University of Iowa Top Questions

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

Gabrielle

You will be okay. Everyone who has loved and supported you will not leave because your in college or going away. You're going to experience some tough things at school. Living with roomates will be hard. Especially when they are suffering and fighting and you just want to make it all better. You can't fix everyones problems though, everyone's burden is different and yours is not to make broken people whole again. You try so hard to be there for everyone but you can't fix peoples' depression, or domestic violence issues. You can't go back in time & tell them not to go to that party where they got drugged. The best you can do is tell someone that your friend is hurting, explain what their going through and try to help them heal. Even though you want to save everyone who's suffering, you just can't it's not in your power. Just help them the best you can, remember their stories and look out for them. Sometimes people can't ask for help. You always were good at noticeing when people need help the most even if they couldn't tell someone themselves.

Carson

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would say follow your heart and passion. Get involved as much as possible. One of the greatest satisfactions I have gotten at my time at Iowa was creating a food drive for my local community and donating over 1,000 pounds of canned goods for families over the holidays. I've stayed true to myself and what I believe in and i'm 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied with my time at the University of Iowa.

Taryen

As all the movies say, college will be the best experiences of your life. That is, if you let be. College is the very definition of you get out, what you put in. Life experiences are not just going to fall in your lap, so get out there and make it happen. Easier said than done right? Wrong. College is this magical place where you can put yourself out there judgment free, because every single other student is in the same position as you. Everyone is trying to make friends, get good grades, and get involved. The most important thing to remember is to try, putting effort into everything you do will help you get the most out of this experience. This is a chance to reinvent or improve upon the person you were in high school. It’s a beautiful place where you should take things seriously, and lightly at the same time. It’s a place to find your true self, but it can only be this magical, beautiful, eventful time in your live if you let it happen. Remain open to new experiences and you’ll navigate this crazy, simple, and memorable college world without a problem.

Morgan

Enjoy every moment. There are so many things that I wish I would have done in high school that I didn't and I regret it so much! I wish I would have worked harder and got more involved.

Jamie

If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would say enjoy the two-ply toilet paper and drinkable tap water while you have it. Thats probably the worst part of going to college. The loss in comfort of going to the bathroom and not being able to drink from the sink because the water tastes gross. This is the common theme I would stick with, enjoy the time you're in now. It goes by faster than you want it to so make sure you enjoy it. You're laundry isn't always going to smell like your mom did it. Dad's french dip sandwiches won't be waiting for you at your dorm, and I'm sorry, but you're going to have a roommate that likes watching E! News. Yes college is great, but don't forget to stop and look around once in awhile. Take your last months of high school in because theres no going back. Once you've done that, make sure you do the same for college, because it goes by just as fast.

Maci

As a high school senior, I was extremely anxious about my impending transition to college life. I was terrified of leaving behind everything familiar to me and moving to a completely new place with all new people. On top of that, I was not even sure I could handle the college course load. Looking back now, none of my fears were justified. I wish I could tell myself not to worry because college is a completely different world than high school was. In high school, students are far more concerned with the actions of the peers that they see every day and compete with for grades and friendships. In college, your setting constantly changes; you are constantly bombarded with new people, places, ideas, and worldviews. As a senior, I felt extreme trepidation because I did not realize that such enormous change could ever be so positive. I would tell myself not to stay in my high school mindset, afraid to experience the fast-paced, ever-changing environment that is college. In summary, I wish my high school self knew that if I just changed my attitude and set my mind to it, I could easily adjust to college life.

Savannah

Not trying to be vain or state how brilliant I was, but as a high school senior I was a very bright student. I achomplished many things varying from excelling in my studies, to working two afterschool jobs, and still find time in my very busy life to continue volunteering around my community. By doing all this I made alot of people very proud of me like my family, teachers, peers, and myself. I am very glad that I was able to do all this, but there is one thing that I have learned after living on a college campus for jsut one semester. I have relaized that I never really took anytime out of mylife for me. So I would give myself this simple advice to live life while you can because life is to short and tomorrow is not always promised. So don't waste any time living a way thats making you unhappy or a way that will make you regret tomorrow, because each day that you get is a precious gift that should be cherished and spent wisley.

Jessica

As a high school student you think grades and your social life are the most important time consumers. Don't get me wrong, they are important, but spending time with your family is going to be the most rewarding for the little time you have left at home. I know that playing with your siblings isn't the most entertaining night when you could be with your friends but unless you are staying in the same town as your friends in high school, you most likely are not going to be the same when you get back together the next summer. Your family however is not going to change, plus you will have to like them the rest of your life so making memories with them now will be something to look back on later. My family adopted two children two months after I moved 13 hours away. I wasn't able to grow up with them and make memories like I was able to with my other brother. Now I am trying to cram as much family time in over winter break as possible in order to have some connection with them. Just remember family is forever.

Mara

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself not to worry that I was not one hundred percent positive about what I wanted to do with my life. That I would be surrounded by people and resources who would be able to guide me to finding the career path that would fit me perfectly. After two years of being miserable over a major I hated, I finally got the courage to use those resources. I would tell myself not to have so much pride that you won't admit defeat, and don't be afraid to ask for help. I would tell myself to relax, that I was about to dive head first into a community that taught me so many things, not only in the classroom but about myself. I would tell myself that I would emerge from my four years at Iowa no longer afraid, nervous about the future. I would leave Iowa with self confidence, and be heading into a graduate program that could not be a better fit. I would say that none of it would be possible without help from the people at the University of Iowa.

Sarah

College is better and worse that you expected. You are independent and able to make your own choices, but you are independent and able to make your own choices. The freedom to become who you really are without the leash of a parent or the strict school dress code is exciting and allows you to become independently you. However, freedom comes with a few strings attached. You parents may not be a big part of your life anymore. However, the love your parents give you is can not be replaced with lots of friend. The comforts of home are now a thing of the past, Also, talk to your brothers more. They may seem annoying and smelly at the moment, but you will miss the daily interactions you had with them. College can be emotionally and academically straining. You will hate it, but you will become stronger in the after math. You won’t know who your true friends are until second semester. If they can put up with you for that long then that is love. Last but not least, you will need a thicker coat and studier walking shoes. You are now free to be you.

Gustavo

I would tell myself to apply for scholarships like no other. The transition is very hard on you at first, but in due time, you will have the best time of your life. Dont't worry about what people say in high school, just focus on yourself. Focus on your grades, focus on scholarships, focus on work, but most importantly, focus on your friends and family. You will soon come to realize how quickly you are growing up as soon as you wave bye to your family, and some goodbyes to your friends. Make the most out of high school.

Fatima

I would tell myself to start the process of self love, because getting a bad grade isn't the end of the world. A bad grade does not determine your self worth and putting your mental health at the bottom of the priority list for academic marks is only ever detrimental. Your mental health should be at the top of that list. I would also tell myself that fitting in with the "cool kids" won't get you anywhere in the real world. We all become different people and we all change after highschool. Do not try to conform yourself into a person you don't recognize, stay true to your feelings and personality. Shine, shine, shine, as best as you can.

Samantha

We all worry about who we are going to be in high school, and many times we do not really see who how that effects us once our adult life officially begins. While going into college, I believed that each person I encountered would still treat me terribly, much like what happened in high school. Unfortunately, with thinking such as this I was unable to truly break free from who I was as a high shooler and did not get comfortable in my new environment until the second semester of my freshman year. I started to talk to people more and believe in myself as more than just the person that everyone bullied previously. Throughout my transition into college life, I truly realized that this time was an opportunity to become who I really was and who I wanted to be, not what others wanted me to be. My advice is to simply break free from the mold that society has placed upon your shoulders thus far, and to truly realize your potential on that first day of your new beginning instead of watiting.

Megan

Hey High School Megan, It's me. You're about to start college and I know how excited you are to move on the next chapter. Home is good and high school is great, but we both know how much you love a challenge. A few small words of wisdom to get you started; always bring an extra pen, keep water and granola bars handy at all times, and buy a voice recorder. You will thank me later, I promise. But the biggest piece of advice I can give you may not seem very important. Be yourself. Not everyone will like it, not everyone will like YOU. What is important, however, is that you like who you are. It is way too early to forget your morals and throw away everthing you are passionate about to follow the crowd. And when have you ever wanted to follow the crowd? Last time I checked, you wanted to lead it. All my love, College Megan

Jon

Be prepared!! It's not just about finishing school, and getting the degree. Yes, that is the ultimate goal but more importantly you're in college to become a better, more well-rounded individual. Focus on your education and yourself equally. Try new things, get out of your comfort zone!! It's very important to embrace the actuivities that involve meeting new people, and doing things with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds! Most importantly: Enjoy it, savor every moment, and always keep an open mind.

Matt

Joining the Hawkeye Marching Band is the best choice you could have made for starting school. The amount of quality friends you will make will open up doors throughout your entire college career, like joining a music fraternity, attending social gatherings, and making artistic friends that are involved in all sorts of different lifestyles. Also, don't sacrifice your studying time for a social life. B's are good, A's are better. Make sure to make time for studying and for friends. And the most important thing, get to know your professors. You will meet a lot of interesting people that have followed similar or totally different lifestyles, and they all will teach you something, whether it is related to class or not. Some of these people can help you more than you will ever know with career goals and figuring out who you are as a person. And lastly, don't be afraid to take risks. Only those who dare to fail greatly will ever achieve greatly.

Van

I thought life was going to be smooth sailing. We all have so much potential, and we are all told that we are special, but it's hard for us to locate our niche. The truth is life is a lot like evolution. We have a track, and there are plenty of advantages to being you, so the you you are is the best you you could be. The choices we make can be eye opening, but that doesn't mean they have to be made. I know this seems like one big, over exaggerated lecture, but the truth is the future is expensive. You definitely don't know what is best, and the amount of effort you put forth is directly linked to the success you will receive in the future. It seems kind of silly to worry about finances and future well-being when you are about two-ninths through your life, especially when you are working towards being put in the ground, but ,and I know this is over used, but it is about the journey, not the destination. Since I was you, I know it's going to be tough, but your future is grand.

Chris

Don't sweat the small stuff. I worried about everything when I was younger. Getting good grades, staying out of any trouble or worrying about what I said that could be misconstrued. Looking back, I would tell myself to relax. Stressing myself out over getting an A wasn't worth it. I would tell myself to take a breath and realize a B isn't too bad. I also would tell myself not to worry about what others think. My dad used to always tell me to "consider the source" when someone said something I didn't like. I never really got it until I became an adult. Now, when someone has something negative to say about me or my work, I decide how it affects me. If I respect them and their opinion, I'll take their comment as constructive criticism and try to learn from it. If not, I let it roll of my back. This attitude has caused me to mellow out. I feel I am a stronger boss because of it. I don't let every little thing get to me. I focus on what is needed of me and how to get it done.

Edward

I would tell myself to find a course that is useful. i would also say no matter what happens in life that just keep head down and keep working on it

Stephen

Hey Stephen, in high school you never studied and got by with decent grades. Unfortunately in college it doesn't work that way, studying is the key to success in the class room. Also remember how you were always nervous making new friends and being open and yourself. It is time to throw your shyness aside. The number of people here who are nervous, shy, and lacking confidence just like you are is way too high. The key to being noticed in college is to have self confidence, now I am not saying let's get cocky. I am saying that it is time to accept the fact that you have a lot to offer to the world and it is time to begin in our contributions. We know we want to change the world but in high school you said you'd wait until college to start and in college you got too distracted. If you want to change the world for the better, then you sit down, buckle up and get to work! We only have one life to live here and wasting four years in college is not an option. It's time to get going!

Michael

"Embrace yourself" I'm going to give it to you straight, Michael, because I don't have much time. I'm your future, and you need to take this advice seriously: Be yourself, but more than that, embrace yourself. Everyone in the world is unique, has strengths and weaknesses, and has passions and dislikes. You were created to be better than everyone else on the planet at a certain thing, and now it's your job to find out what that is. Don't settle for someone else's future, for mediocrity. Do the things you love. I don't mean play the new Call of Duty game because you "love" it. I meant do the things that you enjoy in the moment and can recall fondly weeks later, things that improve you as a person. I know this is a lot to take in, but I need to you try. I'll summarize. Attempting to fit a mold made for someone else is pointless, not because you cannot do it, but because you can be better than that. Be the person you want to be, not the person everyone tells you that you could be. Embrace who you are.

Jacob

Jake, don't procrastinate on tests and quizes. I know you can get away with it in high school, but college is a whole new ballgame. The tests are very challenging and demand a high workload that requires lots of studying before hand. Another thing is, plan and save your money. Don't go out with your friends every weekend. Learn to say no and only have a few drinks. Don't be stupid with your money and save for when you get an apartment. Tuition will not stop until the school gets it's money. Always save and don't waste your money. Have fun, just don't be stupid, and study study study.

Katherine

Katie. Look at how far you made it. After all that struggle, after all that wait, you're finally a senior in high school--and you probably think that this year is going to be your best year, possibly your easiest year. That's where you'd be wrong, though. Listen to me, please; you need to get out there and actively apply yourself more. You need to start doing things before they're due, instead of procrastinating on them until the very last minute. Trust me, it isn't helping you at all, and it definitely won't help you in college. Over all, college isn't all that bad. You can definitely do it, and do it well, just as long as you make an effort to keep up with everything that is due. That means you need to stop procrastinating and take every advantage you're given. It's going to be rough for a while, but you'll make some awesome friends shortly after you get into college, and you'll love it. Really, you're going to do great, just as long as you remember why you're here, and remember your ultimate goal here.

Chelsey

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself is to not be in such a hurry to grow up. The transition from high school to college was not easy, you quickly realize that no one is watching you to make sure that you are getting to class on time or turning in your homework. I have had to learn how to be responsible for myself and organize my time so that I can as succeed in as many areas of my college life as possible. I would tell myself to remember to be patient and mature when you are faced with new obstacles, because even going into the second semester of my freshman year I still am faced with new obstacles every day. Growing up isn't all bad, I feel that I have become a more confident and organzied young woman. The independance is fun but sometimes I miss the days when all I had to do was go to school, do my chores, and make sure that my dog had been walked for the day.

Alexa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a college senior, I would say to not stress too much about the transition into college. It all seemed so scary at first, but once you get there and get settled into a routine, it is not as bad as it seemed. College is not a big, scary place at all. It is a place where you can begin to live life on your own and learn about yourself as a person. You can make friends with people you would never have met otherwise and learn about your likes and dislikes when it comes to earning an education. Instead of having to take all the specific classes that were required in high school, you can explore the different options and find out what you enjoy most. It is a place full of endless opportunities and there is no reason to be scared of moving on to that next stage in your life.

Elaine

High school isn't a time to procrastinate and sleeping through class is about the worst thing you can do. Get as many classes done possible, and take classes that are related to your major. I know, it's hard, overwhelming, and the temptation to just go to a concert or drive around with your friends is ever present, but trust me, if you can establish a solid base for your college education, you'll ultimately save money, save time, and gain a few extra hours of sleep. You don't need to figure every detail out right now. I'm still unsure of where I'm heading. Just breathe, and don't overwork your mind. Develop better time management skills and set goals (you do remember what goals are, don't you?) Oh, and don't automatically reject community colleges. They can save you so much money, and more resources are available. Put aside your ego!

Shelrika

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is when you get to college do not waste time playing around. Go to all your classes and do your assigned work and turn it in on time, and be more focus on school and the future.

Ricky

The first thing I would do is beg myself to open my dorm room door and not be afraid to walk into other dorm rooms and just make friends with the people around me. I made my friends through the rush process, but I regret not being more outgoing at the time. I would also remind myself that college is about being comfortable with who you are and who you want to be. The sooner you accept that and stop worrying about what others think, the more successful you will be. Also, I need to remind myself that sometimes, staying in on a Friday or Saturday might suck, but sometimes it is nessesary. Finally, it is important to remember that ~70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of people get jobs outside of their major and most people I will meet in college will change their majors multiple times. Never stay with a path that you know isn't for you.

meghan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a long chat with myself. I would let myself know that even though it seems like its going to be hard work going to college, working and trying to transition to school again is even harder to do. I would let myself know that in the end, all the negativity and negative people I was around weren't going to help me in life and wouldn't be there in the long hall so don's wait to change, make all changes now. I would also let myself know that I do have so much potential I just have to fully apply myself to my education and the sky can be limitless. One last thing I would mention is that the only thing that is constant in life is change, so don't be afraid to change for the positive, even if it hurt people. If knowing that change is constant why not make the changes you have control over positive.

Samantha

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would have a lot of explaining to do! My highschool senior self was driven and motivated, but not nearly as much as the college junior Samantha. I would explain to myself the importance of time management. Time management has been an essential part of my college career. With Nursing as a major especially, i've learned that flash cards, practical prep, tests and quiz's do not come naturally without a lot of memorization and reading. Hanging out with my friends and having fun comes in second place next to school work.

Katarina

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self I would say the one thing that just about everybody told me: apply for scholarships! I heard it from teachers, parents, friends, financial aid offices, and I still didn’t do it. For me to be saying this now to myself is a bit cliché but it’s honestly my biggest regret. Don’t depend on FAFSA to give you all the financial aid you need because they only have so much money a year to give out. I’m here applying for scholarships at this very moment because after completing my first year of college I realized just how much the cost of tuition would affect me and it wasn’t just a little number on a piece of paper anymore. This year being $9,000 short for next year is a scary thing. It’s really becoming real that if I want to continue with my education I have to do everything I can to fight for my dreams. Scholarships no matter how small are equally important. Although $100 looks like a small part of $30,000 you really learn that it makes a difference.

Natalia

I would say, worry less about your grades and more about being involved in other things. If I had always wanted to go to a prestigious college, then maybe keeping up my grades would have been more important, but I've never felt like the money spent would be worth it, especially since I didn't know what I wanted to major in. It's really the ability to work hard and apply myself that has helped me at college. While working hard does help me get good grades, I think that I thought more about tests and quizzes than I did a good work ethic. Other activities can also test your work ethic in a way that you really notice it as well as teaching you how to use your time wisely. Managing my time is something that I have had to work on, and I think that increasing my involvement in high school could have helped that. High school was an easy place to test your limits and I wish that I had taken more advantage of that.

JoAnne

I would tell my past self that graphic design is not the career I would want to pursue and physical therapy would be a better choice to follow. My father dislocated his shoulder this past December and he received exercises from his physical therapist to perform at home. I assisted him by stretching his arm and shoulder muscles every day, which made his flexibility better and helped repair the broken muscle tissue. I always wanted to help people as a career but I have always fainted at the sight of blood. So when I learnt I could help people in the physical therapy field, I found my perfect future career. When talking to my past self I would tell her in the future she will take graphic design courses and realize she does not want a career that consists of sitting in front of the computer all day. She would rather be taking courses to build her physical therapy career. She would rather help people and make a difference in their lives.

Tresa

I would tell myself to try! I did not try in high school just when to school and cut class alot. I think I missed out on alot. Education is not something that one should take lightly. I thought I knew what to do to get what I wanted, but real world is not like the tv or movies. It is a lot harder. I would make myself realize that I need that education!

Clairissa

I would just make sure that I wanted to be as faraway from school as I am. Its really tough for me to get home sometimes and I wish I would've realized this before I chose my school.

Elsa

I would tell myself to delve into the social life here at the University of Iowa. I was too timid as a freshman in college, and because of it I feel my social life suffered a bit here. I would tell myself to get involved in student clubs and organizations, do intramural sports, do a bit more research into clubs and organizations that interest you. Strive for excellence academically and don't be so focused on sleeping in and letting loose; enjoy the school for what it is--an amazing center for academic learning that can broaden your view on life if you only let it.

Rachael

I would say enjoy your time and personal space. In college, I seem to lack both and really spend all of my time doing something. Whether it be studing, hanging out with friends, or various activities around campus. Additionally, enjoy family time because you will miss it! Not that I didn't spend a lot of time with them, but it would have meant more if I realized how much I would miss them while at college. Also, enjoy showering without shower shoes and harsh water... they are the worst & should not be taken for granted!

Catalina

Since I was in high school I dreamed about going to college in order to get o the right career path in order to become an FBI Agent, that's all I wanted to be since I was small. I would advise myself to be more aware of how money is much more valuable when you attend college. Everything is far more expensive when you go away to college. You have to pay $300+ for classes alone and then the books are at least $100 each depending on the class you take. I would advise myself t o start working early and to save as much money as I can. I would also be aware of what requirements I need in order to achieve my dream goal of being in the FBI and being able to help as many people as I can all over the world.

Hannah

There are many days I wish I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. Knowing what I know now, first I would say, "Hannah, start developing great study habits now!" Though I am a good student, if I had developed better study habits in high school and started learning them then, I would be an even better student! I would also say, "Pick up as many hours at work as you can, maybe even get a second job. It will be worth it!" This would have been the best advice I could have given myself as a senior, because at the time I did not realize the financial burden of college. If I had realized this back then, I would have worked a lot more and would not have to worry so much about how I will pay for tuition in college. This would also allow me to be a better student, and focus more on my studies.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time to advise myself as a high school senior, I would begin by saying to take advantage of as many Advancement Placement tests as possible. Although I received credit from European History, Government, Language, Literature, and Art History, I regret not taking Environmental Science or Statistics which could have saved me from 3 General Education Courses. Also, I would say to buckle down and make my last year of high school count; towards the end of the year, I let my grades slip a bit and I did not strive for a higher ACT score. If I had really disciplined myself to continually execute stellar academics and put fourth my best effort on completion of assignment and studying, those habits would have been better instilled in me for college. The lifestyle change of college was not what schocked me, but the academic rigor caught me by surprise in the beginning and I quickly learned that large amounts of time must be invested in studying if I wished to excel in academics.

Naomi

My high school experience was horrible. I carried so much shame around with me every day. Many nights I wished I would never wake up again. Their were so many sources of the shame: I was fat, I did not yet understand I am transgender and thought I was a failure for not understanding how to be a girl, and I performed poorly in school because of all this. Although I knew I was going to college, I had no clue what that would look like. The first thing I would do if I could connect with my 18 year old self would be to sit and listen. I would let myself rant and vent all the frustrations that bogged me down. And then I would hug myself because I so desperately craved physical contact with another human. Only after that would I give any advice. I would tell my young self, “It is going to be alright, but you first need to understand yourself. You need to let go of the self-hate and the confusion.” I would then silently hand myself a piece of paper with one word on it: “Transgender.”

Yucheng

Hi, myself. It's the last year in high school. It's time for you to prepare for college. I have a few advises for you, remember to do it. First, do not choose your major too fast, you could think about it. Ask everyone you think you could trust, see if they know anything about transfer. Do not try to do all things by yourself, you need help. Get prepared for the placement test, if you can get better grade, it's going to save your time. Be yourself, always try your best. Be friendly, you are going to meet some new friends. Apply for financial aids and registration as soon as possible. Find more about college, you need a lot of information, teachers can help you. Enjoy your senior year.

William

If I could go back and give myself advise about making an adjustment to college life this is what I would tell myself.......The first thing I would tell myself is find a career that I love a career that you would wake up and do for free. I would explain that we as humans were not put on earth to be unhappy and miserable but we were put on earth to be happy. The college journey will be a tough road ahead with road blocks and curves along the way but the journey is what molds us to the people we are today. I would stress to give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of yourself to school work. Don't just go to school to get a degree but go to school to be the best in your field. Don't be afraid of success and most important don't let people before you that couldn't make it because the road to success was too hard for them. Your going to want to be successful more then you want to breath I would. Thats what I would tell myself If I could go back and guide myself to the future.

Zachary

Without question the most important thing I would impress upon my younger self would be to continue my education. I graduated High School in 2001, attended college for one semester, got discouraged and left. That is the ONLY regret I have in my life. At the age of 29 with two children I decided to go back and learn the skills necessary to do what I have always wanted to do, computer programming and web development. I have been a self-proclaimed geek for my entire life and love tinkering with code. I’ve always wanted to do that for a living but never had the training or degree needed to be employed as a code monkey. Most people would find it boring, but the idea of going to work and sitting behind a screen geeking out on thousands of lines of code makes me smile. So, to my younger self I would say two things “Don’t quit on your education and dream, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to win the Super Bowl this year.”

Jennifer

With every decision you make, choose what makes you happy. The relationships you form with yourself and others are the most important things you have.

Cameron

Advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to plan out your weeks and months ahead time. Doing so would allow you join some more clubs, take some pressure off of the academics and ulitimately just enjoy your time in college. You are at college to earn an education but at the same time you need to network with other people and begin to stabilize yourself for when you graduate. Finally the last and most important piece of advice I can offer would be to put in the work now so you can enjoy life later.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to buckle down even more than I was. I realize now that my lack of studying has possibly not gotten me prepared for the difficult course work ahead. I would tell myself that college will be a growing experience and that I should not fear the unexpected, but embrace it. College will be some of the best years of my life and I would let my younger self know that what people think of me in highschool will not matter when I get to college. I would tell myself to immerse myself more in clubs and activities in school so I can get to know more people and prepare myself for being in a new state without anybody I know.

Elly

The best advice I could give my high school self would be "be yourself." I found during my freshman year that I was being very shy and timid around others, which caused me to not make very many friends for over half of the year. I've always been quiet around people I don't know, but truth is, I'm a talkative, friendly person! I believe that being myself could have allowed me to make more friends and not get homesick so often. The last two months of school, I finally found a group of friends and I'm not afraid to be myself around them. By the end of the year, instead of crying to go home, I was crying because I didn't want to go home. Even though it sounds cliche, being yourself is so much easier than being someone you're not.

Alisha

Dear High School self, I know your glad to be done with high school and it seems like its taken so long to get this far, but trust me when I say, this coming year is going to be the hardest school year of all. School has not always come easy to you, and I know you’ve had to work incredibly hard, especially your senior year, but what you’re going to face in the fall will change your perspective on all of that. Your going to find a passion in nursing that will motivate you to get through all of the exams, drug quizzes, finals, and clinical days. I advise you to remind yourself every day how much you love what your going to do and how it will help those in need, it’s the only way you’ll get through the next year. I would remind you to keep a level head and stay focused but you wouldn’t have gotten this far if you were not already doing that. All that really matters is remembering what your goals and dreams are, and being willing to work as hard as you can to achieve them.

Natalie

To not underestimate the difficulty of college coursework. During high school I got straight A's without even studying but you cannot get by that way in college. It is competative and you must work hard from the start or you will spend the rest of your college career trying to pull your G.P.A. up.