University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

College is exactly what you expect: diffcult. Don't go into college assuming that it is any easier that what you have already heard. You have to study countless hours and dedicate your time and effort to every single one of your assingments. Living on campus is a new and exciting experience, but it can be one of the deadliest for your GPA. Socializing seems so easy when you have a couple of classmates you can talk to that are right down the hall. Prioritize, manage your time wisely, and never under estimate things. Although deadlines might seem like they are an eternity away, they are always closer than they appear. Start working and do little by little everyday, so when the deadline comes around you aren't trying to do everything the night before. Never cram before an exam because you cannot retain that information. It is always best to study throughout the semester and review your notes. Besides that, have fun, enjoy yourself, and know that college is what YOU make it!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would simply give myself five words of important advice: Be loud, and embrace opportunities. Firstly, it is important to be loud. In this regard I am not referring to talking amongst your peers, or the level of music you play at a party. Instead, I would urge myself to make myself known and avoid attempting to "blend in." College applications and orientation programs are not a time be bashful and humble - people want to get to know you and about what you think. Keeping quiet isn't going to do you any favors. Secondly, passing up on opportunities is not necessarily an immediate loss for you, but is instead an immediate gain for your classmate. Again, to avoid misunderstanding, I am not suggesting a ruthless personality that leaves no space for consideration of others. I am merely advising new college students to avoid giving the competition a "leg up" on jobs, internships, and scholarships, etc. Some opportunities may never be accessible again. In short, remember that there are a lot of college students in the world, but far fewer create successful careers.

My biggest challenge in college has been adjust to a busier schedule. This semester in particular, it seems that I am always busy. There is always homework to do, a organization meeting, a personal meeting, work, or a group project meeting. With all of these things going on, I still have to try to make time to have a personal life. In high school, I didn't have many things to worry about. Though this may seem a little bit strange, if I could speak to my high school self, I would tell me to take on more responsibility. I feel that if I had been a little more active, college would not be such a shock to me. When I say active I mean participation in more school sports, clubs, or volunteering. Being more active in high school would have hopefully made me better at my time management skills.

Althouh I had to do a lot of work in high school, it almost seems like nothing compared to the work that I have to do now. I may have a class three times a week, but have to do work for it everyday just to keep up with what we're doing. If I went back in time, I would tell myself to work harder on my school work in high school because it would help me develop better study habits ahead of time. I would also tell myself that working hard will pay off because college isn't all work and no play, and the rewards that I would receive in college would make all of my work seem well worth the time I spent doing it. I would also tell myself to save as much money as possible during the school year and the summer because college life can become very expensive in a very short amount of time. I would also tell myself to choose the college that I love, and not to choose a school based on pressure from family or anyone else.

There is no better place to explore who you are and what you want your life to be about. Give yourself the freedom to find what career you're passionate about. Your studies are important; utilize your professors and resources the university offers. Changing majors midway through college is normal. Almost everyone is nervous about moving to college. Find a genuine group of friends. You will have the best times with them and you will need them in the rough parts. Getting drunk is not the highlife. Go find a campus performance, explore the town or cram a group of friends into your dorm room, order pizza and watch movies. Find a mentor, college brings up huge life questions. College is not about having a perfect track record; don?t beat yourself up over mistakes. Mistakes are part of what make us who we are. Learn from them and grow. Don?t get so caught up in studies that you forget to have fun. Get involved with student groups, you will learn just as much there as in classes. When you look back on college you are going to remember the football games, clubs, concerts and the friends you made.

Be open to the process that you?re about to experience. There are so many resources at this university that you can take advantage of in terms of academics, cultural activities, the arts, and social opportunities, but be proactive. Seek out these opportunities by asking questions, listening to others, and moving out of your comfort zone. In high school, everything seemed so at your fingertips, but if you remember, it took time for you to understand that system. You won?t be master of campus right away, nor would you want to be. So much of your next four years will be part of a process of personal growth and intellectual exploration that you will want to experience every moment as it happens. The memories, relationships, and stories you take away from college will be some of the most memorable in your life, and they will prepare you for life ahead. So, take positive risks and seek out the people who challenge you to be a better person. The degree is important, but I challenge you to have it be the sign of a thousand thoughts, memories, discoveries, and accomplishments than a mere piece of paper.

life after high school is'nt simple . sign up for more scholarships, be more open to different ocuppation . life is going to be tough ,but you have to be tougher then life. You get out of life what you put in it. and never give up.

I would suggest taking a couple of years off before going to college to explore myself and the world a bit, but I would definately tell myself to go after the year or two. I would tell myself to be sure you are ready to focus and take college very seriously, because I think many students go into college for the partying and waste their time and money. I would also say that it is important to follow your bliss in a career, because no amount of money can beat being happy, content, and proud of what you do for a living.

Go to college to work hard and do well academically, but also to form friendships. Focusing on your work is extremely important, but those first few weeks of school are difficult if you do not have a friend by your side to help push you through the homesickness and difficulties of adjusting to the new school. Most importantly though, trust yourself. Trust that you have worked hard all through elementary, middle, and high school and you are prepared for this. Those endless hours of studying for tests, the late nights you spent writing papers, the days you showed up for class and pushed through despite being exhausted and unsure of whether or not you could make it, those are the times that have prepared you for college. Just beacuse you are at a new, bigger, and more prestigious school doesn't mean you don't belong there - you were accepted - you are good enough. Everyone is scared and doing it for the first time. Trust yourself and enjoy the experience because it only comes around once.

Take heart! The future is bright; do not be downcast, afraid, or without care, for though you do not yet know or see the joy you will soon share, its certainty in coming is without question. Have faith, and let this advice take root in your heart: Continue to seek wisdom, finding good counselors who live peaceably with others (great and small) and have a good name for being just. Some of them will be found in books rather than walking among you; therefore, be diligent to read selectively but often. And, read antiquity?s recommendations, but hold the Scriptures above all else, that the words of Christ may be your guide. Relax. All will proceed in due time. Friends will emerge, anxieties will settle, and work will be completed ? just be sure to sleep. Enjoy each day?s work. Though I know you have several years to live, you would do best to live each day with the mindset that it may be your last. You should live as if everyday presents your last opportunity to show mercy, to love your brother, to give thanks for the cup of water, etc. Do these and you will do well.

Should by some miracle I get the opportunity to go back in time, to see the invincible high school student i was, i would tell myself some very valuable information. I would be sure to cover the hardships, rewarding, fun, and exhausing parts of transitioning to college from high school. My only concern would be giving too much information. Should someone have come from the future and told me all of the obsticles and excitement I would encounter in my life I would not be the person I am today or learned the lessons that have shaped me. I would keep my advice broad yet helpful. I'd say" Tia be patient. Be aware. Be sure. And most importantly DO NOT PROCRASTINATE." Knowing myself I'd want to know everything! In which situations will which piece of advice apply? When will they occur? But sometimes the simplest of words are the most effective. "Never give up"-Future Me

Dear Farzana, It is important to academically succeed because end of the day that is your main goal but also allow yourself to not always be so anxious. You have also been so focused to be on track and to help that you have not always taken risks. Also as social as you are you can sometimes be a lonely soul and therefore seek out people early on that complement your philanthropic and academic goals. Do not be afraid to plan your future but also do not be so anxious when things fall out of plan because you have a great school and great resources that will help you get back on track. Allow yourself time to have fun as well as scheduling your school work on a daily basis so that you are not overwhelmed. You have been successful in being at the top in high school and if you follow these advice you will accomplish the same in college.

I have always wanted to be a lawyer, but was not sure about how to get there. Because of this, it took me a little longer to get into my major than I had hoped. I would tell myself to find what I like and stick with it. Don't let the fun stuff get in the way of your grades, because it is always hard to get back on task once you have started to stray. Keep your eye on the prize, because you don't want to have to worry about your GPA at the end of your senior year. I was hit by a car at the beginning of my sophomore year and got pretty depressed and had a bad year as a result. So most importantly, I would say no matter what happens, keep your head up. Life happens and it's not always going to be easy, but you'll grow and you'll be okay. I would tell myself that no matter what, going to college was the best and most important decision of my life, and don't slack on it because someone else made a bad decision that effected me.

If I knew then, what I know now, I would tell myself not to worry. I think the best thing a high school senior can do for him/herself is take everyone's opinion into consideration, but follow his/her gut. Chances are, you'll like a school simply because you picked it. If I had followed my own advice, I would have gone to a different, more expensive, school, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I would have felt like it was wroth it. All of that aside, once you've picked a school, go out with your roommates on the first night--regardless of whether or not they're doing something you don't like. You're in college to expand your horizons. Plus, you have plenty of time to dislike your roommates later. Best to bond with them in the beginning.

One of my biggest regrets is not taking enough AP courses in high school. The credit that you recieve from the exams can be extremely useful and you will want to have as much college credit as you can going into school. I think freshman year I was so nervous about everything that I didn't take the time to learn how to balance social life and academics. I should have reminded myself more that everything will be okay! It is completely normal to be nervous and anxious the first few months of college. It is important though, to be involved with as much as possible in order to make friends. Joining clubs, especially greek life, can really help the process. Lastly, I would tell myself to take advantage of office hours. Professors and graduate student instructors can be a big help with papers and questions before exams. It wasn't until my junior year of college that I utitlized the staff and faculty. Once I did, I saw a big improvement in my work.

Apply for scholarships early and often! Seriously, money becomes a huge issue in college for anyone and any school. Don't fall into the senioritis that seemed to plague the second half of my senior year of high school. Be sure to enjoy the summer between your senior year and college, as it is your only true obligation-free summer. Be sure you have gotten all the friend and family time in that you can, and save up some money by working if you can. Also, do not feel pressured to do anything - someone in college will always want (or at least be able to) go out and do something, stick to your studies and prioritize - school first, fun second. College is an investment in your future, and you're paying copious amounts for tution - go to class!

Don't be afraid of what college will be like. Embrace the future and what you will be doing, as you become the person you really are during those four years. You will develop more into the person you love, and surround yourself with those who enjoy the same activities and subjects as you do. Live freely, with no regrets, take some nights and go out instead of staying in and studying all the time. Make a bunch of new friends, and enjoy the time you have in college. Don't be scared, but be happy and excited, because after those 4 years, you go out into the real world. Take the time you have in college to learn and grow, through not only education but community service and through discussion with your peers. Embrace the opinons of others, without judgement. Allow yourself to surpass your previous barriers when it comes to ethnicity or style of others. Just be you.

If I could give myself advice back when I was a high school senior about the transitioning into college and about college life, I would tell myself a few things. First and foremost I would mention the importance of the pursuit and exploration of my desires. There was so much different input and pressure at the time of graduation and no one seemed to encourage pursuit of my own goals. Everyone was giving me advice on what to do but all I needed was someone to ask me what I wanted to do. Second, I would advise myself on how to balance not to forget who I am while still encouraging personal growth. I would advise myself to pursue extracurricular activities of where I am comfortable being myself. There are a vast variety of student groups on campus to accommodate everyone. Finally, I would advise myself to reassess the college standard of academics. Even though the classes are not particularly difficult, the entire college experience is hard to balance. It takes a lot of time, effort, and skill to balance a schedule of academics, extracurricular, and social life. It?s truly the first time I was on my own.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to follow my instincts and be more open with my mother. I originally majored in biology in hopes of doing cancer research. Classes related to the natural sciences were difficult while ones in the humanities and social sciences were not. The obvious thing for me to do was switch my major, but I didn't because I was afraid my mother would think I was a failure. I suffered academically, emotionally, and mentally which resulted in my suspension due to poor academic performance and my present major depression. I didn't tell my mother about the depression because I felt ashamed of it. However, when I finally told her, she admitted she could've done more to reach out to me when she suspected I was having academic trouble and told me I shouldn't be worried about disappointing her and be more open with her. I have since gotten my life slowly back together and am back in UofM, majoring in anthropology. I lost four years of my life to this mess and I would do almost anything to fix that.

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself to be confident with who I am, where I'm from and what I stand for. I would remind myself of how fun high school has been and how great college can be if I choose to embrace it. The most important thing I would tell myself is, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." Hence, I would make sure I headed to college with optimism and confidence.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself be ready for a tough road ahead. College has been a lot of fun, but it has also been the hardest thing I've ever done. Everyday I am challenged by professors to try and be the best. Everyday is a new test to see if I can push myself farther than yesterday. I would tell myself that everyday is going to be a struggle, but that I go to one of the best engineering schools in the country and to remember that if it was easy everyone would do it .

I would tell myself to read over the summer. College involves reading texts everyday, so I should've read books I liked. I would've also told myself to take either AP Chem or AP Physics, so I could have a higher credit count when coming in. The last thing I would've told myself would be to look for getting a job over the summer for some money while I'm at college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say always go with your gut and don?t fret over every small thing. After losing my father two months ago it put everything in a clear perspective. School is a very important aspect to life that you should do. Never give up stick with yourself and trust your family and friends for support. Life is not always easy but have an open mind and a good heart and the sky is the limit. Challenge yourself with your classes and never accept the answer just because there is always a reason don?t be lazy, go out there and figure out what you don?t understand. Accept others for who they are and learn from them. College is just not about books but about the socializing and networking. Most importantly you don?t have to give into peer pressure like in high school. Learn to love you and people will love you for you. That?s the most important thing. Live everyday to the fullest you never know what?s going to happen next.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give myself about the transition to college is the idea that college is a place for you to find your voice, to learn the most about yourself. I would tell myself: "Hey, you've made it this far, which has been a long way. But the best is truly yet to come. Keep going strong, never give up, and make the most of the next four years, because this will be the greatest learning experience of your life so far. Don't fear it; enjoy it. Don't let it intimidate you--let it drive you. You have a voice, and you have the ability to do well as long as you believe in yourself. Get involved, make friends, experience life. Learn, grow, evolve. Find your voice, then use it." Of course, as college is a learing experience, I'm glad I had to figure everything out on my own. It taught me a lot about self-discipline, about learning, and about life. I've loved my time at the University of Michigan. I've never been happier, more motivated, or more inspired. I want to keep striving where I am.

The experience is different for everyone and no matter how much advice people give you, you have to make your own choices and learn from the mistakes. Network with as many people as you can and get the most out of your time spent in college. It all pays off in the future.

If I could go back to high school there would be a few things I would definitely tell myself. First of all, I would tell myself that high school is about as easy as it gets, so I should make the most of it, and maybe take a few more AP courses because they will definitely come in handy. Second, I would not focus as primarily on what I thought my major was going to be. Now that I have been through a few years of college and grown as a person I realize that medical school is not the only option for me. I would tell myself to explore several options, and look into many fields because you will never know what is or is not right for you unless you try. Finally, I would tell myself to always keep the things that are important to me insight, such as my goals, family, and close friends, and do not worry to much about things that probably are not as important, like a high school relationship or not being able to buy the latest trend in clothes. Never give up your goals and always stay positive, happy, and healthy.

zzzzzzz

Dear Peyton, As you head off to college in the fall, remember this simple phrase: Be You. As you transition into college life, which consists of lengthy exams, impossible readings, and wild frat parties, remember to be you. As you bump into deadlines, heartbreaks, and financial woes, hurdle over them and remember to always be you. Don?t let someone else try to dictate the way you are going to live your life. If you want to make things happen, don?t stand by and wait for someone else to say it?s ok. Like Nike says ?Just Do It?. As soon as someone steps in and says you can?t do something, walk away because they don?t support you. They cannot judge your highest capacity because only you have a say on what you can do. There is no can not. Yoda once said, ?Do or do not. There is no try.? Also, one last pointer, apply to many scholarship opportunities over the summer because one day you?ll need the money. Trust me.

Dear High school Senior, I suggest being more prepared by taking challenging classes or taking a class at a community college during the summer. College really tests your knowledge about the material you're learning and memorization won't help. By taking harder classes, you will be able to push yourself and really test your knowledge. Learn more about time management and don't' procrastinate. Time management is key to learning in a short time and handling all of your classes and other responsibilities. Your responsibilities will double once in college because people expect more from you. Start making a calender and keeping track of or writing down important things you need to do and allow yourself enough time to accomplish those things. Time management and prioritizing what is more important is the key to success. One more thing, just relax and have fun senior year! This is the last time you get to be a kid and not have important responsibilities. Don't stress too much or worry about your future. Enjoy the last stress free moments in high school. You still have plenty of time to learn and experience new things in college and figure out your future.

I would remind myself that it is better to try and fail, then to not try at all. I think I missed out on a lot of awesome experiences my freshman year because I was too afraid that I wouldn't be good enough. I would also remind myself to seek out resources. This university is so large, that it is easy to get swept up and overwhelmed in regards to academics and financial aid, but the truth is there are dozens of resources, at your fingertips. You just have to look for them.

College is one of the biggest transitions that I have ever had to go through in my life. I went from the small town comfort of Alpena, Michigan, to the large city atmosphere of the University of Michigan. I thought that I was thoroughly prepared for this transition, but little did I know, I was far from being prepared. In high school, I was always determined to have the highest grades in the class. This helped me get into the Unviersity of Michigan, but it did not give me the life experience I needed to enter the whole new world of college. Everyday in Alpena was oddly similar to the last. I saw the same people everyday, ate the same food, and talked to the same friends. When I arrived on campus, my life changed immediately. Every single day is packed with different experiences and different people. It's amazing to know that everyday is a new day, and with that comes an opportunity to change my life. If I could talk with myself as a senior, I would advise taking each day at a time, and listening to everyone's story. It may end up changing your life drastically.

If I could travel in time to my high school senior self, I would stress to myself to not worry about what college I will choose. The right decision would come when the time was right and that everything would work out. I would also advise myself to volunteer as much as possible my first year while also to find time to study more and not blow off any classes, regardless of what I originally think the level of diffiulty is (especially for my Women Studies class) and to give myself a break every once in a while. It is okay to watch TV with your roommates and run around in the first snowfall. Take school seriously, but seriously have fun!

Many students, like myself, enter the college realm with a list of goals and plans that must be accomplished. Entering into college as a freshman, I came engrained with a pre-made road map written of my life. I had always told myself I would never stray from this path. It was just unthinkable. If I were to have the ability to go back in time, like Marty McFly, I would rid myself of these preconcieved notions by telling myself to take any and all classes that peeked my interest so that I would be studying something that I truly enjoy. Without enjoyment, success can be limited. Originally, I began college with the "fact" that I would be going to law school by majoring in political science. Little did I know, this was far from the truth. Upon exploring a diverse range of classes the first semester of my freshman year, I came to love the German language and am now concentrating in German and plan on double majoring with a social science. Through trial and error, I have learned that having an academically open-mind only leads to success in finding enjoyment in learning and ultimately enjoyment in life.

I would most definitely tell myself that getting a 4.0 is not the main purpose in college. I was a straight A student in high school and my GPA was very important to me. I stressed myself out to the maximum because coming from a less fortunate background, I really needed good grades in order to be accepted to an achieved University and receive scholarships. Almost immediately, I noticed the increased work-load and as hard as I worked, I seemed to simply not be able to achieve all A?s. Looking back at my freshman year, I think that I really suffered to develop close friendships with other peers because I did make this a priority. If I could go back in time, I would still most definitely work hard for good grades, but I would also limit my time which I spent studying, and actually go out and enjoy my college years. Frankly, it?s not all about the grades. In the end, I really might not have the 4.0 GPA which distinguished me so in high school, but I will have wonderful memories from my college years, instead of the long hours at the library.

Eunice, just because you have a 4.0 now does not mean you're guaranteed to have one in college, so don't get overconfident and think you can conquer the whole world in a semester. You have limits. If you ignore them, you'll only find yourself in a hole that you will struggle for the next four years to climb out of. Be prepared to feel and be alone. Yes, you've always longed for independence and to be away from home, but seriously think about what that means. Don't ever EVER take your family and friends for granted. Your connection to home will help you remain focused and opimistic and steer you away from doing something irrational, like running away. Learn to have fun. Take classes that sound cool. Go see a play or concert every once in a while. Attend and listen to all your lectures. Be friends with your professors and discussion leaders. Don't let your grades make you who you are. Pursue what you are truly passionate about. Lastly...don't give up. No matter what--keep pressing on. You'll make it. After all...I did.

If I could advise myself as a high school senior about what to expect in college, I would place a heavy emphasis on academic studies. I did very well in high school and it was not very challenging for me. In fact, I was able to get A's without doing that much work and, because of this, I went into college with this same attitude. I was given a rude awakening when I discovered not only the sheer amount of work I would be required to do on a weekly basis, but also that the difficulty level had drastically changed. I was receiving less than desirable grades in courses that I breezed through in high school. It took me a little while to adjust to the change in academic standards that comes with enrollment in a top university, and because of this my G.P.A. was punished. Though I was very unsatisfied with some of my grades early in college, I know it was due to my lack of preparedness and if given the chance to correct my attitude coming in to college I would do so in a heartbeat.

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advice there are two main things I would say. The first is to tell myself to save money. Mainly for books but there are several luxuries that a student wants when at the school. Extra cash for sporting events, shops around town, and restaurants when the dining hall gets to repetitive is always an added bonus. Secondly, I would tell myself that be open to new people and new experiences. Make friends when arriving on campus, because without friends and a release the stress will eat you from the inside out.

I would give myself the advice to truly think about what I want to accomplish in life. I came to college without knowing what I was passionate about and as a result had no clue what to study. It took me two years of bouncing around in general electives and a lot of soul searching to decide on a major. Now that I have my major I am so much more happy in college and I think that even if it takes a whole summer of browsing classes before entering college, take that summer and find a major that interests me.

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go out and have fun once I get there. I will make new friends who will become some of my best friends that support me. I would tell myself that it is more difficult and a lot more work in college and that there would be a lot of pressure, but I can get through it, even when I feel like I cannot. Everyone is going through the same thing. I would also tell myself that college has raised my awareness of various issues that I learned that I have a passion for and it is so much fun and eye-opening to work toward different causes. Lastly, I would tell myself that I should not worry about being homesick, because my family would come often to take me out to dinner or breakfast!

Do not be afriad to ask during questions during class. Even though it can be embarrassing sometimes, the only way to learn is by asking questions. If you sit in the back row of a lecture with 300 people and are utterly confused with the material, you will be even more confused with the next lecture. Read the book. If you read the book (the proper way), then lectures will just reinforce what you have already learned in the books. Your professor with not cover every thing you need to know for the tests, so you cannot go into an exam confidently if you did not read the book. Be open minded to other ideas. Go to an event that may take you a little out of your comfort zone, you may end up learning something, or you may really enjoy it. Work hard, but do not stress too much over every detail.

As a highschool senior I was unaware of what was on the road ahead of me. The University of Michigan was my first choice, yet as a 17 year old, I still had many doubts I was making the right decision. If I was able to go back, I would encourage myself to not be so stressed about the college process. There were so many opportunities for me to assure myself that I was making the right decision. I would tell myself at 17 that I love my academic and social life in Ann Arbor and that I was making the best decision fo myself. In addition, I would encourage myself to not be anxious coming into the first few weeks of college, and remind myself constantly that there are 6,000 other new freshmen undergraduates who are in my same position not knowing where to go the first day of class or who to talk to. As I look back today, I am thrilled with the decision I made to become a Michigan wolverine, Go Blue!

To spend less time stressing out about different things that do not end up mattering in the end. Spend your time doing what you love to do and enjoy life.

Find low cost-no-cost fringe benefits associated with being a registered student, such as discounts at retailers, apartment finders, cooperatives, food clubs, free bennies on clothing, food, entertainment, mental health, and transportation, and if there are interest groups that will help with organizing a new life in a new town. See if there is a non-profit organization like the Inter Cooperative Council for support, net-working, education and low cost, safe housing because housing is so expensive and landlords are almost predatory. In addition, find "Know Your Rights" booklet about housing ordinances and tenant-landlord legalities, including who is responsible for what in a lease agreement. Look for student-run businesses like booksellers, document copiers, clothing, health and beauty and entertainment. Find out how accessible the public transporation system is. See if there is a directory of self-help groups such as those that address stressors and/or spirituality. Check out statistics on crime rates on campus, with a map detailing the frequency of which kinds of crime. Take a self-defense class (crime prevention).

I would suggest to myself that I need to loosen up more! I don't think I fully enjoyed myself and my friends until I got to college. In high school I was very focused on my grades and spent less time enjoying my social life. While today I am still focused on my education, I have realized how important it is to live your life and enjoy it while you're young. Now, I have a good balance between school and my social life. It's also very important for incoming seniors to maintain an open mind and be tolerant of other student's opinions. As a senior, I had an open mind, yet when I entered this university I still butted heads with other students over controversial issues. That's entirely alright as well, as long as you are not disrespectful to others or their beliefs. Overall, I would tell my high school self to be prepared for lots of fun and new friends. There's no other university I'd rather attend to complete my four years as a nursing student.

I would tell myself not to take college courses too lightly, and to invest my full time and effort into doing well and applying what I learn. Taking more math classes would have been helpful, and is particularly attractive to employers. I suggest that students be well-read in the literature of the fields they study in each class-- there is always something intriguing in each area of study that most students are not aware of. Spend your time reading and researching on your own-- learn to be fully self-motivated and excited about what you do. Only then are you able to fully digest what you have learned. Furthermore, cross-disciplinary work is what I believe will shape and form future research and development, so becoming familiar with other fields outside your major would be a great boon to yourself in the future.

Frankly, college won't be what you expect. It's going to be hard, and you'll be studying full time. Your friends will help you cope, but no matter what, don't lose your determination. What you do at college defines the shape of the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to have fun; it's what will keep you, for the most part, sane. On the other hand, don't let fun consume your studies. These rules apply to you as a Michigan student, but it is now that I should insist that you might like to take a chance with the unknown. From the college experiences I've been told, there are two types of colleges you can go to: One with prestige, and one with an education. Unfortunately, the intelligent atmosphere of Ann Arbor tends not to be focused on undergrads. Though a U of M degree will get you almost certain preferential treatment, the level of detatchment in lecture halls with nearly 300 students makes attaining a true education extremely competitive. Take this decision seriously. The education you must actively pursue is what will set you apart from the rest.

In retrospect, the advice I would give myself about college would revolve around two aspects of college; paying for college and getting involved on campus. As a senior in college, I realize how much money my parents have had to pay and sacrifice for me to attend the University of Michigan. If I could do it all over again I would help to alleviate some of the burden on my parents to pay for college through applying for as many scholarships as I could. I would tell myself to be persistent in doing so and take it seriously so that some of the out of pocket costs of attending college could be taken care of through scholarship money. Financial aid, loans and some scholarships still dont seem to be enough to pay for my education and could use help from other sources. Secondly, I would stress the importance of being involved in groups on campus for many reasons including meeting new people, making friends and also because it shows what kind of person you are to those who may have to look at your resume and college life. It makes your college life well rounded.

I would tell myself to take the classes more seriously and do the best that I can and so that I can get a higher education and to be able to get a well paying job that I would want.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, the best advice I would give myself is to start learning how to study now! I never really had to try hard in school and study a ton, because it all came pretty easy to me. I did very well in school (I was even in the top ten), but i never worked as hard as I do now in college! The only time I really spent on school work outside of school was when I had a paper due. I did not get a lot of homework or reading. Now that I am in college, all I do is study! There is so much to read! That was the biggest adjustment my first semester, learning how to study! Classes did not come easy for me like in high school, and so I really had to work hard and study a lot!

Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating, rewarding and life changing experience. Although climbing a mountain can be one of life's greatest accomplishments, it is more than panoramic views, the satisfaction of reaching the summit, or a true wilderness experience. Mountain climbing is a great challenge that involves risk, danger, and hardship. Mountain climbing is not for everyone, although some can find it irresistible, as well as frustrating and sometimes even deadly. There are qualities to mountain climbing that bring inspiration and joy in a pursuit that is more than a pastime or a sport; it is a passion and sometimes a compulsion. A distant view of a mountain may speak of adventure, but the mountains only hint at the joys and hardship that await the climber. Climbing a mountain takes much preparation, knowledge and skill. The mountain climbing environment is indifferent to human needs and not everyone is willing to pay the price or able to survive the hardship in exchange for the mental and spiritual rewards the experience can provide. Climbing a mountain is no easy task, however, it is an adventure worth seeking.