Saint Louis University Top Questions

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

Jason

Be fair and just. You will frequently work in chaotic conditions, which makes it all the more imperative that you be able to depend on a sense of order. A commitment to a system of justice will enable you to prevent and resolve disputes encountered from time to time. Exercise sound judgment. Even the most sophisticated plan will fail if it is based on bad judgment. As you take on positions of increasing responsibility, you will gain wisdom through experience and judgment you may rely on for a lifetime. It's impossible to lead from the front if you're falling behind. Continue on when others quit, digging deep to endure - and achieve - more than most think is possible. Endurance is more than finding the will within. It's convincing those around you that they, too, have more to give. Integrity is the cornerstone of character. Nothing you can learn about leadership is as important as earning trust. To lead is to follow principles, acting with honor when all eyes are on you, or when no one is watching. Great leaders must first be great men and women, accountable to the mission and to those who follow.

Abigail

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing I would tell myself is to learn how to properly study and retain information. I never really needed to in high school, so I never really gained that skill. That has definitely come back to bite me in college. I don't have any issues with homework assignments or papers, I routinely get high marks on those. But when it comes to tests that is rarely the case. I study for hours and hours but I can't get the information to stick, or it leaves my head as soon as I'm faced with the actual exam. It is very difficult to remedy this at this point in my academic career. My biggest regret is that I didn't force myself to gain these skills when I didn't need them, so that I could have them to fall back on now.

Haishat

In high school, my peers fostered an incredibly competitive environment. While friendly competition has always pushed me to do my best in any situation, it didn’t allow me to make wise decisions during my college application process. The majority of my class was primarily concerned with prestigious schools that were known for being highly selective. Of course there was nothing wrong with showing interest in those schools, but I failed to realize that there were more colleges and universities out there that may have been able to better tend to my needs than the favored universities. If able to go back in time, I would tell myself to be open-minded to all universities that I came across and not pick a university for its name. While it may be the perfect fit for someone else, it wouldn’t necessarily be my perfect fit. While it’s okay to shoot for the stars and apply to highly selective schools, it is equally as important to have a back up plan. Lastly I would tell myself not to let rejection bruise my confidence. Every student is intelligent in many different ways and a rejection letter does not imply otherwise.

Clayton

Looking back on my senior year, I was a bit of a slacker. That is not to say i was not smart or did not get decent grrades. But in retrospect, I definitely could have pushed myself harder. Due to arrogance, and no small bit of laziness, I assumed that my grades were "good enough" to get me with whatever scholarship I wanted. When i graduated, I left school with a 3.23 GPA, .02 points away from qualifying for the bulk of the major scholarships that I should have been able to easily recieve. And that leads to basically what I would tell myself. Now, I am not one to take advice from many people, including myself, but here's how I would try to get the point across. I would basically warn myself that intelligence can only get you so far; putting in the extra effort, beacuse sometimes all the effort necessary to make many problems disappear is just a tiny bit.

Hunter

I would tell myself that while swimming at SLU is a great experience, I should really get involved in other extracirricular activities earlier. It wasn't until my junior year that I began doing research, volunteering, and working. While I have much less time on my hands than most students, I have found that my involvement has made me more rounded as a person, and allowed me to branch out and meet people I wouldn't have without being more involved. It is these experiences that have shaped me and created lasting impressions on both myself and my community. I am proud to call myself a Saint Louis Billiken because of what it represents.

Elaina

Some advice that I would give to my high school senior self would be to stop being so anxious about everything because everything is going to work out the way that it should. I would tell myself to be more confident in the decisions that I am making because, in the end, I am the only one who can decide what I do. I would tell myself that I can really do anything that I set my mind to. Looking back at high school now, I feel like I have come so much further than I ever thought I could.

Emily

Emily, don't be scared that you are the first in your family to go to college, you will do fine, as long as you work as hard as I know you can. Don't worry about what others say or think, you will prove them all wrong and you will reach your dream of becoming a great physician. You will have roommate issues but don't run from the problems, face them and stand strong for what you believe in. This one altercation should not determine your feelings towards the school or your fellow students; there will be plenty more friends to make and your time at school will be full of great memories. Always believe in yourself and the greatness you can achieve, everyone back at home is proud of you, and so am I. I love you and have full faith in us and all we do.

Julia

I wish I had become a better person that was more independent in my senior year and talk to people who I would normaly never have a conversation with. Although high school was a difficult time there is so much to look forward to in life. In all truth be told I would not change a thing about my past becuase I cant however, I would suggest being more socialble. Remembering this idea that when you meet a person for the first time, they may not remeber who you were or what you said but they will remember how they felt after they meet you which is important. So get out into the world and continue to explore your surroundings.

Cassandra

I think the main thing I would tell myself is to stop using "senior-itis" as an excuse to not do anything. College is a lot of hard work, and slacking off senior year just made it that much harder. If you put in the effort senior year of high school and work hard, college will not be such a difficult transition. It is hard being away from home, but if you are willing to make the effort to succeed, you will do great. The transition is difficult no matter what, but using your resources wisely, putting in the extra effort before the transition, and takin all work seirously will make it that much easier. You may think that senior year is supposed to be the time of your life, but college is even better. Do your work senior year, and you will be well prepared to have a balanced life of school and social life in college. it doesn't get any better than that.

Corinne

Esthar

-Don't slack on studying. Find what study habits work best for you- highlighting, notes on computers/paper, visual rep., etc. -Learn to use your free time to your advantage. You will have a LOT of it in college. -Get over others and don't be afraid that your question is stupid. I promise; stupider things have been said. -Don't let anyone (even your friends) copy your work and vise versa. It'll only make it harder in the long run. -It's okay not to know what you want to study &/or do for the rest of your life. Get some ideas but don't stress over it. -Never give up because of the money. There will always be scholarships, grants, and worst case; you can sign away your life on loans. -Don't let others decide for you. Study what you want to study. Go where you want to go. It's your life; not theirs.

Danielle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. I was quite anxious about starting school. I did not know what to expect as neither of my parents had ever been away to a four-year university. It has been the best three years of my life so far and I was so worried that I was going to absolutely hate it. I would also tell myself that I should not be so dead set on my life plan. I had everything completely mapped out. I was going to be a biology major, pre-med, graduating with at least a 3.7 and go to medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. I was convinced that my life would turn out exactly how I had imagined. However, I fell in love with psychology and now I am on track to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and I am happier now than ever. Finally, I would tell myself to make sure I had rainboots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella because they do not cancel classes due to rain and you never want to turn in a soggy paper.

William

Coming into college I think the best piece of advice that I could offer to myself is to remember to work hard and to work harder than I was used to, because college is a whole new level of education. Highschool may seem like fun and a good time, but college will be even more fun than you could imagine. The opportunities that are available and the people that you will meet, will just alone make college some of the best years of your life. But with all of the wonderful opportunites that will come to you, remember to always get your schoolwork done before you enjoy the good times that college has to offer. Because in college you will have alot of free time, and I mean there are times that there is so much free time that you will not know what to do with yourself. Just remember to get your work done early and first. Also find something that you love to do or would like to get to do , and do that in your free time to help have a good time. Above all have fun in college and dont let the time slip away.

Sanita

My advice to my high school self would be that “you are not hot stuff.” Coming out of high school, I was arrogant and pompous towards my studies. I was so worried about making friends and having the “college experience” that I completely forgot the main reason why I was there in the first place which was to study. I would tell myself: to get my act together early, realize how to study and what I want to study. There’s no need to be preoccupied on making friends because that will come naturally when I find interests either through clubs or shared major interests. College is going to be one of the best experiences of your life, but you have to make it a priority to study and figure out what you want to do after you are done with college.

Paul

Dear Self It is very important to take all academics very seriously early on in life as these important decisions pave the way for our future. You must enter all new endeavors with an open mind and be receptive to all criticism that comes your way. If a challenge presents itself, go at it head on and don't shy away. Trust the skill set you bring to the table. Do what makes you happy. Advocate for yourself more often. Do not settle for less. Do not let negative attitudes infiltrate your goals and dreams. Never be complacent and aspire for greatness. Good Luck, Future you

Albina

If i would go back in my high school. I would give this kind of advise, be positive, and more focus in my studies, because we live once and we have to make our dream come true and get the major we want eventhough it will be very difficult. Nothing is impossible in this life, everything is possible if you will want to do it, no matter how hard it is. So i won't regret in the future by saying why i didn't study and i didn't get the major i want, abd why i didn't make my dream come true and be happy doing the work that you were going for after i get graduate the University. If i won't risk it now, i won't get the right major in the future. This kind of advise i would give to myself if i would go back in my past.

Martha

Do as much as you can in high school. College is attainable through scholarships and student loans. Don't pass up all the opportunties offered to you. Don't drop out of your AP classes just because no one has told you the reasons for taking them. They will help your future. Take your free time to volunteer. Not only will you help the community but many available scholarships require it and you won't have time between classes and work. Beleive in yourself. You have the drive, the strength, and the ability. You just need the encouragement. So what if you don't know what you're going to major in. College allows for general studies so that you can adjust and decide on your future. It's you're future, so you have to be the one to start it. Therefore you might as well start now, in high school, so that your success is all the closer to reality. I wish I had done more and I spend every moment with high schoolers explaining the importance school, grades, and attending college. I tell them everything I wish someone had told me to help make my future better.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to get overwhelmed. Welcome Week and the first week of classes are very busy and can be a little scary, but just step back, take a minute, and breathe. Four years later you will be a senior at SLU and one year closer to getting to work in the field that you have wanted to since the eighth grade. Sometimes it feels like things are not going to work out, but in the end it all does and you will be glad that you chose to go to SLU.

Corey

The advice that I would give myself is to study harder. When I was a high school senior, I wasn't really looking at college as the big deal that it is. I slacked off. However, if I went back in time, I would study for everything in my classes no matter what. If there were parties, or hanging out with friends, I would ignore it to get my grades to be A's. In high school I also underestimated myself and took college prep. classes, when instead I held myself back from taking honors and A.P. classes that I know I could have done well in. All in all, the slacking off was my downfall. Doing it over, I would study harder, take those A.P. classes and show my true potential.

Laura

Today is the day to make the changes you want. Today is the day to create the life you want. Do not let fear of the unknown stop you. You CAN do it! You have more strength and ability inside of you than you know. Trust that. An education is going to give you the tools you need to help the people you are supposed to be helping. Those people need you so don't let anything stop you from realizing your dream! Ask questions when you need to ask them and seek out information at every turn.

Joel

Honestly, I do not think I would change anything about my transition to college. I found a great group of friends within a few weeks of arriving and enjoy the people on my floor. Also, Saint Louis University provides great opportunities to become involved on campus and I became fairly involved this year as well and plan on continuing trying new clubs and activities. Many people say the hardest part of transitioning to college is managing time and figuring out how to study. I believe I did this rather well and started using a calender as soon as I started classes. I had a successful first semester, ending with a 3.54 GPA and so far I think I made the right decision to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Overall, I believe high school prepared me well for college and I believe that I adapted very well.

Megan

First I would tell myself that you can do it! I would also tell myself to not start off as pre-med. I started off and didn't switch my major till 1 1/2 years in, so now I am behind. Pre-med just really isn't for you. I would tell myself to focus more in high school and learn studying strategies, because high school is NOTHING like college when it comes to studying (You will have to study WAY MORE in college). I would tell myself to work on scholarship applications so that my outside loans won't be too big and extreme once I get out of college. But most of all, I would tell myself to enjoy life and have fun because there is nothing like your college years!

Malissa

I f I could go back to myself as a highschool senior I would have a lot to say. I would tell myself to work hard at all times. Even if the assignment seems easy, push to get that A+ instead of the A. I would tell myself that the fun college stuff can wait. Yes, school events will be a lot of fun and or educational but, school work comes first. No matter what. Procrastination is my worst enemy. The sooner you get it done, the more time you have to go over your work, study, or even go to those great events. I would tell myself to get tons of scholarships. Yes, the scholarship process is long and hard but, its rewarding. Those are very important and they help a lot when chosing the school you want to go to. Knowing the position I am in now where I really need the money, I would certainly work even harder to get the money I need to make it through college. I would tell myself to take a more serious attitude towards my education and finances so that I could take some of the stress off of my mother.

Anna

I wish I could go back in time like Marty McFly in "Back to the Future." If I had that opportunity, I would make it a priority to stop in the years 2009 and 2010 to have a chat with my high school senior self about college life and making the transition. Initially, I would tell myself to get involved as a freshman even if I think "I don't have time" or "it's not cool" because getting involved on campus opens the gate to new friends and a sense of belonging on campus. In addition, I would tell myself to attend social events, either hosted by the school or friends, because it is a great way to relieve stress, which can really affect my academics. Most importantly, I would tell myself to remember who I am because I nearly lost myself freshman year with all the stress involved with transitioning to college life. Primarily, college should be about finding your "true" self not losing yourself.

Michael

I would tell myself to not stress as much. Everything works itself out and you get into a great law school. Don't doubt yourself. You are just as academically gifted as the rest of the students. Keep studying hard but do not be afraid to let loose every once in a while and have some fun.

Adam

In order to make the transition from high school to college a smooth one, you must be organized and be aware of what will happen next. Anticipaiton is very helpful in relieving the stress and anxiety of adapting to college life. So if you are prepared for what is going to happen next then I am confident that you will be able to handle anything that is thrown your way.

Samantha

Make time for yourself. When I first got to college, I wanted to be involved with everything at once. I joined twelve clubs in the first week and went to numerous campus events. I was constantly volunteering, plus working and keeping up with school work. While these choices allowed me to meet new people and to get immersed in my school, my jam-packed schedule wore me out. I would tell my high school self to stay involved, but to slow down. You do not need to meet everyone in the first week. Try new clubs, but know you do not have to join them all. Transitioning to college is a lot to process and taking time for yourself gives you the chance to think. Being alone in the beginning may be scary, but it is worth it. Resting helps you stay healthy, so you can enjoy the new experiences packed into your busy schedule. More importantly, it gives you time for self-reflection. College is a time to meet new people, but it is also time for you to find yourself. You can explore your independence in a safe environment, where help is only a phone call away.

Keith

The advice I would give myself is "Stay in school full-time and finish no matter what hardships and consequences happen!!!" I have always had a lot of hard things come up and I always push going to school or thought "I can't do this" or "I can't afford this and now I am 41 starting to do what I wanted to do when I was 18. So even though I have done a lot over these years I feel like I am starting over and it is A LOT more expensive to complete what I want to do now then what I wanted to do over 20 years ago. It is so hard to teach and have people listen because they want to think that they can do anything or that won't happen to me but I wish I could let them see my experience and struggles that I have had and having because I didn't get my degree and do what I should have done over 20 years ago.

Syria

I would say that college isn't a joke. Teachers are not as lenient, especially at Saint Louis University. It is okay to party and have fun with friends but school should always be the top priority, and homework or projects should always come first. Drinking isn't the only way to have fun, and when you do it underage it can cause a lot of trouble, not just with the school but also with the law. I personally don't recommend it, but if you do it. Do it it moderation, and make sure you have good friends who can be there for you if anything ever goes wrong. The most important thing I can say is APPLY for SCHOLARSHIPS they are EXTREMELY important, again at a University like SLU, tuition is a big issue for a lot of students, many of them have to leave the univeristy becasuse they can't pay. FAFSA does give you things like loans, but you have to pay those back and it is a very easy way to rack up a great deal of debt if you have a lot of them. Try and get as many scholarships as possible! Good Luck!

Vina

If I could talk to the 18 year old me, I would say to have the courage to attend college and have the self esteem to realize that I am capable of great things. All that you must do is dream of what you want to do and have the courage to realize that I have the strength within me to overcome any difficulty that I may encounter and that myself and all those that are close to me would benefit from me having a higher education. That with an education, I would be able to have a positive impact on the world around me to make this area a greater place to live. I would also state that I can be a role model to my family by showing that hard work is worth every moment and pays off tenfold in the end by seeing the dreams and aspirations that I have come to fruition.

Joanne

Hey Joanne, I know part of you really doesn't care about the application process, but it's worth it. Once it's over, it's over and you get to relax. Also, apply to scholarships! Listen to Mom; she knows best. Anyway, college is easy-going if you work hard. Don't overload yourself with all four main subjects the first semester (Math, Science, English, History); mix in some electives and use your resources! Ask around about the professors before you take their classes because some professors are harder than others. You'll love college a lot - it's the freedom you've always asked for and wanted so badly. As long as you work hard, everything else will fall into place by itself. Counselors are your best friend as well, so talk to them and let them know how things are going so they can help guide you through your four years. Lastly, enjoy yourself because the college years will fly by faster than high school.

Sakinah

Dear Sakinah, As you are reading this you may be freaked out. Considering the fact the that it is coming from your future self. As you and I know you will soon be starting you senior year in college. I have some advice for you and I expect it to be taken seriously. 1) Don't procrastinate. Remember how during you junior year it was diffcult to keep up even when you were studying on a regular basic? Well it gets even tougher senior year. 2) Look for scholarships and never give up trying. As future you, I didn't get a chance to live on campus. That's because you (I) didn't do enough searching and we gave up to easily. Well this year don't give up because if you do you'll be a commuter and realize how difficult it is to come back and forward to work and school. 3) and last of all, be proud and never become sad. All of the challenges that are ahead of you to face, smile at them. Because if it had not been from them you wouldn't be the person I am today.

Tiana

I would tell myself not to slack off and figure out what you want to do with you life. I would tell myself not to take everything for granted and not to burn so many bridges. Having friends in college is important, especially when you are new. Think about everything carefully and how it could affect you in the future. You are entering the real world now and everything is going to change. I would tell myself to stop being so awkward and shy; try to put yourself out there and do what makes you happy. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships so I could be attending a university instead of attending a community college. If I received more scholarships, I would be out, being more independent and free, being able to push myself to my limits. I would be able to show everyone that ever doubted me, what I am really made of if I had a chance to attend a university and experience places off of this Island.

Brittany

Being a Freshman in High School isn't too early to start thinking about what you need to complete in order to make your High School to College transition successful. Are there any grants that I can start working towards right now? The Bright Future Scholarship is the one that comes to mind. You have 4 years to complete all the requirements--start now as before you know it, you're out of time. Also, start applying for any grants that are available. Grants are great because you don't have to pay them back. When you've exhausted all your options, start applying for scholarships. Stay on top of it, because it you don't qualify for financial aid it's up to you to find money to pay for your college. Also, keep in mind if you need to apply for a loan, when you're an undergraduate you receive less than if you where further along. The last thing you want is to be two weeks away from the beginning of the semester and not know if you'll have enough money to cover the sememster.

Angela

I would advise myself to start at a community college after high school and save some money, then trasfer to a university. In this time at a community college one has time to learn about one self and to realize how important it is to attend class and get good grades. College is not about partying as some may think. It should prepare you for your career, which in turn prepares you for your future. It is a great learning and growing experience, if you choose to make it that.

Alexander

I would have told myself to participate in more events on campus and read the newsletter more often to prepare for up comming events. I would have also expressed how expensive college is and that it is important to apply to many scholarships. I would have also told myself to take a more active roll in leading certain campus events. I would have been helped more in organizing BBQ's, pool days, physics club projects, and applied for being an RA this year. there were so many opertunieties that i missed simply because i heard about them too late, that i would tell myself to stay far more in tune to the social aspect of college instead of staying at the library so late many days.

Zhaolin

Think through. Saint Louis University is not a bad university, however there are some things that are maybe just not fit me. Even though it is located within a urban, the city really do not have much to offer as it has grow poor. Also, because of the city is in a financial issue while the school is showing off it's bank account by doing unnecessary spends, it really put some students into danger situation because criminals will assume all student from Saint Louis University are wealthy. Last thing, it is so hard to be a Asian student in Saint Louis University as so many wealthy parents put their children in here because they can not get in anywhere else, and those Asian students are always buying new expensive cars and top brand clothes. If someone is not as wealth as they are, they would not even allow you to enter their "circle". And when you are already Asian-American and pure Americans are not completely treat you like one of them and those Asian friends do not want you either, then the life could be pretty lonely.

Amy

Dear Me, Four years ago, you entered high school as a shy, awkward freshman. You were shaking in your shoes that day, but took a deep breath and walked into your first class with a smile on your face. That was the moment you began to grow up. Now look at you, anxious to grab that diploma and put as much space between you and your high school as you possibly can. Let me tell you, that feeling will fade the closer you get to move-in day. You're going to feel like that shy, awkward 14 year old again, trembling at the thought of being on your own in this new world. Yeah, growing up is scary. But you will be ok. Better than ok, really. Yes, you will challenged in and out of the classroom. Yes, things will go wrong, and there will be disappiontments. But you are smart; you are unique; and you have been given the chance to follow your passion, to make new friends and experience new things. Don't take this opportunity for granted, and don't let anyone steal your sunshine. Work hard, study hard, do what you love. Breathe..and begin.

Olivia

If I could tell my 18 year old self anything, I would tell her that life isn't about staying safe, and that anything worth having is worth fighting for. I'd remind her that sitting at home and being comfortable isn't going to have her dreams come true, and that although it may be easier for herself and her family to just let her aspirations go, she'll truly be miserable knowing she isn't doing what you love. To have the life you want means to struggle, to cry, to perservere, and definitely not to fear rejection! It is a difficult road, and things will not go exactly the way she wants, but at the end she'll have accomplished something greater. She will discover herself and grow. She'll shape herself into a person she'll be proud of no matter what happens, simply because she left her comfort zone chose to fight. I'd grasp her shoulder, smile, and say, "Use the talents and smarts you have and put yourself out there, the world is a huge place and it's just waiting for you to contribute."

Michael

If I was able to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that if i had the ability to take care of it do not stress over it and if I had little control over it do not stress over it. I would tell myself this because with college comes many stressful events and there were things that took their toll on me that i should have let go but i did not. I would tell myself that even though college is the main focus, that I should also understand that life does continue outside of the classroom and that it can not be neglected or it will begin to cause a unbalance in the life that I want to have. I would also tell myself that sometimes I need to put the book down and take a breather because if I never relax a little I will always feel stressed out and exhausted.

Melissa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would defenitely give myself some words of wisdom; which were much needed at the time. I would tell myself consider your future and where i would want to see myself 10 years from now. I would also tell myself to value school, it is a privilege many do not have. I would also advise myself to take school more serious and focus only on your grades because that plays a major role when getting into college. Yes, friends are good to have but school is the main focus.

Sheena

Hello, Sheena! Congrats on coming this far and completing your senior year! I just want to impart some advise to you, as I know you are contemplating on just taking a year off to discover the world. I just want to encourage you to pursue going off to college and perhaps even play volleyball. I know you may not seem like you have the confidence to go, but you will be fine and you make lots of friends and it will be a completely new and exciting world. You have done everything right as far as academics and attendance , you can have your pick of schools to attend. Just go for it, be open-minded and give it all that you have. You can make it!

John

Dear John, Hi I know that freshman year might be a challenging new road for you, but hang in there. Do me a favor and not screw up so bad freshman year for you will make up for it during your junior year. During the second half of sophomore year you will be tempted to ditch with your friends, well don't. Listen to your elders and do good in school so that once high school is over more opportunities might present itself. Also it might be not you but join the school clubs. They help with your resume, and gives you a little bit of experience when dealing with other people, not just your friends. Your a very intelligent kid, do not let it go to waste. Your athlethic so join the football team, basketball team, track and pretty much anything you can. When things get hard I know you tend to quit, well don't because today I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do. Pick something and stick with it. Also consider joining the military right after your senior year, get the g.i. bill and take advatage of free school.

Alana

"Don't ever let your confidence stop showing. On your first day of class, as you walk through campus on the sidewalk, keep your head held high. You are a beautiful, successful, and funny girl. Do not be intimidated by the foreign or the unfamiliar. Back home you are confident and people respect and acknowledge you for being that way. Do not let the transition into college scare you away from all your confidence because the boys are cuter and your peers are older and more mature. Let yourself shine through and strut into your classrooms ready to take on college and ready to radiate yourself to all. I will warn you, the first few weeks are scary and full of uncertainty, but take advantage of that to step out of your comfort zone and be the person you naturally are. Always show your confidence and never doubt the person that you are or who you are gradually growing up to be." I know that if my high school self could hear this advice the transition into college would have been a much more welcomed one. This is advice I would go back in time to give myself, and others.

Robyn

Do not be scared or intimidated by the size, information and buildings on campus. Use your teachers and advisors and especially the tutor center before its too late in the class that seems a little difficult for you. Make sure you attend class as much as possible as that is where a majority of your learning comes from. Make friends, and get in a study group. Even if its not for the same class, just having a set time to study can make a major difference in your grades. Take a breath and enjoy everything college has to offer.

Chidima

My advice to myself would be to continue as I do in making friends with everyone in the school no matter what 'social group' they were in. My next advice would have been to look at more options with what I want to do and to choose the ones that will give me even more options in the future. That said, I must still plan for failure. There’s no harm in having a plan A through Z. I would also tell myself to take more steps. It’s better to do things slowly and thoroughly and finish with good results than to skip ahead and have to keep going back. My last advice is to continue being curious and keep asking questions. But don’t just be satisfied with the answer. Use it to do something else. In addition to that, I should keep teaching myself more things instead of waiting to be taught because it is very likely that you won’t learn what you want to learn in school. Especially if you’re just waiting for it.

Kathryn

I would tell myself to consider more carefully what I want to do when I get out of college and whether that is really an achievable goal. I would also tell myself to work harder in high school for my last year because senior grades really count.

Stephanie

I would tell myself that there is a whole other world out there, bigger than high school. Even though high school is an important time, it's just a minute part of the rest of my life. My priorities that seemed to matter most back then have changed drastically, and I would tell myself that I am capable of things I never thought I could do and I should continue to challange myself to be all that I can be. Since the university I currently attend is in Madrid, I would also tell myself to take my language classes more seriously because being multilingual can really set you apart from others when going into the workforce. One last piece of advice that I would give myself is to not let negative people bring me down and to use them as motivation to continue successfully in whatever life may bring me.

April

I would tell myself to be organized. I also would tell myself to use all my resources to help me. Always study and stay ahead of the game.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to only invest in things that I am 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure I would like to make a future out of. I was very active in Air Force ROTC my freshman and sophomore year. However, after my first semester of sophomore year I decided to disenroll from the organization to achieve my goal of becoming a physical therapist. My current program is 6 years and ROTC only allows a 4 year program before going active duty. I also wish I had been more proactive when seeking out teachers and classmates aid. This would allow me to receive better feedback on grades and develop study groups early on--vital to my academic success.