University of Portland Top Questions

The best thing about college is that you have the opportunity to be who you want to be, with no preconceptions. Everyone in college is new to the experience, and new to you. You get to define who you will be. You get to know and become friends with people you might not have ever hung out with in high school. My favorite thing about college is getting to know people who are from different backgrounds than me, creating unlikely friendships and learning from each other.

I would give myslef the advice to just keep going and don't stop. Throughout the past two years of attending a community college, I have made quite a few mistakes. I have slacked off in classes, given up, not taken enough classes, didn't talk to my counselor... I made a lot of errors. But because of those errors, I have learned and I have grown. I believe that if I hadn't made those mistakes, I wouldn't be the young woman I am now, so I find it silly that if I had the opportunity to go back in time that I would give me advice on what to do and what not to do. I would tell me to roll with it. I would say to work as hard as you are able because that is what my parents told me then. I would tell me to breathe and that this transition is the easy transition. Other than that, I wouldnt give any hint for what is to come because that would change me, and I wouldn't change me for the world.

As a high school senior I was very much concerned with making that final decision on where I wanted to attend college and the financial aspect of looking for a college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to let these things stop me from making a decision on where to go. Some very good universities and colleges are very expensive. However, due to the fact that they are such good schools they are willing to offer you so much more money than you would think that they would. Also, although it may seem scary to leave home and go off on your own adventure, unless you leave home and experience life on your own you will never know what it is truly like to live. When away at college: you form your own opinions, find out who you really are, find out what you want to do for the rest of your life, and make friends that will last a lifetime. If I could go back in time this is what I would tell myself.

Be prepared. College environment is totally different than high school. College is twice as hard and so study hard and you will succeed.

The advice I would give myself now as a college freshman would be to live in the moment and cherish the memories. I would tell myself to enjoy my time at home with my family and friends, because college is a whole different experience, and not a lot of people are ready for that much change all at once. I would tell myself to manage my time wisely and be sure to get to know my professors as well as my fellow classmates. I would tell myself that college is a whole new and different life experience that comes around only once in a lifetime.

I would go straight into college without taking time off.

To my high school senior self, Beginning the first day of senior year, tell mom you love her every day before you leave for school. Each time she sets a clean pile of laundry on your bed make sure to thank her. Take advantage of the seemingly endless supply of snacks in the pantry while you can. As inconvenient as it may seem, be thankful for the nights that dad forces you to stay home and play board games with him. Relish in the days that you come home to a mysteriously tidy room. Celebrate the nights that you can have dance parties in the room you have all to yourself. Prepare to live in a room with another person and understand that you will have to think of their needs as well as your own. Think about your study habits and where and when you will study once in college. Tomorrow when you go to school, talk to someone that you never have before; soon you will be doing a lot of that. Live in the moment but anticipate the change on the horizon. Be thankful for all that you have and be excited about your future.

If I were to go back in time and give my high school self any words of wisdom, I would tell her to be confident. When I was a senior, I knew I had a passion for helping children because I had worked in children's ministries and co-created a mobile children's outreach program. I was unsure of choosing to become a child life specialist because I knew I wouldn't become rich doing it, and that was the sole desire of my graduating class. What was wrong with me? I waited four years to start school, and now I have more life experience and a stronger desire to work in the child development field, my grades reflect that. My passion for making a difference in children's lives has grown, and I would love to continue my education, to gain as much knowledge of how I can be the difference in a child's life. I plan to help children and their families nationally, and internationally. Our world is in need of helpers. I would like to use my passions and education to be a helper of children and families in need.

There's always that ONE cliche that everyone gives: Don't procrastinate. The fact of the matter is that it's ultimately true. Procrastination is the leading cause to stress in college, because you'd always rather watch an episode on Netflix rather than write that 6 page Psychology paper. Another thing is: Don't think that you can get away with poor study habits (like you've done in high school) and expect to get good grades in college. I was also naive and thought I didn't need to study, until I got those test scores back. When they tell you that you have to study more than 10 hours a week, THEY MEAN IT. During orientation, be the charismatic person or you'll end up alone for the rest of the semester. That weekend of orientation literally makes or breaks you in your social life. Don't worry about not going to parties during freshman year. There's reason why you're never informed about them, mainly because you are a FRESHMAN. Besides, parties just involve getting drunk, and I'd rather stay at the dorm eating pizza than having embarrassing drunk pictures on Facebook.

College life is different, very different. You are expected to do everything yourself, and study more than you ever did in high school. This is because you spend less time in actual class. The transition academically can be surprising, especially when you get your first midterm grades. Grades are lower because of learning new study habits, and the shock of how different college is from high school. As far as the transition to being on your own goes, Skype and telephone calls are your best friend. Sometimes you may feel like you made the wrong decision, and will want to go home, but it is normal! You will survive!

If I were to go back in time, assuming time travel is real (how awesome would that be?!), I'd tell my scared-out-of-my-mind high school senior self to not stress about it. I was constantly worried my senior year: about my grades, about the college decision and acceptance process, about what college would be like, if I was making the right college decision. I realize now how much that stress was completely not worth it -- my first gut instinct and feeling (loving the University of Portland) ended up being the right decision and feeling. I love it here; there is honestly not one thing I would change about it. However, when I was a senior, I was so worried that I was somehow making a wrong decision, that I had not considered all my options, when really, I knew all along that this is where I was supposed to be. For any other high school seniors currently freaking out about your college decision...relax. It will be alright. Trust your gut, evaluate your options, and make the best choice for you. It will all work out in the end.

Honestly, one of the most difficult things about transitioning to college was the bathroom situation. I've always, shall we say, had a shy bowel and in college it seems like you're almost never alone especially when you need to go #2. There are two ways people in college who, like myself, don't want to face the awkwardness of deficating while sharing the room with a fellow student: the first option is to prowl the restroom at odd times of night and hope you get lucky and have the room to yourself; the other more common tactic is to slowly walk in to the restroom, slowly open a stall door and wait for whoever happens to be in the vicinity to leave. Be warned, sometimes it's a while before you can get the bathroom to yourself.

I would tell myself to continue studying as hard as I can. High school may seem difficult, and senior year is very busy, but never let that get you down. Once you reach college, you will realize that it was all worth it. All those AP classes you are taking right now? Worth it. All the SAT and ACT tests you have to take? Worth it. Pushing yourself as hard as you can? Worth it. All the hard work will pay off in the end. You will start college ahead of the game, with the credits you recieved from the AP classes. So don't do the minimum work required. But don't forget about your financial situation. Good grades can only help you so much financially. Apply for more scholarships, and hopefully that will help you get through college more easily. But foremost, you are doing good. I got this far by working hard, and I know that is what you will continue to do. So good luck, and look forward to what college has in store for you.

I would tell myself to learn real study skills! Skimming through the textbook, and glancing over notes before tests is not enough to even get by in college. After your classes, make a habit out of reteaching yourself what you learned that day in class. Always start your review with what you learned that day, and work your way back to previous lectures. When studying for a test, write out what you're reviewing from memory!! Doing this from memory is SO important because you'll be able to compare what you wrote down, and check it with your lecture notes to see what information you remembered, and what information you need to look over some more. Studying well is the only way to do well on tests, and tests are what most of your grades will be in college.

Dear Junna, I know you're probably feeling stressed right now. You've got your two AP classes, soccer practices and games, your job at Kimo's, Student Council responsibilities, still planning for Relay For Life, social life being a struggle, then there's mom ragging you about scholarships and to top it off, don't forget all of your homework. I know you probably cried a couple time, but there has always been something I wanted to tell you, "Just go have fun, okay." You stress out way to much and trust me, you're going to regret it. I've only gone through a couple months of college and when I look back, I realize I didn't make the most of the time I had in high school. All I could think about was making sure I have something to put on my college resume and knowing that I'm pleasing everyone. I learned this the hard way, but you can't please everyone. The best thing you could do is just do the best you can and do it wholeheartedly. College is different, you'll have to learn how to deal with new challenges. Have fun.

Take a deep breath. Seriously, do it. Ultimately, college is going to be what you make it- if you want to be academically successful, you'll work hard and achieve those good grades. If you want to find parties and be social, you will. If you want to stay away from the party scene, well, no one's forcing you to drink! The important thing is to relax. You're moving into a stage in your life where you are independant and have a chance for a clean slate. You make the choices. You decide if you want to wait three weeks before doing laundry. You decide if you want to go out at night or stay in. You're not checking in with your parents- and that's both scary and awesome. You have to learn to hold yourself accountable, because once you hit college, no one else will. But it's okay, because after the deep breath you're taking now, you'll smile and realize that you can do that. You're going to be studying things you find fascinating, things you want to spend the rest of your life doing. And that'll make you happy.

I would tell my high school self not to freak out. It is not going to be as bad as you think it is. The first semester will be hard. You'll struggle to find friends and just fit in. After that you'll realize you can just be yourself and make the best of friends. Don't worry about not living on campus, and don't focus on the little things. Don't think you need to bring up that you're so much younger than everyone else -- no one cares. It's not a big deal if you are a couple years younger. People will accept you anyway, and if they don't, ignore them. Remember to focus on your classes and study as much as you can, but don't forget to have fun too. And most of all... if you're given a note card for a test, DO IT! It'll save your life. I know that college will be hard to get used to, but you'll do it, and you'll do great. If you have some bad first semesters, its okay. You weren't really going to get that 4.0 anyways.

Don't give up, and do NOT PROCRASTINATE. I cannot stress enough how important your will power and time management will be, in both high school and college. If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would etch these concepts permanently in my mind. Had I taken preparation for college more seriously, I would have been so much better off in transitioning to college life. I would tell myself to grab a firm hold of all those opportunities for higher achievement and financial aid with an empassioned fervor. Pay attention to the advice of your teachers and counselors; it seems overwhelming and uninteresting at the time, but those important pieces of advice could save you from monuments of stress and anxiety. That's not to say that one should never have any fun or down time, but take your free time with a grain of salt, and know that all of your decisions now will directly impact your status tomorrow.

I would say to myself that I needed to apply earlier and fill out as many scholarship applications as I could get my hands on. I should not procrastinate on deadlines and serve my community much more. Also, focusing on a phone and a social life is not as important as you may think. Your education will always be with you, your friends may not. In the end, it doesn't matter what anyone thought, what will get you ahead in your life is that diploma.

1. Apply, Apply, Apply: for a lot of jobs, scholarships and even schools you may have one school in mind apply to alot, so you have options 2. Remember your still in High School: have fun, goto dances, sporting events and participate in activites 3. Its never to late to play a sport: If you always wanted to play a sport but didnt think you could hack it, do it anyways so you dont regret not doing it. 4. Kiss and Make Up: If there was a person in high school that wronged you or you just didnt get along with, mend the bridge maybe youll make a friend 5.And when doing something/ have the oppurtunity to do something and dont know if you should answer this question: Is it better to regret what you did or regret what you didn't do?

The world as mine, I was excited about the unknow future, but disastrously unaware of how to take the next step. The curly haired, fuzzy faced, guitar playing senior I was could have used a few pointers to make getting to college a few steps less stressful. My pep talk would be an aimed to opening my eyes. I would have to let myself know that I do not know everything. Because of my inexperience I should have considered every single piece of advice offered from teachers and counselors: "Apply for every scholarship", Get started your NOW". They have been there and done that and its important to never be afraid to seek help of anyone involved in education. They came into this field because of their passion, which includes your success. In High School success in academics came with ease. To prepare past Juan it would only be fair to let know that it won't always come as easy. Talent will only go so far, but a hard work ethic will push you forever. As the playing field gets difficult you will have to step up and rise to the challenge of college and the rest of life.

As any normal senior in high school I was eager to graduate and go off to college where I could make my own schedule and do whatever I wanted. Well, I was in for a rude awakening. I didn't try my best to make straight A's my senior year as I did in the years prior. Making the decision to "goof around" in my last year of high school turned out to be a mistake. My first year in college made me realize that I would have been better off trying my hardest my senior year. Knowing what I know now, I would go back in time to tell myself that I need to work on my study habits to keep my grades up. I would give myself a warning saying that I'm just going to be a small fish in an ocean of sharks, and I don't run the place anymore. My future is a big deal. Had I known what I know now, I would have tried harder to make my college experience a little easier.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get involved as much as possible. Getting involved in college allows you to know everything the school has to offer as well as the ability to meet many people. Making new friends can be scary, but everyone else is in the same situation. It may feel awkward to talk to some random person you just met, but that person could become a great friend if you give them a chance. Although it is important to study and get good grades, it is okay to spend a Friday night with some friends. They are vital to being at college, but you do not need a bunch of mediocre friends to feel popular. A few close friends who care about and support you are great. I would emphasize that you only live and attend college once so be smart about your choices, but make the most out of it.

Do your research. Find out as much as possible about all of the programs, financial aid, classes, clubs, activities, events, professors, learning resources, and typical students at the college. Every college has its own points in which it excels and there are others in which it scores lower. Make sure that the college places the same importance on things that interest you. Speak to current students, especially those you have a relationship with as they will give you the most realistic version. A school might look great in a pamphlet, but the actual thing may be quite different. Also, be sure to visit the different campuses. Each school has its own feel, and you want one that will fit your style. Above all, take all of the factors together and evaluate which college will be worth the time and money you are investing and will provide you with the most diverse skills for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior, I would have so many things to tell myself. The very first thing I would tell myself is to breathe. I can remember vividly how stressed I was, how tense I was with everything regarding college. How will I pay? Will I make friends? Is biology the right major for me? The questions seemed impossible to answer, and that is because they were. If I could go back in time, I would only have to give a single answer: let it be. As my valedictorian said in his speech; go out there and fail. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. That hurt of rejection will only bolster your confidence to strive for bigger and better things. Make new friends, keep old ones, try new things, and most importantly, breathe. Slow down, enjoy your fleeting time as a student, and immerse yourself fully in this experience that expands your knowledge with every class, with the enthusiasm of a fool. As Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” And that is exactly what I have done.

If I were able to give my high school self about my college experience it would to stress less about grades and to have fun in your classes. I struggled with having fun in my classes freshman year. I was so caught up in trying to get the best grades and every tiny point I did not earn through me into a tizzy. I attended summer school after my freshman year and this is when I started to have fun in my classes. If I could let myself stress less, I had fun in my classes. The grades naturally come if you work hard and have fun – even without stressing out over every missed point. Even though I eventually found a way to stress less, I wish I had gone into college with this skill. It would have prevented a lot of headaches and minor freak-outs.

If I could go back and give my high school self advice on how to handle college, it would be to relax and just absorb the new experiences. Going into college I was nervous about moving to a new city, meeting an entirely new friend group, and entering a new field of study. I think my apprehension about the situation closed me off from truly appreciating everything that I was experiencing. Incoming freshmen, should be advised to relax and truly just be themselves. For many students college is the first time when you can pursue exactly what you want, act as you choose, and start to lay the foundation for the person you will be for the rest of your life. It's impossible to find yourself if you are constatnly changing to be what other people want you to be.

Relax. Everything will come together, and worrying about what the year has in store will grant you nothing but sleepless nights. When you start a puzzle, a movie, or a book you have no way of seeing the outcome in minute detail--the only way to understand is to live it. So prepare for college by studying yourself. All you need to learn comes from the kind of person you are, and the person you become after a year of complete change. You won't be the same when you come out of your freshman year. So get to know yourself now, because going out there alone means all you have is yourself. I went to my college knowing nobody. I came out with the best friends I've ever had. Summer will fly by, but if you knew what was out there, what was waiting for you--you'd be wishing it would go by even faster.

To my yesterself, first and foremost know that everything is going to work out. Now, since you likely don't believe that at this time, I suggest not being overly concerned with your GPA. Stay above average, but make time in your schedule to volunteer in your community. Experience with different fields of study now, so you can begin to rule out fields that don't interest you and perhaps stumble across a few that do. Challenge yourself in classes; not only will it help you prepare for college, but it will jump-start your forumalation of your character-- a prized posession in your future years. In preparation for college, write down a "dream campus" before you begin visiting. Write down details; how many people are in the lounge? Can you find a place to sit? Is the food good? How are the students interacting? Keep this in mind when you visit colleges, invisioning yourself joining their community. A college campus is your home for the next four years. Stay determined, but know that you may make a mistake in chosing a dorm, a major, or even a university. All of these are fixable. Happy trails, and sharp pencils.

Dearest Noel,Stop. Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat after me:I am not a GPAI am not a letter gradeMy worth far exceeds what an institution tells me Stop wasting your tears over those matters that are not important. There are far greater things in the year to come and those are what you need to expend your energy on. 2013 is going to be the best year you have ever had, but also the most challenging. There will be heartbreak, sleepless nights filled with crying, irrevocable mistakes and a burning desire to just go home to mom, dad and Alan. But on the other side of the spectrum, there will also be inexplicable joy that you have never experienced before. You will fabricate a beautiful support system and excel in those things you invest passionate drive into. When you wake up in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive and to be educated. Be strong when things don’t unfold as planned. You are SUPPOSED to make mistakes. Be in love with your college life. Every minute of it. And remember, happy girls shine brighter.

Make sure to apply early and make your application stand out. Double check spelling, topic choice, and have somebody re-read your application. Search early for textbooks and don't be afraid to rent or buy used. Pack only as much as you can fit into your dorm room and coordinate packing with your roommate. Make sure to remember a backpack! (I forgot one, but luckily made a friend before school started during orientation and she gave me an extra one she brought.) Ensure that you manage your time wisely and don't be afraid to ask advice from upperclassmen living near you, teachers or faculty, or your resident assistant's in the dorm. Get into the community to learn and do service. Stay connected with your old friends. Make a "stress reduction" kit. Include fun movies, games, or whatever allows you to destress. And most of all make lots of friends and enjoy the little time you have in college. Learn from your triumphs and mistakes and always remain a child at heart.

Just because your instructor doesn't take roll and honestly doesn't know you exist or care if you are there, you should not miss class to sleep in or pick up extra shifts at work or do homework for another class. Your tuition refund check is not to be spent on DVDs or clothes or books unrelated to class. Drinking will lead to all those things they told you about in middle school even though you think you are the exception. You are not the exception. Your high school is so small and you have known a lot of your classmates since kindergarten, college will be big and scary at times and you will feel alone. Don't wait to ask for help, help is everywhere.

If I were to go back in time and talk to my senior-self, I would tell her to push harder - to try out for the dance team instead of chicken out, to stick with the lacrosse club, to make more of an effort creating new friendships. It's great to feel comfortable, especially in a new scary environment, but it's even more important to step out of that comfort zone. That's when you grow. I loved every minute of my freshman year of college, but I know I could have had more fun and could have grown more as a student and as a person. I wish I would have taken more steps.

Congratulations! You have possibly reached the most critical time in your life, the time where you try to relearn the person you were as a child, where you try to discover the person you have become, and where you try to grow into the person you wish to become. I know you have worked hard to get this far along your academic career, but, I hope, you know that learning goes beyond those school doors. Although grades are important in getting you a decent job or into medical schools, know that the things you memorize will only provide you momentary satifaction. To live a happy, fulfilling life, seek to analyze all that you learn in and out of school, determine their relevance it to you, and incorportate the truths you have come to know into your life. Let your love for others drive you to do great things, but do not forget that taking care of yourself is equally important. Stay courageous, humble and truthful. Most importantly, do not be afraid to dream big, so reach for the moon. If you fall, you may land on a shooting star. Trust. You'll get to where you need to go.

College is about finding yourself and making mistakes. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to take more risks. My shyness and small town persona was a barrier against letting myself try new things and I regret not making as many friends. I wish I could reassure my past self. Although I regret not branching out and letting myself take risks, my first year of college has continued to shape who I am today. I have learned more about what I believe in and now I know that mistakes are not always negative - we learn from them. Mistakes shape us and mold us into better versions of ourselves, and that is one of the biggest lessons college has taught me so far; mistakes only make me less of a person if I do not learn from them. In order to be succesful I have to learn what not to do first. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not be afraid to fail, because it's the failures that turn into successes.

I would tell myself to be more financially prepared and really look into scholarships and financial aid so I wouldn't have the loans I have now. I would have myself sit down and budget for everything, and not wait until the last minute to do so. I would also tell myself not to worry about high school drama. Everything that seemed so important then is not at all important now. The drama goes away and the friends who are really your friends are still around, the rest don't really matter.

As a high school senior, I was unsure of what lay ahead of me. I had made this crazy decision to go to a Catholic out-of-state private institution, which was the complete opposite of what I had been preparing for. I felt anxious about how I would be received and whether I would be able to handle living amongst my peers. However, with the knowledge I've gained from my freshman year, I would simply tell myself to relax. I would tell myself to try to find my textbooks early on so that I don't have to stress about it while I'm moving (and stay away from looseleaf textbooks!). I would tell myself that although living amongst my peers may be rough at times, the people that I will meet will always be there for me when I need it. Also, I would remind myself to always be open to new experiences and not to fear going to a teacher's office hours - especially when I need it. All in all, it would simply be a matter of reassuring myself that college is just like high school - except with more responsibility.

Don't bring so much stuff to college! Honestly, the biggest problems I had all year were related to disorganization and stress because I was too busy to clean and organize my dorm room. My roommate and I were both convinced we would need the contents of our entire lives at our fingertips, and we were so wrong. Half the fun of college is relying on your newfound friends for help, and what better way to meet new people and to bond than with a few laughs over a borrowed item? Additionally, I would tell myself to be more relaxed from the beginning. I'm a naturally upbeat and friendly person, but I don't think I really allowed myself to relax and let that show for the first few months, causing me to miss out on some prime social situations. College is where you truly discover who you want to be; I know it sounds cliche, but it's true! Just going with the flow, developing your own ideas, and sharing them with others is the best way to decide where you're going in life.

As a college senior, I was troubled by lonliness, finacial woes, and big dreams. I wanted to attend a school in New York more than anything. If I could talk to my high school self again, the very first thing I would address is my fear of leaving home. I would tell myself the transition is much easier than you could imagine. Those big dreams of New York would need to be addressed too. I would tell myself to set realistic goals; to look into schools that are more attainable. I would especially suggest the University of Portland. I would tell my high school senior self that at the University of Portland I would find what I was looking for in education: a dedicated staff, fascinating material, small classes sizes, and a wonderful student body. At that school I would escape the lonliness I felt as a high school senior. Finally, I would tell myself to apply,apply, apply to all the scholarships I can, because time just gets more valuable later on; and maybe even get a job. That way, money would not be the obstacle it is today.

The transition to college is a hard one because you leave your friends, family, and your own space behind however, you gain much more than you think you ever will. College is a time to break out free of groups and stereotypes and just enjoy spending time with new people. College life can be crazy as you try to juggle a job, school, participating in clubs, but everything will work out. Do not be afraid to try new things because you are a completely new independent person and nobody decides your fate except for yourself. Shoot for the stars!

Just relax. College is a time to explore your interests and to experience different things. You do not need to know all the answers to your life at the exact moment you walk through those college doors. College is the time to experiment and to find out who you are as a person and how you can impact the world. You do not need to know the answers to who you are as a person. College is the start to the rest of your life. It is the beginning of a new chapter out of your life and you should do everything in your power to experience life and what the education from college can bring to you. Lastly, be open to change. Change happens everyday in multiple ways and sometimes the best things in life come from change. College is the time to change as many times as you want and to just spread your wings and fly. Take a chance and see where life takes you, starting with the world of college by relaxing and taking that leap of faith!

My advice is to sit down, take a deep breath, and stop thinking about life as if you have to have it figured out now; that is what college is for! Think you have all your ideas and beliefs sorted out? You don't. You'll meet great people who will influence you. Your ideas will change drastically within the next few years. Your mind will change, your life will change, and you will change. The best advice of all: Embrace the Change. Despite what everyone has been telling you, college is not about having a career or a degree; it is about exposing yourself to world (you'll study abroad in Spain, by the way, and it is going to be awesome!) and becoming the best person you can be. Realize that college is an opportunity that most people do not have (you'll learn about this in sociology class and try not to lose Dr. Williams' email address this time) and because of this you should never complain about it. In less than two years, you will be a different person. I like the high school senior me, but I like me now a lot more.

I would tell myself to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride. College is the hardest thing you will ever do and there will be numerous times in which you will question everything you know. In these moments relax. Find peace in knowing time will go on and you will get through it. And don't forget to have the time of your life. You are only there for four years and it is up to you to decide what memories you create. Push your limits and be open to exploring new things. Going to college teaches you more than academic material, it teaches you who you are. So most importantly, be yourself and be confident in knowing that you alone are good enough. There is no better feeling than when you are perfectly content with who you are. Only after you have embraced who you are and accepted that as perfection will you find true happiness.

Thinking back on my transition into university, I can come up with many things that I could have done differently. First off, I wish I had spent more time with my family, because when the time came, I was definitely not ready to say goodbye. If one is moving far away from home, do not overlook the importance of spending that quality time with loved ones before departing. Furthermore, on top of suggesting more emotional preparation, I would advise myself to better mentally prepare myself. Coming from a small high school on Hawai’i where the education system is not as strong as some of the schools’ in the continental United States, I had not fully grasped the amount of knowledge that people at my university would have on top of mine. To cope with this, I would advise myself to just be ready. It helps to quickly make friends in all of your classes, not only so that you have people to eat lunch with, but also so that you have people to form study groups with. Relationships and education goes far beyond one’s high school career, transforming into networks, lifelong friendships, and an ever-expanding knowledge database.

Victoria, you think you have it all together. You're making straight A's and your teachers go the extra mile to help you succeed. Your school is so small that everyone knows everyone, even if they are not one of the "cool kids." Guess what Victoria... next year that's all going to change. Next year you will be an adult; you will be expected to make it on your own. Do not expect your professors to lead you by the hand. Do not expect everyone to know your name. The campus will be huge, and if you see someone you know it will be like a family reunion. None of these changes are bad... they are just changes. You will be leaving the protection of a fish tank and entering the ocean. You will need to learn how to fend for yourself, but do not be scared. It is not scary at all, but it is an adventure. It is time to explore the world and find yourself. Believe me, you will like what you see.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to relax. I spent so much time worrying about grades in high school, but if I would have learned to manage my time better I would have done just as well, if not better. When it comes to preparing for college, I wish I could go back to tell myself to take a couple more science classes since it's what I'm most passionate about. Instead of taking contemporary living skills, I wish I would have filled that time slot with something that I was actually interested in. When you get to college it's not about what you did or who you were in high school. It's about the person that you choose to become and the person that you allow yourself to be. I shouldn't have spent so much of my time worrying about whether or not I was going to fit in, because in the end the best friends are the ones who accept you exactly for who you are and not something that you wish you could become.

As a high school senior, I almost did not want to think about college because of how scared I was. College was indeed just beyond the horizon, but I wanted to forget about it, like it was not happening. The reality, however, was that it was happening. Now, a year later, I would go back and tell myself to not be as anxious. Certainly, college is new and leaving your family for the first time is scary, but my college made the transition extremely smooth. Through the required freshman orientation class, I met most of my friends and made connections with upperclassmen. Colleges and universities want you to succeed. They do not want you to be lonely or feel swallowed up in a sea of faces. Most schools will do their best to implement you into the student as stress-free as possible. If I could go back in time and advice myself as a high school senior, I would try to ease my own anxiety and assure myself that the transition will be a lot more smooth than anticipated.

Now that I know what I know about college life and how difficult it is, I would tell my high school self to really push myself. I worked hard in high school, but now I would tell myself to work harder; to get all As instead of a few As and Bs. I would also tell myself to apply for all the scholarships that I possibly could. School costs money and I didn't realize just how much until I got into college and couldn't afford my classes. One other thing I would tell myself is to really buckle down and study for those AP exams. Those AP exams can count for college credit and can save me some money. I wish now that I had done what I should have done and worked hard to get what I really wanted in life.

I would tell myself to not worry so much about the transition. The first few months are hard but the experience is worth it. It teaches you how to deal with the challenges that come with living with someone. I would tell myself that making friends is not going to be as hard as you think and you meet some pretty amazing people. I would also make sure to tell myself that although the courses are more challenging, college is not as scary as it seems and it is okay to have some fun. Lastly, don't be so hard on yourself; college is a big adjustment and it is okay if you have a hard time with it in the beginning. Don't stress so much!

Hey there brain! Stop thinking so much about what you're doing this weekend, and start taking your school work seriously! Listen to your teachers, they've been through a lot more than you have, and you could probably learn a thing or two about life. Taking a year or two off to experience some real adulthood isn't such a bad idea, but make sure you get back on the right track and go have that college experience! Make something of your life! Go make friends, be happy, stay postive, travel as much as you can and always be willing to soak up knowledge! Last but not least: set a goal for yourself, create a dream, believe in yourself, and don't stop until you get what you want out of life! The only experiences you will ever regret, are the ones you didn't take.