Mount Mary University Top Questions

I would tell my high school self not to worry. College is great, and nothing like high school. Teachers are much more supportive and reasonable, and they want you to learn. Other students are much more respectful and care about their education as you do. There is no reason to worry about college, because it is going to be enjoyable and the best part of life.

What would I tell my high school self? Be brave, go to college, take advantage of the benefits and financial support your parents are willing to give you; you never know what is around the corner. While I understand that you want to be a flight attendant; and that would be an awesome career, you still need a college education to fall back on if you should ever lose your job. College can be fun and you deserve to go and realize that you are smarter than you think and give yourself credit for. Live life to the fullest now, thinking you can go to college later (if you need it) will be tough, think of having a family to raise and support and try attending college nearly full-time, it's going to be tough, be selfish now when you don't have all the added responsibility and stress. Relax and enjoy you'll do awesome.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to fight harder for a better education. I didn't go to a school where students were motivated. I had tried to save up to go to a better high school, but my parents had said no. I now wish I had fought harder for that education. It would have allowed me so many more opportunities, and made me think harder about the school I belonged at. It took me a while to find the University that was right for me as well, but this wouldn't have happened if I had recognized the difference the school really can make at a younger age.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give a couple to do and what not to do advices to myself. One of the advices I would have probably given to myself is to do everything on time and never wait the last minute. Another advice would probably be to study all the lessons that was learned in class and for exams, or even quizes. Lastly, to always get a good eight hours of sleep every night.

Dear past self and future college students, college is a time unlike any other in your life. Going to college is a great way to find you. This is a really difficult age and time for most people and (though you won't believe it) most people struggle with self-esteem issues at this time of life particularly. No-one (and I mean no-one!) is as confident as they seem - most people just learn to act confident and this itself helps to give you confidence. Please have faith in yourself! You will come across question as to what you like and whether or not you're ready for the college life. But when you get to college or wherever you choose, take a deep breath, hold your head up and take it slow because everything is a growing process where you get to learn. College life helps expands your horizons, and makes you a better-rounded person. This will not be easy, but practice makes perfect. And smile, it will make you look and feel more confident. Two tips to follow avoid procrastination and get passionate about something. I wish you all the luck-sincerely yours Gerrey C.

I would tell my high school self not to worry so much that there is a lot of time ahead. I felt like I needed to know right away everything that my future would hold and I got overwhelmed and did nothing instead. I would tell my high school self that it is ok to go at your own pace and not to compare your beginning to someone else's end. You start when you start and rushing will not help you get where you want to be. Focus, dedication, passion and respect are the only things that you need to worry about in terms of a college education. Respect yourself enough to allow yourself the time to really learn the material and take advantage of all of the support and resources that are available to you. Your education should be about pleasing yourself, no one else. Great grades look nice on paper but it is more important that you are unable to apply what you have learned to the real world. There is no shame in asking for help or seeking academic support for something that you do not understand.

College is where you take your mistakes and learn from them...it is best to be truthful rather then take the easy way out. College is where you make lifelong friends and acquire career coaches. Here there is no color...because color is not what defines the person, the integrity of the school promotes the atmosphere that allows us to live , breath and learn. College is where we put away simple things and begin to understand that yes...life does continue and we are here as either the salt that leaves a not so pleasent taste or the salt that makes everything taste the way it should. Here, the shutters that our parents once used to protect us have served their purpose and we must now seek and find our own way. Yes, we are still able to reach back for that loving, akward smile from our parents, but they too must release the hand that they once held so dear, so that we can soar....

If I could go back I would tell myself don't lose sight of your goals and what you’re fighting for during your first year. You are going to have everything thrown at you and at points people are going to try break you down but you have to remember to stay strong and not let anyone get to you. I am a very religious person and I believe that the devil is always testing us throwing little things at us to drive us in the wrong direction and away from our goals. However, I know that even though the devil will throw those little things at you, it could be as small as a bad grade on a paper or a fight with a roommate or as big not knowing how you’re going to pay for your next semester. There is always a way just always remember to pray and surround yourself with the people you love that can help you through the hard times. You will come out on the other end a smarter, more mature, intelligent young woman who will graduate from college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get it together. I would make sure that I understood that planning a future is much more important that making plans for the weeked. I would remind myself how amazing I am and to beleive in myself and my talents. I would tell myself to study harder and work less. I would make myself more of a priority than my friends. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that it is alright to be scared of going to school and that new experiences are what makes you grow. I would tell the high school me that she will find herself and her purpose, just give it some time. I would tell her to not waste a single second of her beautiful life.

In high school, I had tunnel vision. I thought my world revolved around what college was going to attend and my major. I thought that these ever crucial decisions would follow me for the rest of my life and sculpt what my future. I felt a lot of pressure from my parents and peers to go to well-known universities. I remember having to lie about a major because I was embarrassed that I did not know what I wanted to do. Attending college has opened my eyes. I no longer think my future is defined by my major or a college; I see my future as a realm of endless possibilities. This time, college, is for me to explore, learn, and become the person I am meant to be. I am proud to attend my small, private school, Mt. Mary University, with a major in Art Therapy. I did not know this was even a career before I came here. In high school, I wish I could have told myself that being intelligent and going to a prestigious college for a notable career, isn’t what would make me happy. The future is fickle; I need to be myself.

Register for college right away. Don't take time off because you will continue to make excuses to delay going to college. The longer you wait the more information you lose. Remember to be confident and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. Many times during college you will want to give up because it gets hard, but don't. There wont be anyone hunting you down if you didnt come to class, or punishing you for not doing your homework. You are on your own now and it's important to take that seriously. Nothing worthwhile comes easy in life. It's a time that you will find yourself and you will grow into your own person. Don't work too much, you may struggle; and probably won't be able to buy that cute purse you've been eyeing. Remember, your grades are more important than the size of your paycheck. Realize that getting into the nursing program isn't the hard part because once you make it in you can lose your spot in the blink of an eye if you don't take it seriously. Most importantly remember you can do it!

Paige, Think carefully about your major. When deciding what to do for the rest of your life, it should be about more than just money. Pick something you will enjoy, because switching majors is a waste of time and money. Research your options, and really think carefully.

I would have to give myself, start learning time management skills. When you get in college you will need to know how to balance everything that you put on your plate weather it be having a family and school. Or if it's school work and family. You need to have this key skill to have a successful college career. I would also have to go with a good study flow, you will learn that everyone is not on the right pace, so you have to find a way to study that's good for you. And never put things off at the last meet. I have learn not to do a paper at the last mintue and get a bad grade because i didn't make a rough draft in the begin with.

I would tell myself to go for any university/college I want to go to. Preferably a school where I could meet new interesting and diverse people. With so many diverse people here and there, I get to jump out of my own comfort zone and commuciate with confidence to stand up for myself whenever needed. It's a great opportunity for further education. Sky is the limit! With the knowledge earned I would be able to go back to my home and help in a way I could. Basically what I'm trying to say is that, un iversity/college is always huge term when it comes to a good quality of education, choice, cost ,convenience, career and character developement. But this shouldn't stop one from going to that dream school. We should be able to choose any college,that we have an interest in. College is very important as being said, and with college, comes knowledge, with knowledge, come great leaders who wil lead our country better in the future! College is a challenge given that I'm willing to take. It is a struggle today but a prize tomorrow...

Dear 18 year old Tjuana: When seeking direction in life, ask god first, wait on the lord to help you along your path. Keep patience while focusing on goals, change never happens overnight. Dont be afraid to move forward with goals even if the picture isn't clear because life is filled with lessons no matter how much you fall, eventually everything works out when it suppose to happen. Don't be afraid to ask for help and make mistakes, you learn from people and mistakes. Before major decisions, pray about it and be confident in prayer and in faith. Always, surround yourself with motivating, loving, spirtual people who genuinely want the best for you. Life will never be easy, but its your commitment that will devlop perserverence.

If I would of known that it was going to take me this much to finish college I would of started college since I graduated from high school. It took me two years to start college. There were many reasons but the main ones was that I was working three jobs to save money for college. Second I did not want to go to college. Now Im twenty-five years old and, I regret not starting college right away. Another advice would be to go full time instead of part time.

I would tell myself that I should have applied myself more in high school. In my senior year of high school I was eager to be finished with school. I did attend a technical college for two years and did not finish. Knowing what I know now, I would have told myself to apply in a four year program and go for what I really wanted to go for in the first place. Now, ten years later, I can't help but think that I could have been done with school. I could have been excelling in my dream career. I could be living more comfortable at this point. I also would have told myself that it would have been an eaisier transition to go to a four year college right after high school instead of waiting ten years. I am capable of anything if I put my mind to it. Now that I have decided that this is my path, I have heavy obstacles in my way. I have a husband and two wonderful children which I wouldn't trade for the world. It makes going to college a definite challenge. I can achieve this goal.

The advice I would give to my past self would be that things will happen, and you may want to give up because you think you are not strong enough to handle them, but you are strong enough to handle anything. I say this because my mom has battled a brain tumor and breast cancer all in the last four years. I would tell myself that dealing with serious illnesses with someone so close to you will be extremely stressful, and it will set you back, but the moments you have with family and friends have to be cherished. Never lose sight of getting your degree. Although you will have to take time off to focus on your mom, no matter how long it takes, as long as you reach getting your degree you will have succeeded. You will experience so many new things and meet so many great people along the way that all your struggles will be worth it. Your mom beats the brain tumor and breast cancer, and things get better. Because of all this you will choose a healthcare major so you can help other families just like yours. I believe in you. Good luck!

As a high school senior, I had my life all planned out. I knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go before I even started my senior year. If I could go back and give myself advice, I would say, "Don't be afraid to speak up on the first day." In high school, I knew a lot of my classmates and teachers before the class started, so I was not shy at all. However, in college, I didn't know anybody in the majority of my classes, so I needed to make myself be heard and seen in order to help make my tiem in that course worthwhile.

Through all adversity, never give up because there is so much more to life than what you see in front of you. Dreams do come true, you just have to believe and work hard. Everything will be alright.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself two things; do not put pre-nursing as your major on the Caroline Scholarship application and learn how to drive. As stated before, the Caroline Scholarship would pay for full tuition, board and fees for four years for selected students. During the application process, I chose undecided for my major and later changed it to pre-nursing. I did not know that pre-nursing students were ineligible for the scholarship until after I turned in the application. This minor setback caused me to lose my chance of winning the Caroline Scholarship which would have greatly benefitted my parents and me. I would also have pushed myself to take Driver’s Education courses in high school so I would not have to take public transportation from home to college. Although my parents did not have a lot of money, my parents offered me a chance to take the course and I turned it down because money was tight in my family. I regret it now because I could be getting to college safer and more efficiently. These two pieces of advice would have made a huge impact upon my life.

High school did wonders in preparing you to work hard on your classes and to believe in yourself. Remember to be open because as you mature and grow, interests develop and dreams change. You will meet people that will change your world views and you will experience love and pain you've never felt before. Don't know what to do in your future? That's okay because life is a journey, not a race. Have the faith that if it's meant to be, it will happen. Whatever you end up becoming, do it with purpose and passion.

I would tell myself to stay focus and dont give up no matter how tired I become and how hard things get. I would also encourage myself to make sure I know everything about the school, especially when it comes to what classes I need to take and what steps I need to take in order to graduate on time. I have always been quite and too myself so I would most definitely school myself on having more of a social life in college. This can be very beneficial for future jobs. So many people from my current school are from different states and other parts from the world. I would also advise myself to double major and take the max classes. It can be done. There are a lot of subjects that go hand in hand and will benefit greatly for jobs. Lastly I would say to join clubs and be more active and engaging with activities on campus. All of these things will help build your resume. In the end, that is what is most important! Looking good on paper!

Given my advanced age and plethora of life experiences, I would advise myself to ensure I planned properly for college and to commit myself to enrolling, attending, and completing my college studies. A series of misjudgements and bad decisions prevented me from completing college in a timely fashion, therefore I had to delay my college education for almost three decades. I would also advise myself to seek out opinions and advice from my high school mentors and instructors that I respected. I made decisions on my own as an inexperienced eighteen year old high school graduate and did not use the available resources available to assist me in making my decisions. I would have advised myself to be dedicated to and dilligent in my schoolwork so that I could graduate with the highest possible GPA. Additional studies in SAT and ACT testing would have helped tremendously as well. I think the primary issue at hand for me was to seek out the advice of those who had already successfully completed college degrees and were knowledgeable in the trials, tribulations and joy of college life.

I enlisted into the United States Air Force, Air National Guard right out of high school. I would tell my Senior High School self to pay more attention to what her interests were. I would also tell her that education is important and to put more time and energy into that instead of working fulltime, to go to school fulltime. It's hard to balance getting an education that you are interested in when you work 40+ hours a week 6 am until 4:30 pm. College is hard work and takes dedication, it is your dime that is paying for it so you should make the most out of it to gain the best education possible. Do not let money stand in your way of pursuing your goals, education is a profitable investment.

I would tell myself to work on time management. College truly is a life changing event. Some students live in the dorms, are meeting new people, creating networks, and adjusting to the college workload. Enjoy free time and get involved with volunteer work or create a hobby. When college assignments, tests, and paper get overwhelming you need a break session with something that makes you happy and destressed. I would tell myself to start an healthy eating and exercise regiment, because there will be no more home cooked meals at college. Exercising is another great option to destress in college. I would tell myself to continue taking classes in high school that would keep the mind working hard. When you get to college, there is no grace period, you jump right into assignments. I would make sure to tell myself that it is okay to miss home and old friends, but it is healthy to make new ones too. After all, college friends are going to be long term friends because they go through the same changes as you are. Overall, I would say enjoy senior year, but don't get lazy. There is no room for slacking in college.

School wise there is not a lot that I would tell myself to improve because I wa a bit of a nerd in high school. But what I would tell myself is to go a bit out of my comfort zone (socially) and take some chances. I was and still are a bit of a shy and awkward person so on my first year of college I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Since I did not talk to many students my first semester was a bit lonely and I missed out on getting to know more people and letting know me. Some advice that I would tell my senior self would be to not be so afraid of what people "might" think and just go for it. Don't be afraid to show yourself to the world because you are a pretty awesome person. Keep up with your school work and take some weird classes, talk to everyone because you never know what you might learn and lastly be yourself because at the end of the day that it is the chances you had and missed that you will regret the most.

I would have given myself advice about finances. Finances are one of the biggest college issues especially since tuition is expensive. I would have gotten a job earlier in my high school years to save up. It is a struggle to save money and pay for tuition. I think it’s crucial to get a job early, in order to be stress free during your college journey. I would have applied for more scholarships for financial stability. Scholarships not only provide money for your future, but also it helps strive for a great GPA. In a way it keeps you on track with grades. Time management is very crucial in college. In order to stay on track you have to manage homework, friends, family and working. It is extremely easy to fall behind if you misuse the precious time throughout the day. I recommend using your daily planner as well as a large calendar to plan out the month. It is very useful and gives you an idea of how busy you will be throughout the month. Lastly, I would pick a good group of friends who will motivated and inspire you to follow your dreams.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high senior I would deeply encourge myself to get it together. Try to get the best possible grades, join more clubs, and just try to be the best I could. I would tell myself that although growing up is hard, it isn't that scary especially college. You get to meet knew and interesting people who will influence your life even in ways you didn't think they would. At first it might be a little of a shock when you start to transition to college but once you get used it everything comes easier. I would encourage myself to try to get the best possible grades, enjoy my last year of high school to the fullest because what's to come is only the beginning of the rest of my life.

The biggest advice that I would give to my senior self is, have fun, but still be able to manage your time according to your school work. When I first came into college, I thought that it would just be a more advanced version of high school. But after the first few weeks, I found myself sitting in my room cramming for the next day. After I went to a few workshops provided by the school, I was able to find a balance between my school and social life through the help of my peers. Once I learned how to manage my time, I was able to get ahead on school work and I was still able to do other activities. Learning how to manage my time efficiently is one of the best things that I have learned while making the high school to college life transition.

If I can go back in time and talk to my high school self, I will like to tell myself that college is very expensive and for myself to safe money. I would also like to tell myself to apply to as much scholarships as possible. I want to tell myself to volunteer and go job shadowing so, I can figure out what I what to do in the future. I will like to tell myself to remember these lines, "no matter how tough life gets, just keep going forward and your find a solution."

Young Man, You are not ready for college -- you will not finish if you start now. You have not yet learned the fundimental truth that your success will be dictated by your discipline, dilligence and focus; not sheer intellect or ability. Develop your competencies; listen to the voice within you guiding you toward your life's work. Block out the distractions and make your record true. If you are capable, document your capability with a record of reliable, accurate work and erase any doubt in the minds of your mentors. Pursue your education with relentless tenacity, stay humble, embrace the lessons of failure and do not, under any circumstance, give up hope. Be proud of yourself. From a Fogotten Future, Louis Repucci February 7th, 2013

If I could go back in time as a high school senior; I would have met with my high school academic counselors and advisers more often to ask questions about the college majors that Iam interested in pursuing in college, ask bout the best Colleges and Universities for those majors, I will also find out as much as I can about pre-college courses . Ask about the various ways to finance a college education without incurring so much debt, interships for high school seniors in the business and health science sectors. I will inquire about scholarship opportunities and how to apply for scholarships. I feel that this would be the best advice for me as a high school senior because college is very expensive and just to know that fact and take the oppportunity to research for scholarships and volunteer in my local community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Youth Against Drugs and Violence, YMCA and getting involved in youth projects; I would have learned alot about myself and also have met people along that way that would contribute towards my collge education.

I would tell myself to take more math classes because it only gets harder girl. College is nothing like high school. There is alot more homework and numerous essays! So be grateful for the little bit of homework you are getting in highschool. Realize that when you graduate your high school friends might not be your friends after high school. That's okay things happen people go their seperate ways but always keep your realy friends around. In college you will be on your own away from your dad's rules so you will need to be able to discipline yourself. That means you need to know when you should go out and party and when you should stay in and study. No one is going to wake you up for class in the morning like in high school so dont ignore that alarm clock. Lastly know that you are a bright and ambitious girl and that you can do anything you can put your mind to.

I would give myself more motivation to do well in school just knowing how important grades are. I would also give myself more motivation to stick with what I love and to be more open-minded. I believe that what you do in High School will affect you in college whether you think it will or not.

For me, knowing what I know now, I would of changed the fact that I did not start at a 4 year colleage. I also would have looked into my career choice to make sure jobs were available in the field I was looking into. I had it my mind to go to school, I did, at a Technical College, as an Operationg Room Tech. At that time back in the 80s, there were hardly any jobs in that field, and if I wanted a job, I would have to go to another state. I would have been better off going to a four year college and getting a better degree, and finding something that would have work. Back then I thought about going to pre-med, and never signed up. Now 20 some years later, I am getting a Chemistry Degree/pre-med. I made all the pre-qualifications and all I have to do is pass the MCAT. If I started earlier it would be easlier, because now I am a single mother with two children to take care of on top of my studies. Children after the degree would have been better if I picked Mr. Right.

To not be so hard on myself when it comes to social events and friends, but to be hard on myself when it comes to my education. If college has taught me one thing, it's that the harder you work the easier it is and sadly, I never had that drive in high school. All I was worried about, and so are the current high schoolers, was hanging out with friends and dressing nice, when in reality, I should have been worried about my grades. I was lucky and Mount Mary extended their hand and gave me a second chance at school, but not all kids are. High school may seem like its the most important thing at the time, but college is where you grow; you learn and become who you are meant to become, and that is much more important in life than the social events, gossip, and clothes you wear in high school. In high school, you're just a seed, but in college, you become more than a seed; you are showered with knowledge, planted in love that is rich from family and friends, and eventually, you become a beautiful flower.

College is a symbol of freedom and with new freedom comes fear. To avoid becoming a victim of that fear, why not look it in the eye and overcome it. The first step is to break college life down, divide and conquer, right? There are different pieces of advice to give regarding the social, educational, community and personal aspects of college life. Socially, it is important to get out of your dorm and mingle and make connections that will last longer than a weekend. Community is essential when attending a new school; my advice would be to get out and away from campus to explore the city or town the college is in, as well as getting involved with volunteer organizations. In terms of education, it’s important to take it seriously and to not fear the syllabus, they are so daunting! Lastly, on a personal level in college, it is important to stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid of learning about yourself on a daily basis. Also, remember that it will be stressful, every aspect of it! Most importantly, make time for yourself because after all it is your journey and you deserve to enjoy it!

I would tell myself to speak up more in class. College courses are a lot about discussions, and that's not really something I did in high school so it took a while to adjust to that. I would also tell my self to get used to presenting in front of crowds of people. I know that is something I did do in high school, but college focuses on it a lot more and it's just good advice to always get the most practice in. I would also tell myself that it is more important to learn who you really are and know what you really want. Focus less on who everyone else says you are and where you think they want you to go. This is your life, not theirs. Get to know yourself before you drive yourself crazy trying to be someone else for everyone else. But my biggest piece of advice would be, don't stress - you'll do fine. It'll take work, but you'll do fine.

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I would say that I did a pretty good job about applying for so many scholarships. Even though I didn't get hardly any, it's worth to see if you can get at least a few scholarships. But one thing that I could have done better is getting everything packed to move into my new dorm room with a roommate. I procrastinated on buying things for my dorm, so when I eventually moved into my dorm, I had to buy supplies while I was in Milwaukee going to school.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have numerous things to say. One of the main pieces of advice I would give is that you should always aim high. Go for your dreams and pick a degree that you can not only enjoy for the rest of your life, but that you are proud of. I would also advise myself to put school first. Going college right out of high school was a mistake for me. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and didn't have the maturity or experience to take school seriously. Lastly, I would tell myself to work hard and prove to others and myself that I am worth it. College takes determination and drive. At times you want to give up, but you need to push through. It will all be worth it in the end. You will have a great sense of pride and the feeling that if you really want to succeed, you will. "Just keep swimming!"

Make more time for studying going forward than in the past; when professors say for every hour in-class three hours are needed to study out of class, trust them. Be sure to get involved in some clubs or activities, but do not overwhelm yourself with extracurricular activities from the get-go; being involved actually helps with your time management and increasing your GPA if you are not overwhelmed. Cramming does not help you comprehensively learn the class material; your grades, sleep, and self-esteem will all suffer for it. Go to class and participate in lectures and discussions; participation in lectures and discussions ensures that you learn and retain the information better. Form study groups for every class--even the easy ones--with classmates more talented than you as well as classmates less talented than you in the subject. Those more talented than you will teach you things in a different manner that will help you to learn and retain the information better, and you will be able to teach others to help them learn, confirm your own knowledge, and think about the information in a different way to wholly understand it and retain it better for later.

I would tell myself to start putting money aside for textbooks because they are really expensive. Scholarships are what are going to get you through college, so make them a high priority. Don't procrastinate applying for scholarships, apply for all the scholarships you can and make sure you meet the deadlines. Also, don't procrastinate on homework, the earlier you get it done, the less stressed you will be later on. Get plenty of sleep, you know you aren't a morning person, so make sure your only late nights are neccessary and only for homework purposes. Make time for friends, college may be stressful, but time with friends everyone once in a while is a great destresser. Most of all, enjoy the college experience, make sure you stay focused but also have fun with it, your on the path to your career, so make it everything you can.

I would tell myself to study more and try a little bit harder. I always acceled in school but college is much different and involves a lot more studying and time to achieve the grades. I would also tell myself to focus better because I have always had a hard time focusing.

If I could go back to my high school senior self I would definitely tell myself, “Jamila, you need to focus on your Spanish class, not give up on your psychology class, and fill out more scholarships!” I wish I would have studied more in my Spanish class and take the class more seriously. I am now majoring in Spanish and have even studied in Spain, but I see the areas where I struggle. I have realized that they are areas in which I should have mastered my senior year in high school. I also took an AP Psychology course during my senior year. I was not happy with grade and decided not to sit for the exam that I had to pass in order to get the credit. I had given up and missed out on three credits that could have gone towards my core credits here at Mount Mary. Also you could never apply for to many scholarships. I realized that the money in college will not fall in your hands, but you have to make an effort. Lastly I would tell myself, “Young woman, you are a leader and continue to be yourself. Love You!”

My advice to myself would be to change my studying habits because in college procrasination isn't excepted if you want to excel in your classes. Learn how to manage my time, which is one of the critieria of being a successful college student. Also to try to break away from all the bad habits as soon as possible before college starts. Lastly to pay attention to scholarships that are announced and emailed by my student council, it's a way it will safe me money and from over working myself.

If I could go back I would sit myself down and just be honest! I'd say, "just apply to major colleges and see their feedback, take college helpful classes and be prepare yourself for what you think is about to be an easy ride. Just because you're going to a CC doesn't mean its not hard, it's very different then what your used too; you make and call the shots, so be sure to stay on top of everything! try to walk around and find your classes after signups so your anxiety isn't so bad on the first day and if you have something do the following week DO NOT WAIT, do it when you get it so it's done and save the sick days for when you're sick. Also, don't take a semester off because you'll go crazy and DON'T take 8am classes because you got out of the routine you had in high school and it's gonna kill you." I would just tell myself not to worry and to enjoy every second of college and take it for what it's worth.

Dear High School Leslie, This is you in the future. What I am going to tell you will help you so very much in your future. Frist apply yourself more in school. Get better grades. Ask for help from teachers. Don't be lazy and try harder. College is a big change. Teacher or professors in college aren't going to babysit you. You show up do the work and get a good grade hopefully. I decided to go into Nursing well Medical Assisting. After Dad died I realized I can help sick patients, through helping dad. I realized we (you and the future Leslie) have always went out of the way to help others. We have a big heart and compassion for others. Im not going to lie college is hard. With decation and a lot of hard work we will get there!! So please apply yourself now !! Hard work pays off in the end!!! Love, You in 12 years

I was a senior in fall of 1996. I entered DeVry in 1997 for programming. I did not last more than a year. In retrospect, I would tell my high school self to look further into more creative based degree programs. I found the field of Art Therapy at Mount Mary College to hold my interest in working with children and my love of creativity. Looking back with my current knowledge, I would have told myself that it is ok to ask for help. I have a diagnosis of ADD and anxiety. As a young adult, I turned down medication and avoided accommodations based on my disability. I know now that medication for me, made the difference between functional and productive. I also know to utilize resources that are available to assist me in the learning process. As a young adult, I was not outgoing in a classroom. I can easily tell my younger self that actively participating and attending in a classroom setting is crucial to developing understanding. As a student, attending, being prepared, and participating has made the difference in achievement. Before, time was infinite. Now I balance my family, school, work, and housework. Moral: spend time wisely!