University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

Well the first advice would be to never give up. Always have your dreams ahead of you, and never look back on your failures. Studying is going to be difficult, but you can do it. Pay attention in class, no matter who the professor is, take notes. Prioritize you life correctly. Make sure to seperate time to lock yourself up in the library and work. Do not procrastinate! Get papers done early enough to get them checked by the writing center and/or teacher. When things get rough, sit back and take a breather, but get back up. Go to class, try not to miss any classes, it is hard to make up those days. Be ahead of the game. Do not be afraid to ask questions, it is the only way you will learn. If the subject is difficult, get a tutor. Take as many classes as you can, but do not burn yourself out. College is not about having fun, and throwing your life away with careless actions, rather it is the time to grow up and become the person you have dreamed of. Lastly, surround yourself with people who will encourage your to do your best!

Dear Miriam, "Courage is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding." ~Dorothy Thompson. Although the true value of this assertion does not in itself encapsulate some grand epiphany, it offers a peripheral view that if taken can often unlock everything from the safes to the towering gates along life’s path. Adversity knocks on the door of every life at one point or another and it is very rare that it bypasses an address. However, the way in which we meet it, determines the course and shape our lives will ultimately take. While obstacles often transform a journey in ways one has little control over and may never anticipate, if followed through there is nothing short of a rainbow waiting on the other side. Remember, if God helps and grants you the strength and ambition to push your limits, why settle in accomplishing any less? Signed, My time at the University of Michigan

Don't worry so much about the ranking and reputation of the school you choose. Don't limit your college search to US News and World Report top rankings. There are other factors that make a college a good fit - explore these possibilities. Some smaller and less well know schools are great and may be exactly right for you.

With experience comes truth, knowledge and understanding. Although I was a high school senior less than two years ago, it is a fragment of time in which I would compose a large range of advice! At every point in life, there is a constant pressure to prepare for what is to come. I was no exception to this; at the time of my senior year, I was overwhelmed with applying and getting into colleges, interviewing for jobs, staying connected with friends and spending time with family. Understandably, my mind was consumed with a multitude of situations. Yet, I was at such a significant point in my life, and ironically enough, instead of living, I was focused on where I was going to be later in life. Living in the moment, emersing yourself in gratitude and smiling at every obstacle that comes my way, would be the advice to put forth to myself. Breathing in the beauty of time is of the utmost importance, for it is an aspect that we won't always obtain. Pausing throughout the day and being thankful for the conveninces I aquire, the people I know, and the life that I live.

Before coming to college, I was so afraid of starting a new life in a very unfamiliar place; as I spent my high school years in the United Arab Emirates, I knew almost nothing about the United States. I thought I would be so hard to make friends, get along with my roommate, and do well on the exams. I guess I felt more intimidating because I built up theses negative images of my life in the university. Now, as one semester passed, when I think of the time when I first came to college, I can smile. I learned that it was not only me who was nervous and afraid of meeting new people. If it is possible, I want to tell myself, as a high school senior, not to worry, relax, and be confident; everybody is nice and would want to know more about you. I wish I could tell not to lose the chances to enjoy the transition and be excited about it so that the moment would last as an unforgettable, precious memory.

As a high school senior, one thing I wish I had known would be the importance of finding your passion and devoting a large amount of time and effort to that passion. Too many high-schoolers enter college simply looking for a job that pays well or go to college only because it seems like the next logical step in the educational procession. The important thing is finding the one thing or various things that you love and doing them to the best of your ability, and in terms of a college major it is about finding something you enjoy doing so that during your lifetime as you work you will get a sense of satisfaction regarding whatever career you chose to pursue. Explore yourself and who you are in your last year of high-school, ask questions, seek answers, and overall prepare yourself as much as you can for whatever challenges and opportunities may come your way as you transition from high-school to college and eventually adulthood. Make your life worth living, experience it in its fullness and make an impact on the world in a positive way. Don't just settle for average, work to be extraordinary.

“CONGRATULATIONS—You’re IN!....How does it feel to be a Wolverine?” 3 years later, you will feel the same amazement as the first time your read those words. Brace yourself for massive stress but also massive leaps in knowledge gained, people met, and passions realized. You will be surrounded by astounding talent, intelligence, and dedication. Soak it all in, and take advantage of the incredible opportunities and resources campus will offer you. You have been given the liberty to explore and develop your dreams, so go! It is reasonable to fear being overwhelmed, but don’t underestimate yourself; if you want to do something badly enough, you can, so do it! Take deep breaths and remind yourself how blessed you are be studying for that final, writing that paper, or responding to the 57th email of the day. Appreciate your place on campus where you are working toward becoming one of the leaders and the best. Lastly, commit to the fact there is no excuse to not take care of yourself. While your goals are important, your body, mind, and spirit should always be top priority. Your spirits should be high, because it feels great to be a Wolverine.

Write in your journal. Write something every day about where you went, how you felt, what you ate, saw, did. Write it down because you will not remember it, impossible though that may be to imagine right now. And you will want to remember.Find the thing you love to do, and find others who love it too. Commit to it, work on it, talk about it; make a community of it, a hobby of it, a passion of it. I know what it is now, but I could’ve known earlier – you can know now. Find it and go after it now. Don’t wait. And don’t be afraid of failing. Try all that appeals – keep painting and drawing, keep dancing, writing, running, keep telling stories and keep expressing your creativity. Keep trying all these things you enjoy and don’t let fear of failing stop you. As long as you are trying you are already succeeding.

If I could travel back in time to give my high school self some advice about what it takes to survive college I would be nostalgic because there is no other person in the world that can relate better to you than yourself. The first pointer I would give myself is to decide. Make a decision. In high school, I was not quite sure what major I wanted to pursue. I switched from law, to journalism, and a few other things inbetween and when I started college I had no sense of direction which made the process kind of difficult and overwhelming for me at first. The second pointer I would give is stay true to yourself. What I mean by staying true to yourself is to stear the course, stay focused on what is needed to complete the college courses. This also means to practice delayed gratification. Doing this will enable anyone to complete their college career at a much faster pace and a much better academic standing.

Think about what will engage you best. Do you struggle to pay attention, if so go to a smaller school. Do you want to do more outdoorsy stuff, go somewhere that will push you, perhaps a smaller school. Really think about who you want to be around and where you will succeed. Accept what limits you have (procrastination, focus etc) and try to find something that will be condusive to that.

I would tell myself to be prepared for the world. I wouldn't say things to confuse myself,or to scare myself, but I would just explain that this is a part of your life where you get the chance to see how it feels to grow in the world without mom and dad to be there to help as much as they did in your past. College is nothing like high school. You don't have mom and dad there to make sure you are up and ready for school on-time. You also don't have the high school teacher's there with you who helped you by demonstrating things over and over just for you to get a better understanding of your work. I would tell myself to be prepared for whatever life has to give you, because there some tough situations out there, just don't give up on yourself at anything.

Be dilligent in all that you do. Make friends but only do so with individuals who can support you in the midst of your weak moments. Take heed to the wisdom that your instructors, colleagues and classmates give you. Accept fear willingly, for fear is not a precursor to failure but a motivator for greatness. Be ambitious beyond all else, remember the goal for this moment in your life and keep a firm grasp upon it.

So you grew up in the suburbs. Being black doesn't mean acting like the characters you see on tv. You don't have to sag your pants and throw the "n" word around like dollars in a strip club to fit it. You are black. Being who you are is being black. You don't have to put on an act.

The advice that I would give myself would be to never be afraid to ask questions and learn the importance of time management. Asking questions is a great way to get answers and meet new people. Everyone pretty much feels the same way you do when they enter college - afraid and reluctant to step out of their "safe box." Asking questions will help you to meet new people and help yourself as well as others. Time management is the most important thing that I would stress. I am a full-time student, I work 2 jobs, and I am apart of 5 organizations. I rely on my planner to guide me through my weeks at school. If you do not learn the importance of time management, you could find yourself missing deadlines, falling behind on assignments, and losing much needed sleep. Asking questions and time management are the keys to unlocking the doors of success while in college.

Given the means to speak with my younger self, the only avowal I could give worthy of the effort is this: “Do not be tempted by the words of your parents. Do not live at home, commuting thirty miles to and from U of M in the interest of saving money. On paper, it is a marvelous proposition: the comfort of home, a promised freedom to go out when you choose to, and saving thousands of dollars. If you believe your parents lie, your freshman experience will be five a.m. mornings, hour-long commutes, sheer lonelines as you trudge through throngs of your classmates, and withdrawals from campus upon class ending. The bitter grip of depression will overcome you; you will soon throw yourself into comfort food and just as soon throw up those treats multiple times a day, every day. You won’t opt for therapy until January, and by then, when you discover you have bulimia, most of your throat will have already eroded. Even with therapy, by March, you will attempt suicide. Your body will survive; your mind will endure, but only having relinquished your youth. The message is simple: whatever it takes, live on campus.”

Dear High School Senior Me, I have some important advice that will help you make the high school to college transition. Time management is going to be a major adjustment for you. Now I know you're used to having everything structured for you, but college won't be like that. You will need to make a set schedule for yourself and follow it to the "T", otherwise, you will struggle. Another thing you need to watch out for is properly preparing for your classes. I know high school was a breeze for you, and you rarely had to study, but college will be completely different. Make sure you spend a suffiecient amount of time studying for all of your classes. Trust me when I say it will help you a great deal in being successful in all of your classes, and in acheiving your goals. Also, do not try to take 18 credits your first semester. That's too much for a freshman. Last but certainly not least, don't lose yourself in the excitement of extra-curricular activities. You will need to find that balance between getting your work done and having fun. Sincerely, 20 Year-Old Me

Appreciate the ease of life you currently have. Soon, you will have to completely take care of yourself, a task that will prove much more difficult and less exciting than it sounds. Simply upkeeping the cleanliness of your dorm and maintaining a constant stash of snacks and drinks in your room will surprise you with its ironic complexity. For now, keep working hard, but allow yourself time to hang out with the friends you may only see annually at best after graduation, the closest confidants that you will have to resort to conversing with only by telephone or skype. Most importantly, bask in the warmth and welcoming feeling of your home and family because very likely you will never truly live there again. Your parents will become bystanders instead of active participants and your comfortable bed a much desired vacation. Watch TV, lounge by the pool, take long drives, and simply loiter around as frequently as possible. The lesson that I have gained from college that most emanates in my mind is to never take for granted these two things: leisure and loved ones. You will certainly become busy, and you will miss these two things more than anything else.

If I were able to give my high school senior self advice I would tell them to listen to my parents seriously. I would warn them that college life is full of distractions and opportunities to make bad decisions. That the trendy term "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out) should not exist because missing one night of seeing your friends make fools of themselves is less important than a good grade on your chemistry exam. I would tell her that joining a sorority was the best decision and that it is allowed to keep friends from other sororities. Going out because of a boy you like is really not as important as it may seem and next semester there will be a new boy. I would remind her that if you like a boy don't dismiss it because you think having a boyfriend in college is stupid. There are always going to be more nights to be social and make bad decisions, but there is only one chance to take an exam. When you decide that going out sounds better than studying and you fail an exam or class that it is ok and never to stop believeing in you.

Girtha you will not believe what potential you have. What experiences you is going to embark on. Please, I suggest that you get as much information on college now. Or if you don’t have the information takes your time and figure out what you truly want to do with your life and career. One of the advices I would give is to do internships into the fields you love like fashion. Do that and see what area you would like to get a degree in. Then from there ask for help from your High School Advisor because they really want to see you succeed. You have to believe in yourself and know that things always work out for the best. No matter what keep pushing to pursue your dreams. Even if you don’t know what to do they will work out and you will see. Whenever there is darkness there is light. You are struggling on what you truly want to do with your life but that dream is in fashion. Get going and take risks. Don’t be afraid. You can do this. I have faith in you.

When I was a high school senior, I really felt the need to get away from my hometown. I had already spent thirteen years going to school with the same classmates day after day after day. I wanted a change. Since entering college, I wish I had not been so eager to get away from my childhood. I would tell my senior self to really work towards solidifying the relationships I had with my high school friends. College brings with it new friends and new relationships; but it's also important to stay in touch with the friends who created your childhood memories. I would also tell myself to not focus so much on schoolwork. Yes, grades are important. Getting a perfect 4.0, however, is not the most important thing. You can only live life once, so make the most of it while you can. I would tell myself to always remember to take a moment and just relax, step away from the textbooks, and enjoy life.

Save your money and don't blow it on stupid stuff. Also, if you have roommate problems bring them up right away so you don't get stuck putting up with them all semester and resenting your roommate for stuff she doesn't even know she's doing. And STUDY, you really do need to do the readings and practice questions if you want to succeed in college.

My advice to my past self would be to not be afraid of approaching people. When I first went to college, I did my best to explore the opportunities available to me, but my only regrets were the times where I decided to hold back on talking to someone “intimidating” (whether it was about a club or even talking to a cute girl). College is the time to find yourself; you need to maximize every moment of that experience. If you want to try something, you need to meet people who can help make that happen. Almost every time that I approached an “intimidating” person, good things have happened. By gathering the courage to do so, I eventually was able to join a highly selective business club, gain acceptance into a fraternity, and, most importantly, I have met people who I will be friends with for life. With confidence comes an important social skill—the ability to meet new people. I would advise my past self to talk to and meet as many new people as possible in college. By doing so, I have learned that a person can locate incredible opportunities, build lifelong friendships, and truly find themselves.

Looking back on myself as an entering freshman, there is a lot of practical advice I could give. The most important piece of advice, however, would be the fact that it's easier than you think to not be influenced by peer pressure. As a college student that made an early decision not to drink alcohol, I thought it would be an extremely difficult challenge to have fun on campus while refraining from drinking. When I arrived on campus, I realized that there are many on-campus events and other ways to have fun without consuming alcohol. More importantly, I realized that not everybody drinks. Because of this, I would tell my younger self to stay true to who you really are, and never to give into the pressures of others for the sole reason of feeling excluded from the majority. I am happy with my decision to not drink while in college, and am proud to report that as a second semester sophomore, I have still not consumed alcohol on campus.

I would tell myself to learn how to a stronger reader. Learn to critically read and hone some kind of system to take notes as you read. I would also strenthen my study skills. Enjoy yourself, work hard but take time to enjoy the experience.

If I could send a letter back to my high school self, I would prepare myself for the difficulties of transition to college. It doesn't matter how independant you want to think you are, it is a learning experience. You will not only learn how to be responsible for yourself in simple ways, but also in complex ways as well. I have learned the everyday tasks of being sure to get to class on time by managing the bus schedules. I have learned to do laundry, seperating the whites from the darks. So my whites, stay white. And my darks stay dark. I work a job and maintain a budget. I grocery shop for small staples, and find the good dinning halls for the good food that doesn't taste like "cafeteria" food. I had been under the weather and had to seek care and visit the local CVS. And no matter how old you are you still miss family and the comforts of home. To my high school self, you will love college life, the football games, and meeting new people. You will also miss home, so text often, and call mom when you can.

I would reassure myself that switching from a very small private school to a very large public school is going to be a great new experience. Although you won't get along with your roommate, you will make a lot of new and fun friends across the hall. Be prepared for a lot of reading and studying on the weekends! The hard work will pay off eventually! Don't be afraid to meet new people and try new things. You will sign up for many volunteer opportunites and each one will be just as rewarding as the next. You will learn to grow more as a person and become more independant. Don't be afraid to go to parties and refuse a drink. There are other great people you will meet that don't drink either. Don't be worried! You'll have a great time and a rewarding experince!

Hey, Sarah. You might think it's kind of scary to live on your own, but don't worry. Warren isn't as far from Ann Arbor as it seems at first, and even though it'll hurt to see your family's van pull away, you're going to meet some amazing people on the very first day to help you put together your Homesick Collage. It balances out. Make sure you talk to new people whenever you get the opportunity, because sometimes they're incredible and otherwise you'll just be jealous when Sheppy knows absolutely everyone on campus and you don't. Still, don't put off your coursework! It's only daunting if you stare at it like it's going to eat you. Also, anime club may seem like a good idea at the time, but honestly, save yourself the trouble. You're too lazy to go and they screen boring shows anyway. Don't put off finding a good job, and work hard once you're there! It won't be the cafeteria forever. Above all, never turn down midnight pizza with the gang. It's always worth it.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take hold of the opportunities I have before me and not to let go. There are many distractions that college life can create to interfere with student studies. It is so important that you focus on your school work, while still allowing yourself some "me" time. Everything in moderation, and balance is the key to success. I would also tell myself to take advantage of all the resources the school has to offer in order to maximise your experience.

Dearest Amanda, I know you see college as a place where you can flee from your past and your parents for the first time. Try to recall, college is also a place to investigate your interests and learn what you are good at. College is a place, where if you are proactive and creative, you can make anything possible. Hardships you have faced will not just disappear because you have relocated. ADD will still cause you to have trouble taking notes, prioritizing, and staying organized. Plan ahead, review your assignments before you submit them, and get extra help at the counseling center and/or the tutoring center. Get to know your professors, attend class, and complete your assignments. You are intelligent, caring, funny and a hard-worker. Make decisions you are proud of and treat yourself well. If you do, you can excel at any endeavor. Eat your vegetables, exercise, and get 8 hours of sleep. Although you will make mistakes, do not be too hard on yourself and learn from those mistakes. Remember, your parents will always be there for you, even if they get frustrated. Finally, try not to party too much. Alcohol is not worth the calories.

My advice would be to keep my eye on the prize -- the ultimate prize is to become a brighter, well rounded and educated person. I would remind myself of how rewarding it is to learn and to teach. I would also advise myself to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities and resources available through our colleges and make sure to enjoy and take in the true essence of college life.

Josh, I know that you think football is everything in this world and that you haven't discovered your ambition yet, but I would implore you to take your studies more seriously. The oppurtunity presented to you is astronomical. You have an intelligence and capability that you are wasting. Utilize athletics, get those scholarships, buckle down and work hard. Life is not just here and now it is also what you are building for your future. I wish I could go back and say those things to myself nearly ten years ago. I wouldn't be 25 trying to work two jobs and go to school full time. I could be the doctor that I hope to be someday. Knowing what I know now I could have utilized all of my talents, focused, and achieved so much more. I do, however, believe that it is not too late and will take this advice into my current self and achieve now despite any obstacles there may be. Still I wish I knew then what I know now.

I would advise myself to start learning a study habit, to get accostumed to doing homework right away and not waiting until the last minute. Not only should I study right away but also get to know my professors as well. Professors are key to getting good grades in school and for recommendation letters in the future. You want to make yourself known by your professors, you want to stand out. I would also advise myself that when I am choosing classes that I don't only look at the next semester but all the semesters until I gradaute to make sure I would graduate on time and have my difficult classes spread out. Also, to not overwhelm myself when it comes down to the exams, breathe and take it slowly and start really early. Enjoy college and make time for a social life and join clubs that you have an interest in and do your best to stay involved in the organizations without allowing it to affect my grades. Socializing is key to making sure you don't go insane and it makes you feel at home.

You need to find more scholarships buddy, because Michigan is taking you to the cleaners. Don't worry about making friends or any of that stupid stuff, trust me, you've got some of the best people around. Everything is going to be okay, just make sure you stay true to yourself, and you'll do well.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say "teach yourself that life is full of adversity. You will be facing it for the rest of your life so you need to step it up and be ready to prove everyone wrong! Everyone else says your too young, but just show them that you will use your youth and use it to your advantage." I am glad I finally learned this my first year of college, but it would have been nice to know this my senior year. Because of it, now I will be graduating with an LPN in March 2012 at the age of 20.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, I would give myself a couple key pieces of advice. First, I would let myself know that high school is the time to develop good study habits, so that when yo transition into a harder learning program you aren't struggling to maintain the grades you want. I would also tell the senior me to become more independent and learn to do more things on my own. Most everything you do in college is on your own so it's better to have some type of knowledge of what is going on. Lastly, I would tell the younger me to be open and optimistic about the new experience. Let yourself try new things and don't automatically shut things out, because there is a whole world out there that is full of great new adventures. Of course I would also tell myself to enjouy every moment, because all this only happens once.

Don't go into college with a fixed mindset of what you want to be doing. Try and get involved in campus life first semester, because through organizations, first-hand acitivities, you are bound to find something you love. Go with that gut feeling, and take a class that will get you thinking critically and learning more about that experience you just engaged in. Do not wait for the opportunities to come to you, because it is tempting to let that happen. You are on your own for a little now, so take it all in slowly, making careful decisions. This year is about exploring, not finding your major or getting straight A's. This WILL be different from highschool, harder, in enviornments you aren't used to, so you need to stay strong. So when things are getting difficult don't keep it all in like you have been used to doing, lean back a little and find comfort and your friends and family. You'll do great, and when you are stressed, just take a deep breath and sit out by the back stairs near your future dorm, I think that will help :)

Two words: BE PREPARED. Be prepared to work--hard. To cry. To negotiate for grades. To let go of things out of your hand. To help friends and let them help you. To deal with uncooperative individuals. Be prepared to have your complete foundation of who you think you are shaken. I wouldn't have imagined how much college could change a person after just one year; but it did. I would have like to know that the University level is nothing like High School, could never compare. I would have told myself to take those AP exams, just to give them a shot (even if the score wouldn't be high) anything could help. I would also stress the importance--even more so--of paying for college. It definitely doesn't pay for its self. I would say to myself, "Scholarships...I repeat scholarships will save you." All of the previous things I stated would be what I could have heard before leaving to college, but even then no words could prepare myself or any others for such a beautiful and eye opening experience that is college.

Dear self, I know you're nervous right now, and also compltely thrilled for college in the fall, and I also know you feel like you know what you intend to do, but sit back and look at the bigger picture. Selecting to go into pre-med may seem like a good way to go about helping others, however, you're really only choosing this to maintain a status quo. On television you see doctors everywhere, and in movies you always hear about the wealth and benefits of being a part of the medical field, but you shouldn't let this blind you to what else is out there. Think about what you truly love, which is helping people, and though doctors do this, you're definitely someone who would excel working with nonprofits. Not to mention, you hate chemistry, so what are you thinking?! Another valuable thing to think of when going to Ann Arbor is give yourself time to adjust. Don't try to jump into everything at once and overwork yourself! Sincerly, Yourself p.s.- Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing. It seems like Ann Arbor is eight months of pure winter and wind!

To study harder Not work during study wait to have a baby a little bit more

College, especially competative professional programs such as engineering, is difficult. Even if you attended a highly competative high school program, you will still face challenges, primarily transitioning from a small school where support is given without request, to a large school where help must be sought when needed, and still may not be given. When this happens, it is easy to lose confidence. Students feel that they are incapable, and unwanted, and as a result cease to seek help and become unseen by classmates, faculty and staff. This is disastrous, as many students will then fail, drop out, or turn to very dangerous methods of coping. I will not say to keep asking for help when you are not getting it, which will happen at least once, but more than anything, do not let these experiences take away your confidence. Do not stop participating in class because you feel your professors and peers do not think you are worth the effort to help. Do not stop applying for scholarships because the financial aid office refuses to help any further. Do not skip informative programs because you were not invited. Stay confident. It will be critical to your success.

As a current senior in college there are so many things I have learned that I wish I had known much earlier in the process. A recent mentor of mine just told me that I should live my life with the motto, "get over it," whenever there is an obstacle in my way. Looking back there are so many circumstances where telling myself to "get over it," would have really enhanced my college experience. I was an awkward and shy freshman and was so affraid of reaching out or meeting people because I did not want to go to events alone or risk looking silly or being bad at something. If i had just gone into every situation thinking get over the fear, get over the akwardness and shyness and just go for it, I think that I would have had a much more fun and fulfilling college career. I would tell my high school self to take the risk, reach out, and get involved in everything you can because you never know what opportunities will arise because of it. I would also tell myself to never wish the time away and to enjoy every single second of life.

It may seem trite, but it is essential to stay true to yourself. There is so much pressure, particularly in high school, to conform to some sort of ideal. But in college, your individuality will help you discover what you’re best suited for and embark on lifelong friendships.So you want to be a writer? An artist? An actor? It’s not that crazy a dream. College can prepare you to pursue a profession, not known for stability, in a secure and responsible way. You can also pursue studies you never even knew existed- like carillon and the history of genital mutilation. And when some of these courses get you down- when you just don’t know how to find the standard deviation or the indirect object pronoun- don’t be afraid to get a tutor.There will be bad days. You will curse yourself for asking an ignorant question in class, your roommate will leave you a science experiment in the microwave, and you will fall asleep, snoring and drooling, in the most populated area of the library. So watch your favorite movie and treat yourself to a whopping three hours of sleep. Great days are coming.

Having been in college for a few years is really an enriching experiance, but along the way you learn many things that you wish you could have known a couple of years back. I would greatly relish the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior and I would have so many wonderful things to tell myself. I would tell myself to enjoy college because the time passes so fast. I would say meet more new people and join more activities because missed opportunities are the worst feeling ever. Of course, I would also have to give myself some warnings, such as spend more time in class and study more, even if it seems hard and you don't feel motivated to do it, you will come to understand that it is worth it, but by that time it will be too late. Also, I would warn myself about the dangers of a large college and to perhaps choose a smaller one, where you feel good to be an individual and not just a number in a system. These are the things that I would tell myself and hopefully, he would lead an even greater life than mine.

I would advise young David that college is about balance. While the grade point is obviously a main focus, it is important to get out and socialize, meet new friends and enjoy your time on campus. See what's out there! Join some clubs that sound fun and don't be afraid to try something new. You never know what you might discover. Also, stay away from Lauren in History 101. She'll bring you nothing but heartache.

For me, college has been a experience of self-discovery--and one with often surprising results. For example, in a research paper for one of my English classes, I had decided to research the connections between computer use and loneliness--largely due to my Internet procrastination problems. While I researched, one key fact stood out--that people need other people to maintain emotional wellness. It was then that I realized that I often felt miserable because instead of being an introvert (as I thought myself to be), I was an extrovert. I NEEDED to be with people to be happy, and my Internet addiction impeded that. College was also valuable in that it really taught me about the responsibilities of leadership. This year, I lead a small group--essentially a small "family" of Christian brothers and sisters--in my Christian fellowship. Besides needing to prepare for Bible study each week, it was also necessary to take care of the members of my "family." Essentially, I had to learn how to plan activities for the small group outside of Bible study meetings. Clearly, such realizations of my personal self and learning the necessary leadership skills have made college all worth it.

The University of Michigan is a great place to study. I have learned so much about myself and others. This is why: there are so many opportunities for EVERYONE! Research, volunteer, church, social opportunities, and a great sense of community and pride are all heavily embedded in the maize and blue tradition. Through one or multiple of these outlets individuals begin to discover what their purpose in life is. For me, it was beginning to understand the disparities that are present in the health care system. Not everyone has an equal opportunity to experience quality health care, especially preventative care. And the university taught me, that with dedication and hard work, I can do anything.

I have gotten so many valuable things out of my college experience so far, and I continue to have more valuable experiences all the time. For one, I have made the most amazing friends I could ever ask for; friends who are truly there for you and want to help. I have also gotten the opportunity to learn so much, not only academically, from the amazing and unique professors at University of Michigan. Through my college experience I have found new interests, figured out what I want to do in life, and felt like I can really make an impact on the world. This has been the most valuable for me, especially because many of my friends at other schools have no idea what they want to do and feel as if they are useless to the world as a whole. I know I will graduate with a great degree, get a wonderful job, and live a fulfilling life that will impact the lives of others. All of this is due to my experience at University of Michigan, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Everybody tells you that college is where you truly find yourself. They tell you that you will learn more about life outside of class than you could ever learn of anything inside the lecture hall. When I first came to school, I felt terribly out of place. Did I choose the wrong school? Would I ever learn to like it here? Would I make any friends? I missed my house, I missed my real friends, and I missed my sister. I was so overwhelmed by everything; I really didn’t expect to ever adjust. At first I didn’t let myself think about how lonely I was. I threw myself into activities, joined several groups, and hung out with my roommate and my neighbors all of the time. I did things I never would have expected of myself. Eventually, I wasn’t lonely…I felt like I fit in and truly belonged to my school. So it’s true. College is a learning experience. I learned to give things time, that I will get from college (and from life) what I give. That was a pretty valuable lesson, one I never would have learned if I hadn't been here.

Research has been the most important part of my college experience. I have had the opportunity to work in a research lab in the field that I want to go into after I graduate, Biomedical Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. I work in the lab most days of the week and I am learning how to be a responsible researcher. I have been able to run gel electrophoresis tests on DNA plasmids, cloned DNA using bacterial transformation, and learned basic laboratory techniques that are not usually offered to students at other schools. One of the main reasons I chose the University of MIchigan was because of its focus on Undergraduate Research. I have learned that research is what I want to do in the future, solving scientific problems to aid the advance of society. The opportunity to work with such a great research team early on has been very rewarding, and I plan on continuing my quest for knowledge through research for the rest of my life.

I always believed that college was just another step towards my goals but being here for only five months has truly changed me. One of the most important lessons I have learned so far in my college experience is to do something you love. Before college I was so focussed on where I would be in ten years that I was not appreciating the journey. I was always focussed on becoming a lawyer but what I realized was that I had chosen a path for the money, not for my true passion. Since coming to college I have realized my true passion is psychology. I am so interested in how our minds work and how our interactions with each other effect our personalities. I cannot wait to explore a more indepth understanding of psychology, especially forensic psychology. If I had never attended college I would have never found what I want to do with the rest of my life. I have gained so much valuable knowledge including independence and a group of friends who will be with me for the rest of my life but if I had not found my passion I would have never found true happiness.