San Jose State University Top Questions

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

Jason

Do not focus on having the best SAT or ACT score. The value of your fucture is not well-roundedness it is the monopoly of a certain skill set. You should work on something that you truely care about and become an expert on it. I believe that computer software will be the catayst of humanity. So Jason, focus on computer software and do not worry about what AP tests you should take, because in college all that does not matter anymore.

Erin

If I could go back and time and talk to myself when I was a college senior, I would have had only one major topic to discuss: myself. I wouldn't need to tell myself anything about who I would meet, where I would go or what I would do. I would simply tell myself to love who I am. I have spent so many years trying to be someone else and not accepting who I am. I would tell myself to relax and enjoy my time alone. I would remind myself that traveling is important to me and to never give up on that dream even when it scares me. I would tell myself to put myself first, for once. Although putting myself first, I would remind myself that loving people and the world around me is one of the most beautiful parts of who I am. Erin, don't forget, you're amazing.

Antonio

I would probably adivse myself to not push myself too hard and not take all of the advanced placement classes available. I would also tell my high school senor self that transistion to college is nothing to fret over, because I have worried about the transition only to realize that it was a piece of cake. I would then reasure myself to not worry about college as much as I am worrying about it now.

Jessica

First of all is to not worry about not being part of the popular crew, to enjoy senior year as much as possible. Go to every senior activity there is, convince your friends to go with you, or go by yourself, maybe you can make some last minute friends or build stronger bonds with your classmates. Don't be shy and talk to everyone you can, and do what you enjoy no mattter what others say. Ignore all the negative thoughts around you and in your head. You are almost there, so enjoy what is left of your high school career. Do not restrict yourself from having fun, but also remember to not slack and procrastinate. Prioritize what you need to do. Don't worry to much about college just yet, enjoy the last few moments with your friends because you will enjoy college so much, but you will also regret many opportunities you didn't take during high school. Definitely enjoy your free time with friends and family, because that is something you will sometimes miss in college. Overall, enjoy everything and every opportunity offered to you.

Amber

Dear High School Me, Apply for more scholarships and apply yourself with the SAT. It is not like you are going to struggle in college, but you will regret how little you tried during the college application process. Study more so that you will know how to when you get to college. Don't worry about not feeling important in Georgia because when you get to California you will feel better. Don't pride yourself on knowing who you are just yet because when you get to college, the person you thought you were going to be is not who you become.

Kimberly

There isn't such a thing as a "typical" or "normal" college experience. Everyone is going through different hardships and obstacles and nothing is handed out to anyone, although it will always feel that way. Be proud that you pay for school on your own. You will be more responsible about your education, take it more seriously, and be more proud of your degrees. You aren't going to finish in four years and those who do are lucky, but with the extra time you have, you will gain so much more than you could have predicted, such as two minors and an exponential network. Starting at a community college and transfering to a four year university is becoming more common because it's financially responsible. So ignore those snobs who think you aren't pushing yourself. You made the right choice and I am proud of you. Your major doesn't define your future. It's simply a tool for your future. Take a class because you want the knowledge or the skill it teaches, not because you already know the material and can get an easy A. Keep your senses on alert and your head on your shoulders.

Marie

I made a lot of mistakes throughout high school, and I was bent on going to school on the East Coast. I did not know the people I would meet after I graduated from Mercy High School. My senior year, I was stressing out to do exceedingly well so that I could get into the schools I wanted to and recieve financial aid. The financial aid I receive from these schools is what is ultimately the main reason as to why I would go there. But after experiencing and meeting all of the people I did while here at San Jose State Universtiy, I would tell my past self to just not worry about trying to go to the East Coast. The things that I will be able to do my freshmen year in college will be things I would never be able to do while I was in high school, or even back in San Francisco. Maybe now just is not the time to take my journey across the country, but rather across the Bay. The people I will meet and the experiences they give me, is what compensates for not being able to go to the East Coast.

Melissa

I would tell my old self to not slack off so much. Instead of trying to go to parties and hangout with friends all day everyday, I would tell my old self to hit the books and study that extra hour instead of watching television. I would also tell my old self to apply for a lot more grants and scholarships because college won't pay for itself. I would tell my high school senior self to remain honest and loyal to my values and beliefs because college life and the people around you will put everything you once believed in to the test. I would tell my old self to know themselves well because college and the whole environment as one will also test you. But I would also tell my old self that the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and brighter and to just wait for all the fun things and people that college comes with.

Carmen

Well if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senoir I'd tell myself that high school is nothing compared to college. As for high school you have old friends to hang out with but in college you have no friends and have to start fresh. Like in high school when you have a chance to talk to the teacher its not the same you have to make an appointment to see yor own teacher. Your classrooms aren't small in college like in high school. You have to pay attention because the teacher might not repeat it again just for you. Lastly do not get used to procrastinating because if you do it in college then your screwed. Have fun in college and good luck you be needed it.

Christian

I wouldn't give myself advice. Instead I would give that immature and lazy highschool student a wake up call to stop fooling around and apply for scholoarships, study hard, quit complaining about work, and stop being pessimistic. With your ethnic background and parents lack of education you/I should already know that one needs to step firmly and quit being so delusional. There is some intelligence when it comes to achieving certain academic assignments, but there was never enough initiative to truly flourish. Time and time again you have ignored the countless talks with your own familiy and proceed to question your own ability because you/I lack any confidence. Right now at this instant I want you to quit your melancholy atttitude and begin forming yourselg into a decent human being. I would then proceed to knock my past self into submission to convince him that this isn't and dream, while avoiding any severe bone or muscle damage.

Monique

There is such excitement as a high school senior to finally be down the road to graduation. It would be the opportune time to advise my younger self in order to live a successful life, go straight back to college and earn a working degree. A working degree is one that can be used for a job immediately after graduation. I would give myself positive affirmations to say, at those low times, when I am unable to get into the laddered pre requisite class because there are so many applicants. I would tell my younger self to complete every single transferrable undergraduate course at a two year college and then transfer to a university in order to save money. In terms of money, don’t take out any loans, be a working student as much as possible and not be burdened with debt. Be involved with activities at school but don’t get lost in them because in the end it’s good to have the stories but even better to have that degree. Don’t buy non degree books! Rent books either online or even in the library or if must buy one edition lower than the other.

Yair

In addition to what I already stated in the previous question, I would tell myself many things about college life at San Jose State University. For example, I would say the standard "do the readings and homework" and "don't procrastinate and study until the break of dawn". But I would also make it imperative to my old self that I would need to get over my social anxiety as best as I can in order to maximize my socializing and possibly my happiness at the school. My first semester was nothing short of miserable because of how little I interacted with other classmates and even dorm-mates. I was alone and morose for the first half of my first year in college which I feel reduced my opportunities to getting the most out of my college experience.

Rabecca

If I could go back and give myself advice as a hugh school senior, I would prepare myself for college by saying that you definitely need to research/visit the campus you plan on attending, and yes, you do actually need to READ THE BOOKS, you need to learn how to study, stay focused, GO TO OFFICE HOURS and make sure your professor knows who YOU are because he/she has hundreds of students, sit in the front of a lecture hall (or else you will completely fall asleep or find some other type of distraction), go to the gym, and go out and meet as many people as possible. Do not worry about small things, make sure people know who you are for networking purposes, join greek life, be prepared to meet people of all different backgrounds and personality types, be responsible, and have fun. My summary about college is that this is the time of my life. I am going to make sure I work hard and party hard because these are the years i will never get back!

Karl

My advice that I would go back and give to myself would be to study more and study well. During my high school years, I felt like I was too good to study, when I got rejected to all the schools I applied too it was a wake up call to me. I attented community college for five years until I finally got into San Jose State University. At San Jose State University I realized that I needed to study and learn the concepts instead of memorizing the concepts. Ever since taking a new initiative and approach to studying I achieved a 3.350 G.P.A at my first semester at San Jose State. So the advice I would give to myself is to definetly take studying more seriously because when I look back in my high school years, classes would have been a lot easier if I pushed myself to study.

Augustine

This question has revisited my mind frequently ever since I finished my Freshman year at San Jose State University. The number one tip I would tell myself if I had this time travel opportunity would be to take multiple colleges classes as a junior and senior in high school. College is expensive, which in turn imbues the students' life with stress and anxiety about monetary needs. Before every semester I have barely acquired the necessary amount of money in order to continue my education. And this constant financial worry has been looming over my head and has become sort of an impediment in my daily life. When I go back in time to talk to my high school self, I will say, "take at least 4 online colleges classes!" For one, they are free when you're in high school and it will prepare you for the academic transition in college. Secondly, If you take at least 4 college classes, you can save thousands of dollars that you would have spent on tuition, books, parking fees, and so on and so forth because you will have completed a semester's worth of college. Note to past self, TAKE COLLEGE CLASSES!

Arthur

Never miss the first day of class, it will screw you up for the rest of the semester. Also try to cushion your load with some easy GE classes instead of trying to take physics, calculus, java programming, and c programming all in one semester. You might learn more and avoid a useless class, but you will get bad grades, and good grades are necessary to continue your education, so in the long run they are important. Also work on your computer programming homework assignments with your friends, because that's how its done in the real world, and it relieves a tremendous load off your back to have a buddy there to help you when you are stuck for what could otherwise be hours and hours of wasted time you could use to start your business and become a millionare instead. Also stay away from facebook, only use it for talking to colleagues about homework or class questions but don't post anything. Basically don't use anything other than the instant chat function or the facebook groups if / when you are managing a club or your own startup company. Also never exercise, it's a complete time waster.

Caitlyn

Caitlyn, there’s so many things to tell you. This is a time where you can make something of who you are and who you want to be. Go and pursue what you want, just as long as it makes you happy. Money is secondary if it’s what you love. Things will happen in life. Whether it’s good or bad, keep your hands out for both of them. If you ever feel lonely, keep it as company. Be yourself. The process of self-discovery takes time, but those who don’t accept you for who you are don’t have a place in your life. Love yourself. It’s alright to take yourself on a date. Things will fall into place. Life may seem like a whirlwind and you’re in the center. You have grades to focus on, a job, family, and endless expectations from yourself and others. It is overwhelming at times but always have faith. Opportunities may come and leave, but you have the choice which door to shut and open. You are constantly changing. Embrace it. Lastly, be kind and keep on inspiring people. You’ll get there kiddo. Don’t give up.

Cheyenne

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school self to apply to Point Loma Nazarene University's graphic design program. I would encourage myself to focus more on graphic design. I tell myself to get emancipated because not only will my mom not help me with finical cost for school but she won't talk to me. I am in a pickle trying to get Federal Aid. Getting emancipated would save me from the shock of getting kicked out of my home during my senior year, save me heart ache, and reduce finical complications.

brianna

Knowing what i know now, i would have pushed myself to take AP classes and push myself to do more extra curicular activities. I would have gotten involved more in school clubs and worked harder to better myself.

Steven

Make friends. Join a club. Talk to Dad. Talk with professors. Don't worry about finding a girlfriend, you will get plenty.

Jessica

You don't have to know what you want to do before you start college. It's a great time to explore new things. Don't get stuck on one idea, and don't be afraid of just starting all over. Don't rush through it or put off jobs, relationships, or outside activities for school. Give yourself as much time as you need. One bad grade won't hurt you, and even an entire failed semester won't be bad on your record. Your major isn't that important for your career, but internships are. Work through school and take as many internships as you can. Study abroad, even if it means you have to take an extra year. Your work and life experience is more important to getting a job after graduation than the degree or your GPA is. Surround yourself with people who support you. You don't have time for fake friends or maintaining a fake self. If you don't fit in with a college, transfer. Sometimes it's okay to say no to your parents, but they really do know some things. Get academic advising, but double check their work yourself. Just be you.

Caitlin

What I would tell my younger self is less about college life and more about growing up and moving forward, about the place of education and learning in the life ahead of me. I was checked out throughout most of my high school career and it was due, primarily, to a lack of faith in my own ability, a fear of failure, and not being able to see the relevence of what I was learning with regard to the larger scheme of things. I would sit next to my younger self, put my arm around myself and say "Kiddo, you have a decent brain. Don't be afraid of it messing things up, it will, but that's part of the process. Don't be afraid to do whatever you need to do to learn; speak up in class, talk to your friends about what you've learned, and take a flippin' highlighter to your notebooks. They don't need to be neat and tidy. Have a conversation with the material and make it your friend, you're good with friends."

Elaine

College is bigger than high school. It’ll definitely be easy to feel lost and insignificant. But! You won’t be able to finally feel comfortable and free to be yourself if you’re afraid to try new things. So, be brave and be flexible on your views of others and yourself. In college, there’s no such thing as fitting in. You’ll quickly realize that everyone is too busy with their lives and there are too many people to have any sort of norm. Take advantage of that knowledge and you’ll feel like weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Choose classes that you’ll actually enjoy learning about. Explore the campus and city. Join student organizations and build up your school spirit by going to some football games. You’ll meet more people that you wouldn’t have ever met that way. As for academics, most people don't pursue a career in what they majored. Your major is important but it's not going to define your life. Your motivation to be the best you will guide you to be where you really want to go in the future.

Joshua

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell my past self to always be determined and never succumb to any pressure college might offer. I would also tell him to relax and not get so nervous around the professors. Most importantly, I would put more emphasis on the fact that hard work is required to make a mark in life. In addition, I would tell him that above everything, put God first and all other things that people are dying to have will become his.

Jonathan

Hello, my younger self. Bottom line: Be Relentless. Seize every opportunity in your path (as well as the gems hidden just out of sight) because time is going to fly by fast. Never take anything for granted, always put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself because the truth is nearly everyone would love to meet someone new in the beautiful cultural mosaic you are going to be entering and every new person you meet can result in a cascade of experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. Also introduce yourself to faculty because they tend to love to teach their passions and they love the students that come to share it with them. Be prepared for times of stress; however, never let yourself feel that anything is out of your reach. These years can be easily among the best years of your life, but only if you make them. Don't waste this unique time to prove yourself academically, grow personally, and blossom socially. This not only the chance get a degree, but to grow into a person who will be able to habitual love life and love to make the world a better place.

Michelle

Make friends! College is supposed to be the best time of your life, but it won't be any fun if you're alone. I had no people skills whatsoever and didn't socialize much throughout college, which made for an uneventful lifestyle for most of my college years. It was always just the same routine with me: go to class, go home, sleep, repeat. Sure, I occasionally had study buddies from classes, but none that I could really call a friend. I didn't have real friends until I almost graduated and I regret not being able to enjoy my youth with them longer before we all graduated. Better late than never, though. To this day, I still feel fortunate to have met such a colorful group of people who have changed me for the better and saved me from a future of monotony and owning 9 cats.

Jason

1. If you fail once, get up and try again. 2. Your education always stays with you. 3. Get a job you love, something that you look forward to doing every day. That is where you will be for: 40 yrs x 12 months / yr x 171 work hours / month = 82,080 hours (3,420 days) in your life! Make each hour count! That’s a long time to be miserable! 4. Always challenge yourself. Someone once told me that ‘it is better to struggle with something challenging than to succeed at mediocrity.’ 5. Live with no regrets; take chances once in a while. 6. Life is like a video game. You put your money in and give it your best shot. Just because it says ‘Game Over’, don’t believe it. Put another quarter in and hit the “reset” button. 7. Leave your community in better condition after you leave it than when you entered into it. 8. Make an unforgettable lasting impression. 9. Treat people with dignity and respect. 10. Never tell yourself ‘would of, could of, or should of’. You can’t change the past, but you can make better choices in the future.

Tania

I would tell my high school self : Do not assume anything. If it is a process you have not gone through before, use every resource you have to find out all the information there is about it. Few things are as simple as filling out a form and moving on. Each process has multiple steps and takes quite abit of time to complete, so be prepared for that. Do things ahead of time as much as possible. What you will learn will be up to you. You have general education classes that you need to take, but with elective classes within your major, make your selections carefully. Talk to older students in the program and read reviews to find out the best/most useful courses. Don't be afraid to try a course outside your comfort zone, it will be better for you than "same old, same old" type courses. Ask for help or to be directed toward resources you may not know about; there are a lot and they can be very useful, but only if you know about them. Don't be afraid of the workload, you can do it. Good luck, you'll be fine!

Cassandra

Don't underestimate the power of studying. The first year is always difficult to transition into and you must make sure you balance your time wisely so your grades don't suffer and you're not stuck making up for it later. Put yourself out there and make new friends because college is all about connections and whoever you connect with can potentially become a future business partner or lifelong friend. Don't be afraid to try new things and think outside the box because sometimes it may just be the little things or ideas you do that set you apart from everyone else. Don't let anyone turn you into something you're not. You are who you are, and nothing will ever change that. If you be yourself you will succeed in your own amazing way.

Nicole

Knowing what I know now I would save up more money. I would also know to rent some books and buy the others as well as sell them back if I don't need them.

Kirk

If I would have met my high school self I would tell him to WAKE UP! I will first tell him that all tests are and will be important. I will tell High School Kirk to study for his IB exams because he could actually earn college credit and get some classes waived. The Saturday morning when he will be taking the Math placement test for SJSU, it may be a good idea to review some basic math concepts because if he passes that class he could get into a college level class vs taking a high school equivalent class where he would be behind. He actually can save money by not taking classes he could have passed in high school. Study hard and smart because spending money on high school tests give free college credits, in which will make him ahead of his class. This is the best and most valuable advice I would give myself as a high school senior.

Mandy

First of all, I would have told myself to take harder classes not only during my early high school years, but also during the later years. I took all of the challenging classes during my freshman and sophomore year so that my junior and senior year would not be as difficult. But after I completed the required courses, I should have challenged myself with AP courses to get ahead in the game. I could have fufilled some of my G.E requirements in high school while gaining college work knowledge. I also would have told myself to apply for more scholarships. FAFSA alone is not enough to help pay the outrageous fees that my family and I have to pay for me to get an education. Scholarships would have helped make the financial transition from public high school to college a lot smoother and less stressful.

Tori

Do not procrastinate, first and fore most. Know that you can do great things and no one has to settle. Every person can make a positive impact and difference in the world and education is the best way to make that happen. There is so much opportunity and room for success and it can be so easy to take advantage of that. Make a happy life for your self and change the lives of so many around you with a great education. Become a wise person, an inteligent person, a person with world views and ideas about how to better the world and the environment. Do not take your self for granted. Know that you are great and that you will make great things happen. Education is key to making a better world for the people now and all future generations. The change starts with you.

Jordan

Dear Jordan of the year 2008, Make sure you know your major before going to a community college and taking courses that don't qualify towards an Associates Degree in your field it will help you move along and also be able to help you transfer faster. Make sure you take your time on your English essays and not wait til the week of to turn them in do them ahead of time or at least plan them out. Good luck !

Mykeya

My advice I would give to my "high school senior self" is to stay focus. You lost track of your goal for a little bit, but eventually you bounced back. Do not be afrain to stand out; it's ok if people do not like the same things as you. Being unique is what makes you, you! Put yourself in vunerable positions to try new things, and explore. You're only young once. Ask questions, study hard, and learn as you grow. Good Luck!

David

Sit down and think about your future. Although you may like a laid back life, you always wanna think about your future. Make a list, of all the things you love to do and decide what you want to do in life right away. You can not stay in college forever.

Melissa

Do not settle for mediocre standards. Yes, a B is above passing, but it doesn't exemplify your hardest effort. You may think that once you go off to college your life will consist of a lot of partying and parental freedom, but your undergraduate years are the best time to hone down and focus on your goals. Your goals of graduate school will become more realistic as you continue to garner more A's and challenge yourself. The best way to succeed in college is to organize yourself, set your priorities in order, and read everything. Read the entire book required for the class, and read all of the directions on tests and writing prompts. Reading everything will demonstrate to be your most successful endeavour at completing your undergraduate degree.

Liya

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college when I was a high school senior I would be the most jubilant and happiest girl alive! There are many encouraging words I would tell myself that would have made my college experience a lot less worrisome and stressful. I would tell myself, 'These words are like gold so cherish them just the same'. First I would state, not to believe the people who tell me that I cannot accomplish my dreams because it is too difficult. I would tell myself that I can do anything I set my mind to do, as frightening as it may seem, as long as I stay persistent and allow my dreams to guide the way. I would tell myself not to give up because it may seem hard, or stressful, or tedious, or close to impossible. I would say ‘You are young and have your future in front of you and if you do not believe in yourself then who will’? I would then tell myself to surround myself with positive people. College is full of people who may guide you in the wrong direction. Best wishes!!

Daria

No matter how hard or difficult can be the transition always follow my dream to become a great professional. Never give up and with every mistake that I can make learn from it and do it diferent and better. Be myself, being a human, help others and give me the opportunity to learn from others. Life can be hard and sometimes can have obstacules but If my heart, dreams and especially my passion of becoming a professional are strong I can get thru all. I can learn of my mistake making them a good experience and when I finish my goal I can look back and say, "wow thanks to all those hard time, obstacules and mistake, I become a Profesional and a good human being".

Jacob

I would go back and tell myself to enjoy my last year in high school and not worry about college. I would tell myself that I will miss high school more than I think I would so I need to cherish the times I have in high school and not rush into college.

Debbie

The best advice I would give myself as a high school student would be to seek tutoring in the subject areas where I had difficulty. Another thing I would suggest is to take high school seriously and try to learn as much as I can. Also, I would tell myself to get ahead in math and do more volunteer work as well as get more involved in campus activities. Lastly, I would suggest I try to be more social and make a bunch of friends who I could still know later on as an adult.

Krystle

Take that Psychology AP test. I know you wanted a year-long and easy AP class but it counts for GE credits that could have given you one less class that you would have needed. Put down that DSi in English class and thouroughly work through your homework. Keep up with work because slacking off your senior year puts you into a bad position for starting a totally new enviornment that has a higher workload and less sympathy for other classes or jobs you may have. Don't worry about losing friends from highschool. You can (usually) make way better ones that stick with you longer and have some of the same aspirations as you.

Hillary

I would tell myself to have challenged myself more by taking more difficult classes and trying out new sports other than limiting myself to one. I wish I could've been more social and more involved. I also wished I could've made better relationships with my teachers.

Gianni

The advice I would give myself for college life is that continuing your education and finishing it now will not only be worth the effort for the long run but you'll be able to have that full life of college experience that you'll been talking about. Not only that but just image now that your in the career you have been dreaming of is only a few years away and the money thats comes with the hard work and effort you done by completeing your degree now. So your future family will not only know how important eduation is to you and for them you been a living example of that education that you want them stride forward to for their future endevores. College life is worth the experinece that would lead to all those traveling dreams you have been only thinking of put into motions by one choice of continuing and finishing college now and not later. It's worth it!!!!

jessica

I would tell myself that college can be difficult and stressful at times, but the hard work will pay off. College is only the begining to my future and it is important to do the best I can in order to have a successful career. I would tell myself to always believe myself and to never give up hope. I have learned you can achieve anything you desire as long as you believe in yourself. If you have a negative outlook on life it will be difficult to accomplish your goals. You only live once, so enjoy life to the fullest extent. As Henry Ford once said "Believe you can, believe you can't; either way you're right." I would remind myself to never stop believing.

Michelle

The first thing I would say is, "Make sure you go to college NOW." I waited far too long to get my education and if I could change anything about my decisions circa 1987, it would be to make sure I complete college straight out of high school. I would tell my high school self to go away to college, stay in the dorms, make friends, enjoy campus life and become part of a community that will stay with you the rest of your life! I regret missing out on all of that. I returned to college years later as an alternative student and though I'm glad I made that decision and saw it through, my heart ached for the true college experience I missed twenty years ago.

Patrick

I would tell myself that college is not easy and requires a lot of time and commitment. I would also tell myself that I would have to change the way I study because it is not efficient. College is not cheap and I should only go if I am actually commited. I would tell myself to take my studies more seriously and show more commitment. I would tell myself to never give up and always give it your all. If I can go back in time I would tell myself to have more faith in myself and to try your best in college.

marissa

Spend this time to REALLY think about where you want to be in ten years. MAKE time for internships. Learn to manage your time, because your time can't be wasted in college. Start studying early; procrastinatinig will only bring you poor grades. Speak to your professor when you're having trouble understanding the material; they are more forgiving to students who show sincerity for learning. Speak to your GE advisor once in a while to ensure you're staying on track with your curriculum. It's okay to make mistakes if you're willing to learn from them.

Emily

I have never liked change. My family moved states twice in my childhood and both times were borderline traumatic for me. Naturally, graduating high school and leaving my friends to go to college was not something I took well. I clung to my hometown and attended community college, even though I had the grades and money for a four-year school. When I transfered, I followed my former boyfriend to UCLA, without considering if it was right for me (it wasn't). When I finally let myself discover the new and let go of the old, I found myself at San Jose State, making lifelong friends, exploring new interests and passions, and creating a whole new life that I love completely. If I could go back and talk to my 18-year-old self, I would tell her that it will be okay. I would promise her that the things she's afraid of are not as scary as they seem and that what seems like a loss can turn out to be a fantastic opportunity. In short, I'd tell her to same thing I tell myself now that I'm about to graduate: stop worrying and start living!

Nicole

Dearest Nicole, I realize there is not much I can tell you now at this point in your life. You think you know what you want to do but secretly are not completely confident about it. You have been told all your life that you are going to college and you agree out of habit. I want to tell you to hang in there. Take your time in the community college and figure out what makes you happy. Do not quit! College will be the most exciting and fulfilling time of your life. You will be able to go anywhere and accomplish everything your heart desires. The greatest things I have ever done in my life were very difficult to accomplish. I wish you would understand that at this younger age. Focus on setting a foundation in your life. Let those friends and distrations fall aside. The partying and fair-weather friends do not last long but your family stays faithful. Mom and Dad were more right than I cared to admit when they said, "You can be anything you want, Little Girl. Shoot high." It may be 20 years later, but I am shooting high!