar countries and cultures. I never knew how interesting and how fun it is to meet different people and discover their cultures. Montclair State University is so diverse, therefore, there is no discrimination and prejudice. For example, my roommate is white, my suitmates are black and there is a Hispanic girl in my next door. We all are different, but get along, because there is something in common. We all come to MSU to follow our dreams. I wanted to discover our campus and activities as soon as I attended MSU. There are many activities that students can join and improve their leadership and social skills. I joined Biology Club, Relay For Life, and Women Volleyball Club. I was so surprised when I discovered that sorority life is totally for me. I found the best sorority and I associated. Basically, so far I've made two big decisions in my life which are moving to the US and choosing MSU. These two decisions changed all my life and I'm so glad I made these decisions.

Since being here at Montclair State University, I've learned alot of things in which I never had access to at my pervious institution; Georgian Court University. My teachers have always gone the extra mile to meet my academic needs and concerns, as well as my peers and faculty here at this school. My experience here has been no less than fantastic and I am proud to be a student at this college. The value I seek while being enrolled in such an intsitiution, is one that most individuals my age, look for upon entering college. Just by the everyday experiences I face, I know that I am valued as an individual; not looked down upon. I stand outside of the typical stereotypes of my hometown as well as my racial background, and here at Montclair, that is noticeable and is never made fun of. All together, Montclair State has helped shape me into the person I am today and when the year 2012 arrives, I will be none other but ecstatic to say I graduated from Montclair State University, the school for every and anyone; the school for me!

My college experience has given me THE BEST life experience I could've ever asked for. I have had the opportunity to network with people in my desired field and I have been given numerous opportunities for hands-on experience with my Filmmaking major. I have met people that truly inspire me and have been taught by people who have the same passion that I have. College has been and still is this infinite journey of knowledge and lessons. College has been valuable to me because you learn that things are not easy and you must work hard for something that you love to do. My professor once told me if i haven't thought about quitting, then i'm not working hard enough. I have learned to strive for the highest goals I set for myself because I can and will succeed if I believe in myself. I take every advice given to me to become a better student, friend, and child. College, has taught me all this and for that i will be ieternally grateful.

College can sometimes be stressful, and leave you feeling like you have a long way to go. However, i feel like it is worth it . The college experience is a test of mental durance, and is all about your willingness to succeed. It prepares you for what you will be doing for the rest of your life. College is valuabe to me because i can't imagine what i would be doing if i was not going to school. Most of the friends i have in my life seem a little unmotivated which would usually makes it a little hard to stay focused, but I have seen what it is like not going to college. To some people think that a college diploma is just a piece of people, but to me that piece of paper can effect that rest of my life and define the success that are ahead in my future. A life without a diploma can be difficult, and most of the time stagnate. For me failure is not an option.

During my time at Montclair State University, I have learned to be more open-minded and accepting of others. In high school, I was in classes with people I had gone to middle school with or people who I had seen in my neighborhood. During my freshman year, I was in a completely new environment and surrounded by people who I had never met before. There were students of all different backgrounds, religions, and anything else you could imagine in my dorm and in my classes. As I began to meet new people I learned new things about their cultures and lifestyles. Attending Monctclair State University, has helped to expose me to all different types of people which I believe is important.

I have found my passion in life - Painting. Through college, I have found many other students similiar to myself who share the same passion. Painting is both challenging and rewarding. There is a stuggle which takes place during the course of every new painting. It has been amazing to discover that there are many other people, just like me, who partake in this process - Both the joy and the frustration. We all experience these things yet trudge on through the painting with eagerness to reach the other side. It is a passion to continue to create despite the challenges. If I never realized that we all share in the same struggles, I probably would have given up years ago.

So far I have already completed one course and I recieved an "A" out of it, that was my 'Intro to Business' class and it has made me more aware that I really do want to pursue a career in business.

The college I currently attend was not my first choice. In fact, I was uneasy about attending this school for a couple months. I wanted to major in Musical Theatre and was accepted into two programs: one that was expensive and well known, while the other was less prominent. People pressured me to choose the school with the bigger name, but due to financial issues I chose the smaller school. People were skeptical about the quality of the program, but to my great suprise, this school has challenged me more in my first two months than any other performing arts program has. I never expected this school to boast such a sophisticated program, with professionals commuting daily from New York City to teach. I am positive that I made the right decision now and will be more cautious in future decisions; I will refrain from the age old habit of "judging a book by its cover." Now, I feel as if I'm part of a well kept secret. This school, this program is a hidden jewel, one I never would've found if I had succumbed to societal pressures and chosen a big name over a small one.

As of right know I currently have no college experience. But I plan on starting college in January of 2011. I plan on attending college at the University of Central Florida. At the campus I plan on majoring in aerospace enginnering. I also plan on playing football and baseball for the University of Central Florida as well. I plan to do four years od college.

Montclair State University provides a diverse student body as well as faculty to teach acceptance and tolerance of those different than yourself. Coming from a small town with mostly caucasian students, Montclair has introduced me to a population more closely comparable to the real world and work force. Montclair has taught me life lessons in areas like time management and communication with others in difficult situations, such as sharing housing.

Through my personal college experience I have gained so more more knowledge about myself. I learned my strengths and my weaknesses. I know now that I need to have better time management and not procrastinate. I learned that I take really good notes in class and they really did help me in the long run. I need to use the facilities available to me on campus more, and I am learning that as do use them more. The most important thing that I learned is that I am truely passionate about what I want to di with my life, since I started taking classes that pertain to my major I really do know the path I am going to follow. My college experiences that I have had so far turned into life experiences that will benefit me for the rest of my life. The people I have met, classes I have taken, places I have gone, and things I have learned are all the pieces to my life puzzle, which will all fit together in order for me to be successful and the person I want to be.

My college experience has been so valuale to be, especially because I'm not a traditional college freshman and I have face some much challenges, especially financially in the past few years. My experience at Montclair state university has helped me be able to raise above my financial and mental limitations and press on towards my anticipated Bachelors and and MD degrees respectively.

My first few minutes of orientation at Montclair State University (MSU) impressed on me the distinct difference between high school and college. I quickly realized that I was on my own. There were no guidance counselors to hold my hand through registration or provide assistance with organizational skills. The orientational events that were planned by the university however, provided me with the tools to begin to make this important transition. By days' end of new student orientation, I had produced, unassisted a class schedule my freshman year that would keep me on track for graduating in four years. I now realized that I have been entrusted with a significant degree of freedom and independence and that I must use it wisely. The small learning community at MSU has helped me a great deal in managing my time. I have been very successful in focusing on my courses of study and still maintaining a relationship with my peers, being careful to interact only minimally with those who do not share my philosophy of what a college experience should be. I have also been fortunate to be able to take advantage of and participate in many of the extracurricular activities at MSU.

It has allowed me to advance my life and career. For this, I am thankful.

Out of my college experience I have furthered my education, and expanded the possibilities for my future. This experience is valuable to me because college is neccessary for me to find a good job, have a well-rounded education, and have a good life in the future.

I have gotten out of my college experience the tools I need to succeed in life and that will make me a better person. College makes you broke but its valuable because it gives you what you need to stand apart from other people.

A reality check in life. I am now taking out loans for my education. I need to work hard and succed or I am wasting time, effort and money. I learn higher education is very time consuming and very difficult. It has been valuable to attend because again, a life lesson, I know the importance of education and finding a career for myself in life. I realize all this hard work will provide a better life style for myself and in my field I will be helping many people throughout my life, which will be heartwarming and satisfying.

I would tell myself to learn more about about financial aid, and learn about paying for school in general. I would also tell myself that scholarships are VERY important. When I was in highschool I had no idea about how much college would cost. For some reason I never believed people when they told me that college was expensive so I just thought to myself, "Financial aid will pay it off for me." Boy was I wrong. For this same reason i hardly applied to any scholarships. I also did not think very highly of myself. I thought that I had no chance of winning so I didnt see the point of trying. Wrong again! If I knew how much loans I would have inevitably taken out, maybe I would have changed my mind. I often think that its too late, but then I see scholarships like this one and it quickly changes my mind. It gives me hope.

I had a lot of guidance during the application (and for me, audition) proccess. But if I could go back, I would work on the transition from High School to College life. I have pretty servere anxiety disorder that is linked with some depression. I had a small breakdown in my sophomore year oh High School and was put on some medication. It made a complete difference in my life at the time. After a couple of years, my doctor took me off ofthe medication because I was doing so well, but that left me going into a major life transition, having just come off of mood and brain chemical stabilizing medications. My first semester of college was sort of a disaster. This isn't the usual story people hear about why their first semester of college was rough, but I wish I had been better guided in how to handle my disability coming into college. Although once I got past my initial issues, the disability resource center here took really good care of me.

I think that the most important thing I would want to tell 18 year old self would be: take your time. I think that most new college students are so caught up in trying to take in everything and experience everything that they lose focus on the more important things in life. I would also tell myself to figure out a way to NOT work full-time through college, that way my focus could be more on school and enjoying my first years at school rather than stretching myself too thin. It is hard to juggle a new independent life, school work, blossoming social life and work - especially when life in high school hasn't required such multi-tasking as college life demands. So most importanly, my young self: try your best to take a deep breath, relax and try to focus on school first to avoid slumping grades but also, try to enjoy your time and realize that this really is the best time of your life, it will over before you know it. Time management really is the key to success in college!

College can be the most exciting time of your life, but remember if you don't maintain your grades, it will be over quicker than you think. Make friends as soon as possible, it helps the transition. Stay organzied and you will succeed. College is stressful, so have fun! Stay in touch with your friends and family at home, and also know that the friends you meet in college are the ones that stick around the longest. Be proud and happy of who you are!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college life I would have so much to say. I would tell myself how important the journey I am about to embark on is and how much I will grow as a person. I would stress the importance of having an open mind and being ready for almost anything because college is so different from any place I have ever been. I would tell myself to save money as much as possible because college is expensive and so is trying to hang out with your new friends. I would tell myself how scary it is to move out but how amazing it is to gain a new sense of pride and independence with each passing day. I wolud tell myself not to worry about college because you picked the best one for you. Most importatnly I would tell myself to hug your family and friends tight not only because you will miss them but because it is each and everyone of them who helped you to make it this far.

If I could go back and give myself advice about entering college, I'd definitely warn, or advise myself, about books and schoolwork! In high school I was always a procrastinator and would wait until last minute to do all my work and projects. I tried that same approach in college and got my butt kicked. I had to work extra hard to make up for some of the poor grades I got in the first part of the semester. Advise: start projects when you find out due dates and 4 page papers aren't as easy as they sound, don't wait til last minute! Second advice topic is books. My first semester books were bought at the bookstore. BIG mistake. They charge outrageous prices for even the used books. Advice: use the book store to find out what books are required for your course and section and then just buy them on amazon.com or half.com. Other than that, the transition was pretty easy, socially, physically, and mentally! Good luck !

If I could go back in time and give my self advice about college life I would definitely say you need to work really hard for what you want. I would say you need to study a lot and get good grades. College life is fun but also very demanding. You need to be able to compromise with others. Living on campus is very nice rather than commuting but it is very expensive. I would say to apply for any scholarships that are available to you. There are many resources available to you so therefore the transition is easier for you. The professors are very understanding and they are willing to help you, so take advantage and get the help if you need it!

Marni, the words that come to mind that is a piece of advice I wish I had when making the college transition are know thyself. Know that college selection is not as important as college performance. Confidence, respect and diligence will serve you well in school. It is good preparation for upcoming endeavors. Never think you know more than the professor or that there is not something to be learned. Don?t ever give up because the class is too hard, too strict, too- anything. Those are just excuses. Accept that it is challenging and rise to the occasion. My experiences have taught me priceless knowledge in my chosen program and in life as well. It has supplied me with the tools to write my own future achievements and has done so through school accomplishment, self realization and has not been without the occasional taste of humble pie. Embrace the experience, it is this time that shapes you into your future self. Who do you want to be? A whole world full of opportunity is open to you, see them and seize them.

Students should take high school very seriously, those four years serve as preparation for their upcoming college career. Everyone should take initiative in high school to discover colleges early and learn that today college is possible for anyone who plans to attend. The most important step in searching for colleges is the process that requires an exam that determines your placement. Many high schools do not stress enough on its importance to review its material. The Scholastic Aptitude Test better known as the SAT tests the knowledge that should have been performed throughout the four years of high school. The earlier students begin to prepare the better they can expect from their results. In fact, the results obtained from this exam allows colleges to provide students with financial assistance based on their score. The better the score the better the award they present to their students. However, the reality is not everyone achieves the 2400. Students are also accepted or awarded to a school based on their participation in their community, their talents in a sport, their grades, and should visit their school counselors regularly. Collegeboard.com becomes your best friend throughout the college process it ha everything you need.

If I was able to travel back in time to my graduating year of 2005 I would remind myself that no matter what happens; live every moment to the fullest and worry less about which career path to take. It is a stressful process to figure out what major is right for you, and to deicide what you want to do for the rest of your life when your only eighteen years old can be a huge challenge because there is so much growing that still needs to occur at that point in time. Although I learned by attending college that the greatest joy in life is the journey, obstacles, and lessons you learn. I would explain that the lessons waiting ahead will help me figure out who I am and then I will know what I am truley meant to do for a living. I would remind myself that you can't go wrong if you follow your heart and stay true to yourself; then everything will fall into place. I'd also tell myself to get a second job to help pay off student loans!!

The advice that I would give myself is to work on my studying habits and to take college as serious as possible but have fun at the same time. Besides that I am satisfied with my experience so far at college especially here at Montclair State University.

As a high school senior, one's priority is to graduate and get into a good univeristy. However, as I look back on my high school years I realize that nothing could have really prepared me for some of the obstacles that I have faced during my semester at college. If I could go back and talk to myself the only advice that I would give myself is to not be afraid to take chances, to take advantage of all that college has to offer, and to be confident in my abilities. I would tell myself that I would finally get a chance to assert my independance and therfore, I should not shy away from it. I would tell myself to meet new people. I would encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone. I would remind myself that everything in life is not handed to us and that I should put effort into my work in order to see results in the end. Responsibility and organization are a must, but so is determination and ambition. During my first semester in college I have gone through many changes, but the rewards have been great.

I would most definitely tell myself that I should not be as worried about getting situated into the college life. As high school seniors, we are always so worried about what people think of us, that we forget the true things in life. I have realized now that in college people like you for who you are, and that speaking out and having opinions on important topics of life is what people like to see in you. I've learned that class discussions are not meant to stay quiet in, but to talk amongst your classmates and professors and engage in highly diplomatic conversations. High school is completely different when in comparison to college, but I would have told myself to not be as worried as I was about it, and just take it in stride. It was a new place, but it has now become a place I can call my second home.

To have the option to give my past self a piece of advice about the future in front of him is a challenging and difficult one to consider. There are many points in the past that I wish I could change, however I question how much would be different if I were to change one event If I make one decision differently in the past I question would there be a ripple effect and if so, how will it affect close my friends and family? After much contemplation the only piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to be happy and content now. I would suggest for him to look within himself for the reasons to be happy and content. Being happy now is not the result of attaining money, a job, or a relationship, but being grateful for whatever positive experiences he had up until that point in time.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself to prepare myself financially. My first semester was more stressful then I thought it would be because of my financial issues. If I were able to go back, I would tell myself to get a better job and to save up as much money as I could so that I would be able to help my parents pay for my education. I would also tell myself to work harder. Although I did very well my senior year, I know I could have done better and that may have helped me to get a scholarship.

Do not second guess getting a higher education. You are the only person that can determine your future. Jump in.. Feet first. Don't hold your nose! After it's done and over with, you WILL come up smiling.

The one thing you can count on in the next phase of your life is that almost nothing will go the way you planned. Don't let it stress you out though, because you'll end up learning way more from what goes wrong than what goes right. Stop focusing so much on what everyone else is doing. Don't compare yourself to those around you. Your journey is going to be very different from everyone else's. Your struggles are going to be unique for someone your age. Don't spend all your time focusing on what you wish your life was and enjoy what it is. Remember that when you really want something, you have to compete for it - nothing is going to just come to you. Be as proactive as you can. But more than anything, please remember to enjoy all the happy moments and great people to come your way, and never take things too seriously, because they won't seem like nearly as big a deal in the future. Oh and don't eat so much junk food on campus; it'll take forever to lose that weight.

I would tell myself to start squeezing every penny possible and save up as much money as I possibly can, because the only way to afford college is through loans. I would urge myself to find a part time job to start building a steady income. I would also inform myself of the back-breaking labor and work that will be involved with homework, exams and class. I would tell myself to buy my books online instead of the school store because the school's prices are ludicrous. It would also be wise to tell my past self that I should break up with my girlfriend because it would not work out in the future, so I should have fun during college and find someone else. Lastly, I would let myself know that I am in for a turbelent ride through the lucrative business that is secondary education, and I must prepare for hardship, success, stress, anxiety, debt and eventually a triumphant year.