Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

Don't be scared of changing as a person. Looking back on myself as a high school senior only two months into college, I can already identify myself as a whole new person, and sometimes it can be stressful to think you are losing sight of yourself. Although changing is scary, it brings out a new part of you that has never been experienced and don't just accept it, embrace it. Tha balance of old and new can be difficult, but time heals all things, and remember that there is support all around if you look for it. The best thing college does is open your eyes to new opportunities, so sieze them all. No one knows who you used to be, so keep the parts of your life that have made the best of you, and trash the old things that are holding you back; you can live up to your highest potential if you are willing to let go and see how things happen. And the last part of change is time; don't think that there isn't enough time to do what you love. You have all the time in the world.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to learn how to study properly. In high school, school came pretty easily to me, it never took a lot of real hard effort. When I came to college, my first set of exams were quite a shock, and it made me realize that in college you really have to stay on top of your reading and studying, or you'll find yourself in some trouble. Not only would I tell myself to learn to study, I'd tell myself to enjoy being young and stress free as long as possible, and not worry so much about having a job, but worry about having fun and being bill free. In high school, I was a work-aholic, because I owed my parents some money, and I wanted to pay them back as soon as I could. Once they were paid back, I loved working so much that I just kept working. I didn't have free weekends because of work, and although I loved it, I could have been making memories with my friends.

I would definitely tell myself that college is a very different atmosphere and to be persistent no matter what. One thing that was a hindrance for me was settling into the college life; coming from a predominately African American and Hispanic high school and transitioning to "Aggieland" was definitely a culture shock. I would tell myself to be as open to the change as I ask of others and embrace it so I can focus more on academia than those close minded ones that unfortunately had a good bit of my attention for a large period of times.

This past March, I skipped a college class for the first time. I decided to drive to Houston to visit with an out-of-state cousin in town for the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. We planned to meet for dinner and afterward I would return home while she went to the game. Unexpectedly however, a generous stranger gave me a free ticket to the game just because I engaged in small talk with her at the restaurant. While I supported neither team and had a test the next day, I experienced an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.My advice to my high school self is to calm down. The above story would have never happened in high school because I was too anxious and worried about the future to enjoy the present. I stressed about my schoolwork so much that I neglected to have a social life and spend time with family. Now that I am in college I understand the importance of balancing school and social activities and family. A person's education will stay with them forever, but time spent with friends and family is precious.

Dear Jessica, this is you, from the future. When you are asked to go to volunteering with friends, search for something that you really enjoy and stick with it. Serving the community will be more rewarding when you actually enjoy it. Next year in college, you will start volunteering with children at an elementary school and their smiles will light up your darkest days. When your friends ask you to go hang out the night before your AP tests, do not go! You know you have studied enough, so you know that I am not telling you to cram (we both know that never worked anyway). I am telling you that because you did not get enough sleep the night before, you were not at your best. Sleep is just as important as preparation. Also, when you wake up late for that test and have to rush to school, you will be stressed which does not help you out on the test. Keeping stress levels down is very important. Take up yoga. You will your freshman year of college and you will absolutely love it. Relax, sleep, destress, and eat. Good Luck, future You.

Decide what you want to do as soon as you can and make sure it is what you are passionate about. Do not choose a school or major because it is what your parents think is best for you, choose what will make you happy. Push hard through the last three months of high school, or else you will regret it in the future. Apply for scholarships early starting your Junior year of highschool, and try to avoid student loans. Out of state tuition is expensive, so be prepared to have loans for many years following graduation. The friends you make freshman year of college you will know for the rest of your college carrer so be outgoing and choose carefully. Study a lot, but enjoy the time you have at a university because there will never be another time where you can explore and experiment with little concequences. Most importantly do not forget your family when you move away, yes they're annoying but it's only because they love you.

Sweet Melanie, Your next year is going to be remarkable. You meet the most amazing friends, learn to love, and learn to study. But there are several things you need to know. 1)Meet your neighbors. You’ll avoid awkward hallway interactions the whole year and it won’t be weird when your shower dribbles goo for a week and you ask your neighbor if you can borrow their’s. 2)Don’t buy that $400 bike…it will get stolen. Don’t buy that $60 bike…it will rust in a week. 3)The Freshman Fifteen: It. Is. Real. Stay away from the cafeteria chocolate chip cookies, pepperoni and pineapple pizzas, double hamburgers, crispy fried chicken, red velvet cakes, butter pecan ice creams, spinach and artichoke casseroles, spinach fettuccini, and egg rolls. Focus on the salad line and STOP avoiding the gym…its not as terrifying as it seems. 4)Finally, enjoy the year. It will fly by. Don’t focus too much on school or organizations or family or boys, don’t get caught up in the details. Be flexible and have fun. I love you. You’re going to do great.

Calm down. Don't panic about leaving, or being away from home. Every other college freshman in the history of college has done it, and they keep doing it- so you really shouldn't think it's so bad. Don't worry about your roommate, or your classmates, or your professors, or how to make friends. It will all work itself out, and you will be stressed over nothing.

You can't just sleep through all of your classes and hope to do well in them. Make sure to go to all of your classes and actually listen, don't take your laptop because its too distracting. Make sure to take time to study and do all of your school work, including extra credit and all extra work, before spending nights on the town. Good job joining A&M bonfire, best decision of your life!

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I would have to study and work harder than I ever have before. In high school, I was the type of student who did not have to put that much effort to succeed academically. However, in college I realized how much work and effort would be required for me to make the caliber of grades I made in high school. I would also tell myself that once I did find the study habits that worked for me, I would realize that I could be a successful college student. Not only would I have to study more than I ever had, I would also tell myself not to be intimidated by the college work load. Although it is very challenging, it is still doable. As for things to look forward to, I would tell myself I am going to have a blast at Texas A&M and could not see myself at any other place.

I would remind myself that getting sick is not the end of the world and that keeping up communication with my Professors will be vital in hard times. It is important as well to make sure that proper precautions are made on my part to keep healthy while living with a roommate for the first time and being surrounded by tens of thousands of students more than what I'm used to. I would try to keep in mind that I'm far away from home and now the only one responsible for myself so all of these little things become bigger issues since I will be needing to simultaneously take on these parental duties all the while attending classes, maintaining a high GPA, gaining social life, and joining extracurricular activities and organizations. As overwhelming as college can be, it is always necessary to keep my eye on the prize but to also never neglect what unique experiences this time offers. The entire duration of college will be a series of "gives" and "takes" so I should take notice of my own limitations and learn fast to give leave to other priorities (like my health) versus classes or socializing.

When you go to college or a University be very open minded. You have to be more than willing to meet as many new people as possible. Do not just speak to people who are similar to you, branch out and meet others that are very different from you. Keep networking and remember those you meet. When you meet these individuals try your best to communicate with those people whether it be monthly or weekly; you may need someone to talk to while going through a difficult situation or possibly need help in a future class. Pertaining to your educational experience, college is nothing like high school. It is very difficult and takes time, dedication, and determination. Just like you, many other college students were the brightest ones in their high school class, so therefore it will be very challenging. You have to learn what study habits are most effective for you. When you don't achieve your desired score the first round, don't get sad or depressed, just try harder and I guarantee you, your outcome would be so much more desirable and pleasing. Don't underestimate any class or your potential. Anything is possible, once you try.

There are so many things I would go back and tell myself, but I don't think I would have changed anything about how I decided to live my life. I love my two beautiful children and I adore my amazing husband. If I were to go back and give myself any advice, I would tell myself not to be so harsh and condescending on myself. I would tell myself to be more optimistic, outgoing, and positive on life. I would also say to live life to the fullest, we never know when or if today will be our last, so live like it is. I would say not to ever miss out on an opportunity to do the things I love and enjoy, but to work hard, all things will be paid off in the end. Most of all, I would encourage myself to never, EVER, no matter how hard things seem or get to be, give up or quit, to keep going even if its the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, its all worth it in the end.

Procrastination is the worst enemy to a college student, and being prepared is truely the key to success. Those words are the words of wisdom from the college me to the senior in high school me. If time would let me turn back I would advice myself of the importance of time management for a college student who wants to succeed. The idea of creating your own schedule is the opportunity to create your time in a way to benefit yourself and not wasting it in sleeping or hanging out with friends. In high school, procrastinating was just a scratch when dealing with homework or studying for tomorrows test. I had the belief that going to college would be similar to high school with just an uber higher level. So it meant I was allowed to procrastinate if the information stayed in my head. However, if the clock let me rewind its steps, I would have the opportunity to let myself know the belief I had in mind is an idea that would not benefit me as a college student. My college-self would mention the struggles I went through following the "procrastination theory". That is my note to self.

In college, you find challenges you've never dreamed of, all in the name of defending who you are. Don't falter. Don't forsake yourself. Times will be difficult, and you will start to doubt your capacities in life and academia. Take a deep breath, and realize you are not alone. You are never alone. Only here, where you have not only the freedom to look at yourself but are forced to, may you truly begin to comprehend who you are and what your purpose is. I know you. I know how you act and, more importantly, why. As someone goal-oriented, I implore you to start taking notes of how you're doing and what you're aiming for. Use these notes to compile a set of micro-goals: things you want to accomplish by the time you graduate. Perhaps even more necessary than this objective is simply using a to-do list. Exorbitant amounts of activies will vie for your attention. These lists will help you prioritize--the most useful skill you may learn as you're struggling to get through college. I won't lie, it will be a struggle. You will marvel in it.

If I could go back in time and advise my high school self, I would remind him that he could make his future in college easier financially and academically, by continuing to work hard now and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Too many seniors become complacent, satisfied with getting their diploma and content with resting on that accomplishment. Some may even be accepted to the college of their dreams, and I would tell them the same. The world will judge them on the passion they show for their work and their own future. Ability can only carry you so far, and the sooner that is learned the better. I am the example of what it takes to recover from misuse of the opportunity that is high school; I effectively dropped out during my freshman year. That decision has cost me a great deal of time, effort, and money: two years in the workforce, a year of community college, and exclusion from the millions of scholarship dollars available only to top high school students. Let it be a lesson; we all have to work to get where we’re going, now or later.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to think about the transition in the following sequence: career choice, major/degree choice, and finally college choice. Before making the transition from high school to college, performing research on careers and job shadowing is an important step so that a student has a field of study in mind. After the career choice is made, a high school student should then research what the proper major and level of education is needed for that career. Once a student has both a desired major and degree in mind, it is time to do research to find which colleges offer the chosen major and degree. Choosing the best college for a student’s educational needs and future career is one of the most important steps in the transition from high school to college, as it saves time and money. Other words of advice I would have for myself are to apply for scholarships; apply often and apply for many. Also, college is a fun, scary, and stressful experience all in one, but make the most of it and do your best!

Dear Faryn, As a high school senior you're at the closing of one chapter of your life and the beginning of another exciting, yet difficult one, college. Don't worry about the little things that you can't control and don't let the transition overwhelm you or discourage you in anyway. Continue working hard and staying focused in school, but don't forget to add a little fun to the mix. You'll have plenty of choices that you will have to make, but don't fret over the things you can't control. I know that you're going to have a hard time being away from your family for the first time, but they are only a Skype call away. Plus, you're joining a HUGE family at Texas A&M. I promise that you'll find genuine poeple that you will call life long friends. The key to a sucessful transition is to find that perfect balance between working hard and having fun, and when you strike a balance you'll be set. You may ask how I know, well, I know what you're going through. Sincerly, Texas A&M Class of 2014 Faryn

The following is advice to give to myself as a high school graduate preparing for college. My goal would be making academic progress through graduation. I would evaluate each step of progress each semester so I can see how I improved, and what areas I need to work on. My evaluations would include addressing my fears of my dysfunction of being in an abusive environment. I was raised by two parents who beat me up with ridicule, derogatory sarcasm, and physical injuries, all of which affected my ability to become a college student. I didn’t have an open mind to going to college. My evaluations would also incorporate my college, career, and financial goals. I would establish what degree I would want to get, and what classes to register in college, and how much it would cost me, and what the salary is for that occupation. I would want to journal positive reinforcements to encourage my efforts to stay in college and to continue my educational goals. Journaling is helpful, especially during discouraging periods, while I am attending college. Finally, I would have attained my dreams in theater arts sooner if I knew then what I know now.

Stop playing around with all the partying. The drugs and alcohol and all your "friends" that you do them with are a waste of time and money. Think real hard about what you want to do for a living. That means for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to try different things and switch majors as much as you like. Once you do settle on something put everything you have into it. Strive to become the best at whatever it is you choose to do. It will take hard work day in and day out, so don't be surprised when things dont come easily. Good luck.

One of the most significant values of a university is diversity. As high school students, we are not exposed to many cultures and are usually caught up in the "clique" world. I would advise my high school self to be welcoming to those who are different than yourself and to be open to meeting individuals from all over the world. I met a fellow student outside of the bookstore my first year, waiting for the last bus of the day to arrive. He was carrying three large bags; one carying all of his books, another carying an abundant amount of clothes, and the other caring a few extra items. After conversing with the kind gentlemen, I learned that he had moved from Egypt, and was currently a homeless college student. The fact the was homeless and was still furthering his educaiton was so touching to me, as it reflected his passion towards getting a college degree. You learn from those who are different than yourself at the most unexpected times, which is why it is so important to be welcoming of your fellow classmates, no matter how different they may look.

There is only one thing that I would go back to tell myself: work harder. I made some bad decisions during my first year, chief of which was not studying enough. In high school, studying was rarely necessary. Classes were easy to coast through and a high GPA was easily obtained. When I got to college, this attitude hurt me greatly. Though I began to improve over time, my grades and overall experience suffered. Had I truly understood the demands of college academics, I believe that freshman year would have gone more smoothly and turned out more satisfactorily. It would be tempting to give my past self more information, especially specific details, but I would resist. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of life. It's how we grow. I wouldn't be the same person I am today if I had known all about the challenges I would face last year. That said, giving my past self the simple advice to work harder would help motivate me to study and do well in college. At the same time, it would let me overcome the obstacles of last year on my own, and learn from them.

If I could go back and give myself advice about college life and the transition, the first phrase I would use would be, "Stay focused". Many people warn you that being in college is totally different from high school, because you take on the responsibility that your parents once had. No one makes you do anything because you are an adult and they expect you to just make mistakes and learn from them and grow from them. The second phrase I would use would be "Trial and Error". You enter college as a new face in a new world with people that know nothing about you. The key thing that you take from college is to find your path and the only way to do that is to join different groups, meet new people, and just figure out what works for you and makes you a better person. Those are the two things that I wish I would have done when I first left home for college because I missed alot by being shy.

If I could go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself there are two things you need have and be in college to be successful. The first thing you need to be is responsible because the professors expect a lot from you, you’re technically an adult and they don't care if you misplaced your work. It’s your responsibility to turn your work in on time no excuses and it’s your duty to stay on top of the work so you will know when it’s due so there will be no excuses. The second thing is that you need to have time management skills. In college time management is crucial. It’s the most important thing a college student can have, and without this you’re not going to be successful. College is all about time, you need time to study and to do the work. If you manage your time well with school, family and friends you won’t be overwhelmed and stress. You can handle college because you are reasonable and you manage your time well just apply yourself and stay focused.

I know now to take notes in every class, to study those notes before and after class, read the material three or four times, and then pray that I pass my exam. I know now that I am competing against the best of the best, and I have to work hard to stay on top. I know now how much of a hassle the finanical aid department is. I know now that ramen noodles really isn't a balanced diet. I know now how to budget, and thrift stores and store brands aren't that bad. I know now to call home because Mom will start to worry. I know now to not wait until midnight to do laundry because that's when everyone else does laundry. I know now that friends are family, and teachers are mentors. I know now that we don't always get lucky with the roommate we end up with. Everything I know now is because I made mistakes and learned from my experiences. I would choose not to go back in time to talk to myself. I would want myself to learn from experience because experience is the best teacher.

The biggest piece of advice I would give myself would be to develop better study habits before I started college in the fall. Without setting aside the proper time for studying, all the distractions make it almost too easy to fall beyond the point of being able to come back up again. The next piece of advice I'd give myself would be to always watch after myself and to not be so trusting of everyone. When you're on your own away from home and your parents, it's ridiculously easy to find yourself in bad situations with people who just don't care. The last thing I would tell myself is to make sure to ALWAYS make class, even if the teacher doesn't take role. This is so extremely crucial to your grades, and most professors will not help you with missed material if you did not attend class. Being a good student in college takes a lot discipline - it's almost like an art that is sculpted and delicately perfected over the years.

I would tell myself as a high school senior to not sweat the little things. Yes, the whole process of getting to college is stressful and it may feel like everything you do seals your fate in the future; however, know that things can and most likely will change. So just go with the flow, do everything you need to do. Make the good grades, excell in the extracurriculars, and enjoy your senior year. The transition to college is a much smoother one if you go into it with an open mind. Things are scary and new, but that is what makes this the most exciting time of your life. Don't be afraid of the future, rather embrace what is to come and be prepared to learn so much more about the world than what your little ol' high school could ever teach you. Don't forget where you are coming from, but definitely be willing to accept the future change.

In high school everything was easy. Do the work and you will never fail. As a high school senior, I was excited about going to college. I had always had the mind frame that getting into college would be the hard part; once in college, everything would work its self out. Surprise, surprise! I was wrong. Learning in college is not the same as the learning we did in high school. One must actually absord the material instead of just memorizing it. I would tell myself to pay more attention in calculus, because if I had actually understood the concepts instead of memorizing how to work the problem, I would have done better in my first college calculus class. Also, I would tell my self to think of the application of the material in physics and math. In college, they teach you to apply the knowledge you learn to real life problems. I can honestly say that although I already had prior knowledge of some material, I had never thought of how I could use it in the real world. So dear highschool me, please apply the knowledge you are learning to real life prob

I would tell myself that there wasn't any need to feel anxious about social acceptance in college, that every sort of person is important and necessary to the healthy functioning of society and will find people who share their interests if they keep looking. Another lesson I would have liked to have known ahead of time would have been that I didn't need to stress out so much about my ambitions while I was in school because there would be plenty of time to work on those after I had gotten a deep enough education to be able to pursue them in the way I wanted. And that in order to do what you want to do, you have to attend to your physical needs as well as your intellectual ones. Eating on a good schedule is important.

Samantha, Take it slow! You are an intelligent, strong student, but college will be very different; don’t assume you won’t need time to adjust. Be vigilant your first quarter in particular. Attend every class, join study groups, and go to your professor’s office hours. Get your associate’s degree before you go to university. Community college will be less of a shock, makes more sense financially, and having a degree of any type will help you get a better paying job while in school. Use your counselors to make sure your credits transfer as much as possible. Start applying for scholarships early. School is expensive; part time, minimum wage jobs can only help so much. You can be responsible with what little money you have, but every extra dollar is a dollar you can worry less about. And you do need to be responsible with your money. Living at home and having whatever money you make available to spend however you want is a luxury you don’t yet appreciate. Save now, and especially when you move out be as thrifty as possible. You will be awesome! Just stay committed, and appreciate that you have this opportunity.

If I could go back and offer advice to myself as a high school senior the biggest concept I would reiterate in my mind would be absolutely do not procrastinate! Knowing what I do now such as: handling the finances to pay for my education, registering at the right time for the proper classes, as well as finishing and submitting coursework in general; all of these things play a heavy role in college life and this responsibility falls on your own shoulders. Unlike in high school no one is there to constantly hold your hand through your educational journey unless you personally seek out for the guidance; you are reliable for your own actions. In order to prevent the transition from being such a chaotic and shocking experience; I would tell myself to apply early for scholarships, visit different campuses, and talk to admission advisors. By doing all of this ahead of time and seeing how things operated, as senior year came to a close and freshman year rolled around; I would be prepared for what lies ahead.

Hello Heather! College is going to be a BLAST!!!! Take an easy course load the first year. Get some of the general requirements out of the way. No point in trying to audio record your ethics class and listen to the lecture under your pillow while you sleep---it appears your roommate will retain more of that class that way then you will. Econ is NOT an easy subject for you, so be prepared to study for that one. Oh, this one is important....do NOT take a 7:30 am math class that is clear across campus in the middle of the North Dakota winter; you will NEVER go. And of course, the obvious; have as much fun as possible while setting aside a few hours a day to study. I promise, you will NOT die if you read one of your text books. Oh.....and that cute guy you play stand volleyball with, he likes you, so have fun flirting with that one! You don't need to pick a major just to pick one--wait and figure out what classes (major) you tend to be drawn towards.

The advice I would give myself knowing what I now know about college life would be to actually do my work. I would tell myself to try the best I could in every class and everything I do at school. I would tell myself to keep applying for scholarships and keep finding ways to help make it through college. I would keep telling myself I have to push through everything to succeed in the end and that everything will pay off in the future.

College life is very different than that of high school. Getting ued to an independent life, taking care of urself, being motivated to study and being strong is the hardest part when starting college. I would definately advice myself to be learn to be more independent, motivated to study harder, focus on my achievments and also adopt to the different learning environment. The achievments at a University will accompany us for the rest of our life, thus proving purself and achieving the highest goal should be the main focus. I would also advice myself to be more adaptable to changes, be more friendly with and to people and involve myself more socially. College life does builds ud as person and directs our future goal and ambition but High School is the root and we should all make sure that our roots have a very strong and intact base.

I would tell myself to let go. I stressed out over the smallest things in high school. If college has taught me one thing, it is that there is more to life than getting straight A's. Certainly grades are extrememly important, but if it means you gave up the greatest experiences of your life just to scrape out an A, then it isn't worth it. College is all about balance. So, high school self, relax, enjoy yourself, and have a great time.

If I could go back to high school I would definately apply myself more and actually care about my education. In high school I would skip school alot and not participate in anything that was going on in the school. I dropped out of high school in my senior year and finished the next school year which was about six months late from my class. I moved out of my parents house, into my boyfriends house, and got pregnant. I now find myself 31 years old, with 3 wonderful daughters, attending college for the first time. While Im thrilled with my college grades etc, I wish I had applied myself when I was 18 years old. I am now in my 2nd year law enforcement degree, working towards my 4 year degree. Had I done this before I could already have had a career for 10 years . However, late is better than never and I cannot wait to complete my schooling and find a job in the law enforcement field as a police officer or possibly a probation officer. However, my interest in is police work because I want to try and make a difference in peoples lives.

Dear me, Congratulations on making it to your senior year! Before now you have just skated by in school, unfortunately this is not how it will be in college. I want you to realise, that even though you have had trouble in the past you are more than capable of achieving as much if not more than anyone else in your class. Just because you were never called "smart" by anyone else doesnt mean that you can't make amazing grades. If you put the work in, and do the job of teaching yourself the things that you dont catch on to the first time you will be able to do amazing things in and out of the classroom. College will not be all hard work and stress, you will have lots of fun and find what you are truely passionate about. Love, Older Me

I would tell myself to make sure and prepared to juggle many things throughout my day. Between work, school, and extra activities there is simply not enough time in the day if you don't plan your day ahead of time. I would make sure to let myself know to start getting into the routine of planning my days so that I would have to spend my entire first semester stressing out over just getting all my plans together.

Don't second guess or underestimate yourself.

Don't be shy or too afraid of what people will think of you. You can't be scared to try something just because it may not work out, otherwise you won't find anywhere to fit it. Just be yourself and you will find where you belong on campus. It may be hard to find that group that you will feel apart of, but once you find it you will be fine. Don't get discouraged if you don't get into a group that you want to join. If they don't accept you, that's their loss. Again just be yourself, and you'll be alright. Although you'll make a lot of new friends, make sure that you stay on top of your classes. You may not have had to study much in high school, but college really will be a lot of work. If your first semester is easy, don't think you won't have to study in the future. That's why my GPA dropped from a 3.9 to a 3.47 during my sophomore year. You'll have to find the balance between school and friends that works for you.

If I could go back and talk to my 17-year old, nervous wreck self about my first year in college, I would remind myself to relax. I struggled in my first semester of college with grasping for any friendship that showed promise while balancing a workload in my courses that I had never experienced before. I made some incredible friends that first semester, but unfortunately, my grades were a clear indicator of my lack of studying. I think that if I had realized that I didn't have to please everyone - I didn't need to be pledge class social chair AND t-shirt designer AND best pledge - than I would have allowed myself some time to work on things like academics, or just given myself some time to relax every once in a while. All students going in to their first year of college are going to be scared. But realizing that there are thousands of students that are just as nervous as you are can make all the difference.

Simply this: Be who you are. Stay true to your convictions, share your ideas, cultivate your opinions. Help others do the same.

I would tell myself primarily to take summer college courses before entering college. I was considered a "true freshman," that is, coming into college with zero credit hours to transfer. In doing so, i had to bulk up each semester and take classes over the summer sessions to "catch up" even though I was on schedule. I would also tell my high school self to keep strong ties with all my friends either going to the same university or in the same vicinity. It's so important to maintain the friendships so that there will always be someone there you can count on and that knows you from before your life in college.

Given the enormous opportunity, I would offer myself numerous advice, but most importantly I would plead myself to buy a planner and keep track of everything. “Ali, do not try to keep everything in your head no matter how smart you think you are!” Finding out that my five-page minimum mid-term paper, the one that I have not thought about due to my insane physics course, is due in less than a week is absolutely nerve-wrecking. Second, I would order myself, despite my aptitude to memorize effortlessly, to not cram for tests. I may have scored A’s on the first two round of exams, but it became scary when I had to apply the entire year’s material out of a few minutes of memorization. I do not like to admit my faults, but in this situation I could not be any more wrong. I can only imagine the possibility of going back in time to tell myself the things I am too stubborn to realize, it would work miraculous to my education due to the fact that I am a great listener and would take what my experienced-self would have to say to heart.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self to be more responsible and not follow my friends. I would tell myself to stay focused on my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and not let friends take away from my study time.

First, I would tell myself that I made the right choose for going to Texas A&M University. I really enjoy this university. People here are friendly. Professors here care about student. Fish camp is a great opportunity to make friends and learn about school traditions. I will tell myself that I need to be very careful when registrant for classes. Professor does matter. I would also tell myself that do not buy the books from the bookstore, because it is cheaper online. Making friends is also a very important part of my college life. College is not only a place for learning major related knowledge, but it is also a great place for netting the social network for the future.

I would have told myself to attend TAMU right out of college. I went to Texas State University for three semesters and after transferring I wish I would have gone there from the start! Its an amazing school with good people and hard but rewarding classes that make you work. I really love the campus and I would recommend it to anyone.

If I were giving the chance to go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would be glad to amend mistakes. Especially when it comes to money. Tuition at my school is very expensive and sometimes with the financial aid I receive isn't enough. I wished I was like my other friends and did scholarships like crazy. I would have save myself from doing student loans and getting myself in debt.

My advice to myself would be simple. I would love to tell my High School self to listen to my parents. Listening to parents as a high school senior is not easy and I know full well. First, I was a high school senior and I didn't listen to my parents advice. Second, I have a high school senior and he doesn't listen to my advice. Lastly I know it is difficult being a teenager. I'm learning especially know that I have a child of my own. I'm seeing things differently than when I was younger. Teenagers are caught between childhood and adulthood. Teenagers are caught between thinking and not thinking. They think they know everything but have difficulty thinking about responsibility and consequences. In conclusion: I do believe if I could go back in time my high school self would be a better listener to my parents.

I had the goal to become a veterinarian from the time I could talk. I thought there was no other job in the world better than taking care of animals. So like most high school seniors, I thought I knew it all and knew exactly what I wanted to do in college .However, I quickly learned that Veterinary school was not what I wanted after all. I then fell in love with genetics by my junior year and again like most students I changed my mind once again my senior year. I ended up in biomedical sciences and in a job I love but it has nothing to do with being a veterinarian. I wish I could tell myself not to focus on one career goal and look into a variety of opportunities. I spent a lot of time taking classes that in the end did not help me in my career. I would tell myself to enroll into a variety of classes the first year in order to narrow down what I really liked so the next three years I could focus on classes that would benefit me the most in the end.