The University of Tampa Top Questions

I would tell myself to not overthink the decisions I want to make in my life. I have come to realize that every decision I make I overthink it adn at the end I realize that it was all worth it. I would tell high school senior me to go with my instincts and don't underestimate by capabilities because when I set my mind to smething I would not stop until I reach my goal. If I didn't ovethink every decision I plan to take maybe I would achieve my goals faster and easier. Another thing I would tell myself is not to let anyone influence my decisions because they're my decisions and no one can influence my future. Finally I would tell my high school self to enjoy life and never give up on my dreams because she is going to go very far in life and to never let anyone say otehrwise because she is a stong intelligent person that can succeed in everything she put her mind into.

Ha! I would tell myself to get up and get to school on time. Take it more seriously and participate more in student activities. I would also start my college prep early, and attend college right out of high school because the benfits and opportunities are much greater.

Making the transition from life in high school to the life of an independent college student is by no means easy, but that does not mean it has to be unpleasant. Granted I have only been in college for one semester, but I know a lot more about my self now than I did when I lived at home. If I could give my high school self one solid piece of advice to take with her to college: it would be to set her own personal, concrete boundaries. Know your comfort zones, and know how far you would be willing to adventure away from them. When going to college, you will inevitably be put into new situations with people that you really are not that familiar with. You don't have the friends and family that you have always had right by your side telling you what you should, and should not, do in certain situations. Staying true to yourself and what you believe in is extremely important when going to college, and I have learned that this is how to find the true friends that share and support similar values.

One of the main things I regret doing in high school is not looking at enough universities. I only looked at a few schools, decided on one, and did not like it. I found University of Tampa after a couple years of community college, and I love it, but I wish I would have attended here right after I graduated high school. If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would make sure I looked at many different schools. Also, I wish I would have taken more Advanced Placement courses in high school to receive college credit. Another piece of advice I would give my high school senior self is that not knowing what I want to major in right away is perfectly fine. Taking different types of college courses helped in deciding what I wanted to major in.

Get yourself busy and distracted. Work on your homework right away, and study for at least 2 hours a day for a test, and do not wait till last minute to do everything. Procrastionation isn't the right thing to do in college. exercise every day for at east an hour to keep off the freshmen 15, you do not want to have to get bigger pants or look bad in a bikini. And to just enjoy the first year, but work hard at the same time.

Wow that would be awsome if anything like that happens. I always tell my self that if i can go back in time i would have done everything differently. I would mostly tell myself to focus in school, and also participate in extracurricular activies. I mean getting good grades is important but your ability to multitask, and participate in different activities,and doing well at the same time is also as important. Doing this will round you as a student, and build your profile. English isn't my first language, therefore my ability to speak clearly and write well is an obsacle of my. I have been made fun of the way i speak, so that killed my confident. But that shouldn't have stop me, one who want to succeed in life must overcome their obsacle. Another thing is i would have taking advantage of my counselor. I would have bothered her about college, the do's and dont's, and the qualifications to enroll in a good college. But its not to late for me to get on the right track, this year as a college freshman i will do my best, focus, and do my reasearch.

If I could go back in time and give my senior self advice, I would tell myself that grades really do matter and so does your GPA when it comes to college. Right now my grades are so low because I started slacking my senior year and now since I'm in college I would love to just go back and fix my grades.

I would give myself the advice to be more diciplined in my school work, because in high school I procrastinated a lot. I did most of my assignments the night before it was due. I also did not respect deadlines sometimes and make some random excuse to turn in it later. However in college this is no longer acceptable. You have to turn in your work on time and you can most certainly not do everything at the last second. The assignments are much harder in college and they take much more time to complete than they did in high school. My high school teachers have helped me to the best of their ability to prepare me for college life and I am grateful for that. The only difficulty I am expriencing in college is completing my work on time. I manage to do it but it takes much more dicipline then it did in high school.

Some of the advice I'd give myself would include staying focused. Being a senior, its very easy to get distracted and off track. I would also advise myself to put my best foot forward and be as active as possible even though its my last year in high school. Being a part of the school clubs makes it a lot easier to want to join some in college.

I would tell myself: Go to college right after high school. Don't be in such a rush to be in the real world. play hard but work even harder. Build a better relationship with God because things will get rough. Surround yourself with positive people who want the best out of life. Always remember to keep your head up, stay strong, and have faith.

Dear Younger and more beautiful self, Do not fear your college transition, you'll be fine. Link up with the right people who share your views and have the appropriate balance of work and social time. DO NOT stay up untill 5 a.m everyday, unless you are up studying. You dont want to sleep your days away and be up all night. Insomnia is REAL. Don't be afraid to explore your new surroundings and before you leave home force your parents to buy you a car! Walking while others drive is miserable. Join as many clubs as possible. That is the quickest way to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. Diversify your life. People from different perspectives can teach you a lot. Dive into their culture while maintaining and teaching them your own. Think hard about what exactly interest you, its okay to change majors once, but at a point being so indecisive effects how long you will be in school. Construct a plan and follow it to your best ability. Last but DEFINITELY not least, remember to have loads of fun. After college the real world smacks you and all the freedom and free food disappears.

Stay in school. College is not going to be easy. College is not a place to be playing around with your future. College is not about being the life of the party, it's about getting a degree. Work hard, don't be afraid of the library, don't be afraid to get help, don't be afraid to put other aspects of life on hold so that you can accomplish your goal of getting a college degree. Enjoy every step of the way. Be grateful that you are there. Be grateful that you have the opportunity to be in school. Be grateful for what you have. Be better than, "good enough."

Hello, Jess. I don't have much time but I am here to give you advice on your future college life. I know you've recently had your heart broken and to tell you the truth, you're going to have it broken a few more times. Don't let anyone control your life or make you so upset to the point where your grades suffer. No guy is worth throwing your future away. Attend community college for two years before transferring to UT. Believe it or not, you're going to be more upset with the debt you have than you would have been sticking it out at HCC. College is a lonely ride sometimes. Don't get distressed. One day, you'll see that the people who are there for you are the ones who have always been there. And don't freak out about your body in November 2009. Being six pounds heavier than you used to be isn't worth your health in the future. Exercise instead. You have people who love you, if you remember that you're going to be fine. I have to go now, but I'll see you in the mirror.

I would tell my high school self to step up my studies and practising. College is more challenging than I expected then. I would bring my sheet music to the hospital with me when I went for infusions. I would have told myself that this disease will not kill me and I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I would tell myself to fight just that little bit harder against my Lupus and kidney disease because I can do it.

Karsten I know you are worried about all of the choices you are about to make but do not worry too much. You will handle moving from Germany to the United States and even though your parents are back in Germany you will do just fine. The friends you will make in your freshman year will help you get through the hard times, and you will do the same for them. Classes will be great and your professors are informative and will help you when you need them. I know you are worried about the fact that you are still learning english and have only been speaking it for about 4 years. Do not worry about that there are many other students you will meet that have that same problem. You will even meet other people from throughout Germany at your university. Just focus on what lies ahead and remember that you can do anything you set your mind to do. You will go on to accomplish great things in your senior year. Just remember where you came from and the obstacles you had to overcome. Lastly do not forget only you determine how far you go in life.

I would tell myself to try harder in school, not be as lazy, and be more active in life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take my senior year more seriously. I would tell myself to take the SAT's more seriously to make getting into college easier. I would also tell myself to ask questions when I went to visit colleges. Visiting colleges could be a little overwhelming so the more you ask the more you know and that will make the transition easier. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy my first year. I would tell myself not to overload on classes so much that I do not have a chance to enjoy the things that make my college great. I would tell myself to get out and enjoy the sporting events and to try to join groups to help meet people. In conclusion, I feel that this advice would greatly help my transition from high school to college which would ultimatly make my life easier today.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to stay true who I am and what I want. I've always known what my dreams are, but I lost my morals along the way and now I am finally getting them back. I would tell myself to not worry about being popular, just be myself and have fun because popularity doesn't matter in college, grades and experience do. I would also tell myself to cherish high school, because I spent too much time trying to get out, and now I miss it and how much easier it was. I would tell myself to make time for my family, because 4 monthes away from them is a lot longer than it seems. The last thing I would tell myself woud be to live in the moment, because theres no way to get time back and life is full of amazing people and opportunites, all you have to do is open your eyes.

You're going to do alright, just try to keep your schedual straight, you'll bother less people.

I would tell myself Kaitlyn, these are going to be the best four years of your life; you have the rest of your life to worry about money and working so enjoy yourself now. If you're homesick remember Mommy, Daddy, Maria and Shannan are never more than a phone call away and they are all so proud of you for making it on your own so far from home. But don't go home every chance you get, home will always be there college wont. Make as many friends as possible, you are all in the same boat as freshmen away from home for the first time. Value the friends you make here because unlike high school the friends you make here will truly be your friends for life. Work hard but play harder that's what college is all about. Always stay true to who you are. But most importantly, know that whatever comes your way you can do this and you'll be a better person because of it.

I would have told myself to pretty much do the same thing i did. i looked at different colleges and choose the one that i thought was the best for me.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would explain essential information so I wouldn't stress as much if my first year. I would explain the whole credit and hours ordeal to myself so understanding would be much easier and smoother. Organization and having a schedule would be the best advice I could give myself. If I organize my day I will get through it much easier and have more time on my hands for studying, extracurricular activities and personal time. Also, another piece of advice would be to stay aways from bad friendships and try to be with people who will let me grow as a person, not undermine my values. Most important of all, I would reassure myself that everything will be ok in college because I know how nervous I was about the university as a high school senior.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to not be so afraid and embrace the changes that are coming. I would tell myself that I'll miss home, but I can't dwell on it and to go out and make new friends; be proactive. Take that first week and find new people to hang out with, because you're going to meet some really great people who will be there for you when you need them most. I would tell myself that donating blood is great, but eat first and don't go an hour before class, because you'll probably end up being late the first day. I would also tell myself that reading the text book in all of my classes is a FANTASTIC idea and that I need to set aside some time each night to read at least a little bit. Oh, and don't be scared when you don't get A's on everything, it's ok. Life will go on and you'll still do great. Relax. Breathe. Go to the beach. Have friends and laugh often. Good Luck.

Dear Tatyana of 2010, I am a little older and wiser now that I have completed my first year of college. With this advantage, I would like to advise you to explore all of your career options and possible majors, so that you can go into college with a declared major. This way you will not be catching up next summer when you finally decided on a major in the middle of the school year. Also, it is not necessary to go to all of the parties the first week of college. If you do, the next two months will be spent sleeping in the library getting your 3.7 GPA. Last but not least, do not be so homesick. Yes, you are going to miss your family and friends, but do not worry. You are going to make life long friends in the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, your roommate will become your best friend, and you will end up loving college.

I found every minute of my first year at college to be so enjoyable. Yes there was a lot of work and reading, but something was just different for me from high school. I felt more comfortable with who I was and I was far less stressed than I had been only a year earlier. Now, having this knowledge, the biggest things I wish I could tell myself as a high school senior would be don't sweat the small things and enjoy your life in the moment. I was always very worried and stressed out about my schoolwork in high school. I wanted the best grades, the best class ranking, and the best quality of work to ensure that I would be ready for college. I was in fact overprepared in a way. I wish I would have had more confidence in my schoolwork so as not to stress about it so that I could truely enjoy every bit of my senior year. Reducing the anxiety that I had would have allowed me to finish my senior year with a bang knowing that my transition to college would be a breeze and that I could enjoy every moment.

I would tell myself to not care so much what others think of you. Don't push so hard to make friends, but let them come to you. Focus harder on school and avoid distractions. Always read instructions to to assignments and exams very carefully as to avoid any careless errors. Finally I would tell myself it's not about how much money or material pocessions one has, but how a person takes a bad situation and can turn it into a good one.

I would of most definitely worked harder and looked into scholarships and other ways to help my parents in paying for my education. I did not realize the sacrifice they make to be sure my brother and I get an education. I would have worked harder my junior and senior years to put some funds away for school. I also would have listened and took a better interest in all the programs and applications I could have completed to help with funding. Never in my life did I think it would be so expensive. If I could go back to high school as a senior, I would take a much more mature approach to my future and not think like all kids do that everyone goes to college and it's just what we kids do. No big deal, mom and dad can afford it. I have a great appreciation for budgeting now and learning to live within my means. High School students need to learn more about college life from a real prospective of studies, costs, and living away from home. It's not all a party.

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior I would tell myself to work as much as I could during the summer so I could devote more time to my studies during the school year. Also take a few more courses in high school that I was going to have to take in college or even help me along the way. Then I would tell myself that studying is a have to not a choice, and that I am very capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to and to always rememeber that.

Laura, when you are nearing the end of highschool it will be very important to apply to every college you really want to attend. But, first find out as much about them as you can. Visit them if you have the opportunity as well as speak with students presently attending and alumni to make sure the college you choose is the best fit for YOU. Find out exactly how much financial aid you will be awarded and get this in writing. Don't wait 23 yrs. to do this like I did, go straight to college after high school so you can be in the career you choose and have the stamina to keep up with everything. There will be plenty of time later in life to go in another direction if you are not happy where you are. School is so much harder when you wait and you are competeing with younger students for EVERYTHING. Make sure the college you choose supports their students in all aspects and provides help when needed. Finding the right school will help make the transition easier and you will be glad you followed my advice. Don't make the same mistakes I did.

Hello past self. Don't worry, college is not going to be nearly as stressful as you think. However, you still need to focus on getting your work done as soon as it is handed to you, otherwise the work will rapidly pile up and overwhelm you. You need to think of college as the real world, like a 9 to 5 job, and use that time to get work done when you are not in class. Take college one step at a time and no matter how confusing it may be or how big the assignment is, you will get through it. Work hard and you will succeed. Also, do not stay up too late. Sleep is important and having class when you are half asleep is miserable. Lastly, make good friends with whom you can work together and have fun with. College can be hectic, and you need to takes breaks with friends or have some alone time to relax. If you take small breaks or even a quick nap and get your thoughts in order, your work will be better and you will be able to focus more. Good luck with college, and don't stress!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as I high school senior, the only thing I would want to let me know is that high school is not the most important time in my life. Acedemically important yes, socially no. I thought that being accepted by the "in crowd" was all I needed in my life, I thought there was nothing else but high school at that time. Looking back I realize noe that it was only a small fraction. I would tell myself to study hard, stay focused and stay true to myself at all times. I would be sure to have had colleges lined up, and worked hard to get a bright futures scholarship.

At the University of Tampa my desire to reach my goals is constantly renewed. The obstacles that I face while trying to continue my education are minimized when I am on the beautiful campus. I am encouraged by the helpful administration, acclaimed professors, and friendly classmates. From my first day of class I felt excitement and peace of mind at the same time, knowing that I was in the right place. The University of Tampa truely makes me hunger for a neverending education.

I have been given so many opportunities along with great friendships that I plan to hold on after I graduate. Attending The University of Tampa I have been given many skills to succeed in the real world along with great advice given by my intelectual professors. The tools taught to me along with the one on one student teacher contact has given me an advantage most schools don't have. The small campus and classrooms give me the feeling of a family environment. Going to college and experiencing such a diverse environemnt has open my mind to new ideas as well as taought me new things about society. All these experiences will be useful after I graduate and I plan to use everything taught to me to better myself as a person in society as well as teach others.

My mom always said that it would be a waste if I did not go to college. “Your to smart not to go. The economy is bad out here and you need all the education you can get. Stay in school. Don’t let distractions and interruptions stray you from your goals. Get you a good career and job.” I plan to live my life in the most positive way and has college has given me that opportunity. It is only my freshman year in undergraduate school, but I have accomplished many things. I joined Black Student Union, UT Democrats, PEACE Club, Netball and American Chemistry Society. I have the best out of state experience. College is a valuable decision because it opens many doors. It is a shame for a young person to waste their time at a minimum wage job when they are more capable of attending a college or university. There are many options and it is never the to late to go to college. I was fortunate to go right after high school and I plan to go all the way towards my Ph.D.

My college experience has provided me with a self confidence that I did not have prior. The University of Tampa taught me that I can achieve even the wildest of dreams, simply by being myself. The first couple of years at UT I struggled with finding who I was and even got myself into trouble a few times; but with the support of the faculty as well as my peers I was able to climb out of the hole I had begun to dig. I can not express in words the appreciation I feel towards the University; however, also thanks to UT I am able to express these emotions and others through my art work. The value of education is without a price tag, but can be seen in the achievements I have made since.

The fact I was unable to go to the school I was planning on going to was a shock to me. Some family events happened last minunte which caused me to go to the school I am at now. To be honest, I love it. I would prefer a bigger school, but Georgia Highlands College is not too big, yet not too small. I am involved with the students, and I work in the college bookstore so I have met many people who attend this college. When it comes down to it, college is what you make of it, and I decided to be positive and this is why I think I have had a great experience so far.

I have gotten so much out of my short year and a half of college experience so far at the University of Tampa. I have been provided with information and opportunities I never imagined, I have learned so much, and I have grown as a person. I moved thirteen hundred miles away from home to attend The University of Tampa, and while I was scared in the beginning, I quickly found my unique niche in the school and have made many friends that will last me my entire lifetime. I have so many memories already, and so many friends that I am wildly thankful for. Not only has this University improved me educationally, but it has also given me the chance to redefine myself, to find out who I am and who I want to be, as well as the type of people I want to surround myself with, and what I want to do with my life. It has been so valuable to attend for many reasons, academically, socially, and culturally. I have learned many valuable lessons and I have had alot of fun while doing so; I will never forget the memories I have made at my school.

My college experience has broadened my view of the world and how others precieve it. I have had to acustom myself to be prepared for all types of opinions, which has allowed me to become very accepting. College has also taught me the value of hard work and the financial challenges that arise in life. My parents have sacrificed an incredible amount just to see me at the school of my dreams. This past semester has opened my eyes to the realities of becoming an adult and allowed me to explore my own future.

I have not only learned a lot about myself as a person but I have gained valuable social skills. I have also been fortunate to play a collegiate sport at both the University of Central Florida and the University of Tampa.

So far I have recieved a great experience, I had the best college english teacher ever, she really understood me and helped me reach my goals. I am going to attend a four year college next semester to major in education, and it is all because of my english teacher. Now i can't wait to continue on my college journey gaining even more awesome experiences.

My college experience is not exactly the same as high school. College is like a ladder you are on top and almost getting there to success and by the time you are learning new things you thought you were not ever to learn in your life. College has a great impact in my life, but at the same time I still can not believe I am in school while everyone thought i was never going to even graduate from high school. I have learned you do not need anyone but believe in yourself and that is what really counts in life. Life is not easy, so keep on going living from life and enjoy it in college.

i haven't got any thing out of it yet because i have not staerd class yet i sart on the 22nd of Nov. 2010

As a student at Legacy Early College High School, I have been attending college classes at Temple College in Taylor, Texas since my freshman year of high school. Being fourteen in the midst of twenty and fourty - year olds has made a tremendous difference in my brief educational experience. I value the views and life struggles of these fellow students, in that they have taught me many things. Be it through the words of encouragement before an exam, or during a speech in class, or even the tears streaming down their faces as they celebrate their triumphs in life. Although I sacrificed the traditional high school experience, I will always embrace my own unique experience within the walls of the Temple College classrooms in small town Taylor, Texas. Thank You.

I have learned not to procrastinate and it helps me to be on time for deadlines.

So far i've made some really great friends! I have also learned quite a bit about myself for classes like psychology and the information will be applied to my life, which will be very beneficial. i know that I will continue to learn so many things and I will gain a great career out of my college experience! I would recomend that everyone attends college because college is so vital to become successful in life! Its also valuable because you learn new things to help yourself and others function in life and succeed in life! I love college and I know it will help me reach my dreams as long as I put effort into my education with determination and persevierence. I think everyone should want to recieve an education and try hard to get there!

College teaches you how to manage your time. It is necessary to be wise about how many classes you take, how much time during the day you have to study. Always be prepared and expect the unexpected. It is valuable to attend each class and be very weary of managing your time. I love the college experience it really makes you grow as a person.

There are many things that I have gotten out of my college experience, but to me the most important and valuable thing is a sence of guidance and direction for my future. I discovered the path that i want to take in my life to have a better future, and learned that if i am determined nothing can stand between me and my goal.

out of my college expierence i've gotten motivation. when i was younger and told everybody i want to be a pediatrician they all kind of gave me this wierd look. as i went through high school i was falling off track but now with college i've been working hard to keep good grades and i do it on my own without people having to push me to do these things.

My first year of college opened a window into my soul. I realized who I really was inside when I had to live on my own, far away from the influence of my family and friends. I learned to make decisions based solely on what I wanted to do, and in truth, it turned out to be far more difficult than I had imagined. In fact, it wasn't even the big decisions that would baffle me--it was simple questions like, "Would you like to go to A or B tonight?" or “Should I get another $20 out of the ATM?” These questions weren’t rocket science, but usually they were decisions that would either be made for me by circumstance or my parents. A valuable skill I cultivated in just one year of college has been the ability to manage the overwhelming stream of opportunity presented before me. I also discovered something even greater than my activity juggling skills: I discovered an iron will. I was able to stay true to myself and make decisions that coincided with who I am inside. College started my road to self-discovery, and this was the most rewarding experience of all.

Going to college has been a very rewarding experience. My first year I attended an out of state school, in a place where I had no family or friends. I had to make my own life and be an adult. Though it was difficult at first I really started to grow. I had always been dependent on my parents, but being away ay college showed me that I could now do everything on my own. I have always been independent but leaned on my parents for advise; going away to school helped me become the mature adult that I am today. My college experience showed me that I can do anything, that no obsticle is an issue, and even though you have to ask for help sometimes. Asking for help is a strong point for anyone because you are determined to succeed at all costs.