University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and strap in for the ride of a lifetime. It would be necessary to explain the importance of finishing out the high school year's strongly in order to show the college of future attendance how hard you are willing to work by going out strong. Also, I would say to take the ACT and the SAT as many times as possible in order to qualify for better forms of financial and scholarships. By doing that, it can only show the college you are willing to do anything in order for success in the long run. Another way to make the transition is by taking harder classes. The harder the classes in the high school years, the better chance of success in the advanced education goals. I would end by telling myself as a high school senior to just be the person who they would want to be. Work well with others by being a leader, cooperative, a good listener and an efficient note taker for all parties in the group. This will make the transition easier. Thank you

Vincent, focus and think had about majors that will guarantee happiness because money comes second. Make sure it's realistic and you can find a job in it while growing as a person during your career. Ignore what others think and their judgments they will inevitably cast on your decision. Your family and friends do not define who you want to be. College is also going to blow you away. High school may have been your #1 in your mind, but once you adapt to the open freedom of a college life, you will never look back other than to occasionally reminisce. Those were good days bud, but trust me, there are brighter days ahead. You learn about yourself and what your passion(s) are. Enjoy your last year at high school, but your book isn't done yet.

Ambition is more often than not the limiting factor on your own success. Once you've identified a goal, pursue it, actively - and if you truly do want it, you will find a way. Deciding you want to become a lawyer (which you are now, 18 year-old me - save yourself freshman year and don't take that irrelevant math class!) means getting your GPA up from day one, researching schools and programs, and studying for the LSAT not a month before but several months or more beforehand. It means looking into writing an article for a school journal, or applying early to that internship. Build yourself up and be proud of your discipline. That time spent isn't a sacrifice, but an investment, and the cost is small. The greatest regret I have, as I get ready for law school, is knowing what more I could have done if I had spent just 30 more uninterrupted minutes per day studying or thinking about my future. Take advantage of your early college years to branch out, do as many fun activities as you can, whatever excites you - but guarantee time for studying, and cultivation. You won't regret it.

Fred, when you get to college, there are many challenges you will face. peer pressure for the most of it will try to pull you down but you know why you are going to college, education should always come first. be determined and be focussed. suffer today for the betterment of tomorrow. there are alot of eyes that are on you. look at how much your parents have gone through to raise you up to where you are today, would you turn all that suffering into nothing of worth to you or to them? be careful how you live your life because your deeds will determine your destiny. study hard, have fun and enjoy yourself. be the best of a student and a person that you have always been. JUST REMEMBER, YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON YOU.

“Take a deep breath.Things will sort themselves out”. When I didn’t get into my top schools out of high school, I was devastated. My back up schools had offered me zero financial aid and although I visited other campuses in an attempt to convince myself that settling for less and taking out loans would be fine, I soon found myself looking at community college as an option. I had been a straight A student whose resume was embellished with extra curricular activities, awards and leadership positions. As a high school senior, my mind was plagued with what seemed the terrible idea of attending community college, a place I had always avoided. Had I known that community college was going to be the best thing to happen to me, I would have told my anxious, defeated, pessimistic senior self that choosing to not settle was the best idea. Community college allowed me to establish relationships with staff that later led to research opportunities in my field, scholarships and my figuring out what career path to embark on at a higher institution. All I needed was a little faith and optimism, both in myself and in the future.

I would tell myself to work harder, have time management, and to make life into a game. They are fairly straight-forward though the third one may require more explanation. I would say to make life into a game because of a TED talk I watched: Jane McGonigal’s “The game that can give you 10 extra years of life.” The premise is that gamifying life leads to growth, focus, and resilience. By having milestones and progress bars, you can see how much you’ve progressed and achieved so that studying creates a tangible benefit. Yet, at the same time, college is more than studying for the next exam. It’s about building relationships. It’s about going to see a movie with friends, eating together, and celebrating special events. College is about building bonds that will last a lifetime. People on their deathbeds regret having worked so hard, not keeping in touch with friends, and doing what others expected of them. I would tell myself to keep reading words of wisdom but to also remember that it is more important to go out and live the life I dream of.

If I could give my high school self advice about college, I would first tell myself to calm down and be open to experiencing the new opportunities at college. I would encourage myself to branch out and try different clubs and to not be too hard on myself when I don't get an "A" in every class. I would tell myself to go to the professors' office hours because that's a great way to forge a good relationship with them. I would tell myself to not worry about handling the courseload and instead to put my energy into finding my own way to digest and remember the material. I would tell myself to make sure to call my parents every once in a while, and to make a little time each day to step away from my friends and relax in a treasured bit of privacy. I would encourage myself to take an art class even though my major makes taking one extremely difficult, but to persevere because it will make me happy. FInally, I would reassure myself that college will be a fantastic experience, and that I have wonderful friends waiting to meet me there.

If I had a change to give my high school senior self advice about college, I would try to save myself a lot of anxiety and struggle. I would tell myself that I was doing everything right by joining the workforce for a few years to figure out what kind of job I ultimately want. Aside from reassuring myself, I would let myself know that more than anything, it is a stable life and a supportive environment that will help me succeed in college. I would tell myself to go ahead and get all the traveling out of my system and then settle somewhere where I can imagine staying for a while and investing in a solid network. I have found that having a safe, comfortable home, friends that are supportive and loving, and a healthy connection to my neighborhood and community are absolutely necessary. They give me the strength to fully devote myself to my studies because learning takes energy and support. That I need a network and a sense of belonging in order to achieve my educational goals is definitely something I didn’t know in high school.

As much fun as you may be having, Never, EVER forget about homework. Grades should always come first. Building relationships is always important but don't let it get in the way of grades. There is plenty of time to find the special someone in the future, so don't let it get to you early on. Don't let a girl get you down because there will be plenty of time in the future to find someone better.

Reflecting now, I would advise myself to brace myself for the ignorance of others outside my socioeconomic status, racial group and gender in order to not be discouraged by the remarks of hostile students toward myself or my friends. I would also advise myself to seek counseling, study groups, and help from others as a freshman in order to be prepared for the rigors of my courses which I feel I was not prepared because I was not provided with the proper resources in math or science in my pre-undergraduate education. Moreover, I would advise that not becoming a doctor, the dreams of many immigrant parents for their children, is not the end of the world but a new opportunity for the discovery of an alternate passionate profession, as I have found in desiring to be a clinical research psychologist and professor--in order to mentor the next generation of low income and minority students seeking a higher education. Lastly, I would simply advise myself to be strong in manuvering the uncharted territory that is college for first generation students since the path of trailblazers is not predetermined but forged by the numerous trials and tribulations overcome with perseverance.

It's alright to be alone. Really. You are an intense introvert who has trouble making really good friends, and you'll find that to have fun and to be liked, you will have to change yourself. It won't necessarily be in a bad way -- occasionally being loud and obnoxious and proudly owning up to having offbeat interests makes you refreshing and unusual. But there will be down times and low times where you'll feel alone because the few friends you do have at first seem interesting in everyone else but you. Don't let your loneliness make you do stupid things. Just because you're craving attention doesn't mean you can take advantage of other people. That being said, just because some people are a bit odder than others doesn't lessen their potential as friends. You will end up befriending people your parents would probably disapprove of, but they will also be the best friends you will ever make. Don't be afraid -- of being yourself or accepting others.

I would have told myself not to have been so passive as an incoming Freshman. I can definitively say my greatest mistake in college was failing to challenge myself socially. Having gone to an all male Catholic high school, I had difficulty interacting with women and had a tough time making female friends initially. As such I became active with floor government and eventually became a student leader for 2 years (basically an RA program-wise, but without the responsibilities of looking after students). This helped me greatly acclimate to the new social scene, but for the better part of the first year I was fearful to engage socially. Thankfully, I can see how irrational this fear was and have long since overcome it, so much so that I laugh when I compare my past self to my current self. I suppose my fear was not entirely useless, I am grateful that I learned to push myself even though I may not have been comfortable. Despite this, current Alex would vehemently tell past Alex, "Everybody's the same: scared and ready to make new friends. Just say Hi. Trust me. It works."

Don't worry about what other people think you should make of your college experience, because adjusting to college is hard enough without having to conform to expectations. While it's good to break out of your comfort zone and experience new things, do so at a pace that feels right. A good college experience is relative, after all.

Studying is a must! Some classes only have a midterm and final, so if you mess up on etither test, your grade will suffer. Do not attempt to pass your classes by only cramming the night before. Find a studying technique that works for you and stick with it.

If I were able to travel back in time to advise my high school senior self, I would tell him to get more involved. Joining clubs that match your interests is not only enriching to your life, but you will also meet people that share your similar interests, and have so much fun with them, whether you are working or playing. Furthermore, being actively involved gives you good time management skills, which is extremely valuable in college and in life. Also, I would tell myself to spend more time doing college-research, especially looking into financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships. Therefore, I would be more prepared for college, and the financial aid I would have received would have made my first year at college easier.

If I could give advice to my high school self based off of the information I know now, I'd tell me to not change a thing. Even though in my freshman year at UCLA I faced monumental hardships, I believe that without those experiences I wouldn't be the person I am today. The great thing about life is that there is no handbook on how to live, so every moment is an opportunity to learn about yourself and the world around you. I could easily tell the senior me to stay focused and no partying, but then I wouldn't have those classic college freshman year stories to tell my children when I'm older. I'm a firm believer in the saying, "Everything happens for a reason". The most important lesson I grasped from my freshman year is that life happens unexpectadly, and it would be unfair to rob myself of this realization by warning my high school senior self about the trials and tribulations that lay ahead. The best advice I could give myself is make the best of the experience, because there will be no one from the future to guide you along the way.

Take the time to discuss ground rules with your roommate. If problems arise, talk about them right away so negative feelings don’t fester. It’s hard to invest your all into your education if you have a stressful living situation. Wait to pick a major. Don’t get tried down to the major you listed on your initial college application. Instead, take classes from a variety of disciplines and find the area you are the most passionate about. Your major should turn out to be the section of the catalogue you always find yourself going back to. Get to know some of your professors. Going to office hours can be a great investment in your academic success. No one can better guide you through a course than the person who has put it together. Getting to know your professor will also make asking for recommendations in the future less intimidating. Make a college bucket list. Students can lose track of some of the great things colleges offer beyond the classroom. So write a list of all the things you want to accomplish in your college years. Keep it written somewhere nearby. Check the list regularly and track your progress.

Dear Dana, You're finally graduating high school and heading off into the real world..sort of. I know you wanted to head right to EATM after high school, but trust me, going to LCCC first won't be the worst thing. I don't want to ruin the future, but I just want to let you know, everything works itself out. You're going to do things you never dreamed of and experience things that you had only been dreaming of so far. People are going to come and go from your life. You are going to get overwhelmed and scared and worry that you can't do this; but you know you can, and you will find that you can do this and more. You will find that you can live without people that you thought you couldn't, and you will meet people you don't know how you made it this long without. People will hurt you and let you down and they will also make you smile and help you back up. Through this all, you will be okay. And maybe you should tell mom before you get that tattoo. From Dana.

When I was in high school, I worked 2 jobs and thought that money was the most important thing and that school came second. I've realized now that I'm taking summar college courses, that college work is going to require a lot more studying and focus and I can not over work myself at a job and ignore school work. I would tell myself as a high school senior to check my priorities, because had I focused more, I would have met the criteria for big scholarships and would not be struggling to pay for school. I would have made myself work, but not nearly as much as I did. I would tell myself to study more, and not be so dependent on money when I really didn't need it.

The most important advice that I could give my high school self about college would be to not be afraid of cutting ties with people that I knew from high school. I spent too much of my freshman year trying to make old friendships and relationships work rather than meeting new people. I went home far too often. I would tell myself that the people who are worth keeping around will still be there even if I haven't seen them since last Christmas. Keep in touch online, but stay on campus to go to events and hang out with your dorm community. Find a club meeting that sounds interesting, and go to it, even if you have to go alone. College wouldn't have been any fun without the friends that I made there, and I wasted too much time not meeting them.

I would tell myself to consider my school of choice wisely and to evaluate my wants and needs first, instead of focusing heavily on reputations. It is not so much the name or the reputation of the school that a student will carry with her for the rest of her life, but the experiences and lessons learned at the school. Though people may be focused on big name schools, it is more important for a student to take a moment and think about what she wants out of her education. I would have asked myself if a smaller or larger campus would make me happier, and what consequences campus size would implicate in terms of my ability to make connections and develop friendships with my peers, professors, and teaching assistants. Beyond the importance of a quality education, I would also tell myself to consider the other ways in which a particular campus would enrich my experience and my future. The ability to grow and to develop one’s character cannot come from education alone, it is connections with other human beings that truly enable a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. I would advise myself to seriously consider these matters.

Stop slacking off and start putting more effort into your work! Procrastination may be acceptable in high school, but in college, it's the enemy of all college students. Also, you should spend more time applying to scholarship during your high school year so that you won't have to worry about financial issues in college. Even though AP Biology is tough, TRY YOUR BEST AND LEARN THE CLASS! If you pass that AP Biology Exam, then you wouldn't have to worry about taking a life science in college. The biology class in college is ten times harder than the AP Biology class. OH! One more thing, read more, read more, read more! Reading is such an important factor in college that if you practice yourself to read daily to the part where you actually ENJOY reading, then you'll be so prepared for college. Other than those tips, keep up the community service and keep up the good grades in class because those grades will pay off one day.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say that you should not wait too long to go to college. That it is much easier to go to college when you are young, rather than waiting until you have a family. I would say that I know you want to get out into the world and live, but trust me there is plenty of time for that later and that your focus should be on your education, not friends, not parties, and not going out into the world without an education. I would tell myself that the world is hard enough, so why make it harder by waiting to get an education. I would have pounded in my brain that education is the most important and it is much easier when you are young, supported by your parents, have no bills, and no real responsibilities.

Eat at dining hall before you decide your college! Because food is very essential part of your life! Also, study hard and don't slack off. UCLA is pretty tough school so it is difficult to earn good grades in the class.

I would recommend that they take every math and science course possible! I would also advise them to go to college immediately after highschool. I joined the military directly after school and didn't attend any college at the time and I wish I would have taken a class, just one class per quarter and I would have had my masters by now.

If I could go back in time to visit my high school self, I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. Life is not about perfection or being better than somebody else, but learning and trying to be the best version of yourself. I would tell myself that the pain I have been through with school, my mother passing away and other difficulties will only drive me to succeed in college. I would tell myself that college isn't about doing things you're forced to do, but about doing things that interest you. I would say that I will always love me, no matter what. I would tell myself that I don't need to do anything differently because, although there will be times where I feel I've done the wrong thing, it will work out for the best in the end.

I would tell myself to talk to other students that are now in college and ask them which classes I should take and try hard in so that I can get my full experience in education. I should have checked the undergraduate requirements to prepare myself because counselors are no help. Coming into UCLA, I have regretted not doing this. There were certain classes that I should have taken during the summer that would help me in completing certain requirements. This would have saved me time and money. I should have also tried harder in my AP English and AP Calculus classes and paid more attention so that I wouldn't have to take English Comp3 or a Pre-Calculus class in college. I would have also told myself to take AP Spanish and done well in my exam so that I wouldn't have to worry about my foreign language requirement. And last but not least, I would tell my high school self that I chosing UCLA was probably the best choice of college that I did. Although family's so far away, this college is going to help me grow in ways Berkeley would not have let me.

For one thing, I would like to tell my high school senior self that college is nowhere near as frightening as it sounds. People create a lot of hype about many sleepless nights worrying about classes that are supposedly impossible to pass, and I wish I would not have looked too deeply into this. Also, I would like to tell myself that the people in college are much more friendly than you expect when you first start, and making friends here is much easier than it was even in high school. Overall, I wish I would have felt more comfortable about going to college, instead of worrying about things I have now learned were totally unnecessary. In addition, as a senior, I was excited about the idea of living in a dorm, away from home for the first time. It sounded like a totally new and unique experience. I didn't think about it at the time, but I know now that it can be quite difficult to be away from my family at times, and I would like to be able to tell my old self to cherish the few times I do get to spend with my family.

College is not like high school. I know you already know this because you’re wondering how you’ll ever learn to manage time, deal with roommates, and cope with problems without mom and dad. Yes, these situations do arise and no, they do not denote the end of the world. They are actually much easier to handle than you think. You’re prepared for these things, but are you prepared to open your mind to a world of new people? The minute you step onto campus you will be plummeted into a melting pot of difference in opinion, belief, and background. In high school, the majority of students had similar situations and backgrounds. In college, every individual has a different story to tell, and you must be ready to listen with an open mind and heart. It’s the only way you’ll learn and grow. I’m telling you this now because at first I wasn’t tolerant and open-minded and this proved very detrimental. The minute I opened my heart to others views I learned a lot about the world and myself. I’ve been introduced to many more opportunities simply because I learned acceptance.

I would tell myself to embrace the college experience with all your heart; don't be afraid to join a club, you may just meet new people. And most importantly, college is a lot about finding your identity and learning how to be yourself, and who that self may be. A lot of people always told me that, but I was sure that because I have 18 years living my life that I KNEW myself. But it all changes when you enter college. New friends surround you, new activities, a new lifestyle. So just take time finding your interests and making the right choices.

I know senior year is fun and you want to soak up all the glories of being the big man on campus but I would advise you to think more about next year. This decision might well be the greatest decision you make in the next four years of your life. To choose the right school ask yourself not only about the qualifications of the university but what you like to do for fun. While learning might be the focus of your next four years you need to balance this hard work so you don’t go absolutely crazy. After you decide what you like to do pick a place where you can pursue these activities. For example if you like to surf look at Southern California, for snowboarding look at Colorado. Finally, once you have narrowed down your selection try to stay a few nights in the dorms of the university this will allow you to see what that college is really like and not what your college tour guide tells you. You know yourself better than anyone else so make sure you pick the place that YOU want to go!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now as a college student this is what I would say. First, do not make friends with negative influences; these will only cause you to become distant from your overall goal of getting your degree. Second, every semester of college push yourself a little bit more; this will be needed if you plan on not only getting your degree, but getting a full education. Lastly, try an become persistent, determined, and punctual with all of your professors and their classes; this will win you their respect.

I would advise myself to make goals for the first year of college so I have something to hold myself accountable for.

i would give to my self positive advices about what is best for me and making the best decisions for my future.i would learn the different programs where i can get help from and give the best of me to succeed.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to keep my head up because only you can make a differance in your life. keep studying hard and take those get ready college courses that my school offered. I would pay more attention in class being very scrupulous, and turning in all of my homework assignments. Tell myself that i can make in life being positive about myself not letting anyone tell me different. I would help those who need my help and concentrate more on my future and not others around me because they will not be the ones who will help me to get where I need to be. I would go to school and tell myself everyday that i can make a differance in myself no matter how people down me.

Dear me, enjoy every moment spent with Cindy because she is growing up. You will not be able to see her off to school or make her breakfast anymore. It will make you sad when you hear about her first day of middle school through the phone, but know that she is tough, just like you. In college, you will not have many friends and will walk to class alone and even eat alone, but it is ok because true friendships form through patience. In college, you will be exposed to bad or suprising things and different types of people, but do not be afraid and walk with confidence and wisdom. You will cry yourself to sleep often, but be tough and do not let the little things upset you. Know that dad will not be there to wash your clothes and to tell you to shower and mom will not be there to make you food at 1 in the morning, but it is ok because now is your chance to prove how strong you are. And remember, bad days are normal and as dad says, it's not how you start the race, but how you finish it.

“Be happy.” If I could travel back in time, I would tell my high school senior self this. Happiness is such an important factor in surviving the transition to college. There will be times when you miss your family and friends back home. However, do not grieve over this and find your place in college, and make that home. Stay happy and do the things that will continue to make you happy. With happiness, you can achieve so much, if not anything. Your dorm is where you will be sharing it with others and being happy with your roommate(s) will make your space a place of comfort. Your classes will be challenging, but being happy will allow you to be focused on the good things and do well. Being happy will give you this aura that others around you will want to immerse theirselves into. Being happy is a state of mind. If you want to be happy, be happy. Do not let other factors stop you from being so. Overall, being happy will make every second feel wonderful and make your journey through college a experience to remember.

I would tell myself to be more confident in myself. The one thing that no one told me before I left for college was that the first few weeks are going to be extremely difficult. I had always heard how college is the best time of your life, so I became self-conscious when I felt lonely and insecure when I was finally living on my own. However, I have now found the most amazing friends and support system from many different groups of people. I would tell myself as a high school senior to work through the tough times because everything gets better.

Be yourself in college and not the person you think everyone around you wants you to be. This is an opportunity to discover yourself so be unafraid to try new things. Don't decide who you want to have as your friends, let the friends come to you as a result of doing what you enjoy. Don't box yourself in a corner, and if you accidentally do, break out of it. You are going to meet some phenomenal people. Cherish them but don't place too much conern on how they will react to your decisions. If you are a generally dencent, generous, thoughtful person you will find like-minded people whose company you enjoy. Those are your friends. Stick to them. There are going to be a lot of opportunities and I suggest you take every one of them that interests you. Never lose your enthusiasm. You'll get funny looks for beign overly excited about some simple things, ignore those looks or laugh back at them. Your happiness is what's important. If you are unhappy, change something. And do your work. Preferably ahead of time.

As a high school student I was driven, but not driven enough. Although I played varsity sports, was class president, and took AP classes, I did still did not aim high enough. As my graduation nears I am now beginning to understand the multitude of opportunities I did not take advantage of as a senior or during my transition to college. As a current junior at UCLA, I would tell myself to aim higher, experience more, and take advantage of more opportunities. I should have taken advantage of the knowledge my teachers had to offer and discuss with them questions I had at the time, I should have joined clubs that I was too nervous to join and I most importantly I should have tried things that were outside of my comfort zone. College is absolutely the time and place to try new things, be a new person, and leap outside the box. I look back and although I was an extremely active student I participated in groups within my comfort zone. Thankfully now I am able to change that. I am trying new things and aiming higher than I have ever aimed before.

I would tell myself to start with one science class a quarter and find a job you like. I would say don't feel afraid to ask questions because you think its a dumb question to ask. Find a professor you like and go to his/her office hours and try to talk to them. Don't stress out and just enjoy college and do what makes you happy. Find a academic medical club as a freshman and stick to it. Don't be afraid to meet new people and if you meet some weird or mean people just be nice but drop them and meet other people.

Relax and try not to get too stressed about the work. It may seem overwhelming at first, but somehow you will always manage to get everything done. Get out and experience all that college life has to offer. Make new friends, form study groups, and make use of the fields, gym, and swimming pools to help you relax and rejuvenate yourself. Spend time wandering the campus and getting to know where everything is. Maybe choose a special, scenic spot and make it your own place to go just to get outside and watch your fellow students. Get to know your professors and teacher aides; this will help you immensely if you need assistance with your class work. Most of all, enjoy your college years to their fullest!

Sophie, you have every right to enjoy yourself in college. You have graduated high school as the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and now, you are attending your dream school. It is the last few years before you reach full adulthood and take full responsibility; but, the reality is that for you to gain admittance into medical school, you need the highest GPA you can achieve. If it means sacrificing time to go shopping, watching a movie premier, or attending a concert with friends in order to ace an exam, it must be done. Medical school only accepts the most brilliant out of hundreds of excellent students. To be worthy of the title of a doctor, you must dedicate many hours of your college life to your studies and volunteer work. Do not live your college years regretting that you should have studied harder or sought after more extracurricular opportunities. Live with your goal always in mind. Always. Never lose sight of it, because you know you want to be a doctor. You just need to prove yourself that you are worthy. But have fun! Be social, and you will meet some very considerate, genuine, and bright people. Good luck, Sophie!

With the knowledge that I now have, I would tell my high school self to enjoy my time in high school more and worry less about the future. The future is very important, of course, but during high school, I would sometimes wish that I could be out of high school and already in college so that I could have more independence. But now that I am in college, I miss high school. I participated in numerous activities in high school and enjoyed all of them, but I could have potentially enjoyed them more if I had not been as focused on the future and if I had lived in the moment. Sadly, I cannot go back in time, so in an attempt to solve the situation, I now live in the moment and focus on the future in appropriate times, but I will not make it my sole priority because I know that I have a life to live right now in this very moment, and it is something that I have been blessed with, so I should definitely enjoy it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would not change a thing. However, I would mention to myself to remain ambitious in the career path I still wish to follow. The Biology major is not easy but it is worthwhile. My dream is and always will be to become a pediatrician and attend a medical school in four years. With this still in mind I am confident that my high school self will do fine. I will also tell myself that I did the right thing in choosing to attend the University of California, Los Angeles. The school is amazing and the people are friendly. The transition to college is not that easy but it is manageable. I will just reassure myself that with ambition and hard work I will do fine at UCLA. I would lastly thank myself for not giving up and doing everything up that point. The future is bright. Never give up is the best advice I can give myself but I would not change a thing because everything since then has made me who I am now.

The advice I would give to myself would be to make sure to research opportunities available to students to earn a Master's degree, simultaneously while earning a Bachelor's degree. Doing this would have been helpful to me, since I would have saved a lot of money and time. Not only would I have saved these limited resources, but I would have been ahead of the curve in terms of being prepared for a career than other students who would only earn a Bachelor's degree. Another piece of advice I would give to myself is when taking a math or quantitave analysis class is to practice and practice, until I knew how to solve the problems as easily as I can write my name. The final piece of advice would be to sell my Xbox, so as to minimize any distractions.

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would tell myself to prepare for a world far bigger than the one I was living in at the time. As a senior in a small town I was too busy having fun instead of considering my future. I would inform myself about what it means to have financial responsibilities. I would tell myself about the importance of college and the need to apply myself to get better grades. I believe the biggest thing I would tell myself would be listen to my mother, make plans for the future and go straight to college right out of high school. Now I am 32 years old finding my-self in college with a family to take care of and it is not as easy as it would have been fourteen years ago.

There are so many pieces of advice I would give to my high school self. Firstly, I would tell myself to have confidence in who I am. In high school, I was so afraid that certain people wouldn't like me that I stuck to my close friends and rarely ventured out to meet new people. Rejection is not the worst thing that could happen to me, but the high school me certainly thought so. Be outgoing and say what is on your mind because that is the best way to make friends. Secondly, take more initiative. In high school, everything is simplified and spoon-fed to you. In college, you are on your own. It is your responsibility to join clubs, get involved, and be aware of the numerous opportunities around you. The information is there. Ignorance is not an excuse. Open your eyes and look around every once in a while. If you don't, you may miss out on ways to make your college expererience better than you could have ever imagined.

I woul tell myself to not be afraid to be myself. There are so many different types of people out there, and hiding my true personality so that I can fit into a certain mold only hinders me from making friends with people who I really am compatible with. I would also tell myself to take risks, and join a lot of different organizations so that I can meet other people who have the same interests as me.

I have enjoyed my first two years of college so much. I would tell my high school self that there is nothing to be afraid of, that college is a great learning experience. I would tell myself not to look down upon going to community college, because I had excellent teachers, good friends, and I volunteered with my school. You will still have a "real" college experience at a two year school, and the price is much better than going to a university for four years. I would tell my high school self to work hard in your studies and to not give up! This is very important because there will be some classmates around you that do not care about school, but make friends with the ones that are serious about academics. This year, I am transferring to UCLA, but will carry all the knowledge and wisdom that I learned at El Camino College.