University of Portland Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Cami

I would first tell myself to not be afriad to get involved in as many activities as I wanted. For the first half of my freshman year I didn't get involved in much and did hardly anything without my roommates and I also was depressed because I had no friends besides my roommates, so I would tell myself to get involved so that I could meet and make more friends. I would then tell myself to not be afraid to stand up for myself. I have had some pretty bad roommates and each time, there have been issues that I probably should have talked to them about, yet I have not wanted to ruffle any feathers, so rarely have I said anything. I would tell myself that it is okay to not miss being home, but it is also okay to be homesick. I have felt both sentiments throughout my time in college so far, and I know that both are normal. And I would tell myself that "out of sight, out of mind" is not true and that I would still stay in contact with my good friends from high school. Finally - YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Alex

Take the full 4 years of a foreign language. Pay closer attention in Chemistry. Get involved in Running Start to get some of the basic classes out of the way. Learn to use all the resources made available - that skill is useful everywhere. Learn to be more assertive, ask more questions and get comfortable being persistent when you need guidance. Get a job in the summer that can transition with you - be an excellent employee so they want you back. And keep in touch with your friends but know that some of the people who you thought were your friends will move on and so should you.

Michelle

Life isnt always what you should assume it will turn out like. Going to college is nothing like attending high school and it was true what other people had told you about college, all the things about always having to read, write, giving in your assignments on time and putting in your own effort will come to work all together in the first semester. Its going to be scary not knowing no body and having to sit in those classes knowing there is nothing else but work to do. On the road to your first semester in college you will have to expirence life, a nightmare that will knock on the door and you will want to wake up, and thats having mom in the hospital because of a stroke, doctors will tell you its the final goodbyes. Feeling alone is a fact, but not wanting to go on is optional. Having only one family member to go to will be tough yet there will be light at the end of the nightmare mom will get better and the first semester will be surprisingly easy and its all because of the little effort that you put in along the way.

Carina

If I could have gone back, I would have told myself to focus more on finding out what I want to do with my life. I'm still fairly ambiguous about this, and hope that I will come to better terms over my time in this school. But if I had been positive about my love for Biology from the beginning, then I would have made sure to stay more focused in the sciences. I also wish that I took more AP exams, because that could have helped with my progress here. Furthermore, I should have been trying to set aside more money for textbooks and trying to find more scholarships. If I could go back and give myself advice, it would definitely involve being more aware of the amazing expenses that college burdens one with.

Kealey

Time travel is an interesting concept. If it were invented, I would choose to go visit myself a year ago and tell myself the essential knowledge to help me improve my transition into college. There is some very important advice I would give myself. First, I would tell myself to make the most of time at home while you have it and stop counting down the days in a negative way. College is a good thing; think of the number of days as that many more that you get to spend at home, each and every one of those days is a gift. Next, I would tell myself to not fear branching out once you get to college. It is important to let go of the past and embrace the present. Don’t spend so much time talking to people back at home and meet many new friends. Finally, don’t lose the study habits that you learned so well in high school from your advanced teachers. They are essential to succeed while in college. Have fun with your transition to college; you are one lucky girl to go to the University of Portland, embrace it! Keep the faith.

Chelsea

Let change happen. College is the next chapter of your life and you will undoubtedly feel changed by the experiences in college. Don't let them hinder you; let them empower you. Your life's trajectory may be changing, but you are surrounded by an environment that supports and promotes success in both professional and personal lives. Embrace each new experience and grow. I went into college thinking that I would pursue something within arts management, but now as a sophomore I have my heart set on becoming a lawyer and social justice advocate. I would remind myself that changes in dreams and ambitions are not only normal but entirely beneficial. College should make you question what you want out of your life; your career, your personal fulfillment and your relationships. These can be hard questions to ponder, but the satisfaction that is reached when you come to a new moment of self-discovery is hard to beat. Enjoy the process and embrace the change.

Shashana

To get an adequate feel for a college, i highly recomend that you visit it, sit in on a few classes, and if you can, do an overnight stay. Then, choose a college where you feel most at home in the dorms, are satified with the social atmosphere, are excited about the calsses they offer, and feel passionate about finding a future vocation. Once you pick your college, and begin your freshman year, the best actions you can take are to keep an open mind, get involved, take advantage of every new oportunity, make connections with your prefessors, learn all you can from every class, and most of all, enjoy it. There are the best years of our lives, our paths are undeclared and every door is open, we are young! So, have fun, be free, live fast, and enjoy all that life has to offer you.

Rustin

If I could go back in time and tell my high school senior self anything, it would be to set attainable goals and to stay focused on the end. Seeing the trouble I'm going through now, trying to find money to pay for tuiton and working very hard to bring up my GPA from when I gave no care to school, the fun times I had weren't worth it. Knowing that goals, time limits and hard work are what keep you on track, I am now on my way to transferring and receiving an Associates degree in the process. I'd tell myself to keep grades in school up so the process of applying to any college you'd prefer is a much easier process than it would be now with a good GPA and test scores. The path to educational success lies only in you and you have to take it seriously. I would tell myself to strive for greatness and it will be acheived. Taking a fun easy route brings you struggles later on. Start early and things will easily fall into place. Good luck high school me.

Larisa

I would tell myself to go into college and make friends at the very beginning, lots of them. Through those friends I will find a good friend group, and then have other friends to do things with. I would also let myself know that the first month is rough but it gets much better from there. College is a great place to meet people and discover who you are, I have eto take advantage of that.

Kianni

If I could tell my high school senior self anything, this is how it would go. "Kianni, do not procrastinate about finding scholorships and ways to pay for school. Finding money and being able to pay for the next 4 years will solve so many problems of your problems. Don't take the easy courses, take as much AP courses as you can! It will help prepare you for long lectures and a lot of reading. Study, learn good study habits and different techniques of studying and taking notes. It might surprise you on how much you learn when you change your study habits. Lastly, enjoy high school. College is fun but, you're also an adult who is thousands of miles away from your family. Don't take advantage of being close to home and always counting on mommy and daddy. When you're away you're all on your own. Good luck and I know you will have fun and succeed in college"

Holly

Oh, there is so much advice I would give myself if I could go back in time. First, I would explain how you actually have to go to class! Just because you're in college and teachers aren't keeping an eye on you, does not mean you can goof off. If I had realized this, maybe my first semester wouldn't have been so rough. Secondly, college is your chance to start new. I went through some difficult times in high school, and my GPA suffered horribly. I didn't realize this chance of a new beginning until my second semester, in which I realized that I was a very smart girl; I just had to put forth the effort. But perhaps the most important thing is that I should have fun my senior year, be myself and continue to make friends. My past philosophy senior year was "I'm not going to see these people ever again so why bother making friends". I greatly regret this, because many people remain friends with their old high school buddies and I was super ridiculous for thinking this way. I certainly needed a talking to. I was such a negative nancy!

Jarrett

The first and most important advice I would give to myself would be to learn your best how to balance your school life with your personal life, especially when you do sports and have a job. It gets very overwhelming sometimes to balance your life, so it is a good quality to have in college. I would next explain to myself that college isn't that cheap and money is very relevant to be successful, so I would make sure that I would apply for more scholarships. This would help take one stress out of the college life, which is already full of a ton of stressful things. I would next tell myself to learn how to study more effectively. Throughout high school I never really had to study for to much because it was alot easier, but now in college I know that this is an essential tool to succeed. The last thing I would tell myself is to keep that drive to succeed in any situation you are put in. College throws a ton of stuff and situations at you and you need to strive for your goal to be able to get through all of them.

Jennifer

OK Jen, Seriously! Listen Up!!! Jen, grab life by the horns, STUDY, make the most of college, learn, Learn, LEARN, but most of all BELIEVE in yourself. Do NOT settle for anything less than excellence! Set goals and work torwards them. You will need to BELIEVE in yourself and stay focused in order to get through all that life has in store for you. College will be tough, but you can conquer it TWICE. The dedication and committment you bring to your schoolwork will set the foundation for what you need in order to succeed in life. You will face uncertainity EVERY day, do not be afraid......embrace and accept uncertainity, create your own future, and do not EVER let anyone tell you that you're not good enough, EVER! Stay the course, do not get all caught up in the "what ifs", concentrate on what it is that you need to accomplish and then take the necessary steps in order to achieve your goals.' Now GO!!!!

Emily

"Looking Back on it Now..." I know you are about to emark on a journey that will turn your world upside down. College can do that to people. My time here is meant to give advice about your college experience. Advice I hope you will remember in the months to come. I could go for days about every thing I have learned. " Eat healthy, don't stay up too late, don't overwhelm yourself!" But I didn't bring my soapbox. This is the best advice I can give you. Don't be alone Emily. We spent all of high school buried in our books, getting straight A's and walking the halls in silence. Our high school classmates probably saw us as a snob, but we both know it's cause we were scared. We put on a tough face, like we didn't need anyone, but we lied. Mostly to ourselves. It is people that shape us in to the person we are meant to be. So make friends and get hurt. Embrace those beautiful people that come our way. College is a time of growth, so don't rob yourself of experiences that will make you......you.

Bethany

Put yourself out there. There is no reason for you to be shy. Everyone is beginning something new and it is a new environment for everybody. Be involved. The best way to make a difference is to be involved with events that you really care about. There are going to be many opportunities, so seize them. It is a great opportunity to become friends with others who have the same interests as you do. College is an investment for your future. Academically it will expand your knowledge and you will want to learn more. Life long relationships will come from this time period in your life, so be who you are because those who you will meet will appreciate what you have to offer. College is another step in advancing your career, so take advantage of all the resources the college has to offer. College is what you make of it. Enjoy it, learn from your mistakes and grow. You have an impact on everyone around you. Be the kind of person that makes a positive impact.

Monica

I remember my whole senior year felt like a life or death battle. College was the fierce dragon guarding the treasure of knowledge and I was the lone knight battling for my right. I swung with all my strength to only hit air. It seemed as if nothing was on my side. If I could go back and give advice to myself as a senior in high school I would definitely have told myself that the experience would be great no matter where I chose to go. I was so stressed on going to the right college with the right reputation that I didn’t my last year of high school. Eventually when I didn’t get into my dream school, I almost didn’t let myself embrace all the opportunities I could. Yet my current university was the best unexpected choice I could have ever made. I realized that no matter where I went to college the most important transition was of my own perspective and with that I opened myself up. So to my high school self I would have said don’t worry because no matter where you go, you will make the best of your decision.

Nicole

The transition is difficult and life in college is different. Before deciding on a college right away, take time to compare all the pros and cons of every option. Life in college is going to be different and hard at times, but the rough times will pass and things will work out for the best in the end. Remember your goals and strive to achieve them. Do not let stress or difficult times hold you back. After that first semester you will be so proud of yourself and everything you accomplished. Enjoy life and everything will be okay.

Esther

Esther, you were born and raised in Guam for about seventeen years. You lived a fairly comfortable life of convenience with loving friends and families always near and available. Once you leave for college located thousands of miles away from home, your surroundings, situation, and perspective on life will change. Whatever college you choose to go to, you will face many challenges, hardships, and obstacles that will tempt you to give up and feel the desire to return home. At first, you will feel somewhat afraid that there is not a familiar face in sight and that you are now among a completely different surrounding, not the beaches and coconut trees that you grew up with. You will feel lost in where you should go and what you should do; you will feel slightly lonely and that is okay. But Esther, you have to choose to not let these emotions consume you. Choose to adapt and look at your situation as an opportunity to gain new friendships. Choose to learn from your experiences and gain independence. But most of all, choose to be happy. You will be glad you left home and you will appreciate what you have even more.

Benjamin

If I were able to give my high school self one piece of advice, it would be ‘carpe diem’ - seize the day. I would advise myself not to allow my fears or anxieties to limit me from opportunities to learn, grow, and connect outside my comfort zone. As I reminisce about my high school career, I regret not taking part in a greater variety of activities. I still believe my high school self knew a lot about life, but now I realize my high school experience was lacking in school events and community building activities. In contrast, I had a fulfilling first semester in college because I was consciously involved within the community. I became an active member of the Villa Maria Drum Squad, participated in the spur of the moment freshmen invention ‘intergalactic laser tag, and traditional charity events such as the Villa Man Auction. Events similar to these provided living proof that embracing opportunities often yield unexpected benefits that are enhancing my collegiate experience. Consciously deciding to seize the day was the best decision of my first semester because I discovered the blessing of community and the value of seizing what is not within my comfort zone.

Jillian

In high school my grades were pretty good. I thought high school was very easy and I hardly ever studied. I wish I would have had study skills and time management skills my freshman year of college. My grades suffered so much my first year of college. I wish I could have told myself that you really need to study and study the things you don't know because it will be on the test. Also, take care of yourself and stay healthy. It is very difficult to miss class in college. College is fun if you are responsible!

Imee

Dear Imee, You are capable of anything you set your mind to. Don't take classes because you know you will get an A. Take classes that challenge your abilities. Take AP Chemistry! Don't listen to the people that tell you you're not good enough. Remember to love yourself first and share it with others. Listen to your heart not what your friends are telling you. Take advantage of every opportunity you see! There aren't going to be a lot once you start college. Be friends with your teachers because you will most likely contact them for advice when you're in college. Don't be afraid to be yourself. I know it's hard with all the peer pressure to be perfect. When there's an assembly, participate when the guest asks for a volunteer. Be the leader you want to be not what you see on t.v.

Katie

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school student I would probably tell myself that I don't need to have everything figured out in life. Since being in college you truly find yourself, who your real friends are and who you really are. If I could go back to my high school self I would say stop pretending to be someone you are not and just be yourself. I would also tell myself to get creative in not spending a lot of money or start saving. You hear all the time how college students are "broke" but you just kind of laugh it off as if it is a cliche. Well since being in college that is definitely not the case and getting a job can be difficult. So you have to be really creative at making your own fun. Finally I would tell my high school self to start cooking and figuring out CHEAP recipes. I never realized how much of a pain it is to cook a meal every day. I give my parents a lot more credit because I did not realize how much of a hassle it is.

Kevin

The world is nowhere near as impossible as it seems. Trust your instincts; do not fear what you do not know. Within you is greatness, don’t believe the old adage that some people are born with it some people have it thrust upon them. You have a choice, so choose to be great. Do great things in everything you do, no matter how small it matters in ways you may never know. Be your best, don’t slack. If you try to be great in everything you do, you will never regret it, and others will look to you for amazing things. You have plenty of time to rest and relax don’t stress about it. Always choose to kiss the girl when you aren’t sure if you should or not. Your either right or your wrong and you won’t wonder about it later. Most importantly, you do know what is best for yourself. If you are not comfortable with it, don’t do it. If it makes you happy, no matter what or who it is that makes you happy, fill your life with it. Wear comfortable shoes, your feet can take you around the world.

Rebecca

-take advantage of all the opportunities that college can offer you -don't be afraid to try new things -take a leap -STUDY ABROAD -work hard but also focus on friendships -get off campus at least once week -network -join clubs and activities -get to know your professors

Alexandra

It is hard starting over and making new friends but you have to give it time. The first couple weeks, talk to as many people as you can because everyone else wants to meet knew people too. Finally, don't worry if you dont have a core group of friends your first week or you dont have as much in common with your roommate as you had hoped. All this takes time.

Drake

Be sure to stay focused and do not underestimate any classes you take. There is a new set of teachers, and they expect different things than what was required at high school.

Viviana

Two things that I would strongly advice myself if i were to speak to myself as a high school senior is financial education and the college system. I would advise myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible. Im a full time student without a paying job. I just recently starting applying to scholarships and hopeing my hard work pays off. In high school i didnt care about my financial struggle nor had a clue on how hard it would be since I do live with my parents. The most impotant thing though is registration, advising, addmission and testing. I am the first in my family to go to college so i had no guidence on how, when and where to get registured at. I meet with my adviser alot, to the point where they memorized my name and I ID#. I feel like a bother but had no one else to turn to. I still dont have all the answers on how the college system works im 20 years old with an associates degree, transferring to UTEP and feel like i will also meet with my adviser from there until she knows my full name as well.

Marcus

It’s great to save money by living at home, but don't do it. Live in the dorms at least one year and then a house with friends, if possible. So much of the "college experience" is missed by living at home and having a girlfriend back home is no excuse, you will meet so many new people. Next, high school may seem like a joke because homework is easy and you pass all your classes, but take your work seriously because college requires a lot of focus and hard work. Give college your all from the beginning, but don’t sacrifice a social life. Find a balance between the two. It is ok for some days to be all homework and others to be completely social. Mechanical Engineering is perfect for you because you will get to do design and manufacturing, which you love. This degree will open the door to a range of possibilities as an engineer. It’s a great idea to get your Private Pilot’s license for your senior project. You won’t have the time or money later and the ladies will like it, trust me. I have faith in you, young Padawan.

Nicholas

Be prepared to have everything you believe about life change drastically. Embrace the fact that you don't know anything, and embrace the fact that what you do know and believe--even your deepest set idealogies--will change and warp, be it for better or worse. Be open to new ideas and concepts and embrace contrasting opinions. Nothing is set in stone. Embrace the changes as they come, don't try to fight it, because in the end, the changes happen whether you want them to or not.

Nicholas

The one piece of advice I would give myself is to not be so strict about plans. In college, life is malleable. Plans change, the people involved change, and things can take both more or less time than you think. Also, the counselors and teachers in high school lied. You do not need to study for three hours for every hour in class. The time needed to study is based upon your own needs though the amount of studying in college compared to high school is somewhat higher. Also, homework in upper division engineering courses can take several hours.

Laura

If I could back in time to give myself advice, I would tell myself that life is bigger than the clothes you wear and the people you hang out with. I would tell myself to help others more often and to forget about what is "cool". In a couple of years, you will not remember the petty arguments with peers, the day you didn't wear name brand jeans, or the humiliation when the teacher called on you. You have the ability to stand up and be a leader. You have the strength to do what is right regardless of who is watching. You are beautiful and smart, no matter what anyone else says. Be confident and make a difference in the lives of the people around you. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. The transition from high school to college is a culture shock. You don't have to worry about the same things anymore. It's okay to have an opinion and your own style. You will find that your peers don't judge you the same. While learning to be an adult has it's own pressures, the stress of high school is finally gone.

Austin

Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone. There are many great things to experience in college and it goes by much quicker than you could imagine so push yourself to meet as many new people, participate in as many activities, clubs, sports, and social events as possible. When it comes to academics, don't settle and take work lightly or procrastinate. Set a strong work ethic from the beginning and push yourself to stay on your work and complete all assignments on time and to your best ability. Finally, I would tell myself to start thinking about your career early on and network as much as possible. Don't find out when it is too late that you do not know what you want to do with your major. Job shadowing, internships, informational interviews all are key aspects to finding a career that best fits you and your personality. Finally, enjoy your time at college. Studying and hard work is essential but don't forget to have fun and enjoy college while you are there, because it will be over before you know it. Good luck!

Jessica

As a college junior looking back at myself in high school, I now can see things I wish I had done differently. I would not be quite as serious and I would not worry as much as I did about keeping my 4.0 GPA. I thought that joining extra cirricular activities , in high school,would take time away from my studies. While that may be true, there are other benefits to be gained . I would encourage my high school self to step out of my comfort zone, and reach beyond my circle of friends. Had I risked trying out for a sport, or joining a club, I would of learned things about myself and others that I wasn't able to learn from my textbooks. I would of gained self confidence and leadership skills that I know would of helped make my transition to college easier. I would of learned how to handle myself in different situations and most importantly I would have come to believe that I can trust in myself.

Makena

Looking back on my college experience I would say I recieved a very well-rounded and challenging education. I found that much of my success had to do with my professors working with me outside of the classroom, as well as the small class size. Being in a small classroom I felt as if I could be heard by my professor as well as my students. If I were to go back in time and talk to myself about college life and making the transition I would tell myself that it was one of the best, as well as the hardest, decisions I have made in my life thus far. I would tell myself to pick a college that was extremely persistant in trying to find out if I had chosen where I would like to attend college. This persistance is what contributes to a great transition into life as an independent as well as feeling like you belong on that campus. I would address the fact that going to college is what brought out my inner voice. It helped me see the place I hold in this world, and how important it is to know your own opinion.

Carrie

-Life after high school is not a race to get done with school as fast as possible and get a job if that job is one that you dread getting up to go to every day. -Find something you are passionate about and then figure out what it takes to be successful doing that. -Take your time. Select a path that you believe will fulfill your dreams and follow it for a while. If you find it is not fueling your soul, select another path, regardless of how close you are to being "done" on the first path. -Life is too short to make your choices based on someone elses dreams. Listen to your gut instinct and fulfill your own dreams. -Drink it all in! Experience dorm life, make new friends, get involved in student groups related to your chosen field, take advantage of the activities, facilities and opportunities available at your school. You are paying for the experience and all the resources available at the campus, so utilize them. Make connections with others in your field, including students, faculty and experts in the community. Those connections may help you land the perfect job some day!

Michaela

College is a nervewracking but exciting step in your life! If I can give you a simple piece of advice, it would be to keep an open mind. You will meet a variety of people and experience many, many different things. So stay open to new things, and step out of your comfort zone because you never know what great thing can come out of doing so. College will be the time of your life, so make friends, go to sporting events, join a club, and challenge yourself to become a better person everyday. You will do great!

Julie

There is a lie that many people believe. I used to be one of the believers in this lie and so I am intimately acquainted with it and the damage it does. The lie is simply this: the pain of transformation is worse than the pain of not being transformed. In other words, the easy way out in the present is more comfortable than going through the necessary hard work to reach your goals for the future. The problem with this thinking is that when you reach the “future,” you realize your current situation is most definitely worse and more painful than the transformation process you avoided. This little nugget of truth is what I would tell myself as a high school senior, and I would advise myself to stay in school even if I didn’t feel like it. After high school, I assumed I could drop out of college because it required a lot of discipline, and I didn’t know what I wanted to be, and I was exhausted from high school. I lamented that college was too hard and too long. Years later, I realized that yes, college is hard - but being uneducated is definitely harder!

Jonathan

Dear slightly younger self, have a plan and run with it. There are too many instances when a lack of goal setting has led to a wandering. A wandering is though necessary to the place that one must come to, yet the awareness of the potential to meander off onto a less rewarding environment is highly possible. Distractions along the way easily indulged offer brief satisfaction, but ultimate disapointment. With that, younger self, find the balance. The university is the place to orient yourself with the perfect mediation between gaining life experience through the fields in which could push you in the direction of deeper understanding and potential opportunity for participating in helping create a global shift. The opportunity to approach life with the right perspective to embrace hardships and trials, yet pursue an artistic passion and academic knowledge await with the right discipline, tools, and resources already at your disposal if you choose to wield them.

Melissa

Dear past Melissa, As you are about to enter college, make sure you have all of your forms turned in! Especially financial aid forms. You don't want to make the same mistake I did by not submitting them on time and end up not going for the first year. Also, be sure to get to know your counselor! They will help you so much. If it weren't for my counselor, I would be so lost and confused, even more than I am right now. But overall, enjoy college. It will be one of the best experiences of your life. And beware of not having too much fun, because you will need to make time for studying! You don't want to fail out of college now do you? Sincerely, Future Melissa

Jovelle

The number one advice I would give my high school senior self is to pick the college that offers the BEST financial aid throughout the four years of college. I did the mistake in believing that what I was given in Freshmen year would continue on for the following years. Because of this mistake, I had to work constantly, averaging twenty hours a week and balancing 15-18 credit hours. This is not the college experience that I thought I would have. By informing my past self about seeing the big picture, I am enabling her to have a true college experience---free of sweat, tears, and exhaustion.

Cecilia

WOW. It is harder than it seems. Make sure to always have an extra $500 hidden in your wallet, just in case. And make sure to buy a few boxes of tissue paper, homesickness is real and it happens at the most unexpected times. Its okay to bomb the first exam, you'll get them next time! Don't have sex on your roommates bed, people hate when you do that, oh so I have heard. Drinking isn't fun when you get a MIP or get arrested, so if you are planning of doing , be smart about it. And last but not least. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!! Also, professors are secretly ninjas/mind readers and they know when you have plagerized. Never doubt there skills!

Diana

Something I wish I could tell my high school self is prepare yourself. College is a life changing experience, both academically and socially. You will study...a lot. You will participate in many extracurricular activities. You will meet a variety of people from all around the world. And lastly, you will serve. Serve your new community both on and off campus. It will require more ambition than you can ever imagine. Know what you want, make goals for yourself, both long and shortime. For example, a secret piece of advice, schedual out your day. I mean everything; the days you go to class, your designated study time, exercise, eat, sleep. (You get the idea. ) This will help you manage your time, especially in the beginning of your first year, when everything is hectic. Eventually, you will learn what works best for you. You will be tempted to study all day long, but don't forget to make friends. Get involved!! Join clubs, be active in your residence hall, and find organizations that interest you. Whenever you see an new event check it out, you will not regret it. This will be your new home, so make the best of it.

Stephen

Apply to more than three schools and for more than only a couple of scholarships. Push hard in your classes in high school and develop better study habits. Save your money; you will need it later for more important reasons.

Samantha

I would tell myself not to expect so much from myself right from the getgo. There is no way that I could be involved in as many things as I was in high school, not only because you have to dedicate more time to studying, but you have to allow yourself time to adjust to all of the new surroundings. New friends will come in time as everyone else gets more adjusted with their schedules and teachers really do want you to succeed in their class. I would remind myself to take it easy and focus on doing the best that I can in school, but at the same time, enjoy this new chapter in my life. The college transition is new and scary all at once and everyone is feeling nervous and a little homesick. The college experience will get better with time and new studying habbits will be made. It is important to be open to all new and different types of teaching and people to allow for the best college experience possible! Don't be afriad and do the best that you can do!

McKenna

I would tell myself to enjoy every moment that I am given. That sums up everything that one needs to suceed in a transition. To enjoy life is such an easy thing to say, but just as I learned last semester, it is a very hard concept to live out- especially during a transition. Had I truly focused on enjoying my first semester, I would have had a better roommate experience, I would have attained better grades, and I would have been ultimately happier. Now that it is second semester, I have taken my own advice of enjoying every moment. I am proud to say that already I am focused on my studies, I am getting along with my roommate really well, and I am truly happy.

Mackenzie

Hold on tight—because your whole world is about to change. Food: your responsibility; money: your responsibility; getting out of bed: you guessed it, your responsibility. Mom isn’t there to be the “back-up alarm” and your sister won’t be there when you lock yourself out, again. You’re almost out of suburbia but you’ll miss it (just a little). So delight in your mom’s cooking and give your dad a hug because their world is changing too. Instead of complaining about carting the laundry up one flight of stairs, savor it, four flights of stairs or a full elevator is so much worse. Relish the time you have with your childhood friends when they’re just down the road because Skype with a slow internet connection just isn’t the same. Don’t forget to call Grandma, she misses you and she has some great stories to tell. Most importantly, make mistakes because it might be exactly what you need. If not, at least you’ll have a great story to share.

Fausto

High school, a time that many people look back upon and wish they could go back and change it all. I would also change many things. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself two great pieces of advice. First I would tell myself enjoy high school while you're still there. I am not talking about parties and friends, I am talking about joining different types of clubs and activities in high school. In high school I was only part of two activities and looking back and knowing what I know now, I would have joined numerous and at least one more sport. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to set priorities and think about my future. As a high school senior you can quickly lose sight of what is important and beneficial in the long run and what seems like a good idea at that present moment. Looking back at my senior year in high school I would change several things, but overall my high school senior year was one of the greatest years of my young life.

Samuel

I would tell myself not to stress out and worry as much and that everything will be taken care of in due time. Also i would like to have told myself the importance of getting college textbooks ahead of time and to have saved up money for that purpose. I would have also liked to know what was all involved in getting a degree from college and the specific classes needed to be taken. I would have also liked to have told myself to not wait till the last minute and to check my email from my college sooner than a week before classes but months ahead of time instead or as soon as it becomes available.

Jeffery

If I could go back and speak with my high-school self, there is a lot I would say. First, I would keep myself on track to graduate from my high-school, instead of dropping out to work full-time and pursuing my G.E.D. I would tell myself not to "take a break" and work for a few years before enrolling in college and would get right on track. I would tell myself to study more and fight less. I would tell myself to slow down, and enjoy what's left of my childhood. I would tell myself to stop smoking and tell your family that you love them everyday you have the privalige to see them. I'd tell myself not to be in such a hurry to move out of my parents, to stick around and save up some money as well as enjoy time with them. Although there is alot I would tell myself to change where I stand today, I accept every challenge in my life completely and stand tall in the face of adversity, and that, I would thank myself for. ~J.N.S

taylor

College should be fun and enjoyable as well as difficult and challenging. As a high school student, I did not recognize as much as I should have that a nursing degree, though very rewarding, would be a rigorous major that requires ample amounts of studying and preparation. It is critical to stay on top of your work even if that means staying up late and skipping the hall social, basketball game, or just a movie with friends. Schooling is the main focus of college but on the same page, it should be fun. I believe that it is much harder than I realized to find a balance between keeping in touch with old friends, a campus job, schoolwork, and making new friends. I wish I would have known that college was going to be much harder trying to even out my time in all that I need to get accomplished. My main advice I would give myself is to remain positive and know that the end of the journey will only be that much more rewarding.