Southern New Hampshire University Top Questions

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

Autumn

As I was a dual-enrolled student (aged 13) at the Colorado Mountain College when I was a high school senior, I was given the opportunity to experience college life extremely early. This being the case, it has become somewhat of a natural feeling to have courses to keep up with, and while it may have been hard adjusting to life back in the day, I am very happy that I was given such a difficult task. If I /could/ go back to talk to my 13-year-old self, I would explain that I needed to take two courses instead of one, even though I felt like I couldn't handle it. I was/am a very capable student, and I know that I could have handled another course every term. Even now, as I am about to take three online courses per term, I reflect on when I thought the two courses were hard.

Joshua

Take more chances. Don't follow what everyone else is doing. Follow your own path and stick to gut. Listen to those who been there before. Learn from there mistakes and succuses. Most importantly never bring your self down, there is a tone of people in the world that want to bring you done. Its your job to keep your head high, its there job to bring it down.

Michael

I would say that time flies, take advantage of every moment. Also, I would say dont jump to hard at any one oppertunity, take a little time to think through big decisions. I would tell myself to dedicate myself to my education earlier. Also, to but stock in Apple.

Wendi

I would advise myself not to party so much when I first went to school. That is why I am doing college now at 34 years old.

Amanda

The advise I would give myself would be to not wait so long to pursue my education. I waited over 10 years to go to college so that I could raise my children. I would also tell my past self, that it is never too late to work on finishing an education. Going straight into college after high school would be easier, but it is never too late to begin, again. Never give up on your dreams.

Daniel

Go for your goal now, don't wait for things to fall into place, chase after your dreams at this moment and get the well-deserved start to your career early and continue to strive for improving and success.

justine

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I definetly would. Knowing what I know now about college life I would definetly give myself some advice about transitioning into college. Overall the transition is pretty easy, although I did find out highschool is nothing like college. In college you manage your own time and make your own schedule, so make sure you use your time wisely and make sure to squeeze in studying time. Like in highschool we are always reminded to do our work and study, we do not have that in college. In college we now have the responsibility to do our own thing and have to remind ourselves. Another piece of advice I would give to myself is to definetly take advantage of all the opportunites to get involved, such as joining clubs. Joining clubs is a great way to get involved with your community and meet new people and make new friends. Making new friends will make college more enjoyable. By following these two pieces of advice through college you will definetly do well as a student overall.

Zoe

Given the chance that I could give my younger self advice from my experiences now, I would warn myself with the utmost aggressiveness, "Take more time to get money for college. Do whatever you need to. Look into more scholarships, grants, and possible work programs. Take on a job this year, and save your earnings." The college life isn't all that hard academically. Thankfully, I studied in high school, and kept all my simplified note-filled composition books from my Advanced Placement classes. The transition wasn't hard seeing as I have more ample time to study, and to do my work since it is not mandatory to take on seven or eight classes daily with any associated extra-curricular programs. The challenge of college for me is simply financial. The tuition is exorbitant! And if by chance it isn't the tuition, my books and material costs get in the way, especially if I don't have that money at the start of the term. It's a shame to start failing classes due to the inability to acquire a few books. It wastes time tuition that could be better used.

Yvonne

Apply for more scholarships--college is more expensive than you think. You don't want to end up in a position where, if your grades faulter even in the slightest, you can no longer attend the school of your dreams. You wouldn't want to end up like me, would you? Focus on your grades, as you are, but make sure you're getting involved. Being involved in your school and community is so important to colleges, as well as the rest of the world. Nobody wants someone who just sits around all day, even if they got good grades in school. I know I wish I did these things, but it's too late for me--don't take that risk like I did.

Kia

I can remeber it like it was yesturday, going off to college I went. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to stay focused, do not get burned out by not taking a break, and you must have determination. Of course most people would agree that going to college is a lot of hard work and if you are not focused on the end result, which is to graduate. As long as you have a plan and work your plan you can still graduate on time and not get tired of going to school. You have to take a break. Being a college student is not easy so you must stay determined. Determination is one of the keys to finishing and getting your diploma. It is incredible that I was able to travel back and time and prepare my high school self for the road ahead of me of being a college student. As long as you remember to stay focused, not getting burned out by not taking a break, and stay determined you will be ready to face the giant of going to college.

Jessica

The first thing I would tell myself is the graduate on time. I would also tell myself that kids can come later on down the road. I had a daughter at 18 years old so for a long time, school was not an option. I had to provide for my daughter. I would also tell myself to start school in the fall after graduation and get all my schooling out the way, travel the country and experience what life has to offer. I don't regret having my daughter but I had to put a lot of my dreams on hold and stop dreaming about them all together. So mostly importantly, I would tell myself to keep going for my dreams!

karin

If I could give my high school senior self advice, I would tell her to go to college directly after high school - no excuses! I decided not to go to college after high school because I was involved in a relationship and had a good job, so I did not believe I needed college. I now know that this was a big mistake. The relationship ended terribly and the good job disappeared, leaving me struggling to make a living. GO TO COLLEGE! Even if you do not know what you want to do with the rest of your life, college is valuable. College can offer you experiences to learn, grow, and discover who you are and what you want to do with your life. You do not have to have it all figured out before you go to college. Part of college involves the figuring out part. And, if you still do not have it figured out by the time you finish your degree, at least you have an education to help you to get a decent job to earn a living while you continue to evolve. This evolution will be a lifelong process, so make the most of it!

Marwa

College is a lot less scary than it is painted to be to high-school students. Still, the process is cumbersome so make a checklist and check it twice. Fill out applications early and follow up on documents that are sent in by second parties like test scores and transcripts. Visit the campus before you make a final decision; imagine yourself there and see if you’ll be comfortable there. When you are accepted, get to know the campus and the people there. People there are less intimidating and assured of themselves as you may think, so realize you are not alone in figuring it all out. It’s okay to feel completely lost and overwhelmed, so take a break and pinpoint exactly what makes you anxious and if you ask for it you will find help! Lastly, get involved out of the classroom. Chat with professors, join a club, and go to events, because this is your experience as well as education.

Monique

Dear Monique, This is the future you. Knowing what I know now I will not bore you with a long letter so I only have a few words of advice for you: 1. Stay true to who you are. Remember your dreams (The briefcase and the Suit). 2. Have a plan and set goals (Your plan will always fail if you fail to plan). 3. Stay focused ( There will be plenty of time to really enjoy life). 4. Surround yourself with others who can or will help you to achieve your goals (And get a Mentor) 5. Most importantly LOVE and BELIEVE in YOURSELF! (If you don't no one else will) These five Principles will take who you naturally are very far! You already have it! And if no one has told you lately I am VERY proud of you! Keep up the good work and I'll see you at the Top! Love Always, Monique B.

Peter

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would have told my past self to stay in school and finish that degree. Although I had a good job that allowed me to get into the IT industry without finishing school the lack of a degree would become a hurdle in the future - where a university degree is required for employment. University is not anything like high school and although it seems like the same boring classes in high school, they are structured to enhance one's critical thinking skills and expose a person to different fields of science or art. I would tell myself to not give up or great frustrated - situations are only temporary and life continues regardless of what happens. I would also offer the following advice, keep your eye on the goal of finishing school. Grades usually do not make a person, but how one applies the knowledge they have learned to the job at hand and life means more than any grade that one can achieve in school. Finally, I would also tell myself to follow my dreams and not the dreams of other people, including parents.

Kelly

Dear Kelly Learn from your mistakes the first time instead of repeating them. Focus! Pay attention! Grow up! Don't let the party intefer with your studies. An education is important to making it in the world. You don't want to spend money on a degree you won't use so really get to know yourself this year so you know what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. You're not out to impress anyone but yourself. Do the best you can with what you've got. You're smart, you just have to realize it. Don't be afraid to get to know your classmates. They're going to be great people. Ask questions! Do extra work. Good luck

Gary

Gary? Hello? Listen--no, there's no time explain--just listen. It's me. I'm from the future, and I have something to tell you. Shh. There isn't time. I know you think you're awesome right now but, in about six months, you're going to get a terrible job, working as a cook in a restaurant. After that--VERY soon after that--you're going to realize that continuing your education is a good idea. Guess what? It is! Do that, but skip the terrible job this time around. You’re going to choose a school that you should have done more research on. Yes, you’ll get a degree, but it won’t be what you what you TRULY want. Instead, choose SNHU. Google it; you’ll see. It’s cheaper, and you can get your BA instead of AS, which is exactly what you want to do. I have to go, but I have one more thing to tell you: Relax. You’re going to make it, and you will (eventually) make the right choices. Oh, and whatever Sarah and your dog (Millie) say, do that. Do exactly that! Goodbye, past Gary. Goodbye.

Dena

I am a unique applicant, since I returning to school after receiving my Bachelors almost 20 years ago. Having a lot of life experience under my belt, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high-school senior, I would encourage "me" to be more balanced. I have always been an over-achiever. One might say a "nerd". I don't think I appreciated the social aspect of college and that it is truly a "once in a lifetime" experience. I would encourage the high-school Dena to study and do well (of course, I am a nerd to the core), but also to get involved in college activities. The transition will be a lot smoother if you have people to share it with and you can take the journey together. I would also remind myself to take advantage of any opportunities for work study and meeting professionals in my career field. College life is the beginning of the networking experience and you can establish key relationships that will allow you to be successful in the future. Overall, I would remind myself to have fun and be appreciative of the chance to go to college!

Liz

Take into consideration ALL of your talents. Culinary may not completely pan out. It's always good to have a fall back. I'd say try and be social, but honestly it mostly just brings drama. Focus on the education, if you make friends keep them; well try to.... The people you deal with in high school.... you'll never have to see them again. Unless you go to the 10 year reunion.... still haven't decided that myself. Don't give up on the Culinary... Part of our future is there! Most importantly... Enjoy yourself, learn and be you. Oh and don't let the Epilepsy stop you. Like they say in A Cinderella Story "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

John-Patrick

Never stop going to college. "Taking a semester off" is just dropping out. My semester off turned into 12 years. Keep going because it is very hard to get back into school. Find a way to stay in college and do what it takes to stay at it. Find the money, find the time, but just stay in college.

Thomas

I would grab my head and shake it, haha, I would honestly lock the door of the room and not allow myself to leave until i got through to that old version of me, that i needed to be serious about my education in order to get it over with while I was still so used to the system. I've worked solidly for the last several years, and while i feel comfortable in my current position, and feel accomplished at what I do, I know there is so much more out there I would love to be a part of. I would look at my former, younger self, and tell him, listen, you are going to have fun, you are going to find great friends and be able to do some pretty cool things, but there is no reason you can't do all of those same things, and still feel even more accomplished in life. i want you to know, you are a great person, and i want you to feel that way educationally, financially, and professionally, even more so than I know you will if you end up like me now.

James

The best advice I can give to you is to not work full time. It's too much. You will waste so much time at a job you hate, sacrificing your present being miserable, and your future when you fail. Move closer to school, find a subject you truly love, and make as many friends as you can. You already know who you are, you just have to trust that knowledge. There is nothing you set your mind to that you have ever failed at, but you will never be happy until you set your heart to it too. It took me far too long to take this advice. Now it feels like I'm running ten years behind. The best thing you can do right now, is find a kung fu studio. Learn to breathe properly, learn to meditate, learn to move, but most importantly, learn to use your mind to create the world you want to live in. Everything is fluid and changable. You need to take control of that change. Remember two things, what you think, you become, and absolutely every action, feeling, and thought is a skill that can be learned and refined.

Paige

I would give myself the advice to fill out even more scholarships then I did when I started. I started filling out scholarships hardcore in my senior year when I should have started a lot earlier and filled out a lot more.

Rebekah

Transitioning into NHIA is going to be a lot harder than anyone ever prepares you for. Make sure that if you're feeling sick, that you actually do something about it instead of trying to tough it out. Do something about your depression, because it will catch you off-guard if you don't. Focus more on your schoolwork at NHIA, leave a good impression on the faculty there, and DO NOT DATE MATT. You're not going to be able to go back after your first year at NHIA. Don't freak out because something better does come along, just not as soon as you would like. Don't be so bitter toward mom; your parents did the best they could for you. You need to own what you say and do instead of blaming other people for yor behavior. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! Make sure to consider SNHU. They don't have a fine arts program, but they will have a game design program in 2011. Wait until 2012 to apply though, because reasons.

lacey

If I go back I would want to know how seriously colleges take things. Nothing comes easy the first year of college and I would like a support group at my high school to really help me prepare myself. I took a lot of classes that were not necessary due to the fact that I was not educated on what I really needed and why. If I would of had the counselors or college support group help I think is needed, I think I would of been able to help myself in the long run. High School teachers should also be a lot more strict as the student becomes a senior. Sometimes seniors are able to slack off because it is their last year of HS and that is not at all helpful. I would let my teachers know that I want them to treat me as the adult I am going to be in college.

Melissa

It would be very difficult to do that, I had an extremely rough childhood and we moved alot. I was put in numerous schools over the 12 years I attended. I was persitant and driven to recieve my high school diploma. I guess I would say I wish I went right into college after high school. My dad worked for the city of boston since he was 16 all the way to retirement. I was not given the opportunity to continue and receive all the amazing grants and aid I could have recieved from the city. My dad was not much of a dad. I was the only one of my siblings that wanted more out of life but was not taught how to go forward. My kids are older and I finally have time to pursue my dreams. I guess I would have pressed the city of boston for what I was entitled to as a student at the time. I took it amongst myself to learn how to be an adult it just took awhile.

Charlotte

Do not take the year off. I know that you want to take a year off and experience some of the "real world," but it will be so much harder to get back into the lifestyle of a student. You will be working and living in an apartment, so you will not be able to focus 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on your studies. Instead, go directly to college, live in a dorm, and finish up your degree in 4 years. This will save you money and time, and your "real life" will actually start much, much sooner. Follow your passion; go get that history degree. Do not be scared about jobs or the amount of work. Do what you love and follow that passion. Do not try 8 different things, because you will only come back to what you love. DO what you are passionate about and jump in with both feet. Do not be scared and do not let people try to talk you out of it- only YOU know who you are and what you want from life, so go get it.

Carolyn

Dear past Carolyn, College sucks. You think you won't go to college; but you are young and you will not listen to me. I will tell you that you need to go to school to get out of the rut you will be in. Take a deep breath, deal with it one step at a time; you can go to school. Don't give up! And don't worry about money, I'm trying very hard to cover it. Love, Carolyn

Sara

I think I would tell myself to calm down and eat the donut your dad gives you driving up to school for the first time. On my way up to school for the first time, I was extremely nervous with a squizey stomach and did not eat until late at night when I remembered I had not eaten since breakfast and noticed my mom had left my donut on my desk. My mind was racing the whole car ride and I was only making myself more anxious and nervous. I think the biggest advice I would give myself would be to calm down and relax. I would tell myself you will make friends your first week, you will pass all your courses, you will have a good roommate freshman year and you will learn to be able to succeed. I would tell myself that I did good my first semester. That I was able to make good friends and did well in classes. I would also remind myself to always check essay duedates so I would not have to stay up until 4am writing a paper due the next day that I thought I still had a week to write.

Loren

If I could go back in time and give myself about my current college life knowledge, I would tell myself to get used to being more independent on scheduling. In college, classes are run according to a syllabus, and teachers do not necessarily warn you of upcoming assignment dates. I would also advise myself to be very patient with adjusting to college-living--in particular, constantly being surrounded by others. There is not much "alone time" in college, which can be stressful at first when you are not use to the transition.

Lucinda

I always wanted to go to college. However, as a high school senior, I was incredibly shy and reserved. My passion at that time was horses. I had also spent my high school years being raised by my father. Today I am forty-six, I have raised three children (mostly as a single parent), I am a disabled Army veteran, and I am a confident woman. Would I change anything? No. The only advice I might give myself is to keep my positive attitude and be strong. Everything will work itself out in the end. Considering that I loved school - and still do - I would have done well in college.

Debra

I would tell myself to go for the goal of going to college. I waited too long to achieve this goal. I was worried about family life, money, work, and having time for myself. Every aspect of is very workable with daily life. I would tell myself that it is okay to be scared and there are ways and people that can make the education happen. Family are willing to help you study, taking online classes are doable with work, you can work at your own pace, there is no travel, and you can save on gas and lodging. Any goal is reachable if you are willing to work for them.

Sandra

Knowing what I know now about college I would tell my self to work really hard and complete my degree program. I wish I wouldn't have stopped when I received my associates If I would of known then after two year graduation I would of worked hard and kept on going to complete just two more years for my bachlors degree. Having that extra education means so much in my career field, I regret not finishing 10 years ago. I have been taking online classes and it has been working out great for me so I would recomend it because I find it really easy for me to learn this way.

Brittany

I love this school but I wish that I was able to make more friends in my major. It's still really hard for me to make friends in my major, but as a junior, I am starting to make them. I would have reminded myself to find a job my freshman year. After that year, I no longer had work study and I was unable to get it back and the school would really like to higher people with work study. Also, I would have said to do more scholarships because school expensive and now I am thinking about what I want to do when I graduate and that may involve going to graduate school or even law school which will be very expensive.

Brittany

If I could go back in time as a high school senior and give myself advice, I wouldn’t. I know that sounds crazy to say but I worked extremely hard to achieve the goals I did. I strongly believe that what we go through in our everyday lives whether it was yesterday, today, or a year ago, everything we go through makes us who we are today. When I was a senior in high school I played varsity sports, I was in multiple extracurricular clubs, I studied very hard for the grades I achieved, and I even got a head start on college and went to college while enrolled as a senior in high school. The only thing I could think of for advice to give myself is to embrace every moment, because one day you will blink and question where all of the time went. Word Count: 147

kristen

Dear little Kristen, I know you are worried that you may not have the skills you need to make it in your chosen career. I know you are scared that you will not fit in at college. Let me reassure you my friend. You have chosen the PERFECT school for you. You are about to enter the "land of the go-getters." It will be intimidating at first but darling NEVER FEAR YOUR PASSION. STRIVE. Here will be all the resources you need and all the connections you want to ensure your future. You will have the chance to create your own club with whatever interests you have. The people here are all wonderfully different and you will meet fabulously diverse people that you will connect with. Remember that fear you had about not meeting any friends outside your major? THROW that out the window. You have all of your general education classes with people from ALL majors and get the chance to meet AMAZING people. However, a word of caution, you are entering a private university which means there will be money to pay. Lots of it. Save up my dear. (their financial aid helps) Sincerely, The older you

Athena

For as much as I do like college, my advice to my younger self would to be to figure life out first before starting college. I started college far too early and it did me no good. A lot of my bad habits from high school carried over into this first year and ruined my GPA (which I am in the process of repairing). On top of that, I went back and forth on what I wanted to do. It took a couple of years to switch to a degree that would actually be practical and good for me. I would tell myself first to wait on school and work first, gain some skills, and know what I want to do, perhaps get a degree that I would actually want. Hopefully, by doing that, I could be rid of those nasty habits before I start proper.

Emily

I would tell my high school self not to rush into college. There is so much of a stigma associated with diving into college right out of high school and you don't even know what you really want to do. Take time for yourself, work a little bit, travel if you can. Do different jobs, volunteer...live. Once you figure out what you think you really want to do, then go for it. You know you are someone who changes their mind quickly and often, so don't make a committment as expensive as college until you are sure you are making the right choice.

Ian

I would tell myself to learn how to manage time wisely. For me, it has been very important to manage my time is such a way that Iallows me to do well in my classes while also continuing to volunteer at my church, high school, and other areas of the community. I would also tell myself that it is important to not only do well in high school classes, but also to pay attention and learn the material. Taking high school seriously allows students to be prepared for the material that college professors present. The material that students learn in high school is a valueable knowledge base for college so the more students know, so the better off they will be. I would also tell myself to continue learning good study habits. Some college classes are harder than others and they will requre a little more work, especially if the student is not particularly gifted in the subject. It is crucial to know how to work through these kinds of classes in order to gain every possible advantage. These things would have helped my tremendously during my senior year of high school.

Charles

Apply for those scholarships, they will be the difference between eating ramen for a semester and having some real food. Remember all those times you said you'd never use those math classes? Well, you're about to use them. Be careful, you're going to find out that you were held by the hand, spoon fed and led by the nose all through high school, even if it didn't seem like it. Out here in the real world, none of that is going to happen, you've got to make yourself go to class, do the studying, take the tests. Don't party so much, don't put things off until the last minute, yeah it's fun but it's not the right time. It's time to buckle down and enter the real world. Take the hard classes! Do the weird projects! Throw yourself into headlong and go for more! Do it while you can, because once college is over, it's over. It will never be the same again. Enjoy your time in college. Make friends, have fun, but make sure to take advantage of the opportunities that will be coming soon.

Pedro

Pedro, I am here to tell you that in the changeover: it is essential for you to calculate and keep track of your expenses. Your finances are extremely important because they will pay for your food, gas, textbooks, and tuition. Alongside with tracking your capital, you should also schedule out your days accordingly. With a life schedule in tact, you will never have to worry about missing an assignment or failing a test. With that being said, remember that the force that drives you to do all this is how you feed yourself. Eat healthy and make sure to include meals in your schedule. The upheaval of your new college lifestyle doesn't necessarily have to be stressful. With hard work comes play, just make sure it's not done to an excess and only on those weekends. Oh, and academically speaking, make sure you follow the specific classes for your major so you are on route to graduation at a faster pace. Pedro, if you follow all this advice, your first years of college will be an immediate success.

Aubrey

I would tell myself that SNHU is definitely the best choice for me. Not only do the professors care a lot about their students, but they genuinely want to see them succeed and reach their potential. It's very easy to talk to professors, ask for help and really work towards your very best. Attending SNHU isn't a mistake and has been the best decision of my life.

Matthew

I would tell myself to ease up and not be so hard on myself. Its not always about the grade. That high schoool was great but college will pose a whole new set of challenges and goals. That good things will come. That I will be faced with challenges I did not count on but I will get through them, grow from them and be a better person because of them. That I will meet the girl of my dreams and have the time of my life pursuing my passion. To enjoy the people that I meet, the places that I go and the new experiences I will have. I would tell myself to step outside my comfort zone and take some chances not to over think and to sometimes just let go.

Allison

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself this: "Give it time. It might take a while for you to find your place, but get involved and meet people as much as you can. Making friends will make the transition so much easier. Work hard in all of your classes-even the gen eds that you don't necessarily want to take. Make connections with professors and other students because you never know how it will help you in the future. Most importantly, take yourself seriously, but don't forget to have fun. Get out of your room and experience new things."

Christopher

I would tell myself to have patience. I had rushed graduating by graduating a year early and by doing so i had eliminated some very important life lessons that a lot of students learn during that final year of education. College introduces a lot of new stresses into life that are not as easily avoided and It would have been better if I had taken the time to prepare myself better for these new stresses.

Alexa

Assuming I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself about the transition to college, I would choose not to talk to myself. Every decison I made my freshman year in college has made me the person I am today. Since I choose to attend a college where I did not know one person, the group of friends I choose was a direct reflection of who I am. These decisons have impacted my life in such a positive way that although having th ability to talk to myself about the transition would make it easier, I think that was important to learn from the decisions I made. College is a time where there is very little guidance and every decision we make is a direct reflection of who we are as people. Having the ability to talk to myself would alter the person that I am today . I believe that the transition to college was very difficult, but ultimatlety it was something that was very neccessary. I can say that I used the transition to college as a stepping stone to develop who I am as a person without having any persuasion from people around me.

manon

the advise i would give to myself would be to get out of my shell and talk to as much people as possible, dont be afrid to try something new and dont be afied to make mistakes

Leona

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in High School, I would tell myself to get out meet people, go to a small college get basic classes out of the way, possibly achieve a certificate, dont eat as much and exercise. I would want to meet people because they could help you study, help when you need it, talk to them when you not feeling like yourself, get rides home if you live far and their going the same direction. It's also pleasant to go home and get a little break from studying. Go to a small college and get basic classes out of the way, that way when I transfer to a university I can go straight to enrolling into college classes. Finally, to eat and exercise daily, exercising releaves stress and from reading or studying so much you'll need to releave some stress. In conclusion, that is what I would tell myself as a high school senior going back in time, meet new people, go to a small college and get basic classes (more knowledge) out of the way and not to eat so much but excercise frequently.

Christina

I would advise myself to study harder, expand my interests more and soak up as much as I could. Having left high school after graduation to raise a family, it took me thirteen years to complete my BS in my 40's. I would tell myself to really investigate all the opportunities available here and abroad and to get more experience about the world before I made my decisions on how to manage the rest of my life. I thought that college meant I'd be tied to a desk for another four years, spend a lot of money and wind up in an office. I now realize the opportunities I let pass me by and although I have since graduated, the experience was not the same. Attending college opens up a new world of questions, answers, pursuits, interests...and has been invaluable to me with regard to new ideas, ways of thinking and my perception of the world around me. I am an active, eager student of all things now and have gained the appreciation that I lacked as a teenager, for how complicated, fast and intertwined our world (and lives) really are.

julie

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now , I would tell myself to focus more and study harder in order to get better grades. I would tell myself that I should apply to college in advanced instead oif at the last minute.