University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

Talking to myself as a high school senior would be a challenge to say the least. While I used to think that I knew everything and was prepared for whatever college would throw at me, the truth was that there was no way that I could have predicted what I would soon be experiencing. However, if I had the opportunity I would likely try to warn myself of the change that I would soon encounter. I would tell myself to prepare for a feeling of independence and vulnerability that I had never experienced in my life up till this point. I would explain that while keeping close friendships would remain vital, establishing myself in my new setting and discovering the person I wanted to become here would be most essential to my sense of happiness in this new life. Most of all, I would tell myself to embrace my last few months as a high school senior, to bathe in the love of the people and support system I had built throughout the years and to never lose sign of the aspects of my life that bring me raw happiness even during the times of struggle and despair.

Here is my advice: There are normal things that a normal woman ought to do, as she sleeps or wakes or walks. One of them is to dance, full of life to a funky rhythmic beat. Another is to sing to a playful melody with a common tune as she likes. Another is to hike all over the majestic mountains to see nature at its untouched beauty, while another is to run with one’s one power of will and emotion. Another is to drive, taking control of the wheel that designates the course that you will go; another is to work, unhindered by distractions, moving forward towards your dream. Another is to speak, clearly without hesitance, knowing what you say will create a change. Another is to realize that being a woman is being strong, fulfilling a destiny that only she can finish. You must learn to be a finisher. You can not be a mere starter of things but you must always be willing and pushing yourself to be a finisher. There are things in life that everyone can do and try with the end result of knowing that whatever you have started is now finished.

If I were to go back in time to tell myself what to do in order to better to prepare myself for college is work harder. While I was a freshman and sophomore I went to school to hang out with my friends and I did not give my full potential and I really regret that now. So if I had the chance to go back I would tell myself to kick it in gear and work harder because I have the ability to go well in school but I was too lazy to try.

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! I remember being incredibly distracted in high school, and didn't realize the implications that a poor grade or non-participation would have on getting into college, finding a scholarship and applying for jobs. When you are in high school, there are so many pressures and distractions from peers and home that you often forget that you are really setting yourself up for a specific path in life and that taking your education seriously may be more important than you could ever imagine. Many people's lives are enhanced by being accepted to and attending college. Often, the limitations of attending a respectable university are strictly financial and in order to make it feasible you have to get good grades or be eligile for grants and scholarships. Had I known this, I would have been more serious and focused on getting good grades and been more proactive about seeking tutoring or help when I needed it.

While connections are of great importance, don't focus solely on that. Your school priorities should take presedence over all other factors in your life. Also, take a few classes or read a few financial books over the summer to better prepare your self for the world of finance. As you want to be able to hit the ground running without any hesitations as to what is being covered in class (financial classes can be mundane, because the professors do not teach it with enthusiasm. It is because of this that focusing on what is being presented is difficult and therefore loose focus on the classes).

Don't be afraid to try new things. Be slow in judging others, and quick in making friends. Don't lose sight of why you're in college - to learn - but let yourself live a little, too. Appreciate every moment of the next four - or maybe five - years. You'll miss it when you've graduated, and it won't be the same when you start grad school. Pay close attention to your core requirements and listen to your academic advisor, because finding out you've done an extra science class for nothing is not a fun experience. Take the fun classes, but make sure you line yourself up so you'll have the right prerequisites done for the classes you'll be taking in junior and senior year. Don't eat the wasabi mashed potatoes in the dining hall, but do eat the beer battered cod (and don't take that dining hall job, because it really won't be worth it). Be sure to check out all there is to do around town, because Boulder is amazing. Go to the opera - you might be surprised to learn that you love it. Above all, make memories.

There is a lot of advice I would give myself if I was to see myself as a senior in highschool. The first thing I would tell me is to not be so nervous. College is a different experience but it is a good one. Another thing I would say is to take the first semster seriously. When I first went to college, I was overwhelmed with the new surroundings and didn't focus on my studies as well as I should have. The first semester is important because it starts off your career as a student and if you mess up, it doesn't go away and constantly pulls down your GPA. I would also suggest to take easier classes the first semester. Taking upper level classes isn't the same as highschool. The classes are much harder than anything in highschool. Lastly, I would say to make as many friends in the dorms because those are the ones that will stick with you forever.

When looking for a college, it's important to consider what exactly it is you want to get out of your college experience. When I was a high school senior facing this decision, I was influenced primarily by what others expected me to do: my parents, my teachers, the school counselor, my friends - but not by my own desires and exprectations. While I know how important these people can be, I wish that I had stepped back and looked at schools based on things that I valued rather than on the appearances afforded by attending certain universities. Taking a look at what you're really interested in will help you find some of the smaller, lesser known schools that might better match your own personal goals and lead you to a successful and meaningful college experience (this is where websites like Campus Discovery come in - they help you get the info you need about these schools). Keep in mind that there are plenty of schools that offer a great education and resources for students, including more generous financial aid than some of the larger, more "prestigious" schools. Pay attention to what you want, not just what others want for you.

what i have gotten out of my college experience was a new world of learning and experiences. coming from high school i had a totally different view on the world and now that i go to the University of Colorado at Boulder i see people and cultures for who they're supposed to be not what people have made them. i have also made some really great friends as i expected i would but these friends are different from my friends at home. they understand what the world needs and what the world is about.

I think the greatest thing that I have gotten out of this experience at the university is the knowledge from my classmates, professors and activities I have gotten involved in. I have been able to seek opportunities that fit with me and work towards who I want to be as an individual now and in the future. I have met wonderful people from around the world and i have been able to stay close to my family, which is the most importantly thing. I care for my little brother who is 17, and when I was accepted to CU and schools in California, I was excited to stay here so he would not have to move during highschool. I think that one of the most valuable experiences I have had here it working with an on-campus non profit that goes on medical trips to Ecuador called the Timmy Foundation. This expericence has given me the opportunity to work with nurses and doctors alike from Ecuador and all over the states, in addition to gaining experience with running non-profits and expanding my knowledge about health here and abroad.

The most valuable trait I have acquired while attending college is self-reliance. There are many people that can help one succeed, but at the end of the day, I am the only one that has the capability to motivate myself. Since my freshman year, I have expanded my abilities greatly. I can now study effectivley and manage my time efficiently. For the past 2 years I have held down a part-time job while being a full-time student with a GPA of 3.4. Last year I declared a second major in something I never thought would interest me. This taught me to not reject ideas at first glance and to give different things a try. After 3.5 years of college, my ideas for post-graduation have expanded beyond what I ever imagined as an entering freshman. Attending my university has opened my eyes as well as many doors.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience thus far: learning time management; balancing athletics and academics; and pushing myself to be extremely successful in my academic career, something that was previously never apart of my academic attitude. Through finding myself in academics as an exceptional student, I have learned my family led me to so much success. I had always relied on my friends and athletics to mentor me through my trials and tribulations. Now in college, I have found an endless value in my family. I have learned how much their support means to my success, with them I have been able to overcome any academic obstacle and come out on top. I have learned that when all else fails, your family will give you the power to continue on. I have found a new importance in playing a role in my little brothers growth, offering him my advice and knowledge and pushing him to be the best 13 year old he can be, and learn the importance of family now. Families work and grow together, and I have learned that when they use each other's strengths, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

Studying in the US has been a dream come true. I come from Tanzania, which is a small developing country that has not yet been able to provide access to higher education to all the youths who qualify to go to college. Due to that, I had to wait for a year back in Tanzania before getting a chance of admission to a college. Luckily enough, I was presented with the opportunity of coming to study here in the US. I'm able to interact with people from different cultures, learn more about team work, especially during group tasks. Moreover, I'm learning a very important lesson of having tolerance towards other people's lifestyles and beliefs. In addition to that, college experience has made me become more curious of my surroundings, and as a result I'm now finding ways of getting involved in different programs that help me and at the same time help others become better individuals. I'm grateful for this opportunity, eventhough at the moment I don't have a sponsor. I'm eager to work harder to finish my nursing degree which will enable me to help others, which is something I love.

I am attending Provo College in Utah and the experience for me has been great. This opportunity has given not only me but my wife and kids the chance to have a brighter future that will allow all of us a better life. The professors and staff at Provo College have been great. I am currently enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program and have learned so much more than just what to do as a physical therapist, but also how to act in a professional environment to interpersonal skills, and the importance of self assurance. This opportunity and experience to return to school after so many years and to be able to excel as I have has helped me to gain confidence and hope that my future holds more than I could have ever dreamed.

The biggest thing i have gotten out of my college experiance so far is: Me. Being in college has really allowed me to know myself, as odd and somewhat cliche as that might sounds, my time in college as been all about me. Its my education, its my work and my understanding, i rely on myself for most things now. An odd feeling, as most of my life was run by my parents or school, but i find myself handling things on my own. It has let me see the real Daniel, ive seen me get through a lot, but to truley know yourself is different, and i feel like i am finally acomplishing that in colege.

I've grown a lot as a person and have had the chance to have many experience with different cultures and subjects. I think if there's anything you do in life you should go to college because there's so much to learn not only in the classroom but outside it as well. I've also made so many lifelong friends that I don't know what I would do without now. Learning who you are is important and college is how you begin this journey and I'm so happy I chose to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Through the experience of the downfall of the American dream as an immigrant and living with a paranoid schizophrenic family member, I became very depressed and pessimistic in my wordly views throughout middle school and the beginning of my high school experience. However, while dealing with my depression, I learned throughout my high school experience through greater teachers and counselors that I need to turn my life around to be able to be truly content with my decisions. When I was applying for colleges in my senior year of high school, I knew that I wanted the balance of a great education and the opportunity to grow as a person. I chose UCB for such reasons, and I believe it was one of my greatest decisions. I have met great professors with diverse worldviews and other freshmen from all around the world in my dorm that have helped me to become a more positive person through discussing their experiences and mine. Being at such a diverse university has be greatly beneficial to me to feel more at home than anywhere else. My college experience is a whole different universe to me, but it has helped me to cope with reality.

My college experience has been all about discovery. In high school I was very isolated just within my group of friends and thought that just the things I was doing then was what I was suppposed to do for the rest of my life. However, I came to the University of Colorado at Boulder and found that there was a huge world of opportunity waiting for me. Currently I am an Open Option major, but have been recently leaning toward Sociology and Psychology, areas I had never even thought to pursue before, but now am very interested in making me lifes purpose. College is about figuring out who you are and where you stand in the world, but nothing is permanent. I'm allowed to make mistakes and change my mind and I will never have to be just put inside one box of interest. My mind and interests can span across different subjects and ways of life. College is all about discovery, and though I'm still discovering my person, I feel good about how far I've come in just the one smester I've had here. And that is extremely valuable to me.

I think I've learned a lot about myself and who I am. Going to CU helped me decide what I was really interested in and was helpful in allowing me to focus my studies. I know myself much better because of the experiences I've had here at CU and I will always look back fondly on my time here. I got to know a really fun and eccentric city and find my place in it. I found my true passion and I am in the process of attaining it. CU has a wide variety of options to choose from so I was able to start college with no idea and finish with a degree I'm interested in and a desire to go further with. College is important in finding your identity and my experience has profoundly shaped who I am today.

Personally, I have realized how lucky I am to have the opportunity to attend college and I have learned to use my ADD to my advantage to relate various concepts that many people would never relate to one another. I would not change anything about my college experience, I don't fit in well at CU-Boulder because I don't like to party but I have realized that I would much rather spend my time here learning than trying to fit in by drinking. I have also realized that I would like to pursue a PHD in neuropsychology as well as studying integrative medicine. I've finally accepted that intelligence should be embraced regardless of peer stigma, and I would not give up my education for anything!

Thanks to my college experience I have learned more about different cultures and different people than I had ever imagined. Not only in the classroom can I feel myself learning but also outside at the many cultural and social events. I know more about my world and feel that although I am only one person, I can make a large difference. It has been valuable to attend college becuase without this information I could not make the change that is necessary to make the world a better place.

Growing up in what I would describe as a typical suburban - mostly Caucasian area didn't allow me to meet a wide variety of people. CU is known for having a diverse student population so as my understanding of people from different cultures and backgrounds grew, my college experience was also increasingly enhanced. As a freshman, I elected to be randomly placed with another freshman when applying for housing. I soon learned my roommate was bisexual, had an extremely different group of friends than I did, but that despite all our differences we could accept one another for the people we were inside. Phoebe and I got along much better than I think I would have with even my closest friends and the experience of getting to know someone so different than myself is not an uncommon one at CU. Meeting diverse individuals has allowed me to better understand myself and learning how to communicate with so many different types of people and being able to accept them as individuals is a life lesson I will forever be thankful for.

The experience I got out of college was amazing. The knowledge I received is priceless. I want to be a role model for the next generation, for my children and grandchildren. I want to be a success and leave a print in this world. Going to college and getting my degree so I can make a difference in the world or someone life will do just that. I want to learn, put my own ablilites to the test. I want to accomplish my goals I have set and one out of many is to go back to college.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a wealth of information that is worth the money that I am paying for. My tuition is very expensive and it is hard because of I am a single mother. I'm so glad that I returned back to school. I go to school for Medical Specialties. We learn just about all areas of medice. Some, but not limited to, are as follows; radiology, rehabilition, physical therapy, and phlebotomy. I feel like I'm getting a nursing degree! That's is how much experience I am getting from these wonderful, nice, and caring Insrutors we have here at Colllege America. What a great name. I love it. I feel like I am getting my money's worth because I always say that education is forever! You really never stop learning! I plan to receive a master's degree from the same school. I would reccomend this school to anyone who wants to pursue health, computers, and business and business majors. You will not be disappointed in anyway. The classes are small. You can keep communication going with your Instructors. They smile a lot and are willing to help you. Thanks.

I have not started yet. I am enrolled and will be starting june 28th 2010. Although I have not started yet I know what I will get out of my experience and why it is going to be valuable for me to attend. I love learning new things and with my courses I will be learning a lot and that has its own value in itself. It will also prepare me to rejoin the workforce after being laid off work for so long. With their 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} job placement rate I will instantly be rewarded for all my hard work and perseverance. To me this is the most valuable part about the whole experience. I know that i will also meet new people and make new friends by attending school once again so this will also add to my expereince and hopefully give me more great memories and great friendships. I just want to thank you for your time and consideration for reading this.

The biggest thing I expected and indeed got out of my college experience was the foundation for the rest of my life. I found an area of medicine that I loved and was able to efficiently and sufficiently set myself up for getting into and completing medical school. College also allowed me to find who I was as a person. It was the first time I lived away from my family, the first time I was completely responsible for my well-being, finances, and happiness. It was a no mere walk in the park, but I felt like I became a complete person after those four years. I gained not only the knowledge my school did so well to impart upon me, but I also gained the confidence and optimism that I have today. For me, college really opened my eyes to everything that is out there in the world and the diverse spectrum of people that is harbors.

My undergraduate education allowed me to explore my interest in psychology and biology. The strong scientific foundation that I gained at the University of Colorado was essential in preparing me to enter into a position as a research assistant in Pediatric Psychopharmacology at Massachusetts General Hospital. My experiences in neuroscience and social science, combined with my work in research solidified my decision to pursue a career in healthcare. I am confident that my previous coursework has provided the necessary framework to allow me to be successful in graduate school. My education will ultimately allow me to achieve my goals of working in underserved areas and initiating health education programs. I am thankful that I have been given the tools and opportunities to succeed, and I plan to fully utilize the education I have obtained in order to make a difference in the world, one patient at a time.

College is awesome. Being in such a educational enviroment makes me feel right at home. The professors

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience is knowledge. I took classes in different areas of studies to gain a broad background. I am completing my degree in Psychology but for me to help others I need to be educated in my field of study and also in classes that broaden my thoughts. It is important for me to be tolerant of others, accepting of others, and to embrace others for our similarities and differences. Our differences make us unique and important to each other. By taking classes in different areas I was given the opportunity to develop an interest in Psychology and Communications. This has made my college experience so far, important and valuable. I am looking forward to further opportunities at a different college to continue my education. With new knowledge comes more opportunity to serve and help others and to grow as an individual person. Thank you for this opportunity.

A sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done. Confidence. Some admiration from others. Use the skills learned to volunteer and help others. Knowing I can take care of myself and be on my own during college. Friendships. Great memories.The greatest benefit is completing a long term plan/goal. Realizing because of college that there are a lot of things I can accomplish if I want to. I emphasize a growth in knowledge, the understanding of the world and different cultures, and the kind of education that will make me deemed well-rounded.

College is an experience that many people don't get the opportunity to enjoy. I've had the priveledge of attending one semester thus far and am working in my second semester. College has offered me the opportunity to grow and the value that comes with personal growth is immeasurable. The K-12 experience is structured and as long as we do what we're told when we're told to do it we succeed. In college we are all drummers marching to our own beat. We decide if we will succeed. We decide in what area we will excel. Or, we decide to fail. Growth is attained by choosing to succeed and the path that takes us down. I am learning personal responsibility and interpersonal skills that I will continue to improve during my tenure in college. My personal growth while attending college, in addition to the collegiate skills I will acquire, are the foundation for my success after I leave college. Without a foundation no structure can withstand the test of time. College is building my foundation both personally and academically.

At the age of 33, I find myself out of a job and uninterested in continuing my career in the film industry post-production field. I have decided to pursue my lifelong dream and become a nurse, which will allow me to find purpose in my work and help people in need. In order to achieve this goal, I have to go back to school. I can't wait to start! Unfortunately, I cannot afford to pay for school out of pocket, and so much rely solely on student loans, grants and scholarships. I have always done very well at school, and am committed to giving this 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my time and effort. I would very much appreciate and value any kind of financial help I can get in order to make my dream a reality.

My major, enviromental design, is the right school for me at CU. I have grown so much just over one semester, realizing the importance of sustainablity and new urbanism growth that will be the new developement fad in the next 20 years. I am so excited for my furture to dive into these worldly projects and my efforts here at CU reflect that vision.

I was given valuable research opportunities in my field of study, Psychology. I worked in three research labs and completed an honors thesis in the United States and overseas which allowed me to graduate summa cum laude. In addition, I developed a student group on my predominantly white campus which helped Iranian students feel as though they had a community and voice. These experiences helped me understand myself and academic interests better.

I've spoken to many high school students about college. Most of them say "I'm sick of school. I just want to be done." College for me has been so much more than school. College isn't just about the classes, or the grades, or even the parties. College is about finding yourself, and finding the place where you fit in. I never felt like I fit in when I was in high school, but in college, I've found my niche. College has been so great that I don't want to leave for the summer. Classes are more like real life; if you don't do your work, you don't succeed. You only hurt yourself by not working hard. Being in college has taught me so much- about who I am, what I want, and how easy it is to succeed as long as I believe in myself. This one year I've spent has already been more useful than 4 years of high school. So when you're sick of school, its time to go to college, because college is an experience, not a class.

I am a non-typical student in the sense that I have been to four univiersities in four years. I have attended as a full time student at: Ohio University, La Roche College, Chaminade University - Honolulu, and Ohio State University. Besides an education, I've gained many valuable experiences that were the result of each individual institutions motto. Meeting new people and interacting with my professors, and discovering each colleges neighboring communities have been some of the most valuable experiences I've had. I've met so many different people from so many different places and backgrounds that I've learned not only the class room's curriculum, but the things that my peers and professors have brought to the classroom as well have been some of my most valuable and beneficial experiences.

At CU I have gotten a lifelong drive to continue pursuing new avenues of thought and understanding in everything I do. Attending college is integral to being a fully developed member of society, and CU clearly fulfills its duty to humanity!

My first semester of college I went to a tiny private school in Iowa. I was very miserable there. I transferred to CU Boulder in January and it was the best decision that I could have made for myself. I am so much happier here. The program is much better for me and I am able to take all the classes that I want to be in and I am not just taking classes that were available. The people here are amazing and since I grew up in Boulder, I feel right at home here. It has been so valuable to me to be at a school where I feel like people really care if I succeed. Even though it is a big university, I don't feel like I get lost in the crowd. I think that the education that I get here is going to allow to me to go where I want in my life and with it, I can succeed in life.

My college experience gave me motivation and revelation. I learned that true motivation must always be internal and not external. College provided me with the desire to continue learning and to always realize that anything is up to me, not others. Internal motivation is the single most important thing anyone can learn and just through realizing this and the true potential I, as an individual and student, have, my experience was valuable. My own personal experience also made me realize that education is self-driven. You do not need to attend an Ivy League school to get a world class education. If you seek out that type of education, you will find it, not just in your classes, but in extracurricular activities, internships, travel, etc. College: the world is what you make it.

Looking back on my previous college experience, my one regret that I have is really looking into the different programs and areas of interest. There were a lot of different subjects that I was interested in, and thought that I chose the best one, but once I finished my degree I discovered that while the subject was very interesting to me it didn't represent something that I could feasibly do for a career. Based on this discovery I thought back to some of the steps that I could've taken in my degree that would've helped me figure this out before I had finished a full Bachelor's program. One of those steps was being more involved in the clubs, research projects, and internships that were offered through the school. I discovered that to get into a good internship the process started much earlier with first participating in research projects, and if I had looked into those much earlier I would've been in a much better situation. Now I am getting back into school for a second Bachelor's degree in a field that is what I should've been studing in the first place.

To enjoy the experience while it lasts because it will be over so soon. Also, to worry less and enjoy the experience more!

If I were to talk to myself about going to college, I would start with the obvious, which would be keeping up with the readings, putting the frozen pizzas down, and going to class - no matter how early it is. I would give myself a stern talking to on the topic of money. Money - do not spend what you know you do not have. It is definitely really easy to whip out that debit/credit card and get whatever you want, until the bank statement comes in. Then your notified that you took out a 5,000 loan in the beginning of the year, I would tell myself not to get into this situation. Take out your own trash in your dorm room, so things do not get complicated between your roommate and you. I would give myself a heads -up on the whole roommate situation, by keeping your belongings on your side of the room and not to take advantage of each other. Really important advice; keeping up with homework assignments, remembering to write down important dates, and to also take notes every class no matter how irreverent the material might be, there is a connection somewhere.

When I was a senior in high school I thought I had it all planned out. I took all required classes, AP classes, participated in school activities and worked part time. Yes, I thought I was on the way to success. But I forgot the most important part. I didn?t realize what was coming over the hill. I plunged into a school miles away from my hometown with no friends in sight and no one to comfort me. I realized that while I prepared well academically I didn?t think about my social LIFE. It was such a difficult making friends and getting adjusted to live with someone I never knew in a room that could only fit two beds. Sometimes I wondered why I chose this school. Why did I go so far away? But then I realized. Because I WANTED to experience something new. If I could tell myself right before transitioning to college that it's not going to be easy and that it will take time to adjust perhaps I would have spend that time wondering about my future instead of the past. I would tell myself be strong because the best is ahead!

Listen, you are about to embark on a journey that many go through. Not everyone makes it out with their objectives complete, but that's why you've got to keep focused and inspired. Just because you aren't treated like a child anymore doesn't mean you can let loose and exclaim, "Freedom!" You have to take charge of yourself and your future. Things don't necessarily become harder to the extent that they seem impossible, yet nothing will seem like a walk in the park either. Keep your head up and don't drop your guard. Don't get too too serious, though. Reward yourself for the larger, tougher things you accomplish. Work harder for your shortcomings. From here on out, you shape what becomes of you. Don't mess it up. After all, we each have only one life to live.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself of a few things. The first would be to go to a school that will help me reach my ultimate career goal, which is to be a Photographer. Instead of going to such a large University, I would tell myself the importance of keeping my options open to smaller art schools that would provide more opportunities for me regarding my major. The second thing I would want to caution myself about is making friends. To be careful to whom you open up to and your motives behind it. It is important to branch out, join clubs, and meet as many people as possible so that if you find yourself caught up in the wrong crowd, it will be easier to leave the not-so-good-for-you friends behind. Finally, I would tell myself to stay postive and focus on my ultimate goals. To be happy, and do things for me, no matter how big or small. To smile often, and to always be open to people who will help me to grow into a stronger individual.

I would tell myself to research my school a little more so my transfer in would be more smooth. More to that, I would include taking care of my housing before I went to South America for six months. Right now I'm living in the off campus dorm which can be a hastle to catch a bus and get to campus. I would also structure my year off a little better. My volunteer work in Patagonia proved to be very fulfilling, but my time in Buenos Aires seemed a bit long. I wish I could have worked for a non-profit organization, gotten a job, or taught English to some Argintinians. That being said my trip was definitely a success, just with a few moments of being too free. I lived away from home for all of high school going to a boarding school in Southern California. This factored into my transition to living in a new place relatively easy. I would tell myself to bring a bike so I could ride to campus and not have to rely on an unrelyable bus. Apart from that I have been pretty prepared.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to give the best effort everyday. I would highly recommend to never get behind and take it one day at a time. I would also tell myself that if I don't understand the material presented , to never be afraid to ask for help , there are professors who are more than happy to help. I would also tell myself to get more socially active and involved in social activites. I agree that academics is important but a little fun is allowed as a distraction as well. I would also stress the issue of having a career plan set, when I entered college I was confused and lost about what Iwanted to major in and that added more stress to my sophmore year , so I would remind myself to have my plan set and put into effect my freshman year so that I would not fall behind. Overall, I would remind myself that I want to prove myself that I can get a college degree and be successful and in the end that is all that matters.

If I could go back to my high school self, and give myself a word of advice, I would tell myself to BREATHE. Instead of stressing about the unknowns of college, and where I was going to end up, I would tell myself to take it one step at a time, and that everything will work out for the best. I would tell myself that I need to be more disciplined about studying and going to meet with the professors. Leaving home can be a hard trasition for many people especially when one goes out of state like I did to the University of Colorado and keeping a positive attitude would be another word of advice I would have loved to give myself. Keeping a positive attitude and an altruistic view when meeting people would be crucial. Even though my transition to college was not to difficult and I felt I made friends very quickly, these previously stated ideas would be extremely helpful had I learned them in highschool.

If I could go back in time to give my high school self advice about the transition to college and college life, I would focus mainly on the importance of first semester. I would tell myself to get involved right off the bat and meet people that share common interests. I would explain how first semster, freshmen year will set up all of college, both in GPA and in being involved. I would talk about the importance of planning time wisely so that friends, family, and especially grades are not neglected. It is easy to get overwhelmed and side tracked with the amount going on and the freedom college gives you, but focus and dedication are key to succeeding. I would say to not get stressed easily. Take everything one day, and one step at a time, and when something doesn't work out, be ready to adapt. Everthing will not end up how you expect it to, but change allows for new opportunities and situations that may result in better success.

College is a place where the opportunities are endless. There are unlimited possibilities that are available, but being outgoing and opening the doors for yourself is the only way you will attain what is out there. Start out by getting your basic requirements out of the way the first year. These diverse topics will give you a fundamental base for your studies, and hopefully one of them will catch your attention. Concerning this if there is something you want or are interested in, don?t let anything hold you back, teachers, peer pressure, or time; whatever you desire is fully within your capabilities. Meet new people. Part of college and education is what you know, a large piece of it is who you know; this included teachers. They are there to help you, attend their office hours and get to know them first hand. They will help you on your endeavors. Concerning class, do not just copy down the instructor?s notes or lecture. Listen and get to know and understand the material versus merely regurgitating it. Lastly, get involved. There are many avenues to practice what you have learned; doing them reinforced to you and employers your capabilities.