University of Kentucky Top Questions

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

Tyler

If I were to meet myself in high school I would tell myself to never let a day in college go unwasted. There have been so many days where I get in a routine and just follow the routine till the day is over. I would tell myself to not get into routines, and to do something productive everyday and that way I will truly make the most of my college experience. Also I would tell myself not to be afraid to try new things and to get out of my comfort zone. This is because I let myself get comfortorable first then I tried new things, but instead of wasting all that time I wish I had gotten out and tried something new right away.

Margaret

I would tell myself to study harder in high school so that you are prepared for what college has to bring to you. Know your strengths and know you weaknesses and work to become stronger at everything you do when it comes to school work. I would tell myself that I should apply myself better so that when I am deciding on which college I want to attend, I would pick the right one first instead of transferring like I did. I would tell myself to make sure that I am ready for what a bigger school has to offer me when dealing with classes, sports, friends, and a social life.

Jonathan

Going back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is not high school, and to start taking notes and taking classes seriously. I would tell myself that college is tough and the classes I'll have to take will involve hard work and studying more than what high school classes took. Also, I would tell myself to begin making talking to people inside my major the summer before my freshman year so that I will know people before college starts. Coming into college, I was the only student from my high school that chose University of Kentucky, which means I didn't really know anyone at my college. Lastly, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. As a senior, I didn't apply for any scholarships at UK because I didn't look for any general scholarships that they provided.

Jessica

I would like to push myself to go to GSP as a high-schooler. I graduated high school with a 4.0 and had the chance to go to GSP, but didnt pursue it due to medical issues. I wish I would have pushed through them and gone anyways, because it would certainly have benefited me in my search for scholarships. Additionally, I would like to get myself to do more volunteer and really get out there to show more leadership as I have now that I am in college. I was afraid to take the dive back then, but have discovered that it's totally worth it to take a risk and get involved.

Kelsey

I would give my high school self two pieces of advice. First, apply for every scholarship you can. There is thousands of unclaimed scholarship money just sitting out there, so don't become complacent with just a few scholarships. Seize every opportunity. And second, don't stress too much. College is a huge time for personal growth and there's not always room for everything or everyone on the journey. Everything will turn out okay; just stay focused and enjoy the adventure.

Sarah

If I could go back now, I would tell myself to give more thought into what I want to do the rest of my life. I began college unsure of what I wanted to do, and with financial contraints, was forced to decide on a major without giving much thought to the consequences. I am now striving to become a Nurse Practitioner through a Masters program. Not only is this difficult, but paying for grad school could have been somewhat avoided if I would have chosen Nursing as my undergraduate major. High school seniors are not told of the importance in choosing a major wisely for their undergraduate education. Some seniors, like myself, could be unaware of the necessity of graduate school upon graduating from college. If I would have know what I wanted to do as a career, I could have majored in Nursing, gotten a job as a nurse, then had my employer pay for my Masters. Instead, I am sitting on a pile of debt from my undergraduate education and in search of money to fund my graduate school - all so I can have my dream career. I wish "high school me" knew what I know now.

Rachel

Prepare yourself. You’re about to have one of the best years of your life thus far. Stop caring what people think of how you dress or what you do with your free time. It doesn’t matter if you can’t let go of your ripped jeans or are interested in playing chess. There are all kinds of different people around here, and at the end of the day you are going to be able to find people who have the same skeletons in their closet that you do. Find people who make you feel more like yourself than you ever have before. You’ll need them later on down the road. Refuse to waste your time on people who try to mold you into something else or make you unhappy. Use this time to find out who you are. You are going to be shocked at all the things you realize about yourself when you gain this newfound independence. Good luck, champ.

Ryan

Pay close attention to what I am about to tell you, because this information is going to effect the rest of your life. First, do your research on why the college you want to attend is the right one for you, because you do not want to be stuck somewhere you hate for an extended period of time. After you decide on a college that seems to match your personality and lifestyle, make sure that it is affordable. If you cannot pay tuition, no amount of frugality can save you from crippling debt. Now that we have established that cost is a big issue because tuition rates are on the rise, do not be lazy about scholarships. I know you, I am you, and i know that you are not going to fill out enough scholarship applications because guess what? I did not get any. So if you want to reach your goals and succeed, you cannot skip these important steps. Remember what Dad said about skipping steps, and the people who take short cuts? They fail, don't they? You have such a bright future and excellent aspirations. Don't waste your potential, get up and keep dreaming big!

Andrew

To a younger, less experienced, but still good looking Andrew, Greetings, and congratulations on making it this far in life! Soon, you will be embarking on the next grand stage of life. Be not afraid! Although your current logic and precedent comes from only a few older friends, relatives, and the love of your life, I assure you your experience will be much smoother and painless. Enjoy the new independence, make new friends, make a few mistakes of course, but most importantly, do what you have always done. The faculty, and the difficult courses you have undertaken this far, have done well to prepare you for your first year of college. Like with any hardship, change, or other momentous occasion of life, you are your own greatest tool. Your ambition will burn you ahead where others falter, your intelligence and prudency will keep you safe from harm, and your ingenuity will see to it that every situation has as bright of an ending as possible and; at the very least, that you'll go down swingning attempting to change yourself, and the world for better. Here's to you kid. Good luck! -Andrew J. McLeod

Kaitlyn

Don't be afraid to question anything, and ask your questions out loud. Be vocal and head-strong. Take in everything you hear and process it before accepting it or rejecting it. Ask for help. Give help. Tell the world who you are and ask the world who she is. No one has every answer, and everyone has some wrong answers. Have an inclusive social circle of trustworthy people of all types and backgrounds. Allow everyone the benefit of the doubt, especially yourself, but if you have to run from a person, or a group, or an idea, don't hesitate. Run until you find what is right. Trust yourself, even with your faults. Trust that you will grow, and that life will be made right.

Garrad

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take the time and actually consider what I want to do for a career and to put more effort into preparing myself for college. During my senior year of highschool I came down with a bad case of what our school called senioritis where basically school was no longer a priority and having fun was. I spent way more time than I should have hanging out with my friends and being preoccupied with girls rather than studying and doing homework. This was shown in my grades for my last semester which I belive could have been straight A's but instead were A's and B's. I also should have tried harder to help my family find ways to help pay for my college as I am now and have been since graduation. I really put alot of stress on my family but shrugging off that issue just thinking it would magically work itself out. So all in all I would tell myself to be more considerate and mindful of my future , as well as being more productive.

joshua

If I had the chance to go back to high school I would tell myself to take advantage of the resources that are out there for students. Resources such as scholarships opportunities. The advice I would give myself is to save as much money as you can because college is expensive especially when you’re paying an out of state rate. Despite paying for education it is my desire to get an education and regardless of obstacles and pressures from peers, I will earn a degree and become a positive addition to my community. Although, I have had challenges that are atypical for most students my age, I am afforded with great role models who encourage me regularly and provide moral support. My advice to myself is to stay accountable to my family and they help me to remain grounded in my core values. Currently, I am working two jobs to help support myself and defray tuition and book expenses. Working and attending school is not without its challenges but still I remain focused and determined to complete my degree. I would also tell myself to work hard and put the time in to achieve great results.

meliss

College is truly a once in a lifetime expereince. Have fun, stay out late and make unforgettable memories but remember it's purpose, it's power. College is the foundation in which your future is built. It is 4 years of your life that will decide the next 60. Since graduating with a business degree in 2010, I have quit my professional job, moved in with my parents, gone back to school for a complete career change and am starting pharmacy school this summer at 26 years old. After all the years and money spent, I left without the one thing that was priceless, a passion for the degree I earned. Find out what you like, what you dislike, what you are good at, what you are bad at so you can find a career path that truly fits you. Utulize every opportunity and resource to ensure that once the music stops, the lights turn out and college ends, you end up exactly where you want to be. Use this transition as a chance to explore all the world has to offer. Once you know where you want to be all, you have to do is get there.

Ryan

John Wooden, Hall of Fame coach of UCLA once said "Discipline yourself, so others won't have to". I would give this quote to my high school self. As a college student, the sudden freedom of being on your own and making your own decisions was intoxicating. I took full advantage of my new found freedom and while my free time skyrocketed, my grades were not positively correlated. I was disciplined by my school for my poor grades (as well as my parents). If I would have been able to discipline myself to take appropriate action to study properly and maintain my GPA I wouldn't have had to endure the embarrassing process of climbing out of the pit of low grades and of even lower expectations. I have now graduated with my bachelors and am currently working on my masters degree. I learned the value of unwavering self discipline the hard way. I would hope my time traveling pep talk would help me avoid that lesson and make my undergraduate career that much easier; outside of the obvious counseling I would need from talking to myself from the future.

Jennifer

If I could offer advice to my high school senior self, I would tell her how much confidence matters. Not asking questions or raising your hand was quite normal in high school; this is not true for college. Being an engaged student means being inquisitive and prepared to answer questions that the professor poses. Even though you have low levels of confidence, be prepared for them to be manually raised by your instructors. Having confidence even when you think you may be wrong is important as well. A professor would rather have a student answer their question and be wrong than have a classroom of 200 be completely silent. This new confidence that will build in you can also be applied to meeting new people. While most of your friends from high school will either attend your college or be within driving distance, get ready to meet strangers. Have the confidence to approach someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. In addition, use this confidence to approach your professor after class to ask more detailed questions. Lastly, be confident in yourself. College life is nothing like you’re expecting, so simply be confident and expect the unexpected.

Shannon

I would tell myself that everything worked out perfectly so don't worry about finding the right school or picking the right major. Everything you stressed about wasn't worth it becuase in the end everything fit perfectly together. The classes aren't as hard as you expected and school is very managable. High School is almost over and College is so much better so push through and you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon. You will be in such a good place when you move to Kentucky, and there's nothing you would change, so don't try so hard to make everything perfect right now. Everything happens for a reason and its all perfect in the end. You'll meet the best friends and have a great time at the perfect school for you. Take in all in and enjoy the ride.

Kimberly

When I was a senior, I ended up choosing a BOY over the college I wanted......my advice to myself? DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN. I originally started out wanting to get a degree in chemistry and then continuing on to pharmacy school. Unfortunately a boy came in the way of that. I now see that I can not put my dreams on hold for anyone. This is the time of our lives to be selfish; we have to go after what we want and give it our undivided attention. No exceptions! I lost track of this for a bit and hate that I did. I would have told myself to be open to the many opportunities and life experiences that come with college. I definitely would say to look into a study abroad program as well. I would tell myself to concentrate fully on school, to not worry about the miniscule things along the way, and to enjoy every step because now I see how quickly these years really go by.

Alexandra

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself to not stress about making the transition because once you actually get there, the classes are stressful enough. I really missed out on the excitement of getting accepted and moving out of the house because I let myself get anxious and stressed over every little detail. I would tell myself to not only sit back and enjoy my social life, but also let myself love learning. I've spent so much time stressing over the difficulty of the information that my grades actually got worse the more I stressed. If you're overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and keep pushing through the anxiety. I'm finally learning to do so and I am much, much happier. Now I can actually enjoy what I'm learning and become genuinely interested in the topics. Hakuna Matata, meaning no worries, is the best way to live and I really wish I would have known that as a senior in high school. This phrase is best explained by the song in The Lion King: "It means no worries for the rest of your days. It's our problem-free philosophy, Hakuna Matata!"

Malia

I would tell my high school self to buy a good pair of rainboots. I bet you weren't quite expecting such a shallow answer, but let me explain. High school me would take this as a literal suggestion, which it is; however, it's also much more than that. Lexington, Kentucky, as I have learned, is infamously known to have unpredictable weather. One minute it rains and the next minute students are outside soaking up the sun. Metaphorically, this relates to my college experience so far. I thought that college would be all sunshine and fun without the constant control of my parents, but it's turned into so much more. Each day comes with a forecast for hardwork and challenging classes. Sometimes you get lost in the puddles of assignments and extra-curricular activities vuying for your attention, but the next day you realize that the sun has come out and you are bettering yourself by gaining knowledge and creating relationships that will last for the rest of your life. College has its rainy days, but those do not overshadow the sunny ones to come. So put on your rainboots high school me, and go face the storm!

Nattanan

I would check the background of what college I applied. The current college is not equally good with general college. I should know the other colleges before applied.

GerRhesa

When I was in high school, I was outspoken. When it came to my friends, I would tell them what was on my mind. Yet somehow, it was hard for me to speak to people outside of my group. My teacher changed that. He forced me to join his Yearbook Staff. I was mortified. I was forced to work with other girls that I did not know. Yet it was an important message to me: don’t be afraid of what you haven’t experienced. I’ve lost this essence now that I am in college. This is NOT a message from college me to high school me, this is a message to college me from high school me. You don’t get very far in life without experience. If I don’t get out and experience what life has to offer, then what will be the point of being here? Being connected with others is a skill that I required in high school, but somehow lost on my journey. It is a skill that is used in any field, especially mine. In order to be connected, I need to meet new people by joining groups that are on campus.

Elizabeth

In the instance that I travel back in time to speak with my high school self, I would tell her not to worry so much about the future. Release all apprehensions about the imminent events to come, because no matter how bad it seems, you can depend on your loved ones to lift your spirits. Enjoy life as it comes, and be thankful for every experience given to you. Give everything you have, and be the best version of yourself you can be. Don't do this for the opinions of other people; do it for yourself. Write everything. The worst enemy of creativity is self doubt, so release your inhibitions and show the world what you are capable. Never give up. Above all, share your love, because that it what will get you through the day.

Matthew

Matt, please do not try to finish your senior year taking the easiest classes possible. I understand you want to have fun with your friend and enjoy lots of free time outside of sports and school, but down the road when you get into college you're going to want to be prepared. You're going to wish you had taken some more of those dual credit classes when you get to college. I know how much you want to be an engineer and I can assure you that will not change in the future, but down the road you're going to wish you had better prepared yourself for college. I am telling you all of this because I did not make the best preparations for myself. My first semester was a rude awakening. All that stress that I experienced could have been avoided, and that would have been by doing what I needed to do in high school to prepare myself for college. The easy way out of high school was nice for me at the time, but once I got to college I regretted it. Don't do what I did. Prepare yourself.

Rebecca

Go to a more liberal college in a larger city

Shauna

To Stick With It And Follow Your Dreams

Brett

The advice I would tell myself would be to not ever change myself for people who do not wanna be my friend. I would tell myself to make as many friends in high school as I could because that would give myself the experience of becoming a better people person and to have the comfortable and having the confidence to make more than just one friend on that special move in date. But not only would I tell myself to make more friends, but to sort of just go with the flow. The high school drama is not gonna fly in college, so I would definitely tell myself, also, to not take everything so seriously and that the real people who wanna be your friend, will be there for you whether people like you or do not like you.

Amy

I would tell myself to stay focused on school and work and, if at all possible, I would reccomend to live off of campus as there are too many distractions for one to really focus on their academics. A party-like atmosphere only discourages staying in on friday nights to study and often pressures people to go out. Though I never partied, I'd still would advise myself to not be bothered about the lack of study habits of those around me, as, someday, my persistence will pay off.

Brandy

I would tell myself not to stress about the little things because overall it all works out.

Kierra

Looking back in time I would definitely guide myself over the trials and tribulations that I have come past thus far in my life. I would definitely tell the younger me to not be afraid to take chances. I would tell myself that you are young and making mistakes are what shape and mold you. I was afraid to be different, afraid to step outside of the box and try new things. I had poor judgment on characters with people that I hung with. I let people take advantage of me because I did not want to tell them no. But had I known then what I know today I would have steered myself around the small pot holes in my life. I would have told myself, “That boy that you are so in love with now, is not doing anything positive toward his future, let him go! Take AP courses because they will get you out of a few classes and help you glide through others and most importantly enjoy your senior year, appreciate the home cooked meals, the free living at home, and learn to save your money. Because when you get to college everything will change!”

Rachel

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would make sure I knew about how important it was to keep looking forward but live in the moment, not to be afraid, and-- no matter how many times I had heard this as a younger girl, I didn't care or believe it or hold it true-- that there are many fish in the sea. Senior year, I tended to think too far ahead and get intimidated by the idea of college and think I had an inability to succeed. I would tell myself that there were other people that didn't get that full 4.0, I would go back and tell myself it was okay that I was good at the things that I was good at and that it didn't need to be based on another person's sucess. As a senior, I needed someone to tell me that I had self-worth, and that those guys and romances I wished I had didn't matter. I would tell myself that there's someone just like that guy who's distracting and ruining me now, and he's even better. Waiting for me.

Sydney

I would tell myself to work harder at earing schoarships. I did not realize until I was actually in college how much is spent on my education. The money I did not try hard enough to earn was supplemented from my mother. Money should not be such a burden on my family because of me and I hope to fix that this year. I would also tell myself to relax and not stress out about the transisition. Making friends and still keeping my grades up was easy once I could settle in and not be so afraid of everything.

Sonya

I'd tell myself that I can, in fact, do what I want as long as I have my mind set up to do it. Throughout highschool, I had influential people make it seem like I would never be good enough to go to UK. My own advisor told me to my face that there was no such thing as a Japanese Major. He was wrong. I was right. And you know? I never gave up. Not once. For a year, I attended a community college so I could raise my GPA. And then when the time came for me to apply to UK, I did so with full force.

Abby

My biggest piece of advice I would give myself would be to take my time. University of Kentucky basketball is legendary; it dominates the campus, student life and the Lexington community. I did not attend one, single University of Kentucky basketball game in my time at UK. I never took the time to enjoy the experience of a UK basketball game with my friends. I missed out on the tailgates, the school spirit and the celebrations. I was always too busy studying, working or getting much needed sleep. I wanted to rush through undergraduate so badly just to get started with graduate school. I took so many classes that I didn’t have time for anything else. This is one of my biggest regrets for my undergraduate. I had the opportunity but I didn’t think I had the time to do it. Your college years are a once in a lifetime experience. It’s in these years people really discover who and what they are. This is a time to celebrate your life, learning and where you’re going. College is an experience like non-other and it should be enjoyed to its fullest, which means taking the time.

Taylor

Dear Fomer Self, College is a wonderful experience with lots to be learned. My first advice would be to follow your dreams and don't let anyone deter your from them. There's many people out there that don't want the best for you but keep your head up. Likewise know that you are a champion and don't need to become anything in order to know that, you've worked very hard to get here and only you know what you've gone through. Also don't be shy and take your opportunities when they come. So many opportunities are out there but you have to search for them. You'll make plenty of mistakes but they are your teaches, helping guide you to excellence. On the other hand be grateful for what you do have. We always want more out of life but forget about the important things in life. Lastly take time to relax and have fun with what you're doing. When you become serious, inflexible, and tense take the time to laugh at yourself and make yourself happy because life requires moderation. Sincerely, Taylor Whiteside

Rebekah

The first thing that I would want to tell myself is to relax, because there is almost nothing that high school could do to prepare me for what is ahead. I would put myself in my place by letting myself know that though I hold a 4.37 G.P.A. in high school. It will not be as easy, and the material will not come as natural as I had hoped in college. The experience will hurt but make me a stronger person. I would prepare myself for the responsibility that comes as soon as that childhood I wished away for so many years ends. Lastly, I would emphasize the importants of maturity at this time in my life, college can be so fun, but I am not paying twenty-two thousand dollars a year for fun, I am paying for a future far with opportunities and expectations far beyond what I imagined before my actual enrollment.

Joe

Dear Joe, Right now you are brilliant, ready to take on anything, but learn how to pace yourself. The old adage, sink or swim, does not work for you. Remember that you have limitations, and remember this advice. Do your homework every day. Make every minute count. Read outside of class! Cramming for an exam the night before is not an option if you expect to pass. Challenging yourself is important, but submerging yourself is pointless. Freshman year is not the 13th grade, and no credible institution will simply hand you a degree after four years. Be accountable for your actions. College will be difficult, but stick with a schedule and it will be manageable. I beg of you one request; please do not go to that fraternity for tequila night. Consider going to community college instead of a massive university. Community college is not beneath you; keep it in mind as an option. You will save money and build confidence. Moreover, once the first two years have been completed, you will be compelled to receive that coveted Bachelor Degree. As you begin your senior year, remember to enjoy yourself and not be a lemming. Good luck! Future Joe

Ranbir

Whatever stage in life that you are in right now, you must embrace it. There are too many things in life that you cannot change, so as usual, I want you to play all your cards right. Place your stock in the proper and approprioate statically welcoming regions of life and never give up. There are millions of opportunities out there that you have yet to find. Try to be more accepting of those who you don't understand and engaging in mind opening experiences. Don't let your mental dissabilities get the best of you because when you truly find yourself as I finally have. Your passion in life is going to be not only somthing you least expected but even better, the greatest blessing of your life for you and all those around you.

Mariel

At 17 I thought I was intelligent andI didn't need much advice; I knew where I was going and I didn't need my parents telling me how to run my life. I was wrong; I should have listened. But knowing that I was a "know-it-all teenager" the best way to give myself advice would be to PROVE that the future-me knew what I was talking about. Once I had proved that to myself I would probably be more inclined to listen. I would tell myself to take advice, especially from elders: they know what they are talking about because they've been there. Balancing a checkbook is actually very important and credit cards really are the devil. Don't worry about finding the perfect mate; when the time is right it'll work out. In the mean time, focus on my education because nothing is more valuable than knowledge. I would tell myself to read- anything/everything- all the time. Go out and explore and question things. Learn how to problem solve and develop critical thinking. Don't take everything for face value. Stay healthy. And most importantly, take time to appreciate the small things.

Nastacia

I would tell my high school self to invest in more time applying for scholarships and to remain confident!

Rebecca

It is okay to ask for help. There is no cut off age when a person must be completely independant. Pretending you are okay makes things harder, not easier. Go ahead and call you parents when you get lonely. Ask the professor for help when you are having trouble in a class. They know that you came there to learn; they won't expect you to know it all when you get there. Don't let yourself forget that you came to learn, either. When you get to campus, find your favorite study spot in the library and memorize the hours of operation. Take the classes that you think will be challenging. Never enter a class with the expectation that you will dislike it. Be open to new interests. Actually use that planner you bought so no due date will catch you unprepared. But allow yourself some fun time, too. These just may be the most fun years of your life, so don't let them pass you by. Meet new people. Try new things. Perhaps most importantly, though, be sure that you set your alarm for AM, not PM, and remember that coffee and electronics don't mix.

Emily

I would tell myself not to be worried so much about fitting in in college. You will find your place and your friends without any trouble. I would tell myself to concentrate on school and don't take more on than you can handle. I started out having a job, being in a sorority, and taking 17 hours. This was way too much! I ended up quitting my job and dropping a class. Your first semester of college you will bombarded with activities and clubs you can join. You don't have to join every single one, join one or two that you can dedicate your time to. The first priority should always be your schoolwork especially snce that's the number one reason you are there. Always put school first and don't skip classes. You will always have that oppurtunity to go to a frat party on a thursday night but if you have a 8 or 9 am class don't go to that frat party it is not worth it. Yes, it is okay to go out sometimes but don't go out all the time because then you will put your schoolwork off.

Stephanie

I would persuade myself to look into and actually apply to more outside scholarships. I've learned that is better to plan earlier for funding your college education, especially if you're intending to fund an out-of-state education. I was unable to get the benefits of state funding because I decided to go out of state. I guess it's one price you pay for going to the school of your dreams. If I had known how hard it would be to get scholarship money after starting and how much I will be in debt to just get my B.A. degree, I would have definitely planned my senior spring differently, less planning for my spring break and more planning for my future.

Jeffrey

As a senior in High School, I would remind myself, of the current job situation in America. I would then speak to myself about career ambitions and personal goals. I would reinforce the importance of hard work and consistency, I would also tell myself to do research on the number of people my age, with my background that work in my chosen field. Most of what I would talk about would be based on statistics in the area that I will be living in, it is important for people to make a good assessment before they devote all their time to a situation. Last I would remind myself that the people that keep their eyes and ears open, are usually successful, prepare for everything.

kaci

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would definitely make sure I took all the opporutnites I could to get ahead (like AP classes, Dual credit at WKU, and being a member in as many clubs as possible). I would be more willing to do everything I can to do what I could to make sure I was well prepared for the college transition. I would also take the ACT test along with the SAT exam more times so that I could raise my scores higher.

delbert

Delbert, I know you think you are going to be a famous drummer, but you really need to focus on school too because you might want to go to college someday. When and if you do go to college you will have a harder time with your studying if you don't. And you know how important it is to you to be the best at what you do...

Katie

Find what you love and do it. It is better to switch your major 5 times and graduate in 6 years than to make a decision to graduate in 4 years with a study that you fall out of love with. I can help you figure out what is right for you.

Caroline

I suppose it depends when during my high school year I went back to what I would tell myself. I think though if I were to pick the best time it would have been right at the end of my senior year. I was heartbroken and lost. My boyfriend had dumped me and I was so afraid of change I would rather have died than leave for college after the summer ended. I suppose then if I could talked to the younger me at that point I would say, "These are not even close to the best years of your life. I know for a fact the next one you make amazing friends and open up to people in ways you never could here in high school. Don't waste your time on someone who regrets his decision everyday and because of it is not a part of your unbelievable future that is only a few months away. The love you will feel in college is one you cannot begin to understand here. Believe me change is worth it, you'll love Kentucky. Oh and don't let dad talk you out of your passion for a more sensible job!"

Austin

Get involved and make good decisions, but more importantly just make decisions. Don't be afraid to go out and do something that could potentially benefit you.

Amy

If I didn’t know what kind of career interested me then I should immerse myself in opportunities to experience different types of professions. And if after volunteering, observing and interning I still did not know what I wanted my occupation to be then I should take classes at a local community college or university to save money. But if I do decide to go to a college away from home I should be prepared for it to be more difficult than expected. And even though moving away might be difficult I know I will always have a home with family and friends to come back to. No matter where I go be sure to take this time to be adventurous and travel around the country or to other faraway lands. Keep in mind that the friendships that you make during this time could be the most important and the most resilient relationships in your life. Be sure to make memories and take pictures along the way!

Lea

I would definitely tell myself to be more outgoing and get involved in more organizations as a freshman. With all the opportunities I had as a freshman to be a part of different organizations on campus, I'm really disappointed in myself for not taking advantage of those options. Also, I would tell myself to focus more on school and getting good grades, I barely lost an academic scholarship due to GPA requirements and looking back, that scholarship would've been very helpful down the road. Another thing I would tell myself would be to not be so influenced by the people around me and the decisions they're making. I think I was too much of a follower freshman and sophmore year and it wasn't until just recently as a senior that I've discovered who I am and what I want, and how to achieve that on my own.