University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

I have received a fine education at a ridiculously low cost. I have gained the wisdom and experience necessary to move on to the next steps of my life. I made a family of friends there, from cultural groups, my professional dance team, and countless other initiatives. I kept busy, yes, but UNC felt more like home than any other place I've been in my life thus far.

I have learned who I really am. It is so rewarding to finally be able to choose my own path and be independently confident. I like the opportunities available to help someone discover who they really are. It is also fun to choose your classes and activities based on you are and like to do. There is something for everyone here at this school.

Any college experience offers independence from your parents and a sense of pride in what you have and can achieve. However, what I've found at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is much more. The setting is beautiful, the people have the friendly, southern charm, and the academic programs are second to none. The caliber of student who attends UNC is very high for a public school. The academic advisors encourage students to explore many diverse courses other than just their field of study. The classes I am taking are interesting, challenging and thought provoking. The extracurrlicular activities and organizations are phenomenal. I have joined a sorority and met many new friends in the dorm, classes and organizations. There are many champion sports teams at UNC and plenty of club and intramural teams as well. I already feel involved and a part of something great after only half of one semester attending UNC.

It has been my dream to go away to attend a four year public university. I haven’t been able to achieve this because my mom has M.S. and most of my dad’s income goes toward her care and paying her medical bills. So we can’t afford to send me away to school so I’ve been attending community college for the past two months. However, I feel that I still have benefited from attending community college. At community college, the classes are smaller so it’s easier to receive one-on-one help and I feel that I receive enough attention and help from my instructors. There have been enough choices for classes where I’ve been able to work on completing my general education credits as well as taking electives to figure out what interests me to become my major. I’m figuring out what I’m interested in and also learning who I am which is important to succeed in life.

In high school, I'm not gonna lie, I was a big deal. I was top of the class, I was captain of the swim team, and all my teachers were impressed by my work ethic and stellar grades. Then I got to college and realized, "Wow, I was not working that in high school." I have met so many other students here who have accomplished so many amazing things. It definitely deflated my ego, but I realize that was the best thing for me: it instilled a sense of humility in me and at the same time prevents me from becoming complacent. Their success only ignites my drive and ambition. If I want to better myself, I need to be constantly pressured by the people around me. The bar's been raised by my fellow students and all I can do is work towards raising it ever higher.

I have truly come into my own since I have been here at Carolina. I know better what I want out of life and how to get those things. I have learned so much about the world, and new ways of thinking.

The experiences I have had in college are hard to put into words. When I came to UNC, I thought I was an independent, hardworking, intelligent student. But upon beginning my college journey, I learned that all of these qualities would be tested and pushed to the limit in more ways than I could imagine. I have learned to evaluate the relationships in my life and to be more appreciative of every day I have. I realize more and more every day how fourtunate I am to have the opportunity to be a part of such a legacy. College for me is 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} education, and 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} experience. In just one short year, I feel like I already have a better sense of who I am and what I want to accomplish in my lifetime.

I've learned to accept the differences in people and see the beauty in all types of people. The friendships built in college are invaluable because the people you meet and befriend are the ones that you will have to lean on and trust in when faced with adversity. The most important lesson I have learned thus far is the importance of getting involved. College is not the time to sit back and be shy or bored. You have to get out there because there is so much to do if you just look. Focus is the next important lesson I've learned. It's hard to make yourself do homework that mama's not going to check or go to class when role isn't going to be checked, but you're going to be paying too much money to get lazy. Remember that education is the reason that college exists and the rest is just icing on the cake. In a nutshell, college is important because of the knowledge you gain, the friends you make, and the lessons you learn. You know how they say college isn't for everybody? Don't believe the lies.

When I graduated high school I thought I was as independent and responsible as I could be. However, my freshman year of college showed me how much growing I still had left to endure. I learned how to actually study rather than just memorize material. For the first time in my life felt like I was really learning in my classes. It was even more enjoyable to apply what I had learned. The tests and assignments in college require you use a higher level of critical thinking, and my experince there helped me tap into that ability. It's important for me to point out that academic gains are only a small part of what I got from my experience. The most valuable thing I learned from college was the ability to balance. My goals, obligations, and social life were all in my control, and going to college helped me focus on what was most important to me. This kind of prioritizing not only made me a better student, but also a better person. Being so careful about how my actions affected my own life also made me considerate of how I affected others.

What have I gotten from college? There are many answers to this question: a new appreciation for caffeine, an addition of 100 new friends on Facebook, and a host of hilarious stories that I will remember for years to come. But more importantly I have achieved a sense of discipline, independence, and accomplishment unline anything I have experienced before. I have just completed my first year at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and not only have I learned the chemistry behind an acid-base titration, but also an arsenal of skills that I can use in everyday life. College is not about having the bigger brain or the higher standardized test scores, it's about learning how to play the system through trial-and-error because everyone learns from mistakes. I have realized first-hand that the average student with exceptional time-management skills and discipline will always triumph over the genius who studies the day before an exam. The purpose of these four years is to learn skills that will help me pursue my future career. These skills along with the many new friends are priceless and will stay with me for many years.

I attended Hillsborough Community College for the past three years and graduated May, 2010 with an Associates in Arts degree. My college experience has been very rewarding and life changing. Although it is just a two year community college, the professors there wanted me to excel and motivated me to learn all the material they covered. Not only did they help me succeed as a student, they helped to shape and mold the person that I am planning on becoming in the future. I was undecided of what I wanted to become, but with their help I know for a fact that I want to pursue a program in the medical field. I do not regret attending HCC and will never say it was a waste of time. I actually value my experience there very much because as a result, I have now been accepted into Florida Atlantic University and am planning to major in Pre-Health Professions. I began taking small steps at HCC, but they taught me to take bigger ones, to exceed my potential, and to accomplish my set goals. Now i have a promising future thanks to the time spent at HCC.

It's made me realize that what I've learned in high school only helps me 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. The rest I have to figure out on my own through making a lot of mistakes and regrets on how I should have done things had I known what I know now. I think attending college in general is valuable in giving you a lesson about expectations and how you find disappointment in a lot of people and things, including yourself.

I have learned so much while in college, and it just furthers me to my future goal, which is going to law school. Knowledge is so valuable to people, and I feel everyone should go to college. It betters your knowledge of the world, yourself, and it furthers your future and possibilities. I am the first person in my eight sibling family to go to college with a plan to go further then just a two year degree, and I am very proud of that. My education is the most important thing to me, and I just wish I had the financial ability to go as much as I would like. I have gotten lots of joy from my college experience, friends, and making me that much closer to making my dream of becoming a lawyer a reality.

My college experience has been very stimulating. I have gained exposure to many opportunities for different careers and social interactions. I have learned the difficulty in balancing the academics with the personal life and to be independent from my parents. Many problems can to be resolved as long as I remember deadlines. I have my own voice and can navigate university life on my own. The campus of UNC Chapel Hill can be very overwhelming. It is up to the individual to get as involved as one wants. This can be challenging for a shy person such as myself. I tried volunteering with different organizations. I was interested in swimming with an on campus club however the appropriate pool is closed on campus. So I joined a sorority through which I have made many friends. As a result I am meeting people from many different avenues of life. I hope to study abroad in order to learn about people from other cultures. I have tried different courses in order to learn about varying career fields. Currently I am considering a career with the U.S. State Department in the Foreign Service. I believe this has been a very fruitful year.

I learned too late that true friends come with time and can't be guaranteed by changing my own prioroities or personality to impress others. During my junior and senior years, I found myself trying to balance social activities/interests, my first job, and band with my academics. My performance waned a little; not to the point of missing my dream of attending UNC, but enough to lower my overall rank outside the range of higher value scholarships. This distraction also left me less prepared for the demand of personal study discipline that is crucial for college excellence.

If I were to talk to myself in the past and give any imformation about the transformation from high school into college, I would tell myself, "It's as hard as they say." Every single teacher in high school would constantly tell us students that college life is completely different than that of high school and that we need to be prepared for the tasks ahead. A counselor once told me, "Experts say that every student should send in at least five scholarships in a day." Consequently, I did not listen to this very bright and helpful advice. Instead, I had only applied for a couple of certain scholarships that I thought I would be sure to acquire. All of the sudden, everything came so fast and I had so many things to take care of and pay for. The me in the past would be very ready for the college life after I had a little sit-down with him.

College is a drastically different experience from that of high school both socially and academically. As a college freshman it is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by the vast amount of change one's life has undergone in such a short period of time. Yet throughout the whole process of growing, adjusting, and maturing I have come to find that the most vital thing is to be true to oneself. If you are true to your values, hopes, morals, and goals then the rest will fall in place and you will never be disappointed in yourself. For this reason if I was able to give myself any piece of advice prior to entering college it would be to have confidence in my ability to make the right decisions and to have the integrity to stand up for what I believe in. College is a trying time and a challenge of self discovery. Despite the sometimes frightening aspects, it is a wonderful opportunity to become immersed in a rich and fulfilling educated environment.

If I could go back to the past and talk to myself as a sophomore, I would say several things. One of the first I would say is to keep up with your classes. It may not look like much, but you can be buried with homework, if you choose to procrastinate. Another thing I would say is to read all of the assignment given by the professor. Also, to go out and to have fun as well as go to as many home games as you can. Be proud of going to one of the countries most prestigous colleges.

The first thing I would do is tell myself that it will all work out and that I will enjoy my time spent at UNC. I was out-of-state and very nervous about not knowing anyone else at college. The weeks leading up to my departure from Florida were filled with anxiety. However, if I would have known that I would love it here so much, I would have been a bit more confident and excited. I also would advise myself to find more clubs to be involved in. Although I am very grateful for my sorority and athletic support clubs, I wish I would have participated in more service activities. Giving back to the community is important to me and I wish I would have joined a big-sister little-sister program. I think the most valuable advice I could give myself is to stay confident in my school work. There were many times where I felt as though I let myself down and would panic when it came to testing. If I could have found a way to calm myself earlier in my college career, I think I would have succeeded even more.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself, I would mention how important it is to work as hard as you can all the time. I realized that although I worked hard in the past to get to where I am, I did not put as much effort into my studies as I should have. I strive to be exceptional at all times. To be exceptional and receive what you want, you have to give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, not 96 or 99, but 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Also, I learned that if you want something as much as I wanted to attend the university that I currently attend, you have to work relentlessly in order to obtain what you desire. Aristotle once said, ?We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.? By being consistent and striving to perform at my highest level at all times, I feel that my future will be even brighter.

If I had such an opportunity I would recommend beginning the "growing-up" process sooner; namely the time and money management aspects of adulthood. In high school I relied greatly on my parents and the changes that I have undergone on campus have made interactions with them strained. On university campuses students taste the first drop of true freedom and begin making all of their own decisions regarding how they spend their time. I didn't do much of this in high school; I didn't flex my "independence muscles" as much as I now realize I should have. Suddenly I no longer rely on my parent?s input. This makes them uncomfortable and communication tense. Also, on campus I am responsible for paying for everything that is not part of my tuition, board, and meager meal plan. In the beginning I would whine and bother my parents to buy me food and other "necessary" items. I have had to accept the new, seemingly harsh, yet understandable development that my money from my job must not only cover extraneous purchases, which is what it did in high school, but also necessary ones like food and books.

I would advise myself to choose a college tailoring to my interests completely, not necessarily what my community views as a prestigious school or where friends are all going. As for college lifestyle, go out and try many things. Many events are free, so you aren't losing anything when you try something new. I have found many things I like to go to on campus with my friends, such as free movies, air guitar competitions, and lectures focusing on different subjects not covered in class.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and better prepare myself for college, I definitely would. Moving to Chapel Hill was a much more difficult transition than I had expected. I would most likely tell myself not to expect breaks, to do my best to stay ahead in class, and also to reach further than I though I could. I would tell myself to be more active in the clubs I was a part of and to make a better image of myself at my high school. I would do this by exceeding the expectations of my teachers, coaches, and other administrators. If I could return to my former self in high school, I would tell myself to give absolutely everything I have in everything that I do. I wish I could have been a stronger athlete, a firmer leader, and a more self-disciplined student. I feel that all of these things would have better prepared me for the significant changes between high school and college. I might also tell myself to pack less, seeing as I brought waaay too much stuff to school and do not have room for it all in my tiny room.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior I would simply say, "don't sweat the smalls stuff". In high school, we as students spend so much time focusing on little things including application deadlines, homework grades and varsity sport stats. We do all of these things to get into college. That is the goal. When you get to college people don't ask you where is your homework. They don't tell you every day when things are due and unless you're a collegic athlete they don't ask you about your sports stats. In college they ask you one thing: what do you want to do with your life. It is your job to figure out how to get there, to turn your things in on time, to do your homework and to keep track of all of the little things. It turns out that these little things just are the means to do what it is you really want- to follow your dreams and make realize your goals. I would tell myself, do what makes you happy, and most importantly "dont' sweat the small stuff".

Do not be afraid to be the only one from your hometown. People in the south are so hospitable and modern technology will keep you in touch with your friends from home. Your high school education and extracurriculars have prepared you well to take on everything college has to offer. Just remember to stay true to yourself and not to succomb to peer pressures on campus. There is so much more to do at UNC than party on the weekends; from movies at The Varsity to the theater and basketball, there is always something to do. I know people always say the time flies by but take every opportunity you are given and run with it. You are and always will be a Tar Heel.

Always be thinking about and preparing for the future! Hard work now will pay off and give you more options for college. Learn and practice good study habits now so you can stay on top of your school work later because it only gets more challenging! Be confident in yourself and your abilities! Don't be afraid to make new friends with people unlike any you've had before! Open your mind to diversity and you'll discover how extraordinary it is to experience every aspect of the university environment. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors. They are there to help you and guide you and believe it or not they'd like to be your friend as well! Seek out and explore all kinds of new opportunities. Play intramural sports, take a quilt making class, run for student government, or apply for a fun internship at the art museum. The possibilites are endless! Only in college is there such a plethora of new and engaging ideas and opportunities all at your fingertips and right outside your dormitory door! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to push yourself academically and otherwise!

I dropped out of school when I was a Junior due to financial need and being so far behind. If I was able to go back I would have to tell myself not to leave school and to do whatever I had to do to graduate. If I had known how long it would be till I recieved my GED, which I took last May and passed the first time I took the test, I would have stayed in school. I would tell myself that I would have a better chance of getting into my top choice school and a few others if I had stayed and graduated. Fortunately, I did get accepted into my first choice school, which was the harder of the four schools I applied to, the other four schools declined my entrance.

College is not high school. That's what makes it scary, difficult and most importantly great! It's the next step forward, so don't go into it expecting things to stay the same. College is a whole new world and you really have to dive head first into it in order to truly experience it. If you spend too long trying to gradually assimulate, you'll miss too much! The most important thing is to step out of your comfort zone. Join a club that you've never heard of. Go to the athletic events to cheer on your team. Talk to the person next to you in class (just not while the professors talking). College offers a world of opportunities so the only thing that could hold you back is yourself! Open your mind to new experiences and you won't regret it. In fact, they'll end up being the memories you fondly remember years from now!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to use my advisers and counselors to my advantage more often. They have extremely important resources that I failed to use during my transition to college. I would also tell myself to relax and be myself. College admissions officers just want you to be the best that YOU can be. There is no mold that you have to fit into. Also, I would tell myself to take advantage of the AP courses that I was taking. Through my AP courses, I feel as if I came to college extremely prepared. I would have told myself that these AP courses are extremely similar to the classes I would be taking at UNC. And finally, I would tell myself to not fret over the small things. Arguments that lead to ending of friendships don't really matter. College will open your eyes to new horizons, new people, new cultures, and new ways of forming relationships. There is no sense in wasting your time over a friendship or relationship that won't last. There are better things on the horizon. It'll all be OK.

If given the chance, I would remind myself that I'm about to embark on something that, although it will be "my life", is also only a small segment of the complete picture. These four years will fly by, and I feel like I've wasted a chunk of them already because I was unwilling to try new things and to step outside the boundaries I've placed around myself since high school. Live a little, learn a lot: those are the basic concepts of this environment. I wish I could have challenged myself from Day One to say "yes" more often, to try something new, and to take part in clubs and meetings and courses that might have seemed utterly useless from the start. Who cares? This is your chance to shine, to grow, and to flourish. Build off your passions, and suddenly every limit and boundary that has ever held you back? They'll all just melt away.

I would tell myself that the worst place to make friends is in your room. The first few weeks truly take an adjustment and the only way to get over the hump and experience your school is to walk around, explore, ask people questions, and try anything (without damaging your morals.) Everything is a learning experience. Study. Hard. Because that is why you're at university. But, one of the best resources are friends and the friends that teach you the most about life are the most important. Professors like to teach. So find a question and ask. They are normal people and want to share all they know. Your enthusiasm for a subject is your ticket to learning. So get out there. Save time to read. For fun. Don't get burnt out. Because all work and no play really do make Johnny (or Sarah) an unhappy person. Experience everything.

I would advise myself to relax and not overwhelm myself. In high school, I attempted to do everything, and be the best at it all, and although in the end it definitely paid off, I could have succeed nonetheless. High school is an awesome preparation, I believe, for college, and knowing that now, I would advise myself to really stay focus and observe my habits in high school because they will come into play again in college. I would also advise myself to manage my time wisely in high school because in college you stay busy all of the time and attempt to do too much in too little of time and I would recommend to prepare for that so you can avoid the overload.

Enjoy senior year while it lasts. And RELAX! You will go to the college that is right for you. If you're killing yourself just to get in to somewhere; it's probably not the best place for you. Also, make sure you get involved in activities that you like. Colleges look at what you're interested in, and while you're at college, you'll be able to pursue those passions even more. The summer before you leave, make sure you have fun. At the same time though, make sure you spend enough time with those that you love because you won't be living nearby for much longer. If you can, I'd recommend getting a job because college is expensive. You're going to want about $600 of spending money for the year at least, so save that money. Make sure that you start getting everything you need for your room settled, and that you've done everything that your college has asked. And finally, when you get to college, enjoy yourself! College is one of the best things, and you're about to, as cheesy as it is, have the time of your life.

Dear Senior Jessica, apply for scholarships. There is so much free money out there and it's important to apply for everything and anything. It's important to talk to everyone you lay eyes on, both to make connections for the future and for friends. Also, try to plan ahead for what classes you want to take because the registration process is difficult to understand and with all incoming freshman applying at the same time, it will be hard to get the classes you really want. Also, don't worry about guys so much, they are not important. Definately take a first year seminar if you can, because it fulfills so many requirements. You should absolutley get a roommate you don't know. It's a great way to make friends and open your eyes about things they were previously closed to.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be so fearful of the unknown. I remember nearly worrying myself to death this past summer as I awaited "Move-In Day" at UNC, asking myself all sorts of questions: What are my suitemates going to be like? What will my professors be like? Who's going to help me with laundry? These questions would constantly peck at my brain during the summer, a time that was supposed to be quite relaxing. And as the summer began to come to an end, those questions became more and more persistent to try to make me break down into a mass of fear that would never leave his quiet hometown. Yet, I made it. I passed the test that the element of fear had placed before my feet. So now, as I retrospectively think about my life as an anxious high school senior, I realize that the best advise I could have given myself is by saying "Don't worry, pal. Everything's going to be alright. You'll go above and beyond your fears." And I did.

I would tell myself to stick to my values and not get caught up in trying to fit in. I would tell myself to use good judgement on who true friends are. Definitely that I would be sure to utilize Professors office hours for help. That I will make it a point to get to know my Profs for when I need letters of recommendation. To not become so caught up in being independent that I don't keep in touch with my family. That I make it a point to keep in touch with old friends not attending the same school as I do.

If I could go back in time and speak with my high school self, there are a few bits of advice I would like to make. The first is to press on. The second is to learn time management. The third is to make friends. Transitioning into college life is a challenge but it can be made easy with a good attitude. It will be difficult when you are surrounded by new people in an environment you are not familiar with. Be ready to try to manage your own life without the help of those you are familiar with. "Press on." Learning to manage time is difficult as well. You will be given a larger, more challenging work load in every class. Create a schedule of what you need to do and what you want to do. The former should take priority, yet the latter can be just as important. Making friends at the new environment is essential. If you have a group of intelligent and supportive people around you, you will succeed in the new environment. You help each other through moral support. College life is a tough transition but can be easy with the advice given above.

Going back in time to speak to myself, I would be meeting with an ecclectic, independent person who was quite eager to make her place in the world. By hard work and determination, I was very sure that I could accomplish anything. However, there are always some helpful tips that would have been good to know before entering a university setting. Most of my advice would be centered around management of time and money. As a senior in high school, I knew college was going to be fun, and that the classes would be different, which would lead to many learning experiences. College can be expensive, and I would be sure to highlight the need to raise money and apply to multiple scholarships. Take more chances to earn what could really be beneficient for the current time. With the sinking economy, and a questionable job market, scholarships are important now more than ever. On top of money, of course, I would be sure to tell my younger self to be prepared to manage your own time, so as to have a healthy, equal balance of work and friends, which would lessen any level of stress.

Don't stress so much. Seriously, don't. There is so much pressure to have it all figured out, but it will never be that simple. Amazing opportunities will come that you cannot even imagine right now, so don't be afraid to deviate from your original plans. Don't run away from the uncomfortable either; often fulfillment and joy will be right beyond your comfort zone. So try something new. Meet people you would have never been friends with before. Yes, you will fail sometimes, but failure makes success a little sweeter. Be good to yourself. Follow your heart. Concentrate on living each moment as it comes and enjoying it. And above all else, give100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in everything. You are far stronger and more capable than you think.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to form good study habits. I made excellent grades in high school with little effort. Because I did not have to study much in high school, this has come back to bite me in college. I am a freshman in college now and my first semester was brutal. Along with adjusting to a new enviroment and responsiblities, I had to learn how to study and manage my time wisely. I admit that I struggled my first semester but it proved to be a learning experience as well. I have learned how to access the learning resources that my college offers. These resources have helped me tremendously. My advice to all high school students is to incorporate good study habits early in their high school years. This one habit will benefit you twofold. My second semester started yesterday and I am embracing it with all that I have learned from my first semester. My new studying practices and time management skills will make my life easier and more efficient. I wish I would have known this in high school.

The paper in my 18 year-old hand crinkles. The hand writing of my 22 year-old hand looks almost familiar. The words in the letter are somehow strange, somehow perfect. "There is so much for you in the next four years," the letter reads. "I could tell you what will happen, the ways you change, who becomes your best friend. But that, I have learned, is not what is most important." Confused, 18-year old me continues reading. "My advice to you is this: learn how to open your eyes. As you move into this new part of your life, pay attention with eyes wide open. Look at people's eyes, faces, open to their stories. Notice the way the morning sunlight filters into your dorm room, plays among the leaves in the arboretum, chases the darkness down Franklin Street at dawn. Open your eyes to the world around you. Take it in and hold it as it is. Learn to see pain, sorrow, joy, beauty. Most importantly, open your eyes to yourself. You are astounding." I put the letter down. It occurs to me that I have lived 18 years of my life with my eyes shut tight.

Life is to short to worry about all the small stuff in life. Never dwell on the past nor the mistakes that you may have made. You can only pick yourself up and move ahead. In doing so the most important thing in life is to find yourself and go for it. College education is so very important. With out an education you may not get very far in life. Listening to your parents or whom ever about college degree is not a laughing joke. It is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Trust what other tell you about it. College is so important and should be talked about more in school. Life is not a joke. It can be taken from you in a matter of a single breath.

Dear Markisha, You have always been fearless in the pursuit of your dreams, but as you approach the greatest transition you have ever experienced you will find people around you distributing ill-placed advice. Do not allow these people to make you second guess yourself. You have always been able to succeed on your own merit, never forget that. Additionally, it is of the utmost importance that realize immediately the following truth: Procrastination is a tool of the weak and feeble minded. Never allow your new found apprehensions to move you to inaction. Waiting for the magical moment where your nervousness is effaced will hinder you more than you can imagine. Finally, it is important I leave you with these four shining pieces of wisdom. Think thoroughly. Act quickly. Write passionately. Never look back.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself not to worry so much. I moved multiple times before attending college, and those transitions prepared me for the college experience in ways I could not have imagined. The terror of attending a large university where I would know almost no one was no different than going to a new high school and finding my niche in a campus full of opportunities was just the same as trying out for the varsity volleyball team for the first time. The entire experience was nerve-wracking and full of social adrenaline, and completely fantastic. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior about to go off to the greatest four years of my life I would have told myself not to waste precious time worrying about meeting new people or succeeding academically; I was already prepared to make the transition to college, I just did not know it. I would encourage myself to abandon the fear and embrace the campus as it was so willing to embrace me.

I would tell myself as a high school senior is to live each moment as if it it were my last and not allow anyone or anything to stand in the way of my goals and dreams. I would also say to not rush life so much and just to enjoy the many blessings bestowed upon me and not take the little things for granted.

If I were to go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would help myself in retrospect by describing what the professors would ask from me in regards to the workload and class notes, so as to be more prepared, but also let myself know that the professors' main goal is for me to learn and be able to apply the material. I feel as though it would give me peace of mind to know that the professors like to help students during office hours, and that often doing this will help you learn the material much better. Other things I would tell myself are that managing your GPA is like a job. It is important to read the course bulletin thoroughly to know what credits are needed to graduate, and that it is sometimes possible to pass/fail a class that does not count toward a major. This would be a possible step to take if a student does not feel as though he or she will receive a satisfactory grade. Finally, I would suggest enjoying the classes and if this was not happening, then to possibly take classes from different departments.

If I were to go back and time and give myself advice about the college experience, the first thing I would emphasize would be to create a efficient study schedule. It was a dramatic change to go from not having to study much to studying daily. Start a schedule that would fit other activities and breaks in between the study time. I would also tell myself to find something I really enjoy doing in my leisure time and if I do not currently like anything search for something the school has to offer that I would like to be involved with. Never leave time for boredom! Also, I would encourage myself to go and seek help as soon as there is a problem with work and misunderstandings. GO GO GO to office hours it can help a barely pass or failing situation. Last but not least, RELAX and have fun. College is a good experience, seek the most out of it!!!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say to myself that self motivation is the only thing that will get you through school. You cannot rely on your parents to tell you when to do your work and when you can have free time. You cannot rely on your parents to tell you what you should major in while you are in school. College is a learning process. You learn about school subjects but you also learn about yourself. You begin to discover your talents and weaknesses. I also would have also told myself that finding scholarships my freshman year is extremely important. I will have to pay for college by myself for the next three years because my parents are unable to offer me any support and while I was a senior in high school I should have taken this more seriously. But you can only learn from your mistakes and that is what I plan to do. My experiences in high school and my freshman year in college have made me stronger and a more motivated individual.

GET OUT THERE! Talk to people, tell them what you're interested in, offer ideas, make moves, TAKE ACTION. Don't be afraid to be "in time"

Take your time!