University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I would tell myself work hard be dedicated and remember to shoot for the stars. I would tell myself work hard in your classes and be involved. Remember to serve your community take risks but above all work hard in your classes. I would tell myself that its ok to fail and to change your mind but its not ok to just skate by. Work hard because in the end it pays off.

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If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get involved earlier. Find interesting clubs right away and participate in the career fairs and job searches as early as possible. In doing so, you will get the greatest, most diverse experience possible. I would also tell myself to continue working hard and not let the freedom of college infringe on your work ethic. It is very possible to slip up academically when you're surrounded by the countless social opportunities however, hard work pays off. You are paying for your education and it is up to you to get the most out of the college experience with academics at the core.

If I were able to talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to try to reconnect with former classmates who attend the same college that I plan to attend. By talking to classmates who were older than me, I would be able to learn some tips and tricks to college life. For example, if I were able to learn about the characteristics of each dorm, I would have been able to choose a dorm that was made up of people who took similar classes as me. Although it was not hard to make friends in new classes, these friends usually lived in different dorms, so organizing times to work on homework together was not convenient. However, if we lived in the same dorm, a quick elevator ride or walk down the hallway would allow us to complete our homework efficiently. Another reason why contacting older classmates would be helpful is because they can provide their opinions on anything related to college, especially coursework. Because my classmates have physically taken the class, sometimes their feedback is just as valuable as an academic advisor’s advice.

As much as you hate to admit it, Dad was right. Beginning your college career at a local community college was the best to start. Temptation was calling to hop onto the nearest vehicle and flee Rockford for four years and return experienced, confident, and ready to conquer the world! Everybody else seemed to do that...only to return and start over. Why you may ask? They weren't ready, just like you, little did you know it. You were not ready to leave home and that's okay! Over the next three years, you got a chance to develop and see who you were as a person. Being at a community college gave you the oppurtunity to strengthen your friendship with Sarah, forge close bonds with other friends, appreciate your mother and father more, and most importantly reminded you that not everybody is the same. It's okay to be different. Not everyone goes off to a 4-year university and comes back, armed and ready to begin the real journey of adulthood. It's perfectly fine to still be unsure of life even at 22. What is most important though that you always remember you are welcome home.

"I'm you from the future! Listen, I don't have much time. Don't go to university right away (turns out I wasn't ready). Go to community college. No, really! You'll get great grades and save a few thousand on your education--speaking of which, do NOT skip those scholarship applications! Loans suck. "Anyway, once you transfer to U of I, you must make college your LIFE. Yes, it means your social life will suffer, but your goals will be far more attainable. Don't be arrogant and say to yourself, 'I know this stuff'; in reality, you won't know the material just by going to lecture. 'How will I find the motivation to study?' you may ask. Make friends. Seriously. Stay on campus and ask for help from peers. Everyone is friendly and you may even be friends for life! Form study groups with your friends and be sure to LEARN, for goodness sake. That's what college is for, after all! Oh, shoot, I gotta go. Don't mess this up for m--er, you!" "Wait! Should I live off-campus?" "Definitely. Much cheaper and more freedom. Bye, me!"

Keep doing what you are doing because that is the probably the only way you will get into college. Start working Diams earlier and push more for the allowance to take AP chem for there is very little math involved and your current math situation should have no effect on that course. Trust me, I just took that course in college and math involvement is minimal. Also, watch the anke picks so that you don't tweak your knee and do knee specific warm-ups before practice and competition. Make sure your phone works before falling asleep the day before the make-up ACT.

“Be confident. You worry too much about pleasing others that sometimes you forget to think about what would make you happy. Now that I am in college, I can see that everyone else is literally in the same boat as me. While it is part of your nature to care for others, you can’t forget to take care of yourself too. There is so much you have yet to learn. Just after one month of being in college you won’t believe how mature of an adult you will have become. All of your fears about not being able to get a job that you enjoyed will be gone. You will develop lifelong friends who are on the same path as you, and you will be able to grow with each one of them along the way. Take the initiative and talk to your professors, it’s not that hard. Get help if you need it; there are endless resources and countless people here who want to see you succeed. Be fortunate that you have gotten as far as you have. Thank mom and dad for all that they have provided to get you this far. Be happy.”

Seriously research universities before selecting one based on costs and proximity. There are more important things than being close to home. You are independent and love adventure, you should definitely explore all the possibilities before selecting! Look at classes offered, extracurricular activities, school spirit, volunteer opportunities, internship possibilities, and what the social scene is like. Don´t just settle for your easiest option. Be bold and dream big. Go where your heart takes you!

What are you passionate about? I don't mean what you like to do in your spare time, or even the school subject you're acing. What is it that electrifies the spark within you, the genius of your heart? This is your true vocation. It's okay to be a little lost, even if you're a self-described "high achiever." Doing well in school doesn't mean you know what to do when you're outside of it. Embrace the unknown and all the flexibility of uncertainty - you'll be glad you did. There is so much grandeur in the world, and the walls of your high school cannot even begin to contain it. Your next step isn't just another step to your future; it's a journey to savor. I know you are impatient to begin the bright future everyone is telling you that you'll have, and that's okay. Take that energy and use your upcoming journey to discover what makes that spark go ablaze. Take your time, find your passion, and look forward to the ride that will take you farther than you ever imagined. I promise, it's worth it.

Dear Sam, One day, whether or not you were popular in high school isn't going to matter, and whether or not your mom let you go to that party last weekend is going to be irrelevant. Cherish the few friendships you make that you want to last. Work hard to be nice to everyone you meet because you never know the impact it may have on them. When you graduate high school, more likely than not, the college you attend will be larger than your high school and not everyone will know each other. No one will know your past, and the only thing that will matter at that point will be the relationships you worked hard for and the grades and achievements you have earned. Always persevere. At times giving up may seem like the only option, but I promise you that one day it will all be worth it. Always believe in yourself. Be the best person you know how to be, and even when life gets you down just know that everything happens for a reason. Although you may not understand that reason now, one day it will make sense. Love, Sam

The quickest thing that comes to mind would to be to tell myself to develop good study habits. I found high school very relaxed and easy (even with the heaviest courses available) so I never was required to develop good study habits, and upon arrival to campus it's been very detrimental to me and caused me much stress. I would tell myself that no matter what you think, raw talent or ability is not enough alone, and that you need to culture your focus and drive to be able to succeed--even one year's notice to myself as a senior would have been immensely helpful in alleviating the stress. To lighten the mood, I would also tell myself of all the wonderful friends I was going to make and just how much they would affect my life (keeping it ambiguous, of course, so as to not accidentally alter the future) and just how many awesome and unexpected adventures I would have, and how many extraordinary new things I would learn and discover, even though the university is right at home.

If I were to go back in time and speak to a high school version of myself, I would provide information that hopefully would alleviate some of the difficulties that college life brings. Adjusting to college life, practicing good time management, participating in community/university events, and networking would all be topics that I would like to discuss with a high school version of myself. Adjusting to college life can be difficult; each student behaves differently upon arriving at college. My advice would be to find a group of people that you enjoy spending time with, to find an organization that helps you to broaden your horizons and gain volunteering experience and to try and keep your senses and make practical decisions. Time management is key at college. There will be distractions and temptations in addition to heavy coursework and in-depth group projects. Practice good time management every day, it is a skill that will help you as you progress through life. Get involved in your community and university. This is a life-changing opportunity. Practice networking. The people you will meet and converse with may turn out to be your best friends and most trusted advisors.

Cindy, I want you to know that everything will be OK. Remember, they chose YOU to be part of their university. You are intelligent and deserve to be here. Now, while I know you will find your way, let me provide you some words of wisdom. Never forget your purpose during your undergraduate years. You are first and foremost a student. While it may be tempting to get involved in every committee and organize conferences every week to improve campus life, that is not your job. I understand this is your passion and there will be a time and place when you can devote your day to organizing and planning. However, learn to find the balance between excelling academically and serving the community. Another crucial point, take advantage of the opportunities available. Do not let fear hold you back. This is the time to study abroad, meet new people and push the boundaries! You are young and that will not always be true. 10 years from now, you want to look back and know you have no regrets. Lastly, I want you to run to the window, open it wide and scream I-L-L…I-N-I!

Dear Bianca, I am writing to you as a college sophomore. Having just completed my first year of college, I have some very important advice for you. My advice is not to tell you to strive for straight As or to stress about which college you will attend. Instead, my advice is to remember that you are not the grade you receive nor the college you attend. Your purpose in school is neither to receive straight As nor to receive a piece of paper in four years as proof of your time spent in classrooms. Instead, your purpose for school and college should be to obtain an education and truly learn. The knowledge you receive and skills you obtain by attending both high school and college will be far more important and beneficial to your life than any grade or letter can measure. You will be able to implement your knowledge limitlessly, and that is a secret they don't tell you. The investment you make in college is worth infinitely more if you Invest not only in a degree, but in an education. To do this, you must invest in yourself and the depth of knowledge. With love, Bianca

Hey Amanda, Well you are finally a senior. You are probably focused on your college stuff than your academics. Freaking out yet? Stressing over college deadlines, financial aid and anticipating college life? Maybe you already got some rejections? I am here to tell you to calm down. Where you go to will be just as good as any top school in the world. Remember it is not the school you attend but your experience and skills you build while you are there. College is a whole new world filled with literally everything you are afraid of. You have to depend on yourself; mum and dad are too far away to help. You have to be an adult. While you are still in high schoool: Focus on those AP courses; it will help (college credit. ahem). Talk to everybody; hang out with a few because you will not be seeing these people ever again and they can teach you something valuable. Facebook friend people; you have a shared connection. Take pictures; so you can look back and see the fun you had. Be more outspoken; you wasted high school being quiet. Stay calm. Be focused. Have fun.

I would tell myself to be a little more chill and more open to experiences besides those related to research and academics. So far I have had an amazing college experience with study abroad and many other highlights, but looking back I wish I would have been a little more social (although I wasn't anti-social by any means). Additionally, I would tell myself to jump at every single opportunity and not second guess myself so much since I have potentially missed out on some amazing opportunities by hesistating or thinking it out to much.

THe advice I would give myself is to use time wisely. During the summer before college, I would tell myself to do something valuable and productive whether it be working, volunteering, taking summer courses, or anything that stands out and teaches new skills. As a business student, acquiring new skills is very important as it makes you stand out among many qualified students. Being comfortable to talk about one's abilities is also important as it can prove to be very useful during the interview process. I would also tell myself not to be scared to talk to people and be more open-minded to the many different types of people I would meet. There are so many people in college that you would never thought you would be friends with and you ended up being great friends with them so keeping an open mind and being confident are both very important.

I would give myself many tips if I had the chance to go back and talk to my senior year self. First,, I would say don't stress out as much. I was use to getting A's in every class. When I got a C on my first chemisty test in college, I was extremely upset and considered changing my major and switching schools. In college, it is okay not to be perfect and it was something that took me a long time to understand. Second, I would tell myself to go to the meetings and seminars about studying, stress, healthy eating, and getting use to college. Being the first person in my family to attend college meant that I had no one giving me advice, and hearing from people who have been through it would have helped me a ton.

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell my senior self that the college application process is just the hardest part. Yes, senioritis is still heavily prevalent, I would say, but managing to get passing grades in the first three years of high school is a testament to all your hard work. I would tell senior me to always go with her gut instinct, do what she thinks is the right thing to do even as people pull her in all different directions like a stubborn taffy. I would tell senior me to be aware of people from diverse backgrounds who might not agree with everything she believes, and take care not to judge them until after getting further acquainted with them. I would tell her that academics come first, but to never be afraid to put herself out there and try new things, and just have fun doing it. I would tell her that it's okay to call home, but that being with friends always fills the empty gap. I would tell her to expect nothing with a roommate. Finally, I would tell her to go forth with purpose: once at college, life truly begins.

Throughout my college career thus far, I've faced many different challenges in different aspects of my life. But, with each challenge comes opportunity, and with each opportunity comes a choice. And it's these choices that define us and make us who we are today. The first piece of advice I'd tell myself is to plan and prepare. Yes, not everything can be planned for, but being prepared puts you one step ahead when opportunites and misfortune come knocking. I constantly remind myself of my dad's advice. "A failure to plan is a plan to fail." The number two piece of advice is to not be afraid. College is a new world full of new oppurtunites of every caliber. Embrace these opportunites and take a chance. I've learned it's better to try and fail, then to never try at all. College is a time of learning who you really are, and the best way to learn is through experience. Be proactive and take chances! Last, but not least, believe in yourself. Adversity and problems are never ending battles in life. Stand up for who you are, and you'll never lose the war.

Dear High School Senior, Selecting a college to attend is a tough decision. There are a lot of different aspects to consider. When it comes down to it, though, make sure you choose a school where you believe you will be happy. This isn't necessarily equivalent to choosing the school ranked the highest or the school your parents like most. No, it means choosing a campus that you are excited to step foot on because you have found an environment that makes you want to learn and grow, ask questions and find answers, face challenges and become the best version of yourself. Similarly, once you have made your decision and arrived at college, don't be afraid to explore what lies on the other side of your comfort zone. Go out of your way to meet new people, try new foods, and participate in different activities. Don't be afraid to fail because the end destination is but a minor accomplishment compared to who you become on the journey there. Lastly, have fun and cherish every moment, even the tough ones. College goes by fast, so soak it up while it lasts! Sincerely, Nostalgic College Grad

“Nothing matters”, I would impart upon myself.It is my firm belief that nothing really matters in this world, because as important as we constantly tell ourselves we are, the reality of this Situation is that we are merely temporary specs in the grand scheme of Everything. Yet, to clarify, nothing mattering should be taken in the most incredible and inspiring way possible. That thought has made me realize that life is just the longest and realest game we’ll ever play. Therefore I’d tell myself that if I want to become a doctor one day, then I should spend hundreds of hours buried in the dusty library stacks. If I want to make as many memories as possible, then spend a few more nights past 2:00 am, yet write down the laughs the next day. I’d remind myself that I am in control of every thought/feeling/situation that I encounter and since none of those three things will exist in 100-200 years, I should make them as incredibly epic as humanly possible. For me, since nothing matters, I would remind myself to achieve any and all things my dreamer mind conjures up.

During my high school senior year, I placed upon myself a rigorous set of academic classes. From taking six advanced placement classes, being involved in two varsity sports and multiple community service commitments I was unable to truly enjoy my senior year experience. Though I have learned a lesson of great time management during my senior year, I wished that I have taken my time to fully submerge myself in the courses that I was taking. Instead, in order to keep up the graduation requirements and my GPA, I rushed from one activity to the next not fully comprehending the subject material. I admit that in high school I worked very hard but for the wrong reasons. My goal was to get as many accolades possible and attain a perfect grade, instead of acquiring the knowledge that would have continuously been useful during my college years. It was as if though I was sprinting the fastest than anyone else, yet ineffectively in circles, not going anywhere. The advice that I would give myself ultimately, if I can go back in time, is to savor every moment of high school and study the subjects dear to my interests for the future.

If I could go back and give myself advise, I would begin by describing the differences between college and high school. I would tell myself that it is not the simple sit in class for 30 minutes while the teacher talks then talk to your friends for the next hour. College is not the easy never have to study because it's mostly things that can be remembered without trying. You don't get the extra time to make up any work that you may have missed for any reason. So in short, the advice I would give to myself would have to be, be attentive, be studious, and be flexible. Do what needs to be done to get the grades and further yourself in your education and in your life. But always remember to have fun! If you don't have fun, you will hate all of it.

If I were to go back in time and be a high school senior, the best advices I would give to myself now that I am a college student would be the following: The number one advice and the most important one would be to attend to all of my classes without skipping any of them. I would also pay attention to all my professors and do all of my work and of course turn them in on time. I do regret some things i didn't do in high school. For example I didn't apply to any scholarships and I wouldn't try my best to be a top student. Now that I am in college I am trying my best to be a better student and not only that but to be the best!!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to be so narrow-minded about my college choice. It's not that I dont't love U of I, it's great here. The big thing I realize now though is that I could have gone to other school and gotten much more scholarship money, potentially even full tuition. So, I would tell myself to broaden my view and not to discount schools based on location or name.

Remember, go to bed early, do all of your homework, and don't get side-tracked by video games or your "friends." In life, you will only get out as much as you put into it. If you only put in half the effort, don't be surprised if you don't get everything you hoped for. Out of experience, stay in school, fill out as many applications as you can for scholarships and universities, unless you'd like to end up in Afghanistan sleeping four hours a day, always on guard. Learn from everyone's mistakes. I know you think, "I'd rather learn on my own," but if you just listen to your friends, family, and teachers, you can avoid so much stress, danger, and heartbreak. If you forget and ignore your goals because of the woman you thought was "the one," you'll lose not only your time and money, but you will find yourself putting in jeopardy one of the most important aspects of your life, your future. Lastly, remember what we were raised with, "Honor, courage, commitment." Do not be afraid to push yourself, you are stronger than you know. Remember where you come from.

Last year in April, I received a letter in the mail informing me that I had not been accepted into the university I wanted to attend in the fall. I was crushed and devastated and had to settle for a school I was not nearly as interested in. I spent all of my summer worrying that I was not going to enjoy my time there; I was convinced. But now, already into my second semester at this school, I can proudly say that I love being a student here and would not rather go anywhere else. I wish I had known as a high school student that everything happens for a reason and it all works out eventually. Now, as some of my senior friends are beginning to hear back from colleges, I can understand the disappointment they may be feeling. The college they end up committing to may not be their originally preference, or even their second or third. But the truth is that people are accepted to schools for a reason, and those are the schools they will fit into the most.

In 200 words it's going to be hard to tell my high school senior self everything I want to, but, I'll try. I would tell myself my friends actually aren't the only thing that matters to me - spend more time with your family. That guy you're dating that you think is the most amazing person ever? Yeah, don't let him waste your time, there is too much of the world to see to be hung up on him. When you go to Italy to study abroad, put your phone away, spend that extra couple Euro on something you want, and just open your eyes - look around, take it all in. The Freshman 15 is REAL!!!!!! One more shot is never a good idea or necessary, I promise. Appreciate how intelligent your Professor's are, it's actually very cool that you're learning from some of the best in the field. I would also tell myself to remember that the road to your future is full of obstacles and pot holes, learn to appreciate the challenges - they will make you better. Lastly, get excited for an amazing four years.

Be yourself, become more involved by volunteering and try out for sport teams like you wanted to. Take more chance and challenge yourself more. Follow your dreams and always do your best. Do something different every day, and actually live life to the fullest. Look for the best in yourself. Bringing smiles to those you know is what you love the most, so why not try to make someone new have a brighter day every day. There is always going to be struggle, theres no way around that be even so, live for today and look forward to tomorrow. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. You will miss high school's simplicity once you're in college so be grateful for the time you are giving here. Depend on yourself first before relying on others, you can always count on yourself to follow through. Create better study habits thats for sure. Also, get a job and start saving up, believe when I say, you would have wished you had done that earlier, a lot earlier.

Don't be afraid of the unknown but embrace it! I was really homesick as a freshmen but I’ve learned the best way to overcome this is to get out there! Do something to pass the time. You will meet new friends, who will eventually become your “home away from home.” Go out there, join organizations, volunteer, or even find a job! The opportunities are endless when you are in college; it is a time of self-development (there is no one to tell you what to do, the choices you make are yours). So, use this time wisely, have fun, challenge yourself, learn new things, and expand your horizons. Have fun but at the end of day, don’t forget to call your parents, let them know how you are doing. Not only do you embrace the unknown but never let failure knock you down. Follow your heart. You may be rejected five, ten, or even hundreds of time but don’t let that discourage you. Pick yourself back up. Believe in yourself. Know that you can win by following your passion.

Try harder in AP classes! Take that test, so you don't have to take an entire semester of the class again! Also, start networking NOW. Put yourself out there, shake hands, and keep in touch with EVERYONE. People like helping other people, it makes it much easier if they know you!

Realize that college will change you. You may end up doing things you never thought you would do, but take everything as it comes with the best sort of attitude possible. College is what you make of it, so make it worthwhile.

I know it feels like the whole world is finally unraveling before you and you are basically the master of it all, but take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It is difficult, I understand, because you have just finished 12 years of schooling and you feel invincible. However, be open-minded. Don't think you know exactly which degree you will earn or which friends will follow you to graduation. Do not think you're above the Freshman 15, or that you will be able to cram in a semester of material the night before each of the three tests that will make up your entire grade for a class. That stops in high school. Be aware of college debt. It exists-but it is okay. College is the best investment you will ever make. Love the time you spend in college. Take classes that make you fall in love with learning. Take a risk and get involved on campus. Step up and be a leader! Your resume will thank you. Make friends that will be at your wedding. Meet the person you'll marry. Truly treasure each moment; it'll be gone way too fast.

Two girls, young women really, sit down at a table and study each other. They look the same, although one is a younger, more sullen version of the other. After a moment, the slightly older woman leans forward and says urgently, “Jasmine, listen to me. What I say next will shape your life immensely. The younger person begins to listen as she is told to be more present in her senior year. She listens as the older woman tells her that although things might seem bad and difficult, they are actually valuable opportunities for growth. She’s told not to retreat into herself when she feels that she doesn’t fit in, but to instead make an effort to learn about herself and others in the times that she is ignored and shunned. Instead of being prideful, she should ask teachers for help, because they will explain things far better in one-on-one situations. Above all, don’t take AP Chemistry, but take something fun instead. This will set the precedence for her class taking habits in the future, and she won’t use Chemistry later anyways. The older Jasmine says a lot, and hopefully, she will listen.

Grasp every opportunity you have. A university is filled with resources to learn, connect and improve. Don't wait until you are half way throught to explore these options. If you see a club that is vaguely interesting, join it. Chances are, you will be captivated by the people you meet. If you see a job opportunity in your freshman year, apply. Working is a great way to instill discipline and time-management capabilities. If you find a field of study more enlightening to you than the one you chose, pursue it. Your heart sometimes know better than your mind. A university is a place where you meet the most opportunities, but it can also be the place you form the most regrets. The people you meet and befriend should be the people you keep in touch with for years to come. The lessons you learn will be stepping stones to the full of your aspiring career. The most substantial thing universities offer is choice. You have a choice to make the most out of the four years and come out as a radically and wonderfully different individual.

" The value of a quarter" Looking back at myself in high school, an myriad of suggestions comes to my mind but something that hits my head the most is to somehow take my driver’s seat out and recover all the quarters I have lost over the years, I mean what is college without quarters. You need quarters for everything; laundry, parking, vending machines, printing and countless other things, without which you can’t even survive a week on campus. While all these quarters might not cover the college expenses very significantly, it definitely establishes the true meaning of the phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned”. Living on campus meant that I had to keep record of every dollar I spent in order to have spare money in my pocket every time I had to leave my room, which taught me the ‘true value of a dollar’. So going back in time I would only have one suggestion for myself; to save as much as I can, yes that would mean I would have to skip a fancy latte every morning but the money I save in high school could mean a lot more to me in college.

You have confirmed your acceptance at the university of your choice. You attend summer registration with your major decided, and choose all your classes for your first semester. You get there in the fall and immerse yourself in classes and activities for your major. You're doing everything everyone has ever told you you are supposed to be doing. There's just one problem: you hate it. This is certainly not everyone's experience, but it was mine. And even if you don't hate your major, everyone at one point or another experiences a bit of doubt. Sometimes what you expected isn't the reality. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to explore all of the possibilities. Before summer registration, peruse the list of majors on your university's website. Select the ones that interest you, even if you think you are positive of your major. Look for gen eds related to those majors that you can take during your first year. Explore related activities (but don't overwhelm yourself during your first semester). Try anything that might interest you, even if it scares you. ESPECIALLY if it scares you.

Be nice and talk to everyone. Everyone wants to make as many friends as possible. Exclusivity ended with junior high. In junior high, if your parents won't buy you new jeans and you grow 3 inches you're in a tough situation. By high school, you already have more power over your destiny than you realize. Tear down walls by asking a question, any question. Get people talking. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and show vulnerability and ask for help. People want to help, and you're opening up an avenue for them to ask when they are in need. Humans aren't meant to live in isolation, everyone benefits from knowing as many people as possible. Talk to those who are outgoing and the quiet ones, too. Get everyone talking. Your social circle will be huge, you will get such a sense of satisfaction from the network you built for yourself and others, and the dynamic of the environment becomes entirely different. Everyday, every person, every room: get talking.

I would tell myself to take school more seriously, and learn better study habits in high school so that I had them in college. That is the biggest challenge I face in school.

If I was able to go back in time and give myself advice for college I would tell myself to not take college courses lightly. I would tell myself that college is not like high school where you can get away with not studying, it is neccesay for college in order to succeed. I would also tell myself to be a little more outgoing and try to be more sociable. But other than those I would not change anything that I went through because I needed to learn most of those things the hard way in order for it to stick with me. I am glad I made the mistakes I did my first year in college because I do not think I would have met the people that have become very great friends and I would not have gained the wisdom that I have now. But I would tell myself for sure to have fun and enjoy every last bit because college life goes by faster than you think.

In honesty given the position I was in as a senior in high school, if I were to go back in time and talk to myself I would say: " Julius it is alright if you were not accepted into Oneonta University or New Paltz or any of the 4 year Cuny schools, what matters is that you were accepted into Bronx Community and you need to give everything you got, in terms of dedication, hard work, focus and a little bit of luck. Like Dad would tell you 'Everything has a time and a place and all will fall into place'." The reason I would say this is because I would not change for anything in this world the current path I have going for myself. I realized that the most important thing to me is knowledge and no matter how I get dedication and taking advantage of any situation that is presented in front of me can and will be turned around to be the best. At Bronx Community I was able to graduate in 4 semesters with a GPA of 3.92 and will be attending the best SUNY Binghamton in the Fall of 2013.

I would tell myself to stop stressing and to stop being afraid of the future! It is important to follow the paths in which your heart leads you. This way, you will not look back wishing you had done something that you contemplated or wanted. It is important to always introduce yourself to as many people as you can. You will not only make new friends by doing so, but also setup networks and connections that may assist you in future endeavors. Most importantly, never take the simple things that college provides for granted. I know that I will miss being able to lie on the quad, sit on the porch of my sorority house, and walk to almost anywhere that is necessary. I cannot believe I am already half way done with college, it truly does fly by. So, remember to be ambitious, stay focused, but also be a little crazy.

Take the easy classes first and study more than you think you need to. Once you are used to college life, take the important classes for the future you think you want.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would definitely give myself a couple tips for college. College has been great and trust me, there's nothing to be scared about. During high school I was in a much smaller environment yes, but I would tell my past self to not be cautious or reserved when you get to college. You need to be comfortable and willing to take risks, join activities you wouldn't think of joining, and so many friends will be made because of it. I have awesome friends today, but I know I will make so many more if I put myself out there. Of course I would mention the typical parental advice; stay active in class, don't skip too many.. But overall you only go through college once so you need to make the most out of it.

Hey. I need to say congratulations for getting into Illinois because it actually is a fantastic opportunity. You are going to have a fantastic first semester, I can promise you that. I have two things to let you know. The first one is more of just something to remember; do not bring too much stuff to college. You know from the videos that your room is small, and you do not need so many extras of everything—there are breaks. The second piece of advice is to download Skype now if you want to keep your high school friends. Laura, Taylor, and the gang will make a nice Skype group without you. However, you do not have to worry about that; you will make fantastic friends in the Marching Illini. Do not worry—you are going to have a fantastic time in college.

I would remind myself that every male member of my family had been to prison at some point in their lives and they thought education did not matter. I would tell myself about how I struggled to find a good job. I will tell myself of the countless decisions I had to make between food, gas or paying bills. I would tell myself how I felt working at fast food restaurants surrounded by teenagers who were going off to college. I would tell myself of the shame I felt during my class reunion. I would tell myself how I meet younger people who finished college and did not have my financial problems. Then I would tell myself of how I went back to college and how taking a few classes helped me find a better job. Then I would tell myself of my dream of graduating college and my prospects of a better paying career that we allow me to be free for the first time in my life. I would tell myself how hard it is to make that dream could true because of my past mistakes. I will telll myself that you will wish you had an education.

If I could give myself advice two years ago, it would be to make sure you always dedicate youself to your studies. Always put your classes first above all else and make sure they are always a priority for you. Remember how important your education is and how pivotal this time in your life will be. Do all you can to excel and succeed and go above-and-beyond. I would tell myself to enjoy this time as some of the best years of your life and take them seriously because they will decide your future. Never procrastinate and be sure to ask your peers, instructors, and advisors for assistance whenever you need it. Commit your life to your education and your learning and do absolutely all you can to get high grades and take in all the knowledge you can, while you can. Most importantly, I would tell myself to stay positive and focused on your future, because it will be here before you know it!

Wow, do not drink at all in Highschool. Stick with sports to the end and most importantly work harder in calc. Those two minor changes could have completly changed the postion I was in upon entering college. Overall be more cautious with your schooling, be ready for the calc class that you will take freshmen year, for me that was the deal breaker whether I would be come and engineer dont let it be that for you. Fight for that open door, no more standing still thinking that it will be open for you when you think you are ready.