University of Maryland-University College Top Questions

I graduated high school a semester early. At that time, my dad told me he was willing to finance my college education on the condition that I start in the fall. I felt I needed more time to decide what I wanted to do. My dad was wise enough to know that I should take core classes while I decided what to major in. I decided not to take his advice, and moved to Seattle instead. It didn't take me long to realize I should have taken his advice. My pride wouldn't allow me to admit I was wrong, so I joined the military instead. I used my military education benefits and completed my Bachelor of Science in 2014. I have children of my own now, and I would tell my high school self the same thing I tell them. A college education doen't define you as a person or mean that one person is better than another. It is, however, a key that opens doors which may otherwise remain closed to you. Limiting yourself by not taking advantage of any education available to you is not wise, and this was something my dad knew.

Have fun, but remember to stay focused. Hard work now will definitely make life easier in the long run. There is plenty of time to have fun in life, and it is much more fun with all the money you will be making after graduating from college. Remember to give back to the community that you are around. Volunteering gives you great insight and a sense of accomplishment. The reward for your time is immeasurable. Volunteering in the field you are going to school for is a great way to gain experience as well as network for the future. Get to know your fellow students and teachers. They will likely be your peers, workmates, and maybe even employees or bosses. Set goals that are realistic and attainable, both short and long term. Completion of the short term goals will give you the confidence to accomplish the long term goals. Finally, pick a field that you enjoy. If you like it, it is much easier to learn, and you will have fun along the way. Remember, have fun and stay focused.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to "work hard now so that I don't have to struggle as much later. Being the most popular, the class clown, and focusing on fitting in; did not help to advance my academic or professional career. Instead focus on community service initiatives to raise awareness about the things that matter to our society, find summer internships to gain a perspective about the workplace, volunteer, it makes you feel good to give back, play sports to build competitiveness, and listen to everything that your parents tell you because they are most likely right! I would tell myself to have fun, but not the kind of fun that damages your reputation or hinders you in the future from reaching your professional or educational goals. Let life happen, but do not let it just pass you by.

Dear Self, Study hard and focus by setting goals for the immediate and long-term future. Structure your week so there is adequate time to study AND have a little fun. Take advantage of every free lecture or band or performance that is available to you on campus. You never know when there will be an opportunity to share a common experience with someone; if you don't make time for experiences, you'll have very little to share. Network, network, network. It's okay to make mistakes. Do not be afraid of them nor the consequences of them. THIS is how we grow. Lastly, ditch that haircut. It's not as flattering as you think it is. Go get 'em, Tiger! Love, Self

Conquering College Conundrums: Conscientiously and Cheerfully How do you prepare a teenager that has lived their entire existence under parental guidance, to the introduction of a world that entails academic dedication, while also attempting to generate new and lasting social relationships? The answer is not simple, and there are countless of visionary pieces of wisdom I could impart onto myself today, that could have greatly eased my mind. But, where on earth should I start, and what unique insights can prepare an individual for the labyrinth of life choices and experiences ahead of them? The most poignant and sound belief, that would have anchored my initial trepidation, is that we can transcend every single hurdle we face, even if it feels insurmountable. Our basic needs and desires of acceptance, companionship, and success, always remain constant, even if the methodologies have a metamorphosis. Regardless of the nature of the matter, whether it is a seemingly impossible class, missing the comforts of home, not bonding with other students, or simply feeling out of place, time changes everything. Hindsight may always be “20/20”, but living in the present and appreciating every moment, is one of my favorite lessons in life thus far.

Just to tell myself that if you want anything out of life that you are going to have to work for it. Also never be dissapointed at failure but take it as a learning experience.

College is nothing like your school experience so far. You will come out of your metaphorical turtle shell that you always hide in and find it easier to be the leader you know you can be. I'm proof that you didn't give up on yourself. Take your time. You still work better on your own terms. There are online classes for that. You'll stick with the Biology thing for a while, but the teacher who convinced you to do that will mean nothing when you find your true passion - spoilers. Every failure you think has had disasterous consequences? They too will mean nothing compared to your achievements in the future, especially community college. You never would have guessed that community college was the best decision you ever made. When it comes to your university decision afterwards, try not to stress so much this time. It was exhausting. Just know your final choice is actually yours, not anyone elses. Don't give up and create some weird paradox right now. I like existing. You'll get there soon.

I should have gone and talk with the student counselor to take every piece of knowledge from her on how to fund and succeed for college. I was a 3.5 grade point average student for High School Freshman and Sophomore year, but I did not have a vision after High School. I never once used the admin resources to research for college. Knowing what I know now, I truly see it as a loss of opportunity in High School. Had I actually been admitted to college the following year, I want to say to myself “study for your undergraduate courses and stop procrastinating.” My freshman year in college was taking courses lackadaisically and not caring about my grades. The struggle I ran into my Junior and Senior undergraduate year could have avoided and given me honor student status. I still feel the ramification from that moment as I applying for graduate school today.

I would tell myself to go to college as soon as I graduated highschool. I would tell myself to be prepared to study and to be excited about the opportunity to learn. I would tell myself to look around at different career options and have fairly concrete idea about what I need to study and learn in order to be successful in my future career.

Congratulations on being the first in your family to embark on a college education. I’m really proud of you for being brave to go to College 450 miles away from home. Your college experiences will help define you. Remember don’t make rash decisions, the choices you make will follow you throughout your college career. Focus on getting great grades. Don’t overwhelm yourself take fun electives with your mandatory courses each semester. For your first spring break, I would suggest going on vacation with your best friends. If you happen to experience some sort of homesickness/depression, try to spend more time with your friend Jennifer. Being at the University of New Hampshire for the first year with your best friend is a great thing. I can’t reiterate this enough think about the decisions you make, missing class, going to parties and staying up late. Think several years down the line on the repercussions. Will this decision get me the degree I am seeking or will it hinder me from getting it? Above all though have fun while being responsible! I’m extremely proud of your success; you’re the first Fernandez to go to College.

Dear Past Self, College is not as stressful as you would think. There are many people available to answer your questions and meet your needs. Just don't be afraid to ask! Also, be prepared to study. Study, study, study! College professors expect you to do your work and research, but don't be afraid to ask for help! In college, you learn more information about subjects, sometimes in a shorter amount of time too, compared to high school. The number one thing I would say is to have fun! Stressing and worrying over assignments or even mom and dad won't get you where you need to be. The last thing I have to say is don't be afraid to plan EVERYTHING! You're going to need all the time you can get in college when juggling friends and family, sports/exercise, school,kand everything else. Plan ahead, stick to it, and you'll be just fine! Sincerely yours, Present Self

To take each class serious and to ensure I seek a tutor at the first sign of getting a bad grade.

If I could advise myself back in high school, I'd have a few things to say. I would have made my senior schedule more challenging, instead of just taking what my friends were. This would help be prepare for classes in college because I'd already have good study habits. Also, I would tell myself to do running start. It helps me adavnce my college career while still in high school, plus it's a great way to save money on college. I would have graduated with almost my whole AA, putting me about a year ahead of my classmates. I would also tell myself to apply for more sholarships. I barely applied to any in high school. I would tell myself to take scholarships more seriously, and the worst that can happen is I don't get it. While on the other hand the best thing that could happen is I do get it, helping me towards my degree. There are so many scholarships out there for the taking, so why not try and take?

As a current college student, if I could go back in time to talk to my high school self I would encourage her to focus all of her efforts on scholarships. At the time I had no idea just how expensive colleges, particularly universities, could be and chose a more relaxed method of applying for free money. Not only that, but the few scholarships I did apply for were purely academic based, which can often be the most difficult to win. Unfortunately, in my current financial state I am only able to take 3, maybe 4, classes a year and by this rate will be an old woman before I obtain my master’s degree. If I had known then what I know now I would have even been able to possibly graduate college debt free through using scholarships and grants to pay for my tuition! This information would change everything for me and allow me to achieve my long term goals without the thousands of dollars of debt to look forward to.

If I could go back and give my 18-year-old self advice, I'd tell him not to worry so much about the little things. I'd tell him not to spend so much time stressing out about the things which are out of his control. I'd explain to him that he doesn't have to have it all figured out right away - that there is a time for everything. I'd tell him that life is going to throw him a few curve balls, but assure him that he has the strength and perspecacity to not only survive but also to exceed even his own expectations. I would tell him not to short-change himself with his college education. I'd tell him to stick with it instead of dropping out, joining the Army, and having to go back to school a full decade later than the rest of his peers. I'd tell him he's capable of anything. I'd tell him everything I wish someone had told me.

As a senior I had a lot of outside issues going on. I was happy to become 18 and get my voter registration card. I was also happy to be able to drink and to go away to college. However, due to the family events I was torn and for the first time in my life I spoke up to my parents. I let my mother know that I did not want to go to college. She blindsided with, "What are you going to do if you don't go to school?" So I ended up going to college. I can't say going was the worst choice. However, I would tell my younger self to fight to stay home because they will need you. I don't know what my life would have looked like since I met my husband and many, many great friends which I still have today. Therefore, the decision would be a difficult one. One I might have to give up the life I have now for. However, I often wonder, would I have reached the point I am now? Finishing college, having a family and now attending law school.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school year, I would tell myself to take my education seriously. I was a serious procrastinator in high school and I didn’t care about my grades. I got into trouble a few times which ended up in suspensions, and I only did just enough work to get by. I barely studied and mostly just hung out with my friends. If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice then I would have definitely took another course of action. I would have dedicated myself to my studies and strived for all A’s on all exams. I would have studied hard for the SAT and would have taken on some volunteering opportunities. I would have left high school with an esteemed profile that would have looked great on college applications. Being able to go to college on a full scholarship would have taken the burden of college debt off of my shoulders. And I could have focused fully on my career, instead of wondering how I am going to pay back my college loans.

College.... such a scary term! Looking back I'm not sure I would have changed where I started my college education because I met my best friend there. I would however make sure that I knew how to properly save and invest my money to better support myself in the future. I would remind myself that the "Freshman 15" is really the "Freshman 20" and to take the GYM more seriously. Attending parties and events are all part of the college life, and I would have to remind myself to participate. The one major thing that I would need to change is my attendance.... going to class is kind of the point... doing your work is even more important. Not doubting yourself and giving 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} every day is the only way to go. I started my college education at York College of PA and shortly into my endeavor I was in a bad accident where I found myself on crutches for over a month. I found myself discouraged and helpess. I would remind myself that only I can make my situation better and I pave my own path. In the end, the effort will be worth it.

Never listen to the "nay-sayers." The people in your high school life are temporary; the situation is temporary. Adapt, adjust, and overcome. Oh, but don't get cocky the GPA is more important than you think, so stop procrastinating with everything. You should get more involved with school organizations, being a military BRAT seems to have stunted your out-goingness gene. By the way, flunking Freshman Spanish probably wasn't your best move, and taking Spanich for that matter when you clearly had a better aptitude for German. Don't let people push you around, and stop worrying about being popular; in the long run of life it doesn't matter. Overall, you're going to be successful. Shortly after graduation a major world event is going to take place, it's why you join the Air Force...you won't regret that move. But I would encourage you to vote better, these politicians we have...well you'll find out. I already know how much you value voting. More than anything don't ever let someone make you feel less than you are because those are people struggling within themselves, you're already stronger than that.

If I could go back to seventeen year old Meaghan, I would tell her not to take college as a joke. That when you have the opportunity to go to college for free, because you have a trust fund set up, that that is an absolute blessing. Use it. Do not drop out, it will be oh so much more difficult when you do want to go back -because, trust me you will- you will be married with three kids and hardly any financial security. You wont be able to get a job that can pay enough for you take care of your family, you will be a single income family. You don't have a job in the future. You won't have the funds to go back to school like you did when you were eighteen. Trust me! Stay in school so you can get that nursing job you want, Meaghan! So you can help your family when you do get married and have your beautiful babies!

The best advice I could give is to study more for the ACT and SAT. Having a better score allows you more opportunities in classes and scholarships. Next, I would tell myself to make sure I am taking a math and science class in the last semester of high school. Math and science alike are easily forgotten if not utilized frequently. If there was going to be down time between graduation and my first semester in college I should set time aside to refresh on those skills. Planning is everything and thinking that the school is going to do everything for you like your highschool is a huge mistake. It would be advisable to talk with family members and friends who are in college or have been through college and ask what kids of things that should be planned for in advance. Lastly, having a budget and sticking to it is crucial. There is no reason to have every new thing that is trending at the moment it is a waste of precious funds. Managing your money will be hard but it will be rewarding when you are through with school and have no student loans to pay off.

To complete college while I was young.

“Don’t give up. Paying for school will prove to be impossible, I know, and you’ll end up with quite a bit of debt in student loans because financial aid won’t cover everything, or even most of ‘everything’. You’ll have to work full time and pursue your degree full time – but it will be worth it. One day you’ll have that degree in hand, you’ll be pursuing the job of your dreams, making a true difference in this world, and you’ll look back and realize that it wasn’t that bad. A few years of overload is worth a brighter future for you and your family – you must remember this! Apply for scholarships and hope that the committees that review them will recognize your potential; even if they don’t, you must always have faith in yourself. You are deserving of your dreams, and your goals in life are only as obtainable as your drive. Speed forward, and don’t ever slow down.”

Be patient. You will achieve your dream of getting your BS in Accounting with hard work and persistence. Finding an education/work/life balance is important. Education is important and gives you opportunities. Work will get you experience (don’t underestimate experience) and help pay for the education and life you want to have. Life is a wonderful thing to enjoy, especially your children. Take the time to enjoy the experiences. Patience, your life will be all that you hoped for with time. As a side note, fill out for financial aid and buy your books used … save a little money.

Pay attention, take the basic classes first, and try a few classes you think might be interesting to see if they represent a career path you might want to follow.

As a college student now if I could go back to my senior year I would have done things much differently. I would have told myself to take more duel enrollment courses to not be afraid and underestimate myself because I did take 3 courses and passed them all with honors. I would have told myself its ok to enjoy my senior year but to make sure I take time to look for scholar ships because financial aid is not always certain and that it can be taken away from one day to another. I would have told myself to join more clubs where I would get a big amount of community service because just that can make the difference between you and another applicant applying more the same scholarship. Overall I would just explain to myself this is the finale year but it counts just as much as the past 3 years so to keep it up and fight till I get that diploma. Thank you for your time in reading my essay, Carine Castillo.

If I could go back and provide my high school senior self with some advice, I would recommend taking things more seriously. In my high school honors and advanced placemene courses I didn't try hard enough and I didn't realize how much of an opportunity I had to excel. Additionally, I would tell myself to appreciate my family more. Family is the best support and should not be taken for granted. If I had actually listened to my family members and solicited advice from them, I could have been in a better position after high school.

Were I to chat with my high school self, I would tell her to think very carefully about which university she chooses. Instead of choosing a school solely based on reputation and curriculum, she should look at the social landscape, student diversity, and class size. In my experience, these things have had so much more of an impact on how I measure the learning experience than anything else. When I was a senior, I was so ambitious about my studies, but I found my chosen school to be too large and the class size overwhelming. I ended up leaving before the end of the first semester. If I had found a school that was much smaller, I may have been more successful.

Joel, You should take a break, go to explore Europe or get a full time job. 12 long years of school can be taxing and you are burned out from learning. Find yourself and come back to taking classes when you are ready and have a hunger to gain more knowledge. I know that you think lacrosse is life and that you have to keep playing; but Joel, lacrosse is not life. Do not make your future decisions based off lacrosse, you can't make a career out of it. Apply to more schools in your time away and perhaps take some entry level courses to find something you like. Give yourself as many options as possible and not just school A or school B. I think if you take this "vacation" from school and find your passions you will lead a much more happier and successful path through college and down life's path. Sincerely, Joel Giljam (8 years wiser) ******P.S. If you made it this far I am surprised*******

I know that you love your family very much, but you should follow your path of what you want to do. Don't let your fear hold you back. Go to University of Maryland College Park and finish school there. Family will always be there to help you out and support you when you're there. If you still can't take the big leap, do two years of College of Southern Maryland and transfer to University Of Maryland College Park.

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would tell myself to never take things for granted and always push for what I know in my heart I deserve. I think back then I was so focused on just finishing school and becoming an adult that I lost touch with who I was. I would want to enjoy life and not assume that things come easily, because now I know that things aren't as simple as they may seem.

I would tell myself to make sure to study hard. College and high school are two totally different worlds and in college you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} expected to learn for yourself and not have the information handed to you. Having waited 7 years to go back to school I learned that studying in college in also different because it is not just retaining the knowledge but understanding the knowledge as well. Taking most of my classes online I also learned how important self-motivation in. In high school your teachers remind you that you have assignments due and they often even help you prepare the assignments. In online college classes you get a syllabus at the beginning of class and most professors will not remind you of deadlines, they just tell you to keep checking your schedule. Professors expect college students to be professional in their work, in high school you can often get away with turning in not your best work. So, make sure that you know how to study and to keep yourself motivated. No matter what anyone says you can do this, just remember to believe in yourself.

I would say be yourself and forget about popularity, if they don't like you for who you are then thats fine but remember to be yourself. Also apply to scholarships because college is expensive.

I would advise myself to give mysefl a chance and ensure myself that there was nothing to be afraid of. I would emphasize that getting my education done while I was young, unmarried, and without children would be easier than when I had all of these things and had to try to "go back to school". I would encourage myself to take as many aptitude tests as possible so that I could have built up my confidence and picked a career path that I liked much sooner. I would have focused on visiting campuses so that I could have been informed and knowledgeable about what my future could have been. I would have made a strategic alliance with my guidance counselor so that I could have had an insider to the scholarships that became available and would remind myself that there was no harm in applying or trying for something that I both wanted and needed. I woud lecture myself about the importance and necessity of a degree and try to outline for myself all the different paths I could choose from; both good and bad. Perhaps if I were armed with this much information, I'd have done better.

I would give me the advice to not take any breaks in between my two kids and just go on with my schooling. Other than that I am pretty comfortable with my school and everything is as I expected.

Take more upper level classes in high school, as well as pick a school and stick with it. Changing schools will put you behind the power curve.

This is it! You are preparing to graduate from high school and begin to fulfill the life you have always dreamed for yourself. You can do it, do not give up. You are going to feel like you will not succeed, but keep pushing forward. You can do it! Your future seems so far away, but it is right now; right here in front of you. You are in control of your own destiny. Don't you dare give up! The difficulties that you face now will shape you and mold you into the strong independent adult you so desire to be. Don't lose that desire, that passion to follow your dreams. You are going to fall, failure will come your way but it will not be the failure that will determine who you are. It will be the way in which you handle yourself and get back up that creates the person you desire to become. No matter what, no matter where, no matter how, and no matter when; don't ever give up on your hopes and dreams.

When I was a senior, I would have told myself to not talk a semester off from school when you are already in college because I was attending Duquesne University Pharmacy Program when I took a semester off to help family take care of my grandmother who had terminal lung cancer by doing this I got automatically kicked out of the program even after the Provost of the school (a Catholic priest) promised this would not happen. I also lost my scholarship and the ability to play football at a college level anymore. It was an overally crappy experience that I would tell myself not to make that mistake again.

Don! Get out of high school now and go on to college! You'll work harder than you've ever worked, you'll give up sleep, and most of the time, your social life, but it's more than worth it! Go to the parties, but don't be a part of them. Hang out with people you never thought you'd pay any attention to before, and listen to them. Get in on research with one of the professors immediately - don't wait until your senior year like everyone else. Keep up the doctor-shadowing in the emergency room. This will help you get into medical school. When you think that you can't possibly get all the work and studying done, you can. Prioritize by what's due first, and just do it. Help someone else. It will give your brain a break and make a new friend. Make a schedule, and stick to it! Lay off the junk food, don't stop exercising and get out in the sun every day. Your brain will be more efficient, making up for lost time studying, and you'll sleep better. You can do anything if you really want to!

If I could go back, I would tell myself to better prepare financially and focus on school more, and even take a full course load senior year instead of taking a half day. By taking a full course load, there would leave more room for taking extra college classes and even more advanced classes that would count towards college credits. By getting a head start it would help with taking down later course loads each semester. Financially, I would have advised myself to talk to the counselors more, and get more knowledge about financial aid and how different loans and scholarships might work and get a better understanding of them. By not knowing the difference between loans and grants, applying for financial aid now, it makes it more stressful and possibly more time consuming then if I was better educated on the subject. All in all, what I know now, I can take and apply to family members that are looking at going to college and help them prepare better.

High school is an interesting time for all of us. We see it portrayed in the media and in our popular culture, and we hold it to so many different standards. At the time, it seems like the most important years of our lives, and I fell into that trap of thinking. Looking back, I did not find myself or my true identity in high school. I did not make friends that would be with me for life. I did not change the world or live each day dedicated to a passionate cause or goal. If I could, I would go back and tell myself to simply focus on my grades and let all else fall into place. High school is merely a stepping stone; a “tool” that leads you to college. College is what changes you and develops you. College is what will lead you to a career and a purposeful life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self to be confident. Confidence is the most important thing in achieving your goals, with out it, you are completely hopeless. I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence with in the last two years and it has helped me a great deal. I have been able to achieve things that I never thought possible and I have gained the respect of several of my peers. With my confidence, I was able to become a national certified EMT and a nursing assistant, I was able to graduate high school and I was able to work full time and go to school full time. Although my journey has been difficult and there were many times that I believed that I could never make it, I maintained my confidence in myself and pulled through it. Who would have ever thought that one word; one action can do so much for a person?

I would tell myself to calm down and take time to smell the roses. My entire high school career, I spent worring about college. You see I had no money and no idea where my parents were so I could not even complete the fafsa. I got accepted into amazing schools. All of my dream schools, but I did not even get the chance to go. So I joined the military and now that money has run out. I would tell myself just to have fun because it is not always fair. Sometimes you don't get what you earned. I would say Ash go have fun and stop worrying. You will find your way.

Studies may seem challenging and sometimes solving a new problem may seem impossible. Nevertheless, the first step is to recognize the issue and work to make the corrections. Applying additional time into studying will always work in your advantage. You should work to obtain as much knowledge as you possible can. Additionally, there is a wealth of knowledge in books, my suggestion is taking the time to gain a full understanding and avoid shortcuts. Every piece of knowledge will reward you in life; this includes college and in your future career. Someday it will feel extremely rewarding to deliver your knowledge. You will be so empowered to share your proficiency with others. The opportunity to learn will surround you daily. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and if we look around we can learn from one another. As you become more attentive you will eventually learn how to become efficient. Ultimately, everyday is ever changing, which proves that learning is infinite, it is up to you to apply it.

I would tell myself that even though I don't have a lot of experience or money and things seem blue at times- NEVER DOUBT MYSELF. That I'm capable of doing extraordinary things. Who knows, I could find the cure for cancer. John Green worte, “You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking how you'll escape one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present.” I would tell myself to live in the present and live it up every single day and go where you want to be. Instead of looking for a person from your dreams, be the person of your dreams. I would tell myself this because if you set a goal, and don't stop until it's accomplished, one day you will achieve that goal.

If I could go back in time the advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is, "Never give up on yourself, if you fail just keep trying until you succeed". The first semester of College is so crucial, it can make or break students and may even derail their future if unsuccessful. Unfortunatley I know this from experience, I started off my freshman year straight out of high school, moved into a college campus and naievly thought I knew exactly what being a college student would be like. Needless to say it was a time to sink or swim and I could not stay afloat, the transition itself was a process, and the workload seemed impossible, I quickly began to loose confidence and before I knew it I was drowning. I felt like I failed my parents who had invested everything into me, but not only did I fail my parents, I failed my younger sister who always looked up to me. Despite what happened that semester I returned to school, and I didnt give up on myself in fact I went back more confident then ever and by next semester I was getting A's.

First, take the SATs. You'll regret not taking them later. Second, begin researching universities now instead of waiting or you'll end up going to a university your father picks for you. Third, you are good enough to survive in this world. You have an intelligent, creative brain and you will succeed if you apply yourself while studying a subject you excel at (I recommend picking psychology from the start. You'll thank me later when you realize that becoming a forensic psychologist can happen for you). Fourth, submit the romance novels you've written to a publisher. Seriously. Just do it. Fifth, you're a transsexual. Deal with it already and move on with your life. There's no point in being angry and stopping yourself from moving forward. Instead, become who you are and IMMEDIATELY apply to the universities of your choice. Then, enroll in a university that appeals to you and begin an undergraduate degree in psychology (the minor can be in anything, but I know you'll pick English) as soon as possible. You'll have your undergraduate degree by age 21 instead of 23 and you'll like that. I promise.

Now that I have had a chance to experience the hardships of adult life, I would tell myself don't waist your youth. Get into school quick and stay until your finish your degree. The older you get the harder it is to go back to school and finish. Once you finish one degree continue persuing your next degree which will keep you marketable within society. Finally, I would tell myself to never give up and keep setting goals and chasing your dreams.

The advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to focus on learning time management. Throughout high school, I was told college is difficult and scary. College isn't difficult nor scary, it's all about managing your time wisely in order to get your work done. As long as you don't procrastinate and allow yourself enough time to get your work done, college will be a breeze.

I would say to expect the unexpected. As a high school senior, I thought I knew it all, and thought that the plans I had for college would go exactly as predicted. As it turns out, I have had my fair share of valuable experiences, and have grown because I let go. Not everything should be planned, but the motivation to improve and succeed should always remain prevalent.