University of Central Florida Top Questions

I would tell myself to do more scholarships! With very little support from my parents living on my own is hard. I would also tell myself that I have so much to look forward to and so much to gain from leaving and that I shouldn't be sad. I would tell myself that that in a few years I will thank myself for this advice.

In miraculously having the ability to converse with my former self, I would be sure to have an extensive sit-down with the young man before me and ecourage him to do what most desire but very few actually do; choosing to be bold enough to build on one's passion as to make it rewarding and profitable. I would let the Khalil of old know of the countless individuals that stress themselves over book work that they have committed themselves to simply because they want access to a job or career that they are semi-interested in that will get the bills paid. I would tell this young man that when you are bold enough to pursue your passion with purpose and develop a skill to help others do the same, then money will add itself onto you in large amounts. Dear Khalil, BE BOLD. -Sicerely, You

I would tell myself that nothing is set in stone and to never be afraid to express myself through my talents. There are things that I will come to know with time and with patience, and to never lose sight of the people who have (and always will) be there for me even in the tough times, because when it comes down to the wire, they won't hesitate to be there for me. And finally, to trust my gut instinct, because in the end it will be right.

The advice I would have given to myself when I was younger, would have been to take the risks and attend college. What I know now, because of college, have helped me make better choices to live a better life. Growing up, I loathe school and was afraid of making my own choices. I was a perfecionist and felt that making a mistake would be disastorus, but in the end I realize it was fear that was holding me back. To not take a step forward, is only a barried from letting me grow. Making mistakes, after all, shows me that I am human. As long as i learned the first time around and not make the same mistake twice then I know I am on the right path to a better life. School has helped me grow into a much more responsible adult. I feel more prepare on what to expect once I finish school and face the real world. Without an education, I cannot possibly imagine where I will be at this moment.

The best thing you can do is learn to understand yourself. Work with your personality, never against it. You are a procrastinator and a perfectionist. Embrace this. When you need to goof off, goof off. Trust in yourself to get the work done; otherwise you will drive yourself into anxiety. Anxiety will keep you from performing. Stop worrying about wasting time, and be sensitive to your own needs. Work efficiently, not just hard. Twenty 'good' finished projects is better than one 'perfect' project you only finished because you exhausted yourself. Plan ahead and constantly readjust. Practice self-management. Don't try to carry bum groups. Learn to delegate, and learn to teach. Use online references. You want to be a leader, but you don't have many leadership opportunities. The important thing is not to worry about where you will get these opportunities, but to be ready when they hit. If you cannot recognize an opportunity to delegate, to instruct, or to coach as a leadership opportunity, then you will never mature as a leader.

I would tell myself to passionately focus on the dreams and goals that I established for myself. In the times when motivation seems to falter, nothing jumpstarts ambition like making your dream real to you, especially before it actually becomes a reality. I would explain to this 18-year-old Khalil that making his goals more real to him than the challenges that he would experience would catapult him into success. Dream big Khalil and don't quit! - 23-year-old Khalil

I have actually thought about this very often and I think the main piece of advice I would tell myself would be to take it slow. When we are seniors in high school, we just want to graduate as fast as we can and we forget to enjoy it, but the reality is classes in high school obviously do not compare to the stress lived in college, so make sure to not rush it too much. I would advise myself to get ready because college is the time to be independent and with that comes greater responsibility especially in time management. I think the part about managing one's time is one of the hardest parts about the transition from high school to college, since in high school everything is broken down for us, the time for each class, lunch, extracurricular activities, you name it, but in college you are the owner of your own time, and it is up to you to use it wisely. Finally, I would say resist the temptation of not going to class since no one is forcing you to go, believe me it makes a difference, so just go!

It is important to know what you want to study, but it is also important to visit the campus ahead of time. If you decided to wait until orientation , that's too late for anything.

If I could look back I would not change anything. I tried my best in school and I ended up going to a community college. Going to the local community college was probably the best thing for me because I was thriving as a student. My GPA was a 3.8, 1 point higher than in high school. If I had gone to an University, I probably would not have done so well. I am thankful that I was able to actually enjoy school and I was more mature when I was transferring to the university of my choice. I am happy with where I am at; in my personal life, with my education and in the major I have chosen.

The best advice I would give myself that is start working on a part-time job to save money for books, housing and food while away in college.

I would tell my high school senior self that it's good to get involved in beneficial organizations, like study groups and student tutoring sessions early on in college .

Dear High School Self, You are about to finish up high school, a time when you worked very hard to succeed. I know you don’t know what you want to be when you “grow up,” but don’t fear! I would suggest enrolling in classes at your community college. It is not as important as you think to go off to college right away. It is a great place to get your footing and begin to taste adult life. Here you can take classes and sample the different career possibilities. Then, when you find something you may be interested in, volunteer in that field. You will never know if you like a job until you are working there. Classes are great, but don’t underestimate the benefits of experience. Feel free to try several things until you figure out where your heart is. Money isn’t everything; do what you love or else life may be miserable. When you find it, work hard and get organized. Enjoy your classes, but also enjoy life. Don’t stress so much; you always get the work done! I’m praying for you! You can do it!

I would give myself a congratulations for all I have achieved. I would go back and tell myself I wil l good future and I have an abundant amount of potiential, regardless of what had happened to me throughout my life that had almost made me give up on myself. I would tell myself everything is going to work itself out and I musn't worry on the little problems. I would stress the importance of going to class and truly engaging in the material and course. I would tell myself to not sporadically spend my money on the non-needed luxuries, but it's okay to spoil myself once in a while. I would tell myself to keep on going and to never look back into the past and give up on the aspects of life you cannot control.

Keep your mind focused on your goals, and don't panic if you need to change them as you progress. Don't automatically assume that you'll make friends right away by just being there, take the initiative and meet new people. Involve yourself in any activity that you are insterested in, and even if you want some alone time don't let it rule your college experience. Finally let your self have fun every once in while, but always keep up with your studies.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to fill out more scholarship applications and to be more outgoing. College is alot more expensive that i anticipated so it wouldve been nice to have tried to get more scholarships as a senior in high school. Maybe I would be eating less McDonald's if I had thought about the future sooner. I also wouldve told myself to be more outgoing and to make better connections. The few people that I did reach out to before I left for UCF have helped me so much with the process of going to college. It wouldve been even better if i could have reached out to my academic advisor earlier or even my roommates. It truly is turning out to be who you know, not what you know.

I would tell myself to take school seriously and to save money from work. I did not really put 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in. If I did, I would have had straight A's. Also, I would have saved money for college because everything is expensive and when you do not have money everything becomes stressful.

If I could go back and talk to myself, barring any temporal affects to the space-time continuum, I would give myself two pieces of advice. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to be more outgoing. The second piece would be to give more care to the place. The foremost piece of advice as to being more outgoing is key. While I was attending school, it was not until the end of my education that I realized that there were many great people at the campus. I could have met so many more friends had I not been so shy. Finally, I would definitely tell myself to be more engaging with the school itself. The campus was wonderful and offered so much to do throughout the day and night. I could have had an abundant amount of joy utilizing the facilities to more affect. It really did have a massive amount of extracurricular activities to offer. To conclude, my advice would be sound in saying to just get out there more. I could have had much more fun than I had if I engaged more. However, I don't regret a thing about being at UCF.

Everyone, or at least that's what I like to tell myself, is completely clueless upon entering college for the first time. Movies portray it as an endless binge-drinking episode; parents stress a heavy course load & intensive studying. In reality, college is what you make of it. You can party or study your life away, or have a mix of both. Balance is key. Only take on what you can handle in both your social & academic endeavors. Know when to say no. Make your education your priority. Isn't that why you're here in the first place? Summer term is the best preparation. Figure out what you want to study quickly; don't waste time. Be aware of due dates & deadlines. Planners are excellent tools. Manage your money wisely. Use coupons & find good deals. Don't room with a friend you can't lose; living together gets complicated. Finally, don't take things too seriously. You can (and will) make mistakes. Leap out of your comfort zone. Live a little. In the wise words of Mark Twain, "You will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do."

If I could go back in time to give myself advice, I would forewarn myself of the hardships of life. I have experienced more life lessons that have helped me become a better person compared to actually having trouble transitioning. However, I would tell myself to enroll in dual enrollment and AP courses in order to advance in my major. I would definitely warn myself to never give up because there will be doubters when you have ambition. Yet, do not embody hatred and assume it will help you achieve your goal. Instead kill those individuals who once doubted you and the academic advisor that told you to change your major with your kindness because they underestimated your capability. Then I would end by saying, “You will be amazed at how intelligent and determined you are to show individuals someone can make it from a poor neighborhood. I never doubted you even when times got rough and you cried out in distress. I know how anxious you are to embark on this journey so I will say research is in your future. Graduation is soon and hopefully your determination inspires your little cousins, nieces, and nephews to further their education.”

Don't be in a rush to start working. Put all your effort into your studies, but most importantly, learn to start managing your time. Your teachers were right. There is no one over your shoulder asking for your homework or how you are progressing. No one will babysit you through college so be prepared. However, that being said, there is also help available. Take advantage. Don't try to go at it alone.

Test the waters in various majors of interest. You might think you know what your focus in school will reside in, but often times graduated students will go out into the real world and decide they are unhappy with their choice. Don't get frustrated with yourself, with your indecisiveness. It will only benefit you in the end when you wake up one day and realize the potential in what is offered at such a large school. You will come out of school a happier person with your final decision, as well as a more well rounded individual. Take advantage of the various courses offered, enroll in courses that sound interesting and bond with professors that have similar interests. These specialized individuals are able to offer a lot of wisdom about a multitude of opportunity in each of their fields. Finally, when somebody tells you not to focus on a major because there are no jobs in it, or no money, ignore it. Do what is going to make you happy, what you will wake up enjoying everyday.

If I was able to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would advise myself not to take the college opportunity for granted. It is trully a honor to be a college student. The doors that open for you as a graduate are unbelievable; of which I never thought of as a senior heading to college the first time. Now as a father of 4 daughters, I not only attend college for myself, I attend for my whole families future. By allowing myself as a young man to not educate myself at the true level I should have, my family and I have struggled. I regret my choice in the past and know I can not change them, but I can make them right. I would like my younger self to see what I have been through since my senior year of high school; between working two jobs and 80 hours a week, to being unemployed for over a year, and now not recieving financial aid do to the government changes. I wish my struggles on no one, and if I could see myself in high school one time, maybe I could change it.

If I could go back in time, I would not give my high school self any advice. This seems brutal, but this blind transition I had to make made me grow and adapt to a situation I was not prepared for. When my parents left me in my dorm room after helping me move in all day, I cried all night and into the morning. I was scared of leaving something comfortable for something unknown and had little faith in myself academically. In high school, I was even voted “most likely to drop out of college.” Over time, however, I found myself changing and adapting. Professors began to inspire me, ideas and goals started to fill me with excitement for the future. I graduated four years later with two degrees and moved to Spain to teach English. Now, I am getting ready for graduate school to pursue a master in International Relations. I still have a lot more learning and growing to do, but I am no longer scared of challenging myself. Thank you for providing students with an opportunity to experience this and I look forward to hearing your reply.

Don't go to Florida Southern. The campus is dominated by narrow minded frats and there is very, very little diversity or opportunities off campus in anything! Really look at the culture of the school and not just the academics or sports program. Take a very, very easy first semester of classes until you get the hand of college.

I would tell myself that any other grade other than an A is unexceptable considering what I know now. I would devote so much more time on learning the best studying techniques, because I have struggled multiple times trying to force myself to crame info one day before the test. I would allow myself to be as much into school as possible and not worry about what's going outside of school. I would allow myself to not be shy when it comes to me needing help and asking the teachers for one on one . I would allow myself to better understand how important it is to do your best while your in high school because your offered so many more opportunities with great grades than grades that are just passable. I would tell myself to never allow myself settle for less than I know is expected of me like just barely passing until its second semeter. I would study so much more because in college it is like having an instructor who shows but not teaches, and sometimes you don't always get a study guide to help you like in high school. I would give it my all.

Don't be shy! Go out there and experiment! Discover who you are! Do not be a hemit all the time.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take school more seriously and learn to manage my time better. Living by yourself in college is a huge difference. You have freedom that you didn't have in high school, and I know I let it get the best of me my first semester here. I still got decent grades but I could have done better if I had buckled down more. In high school, I mostly just skated by because the material was easy for me. I procrastinated on almost every assignment in high school, but I always got great grades on them so I thought that would be alright in college. It's not. College professors grade honestly. They are preparing you for the real world and they aren't as nice as high schoool teachers, and for good reason. Many people assume that college is four years of fun. College is a lot of fun, but it's also a place to become an adult. I've grown up more in the last few years here, than any other time in my life.

I would tell my high school persona that they should be weary of signing up for classes. In the more adult -centered university the students also have more responsibility placed on them. This often means that it is difficult to find advisors who can guide you through the class scheduling processes.

The advice that I would give myself is to not take AP courses but take more dual enrollment classes, because first: college is expensive! and secondly, most graduate schools do not accept AP credit so I have to retake the classes and pay more money.

In retrospect, I remember not being too far off from your typical 'young and naive' American teenage girl. I worshipped everything on television and the internet and disobeyed my parents, completely oblivious to their wisdom. Even though I was this immature teenager, I wanted so desperately to grow up; I wanted to be an adult. Television, Social networking sites, and peers that also aspired to be 'young and naive' adults raised me. I was living in a culture corrupted by negativity. Sex was everywhere and was influencing the minds of young people, including myself. And so, In leaving for college my mind was wrapped around what I blindly attributed to 'adulthood' rather than my education. If I could go back in time and give my young self advice, I would encourage myself to listen to my parents. I would teach myself my current religious ideological views, in hopes of instilling some moral guidance. Also, I would encourage myself to learn about my racial identity and those that fought for me to be where I am today. I would do all these things in hopes of making my transition from high school to college more productive.

I would tell myself that college is going to be a fun time of my life and even though you have much more freedom, you need to focus and restrict yourself from activities that will take away a lot of your attention from your studies. Also, it is important to get involved in the campus whether it be through clubs, tutoring, or whatever. Some classes might be hard but it is important to not forget that this is your own education, it's better to have harder classes and succeed knowing your overcome the challenges than to succeed knowing you didn't have to put in any effort because it was a joke class.

Keep being yourself, not matter what. Do not try to change just to become friends with more students in class. Real friends will be attracted to who you really are. Never give up on the dreams you've been reaching towards for so long. It can be scary to go off to a new place, but you will succeed if you keep believing and keep achieving. Just because your friends are not big on the idea of going to a school 1300 miles away does not mean that you can't succeed.

Forget the mentality that you will stick with a film major even if it makes you unhappy, so as to not become a part of people that change their major; you will find something better and you will continue to refine this outcome until you are truly happy with your decision. On another front, you will not like your first year roommates, but the ones to follow will more than make up for the hard time you spend dealing with the first set, and will become some of your best friends. Next, always seek professors that will challenge you, as you will enjoy the challenge moreso than an easy grade, and will feel a greater sense of accomplishment when you receive an A. Read for pleasure more often. Finally, work on your time management a little more; you have good writing skills and will pull off A's on most of your papers, but waiting until the late hours of the night before due dates, and subsequently staying up all night, is deleterious to your ability to function in class the next day. Take college life as it comes and respond responsibly and accordingly, to the best of your ability.

If I were to give myself advice it would be to not worry so much about immediately picking out a career. When I first started school I was so unsure of what I wanted to do and everyone around me who did know intimidated me. Take a variety of a few classes of things you are interested in and something will just "click" and you will feel like that is where you belong and know that career is what you want to do for the rest of your life. Also, make sure to focus on studying but to also have some time for friends and a social life. Those interactions will not only help you socially but can open the door to many opportunities in the future... and will make some great memories!

My first piece of advice would be to start looking at scholarships now. College was never cheap to begin with but each year it gets more expensive. If I had started then to look for scholarships, I wouldn't worry as much about paying for college. My other advice would be to not over stress things that don't need to be. After realizing how much stress can affect you physically, I would have saved myself some pain by learning ,then, that even falling short of perfect doesn't mean you are doomed for failure. In reality, life does not revolve around perfection, thought we strive for it everyday. We must learn that as long as we have strived to the best of our ability, that we can be proud of what we have accomplished, even if it isn't perfect.

Being kicked out of school for being gay isn't everything... You will go on to do fantastic things, will be a teacher for a while, until budget cuts come... yeah... save up... Forget looking for Mister Right. Just... go and explore the world! Take a semester overseas! You're going to love biology, by the way... I know its your worse class now, but when you go back for your second degree? You'll have an A. Oh, and apply for scholorships early... you'll be an out-of-work teacher soon...

Every freshman should know your college experience is unique to you and it is what you make it. You should never be embarrassed when it comes to making new friends. Take a chance and it probably will pay off, because you don't want to look back and have regrets. Your experience is in your hands and I would encourage a freshman to do something they never would have done before. Heck, no one knows your stereotype in high school, and you can have a fresh new start. In college you can really start to learn even more about yourself and figure out how to balance everything that is important to you. Specifically with UCF, you should know that the UCF bars are the place to be. It's always a great night out dancing and socializing with friends while meeting new friends. However, don't forget about downtown!! I did not go downtown until my sophomore year was over and I was completely missing out. It's a different crowd, but it can be even more fun than a super crowded bar by the campus. Also, get a football season ticket!! UCF has the luxury of the auction, but you don't want to miss a game like Miami because they don't have any tickets left. Personally I would encourage anyone new to UCF to go to Swing Knights. I had learned how to swing dance when I was 14, so for me it was a taste of home, but for others it is something new and exciting to try. Everyone there is amazing and willing to help you in a fun environment. In relation to concerts- go! Don't wait until the last minute to try to get your free ticket because there won't be any left. Universal Knights is also something else I had not taken advantage of the first two years which I completely regret. I mean, why wouldn't you go to an amusement park for free? Honestly, just take advantage of every opportunity that UCF has to offer because you won't be disappointed and you will be satisfied with your college experience upon graduation.

Every freshman should know your college experience is unique to you and it is what you make it. You should never be embarrassed when it comes to making new friends. Take a chance and it probably will pay off, because you don't want to look back and have regrets. Your experience is in your hands and I would encourage a freshman to do something they never would have done before. Heck, no one knows your stereotype in high school, and you can have a fresh new start. In college you can really start to learn even more about yourself and figure out how to balance everything that is important to you. Specifically with UCF, you should know that the UCF bars are the place to be. It's always a great night out dancing and socializing with friends while meeting new friends. However, don't forget about downtown!! I did not go downtown until my sophomore year was over and I was completely missing out. It's a different crowd, but it can be even more fun than a super crowded bar by the campus. Also, get a football season ticket!! UCF has the luxury of the auction, but you don't want to miss a game like Miami because they don't have any tickets left. Personally I would encourage anyone new to UCF to go to Swing Knights. I had learned how to swing dance when I was 14, so for me it was a taste of home, but for others it is something new and exciting to try. Everyone there is amazing and willing to help you in a fun environment. In relation to concerts- go! Don't wait until the last minute to try to get your free ticket because there won't be any left. Universal Knights is also something else I had not taken advantage of the first two years which I completely regret. I mean, why wouldn't you go to an amusement park for free? Honestly, just take advantage of every opportunity that UCF has to offer because you won't be disappointed and you will be satisfied with your college experience upon graduation.

You should know that UCF is a great place to network and connect, but it's also an institution of education so you must apply yourself to your academics as well.

Some advice I would give myself if I were to talk to myself back in high school when I was a senior would be to apply for more clubs and do more extracurricular activities. Make sure to participate more in the events that go happen on campus.

Sarah, you can plan your life out to the T, but remember that things in life happen that are out of your control and at the end of the day life does not stop for anyone. College is not like high school, you actually have to study to pass exams and maintain a competitive G.P.A. OHHH, and Sarah don’t waste time, because time is money… literally, you are paying YOUR own money to learn, so you better intake all the information possible. Some extremely great advice I urge you to heed is to listen to your mother when she tells you to apply for scholarships, it’s a hassle (trust me!) but you are going to need as much financial stability as possible. Growing up isn’t as easy as you think, but I promise if you do things the right way (prioritize)…you will be fine. Love, You.

Know what your degree audit is because it helps keep you on track with your progress throughout school, network with everyone and most importantly people in your major, manage your time right, make sure to have fun but stay focused in school, and also don't be afraid to ask questions when you need to or want to know something. Make yourself stand out!

Know what your degree audit is because it helps keep you on track with your progress throughout school, network with everyone and most importantly people in your major, manage your time right, make sure to have fun but stay focused in school, and also don't be afraid to ask questions when you need to or want to know something. Make yourself stand out!

Taylor, you only live once, you will only be here once, slow down and take it in because this is the most care-free and enjoyable time of your life. I know you want to rush through it all and be done with school but look around, there are so many experiences just waiting for you. Don't pass them all up, be responsible and dillignet about your school work but also just let loose and take advantage of those adventures waiting for you. You have nothing to worry about, you will succeed. I know you will.

I would had applied for more scholarships, because working and going to school just don't mix. At this rate, I would had rather gone to Medical School.

First off, if I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would initially tell myself not to waste my time with my “best friend” and boyfriend at the time. Besides those minor glitches, I would really give myself the advice I wish I had going into my freshman year of college. Figuring out how to handle the stress first hand was a rough experience. I would let myself know that it’s okay to miss my family (and dogs). Everyone gets homesick, ESPECIALLY their first year, but my mom is only a phone call away. My old self was more timid and shy than my second year college self is. I would tell myself to start being more of an extravert sooner; it’ll pay off so much in the long run with getting involved and making life-long friendships. I would tell myself how rushing a sorority is and what I need to prepare for because that, of all things, was something I wish I had known about. There is a lot I wish I could have told my 17-year-old self, but only so much I can put into 200 words.

First, I would tell myself to do dual enrollment so that I could have some college time already completed. I would also tell myself to relax and not be so anxious about making perfect grades; it's ok to make some B's if you did the best you could. I would tell myself not to be afraid to try out for softball and play more intramurals; go to a sporting event, socialize more. I would tell myself to speak up in class; don't feel like your opinion doesn't matter. Lastly, do internships and don't be afraid to fail.

When I was a Senior in High School I became pregnant and now have a 2 year old son. If I could go back I would tell myself to wait and finish school before doing anything and having a child. I love my son more than anything and now that I have him I wouldn't change a thing. But things have been hard to get where I am. My parents have been helpful but I wish I could have gotten more of the "college experience." I would also tell myself to look into schools before I just decide on something. I applied to a college because I just wanted to get out and go to college. I didn't really do much research. Thinking back, the smart thing would have been to start off at a community college, like I did. But I wish I would have looked farther into schooling and what I wanted to do next. Right now I'm looking to transfer but don't have some of the right classes that I need. I was working on getting an A.A.S. for Accounting, not realizing I would need other general courses to transfer.

Hello Margo! Senior year of high school is not the breeze you thought it was going to be (especially compared to last year). Now not only are you worried about getting the grades this year, but you are also concerned with how you will handle next year (your first year of college). I am writing to tell you to not get all stressed out, for there is nothing to be anxious about! The transition from high school to college is not so big, yet there are some changes. College life involves more freedom: you make your own schedule made up of your own classes and get your work done on your own time. As long as you know your work and study habits and preferences you will be just fine. Because you control your time and what you do with it, you can continue manipulating your daily routine as you please. This comes at a price: you must be responsible for ensuring everything is optimally complete on time, for no one is guiding your way to the finish anymore. You will experience college for yourself and finally see it was worth the wait! Best Regards, Your Future College-Self

Be careful in choices you make, however, do not blame youself if you realize that something could be done better. Only those who do not do anything do not make mistakes. When choosing a major, do not think how profitable your future career might be. Consider your personal strenghts and weaknesses, consider what you like doing, what brings you pleasure. Be determined. Be ambitious. Be consistent. Shoot for the moon. Knowledge is power! Do not count on lucky chances, lucky chances find people who follow their dream and believe in themselves. You are great! You will achive everything you strive for!