University of California-Davis Top Questions

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

Kandis

College has been a wonderful experience. It has allowed me to grow and flourish into the person I've always dreamt of being. I am attending a prestigious university and working towards getting a degree in a field that I've wanted since kindergarten. College has not only brought about new experiences, but has taught me how to better respond to older ones. Choosing to attend college is one of the best decisions a person can make. Unfortunately, not everyone is talented enough to make a professional sports team or sell a multi-platinum record. For those who are, good for them, but those who aren't must make their own luck. The only way to make this luck is to further one's education and enroll in college. Whether it be a junior college or a 4-year university, college is an opportunity that shouldn't be taken for granted. You are given an amazing amount of life experience, as well as an education that will propel one into success. Nothing is more valuable than an education/knowledge and that is college's gift to its students.

Marissa

I would never trade anything to go back in time and not attend college. Not only does college open up new horizons by increasing my knowledge of the world and life, but the friends I have gained through this experience are by far the best friends I have ever had. We have made bonds like brothers and sisters, and the thirst for knowledge and research has only expanded from their help. Meeting people who have the same interests as me and who are motivated to learn new concepts and use them to imporve the world, is invigorating. The college experience has taught me how to become, not only a brighter student, but a stronger, more independent woman who can become an Animal Scientist as long as I continue to work hard and have the love and support of my friends and family by my side. Honestly, college is the best experience I have ever had, and anyone who is committed and wants to attend, can and should.

Sean

I've learned a lot about myself in college and I've had the opportunity to expand my horizon. I look forward to my future now, and I can't wait to see what the next steps have in store for me.

Yu

My college degree will transform me, as an immigrant, into a unique “mix” that is not just mixed-blood between different civilizations. I would not be able to obtain my college degree in America without being more or less proficient in English. As a new immigrant, I will be bilingual in Chinese and English – mix of languages. By the time I obtain my college degree, I will be mixed both in education and culture. For example, many Americans consider “thirteen” as an unlucky number because of historical events; however, I see it as a fabulous, lively number in a Chinese viewpoint. Therefore, this success proves that I will fulfill American Dream because I have a common Chinese dream which is to reach beyond the endless sea of knowledge with hard-work. My college degree will display me as a hard-worker, and a top performer in particular areas. Moreover, my college degree will demonstrate my mixed tastes of coldness and warmness of human nature because I would have been through many affairs with a variety emotions when I get my college degree. In conclusion, my college degree demonstrates my ability to adapt abript changes and accept different cultures and values.

amy

I have not yet begun college, however, I am looking forward to making a better life for my 2 year old son. I had a wonderful life growing up, and he AT LEAST deserves the same life that I had, and even better if and when I am able to provide it to him. Since his Father is not in the picture, it is up to me. My job as a waitress will not allow me to offer him the lifestyle that he deserves to have. I want to get into the nursing field because I want nothing more out of a career than to support my son and to help others in the process. I think that nurses touch the patient's lives in so many ways, and I want the opportunity to do so. Thank you for considering me for this wonderful opportunity!

Nathaniel

What I have gotten from my college experience is an array of things like stress and anxiety but the real thing that I have gotten from college is a love and passion of learning. To me there is nothing better than sitting with colleagues or friends and discussing something. I love the experience of attending class and reading the books recommended. I have gotten an experience that will last a lifetime and something that I can tell my kids about. It has been valuable to attend my university because I have found something that I like doing. I enjoy waking up and going to school to ignite my curiosity in subjects that will remain in my mind for years. I would have never thought when I got older that school would be my favorite activity. I value the education I’m getting and cannot wait to become a teacher and show my passion to others. This experience has been valuable because I have made friends, experiences, and knowledge that will last a lifetime and for all of this to happen at one place is why college is so memorable.

Hoa

My most valuable experience at during college was the many interactions I was able to have with other people. As a freshmen, I lived in the dormatory and was able to befriend with a diverse amount of students. Some students came from Southern California, Bay Area, and out of state. From these students, I learned a great deal about different lifestyles and how different everyone is. Some of these students became great friends, others became great acquaintance that provided me with help later in my college career. My interactions with other people grew when I joined a campus organization and eventually became the president of the organization. No longer was I restricted to interactions with people within my age group, but I began dealing with elders and people with much more life experience than myself. This experience taught me to respect other people's ideas and personal opinions. In addition, I learned so much more about interpersonal communication. As we all become older, we all must learn to interact with other people, younger and older than ourselves. Attending college has provided me with the opportunity to learn and experience the personal interactions that I could not obtain elsewhere.

Chelsea

So far in my college experience I have really learned to appreciate people for who they are, not to judge, and to accpet everyone for what they contribute in life. Both of my parents have taught me to be an accepting person my whole life, but being in a new and different environment thrusts you into a new world where you come across all types of new and interesting people. My dad recently passed away, at the beginning of the year, and life has been turned upside down for me and my family. I know that my dad is watching over me everyday, pround of what I am working toward accomplishing in life. I work hard in school and in life everyday to make him and my mom proud. It is also very hard to pay for tuition, because my mom is unemployed as of right now. But, I know that my hard work will pay off to ensure that I lead a great life that my parents have always worked hard for me to have. It is a priceless gift to be able to attend college and I am truely grateful for the opportunity!

Evelyn

As my journey continues as a college student I have acquired a great deal of knowledge. The saying that knowledge is power is very true and should be taken very seriously. College prepares you to be a great individual in the real world, not only does it feed you knowledge but it helps you be a better prepared person in life. A succesful life with a succesful career should be at the top of any one's to do list. Attending college has only given me a drive in life, a sense of achieving all that seems impossible. Attending college and getting that knowledge and those classes under my belt are only preparing me to be that succesful woman that my mother has always wanted me to be. Knowing that you are educated makes you feel very proud of yourself. So attending college has been very valuable in my life. It has helped mold me in a smart and bright person. It has gave me skills that I don't think that I could of got any where else.

Farm

In my short time here at the University of California, Davis, I have utilized many resources that have made a positive impact on my life. From taking part in relevant organizations that affect my potential career to simply utilizing the natural resource we have called the Arboretum to provide relaxation in my studies, UC Davis has given me a place to feel comfortable as I pursue a higher education. Despite my short term here at Davis, I have already learned to appreciate the community I have and the people that encompass this campus thus showing me that the university and its community is an overall success. The new friends found through organizational involvement and dormitory residence that have become family here, as well as the many resources the campus has to offer me are an excellent addition to the worthwhile education I am receiving. The occurrences I have encountered upon starting here have taught me lessons I know I can apply to my life as I continue to grow as a student, and simply as a person.

Tony

From my experiences at UC Davis I have developed new friendships, learned things about myself, learned how to ride on a bus for the very first time, and learned how to prioritize my time wisely. Attending college has been a valuable experience as it really gives me a sense of how living in the outside world is almost like. I no longer have the aid of my parents to make choices and careful decisions for me and I currently have to think things through. Overrall the best experience out of college no matter how cliche it may sound would be the learning experience. The learning experience allows me to make my own mistakes and learn from them like how everyday people make mistakes. I really don't know how I would have survived in the real world if it weren't for the experiences I have at UC Davis, and I hope over my next 3 years here I will continue to gain more experiences.

brittany

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Cassie

College has taught me to look beyond what I see with my eyes. It?s taught me to be a critical thinker in all aspects of my life. College has immersed me in many cultures I would have never been apart of if I had not gone. I?ve gained an appreciation for the resources I use because I?ve been taught how humans impact the world. With that I?ve been able to discover how I want to live my life, what morals I hold valuable, and ultimately who I want to become. It has been extremely helpful for me because it gave me the chance to separate myself from my family and think for myself for a change. Most importantly I have been given the opportunity to grow in an environment that supports equality, tolerance, and peace. Knowlege is valuable. Knowlege is power. I've been given the power to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. For that I will always be grateful.

Melissa

During my undergrad years, the most important thing I learned was how to be comfortable with who I am. All throughout high school I neverfelt comfortable with my sense of humor, looks, or friends--I never found someone with whom I connected. After four years at Davis, though, I can honestly say that I have made lifelong friends who accept me for exactly who I am and who I will become after another two years in graduate school. To me, finding out who you are is really trhe best thing you can get out of your college experience.

Adrianna

Because of my degree, I have a wonderful job and I love what I do. College was never truly a fun experience for me, especially since I worked two jobs and commuted to school while living at home. I didn't actually get to experience the "real" college lifestyle. While disappointing, I don't regret it. Working while going to school helped me develop critical people skills and also allowed me to hone great time management techniques. UC Davis is a fantastic school and while my personal college experience didn't quite live up to my expectations, I am forever glad that I was able to graduate from that very fine institution.

Ashley

UC Davis is a school that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an intellectual challenge, while working with people from diverse backgrounds and ideas. I have never been exposed to an environment where there is such a plethora of ethnic backgrounds, religious and political ideologies, and ideas. Not only did UC Davis provide me with an exceptional education that will more than adequetely prepare me for my future career, it provided me with the abilities and skills to look at the world from different and unique perspectives. These abilities and skills will allow me to excel in my professional life, but more importantly, my personal life. I am proud to come from a school that puts such encouragement on students to be themselves and to share their experiences with each other. It is only when we work together that we can achieve such greatness, and that greatness is clearly evident at UC Davis through the accomplishments of professors, researchers and most importantly, the students, who are just beginning their journey to change the world.

Amanda

I have recieved from my college experience a new hope. I was a single mother struggling to find a job and getting by. Yet now im a single mother with a future. I still don't have a job, but I am working towards a better life. I have been able to realize what I want to achieve career wise. In result, also, this has encouraged me to incorporate this new hope and realization through the rest of my life. I have become more interactive with my daughter and her school. I have even renewed severed connections with my family and old friends. I have learned that I must value what I have, and that what I do have I must make valuable to me.

Jessica

Before attending college, I must admit I didn't think I would be very affected; I've always been a very self proficient person. However, now that I'm attending a very competative university, I have learned many affective life skills. While competing in a varsity sport, I have learned to juggle athletics with academics. Grades must be kept up to keep competing and thus, I have learned to do so. This is very applicable to the outside world when considering taking care of a family, a house, a job, etc. I have learned how to prioritize classes and have found the right mix of social and academic life. The information I have learned here is irreplaceable and will forever be part of my knowledge base. I feel that I am being adiquately prepared for the work sector and the jobs opportunities that await me. My life has been positively influenced by the classes, experiences, professors and students I have met and interacted with during my college career.

Nia

College is hard, but without the challenge, I would not learn anything. The hard work is worth it in the end. College has been very valuable to me because I am now less intimidated when it comes to socializing. I am usually "shy" when it comes to socializing. College has taught me to "open up" and express how I feel and not to feel discouraged when speaking in front of an audience . This would help me a lot when I start working. College has also taught me to spend wisely. I have learned to control food spending habits which usually puts a "dent" in my wallet. It is scary to walk into the doors of an institution without knowing anything or anyone. Out of my college experience I have attained a stronger sense of independence . When you walk through those doors it is like the reality sets in: I am on my own now. The exciting feeling kicks in when you start to feel independent. You feel like you can do anything and go anywhere.

Thao

Being able to attend a university has been rewarding on many levels. I was able to push myself academically. More importantly, I learned to work with people - fellow students, professors, teaching assistants, faculty members, and even strangers. The university offers a variety of settings for learning and interacting with people. This has helped me understand how to work within a diverse group. I feel confident now in effectively contributing and influencing the efforts of a team that I am working with. Attending UC Davis has also given me access to so many resources. Through randomly applying for a rafting job at an on campus outdoor organization, I was exposed to all sorts of outdoor activities. I did not know what I had been missing out on! I plan to continue enjoying these sorts of activities for the rest of my life. I have also had access to all sorts of other extracurricular activities where I was able to explore my abilities and interests. Succeeding academically requires a lot of discipline, responsibility, maturity, time management, work, and focus. I find applying the same commitment to hobbies and interests outside of school or work strengthens my performance and enjoyment in all areas.

Melissa

My collegiate experience encompassed not only what was taught within the classroom, but more importantly, what I learned outside of the classroom walls. College is a time for self-discovery, exploration, and social learning. While my lectures and classroom experience was of value, it was the friendships, experiences, trials and failures that I endured outside of class, that have helped shape me into the person I am today, with the goals I now possess. College is a time to explore new possibilities, to propel yourself out of your comfort zone, and to explore new possibilities. The physical act of leaving one's childhood home, in preparation for the college experience is such an important time for personal growth. It is with this juncture from the known that students attending college for the first time have the commonality of feeling estranged, alone, and uncertain with their entire freshman class. It is through this commonality that bonds are formed, fears are subsided, and lifelong friends are made. I encourage all students to attend college, if for no other reason than to experience firsthand, what the collegiate experience will teach, outside of the classroom walls.

Kaleigh

I have gained many new experiences from attending college. I discovered the liberating feeling and great responsibility of living on my own. I have made many great friends and formed bonds that will last me throughout my college career and, in some cases, the rest of my life. I have been introduced to many new kinds of food in the dining commons I probably never would have tried otherwise. I have gained many fun experiences in clubs and school events. I have even become more fit thanks to the biking culture in Davis. I have experienced the fast paced quarter system and the more professional way students are treated here compared to high school. My college experience has been very valuable. I have gained new skills that will actually do me good in the real world. I have gained the ability to take care and be responsible for myself. I definitely have fun here which is completely worth my time. I have learned things in my classes that I actually care about because I know how the knowledge will be useful in my future career.

Faye

The change from high school to college was certainly a big one, one of such monument that it is impossible not to learn from. I have learned the importance of thinking for myself, which in turn leads to acting for myself. Living with my peers, as opposed to under the watchful eyes of my parents, has taught me to self-regulate and to fully appreciate what I have both as a student and as a member of this modern society. It has been enforced that my actions will have consequences, and that doesn't mean a grounding or a lecture, it means that my life will be affected by everything that I choose to do. Every day I wake up to go to class and to interact with my peers; to be present in this learning environment proves the impact we have on each other and our surroundings. College seems to teach constantly, and I have learned that I am important in my own life and that, by being active in my own as well as the global community, I can make whatever kind of difference that I want to make.

Trevor

By continuing my education and attending college i have learned some very important lessons. For one it has taught me the value of time management. Having to be responsible for my work in several classes forces me to prioritize my work. If i didnt take this lesson to heart i would be buried under alot of course work thanks to my own procrastination. Another lesson learned was being independent and responsible for my grades and course work. While it is a good thing to seek and get help from your peers. One must take into account that there will not always be someone there to help me. So its important to be able to do the work myself and have the discipline to stay focused and on task. In short by me attending college it forces one to mature into a responsible adult who can handle their priorities. It prepares us for the real world.

Qiana

So far my college experience has been very positive. I was lucky to be placed with an amazing group of girls in my suite last year as part of the dorm housing. Two of them I am living with again this year and we get along so well. They were a great support system last January when my uncle passed away suddenly. I have been involved with a community service club called Tzu Ching, which is part of the larger international organization Tzu Chi. Through this club, I have grown to be compassionate in everything I do. Each week we host a homeless breakfast distribution and hand out food, clothes, soap, blankets and any other items that we can. This summer, we are hoping to travel to Haiti to help out the earthquake survivors. To do this though, each of us needs to pay our own way to get there. The club is filled with intelligent, kind, beautiful people and I feel very blessed to be able to volunteer with such a unique set of individuals. College has opened my eyes and shown me that I must work hard, love everyone and everything, and enjoy the life I was given.

Stuart

So far from college, I have noticed that the habits I am picking up now are the ones that shape my future self. Living in my own place managing myself is much different than I thought it would be like. I have revealed countless personality traits of mine that I never realized existed. It is valuable for me to test the waters right now and find out what I can handle, but still my my mom as a life vest to bail me out. I also have made new friends and began networking to other cities for job opportunities. I understand now that knowing people is the easiest way to have the upper hand, so I have been working on finding people with similar interests in case later down the line, I can use their service. Attending school is so valuable because it gives me four years to meet as many people as possible.

Roseanne

Feel freely to the fullest, the freedom of being yourself in whatever new and unfamiliar environment you end up being in. Don't be afraid to express your passions and what you believe in. In the beginning it may be scary, entering new territory and new faces, when you've been used to the same people these past four years. But don't be afraid to put yourself out there; there is no need to compromise yourself to the norm and assumptions of "college life" or fitting in. Academically, grades are important, but just as Mark Twain said, "Don't let schooling interfere with your education." There are so many great classes and books; just so much to learn about the complexities of the world; so take it in with brand new eyes, beyond your assumptions and beyond political ideologies. If there's one thing I've learned in college that has changed my perspective and approach to life, it is that the whole world is interconnected and complex, politically, socially, and economically. Everything affects everything. The world is yours to explore, you can never stop learning, so take it in; analyze, embrace it, and apply it in real life!

Micaela

Should have went to her and ask a lot more question and worried about college a little more.

Princess

I f I could go back to highschool and talk to my self I would have told myself how important that it is to stay in school. I was suppose to graduate in 1996 but I came out a year later hanging with the wrong group of people. I had always been a great student I just lacked at the end. Knowing what i know now I would have stayed focused, went to college right after high school, applied for scholarships. Its just so much I would have said to myself mainly because I am 32 years old and i am a Freshman I know its never to late to go to school But I could easily be in my career at this point. For future students to com I would tell them the same thing to stay in school and be focused on your work because someday it will payoff.

Lauren

Dear Lauren, DON'T HOLD BACK!!!! Get involved with as much as you can and fill your time with things that you love. Explore the world and find out what you want to accomplish in life. Have fun and put your heart into everything that you do. I know sometimes things will get overwhelming but it is important to keep everything in perspective and not get caught up in superficial things. I know you are hearing this from everyone right now but really take it to heart. With an open mind and a willingness to try new things you will have an amazing experience. Academically college is going to be challenging for you and centered around science classes. This will get extremely hard, especially when you get involved with extracurricular activities. Time management skills will become crucial to stay on top of your grades. Remember you are in college to learn. It may not seem like it most of the time but your success in college determines your success in life. This will be the most amazing experience of your life, cherish it! Love, A wiser and older Lauren P.S. Practice riding you bike before you get to school!!

Nicole

"Nicole, you have no idea." Those would be the first words out of my mouth if I were to go back in time and speak to myself. One's first year of college is enlightening and frightening, uplifting and disappointing, challenging and rewarding. I would warn myself that unexpected moments of lonliness and anxiety are part of the package when you leave home for the first time, but do not dwell on those feelings, because regardless of how isolated you will feel in acclimating to your new environment, you will not be alone. Those feelings unite you and your fellow students in one of the most emotionally singular experiences you wilI ever encounter. Rely on your self-awareness and courage. I made the mistake of going through much of my first year wide-eyed and inhibited. I'd want to advise myself to step out of my shell, to accept my new and enthralling surroundings, to study, retain, and relish in the education I was receiving. Most importantly, to never feel intimidated by nor responsible for my youth and inexperience. My advice, in sum, would be to tell myself that it takes time to adjust, and frankly, that is OK.

Pedro

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self advise about college I would say many things. To begin with I would tell myself to not slack off on the simple tasks and use your time to master the material at hand. I would tell him to break the habit of procastinating because in college that means doom. In high school it was easy for me to overachieve in any class, but I sometimes wasted my time doing nothing but chat with friends and it was hard to get out of that habit. I would also tell him to enjoy your last senior moments once he was done with his work. In college it is easy to get distracted by these parties that happen everywhere, but if you focus on first doing you work and then party as a high school senior he would be able to experience college at its fullest. My last words of advise would be to focus on exploring every subject and find one that you are happy doing. What matters the most is what you want to be and not what everyone else wants you to be.

Xeng

If I had the chance of going back in time, I would tell myself to build leadership skills. College is all about communication and making new friends. I was unprepared for this change. When I enter college, I had a hard time socializing and making friends. With the experiences I have now, I would advise myself in the past to be more social. By building good leadership skills, I know I can be more active and willing to socialize more. Leadership skills are the one thing that I lack as of now. Although I have made friends and am more active, it could have been easier. College is a place where leadership skills are greatly shown. No one is embarrass to stand up and communicate or approach someone they don?t know and just socialize. I would advise myself in the past to learn leadership skills. College would be much more fun and easy with it.

Cheryl

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I'd say to take the bus when it rains; there is nothing that says you must bike to class in it and do a drowned rat impression and sit in class with wet jeans. I would tell myself that kissing your boyfriend in class is just as unacceptable in college as it was in high school and that you were lucky your friends didn't smack you for it. I would say to take more friends home with you and to make your mother laugh; she will worry about you and make you call her daily. Go see your sister more often and take advantage of her as a resource; she went through this too. I'd say to worry less about grades, and more about how you spend money. Most of all I would tell myself to get used to feeling a little out of place at home because it is normal and has to happen sometime, and that at least this way you have a great town to call home and friends as close as family to catch you when you fall.

Nicole

I would tell myself to look into my field more closely and truly make sure that I would enjoy pursuing a career in it, since I have had to change not only my school but also my major to look forward to class and a future career each day. I would also tell myself to look into more scholarships and apply for as many as possible so that I would not be in debt with my loans and no way to pay them back. I would also have planned better for my child's birth and began online schooling initially, so that I could continue my schooling unhindered. As it stands, I've had so many set backs in my programs that I'm still a freshman where most of my friends are going to be graduating in 2010. If I could go back to warn myself about the difficulties in senior year I think I'd be much more prepared than I actually was for college, because any preparation I got in high school was not as helpful as my own experiences and problems. Now I am prepared, but sadly between a rock and a hard place!

Eric

The transition from a semesterly academic system to a quarterly academic system is intense so prepare yourself for a fast paced academic environment. Grading becomes contingent upon significantly fewer items, so make sure you invest every effort in those few items to maximize your GPA. Staying on top of the material (especially in terms of reading) is absolutely essential so make sure you do that. The focus for your college experience should be the academic environment around you, not the social ongoings of your classmates. Every offering the school provides is an opportunity you should take every advantage of, such as career fairs, guest lecturers, and internships. Approach your professors not only in class, but in their office hours. They are a resource like anything else on campus, and you should spend as much time as you can learning from them and their experiences, not only about academic materials, but also about life experience. But most of all, take the time to truly learn about yourself! - "The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart. " ~Julien Green

jennifer

I would attempt to convey that big failures can be a whole lot more valuable and important than successes. If you completely fail at something and subsequently use it as a motivation to redouble your efforts and learn from what went wrong, you?ll end up achieving a lot more than if you had quickly become content with an early victory. I would also tell myself that college is a complete change compared to high school. Study more and worry less about the small things in life that cause unnecessary depression, frustration and sadness. Instead focus more on you and your faith. Think about what really makes you happy and reach for your wilest dreams and most of all have as much fun as you can becuse in order to be prosperous, a long journey awaits you and you will need to be devoted, determined and strong.

Jacqueline

I would tell myself that you only get out of school what you put into it. Even though I always succeeded in school, it was still important to invest time and energy into becoming even more academically successful. It's important to develop a report with your professors. They will only know you if you attend office hours, ask questions, and become involved with their research outside of class. It's important to make connections with professors, administrators, and classmates. College life is an opportunity to practice real world situations. In order to be competitive in grant applications, scholarships, internships, and ultimately job placement opportunities, it's important to make yourself known to your professors and to participate and found clubs and other campus-related organizations. I would tell myself not to waste time. In order to achieve my goals, it?s important to be active in studies, but also in social-networking. Once you have separated from your school, you will not be able to go back and pad your resume, your experiences, or your academic and research abilities.

Dexter

Don't be afraid to make friends with everyone as there is no bad that can come of it. Speak to your professors because they have all the answers. Remember that school always comes first, but that doesn't mean friends come last. Or course, this is all dependent if you do decide to go to this school. I'd advise you not to if you really don't want to go into debt and face possible homelessness. On the other hand, the people that you meet and create bonds with are sometimes worth the material suffering.

Alison

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college life and making the transition I would tell myself the following five pieces of advice: 1.) Keep yourself open-minded to academic spheres and career paths. 2.) Advocate for yourself, speak up in class, make connections and network with everyone around you- especially your professors and fellow dedicated students. 3.) Allow time for yourself to indulge in fun activities like yoga, dance classes, sports teams. Take advantage of every interesting and unique opportunity offered to you as a student. 4.) Appreciate every moment of college life because it will be one of the last times where your main job is to be a student and soak up knowledge with out carrying deep and burdening responsabilities (jobs, spouses, children, etc.) 5.) Take risks. I am talking about the "good" risks where you throw yourself into a community service project, start your own student organization, offer yourself as a research assistant to a professor, try out for the main role in a university play, join a music class even if your not a music major. Believe in yourself.

Nahda

I would first tell myself not to worry and stay focused. You were accepted into this school for a reason. You belong there to develop your knowledge and graduate and become the doctor that you know you will be. The hype of college being the best time of your life is true, but first and foremost, you are at the school to study. Secondly, I would reassure myself that, yes, college is intimidating but it can be broken down into one aspect of life: time management. Whether it be studying and preparing for exams, going out and exploring your new surroundings, making new friends, sleeping, eating, etc. Everything and anything must be prioritized and time managed to be a successful student. Without priotitizing, you will fall behind and remain behind because quarter systems do not allow you any time to catch up. So I would tell myself, be the person you know you are; the determined, self-driven individual who knows where you are going in life and never let yourself stray from that path. You will save lives one day, let that be the constant reminder that all the hard work is more than worth your effort.

Maria

When you are in high school thinking of college is a little scary and very stressing. Senior year is when you realize, " Oh snap, I'm out of time!" People start asking you, "So where are you going after you graduate? What college are you thinking about?" as if you had everything figured out already; but you should not worry. Find someone to guide you through all the applications and the paper work that comes after being accepted into a school. Also, it helps to go visit campuses before choosing where you want to apply. Make sure you beging looking for scholarships and fill out a fafsa. Also, if you have chosen a major already make sure you meet with your major advisor. He or she will let you know what classes are required for your major, and what you can do with that major. Do not worry you are not alone there are a lot of people willing to help, you just have to ask for help. Good luck and I know you'll do great where ever you go.

Mikel

Like many of my fellow student-peers in college, I had drifted through highschool with little effort. Studying was not required, nor effort, nor time. All that I needed to earn the A's and B's I had was enough intelligence to sit and listen. Tests and homework was more about repeating than anything. I was simply a sophisticated parrot. At U.C. Davis, I found things to be quite different. No longer, could I drift along. Now, I am fighting for those grades and though I often find my learning experience difficult and time consuming, I can finally say that I have some right to the knowledge that I posses. I no longer recieve my education I own it and that is best thing about going to a college or university. Going back in time, the first thing I would tell myself is to own my education by challengine myself to not just listen but to process and understand the information I was given.

Chiara

Earning your Bachelor's Degree is not the end of the road for you! You will understand that a graduate level education will open so many more doors emotionally, professionally and financially. Please do your best in your courses and be open-minded with opportunities that come your way. Take advantage of the many clubs and resources available at the university. Challenge yourself to experience things outside of your comfort zone. Through this process you will learn more about yourself and the world around you. Enjoy your independence and try not to get too distracted with the social aspects.

Melissa

Going back in time is a tricky and scary thought. But if i were to see myself as a high school senior, i would have told myself to never quit, when something got in my way push it out, when someone was stopping me, tell them they couldn't be in my life anymore. I would tell myself to take advantage of all resources outside of campus that could have helped me socially and mentally. I would go back and tell myself that life and death are things to worry about at certain times, just because someone did not have the strength to move on does not mean that was my fate as well. I would let myself know that school is going to be tough and to prepare more than I thought I had to. Strive to be the best not the first. I would tell myself that it means more to do what makes me happy then what makes my family happy. Because at the end of the day I am the one stuck doing what I learned for the next four years, not them. I would tell myself to love and believe.

David

This first advice that I would give myself would be "Do NOT take your first years' scholarship for granted." I have not been giving enough of an effort in getting college paid for as I should be. I have spent a lot of my time relaxing and doing nothing instead of focusing on getting my school paid for so I am not in debt for the years after I graduate. I would also tell myself "You need to give an effort these next years. I know you didn't in high school, but this is a lot different." I came into college assuming that I was entering Grade 13, but I was mistaken. My 3.3 GPA did not live up to the expectations that I set for myself. The next three and a half years, I am going to put in a much stronger effort than I did in the first quarter of school.

Leesha

Figuratively speaking, college is a journey to be traveled, not a journey to be won. We all have different roads. Find out your goals and ambitions and take the path that best fits you. Let your morals and priorities be the underlying force which guides you. There is an uncertainty about the future, but take life as it comes day by day. Put your best foot forward each day and while you plan for the future ahead, cross bridges as they come. There will be rain and sunshine along your journey but all this will help you grow as a person. Endure and open up your mind, body and soul to what college has to offer. Explore your horizons, and embrace change. Keep focus and find a healthy outlet to alleviate your stress. Try your best and in doing so, despite the outcome, you will find success. Time management is of the essence, so hit the ground running, don?t procrastinate, but do take the time to slow down once in a while and appreciate the beautiful experiences along your road. Hold not fear, but the tenacity to explore the journey which awaits you and you?ll make it through.

Evelynn

The first advice is to seize every single opportunity offered to me such as joining a professional business fraternity or a club in order to gain professional and leadership skills. I would also tell myself to take advantage of different resources offered by the university such as learning skill center, the gym, experimental college. College life will be even more fun if you go study abroad to expand your horizon and your perspective of different countries. Do not drink or party too much because you want to make sure that you focus on your education. It is very important to keep up your GPA. Life is full of unexpected event so you have to think out of the box many times. You should have back up plans for every decision you make. Choose your friends because they are a big influence in your life. Go look for an internship because it will help you a lot on deciding your career. Do community service . Apply for scholarships because you will need money for school and not everyone gets financial aid. Take advantage of professors' office hour because they are very helpful if you take the initiative to come to them.

Ronald

When I take time to reflect on my life and where I have gone with it, it is often hard to believe some of the things that I was doing as a High School Senior. At that point in my life, I was failing out of school, and I barely graduated High School. The levels of immaturity that I had at that time also were unacceptable and if I had the opportunity to go back in time to fix the things that I did wrong, I would do it in a heartbeat. I would go back in time to fix my poor academic concentration, to get myself into a good college/university, instead of having to attend a community college for two years. To fix that situation, I would tell myself to stop working 40 hours a week to support myself and just live with my mother for a couple of years; so, I could focus more on school and my education. I would also fix the immature me, and tell him that the thoughts I had and the things I did were not beneficial to my later life, so far.

Courtney

I would encourage my high school self to stick to the same path. I would tell myself never to get discouraged or give up on my dreams. I would give myself the winning lottery numbers, and warn that certain future fee hikes would make it necessary to apply for many more scholarships. I would stress the importance of never letting go of my dreams, and never letting anyone talk me out of them. I would let myself know not to worry, but I would also tell the importance of hanging out with all my old high school friends before everyone moves away to complete their own dreams. I've made many friends in college that I will keep for years to come, but the friends I had in high school should never be forgotten. I would tell myself not to stress, that whatever happens happens, and I should just let it go and keep to my path. College is a gateway to finishing goals, you just can't give up or let things get in your way. Most importantly, I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy high school and college while it lasts.