University of Arizona Top Questions

If I could go back to my senior year, I would give myself two pieces of advice; don't get caught up in other people's petty, nonsensical issues, and stand up for what you believe in. Being a non-Catholic student at a very conservative Catholic institution, I feel, damaged my motivation to state my opinion at the beginning of my high school career. As the years progressed, my personality became more submissive and I began pretending to agree with whatever anyone said, even if I didn’t concur. Now that I am at the University of Arizona, my drive has returned, and I find myself willingly expressing my opinions, and participating in debates without caution or fear of someone shunning my own beliefs.

Don't wait ten years to continue your education. Take time to explore different college campuses to see what is the best fit for yourself. Be active in more than just academics. Take time to explore extra activities and clubs on campus.

Take your time. Don't worry about what you're going to be or what you want to do with your life, there will be time for that decision later, once you have a better grasp of the whole college thing. Also, get over there and get moved in at least a month before school starts. Living on your own, doing your own cooking, laundry, going to the grocery. Believe me, that stuff takes some getting used to, so get over there early and get adjusted to being by yourself. Getting used to class schedules and assignments will be it's own thing and you'll need your energy for that adjustment too. Last, but most important. Don't go to college until you're ready. There will be a lot of pressure from friends, family, relatives, etc. to go but if you're not ready then do not do it. College is about you, you growing and learning and becoming a responsible grown-up. Go get a job, work as an apprentice or something, get some experience in real life. Only once you're ready go, you'll do 10 times better, I swear.

Be prepared: everything you thought that was once known about life is about to change for the likes of which we do not know for better or naught. Is it really that serious?! Not quite. However, big changes are upon the horizon and one thing that has to be understood: embrace change. There is a world of it to come and it is a wonderful gift to utulize, to unlock the right path for you in the world of academics. There could be no easy to simplify the wonders of each persons unique journey through the world of community college or a 4 year university; but one thing is kown is each of the jobs earned by the arduous students who work for that position gain an uncanny happiness. This is being said because there will be many bumps and pit-stops along the way where your friends will leave. This is the ultimate lesson of the road of higher academics and happiness: you must embrace change! One must embrace the confidence in themself! One must be willing to change for better and follow thier heart and not a social group's standard to pass this transition.

There are so many things I would like to go back and tell my former self. I'd tell her, "don't do that, you're going to get in trouble" or "don't stay up late, you're going to be tired in the morning." I'd remind myself to not date stupid people or make friends with bad influences. Most of all, I would tell myself about the transition to college and what to do to actually succeed. I would say "Jamie, you're lazy. Always have been and always will be, but you need to try for 9 months out of the year. You can do well in high school slacking off but college is extremely different. You're going to regret losing your scholarship and working at some low paying job that bores you to tears every day." I would make sure my former self would try just a little bit harder her first semester of college because it's going to save her from some stress and a huge financial burden. I'm sure my former self would listen to me because after all, who knows me better than me?

If you knew in high school what you knew now, college would not be as difficult for you. Students were serious when they came back and said no one will baby you in college. The real world will hit you so fast, that if you are not careful, you will land hard on your behind. In high school, take the work seriously and soak up all the knowledge you can. If you are doing just enough to get by, you are only cheating yourself. In college just enough is not enough. Challenge yourself to go beyond the expected of you. In the summertime enroll in a college course or two to get your feet wet. It will only help you further down the line. Furthermore, there is enough time to be an adult. Settle down and relax. Do not be anxious about moving out and being on your own; it is not as glamorous as it sounds. You are only young once; enjoy it in a responsible manner.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to transfer to a better school for my senior year. My high school did not prepare me for the science lectures and labs that I have encountered during college. I feel like I am always behind during classes and that I have to study twice as much as my fellow students in order to keep up. I am confused during labs because I have never seen or heard of most of the equipment and experiments we do. I would tell myself to try to find a high school that helps set up students for a more science-based academic future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior after knowing what I know about college life and making the transition the advice I would give to myself is to focus on myself. All of my life I have struggled with the word no. I tend to satisfy others needs before mine even though most of the time those needs may hinder me from suceeding. When I first came to college I would spend hours on end helping friends and giving them advice when I should of been studying for exams or even going to bed at a decent hour. Looking back I wish I would of known that although its always nice to help others, it is essential to cater to my needs first in order to be succesful. I suffered with grades because I would put others needs before mine and this prevented me from accomplishing things that would benefit me.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared for the unexpected in the college life. I would also give myself the advice to not procrastinate and always do your best, no matter what. The most important piece of advice I would give to myself is to never give up, as hard as things will seem to be or get to be, do not give up. Chase your dream of being what you want to be, and do not let anything get in your way or try to stop you. Never stop trying.

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now I’d tell myself to not be so serious all the time. I’d let people’s words roll off my shoulders and not take mean things people said to heart. I’d make sure that I knew life is harder once you graduate so enjoy all the time you have; be more open and honest about things and just be yourself. Nothing on this earth comes free except for your own happiness so be happy and spend time with the people who care about you. I had a wise man once tell me; “Speak the truth even when your voice shakes” but I never listened. I found out quick that my dad was not only a wise but honest man himself and if I had the chance I’d tell myself every day to fallow in his footsteps because I know now that honesty and love are the best things to have in life to bring your soul peace. I’d tell younger self to listen to my parents more because even if they are annoying they know a lot more than you.

If I could tell myself something while I was just a senior in highschool, it would have to be to do scholarships and be prepared, because college is expensive and exciting. Tution aside, living expensives are a lot. It is hard to keep within budget when there is so much to do. Also, it is crazy how much I want to do with so little time. I am in two clubs and five classes so it is hard to balance time between work and pleasure. I would also tell myself to learn good study habits in high school, not hope that I magically know them when I get to college. I am still a A and B student, but I got B's in a couple classes that I could have easily aced. Overall, even though I have made some mistakes in college so far, they have taught me a lot about college and myself so I would not necessarily choose to change anything. I am happy with where I am now and hope that this fact does not change in my future.

GO TO CLASS! If you never study or do any homework (in most classes) just learning in class is the most important way to understand the material. Reading the textbooks and doing the homework assignments isn't enough to understand the material. If you go to class the teachers give helpful hints and make sure the students have learned what they need to for the exams.

I would give myself advise about college to my high school self with expressing the importance of time management. Managing your time is the key to not only college, but to a successful life. Being on top of your time and making time for your poriorities will put you on the road to succes. Being on time and attending classes with out constant reminders is the hardest part about college. With hours in between some classes, it is your responsibility to plan accordingly with your free time. Do homework, go to a study group, take a shift at work, or run errands you never have the time for, but make sure you have enough time to get to your next class. Time managemen is a tough skill to obtain but once you have it, its there for ever with long lasting benefits.

I would say, " Apply to schools early in order to recieve an early response. This is very useful in applying for scholarships of which most ask which college you will be attending. The list of scholarships you apply for may change due to confirming which school you will attend. Overall, its best to do everything as early as possible so you have a direction and your senior year has a purpose aside from graduating high school. DO NOT GET SENIORITIS. Procastination will damn you. There is a time for fun and parties, your senior year is not the time for it. Its one of the most important years in your life where your desicions will affect the rest of your life and dictate whether or not you will have future financial hardship due to loan debt, or be able to breath easy because of sufficient financial support. College costs money and your whole life changes. You will not be prepared if you procrastinate and will have an overall better college experience and significantly less stress if you receive enough financial aid. Work hard from the beginning so you can provide a foundation for your college/career experience."

I would tell myself “You are going to make it, thought it be trying and tiresome, but by the grace of God, sleepless night, and the support of family you will succeed. It is okay to take a semester off, but instead of doing nothing related to college, get working. Apply for college and financial aid; check out what classes you’ll need. Don’t let others doubt throw you off track; you know when that door is open to you. You know you have wanted to be a teacher for such a long time, don’t waver or stray from that. Don’t try to become something somebody else wants you to be; it will only stress you out. Pray, sing, smile, stay happy; things are going to get stressful very quickly. You need to be ready to take them on, and find which path is the correct one for you to follow. Remember that your path is already set in stone by God; you don’t have to form it yourself. Don’t forget all good and perfect things come from above; this is just another one of those things. You can do it, I know you can.”

It is completely okay to not have one's dream college experience right away. My senior year of high school I was a top honors student and president of my school. My family and friends were very dear to me and I cherished every moment. Life was great and I continued these high expectations for myself going into college. However, I ended up getting dicouraged and hurt when I did not achieve my goals and aspirations right away. College can be really tough at first. The transitions are tough and change is tough. However, for most college students, including myself, it does end up to be a wonderful experience of self-discovery and life long friends. But day 1 of my college career was not, neither was day 2, or week 1 - and that is okay. High school seniors get ready for an amazing journey in college, but always remember that Rome was not built in one day.

I wish I could give my highschool self a stern talking to. When I was a senior, all I cared about was friends, school, and of course my boyfriend. I made good grades (A's and B's) and was in advanced placment classes all things to look good on my transcript. In addition I had extra ciriculars, like sports and a job, and a decent SAT score. All the things I knew colleges wanted however I did not put nearly enough effort, time and thought as to what I wanted out of the college I went to. Looking back I regret not spending more time researching and touring. Instead looking into all of my potential schools, I just settled on U of A because I knew a lot of people also attending and it was close. Don't get me wrong, it's a great school with auspicious programs but I still have a feeling of "what if". I wish that instead of settling I had considered all my options of places to attend so that the feeling of "what it" would be none existent.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are many things I would say to myself. First, I would tell myself to not give up on myself, there were many things I held back from simply because I thought I would fail. I would also tell myself to go that extra mile, to stay after school for an extra hour to get help on an assignment, and always put in my best effort. Next, I would tell myself to make my own decisions, regardless of what anyone else says. I almost did not attend the University of Arizona because my friends and family said it was too far away and they did not want me to go. Lastly, and most importantly, I would tell myself to not get upset with little things because once you leave the town you live in, the bad memories are erased forever. If I could go back in time and tell myself these things, I would not say them. What I have learned came with great strength and helped me realize who I truly am, and I would not change any of that for the world.

Dear Self, Plan on walking and/or biking to school more often. Plan on staying after class to ask for help and to set appointments with your professors. They are going to help you out exponentially more when they give you individual help. Plan on going to a few school events, even if they sound silly. Plan on seeking out friends that care as much about school as you do. Plan on meeting people from backgrounds and cultures that you've never experienced before. Learn as much as you can from these people; what is learned in the textbooks is only half of what you will take away from the college experience. On that note, please read your textbooks. Take it upon yourself to discover your personal interests, hobbies, weaknesses, and strengths. Also, do your own research on places/things/events/people that are of interest to you and are pertinent in your field, this background knowledge will help you out in future debate and discussion. Finally, make sure to call mom more often and give her peace of mind in knowing that she raised a kid that is capable of tackling the challenges of college life.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time in order to give my high school self advice I would tell myself to get started early, get more involved, and get organized. The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to get started early by taking general education courses at the local community college throughout my senior year. Doing this would help save time and money by allowing you to take care of requirements earlier on and pay less for classes. Next I would tell myself to get involved in more clubs and organizations. Getting more involved in clubs is important because it allows you to find people with similar interests which could later on become close friends and help make you feel like you belong at the university. Lastly I would advise myself to organize my life with a planner. By having a planner you would be able to keep up with my assignments, due dates, and appointments; which could help me keep track of things and maybe even prevent stress. Knowing this information has helped me get better acclimated to the university with my studies and social life.

What definitely helped the transition to a University was definitely enrolling in classes at a community college beforehand. Some benefits include a lower cost for tuition for transferable credits, having classmates that come from a broad demographic which opens a young students mind and forces them to mature much faster, and last but not least it gives students with uncertain direction an opportunity to develop a better understanding of their educational goals. Taking classes at a community college should never be taken lightly as it is an extremely important stepping stone that can either get you transferred to the university of your dreams or fall right from under you if stepped on irresponsibly. The greatest memory I've had from going to community college was the relationships I was able to form with the professors. Because of the smaller classrooms, there was more one-on-one opportunities with the professors which was vital to my learning.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice it would be never fail any classes, go to school everyday and go to college or university right after high school. I now realize how a good GPA benefits your future acceptance at any college or university it also shows your hardwork and determination. Missing school does nothing but make you fall behind in class with makes you feel lost and discourage so only miss class if its the very last resort. Finally, dont wait years to attend college or a university because once you have more responsibilites like children it because very difficult to get things done. I recommend to live the college life, if possible live in the dorms or close by the college or university with roommates. Get involved in as many events or clubs as possible, make friends everywhere you go. Be an over-acheive and learn all you can.

It is true that college is more difficult than high school in its own way. However, that does not mean you need to be uptight all the time. Yes, sometimes it is hard to manage all of the work you are given, but sometimes you have to learn to still have resting time even amongst the piles of work you must get through. In addition, doing your work for a class in college is different from in high school. You still have amazing resources to help you finish your assignments and projects, including tutoring facilities and faculty, but it is not like high school where the teacher will sit with you and help you step by step. You have to learn to be an independent individual while being a helpful classmate to those around you who may be struggling like you are. In high school, you just have to go to class, memorize, do well on exams, and hopefully get into a college. In college, you have choices to go to class or do assignments, and professors will not chase you down trying to get you to do your work; you have to stay on track on your own.

Gratitude is an attitude, and reality is a perspective. Don't let the dreams seem far away, they're closer than they appear. Goals are acheived when they are pursued. You can succeed in any location if that is the direction of your action. Money should not determine success. There is help for any person interested in higher education. Work for your future career today, adulthood does not have a graduation or an advisement period. We are responsible. Explore your interests and focus on your values. Your choices today determine your skills and perspectives tomorrow. It's never too late to follow the right path for you. Learning is a consistant decision and unconscious imbibement. Initiative means actions instead of reaction. Leadership requires not letting our attitudes and behaviors be dependant on that of others. Our recognized faults today are our strengths tomorrow. Recognizing assets and foes is necessary when progressing and we should rely on ourselves first and foremost. We show respect to those who teach us by asking relevant questions and seeking assistance. The opportunity to give back of what we're given is a gift of honor. Do it now.

If I could, I would strongly advise myself not to go to a trade school for my first year of college, but to go straight to a four year university. At the time, I thought doing the two-year transfer program at my current school would be best for me and for my plans for the future. My first semester in college showed me that I don't belong at a trade school. I'm doing fine with the coursework, and the teachers are very good, but not having music as a part of my everyday routine robbed me of more than just my passion. I realized that I'm not very social outside of music and I find it very hard to make conversation with complete strangers. I'm now coping with depression because of my social isolation and some days most of my conversations happen with my dogs. I have never felt so alone. I wouldn't wish that kind of loneliness on anyone, and I would advise my past self, as well as all other introverted musicians out there, to go to a place where social interactions are easy and your passion thrives.

The advice I would give my high school self is to look at the colleges that you are planning on going and make sure you are taking the appropiate community classes to transfer over to the universities. Don't always go with what advisors say because they could make a mistake. Do your homework on the schools you want to go to. Also to start looking at scholorships and grants as soon as possible because college and living on your own is more expensive then you think. You will need all the help to get through. Volunteer as much as possible at any animal shelter, humane society, and/or vet clinic. You will need to have many hours of volunteering in those places in order to move onto medical school for Veterinary Medicine. Lastly you will need to study more and keep up your grades, just because you are getting straight A's in high school doesn't mean it will be that easy in college. College is harder than high school and you will need to study alot keep those grades up and pass your classes.

When you're a high school senior, life is easy. Your at the top of the food chain, fellow classmates know your name, you have a lot of friends, and teachers like you. Life seems perfect, and you may think the famous words "I dont want to grow up." Thinking these words is okay, its a very natural feeling to not want to leave something you love so much. The sad truth is that eventually, we all have to. During this first semester at a big university setting I felt a little lost and shy. I was staying home a lot and turning down offers to go out and make new friends. I wish I could go back to myself as a high school senior and say "Be brave, be ambitious, follow your heart, and get involved. Nothing is too hard for you, and when you fall get right back up," It's important to feel comfortable in your atmosphere rather than doing what you think your peers or parents want you to do. I would tell myself to be confident in who I am, that I can do anything I set my mind to and to simply be brave.

“At least I’m not that gay. At least I’m not in drag. At least…”Before coming out, I replayed this phrase repeatedly in my head. I was a victim. I found refuge thinking there were others that were more messed up than myself. During college, something has clicked. I’d seen myself as a victim, as unprivileged until this point. In reality, as I put others below myself, I was the problem.To stop the oppression of all, you must view yourself as no better than others. “At least you’re not that gay. At least you’re not in drag. At lea--“That’s where I stopped them. Last Christmas, I came out to my parents. They were reassuring themselves that it could be worse: I could be “gayer.” A few years before, I would have agreed with them to soften the punch and lessen the tears. However, this time I said, “Stop.” I told them I was myself; those "gayer" people are themselves, and this world needs to support and applaud anyone that can be themselves in today’s society. I wish I'd known this in high school. Be the solution, not the problem.

Colin, In highschool you weren't always the most motivated, there were a lot of times where you procrastinated and stalled just so you could have more time for yourself. But I warn you now, take school seriously. College is the best time of our life so far, its better than you ever dreamed, and its not a terrifying as you thought. But there are a couple of things you could to to enhance your experience. Your first semester of college is great, you meet great new people, join a social group and build some really strong relationships with others, but never lose sight of why you are really there. Don't sleep through classes, I know it seems like a wonderful idea, but it comes ack to bite you. You do much better with homework in college, but participation is a key component to succeeding in school. So make all your classes, even if it means you dont get the luxury of sleep. Trust me, you'll get it back over winter break. Stay consistent in both mind and body and you will suceed in all aspect of life Sincerly, Your future self

I would go back in time to talk to my high school senior and tell myself that college can be done. I just need to stop messing around and get my priorities straight. Stop procrastination with my work, and take my classes seriously because I will learn more about it in college. High school does end, and now it is time to be able to handle and get my things situated because I will be on my own soon. Living alone can be lonely but go out and make friends. This is time to find out who you are so do not let any second pass by. You have to get things done, because you only have yourself to cheer yourself on.

As a college student giving advice to my high school self, you would think the best suggestions would be academically related. However, no matter how much you prepare yourself for college, there are just some things in life that will hold you back from succeeding to the best of your ability. It is the people you love most and the things you value at the moment that seem to determine your decision making, but remember its your life not theirs. Do not hold back on your dreams because you are relying on the boy who promised you forever. Your high school love life will not last in college! I almost failed first semester because I could not manage school work and relationship drama. Do not be afraid to go out of state just because you will miss your friends. I made that mistake and learned the hard way that friends come and go. Do not let your friends pressure you into anything you are not comfortable with. I watched my best friend go from an innocent sweetheart to a party animal who flunked and choose drugs over me. Choose what is best for you, not what everyone else thinks!

If I were to give my former self advice the first point would be to have confidence in yourself. You are smarter than you allow your self to be. Life is not all about having fun, sometimes you have to work really hard to achieive what you want. I would also tell my former self to not believe what everybody tells you about life. Not everyone is looking out for your best interest. The best way to figure out what your purpose in life, is to go out and experience life as much as possible and your true passion will become evident at some point.

Dear Past Me, College is hard work. It is nothing like High School, where every thing you need to know is given to you. You have to be able to discover things for yourself and you have to study and prepare for test and classes. Do not procratinate on anything prepare, Prepare, PREPARE! Do things in advance get a head start when its given. In prepareing learn how to study it makes preparing much easier. I know you are thinking that you are prepared for whats to come becasue you are far to confident, but step outside yourself and take what I am telling you serisouly. College is FAR more challengeing than you have anticipated, but if you learn to prepare you will be successful. with love, Your Future Self

Take a deep breath and relax; take things one step at a time. The stereotypes that typically terrify high school students aren't true. Sure, the coursework and atmosphere of college is entirely different, but it isn't anything to be scared of. The professors aren't tyrants, they ease you into the class and are very reasonable if anything needs to be worked out -- even with the large amount of students. The new layout and "feel" of university life will be rewarding and exciting. It will be thrilling and new. So relax and enjoy the new chapter in your life. Make the most of it.

There are a multitude of obvious things I would tell myself as a naive high school senior. The most crucial would be to not be intimidated by college lectures and to go to more lecture reveiws if offered and to go to the professors office hours. The most critical thing that I would advise myself to do is to create a good student, professor relationship that can help futher my education and understanding of classroom material. Especially being a microbiology major it is extrememly important to pick the minds of the professors because a lot of the time it takes a special understanding of how each class is taught to acheive an A. I also now know that choosing my social life over studies is the most basic of mistakes, but as a college freshmen it the easiest mistake to make. I would tell myself to maintain social balance and avoid temptation to go out with friends when I should take more time on homework or studying. All in all I would emphasize to myself to continue to make choices that benefit my education and to always weigh the importance of my decisions.

I would tell myself that just becasue senior year drags on seemingly forever that the end is in sight and that college will be here before you know it so plan for it. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and look at the relationships you have with your classmates and close any loopholes you feel you might have in your high schoo social life because after graduation, they are almost impossible to fix.

Hello me from the past, I am here to tell you to be careful about listening to some advisors... consult not only one. Do never stop taking mathematics classes. Also, you can take a college class or two while in high school (so do it!), and take off some hours from work. When at Pima, make sure to take as many classes from Dr. Pitucco as you can, he is awesome! For the Fall semester of 2012 make sure to abandon your job before this starts... it will get too hard to keep both things simultaneously... it will be time to dedicate yourself to just get your classes done. Also, volunteer whenever you can and try to get involved into internships. Apply for more scholarships and save the money, there will be times of need. You have done great so far, but make sure to keep being respectful to all your professors not only in the way you act with them, but in the way you let them know that indeed you think their class is important and you want to be in them. You know it, but they do not. Keep it up!

Most advice given to high school students seems to fit neatly into a few categories: study hard, apply early, and get involved in extracurricular activities. However, if I had the ability to give my high school self, or any other high school student, advice, it would simply be this: know yourself. Every person has unique abilities, talents, interests and personalities. These traits define a person in every way, including where they should attend college and what they should study. In high school I applied for and was accepted to numerous colleges, then faced the challenge of choosing one to attend. That difficult decision came down to me analyzing myself; my hobbies, dreams, goals and personality, and selecting the school that matched me the best. While that choice involved turning down several Ivy League schools to attend a state school, it was the best choice I ever made. Too many people chose schools based solely on name, only to become unhappy upon discovering that those schools fail to offer them what they want. I am happy at school, yet see many who aren’t because I, unlike them, took the time to know myself.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, the advice I'd give to myself is never-ending. I would definitely tell myself to take my education more seriously, such as developing study habits that work and attempting to actually learn the material being taught to me. I didn't take the material taught to me in high school seriously and as a result, going into college I lacked so many important learning habits that all my peers from around the world possessed! Needless to say, my first semester of college was rough. I would tell myself not to stress over little matters, and to save the stress for college, because stress in college is practically inevitable! I don't think I enjoyed high school enough, so I would tell myself to love life and to learn to love myself also. I know having self-confidence sounds like a silly lesson to learn, but when you go off on your own, you have only yourself to rely on, and sometimes it could get overwhelming and maybe even lonely! So it's important to believe in yourself; it's the only way I got through it.

If I could go talk to myself as a senior in High school I would first advise to myself to apply to more scholarship than I did during those days. College is not what I was expecting the cost of living on campus is exuberant and it is almost impossible to stay debt free from debt to go to school. I would advise myself to visit my teacher more which would have help me in college because in college office hours is very important and it would help me to known which question to ask. The transition was not easy for me in the sense that additional help is often requiring for me to achieve the grade that I wanted. Another advice is time management. In high school, every day was planned to me by my others but in college I find out that I have to manage my own time and I have to make decisions by myself.

Close your eyes and think of your 7-year-old self. What did you have the most fun doing? What subject or thing that you'd do did your classmates, teachers, or parents say you were good or a natural at? Do that thing now. Pick a major that lets you do that thing. Listen to me: you don't need to be a math, science or engineering major to be a successful person. Your major should interest you and reflect your passion, and guess what? You'll get better grades, be happier and more motivated to go to class if you're studying something you like. All teachers think their class is the most important one you have. Make them feel that it really is your top priority and they will give you a better grade. Go to their office hours. Look around their desk and try to figure out what makes them tick. Try to build rapport, show them respect, empathy and express an interest in their work. If they like you, they'll be more apt to give you higher scores. The circle of friends you invest in freshman year will follow you throughout college. Choose wisely.

If I was granted the opportunity to retreat back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself a lot of things.Knowing the stuff I know about college I would tell myself to give it all I got as college life is not easy not only educational but life wise. I would tell myself that college is where you must really wake up and learn how to appreciate and value the resources that my highschool provided me with. In highschool the guidance counselour helps you in the transition to college making it easy.But in college no one will care about you , you will be responsible for yourself, you're responsible for going to class and you're responsible for determining what future you want to have. Be responsible with your finances as you cannot depend solely on your parent to pay for college. You're parents may help you but you are responsible for finding the resources to fund your education. I would simply tell myself , you're walking into a new world where you're consider an adult , act like one and behave like one.

Hey Inyene, this is you; from the future. You're a freshman at UofA, a raging wildcat! You're going to love college so much. The energy at the football games is nothing like high school. There's a school dance literally every weekend. There are hundreds of clubs just waiting for you to join. Everything is there for you, you just have to take a risk and try it all out. You are not shy, you're bubbly and wonderful. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself or to crack a joke. See, in high school everything was structured so you were forced to make friends. In collge, everything is on you; so be proactive. Get involved because that's how you meet different people and expand your horizons. And lastly, you may be in a college prep program but college is different. Every point counts, every good grade is crucial. This is your future, a good GPA means a good grad school so don't slack off. Study during your breaks, go to every class, join study groups. Remember you're here to learn, to one day make the world a better place. You can do it.

As a high school senior it is hard to fathom the transition to finally begin college. It has always been a dream of yours to go the University of your choice, but there is advice you must follow to be more successful than where you stand now. Yes, you have made accomplishments but that does not mean stop when life’s barley beginning. As a senior you need to set goals that will be accomplished before starting the University. Do many scholarship searches as possible and make a list of them all to complete before you graduate. Do not get lazy and feel the need that you are done because you still have college to complete then you can feel accomplished. I also recommend that you take Calculus before you start the University because it will help with your major later on. I advise you to take AP classes instead of IB; I’m telling you they are accredited college courses. Go out and do community service, and try out for the track team, I know you want to it’s your last year. Don’t let the sky be the limit, and be active for a better college experience.

I would advice myself to be more responsible, to play the sport I like without being scared of what others think of me. Another advice would be to be more involved in educational programs that high school offers. I would advice myself to be more organized with my time, to be a better student and classmate.

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about transitioning to college, I would give myself reassurance. Every kid, whether he or she shows it or not, is scared to death when moving out for the first time. Freedom and uncertainty becomes one’s best friend; however, fear holds one back. With uncertainty comes infinite potential, both for good and bad. Even though every wonderful opportunity is placed before us, it is our tendency to focus on the bad—what could go wrong—and fear it, when in reality unfortunate turn-of-events are only half the equation. One is able to sway which direction the pen will fall, and it all depends on our attitude, devotion and work ethic. I spent a little too much time afraid, holding myself back for fear of failure, when, although I never failed, I never really succeeded in some social aspects either. That’s an important lesson I’ve learned and that college has helped me overcome.

Past me- I have a few nuggets of wisdom that I would like to bestow upon you about college. 1) You will be shocked at how much easier it is socially. 2) You are not as grown up as you think. All your life, you were told that at "X" point in your life, there won't be anyone there to hold your hand and help you anymore. In previous "X" points that you reached, you realized that wasn't true. This time, however, it's very true. You are completely responsible for yourself now. My advice is simple. Manage your time- ensure that everything is finished by the deadline. Luckily, when you fail to get things done on time, there's no manhunt for your assignment. Instead, there is a grade drop. 3) Don't overcommit yourself. Two jobs and a full load of credits probably wasn't your brightest idea. Neither was taking nothing but electives your first semester leaving you with two math classes and a lab this semester. Plan your classes carefully. 4) If you take nothing else away from this advice, at least remember this: Don't underestimate the scorn of the financial aid office.

There is only one piece of advice I would give my high school self, and that is to believe in yourself. I spent a lot of my highschool years thinking that I wasn't smart enough. I would slack on my assingments, and my teachers knew I had the brain I just never applied it. Once I got to college everything changed, there was no one behind my back telling me my potential. It was now up to me to discover what I could accomplish. I restored faith in myself, I told myself I could do anything I put my mind to. I pushed myself more, stayed up late and stayed in most weekends. I put in the work and blew myself away. My first semester college GPA was a 3.7, and in high school I barely graduated with a 3.0. I was upset with myself, wishing that if I only would have believed in myself and pushed myself a little further how much farther I could have gone. I would tell my high school self to learn to be proud and know that you really can do anything you put your mind to.

"Hi! It's you from the future, lets chat. I'd like to start off by saying I'm proud of you and how hard you have been working now and will work in the future, but there are a few things you need to know that will benefit our sucess in the future. You did a great job with the college transition, joining a sorority and working hard to create relationships with a broad spectrum of people, but you cannot forget about the importance of maintaing a healthy body which effects your school work. I know that it is fun to go out to partys and stay up late, but these things take a toll on your health which affect the quality of work you produce. Too many times will you sleep though your 8am because you were too tired and as a result you will recieve an 89.1. Not a fun grade to have, so try and remember there will always be another party. Focus on eating right, mom and dad are not there to feed you any more, a healthy diet is essential to maintain mental and physical wellness. Just stay healthy."

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to live in the moment. During my high school years, I always stressed out about the future. From the day I walked into high school, I began envisioning what my life would be like out of high school. I began to set goals for myself of where I wanted to attend. However, looking back, even just a semester into college, I’ve realized how important it is to live in the moment and enjoy myself. In high school, I feel like I’ve spent countless hours just worrying and worrying rather than appreciating my high school life. Although it is important to work hard in high school, it is also important to have fun and do things you love. School is not everything. Family, friends, and hobbies need to be properly balanced out as well. Now that I am in college, I’ve learned how important it is to have fun and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities around me. It’s not only made me a stronger and better character, but also a happier one as well.