Northeastern Illinois University Top Questions

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

Philip

I would tell myself to take your college education seriously. Any time that you take off from school, only prolongs you from reaching your goals. Work hard in your classes and go the extra mile; you get what you give. Take part in extracurricular activities such as school clubs; the friends you make and the experiences you gain from clubs will play a huge part in your development as a student. Be bold, take risks, and push yourself to do things you wouldn't normally do academically and personally. School is the best time to grow and become a bigger, stronger, and ultimately better you. Learn how to manage stress. Things can become quite hectic during midterms and finals, but just remember that if you put in the work, everything will be fine, and you will see the grades. Help a fellow classmate, aiding them in their academic sucess can be extremely rewarding. Lastly, I would say apply for scholarships. There are people who are willing to help students financially so they can acheive their goals, don't be afraid to ask for their help!

Iwona

I came from a different country and studied at Northeastern with very little language skills. I wish I had taken more English courses in high school, so that I could have had an easier time in school. I also wish I had participated in more clubs at Northeastern, so I could have networked more. What you give to the school, you get back. Investing in the school is a good idea because it helps you out in the future in various ways.

Mohamed

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stop letting my fears get in the way of doing what I want to do. For a whole semester, I did not attend college because I was frightened; I did not know what field I wanted to go in and I was only focused on wht would earn me the most money instead of what would make me happiest. Playing it safe has its uses, but I would advise my past self to avoid taking it too far and to not be afraid of taking chances and living life. It is only through making mistakes and overcoming doubts that we learn how to live. I would also advise my younger self to not be so withdrawn; meeting new people and making new friends is a key part of college life. Refusing to do so out of mistrust and fear will not make college easy or fun. Being afraid to ask for help from the faculty of other students is a key to having a miserable college experience. You only get out of college what you try to achieve and the effort you put in.

Karen

KAREN! Study. This may sound cliche but you are a smart girl, with a little more effort you could acheive anything. College is expensive and you know you do not have money so work hard for scholarschips. Keep your head up when mom says you can not do someting. You know that is how she has always been but what do you do? Usually prove her wrong, so continue to do so. Can I let you in on a little secret? You know that boy you have been inlove with since freshman year? He will stay in your life but put yourself in front of him. Make choices for you, boys are dumb sometimes but do not let it affect you. You are going to have a beautiful little miracle and to be ready for him you can not give up on school! Besides prove everybody wrong, show them that you are not just the typical hispanic, who became pregnant at 18. At least you earned your diploma and have the ambition to keep moving forward with school. Let me just say as future Karen working is not fun, working at a regular job and not a career, of course.

Cathryn

My high school senior year and the following two years were a trial, a tribulation, a test. They were hard, frustrating, and unexpected. The past two years were suppose to be spent in college but I have not started yet. Nonetheless, I have learned and grown so much, especially in my senior year. If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would stand back and remain silent. I do not want to tamper with my past, as much as I would like to, because I was being tested. I am going to be a better person and have a better life. I know now what I want to do with my life. For starters, I will be starting college this coming fall. My family has always cherished education. Starting in my senior year, I was getting an invaluable education; it would continue for two more years and will keep going. I may have needed some great advice in my senior year from my future self, but the truth is that she did not need it. She put me on the course to the life I am to live and to the person I am to become.

Chante

Life is what you make of it, weather hard or easy, but nothing worth having comes free. During your walk through life, there are going to be struggles, challenges, and stressors. Also, there are going to be happy moments, joyous occasions, successful breakthroughs, and breathtaking adventures. However, it is how you perceive and react to what you encounter, which will determine a positive or negative outcome for your situation. Never wish your experiences could have been different, or let obstacles stop you from achieving your goals. My advice to myself would be as the Nike tagline says: “Just do it!” Take all steps needed to pursue all of your dreams and a higher education. If you want recognition, growth, and success, do not sit around waiting on someone to direct you. As a tip for achieving your goals: evaluate the situation, discipline yourself, prepare in advance, and pray for courage and strength. Always take teacher's criticism as fuel to accomplish your life’s goals and dreams. College marks another phase of life, therefore take lots of notes and strive for greatness. It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.

Claudiu

The college search is serious business. If you want to go to a great college, you need to look for it and do your research. You've spent the last four years of your life working hard to get good grades to excell in college. However, it all goes to waste if that effort is not put towards finding a college and scholarships to pay for it. I left my college search until last minute, and I had to settle for less than what I believed I was capable of. Unlike high school where there was always the threat of a lower grade or someone constantly checking up on you. No one supervised me with my college plans, and so I let myself slack off. I know past me doesn't believe when people say he has the power to change the world, because it sounds cheesy. However, my failures and successes in college have taught me that my own efforts matter. Even when no one is telling you what to do, you should still do everything in your power to get yourself the best opportunities and improve yourself as a person.

Grigory

Know what you want before starting any Major courses. If that means being a part time student and working part time for a few years while taking basic classes like English 101 and Art 101 then go for it. You will enjoy college more and save money by not taking classes for one major and then switching to another. The extra time and money you have will allow you to enjoy the college events, clubs and social life on campus. Just don't take too long, don't drop out of school. Get that degree before you get too old, you don't want to be pursuing your first B.S. when you're 27 and should be in a career job and house shopping. Don't play all those video games. Date that girl you wanted to.

Ellen

I understand that high school is very stressful. You have incredible drive to get to college where life will magically become better. That is only half-truth. Life does get better when you get out of high school. College is a wonderful place of opportunity, self-discovery and freedom. However, with freedom, there comes a cost. My biggest advice to high school "Ellen" is to find self-love, confidence and gratitude because you can be your own worst enemy. When you leave home, you are leaving behind a built-in support system, which you currently resent because, well, you are a teenager. The fear and loneliness that comes with change is difficult to navigate. College is an easy place to become a recluse. You will find yourself desperately trying to control your life and hide your feelings. However, fight self-destructive urges, fake confidence, and it will eventually start to become real. You are a kind, quirky, intelligent person that people want to know! Force yourself to branch out and find that support system, so when you are having hard days, you have someone to reach out to...someone who will help stop you from getting in your own way.

Doinita

Read, read, and read more. Nothing can make you feel happy, excited, and erudite as a good book. News, textbooks, magazines, novels, just read. Make up your mind, think fast, decide what you would like to be, and do it. Take the classes. Do not be undecided. Stay close to the ones you admire most, your role models. They can teach and help a lot from their experience. Call, talk and ask for help, for advice, for guidance. Do not think you know everything. Do not be a hypocrite, a selfish, or a greedy. Do not be lazy, banal, caustic, capricious, despotic, invidious, irascible, phlegmatic, naïve, or stubborn. Be punctual, meticulous, astute, perspicacious, harmonious, altruistic, funny, philanthropic, courageous, and lucid. Do not isolate, and do not hesitate to make friends, to talk to people, to work, to volunteer, and to interact. Do not waste 3 years after high school to raise the nephew, the sister can find a nanny. Do not marry or have kids at 21 years old, or when you are in school. Finish college, live your life, go out, have fun. You can find a husband any time, but you can never turn back the time.

Lechuga

Sandra, I understand that you might think that high school is not as important as you might think, but its one of the foundations that will help you for the rest of your life. Not only will it help you for the rest of your life, but it will help with most of college experiance. College will be easier if you pay attention in high school. Placing high on your placement test and on the ACT is also very important. Thats what high school teachers are for, they are there to prepare you for the challenges that you might face in the future. When placing high on the placement test, that gets you right away to college level and you can start taking the proper classes that you need. If you place low, you have to start in lower classes that do not count towards your major and it will take you longer to complete college. I hope that after reading this you will take my advice and work harder in these High school years. College will be easier and funner if you work hard now.

DIMITRA

Dear HS Me, College is just around the corner! Have you been thinking about what exactly you would like to persue in the future? Remember Mom and Dad aren't going to be able to help you financially for college, so you are on your own! Make sure you look into colleges that will have classes that will further help your future career goals. And don't choose a very expensive school that will cause you to take out lots of loans and end you in debt! You'll then end up transferring to a less expensive school - but it won't have all that you want in terms of classes! Future you regrets the initial college decision. Keep your grades up and try to get scholarships! You are smart, I promise you that. Don't let some challenging subjects get you down - you can do this! You have been very strong these past couple years with all that you are dealing with at home! You still get up everyday, you still go to school, you still have a job. You are responsible. College will be tough, but WE CAN DO THIS. Good Luck. Love, Future You.

Connie

The journey that you will embark after graduating high school will be an even more difficult one in which you must take seriously and commit to as you approach the upcoming educational endeavors as if you are extremely ravenous for. You must convince yourself that your life will highly depend on the choices that you will be facing during your transition in the world of independence while in college. The opportunities that will be introduced to you during your college years will be transitory as your high school years have been but a preparation for changes in your adult life and future. Ensure that once accepting your journey in pursuing a higher academic educational challenge, you are confident in accepting all the trials that will come before you during those years. Learning to organize and prioritize will be some of the qualities that you will soon learn to dominate in the realm of education. Do not be discouraged of the required transformations that you will face but surrender yourself to the new environment in which you find yourself in and acquire what you are entitled to – an education. Take a hold and control of your goals and never lose focus.

Kira

Dear Self, I know that almost every day you can't help but think "I can't wait to graduate! I'm tired of high school!", but try to enjoy it while you can. I, your grown-up, 20-year old self, wishes that you would slow down and do a little more. I know you can be rather lazy, but please join all of those clubs that you think are too time-consuming and "pointless". Also, pick up the slack and apply for more scholarships! I know you're frustrated because most of the ones available to you are for Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Samoans, ect, but take to the internet and apply to all that you can! Trust me! You're not going to like your first job for very long! The more scholarships you have, the less you'll be stuck in that stupid blue uniform picking up the shoes and apparel that grown adults are too incapable to put back correctly! Remember to smile more, laugh more, love more, and keep rocking on with Kpop. Vixx hwaiting! With lots of love, regret, and hope, Your adult self, Kira.

Patricia

If I could advice my high school self I would say to her: Patricia, you have had a rough start and no child should have to endure the suffering you have. Just know the road you are traveling will not be easy but stay focused and remember your goals because your struggles will serve a greater purpose later. You should know that you are intelligent, beautiful and worthy of respect and love. That love will come when it is supposed to, but you must first love yourself to recognize it. Keep your heart and mind on God and your studies; when your intuition tells you a guy is all wrong for you, you should RUN like the wind. From here until our dying days, I urge you to trust yourself, believe in yourself and most importantly, love yourself.

Dalia

"Wake up! The clock is ticking and you're still in bed doing absolutely nothing but sleep." "You can sleep all you want when you're dead." If I had a time traveling machine that is definitely something I would be saying to myself on September, 2013. I would push my limits over sea so I would know everything I know now before submitting my last minute decision on May 1, 2013. As a high school senior one cathces the common disease called "senioritis," meaning lazy to do anything. Unfortunantely, I was a target for this disease. If my mentality was stronger like it is now, I would not be doing this essay. I would have known that private colleges have different gen eds. Plans do not always go as one plans them, and it would be very expensive... to purchase books and commute (because there is no sufficient funds to afford dorming at a private university.) The whole "dream school" is a dream, but one has to WORK for that dream. I was vise versa, dreaming and then working in it. Wake up, drink coffee and complete your research, the bed is not going anywhere, but you will!

Assil

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would apply for more scholarships and have FAFSA done earlier. Study hard from the begging, turn my work on time a, don’t be lat to classes, and talk to people who are majoring the same major as I do. Get involved in activates, tutoring and clubs. Be careful when Im choosing my classes. Have a positive attitude about everything that has happened. I would have taken advantage of my grade, teachers and tests. Keep in touch with my teachers who helped me a lot to stay on track with grades, tests, and homework. I would’ve liked to visit the university couple of times before the school year started. That would have helped me know the departments, and where my classes would be located, I don’t have to get lost when the school starts. Talk to my advisory all the time especially when I decide my major or what classes I want to take or what I have to do after the four year college. In conclusion I will be more careful about college and what I want to major in.

Assil

If I could go back in the time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would apply for more scholarships and have financial aid done earlier. Study hard from the beginning, turn homework's on time and talk to people who major the same my major, that help me to know what classes I have to take or what I'm going to do after the four-year of university. Involved in activities and clubs helps to communicate with student and make you learn more about the university. Choose the classes carefully and drop it earlier. I have to be positive about everything happened I don't have to take advantage because of my grades or teachers just studey. Being in touch with my teachers help me a lot to keep on track with homework, grades, and tests. I like to visit my university couple times before the school start that help me know the departments and where are my classes. Talk to my advisory all the time especially when I get confused about my major or my classes. That's what I want if I could go back and talk to myself as high school senior.

Clifton

I would tell myself to always believe in myself. Do not ever give up on self. Ask for help because help is always available. Do not be fearful of achievement. Always have confidence in myself and understand that hard work will pay off in a good way. Study to show my aproval with self and others. Always hang with positive people and people that want to be sucessful in life. Respect your parents, teachers and elders at all times. Listen to them carefully and learn from them. Do volunteer work and always be ready to help the needy if possible. Commit to doing good in school and out of school. I would raise my hand more and study more diligently. Do not worry or be ashamed at how others will think or feel about me. Always be honest and true to yourself and others. If something is bothering me, talk about it to my parents, teachers, or another responsible adult. Understand that I can make a difference if I stay focused and have a strong desire. Always be willing to help and to be helped. Love people unconditionally. Do not give up. Do not quit. School is the answer !

Nicole

I did not realize how important it is to get invalved with your community and your school. Joining clubs and being social is not only a great way to make friends, but it is also a great way to build bridges. You never know who you are going to meet and what kind of an asset they may be to you. Putting yourself out there opens many doors, such as network connections, scholarships, and experiences. I have grown so much just by learning from my piers and building profetional relationships with teachers. It took me too long to learn that being shy and blending into the backround does not bennifit my future or enrich my life. For these reasons, I would let my high school self know that time flies by. Make the most of tomorrow today before tomorrow is yesterday!

Mayra

Assuming that today is the year 2017; one year after graduating from NEIU. Also, assuming some brilliant person figured out how to build a time machine. I would jump into that time machine and send myself back to my senior year of high school. I would look in the mirror, pat myself on the back, and say “keep up the good work, this will soon pay off.” I would tell myself to cherish the moments I have with my friends because although we might tell each other we will always keep in touch that will not likely happen once college starts. I would encourage myself to be more talkative in class. Enough with being the shy girl in class, shy people get lost in the crowd. I will tell myself to talk as much as I can with my teachers, share my goals of becoming an educator and that way they could help me along the way. I could almost picture myself going out for lunch with my friends to Taco Burrito King. I’d snatch the money away from my own hands and put that money back in my pocket and say “save this! Make your own lunch instead!”

Madison

I know it's tough to focus on those dual credit classes you're taking, but it's worth it to study at night for algebra instead of watch the same movies for the 10th time. Pay attention to what your teachers are trying to tell you; that's how you'll learn to study later on. Don't be afraid to take risks or those obscure classes. They'll probably be precursors to courses you'll take in college. Go further in your studies than the minimum of what is required of you. I know it may not seem "cool" to be reviewing flashcards in the library at lunch, but do it anyway, because settling for a got anyone a Suma Cum Laude diploma. Plus, it's so much harder to actually study than you once thought. Gone are the days of skimming a chapter before a quiz. College is real. College is hard. But college is worth it. Suck it up, read your notes, and be great.

Taylor

The advise I would give my high school self is to always stay determined and positive. This would be benefitial because everyone has a goal, and looking forward and staying positive will get you to where you want to be. College is not as nerve wrecking as what people make it sound, so worrying about what each day would be like would only make you more stressed out. Staying on top of all your work and balancing your activities will make your life so much more easier because everything is getting done, and before you know it you will have time to do the things you want and relax. Lastly, choose your classes carefully. Make time for yourself because there is so much time you have before you graduate, and this involves having patience.

Kyani

If i had the opportunity to go back and time and talk to myself as a senior. I would tell myself that the things you think are important now, wont matter when you are out of high school. Your popularity won't matter down the road. The heartaches you think you have now are nothing and wont matter either. Use your time wisely to improve your knowlege. Your education is the most important thing. When you are 22 and have a 1 year old daughter the only thing that will matter is that you have a good paying job to take care of your daughter. Sports are fun and excerise is good for you, but its not the only thing that matters. Go to college and dont worry about your boyfriend, he seems important now but down the road he won't even cross your mind. He's not worth your heartache and tears. You will soon realize what I am saying to you. Soak up all the knowlege you can. You are smarter than you give yourself credit for, and you will go far in life.

Carlos

I have come up with four pieces of advice I have learned througout college, that I would tell myself as a high school senior. My most important one is making the right decision. There will be plenty of influences and easy resources to steer away from school work and academic focus, but a constant reminder of what you are in school for should be more than enough to keep you focused. Another piece of advice is be organized. This is a very important one because it brings makes the rest of my advices flow and more natural. When organized, you will have time to do school work, keep up with important events and school functions, and be prepared for the unexpected. An agenda really helps to keep this advice in check. This also makes my thrid piece of advice for me quite simple; be timely. Create a schedule that includes class time, study time, eating time, work time, sleep timeand any other activities that should take up your time. Lastly, be resourceful. Iniciate a relationship with teachers, your adviser and academic clubs to better facilitate your college experience. All these are piece of advice from college Carlos, to senior Carlos.

Madison

If I could say one thing to myself when I was in high school, I would say "Slow down. Enjoy life." The prime of our lives should never be spent banging out heads against the desk. During my first semester in college I took 15 credits of very academic courses because I felt like it was the only way to get where I wanted to go. Two of those classes were online. It was way too much to handle during my very first semester. I didn't have the work ethic or the responsibility. I was too absorbed in my social life to be able to focus. In short, I still had a high school mindset. It took 2 years of incredibly hard work to get my GPA back up. I became stressed and depression set in. I was nearly kicked out of Sierra College. Then, I started to relax. I took nights off from homework to hang out with old friends. Miraculously, my work improved. It seems that once you slow down and see what you're missing, everything else gets easier. This semester I am taking my first semester classes over but this time, I'm ready.

Shavonta

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as when I was a senior I will tell myself to focus more in math. Studying in college now my hardest course is math. I tend to not pay attention as much as I should have in high school. Also i will become a better note taker. In high school I took notes but was careless because the teacher gave me a little more attention. The transition from high school to college has been a journey but just like i will tell myself in high school never give up, accomplish every goal and stay involve will still apply for college.

Chris

Dear Chris, You are now a junior at Northeastern, well done. It has taken you along time to get to this point, but I wouldn't change too much. I suggest you take the same route I took, but be more dedicated to your studies, and get through community college in only 2 years instead of 7. Continue to devote time to family, but also make time for your studies. Stay close to home and attend CLC and Northeastern, you will see later that those are great choices and you get the opportunity to spend as much time with dad before he passes. Try a few different classes and dabble in some different endevours, but ultimately realize that your love lies with kids; pursue your degree in education and get through college so we can finally teach and mold some young minds. On days when you don't feel like going to class, remind yourself that that is unacceptable. On days you feel like giving up or dropping out, think of what dad would say. In the end whatever you do is your choice, but do what you love. And either way our family will be proud of us. Chris.

Cara

Cara, You are about to embark on an extremely fun, tumultous and life changing road. It will seem like you are unsure of what to do at times...but I STRONGLY encourage you to stick it out and stay in school. It will never be as achievable as it is now to finish your degree. Yes, you will be experiencing things you have never experienced. Relationships, independence and financial stress; but hold true to your goal of finishing school. Don't fret over what Major to choose. Follow your heart and believe in your gifts and trust that you have something that the world needs. If you make mistakes and fall completely down on your face...get up and carry on. Making a mistake here may feel like the end of the world, but believe me it is no where near as hard and as painful as the mistakes you will make when you drop out of school "for awhile" to live with your boyfriend. Choosing another person other than yourself will derail you for the next twenty years! Please trust me when I tell you, you are valuable and the world needs you!

Melissa

I never had any guidance when I was a high school senior. I would go back and tell myself to be sure to take placement tests and to do my best at studying. I would prepare better for entering college and apply for good schools and extra scholarships. I would also reassure myself that I can do it and that I wll do great no matter what!

Erica

Having completed a full year of in college, I would give myself advice as a highschool senior in Financial, abstinence, and dedication. To begin with financially based, if I could go back in time I would choose to save money. I would have started working as soon as possible so that I could save up for my college career. Instead of spending my money on things that were not necessary, I would open a savings account for college only. I would have also started applying for a lot of scholarships back then. I do realize the importance that financial plays in the college life. Following financial, I would give myself would be the importance of abstinence. I would give myself and other students to practice abstinence because being a single parent of a two year old is extremely difficult at times when pursuing a degrees. Being a full time mom, a part time worker and a full time student is a challenge everyday. Homework and studying comes hard to accomplish when you have to give attention to your baby. I would encourage young girls like me to really think about the consequences that come when having a baby before college.

jessica

If I new what i know now, I would tell myself to be more prepared. I would tell myself to not rely on everything the counselors say, and do some research of my own. I would tell myself to look more into public universities than private ones, because the financial burden associated with public colleges is not as great. Most importantly, I would tell myself to breathe. I spent most of my senior worrying about getting out of Calumet city, IL, when I should have been worried about the kind of schools I was applying too. My G.P.A. and credentials made me cocky so I wasn't worried about getting scholarship money, because obviously the schools would be knocking down doors to get to me, right? No, I was extremely wrong. I didn't realize that their were thousands, even millions of other students out there with just as good an academic track record as me. I would tell myself to breathe, and take it slow. I spent my senior year doing everything in a rush, because I assumed the first to turn everything in, gurraneteed an easy college existence.

Jaymie

The first and most important piece of advice I could give myself is to always believe in my dreams and never doubt how far they can take me. I would say that giving up should never be an option for someone as strong as I am and that there is always a positive to every negative. I would tell myself to try harder to finish the things I start and that every bit of hard work counts even if recognition isn’t acknowledged right away. I would prepare myself, as best I could, for the overwhelming experience that is college and that none of the anxiety in the world will change the fact that it has to be finished so that our dreams can come true. Above all else, I would remind myself to never forget to thank the people in my life who have helped me come this far and to never waste time listening to the ones who won’t carry me any further.

TIKETA

I would tell myself not to take a break from school. Apply for college as soon as you can. Set goals for yourself and stick with them. Accomplish all that you can when you get to college. Do not get involve with people who don't have your best interest at heart. Talk to your family about what you plan to do and what they can do to help you with your plans. Stay focused what's importatnt and what's in front of you. Don't be nervous. Talk to you advicing counselor at your highschool to help you in applying for colleges near and far away because sometimes it can be a great experience to go outside your comfort zone. Apply early for your classes. Try to apply for as many scholarships as you can to help with your education expenses. Don't apply or go to schools that your friends are applying to because that would be a distraction to you. Always mind your business and stay out of other people's business. Be a leader and not a follower. Choose your place and decide where it is you want to be and get there.

jessic

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to be more self-motivated. All throughout high school I procrastinated doing my homework and projects until the last minute which sometimes made me feel so stressed that I would end up not doing my work at all. I tend to block stressful things out of my mind and just forget about them, which usually results in multiple missing assignments and low grades. Knowing what I know now, I’d like to be able to tell myself that self-motivation is the key to good grades in college. I've learned that no one's going to step up to help me unless I ask for the help myself. I’m still adjusting to the responsibilities of being a college student. I know that it could take some time to change my usual habits of procrastination and relying on others, but when I graduate I know I will be proud of myself. I just wish that I could go back and tell myself to be more self-motivated In high school so that I could be ready for college beforehand.

Jenise

If I could go back, I would tell myself that college is a challenge. I would say that no matter what you have been through before now, none of it matters because college is a new playground, things are different. Hard work really does pays off, and studying is a must atleast 12 hours a week. Don't work as much as you would like to because having a full-time job while going to school full time gets in the way of your grades and it takes a serious toll on your body. Be patient and don't give up even when the work gets harder because chances are there is still a chance. Pick a field that you are passionate about because money isn't everything and Jenise, you know how you love and enjoy helping others. Take your time enjoy college and meet new people enjoy it while it last because if you work hard enough it will be over soon. Good luck!

Ebaa

In highschool, little did i know that college success was not completely reliant solely on grades. I would have advised myself to form priorities, inorder to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Additionally, I would have advised myself to take breaks when needed and reduce pressure on myself. The most important piece of advice i would have like to recieve, would have been to find, as well as, uses available resources without hesitation.

Kati

I would advise myself to study more regularly and to actually read the material assigned. In college, these two things are much more important than they are in high school, but to start good habits of doing these things now will make it much easier to transition into college life. I would also advise myself to work on time management. Although you may spend much less time actually in class, the homework, research, and paper writing takes far more time than it does in high school. Learning to balance your study, work, social and sleep schedules is probably the hardest part of transitioning into college life. I know it is said that college students never sleep and at times that is true, but getting adequate amounts of sleep is actually very important. Sleep is not only helpful for your health and helps prevent you from getting sick, it also helps you retain the information you are learning in your classes and allow you to be refreshed and ready to take on that big calculus exam. So take it from me, prepare yourself now for your transition into college life by following these few helpful tips.

Walter

I would tell myself to ago to college right away. Don't wait. If you wait, there will be too much going on, life, kids, job...it's a lot to balance. I am trying to do now what I should have done many years ago. It would have made my life a lot easier and I could have enjoyed it more. Now, I am doing a balancing act: going to school full time, working full time, studying whenever I can and trying to be a good dad while I coach my youngest son with baseball, watch the older son's games whenever I can. Not to mention, mowing the lawn, house repairs and all the other things that goes with married life. My other advice to myself would be to stay focused. When I was younger, I would get distracted and that caused me to put off things that I shouldn't have. Now that I am in college (at this late age) I realize that I could have accomplished a lot more in life if I had begun right after high school. Instead, I took the longer and harder road. However, better late, than never.

Kyleen

I would try and find more sholarships and money because college is too expensive. I would also be more interested in 4 year colleges.

Denisse

research whatever you want to study. Be sure. Have a goal. If you are not sure is okay to change. Be the best you could be. If you know you are going to get a bad grade in a class dropout before is too late. Not all universities are the same. Finish until you get to your goal and create new ones.

Liliana

I would tell myself to stay as focused as possible on college work, that there is time for more social activities after graduating. I would also tell myself to try volunteering at different places in order to get a view on what I would like as a career choice for the future, by gaining experience on different areas it may be easier to pick the right career. I would also remind myself of the benefit of staying focused in school instead of trying to do everything at once, because sometimes school can take the back seat when it comes to being out with friends or other activities. Lastly I would tell myself to be proud of the all the accomplishments that I have made and all the accomplishments that will come, to keep going strong and never give up.

Jami

The best advice that I would give myself would be to stay focused during your college years and do it for yourself. When I first began going to college I did not realize how many more doors a degree would open in my life. I began college in 2008 and after swithching my major two times I decided I was not ready for college. I withdrew from my classes and moved to northern Iowa to live with the "love of my life." In 2008 my boyfriend and I moved back to the Ankeny, Ia area so that I could resume my education. I enrolled into the Early Childhood Education program at Dmacc in 2010. I knew this was the right program for me because I have been a lead teacher in the four year old classroom at a daycare and I loved helping the children to grow and develop. I am loving my program and keep in close contact with all of my teachers because they provide me with help and encouragement to become successful in my career choice.

Michael

“If only I knew then what I know now..." If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I could pass on a wealth of knowledge and information to myself. I would tell myself to listen to my mother more. I would encourage myself to be more focused and mature, go with the flow more, and not be so rebellious. I would point out how completing all assignments on time and being on top of my school work is important with helping me not fall behind. I would tell myself that taking my medications and managing my mental health is important with helping me cope with the stress of school, and with making progress with my school goals. I would tell myself to put more effort into the consideration of my major. I would tell myself that even though college can be tough, eventually I will value it in the long run, as I do now.

Wendy

If I would have known what life was going to bring me after high school, I would have prepared myself a whole lot better. If you are still in high school consider yourself lucky, and a chance to view this letter as a caution of things to come. After your high school experience I hope that you consider college. “Education is the key to success” I know what you’re thinking you’ve heard it all, you’re worried about financial assistance, and you’re worried about money for other expenses. I say don’t worry, college and universities have multiple ways of assisting you with your studies. Above all, “stay in school, school is cool.” On another note consider the fact that “all things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” then realizing this you understand the importance of knowledge of your surroundings. Every day is like the birth of Adam and Eve, you make decisions every day. The forbidden tree represents learning life through your own experiences, and the rest of the garden is your opportunity to stay in school. You chose your path.

Vasili

Meet with your highschool college advisor. Do everything you can do get an academic scholarship while you are in high school. Make your school work your number one priority, otherwise later you will have regrets. When you are in high school it is already set up for you to receive financial assistance for free, when you leave it is much more difficult to gain financial assistance. Study hard and get good grades and meet with your academic advisors. Contact schools you want to go to and request scholarship information. Study for the ACT and SAT. Apply to a variety of schools, both in state and out of state. Complete your Fafsa in the first week of January with your parent who has the lower income of the two. Use financial aid offers from one school to reduce the cost of another school--Say that one school is giving you a better deal than the other school. And get good grades! You won't have to do it for long, just tough it out!

Beverly

I have experienced deep depression and epilepsy since I got pregnant with 2 kids. Ever since I went to Northeastern University I have been cured of depression and improved my brain immensely. It is a pleasant experience-truly.

Dorothy

My college experience has helped me understand the true meaning of hope and promise in life. Being friends with a group of people who did not have a desire to attend college or start a family of their own in the near future, the junior college I attended offered me options to what career path I would like to follow. I found the career path I wanted to work towards and NEIU has given me hope/promise that I will reach my goal of attaining my degree and working in the marketing field. NEIU has provided me with a graduation plan. I am aware of what I need to do to achieve my full potential. My college experience has given me hope and promise that I will graduate and have an opportunity to live the life I dreamt of as a little girl. My college experience is providing me with an opportunity to wake up in the morning, make breakfast for my kids as I send them off to school, head to work to provide for my family, and do it happily for the rest of my life. This is why my college experience's value is priceless!

Donald

I have gained alot of knowledge since going to Tarrant County College, and hoping to transfer to University of North Texas by fall of 2011. College has been valuable to me because I would like to get a job in the oil and gas companies and also helping my sister with a heart condition and her doctor bills have been outrages, I would love to hurry and graduate from college to help out my family. My interest in going to college is learning about becoming a Mechanical Engineer, but money issues is what stopping my future into a complete halt. I hope to win a scholarship so I can continue my education.

Lorena

I believe that for me I have advanced significantly in the field of Social Work. Having a diverse atmosphere has also helped because it has given me the opportunity to learn a lot from diferent ethnic groups. The college experience helped to get my foot into adulthood, I have matured a lot. In adddition having the freedom to learn, be respected and challenged is also a positive experience in my eyes. People who miss this experience tend to not understand this world and education. Some people have eventually returned to school because they see this gap in their lives and want to enhance their eduation and career.