The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Top Questions

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

Alyssa

Dear high school self, Please try not to stress out so much about college. High school prepared you well, so you will do fine. Also, do not forget to stop and make friends. Life is not enjoyable with out others to share it with. You will miss your parents in college, now matter how much you hate living with them now. Make sure to call them every once and awhile to check up on how things are going. Finally, don't forget to live life to the fullest and make every moment count of your college career. Love, your college self.

Lanise

As a non-traditional student, I would go back and tell myself, to attend college as soon as you finish high school. Do not take any breaks. Finish while you are young and free from bills, etc. Attending in your 30s is very hard. You feel out of place and you don't fit in. Universities are setup for young adults, not a nontraditional, which is why attending college after high school graduation should be a top priority. There is nothing more important. Make good grades because it affects your financial aid, your gpa and it slows down your chances of graduating in time. Your grades depend on your work ethic. Do well. Take any opportunity you can in college because it prepares you for a bright future. Network and get involved in campus activities that interest you. Learn something new. Don't complain, the hassle for the tassle is worth it. Whatever you do, do not give up. You can do it.

Ranisha

The first thing I would tell myself about transiting to college would be, "don't schedule early morning classes because you won't want to go". Which is completely true, I don't like to get up at six o'clock in the morning to go to a seven am or eight am class. Not many people want to, and I wouldn't go to class. The second thng I would tell myself, when you finally get to college. Don't play around, get your work done, make sure your grades are up, and then worry about getting a job. With good grades comes money, but without good grades you won't have any money. So focus on school before anything else.

Aubrian

If I could go back to my high school self, I would notify self that in order to succeed in life, you must be present in the moment. I once read a quote that said, "90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of life is showing up." Metaphoricallym, I would relay this message to my younger self by inofmring him to take more advantages of his opportunities and reach out for scholarships. However, my present-day self is at a better place because I was able to find this scholarship application through Scholly, an app that was successfully pitched and invested for on Shark Tank. Back to my younger self though, I want him to know that it's okay to not worry so much because your future and destiny has a way of working itself out. Having ben heavily involved in the classroom my senior year of high school, I would have loved to have been more involved in organizations and making a difference in at least one persons life. To this day, I think the greatest gift is making a positive impact on someones life and I would have loved to have started that at a younger age.

Erica

If I could go back in time and give my highschool senior self any advice about college, it would be only a few things. "First, enroll in smaller classes. The college of business and other math and science classes are huge and I don't want you to become a "face in the crowd." You are an exceptional young woman with a lot to offer this world and attending smaller classes to nurture your intellect is best for you. You will be able to speak with your instructors with no problem and class assignments will not get lost as easily as it would in a big pile. Also, if you are thinking about gettting your MBA, you should start studying for you GMAT or GRE exams around your junior year of college. UTC does not prepare its undergrad students for those exams. The classes offered are expensive and offered by other organizations. Third, continue utilizing those great study habits you have. You are hitting the ground running by leaving your highschool as Valedictorian, do not lose that momentum. Most importantly, stay focused with your studies, never abandon your dreams, and continue to take care of your family."

Helen

This is the best that your world has to offer, embrace it. Don't be so afraid of the culture, take the difficult classes and ask more questions. This is your gift to you, education is very important and no one can do it for you. Your mom and dad may not understand but you do. Rmemeber that you are paying for this and like other things you devote your money to, you are allowed to question what you are taught and if you feel it is not what it should be then do your reserach and prove your point. This is what you make of it and not what it makes of you.

Athene

Dear High School Self, First and foremost, don’t be afraid. You may not know it yet, but you will enjoy college life way more than your high school years. From the very first day that you step onto that college campus you will see the difference. You will excel since that first day. You will be able to see how much better it is to be treated as a grown-up who is allowed to make decisions. People will not bully you. Instead they will be friendly and understanding. The professors will also be there to help you as well. Along with that, they will be able to open a new world of wisdom and knowledge that no high school teacher ever showed you. So be brave in high school, because after those last few moments and past your graduation, you will see how life can only keep getting better. Sincerely, Your Future Self.

Cody

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible, you're going to need the money. Then I would tell myself to avoid eating out more than once a week and to save as much money as possible. Then I would probably go on a bit of a rant towards my younger self, saying things like, "If you can rent a textbook instead of buying it, do it. Go greek, it's awesome. Don't let yourself procrastinate over school work. Study first, then party if you want to. Don't get those two mixed up. Use the library, it will help you more than you may think. Don't live too far away from campus, you're going to hate that drive everyday and sometimes twice a day. Don't let the gas gauge get anywhere near empty because it's really hard to find someone with a gas can two hours from home. Don't drink and drive, it never has and never will be worth it. Don't get embarrased over anything, just be yourself. And most importantly, have fun with everything you do because you only get to experience college once."

Jordan

There are two main things I would give myself advise on if I could talk to my highschool self. The first thing would be to take dual enrollment courses before I graduate. I opted out of taking them and didn't realize how beneficial they would have been. If I would have taken them I could have seen what a college course was like and be more prepared. It would have also given me more credit hours. Since the time you get to register for classes depends on your credit hours this would have helped me not to miss out on some of the classes I wanted that were filled before I could sign up. I had to take some classes during a later semester which put me behind on my graduation plan. Another piece of advise I would give myself is to make a study plan and stick to it. I would often push off studying to hang out with friends, and then later I would end up without time to study. My grades could have been much better if I would have stayed focused and committed.

Molly

Always read ahead for your classes in order to stay on top of things. Even though college may seem more lax than highschool, especially freshman year, keep in mind that the grades you make in college determine either your graduate school or career. You're building your life with your grades for four years, so make sure to keep them up. Also, get involved in the school and community in order to begin making a name for yourself. That way, when you're out in the "real world," you have plenty of references and experience to make yourself a viable choice for an open job position. Even with all these committments and stressors, still make time for fun and relaxation as well. If one thing is bound to drive you crazy in college, it's over-loading yourself with time committments and not having the time to unwind now and then.

katelyn

As a senior i was obsorbed in the here and now. I was more concired about my dance team than what school i wanted to go to, or more focused on my chior performances than i was on what major i wanted to go into. Although my grades were always important to me and i always kept a high gpa i never took classes that would push me and perpare me for college. After my first semester without any finacail aid and little perporation, i had a rude awakening to what i know had to do to catch up. If i could go back and give myself advice i would make sure that i realize then the importance of perparing for college finacailly and metally. Another thing i wold want to tell myself is to make sure i make choices that are important to me. If i go to college becuse my parents want me to i am less likely to be successful than if i make the choice myslef. The last thing i would tell myslef is to not be a follower, you are your own person so do something for yourself.

Alfred

A lot can happen in a year. Now four years removed from high school, I've learned a lot about college life and life itself. If i was telling myself about college life, I'd say not to freak out. College is the same as high school. The workload is a tad more, but the overall experience isn't different. The freedom is a stress relaxor and time is more available. I would tell myself to take more liberal arts classes right off the start. Stick with the one online class I took that I figured was worth dropping. My choice to double major was a late decison and could have helped when I only took three classes for two semesters. The extra four classes could move my graduation date up by a semester or so. Above all I would tell myself to continue on my path. Every question that pops up and forces me to stress or worry is just a stepping stone. Never quit on anything. You're mind and creativity will propell you farther than you thought. Don't overthink things.

Rodney

I woud tell myself to not be so nervous about college and not to be afraid to apply. I would also tell myself to try not to slack off as much and don't do anything to get into trouble. I also would tell him to try to seriously apply to as many scholarships as you can and get a job to save some money for the future.

Christine

Hey Self, I know that everything is scary right now. You are moving away from home, you are starting college, and finally you are becoming an adult! Just calm down. This huge transition is something that you will get used to fast. One thing that you need to do is get out of your dorm room! There is so much that you can go and do. Go to the many different RA activates, they are a lot of fun and you will meet many different people. Take it from me, spending the whole first semester in your dorm room get boring and lonely. A second thing that you need to do is to join in clubs. There are so many different clubs on campus that you can join, as well as joining in the Student Government. Joining in these activities will help immensely with the homesick. Yes, you will miss mom and dad, and even Spike, but being active takes away from that. A final tip I would give you for your transition to college life, is to get to know your professors. They are all very nice and enjoy having you come visit them. So do it! Sincerely, Me

Kelle

I would say to self, "You do not have it all figured out like you think you do!" I remember back in high school I had this plan. Graduate high school, go to college, graduate college, and start my career. I did not seem to pay too much attention to all those little details inbetween. Details such as changing my major for the fifth time, or working 2 part-time jobs, or having to live off-campus. All these things we not planned, but my end destination still remains the same; to have a career where I make a difference. I never thought I would be where I am now. Life does not seem to get easier as I strive to graduate college and start my career, but then again...I have always liked a challenge.

Zach

"Hey, Zach. I'm you from the future. Congratulations on making it to your senior year at Davidson Academy. You've got a bright future ahead of you, but I'm here to help you out and save you a lot of grief. Firstly, stop chasing girls. You are in high school. Enjoy all of your friends right now. When you get to college, there will be plenty of girls that will be drooling over you. Be patient. You should see your girlfriend now!! That brings me to my second point. Spend as much time with your friends as possible. This is the time to mold strong friendships that will benefit you in college and throughout your life. When the stress of three papers and two exams during finals week becomes too much, you will be turning to those friends for comfort. With my final words of advice, I tell you this. Open your mind! You are no longer protected by the bubble that was your private high school. You will encounter people of different races, languages, sexual orientations, etc. When you are closed-minded, you only limit your opportunities for growth. I must go now. Good luck!"

Alix

Hey wake up! Go to IB Biology, read that IB History chapter, write that poem for IB English, this is just one year and you will make it through it just fine. It seems hard now? It’s not, these teachers care whether you fail or succeed, next year you can not show up to any class and your professors won’t care. You will be completely on your own, something you aren’t used to, but guess what. You’ll survive that too! Stay focused, buy a couple of Rockstars, and know that you ARE strong enough to make it through. There are going to be lots of times where you just break down and cry, and that’s okay just get back up and continue up. It’s true when they say that the first time is the hardest, first time buying books, first time without parents, first time having to write down notes so fast that you swear your hand is going to fall of (hint: record your lectures.) What do I have to say for that? Oh well. You survived IB in high school and now you will survive this like a pro.

Kirstie

If I could go back in time, to when I was a senior in high school, and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself how to handle the challenges I will be faced with in many different ways than ever before. By this, I am referring to one of life's most important aspects, which is morals and values. I would tell myself that it is reasonable to experience new things, but not to get carried away or forget about the morals by setting boundaries. Another challenge I would warn myself about is the procrastination. This is because in college, my mom and dad aren't around to tell me when to do my homework anymore, when I need to study, or when I can hang out with friends. This is crucial when understanding how to manage my time wisely. Lastly, I would tell myself that I should have a good time while I'm in college, but also stay focused and make my school work come first. I would encourage getting involved with activities on campus where I could meet new people and step out of my comfort zone.

Alex

DO NOT become lazy in your high school senior year. You need to get a jump on things ahead of time. You would probably be a lot richer and better off if you do not slack the last year.

Terica

It would awesome to have the opportunity to go back in time and give my "high school senior self" some advice about college! I would definitely begin by congratulating myself for all of my hard work and achievements made thus far. However, I would also tell myself that the hard work had to continue and that senior year of high school was not the time to be in "relaxation mode." I would tell myself to be sure to fill out as many scholarship applications as possible, and to retake the ACT because I could be a point away from a scholarship. I would also tell myself to think of types organizations and ways to stay active and involved on campus. Lastly, I would tell myself to continue to have such outstanding self discipline because it most definitely would come in handy in college. I'd tell myself to enjoy high school and not to rush through life. Talking to my self as a high school senior would be nice, but overall I am happy with the way my college life has turned out so far!

Taylor

Looking back, I would tell my stressed out self to take a deep breath and that life moves on. What feels like an eternity now will soon fly by faster than the blink of an eye, so enjoy it. I know you're having a difficult time with your group of friends, but you're going to join four different organizations in which you will meet wonderful new people who will become your new best friends and will love you for who YOU are! Your journey academically will be hard and challenging, but you are a strong young women who has been through so much already and can get through so much more. Daniel will love you more than ever and understand that you are the women he needs in his life, so stop worrying about him. Momma gets better with time so listen to her, trust me. You can make it to graduation, and when you do you'll feel yourself take that next step in your life. Believe and have faith in yourself and try to look at things day by day because that is what is going to get you through these next four years.

Jeddah

Be prepared. High school somewhat prepares you yours senior year however, you are still living at home where parents & teachers are reminding you of the things that need to be done. For example did you get your work completed or you have so many days until you have to turn an assignment in. In college you are pretty much on your own. You have to make sure your up to date on your emails from your professors because they are not going to remind you and oh yeah your mom is not there to pick up behind you.

Marybeth

i think that when I was a high school senior I thought that I was preparred and ready for college but being here for almost a year now I realize that nothing can prepare you for this journey. I now realize how much I relied on my parents and the comfort that I had at home. I think I was in denile about leaving my friends and family all behind to start somewhere new where no one knew me. Deep down inside I was afraid I would lose my best friends from home because I had moved away and didn't see them on a regular basis. I now see and know that tis has made us stronger and better friends because when we see each other we appreciate the time we spend together more than ever. I am glad that I will always have the support of them and my family.

Lindsay

Well Lindsay you are about to encounter one of the biggest endevors you will ever come across in your life. College is an amazing experience and to tell you the truth so far you are handling it to the best of your ability. Please though, make sure you get involved with activities early in the year. It helps you to get involved and meet people that have the same intrests as you. Also take advantage of all of the opportunities your University offers you such as tutoring, the writing lab, and the counseling center. It will help you more than what you think it will. The main thing though is keep your priorities straight. You have done really well during your first semester, just have fun and enjoy your time here. Life is too short to live with regrets. Live these years to your fullest and study study study.

Chelsea

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to settle on a college just because it was convienent. I would make sure i checked out all of my options and applied for all the finacial aid would advise myself that the cheapest college is not nessicarily the only option. There are amazing colleges with the exact dregee i want. Dont waste your time and money at a college that you are going to hate and untimately wont get you any closer to acoplishing the goals you have set.

Maureen

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would definitely tell myself to stop worrying about college so much and have fun with my current friends. Being so worried about deadlines and grades stopped me from enjoying the moment, and I definitely missed out. I should have spent more time doing things like working on my art or learning guitar like I've always wanted. I see now that I didn't need to freak out about making friends or the workload. My advice would be to calm down, have fun, and let the chips fall where they may.

Dylan

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I don't think I can say I would totally advise against the path I took. In fact, if I had the chance to go back in time, I might just walk past my senior self. Yes, there are somethings I wish I'd known, however, if I didn't experience it myself, the knowledge would be useless. I've thought of what I'd do differently so many times, but now that I am being asked to write down "what I'd do differently", I can't really say I would do anything different. I don't believe I'd appreciate life the way I do today without the trials I've experienced. If I was forced to sit down with Dylan Sapanza, the high school senior, all I would have to say is, "You live, and learn. "

Holly

Dear Me, Stop panicking and breathe. I know that you're in your last year of high school and big, life-changing steps are ahead of you. Remember, college is about you and your future, not anyone else's. Don't let anyone tell you you need to choose a major right now, I still don't even know what I'm doing half the time. Don't let anyone stress you out. After being in college for five straight years now, I know stress and it wasn't until recently that our parents got off our back about choosing some high-classed major that we can't handle. College is supposed to be the best years of your life, but stressing over every detail is going to cause you to miss those good times. Be who you are... not what others want you to be. Breathe and stop worrying about the future. Do what you want to do so you can actually enjoy life. Stressing over school and the future will take away the present. I know it's hard to hear, but what happens will happen. Be who you're meant to be, be the unexpected. -Future You

Nicolette

Nicolette, you really need to make friends and come out of your shell. You need friends to survive that on campus experience. With that being said, get involved! Dont be shy, it may be difficult at first but in the long run you will regret it for years to come. Also, focus on your classes. Make sure you are doing all of your work and asking questions because your grades will become highly affected and you have a tendency to give up once you start struggling. Finally, be nice to everyone. Having friends and making connections in college is crucial to your future. Alot of the people you will meet will impact your life in ways you could never imagine!

Natalie

Pay attention in high school. Do not listen to all the older kids who said school does not matter until you reach junior year. They were idiots! Your gpa is one of the most important things during school. Once it goes down it is hard to build it back up, so pay attention, do the work, ask questions if you do not understand, and keep your gpa at least above a 2.0. Do not try and party with your friends if you know you have a test next week that you're concerned about. Parties will always be happening but you really only get one shot at passing a test. You do not always get a second chance. Transitioning into college is hard because you are in a new place but you are not alone. There are hundreds of other kids just like you who are scared and confused so you might as well be scared and confused together. It is scary being so far from home and on your own, but know that your family has your back no matter what, and when ever you want to come home and visit the door is always open.

Marcos

I moved from Chicago to Tennessee at age twelve. Not only was it a complete culture shock but they were well ahead of my educational level. Due to my inability to adjust properly I lost interest in school cheated my way through my education. So what would I say to myself? “Marcos, you did yourself a disservice cheating all those years. Not only will you have to learn new information but you will also be catching up. When you speak to adults you will feel dumb because you don’t know what they're saying, but don’t let that discourage you. There will be classes you may think are not important but they are. Give yourself the time to catch up and learn the new information and with time it will all come together and you will have the power to achieve all those dreams inside your mind. You are going to think you don’t need school but don’t do yourself another disservice and drop out or you’ll learn the lessons the hard way and find yourself back in school in your mid thirties after overcoming the hell of feeling like a complete loser.”

Rodeseai

take summer school meet as many people as you can and dont be afraid you only have one life to live

Lyndy

In my Sophomore year at St. Cloud High School I had a 4.0. My last two years of High School I Dual Enrolled with Valencia Community College to knock out college while it was free. I got a couple C's and a programming class that I didn't have time for, and failed, and my GPA dropped permanently. My high school GPA turned out to be a 3.66. High School gives you second chances, but in College, they don't. Even if you have a slight chance, you will have to work and grovel and MAYBE they will consider you out of the pool of groveling students. Even at a 3.75 GPA, I would have had a full ride scholarship. No more scholarships, no looking at loans, I could have been set. The hardest part about college is figuring out your strengths, and then don't overdo it. I screwed up. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to take one less class so I could concentrate on the classes I already knew I could pass. I would say, "Take a breather. You're already an A student. Stop pushing it."

Cody

"You are your own worst enemy. If you can learn to stop expecting impossible perfection, in yourself and others, you may find the happiness that has always eluded you." - Lisa Kleypas, Love in the Afternoon So you don't have your life planned out, so what? Not everybody is the same, so don't compare yourself to others. Strive for greatness that has been exemplified in our country's heroes or even those you've looked up to (Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Tim Tebow, or Landon Donovan), but embrace YOUR identity. God made you - YOU - for a reason, even if you don't see that now you will see it soon. You are so much greater than you believe you are so stop worrying about the future and regretting the past and start living in the present. When you put your mind to something you can do things you could never imagine doing. "You miss 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the shots you don't take take" - Wayne Gretzsky. I love that quote, it's become sort of cliche, but it's so true. So don't be afraid to take shots. DREAM BIG.

Timothy

Life is too short to be stuck in a job in which you are not happy. Take this time in your life to explore what you are passionate about, pursue your passion through higher education, and make a better life for yourself. Dedicate more time to learning about what truly interests you and less to frivilous time-wasting activities. Apply for all the financial aid you can possibly locate, so that you can focus more on your studies and less on making a living during this time. Wisely spend what money you are able to obtain and don't go into debt if at all possible. If you can live with your parents to save money, do so. If you must live with roommates to lessen costs, choose roommates, as well as your friends, wisely. Don't cave to peer pressure, listen to your inner voice. Listen well to your parents and professors, their advice is often invaluable. Don't assume you 'know-it-all', because you never will.

Mary

College is not as easy as highschool... you will actually have to study; and study hard! Know this as you enter into your freshman year so that your grades will not suffer..

Brian

To not take unnessecary classes, as well to focus more during the first semester due to it being one of the most important semesters one will have during college.

Justin

My High School senior year was very easy academically, yet the college search and application process was quite overwhelming. However, I did apply to all the colleges I wanted to go to, got accepted at every one I applied to, and completed everything I needed to. Everything went smoothly, aside from the financial aspect of college. Having applied for numerous scholarships, not getting even a single one was incredibly discouraging, and I ended up not attending college because of it. My parents have decided to have me pay for my own college with no assistance from them, so finding a way to close the gap between what is paid for and what is needed for college is a serious challenge, but one that shouldn't have discouraged me in to not going. Although I did work and get a better hold on my financial situation, I wish I had gone to college, even if it were a community college. With everything that has happened in the past year, if I could go back and tell myself one thing, I would simply say go for it, and worry about costs and all the technicalities later on, or as they come.

Thomas

spend more time with our friends and family , i am a overacheiver scholar

Morgan

I would have pushed myself to study more than once. In college, I’ve realized that studying is an essential part of passing your classes. Studying for the class and knowing the material cannot be accomplished the night before the big test, therefore in high school I would have begun preparing for tests a lot sooner to be used to for college. Being accustomed to that would have helped me a lot in my first semester, simply because I was not used to studying more than once for a test. My college classes required you to be prepared before you came to class and this was never the case in high school. When I was a senior, I would of pushed myself to excel harder, being more prepared for school, not procrastinating, and studying way more for tests.

Lea

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would say to always be myself and stand up for what I believe in, no matter what. I would say not to give in to peer pressure, and to not contradict my values and standards to "fit in". I would teach myself how to actually study, and how important it is to learn and not memorize. I would also say to try harder to find and apply for a variety of different scholarships so I would not have to get student loans. And lastly, I would say to stay single until you find a career, and have as much fun as possible with friends because this will be the best time of your life.

Courtney

Courtney M. Milligan Campus Discovery scholarship essay Don’t give up. No matter what you encounter, don’t quit. God has so many plans for your life, and you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Your teachers will become your closest friends, and you will also meet people who are like-minded. Friends will come at you in the snap of a finger. You have such a vibrant personality, and people will flock around you without ever feeling like you have to belong. In college, the sky’s the limit. Even when the situation seems hopeless, and you haven’t been accepted anywhere and you have no financial aid, don’t give up. I know that God can take a young lady from struggling in remedial classes, to excelling, in her junior year, at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. And it doesn’t stop there. As long as you believe in yourself, you can do anything you put your mind to. Yes you can, yes you can…and yes…I did.

Brandon

Know what I know now about college life and making the transition , I would advise myself as a high school senior to stay focussed on the path I want my life to take. I would say study hard and play hard too, because life has to be balanced. Never let bad influences take you over.

stavros

The most important advice I could possibly give myself at that point in time is to strive for success even after high school.

Jonathan

I would say whatever u do, make sure u do as best as you can on those ACTS and your GPA, that way you have more options for scholarships and schools. Also don't let girls run your life, or you will be in some serious trouble. And lastly, try everything you can, cause you won't have a second chance.

Jennifer

If I could go back in time with currrent knowledge; I would definately know that I Don't Know Everything! I would slow myself down and enjoy as well as absorbe every moment. I would also transition directly for high school to college, instead of working right away. I must say though I would not change my daughters birth at age of 21, so I would have been done with college by then, yes that could have been obtainable, I held a 3.0 + GPA . Although my life has been busy working and raising my daughter, it also has been filled with joy and apreciation from hard work and perseverance. Since I am still young and egar to excell I am chosing to continue learning and climbing my ladder. Thankyou for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you. J. Holmes

April

don't be so lazy

Mallory

I would advise my younger self to really put the effort into both her academic and her social life. To try new experiences and to put herself out there. College provides you with experiences and opportunities that you do not get anywhere else in your life. Take advantage of all the opportunuties. Put yourself out there and make new friends., but never forget that you are there to earn a degree. She needs to remember that natural intelligence will only get you so far and she needs to put in the effort if she is going to succeed. My biggest regrets from freshman year come mainly in the social aspect of my life. I often stayed in my room when not in class and drove home almost every weekend. I did not take advantage of the opportunities that were offered and I had very few friends . Freshman year sets you up for the rest of your college career and it is hard to overcome a bad freshman year. I would advise my younger self to put herself out there and try new things and meet new people without losing her firm grasp on her own values and morals.

Tommy

I would try my hardest to make and save as much money as possible.

Caitlyn

Don't stress out. Everything is going to be fine. Just be yourself because if someone doesn't like you the way you are then they don't need to be your friend. You shouldn't try to change into something you aren't because you are fine just the way you are. Have faith in yourself because you can do anything you put your mind to. Take something from home to college because it can comfort you when you are lonely and miss your family. Also make sure you always carry an umbrella to class and invest in galoshes because when you are in college you have to walk everywhere and you will probably forget to check the weather. Don't stress out about when something is due because you know you will turn it in on time no matter what. Just remember that your family loves you and if something goes wrong you can always count on them. Just try to relax and be happy.