University of San Diego Top Questions

Dear Self- Hey, how's it going? I know that you are looking at colleges right now and you have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you are going to do. You have been accepted to some great school, but is that really where you want to be. Do you want to be where everyone else is going? I think you should spread your wings. Try something different. Hey, also be aware you think you want to be a doctor and then you realize that you actually hate biology. Keep in mind college is your time to explore. Don't run away from home thinking it is going to be easy because it's not. You are going to need that support from your family. Make sure you choose a school that you think you can become the most involved in and that the school will make YOU a better person. Don't hold back, be outgoing. Make new friends, you'll need them. But, most of all follow your heart, I know some schools look and sound better than others, but you know where you are supposed to be. I know you'll choose the right one. Love, Future You

Apply for more scholarships! Do it now!

Pick a university that has many, many options if you are undecided. This will allow you to test out all areas of yourself. Don't try and "fit a mold" from day one. The only way to find your interests, good friends and colleagues, is to always pursue what you are interested in. And if you cannot find your interests, do not be afraid to change schools or locations. College is short. Do not spend your time trying to fit in to an environment that is not fulfilling to you. Change is good, and you can succeed at anything you find a genuine passion for. Otherwise, motivation to excel can be hard to come by.

It is safe to converse with the opposite sex, I promise you will survive most encounters! In all seriousness, I would tell myself that being introverted is not a good way to make friends or to enjoy college in general. You will never enjoy yourself if you are sitting in your dorm room watching Netflix for hours on end. When you notice how insanely specific your Netflix suggestions are becoming (British horror movies from the 1980's featuring a strong female lead) that is an indication of how much you have excluded yourself from genuine experiences that you will never get back. Avoiding the world around you is a good way to make yourself feel lonely and depressed. Do not sit around hoping that somebody will knock on your door and save you from the hermit lair that is your dorm room. Adventures and friendships are not conjured out of thin air! They are moments in life that you must actively seek out. Find the courage to put yourself out there, and never look back.

If I were able to give advice to my high school self, I would tell myself how to be more open to meeting other people. In high school, I told myself that I would be more outgoing, but I didn't implemt this well enough. I would tell my high school self to say hi to everyone you know when passing by even if you only meet them standing in line because that is how connections are made stronger. To go along with this, I would also advise to be more open in the classroom. The class sizes are so great at USD so you need to take advantage of them and be open in class, which allows you to get closer to your professor. Connections with professors very important because they are your number one source of networking, epecially if they teach in your field of study. Overall though, I would remind myself to be the very best person I could be and not to worry so much because college will be the very best time of your life.

Be confident. Confidence is, in many ways, what leads to success. I know you are always scared of what might go wrong, but take risks. You will never know how happy you would have been if you would have done what you wanted, and not what was the surest option not to fail. This can range from the classes you want to take, the extra curriculum activities you want to take part of, or the group of people you want to hang out with. Do not be scared of being rejected, because confidence attracts people who might provide a friendship you can count on, and not be as isolated as you always are. Do not fake confidence; that will most likely lead you to the failure you are afraid of. Be genuine in your confidence; work hard knowing you will get there, but not being blinded by heedless overconfidence. In other words, be confident but modest; there is always a limit to everything.

I would tell myself to exponge all preconceptions I had about college. There is no one stereotype to describe the experience besides "college is what you make it to be." I would tell myself to not worry about making friends because everyone else in their freshman year is in the same position I'm in. I would tell myself to say yes to everything people invited me to; you never know where the night will take you (especially when it "ends" with you and some friends you'll have for years to come lying on the beach gazing at the stars). I would also emphasize that going to class and working hard are imperative; mom and dad are paying for it, and this is the time to learn amazing things about the world we live in. Don't miss everyone back home too much; they miss you too and can't wait to see you over break, enjoy where you're at now. Call mom and dad as much as possible; they help with homesickness and their sense of humor is priceless. Don't lose yourself to peer pressure, it's possible to have fun and keep your morals.

Jenn, You have, for the most part, always been pretty high up in your class. It has never been too hard for you to learn or memorize something, and you are going to graduate with the Honors tassle on your cap. As far as you're concerned, you're golden. College is about to slap you silly. The truth is, by the end of your first quarter, you will feel, for lack of a better word, utterly stupid. A kind of stupid that makes you question how you even got into college. The transition from high school to college academics and studying will make you want to give up at times. Don't. You are just getting a reality check, as literally everyone else that attends college does. Once you make friends, you will realize you're not the only one struggling; everyone does. Everyone feels stupid at some point. Even those that seem like they're breezing by you. You just have to remember that you're trying, which is a skill worth so much in college. Challenge yourself now, not for those watching you, but for you. That way motivation will come easier once you get here.

Wave and smile to everyone. My freshman year I walked passed people on campus without any recognition. Sometimes I didn’t know them, sometimes I was uncertain if I knew them, and sometimes I worried I knew them, but they would fail to recognize me. I walked to class with teammates, classmates, or roommates and failed to acknowledge students I didn’t already have a connection with. I traveled abroad through Semester at Sea my sophomore year and this experience taught me the immeasurable value of a genuine smile and simple wave. The atmosphere on the boat was electric with kindness and excitement. The positive camaraderie on the ship was completely uplifting. I found myself being the best, friendliest, most inclusive version of myself. I learned more in two weeks about shipmates than I had in a year at my home university. Since returning to my home university I’ve implemented the smile and wave philosophy. I’ve made countless new friends, been invited to join new clubs and intramural teams, and had incredible conversations I would have missed out on otherwise. Quoting the movie Madagascar my advice to younger me is, “Smile and wave boys, just smile and wave”.

Amanda, I know you will feel nervous leaving home for the first time, especially being the youngest in the family. In college, you will face struggles as a shy, first generation student, but those challenges will only make you stronger. Be proud of your identity, and never let your shyness overcome you. Get involved, stay open-minded, and be fearless. Remember to join clubs and take part in activities you enjoy. College is not only about academics, but also embracing your passions and creating strong friendships. Enroll in a swimming class, sing in choir, and participate in events that will make you happy. Connecting with the people you meet and surrounding yourself with supportive friends will make college worthwhile. Your mentors and advisors will help guide you, but you must discover for yourself your goals and choices in life. Try new things because you never know where life will take you. Leadership roles and challenges will help you grow as an individual. Also, remember to take advantage of the resources provided for you. Visit professors’ office hours, go to tutoring, and apply for scholarships! Work hard towards your goals and never be afraid to try.

I would tell myself that I need to go to college right away. I made the wrong choice of not going after I graduated from high school. I ended up working dead end job after dead end job just to make ends meet. I always told myself that "someday" I would go to college. "Someday" I would make something out of myself. Years flew by before I even realized just how quickly they did fly. I graduated high school in 1997. I didn't go back to school until 2009. Now, I am almost done with my associate's program in criminal justice and I am wanting to do what I can to continue my education to the fullest. I am finally making something of myself, and I am proud of my accomplishments thus far. If it is to be, then it is up to me.

Coming from a background where neither of my parents went to college, I had no idea what to expect from it. The biggest thing I would tell myself would be to not procrastinate. Stay on top of the work from day one and stay organized. The work load is no joke and nothing like high school. It is not easy, but if do what is supposed to be done when it should be done it is a phenomenal place to go to school. It is very enjoyable when your not swamped with work. Staying organized is key to doing well and staying on top of work. There is a lot of help on campus, and knowing when professors office hours are and where can be a great source of help. Planning when to study for tests is important also to tie into the work that still needs to be done. This being said, not procrastination and having everything organized will create a better opportunity to get involved on campus and off.

Go to school where you want to go

I would tell myself to recognize who I am as a person and fully accept myself. I was unsure of who I was in high school and it was not until my college experience that I figured out who I was. I would tell myself to be calm and just do the best I can do in school. I would tell myself to stop procrastinating and get things in on time with my best possible effort. I would tell myself that the transition to college will not be easy, but you must never underestimate your ability to succeed.

keep studing hard and never give up on my dreams even when my path gets harder with the time.

If I could turn back time and talk to me as it would give me advice, to put much effort into my classes, I will not surrender for anything or anyone. University studies are very important to us because they will lead us into our future. Think twice the level of study you want to reach and choose the profession that you like, whether an associate degree or a doctorate, the most important thing is to get a college degree to have our own jobs and thus to form a beautiful family and have a better future.

I was in the position of choosing a college just a year ago so I am very familiar with being in that position. I would tell myself to pick a college that you would be comfortable living at because it is hard to get off of campus freshman year. I would also say to not have too high of expectations for your college roommate experience. Even though I have not become great friends with my roommate, it's okay because we are still able to live with each other and respect each other which is more important than being close friends. Also, when you first get to college try to make as many acquaintences as possible because then it will be easier to make friends later. I wish that I had been more open and friendly during orientation because that's when first impressions are made. Most importantly, do not take your school work lightly. You are only in college for a few years, take that time to educate yourself and get the most out of what your professors have to offer.

Dear Christina, You will soon be entering the real world and will feel fearless. It may be like this for a short period of time but sorry to say, complications will soon appear. One day you will fail a quiz, a test, or a class. It is destined that this will happen at least once but do not be afraid of failure. Keep in mind that everyone in the university you will attend will come from different backgrounds, which means different schools. Every elementary school, middle school, and high school expects more or less from its students than other schools. It is destined that you will fail but it is also destined that you will rise above your failure and do great things. Just because a piece of paper says that you have failed does not mean that you are a failure. Just persevere. Look at Walt Disney for instance. Disney was told several times that he was not creative enough and look where his dream is at now. This great man did not truly fail. He learned something every time something or someone tore him down. Sincerely, Your Future Self

Any college graduate will tell you that many of the classes they take are inapplicable to the career they now have. I already know this and I am just a sophomore! I took a few Advanced Placement classes in high school, but if I could go back, I would take as many as possible. I would take chemistry and calculus III and history...the list goes on and on. These credits would allow me to better focus on the classes I am truly interested in and those that pertain to my major. Heck, I could even double major!

The advice I would give my high school self would probably be to apply to a university right out of high school. Coming in as a transfer student poses a lot of challenges that I was not expecting. Yes, I saved a lot of money going to a community college and it was a lot easier at a junior college, but as a transfer student you are not eligible for any merit based scholarships. You have limited options for financial aid no matter how hard you work in your studies. Another thing that you face as a transfer is that you feel a little like an outsider because everyone on campus knows each other and have formed bonds already and you may have a hard time feeling included, so make sure you get involved in anything and everything on campus. Junior colleges are also a lot slower paced than a university so even if a class seems easy at a community college make sure to apply yourself 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} because once you get to a university you are stunned at how much faster it is than a JC. If you do not have a study system established you will sink.

Be positive and know that as a freshman everyone is in the same boat as you and they are going through the same emotions. Also, if you are undeclared it is ok to take your time and figure out what you want to major in.

Travis, okay, this is for real. You're on your way to college now. You MUST keep your focus. You cannot hang out and party and chase females and expect to make it academically. You need to cut off some of your associates, because they aren't looking out for your best interest. They aren't even looking out for their best interests. I know you desire to be successful in life and I know that you want those you love to be comfortable in life. The only way to do that is to trust GOD and allow HIM to use you! You cannot fail if you're obedient to HIM! Get your priorities in line right now. #1) JESUS. #2) School. #3) Family. You can't fail with a sequence like that. I know everything is not always going to be a cake walk, but as long as you keep your focus, you will make it through just fine. You will experience loss, but you'll be better equipped to handle them once you apply this advice I'm giving you. Don't get distracted. You aren't missing anything by staying home and studying. You're gaining education!

My best advice to myself would be to not be afraid of anything. The transition to college is an interesting experience. I remember times when I felt very lonely and unsure, but this is normal. It is okay to feel afraid, what is most important is to not let that fear hold you back. The most important time in college is the first few weeks. You quickly meet a ton of people and you need to be out going and accept new chances. It is impossible to make friends in college or take advantage of all the new opportunities if you do not put yourself out there and take chances. The best way to find where you belong is to try everything possible. I would tell high school me that if I do not try everything then I will always doubt and regret my lost opportunities. The more social and open you are, the easier the transition and the more chance to make lasting friendships. College is an amazing adventure so put yourself out on a limb, take the plunge, and all the other inspirational sayings we have all heard. They all come true the first few weeks of college.

Your choices and actions affect more than just yourself now. Choose wisely. Do not view your college years as a means to an end, but view them as an important and vital part of your life journey. The friendships you make are almost, if not as valuable as the courses you take. Choose your friends wisely and do not take those relationships for granted, they will be with you much longer then the information you learned in the random class. Choose a major that will take you places and not just one that sounds like it's interesting. Think long term with vision; not dwelling on the future, but pondering it, seeing how today is just as important as tomorrow. Don't be afraid to live free from regrets. Study abroad, play on a sports team, join a club. Take the time to look up from your textbook and enjoy your life now, knowing that it will only get better as you make wise and meaningful choices.

I would suggest that instead of trying to make a long distance relationship work with my high school boyfriend that I come to school single. It isn't that I wanted to date, but that relationship controlled a lot of my experiences and caused a great amout of stress. I only ended it after it began affecting my grades. As a freshman in college your priorities should be school work, friendships, and personal mental and physical health.

I was fortunate enough to be able to pursue college right after high school. I now know I took for granted that opportunity. I was young and inexperienced in the subject of life. If I was able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a serious pep talk. First, I would tell myself to stay with the plan to get my general education classes completed at a junior college before transferring to my desired college pick of USD. This eases you into the college frame of mind. I should also keep the socializing to a minimum in order to succeed in my classes. Living on your own at age 20 is a huge transition which can be scary, but also exciting. Having received my Bachelor’s Degree, and now trying to apply to a Master’s Degree program, I am very aware of the importance of good grades. Socializing and having fun while in college are also important when it comes to growing as a person, but there is such a thing as too much partying. Above all, always think of the consequences of your actions. There is life after college.

If I could go back in time, to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself a few things. The one thing that I wish I would have done is apply for a lot more scholarships. At the time I did not fully understand how much money culinary school was going to be. I also thought the scholarships and grants, I had received would pay for most of my schooling, however I thought wrong. I would tell myself that the more scholarships you apply for now will prevent you from stressing later on. For the most part I am independent, so making the transformation from high school to college was not difficult; I was ready to start my life as an adult. College was not a big change for me. The only thing that has changed is that I now know how it feels to constantly be worrying about money.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to focus a bit more on applying for outside scholarships during that time period. The cost of a higher education weighs heavy on my mind, and I am aware of the financial burden my education is having on my parents. Applying for more scholarships during my senior year, would have greatly impacted the amount of money needed to complete my education, and made my transition into college less stressful by eliminating the daily worrying about finances.

I have gotten the fact that it is time for me to make harder decisions. I am living on my own now, the first for me, so I really have to make the right decisions. I also have learned that I was always right when it came to what I wanted to do. I know it's the right path, it is just a matter of being able to continue that path when that path is so expensive. I also have realized that I must do whatever I can in order to continue with my dream.

My college experience has given me a new sence of independence and knowlege that I never though possible. It has given me a great feeling of teamwork and pride for my school and myself being an athlete on one of the many teams present at this University. I have learned how to grow up and find interests that make me happy and unique to others. This will all help me in the future when I graduate college and head off into the workforce. The schooling I am getting at the University of San Diego is unlike any other because of its small class sizes and close attention each student is given. This has made it easier to grasp concepts and further my learning. Not only will I be able to head out into the wold but I will be able to find a job and know that my education was worth it.

College offers students a variety of options, such as travel, research, and programs, to explore our inner self. A research lab I am part of deals with autoimmunity and the finding of immune responses. Being a part of this makes me realize the fundamental road towards science. Without researchers, we would not know how the human body works, which is essential to our ever growing population who needs health care. With this realization, I volunteered at a hospital to see how research has impacted our population. From nurses aiding patients to doctors prescribing medication, knowledge comes from basic research. I am able to understand this form of research because I have taken rigorous courses. The information in these courses is basic, yet so important, to our global understanding of the chain of events I have just described. Being in college has been the most inspiring experiences that have happened in my life. Coming from an economically disadvantaged family cared by a single mother who is ailed with Lupus, I have had minimal experience. Now that I am in college, I see my dreams at my fingertips. I know that I am able to find the next cure for autoimmune diseases.

Since I'd lived in Texas for my entire life, moving to San Diego, California for college was a very new and exciting experience for me. In addition to all of the changes that come with University life (more freedom, different classroom dynamic, meeting new people), I also adjusted to the West Coast lifestyle, which is fast-paced but more casual compared to North Texas. The most significant difference I’ve noticed after two and a half years is the social dynamic of college compared to that of high schools. In high school, students try desperately to fit in with their peers, as if being different is the worst fate imaginable. However, in college students are encouraged to express their individuality. In fact, blind conformity is discouraged and differences are celebrated. Besides the obvious benefits of college such as getting an education and becoming independent, attending my university helped me finally realize how important it is to be myself, and to accept others for being nothing but themselves as well. Not only will this realization provide me with a positive social and academic college experience, it will benefit me in the professional realm after graduation.

So far i hve received incredable amounts of help for my intent in majorring in Chemical Engineering.

First and foremost I have learned what it is like to live in the real world. Not what they teach you in high school, but what it is really like to be out there, learning new things, making new friends, and surviving. College has taught me about different people and how we are not all that different at all. College has given me a new appreciation for the world and how I view it. I love to meet new people and it has been a blessing meeting all of the new friends and family that I have during my college experience. I would love the opportunity to continue my education and my growth as a person. I believe that I can do a lot for this world and college will give me the tools to reach my goals.

When you attend a community college, you are never sure of what your experience is going to be like. I go to a school that is nearly 2 hours away from me so I constantly hoped that it would worth it every morning. My college, Queensborough, is a suburban campus and its completly diverse. I never expected it to be a fulfilling experience. Why? Because I had to find myself all over again in college. I thought I found myself in high school but I was wrong. Especially socially. I wasn't the most social person in high school even though I was friendly. But in college, I realized I had to learn a lot about how people act and react. Gratefully, I was able to make friends in my school. They helped me little by little and I learned sometimes by example on how to approach and connect with others. I also learned more about tolerance and compassion towards other causes, even though you feel like a minority in the fight. The fight still counts and matters. Overall, Queensborough made me realized how easily thing change and knowing yourself is the best way to counter or blend with changes.

Getting an undergraduate degree has allowed me to enter the progam I am in now.

The first time I ever set foot on my campus, I was very pensive. This was a backup of sorts, and I ended up staying in the area for a girl. But it didn't work out...so needless to say, when that ended I was very distraught and sad at my choice to stay here. But this school has become more then I ever thought it could be for me. I've met some friends that I can picture myself with for a lifetime. Out of my classes, mainly the upper division required classes, I really feel like my mind has been expanded. I always saw myself as pretty aware and fair and balanced, and that helped me. And in these classes I've just got a really great cultural, as well as educational, understaning on various subjects. I've had my eyes opened in so many different ways to religion, society, and the world I'm preparing myself for. I've made great connections and great friends. Most importantly, I've really grown here as a person. This campus became my home for a while, and I really came out of my shell. I grew as a person.

So far out of my college experience, I have gotten so many connections. I am the type of person who believes that connections beween people are benificial on many levels. Here at USD I feel I make many connections, with faculty and students alike. It has been valuable to my self-esteem, my academics, and my overall happiness attending here, and I look forward to next year.

College has given me a new life. It continues to generate self-confidence and self-respect. Re-entrance into education triggered this renewed sense of value. My achievement of a 4.0 status equipped my children with additional deference. I was no longer just a “home-maker and a mom.” Friends and family were surprised by my good grades and showed it. I felt like I “had a life” again. My spirit felt transformed to the point that I knew that the world was my oyster and once more its discovery was an intriguing prospect. The academic subjects themselves were very interesting and challenged me daily to quickly complete my regular household and self-employment duties. Thus, mundane tasks became less burdensome as I looked forward to my next tryst with education. Even my online relationships with my professors made me feel more valued as an individual because of the give and take. In short, college continues to be an invaluable experience. A mother of eight, whose significance had been measured in household terms, had found a new lease on life. Assessment became an infinite item full of possibilities. I had re-discovered the joys of learning.

What i have gotten is the ablity to be in small class rooms so that My professor is able to help. Other than that im still trying to find my place on this campus and have recently joiend a sorority the friends i have gaiend made me want to stay at this university

From my college experience, I have learned a lot about myself that I did not know before I attended college. In my time at the University of San Diego, I was able to discover what it is that I truly enjoy doing with my time, and ultimately, what I would like to end up doing as a career. Without my wonderful professors who truly engaged me in the classroom, I would have been at a loss as for what to study. With their help, I was able to choose a major that truly interested me, while at the same time giving me valueable skills that will actually be applicable in the real world. I feel that my education at USD has been valueable because it set me up to be able to excel at whatever job I end up choosing to do after my graduation.

I would tell myself that college is about myself. It's a time to grow, explore and learn. Yes I need to get good grades and graduate with a degree. But always remember who I'm getting that degree for. Not for parents, friends or anyone else. Make sure I give myself time to decide what I really want to do. Take a variety of classes and explore various interests. Most importantly if I have a passion, go for it! Don't let anyone tell me I can't , or it's not a safe choice. I will be living with the concequences of my choices, not anyone else. Of course I would tell myself to work hard and be diligent in my studies; but also get involved! Networking is so important. Now and especially after graduation. Finally, I would say to myself, make sure I have fun. This time in my life only happens once-take it for all its worth!

Do what makes you happy. It sounds simple, and kind of to be common sense, but it really makes such a difference in your college experience. Some people spend their time in college trying to impress their peers; that is not the way to go about life. One needs to find a way to do things that make YOU happy. Study what you want, just have a way to orient it towards the future. Have a little fun; fun is what you will remember the most, but your education is what will advance you in the next steps. Learn. Learn about people, events, those around you, and most of all, learn about yourself. Let yourself grow in character. Your college years will be some of the most formative. Embrace everything that comes your way as an opportunity for you to become a better citizen. It is not necessarily what you do in college; it is what you do with that in the years beyond. Mark Twain has always left an impact with his words, "Explore, Dream Dsicover." Take those to heart and live life that way in every moment.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would first and foremost advise my high school self to take initiative. Whether in college selection, class choices, connecting with new friends, or disconnecting with old ones, taking charge in decisions should be a primary concern. If I let someone take me by the hand at the last second without any critical thought or self-reflection, I risk letting life-changing decisions fall by the wayside. And to that end, I would additionally advise my high school self to practice constant self-reflection. This practice will help him outline his future in a manner that not only benefits him in terms of potential professions and corresponding classes, but others as well, in terms of coming to understand his inherent desire to volunteer his time to the college's surrounding community. Finally, I would reiterate to my high school self that college is about being responsible for oneself and one's future ? others can act with him but they should not act for him.

So, here you are filling out college applications clueless of what you really looking for in a college. I am here to give you a few tips. First, think really hard on how conservative or liberal you want the Univeristy's politics to be, since you know that you want to major in political science. Another detail you need to consider is what religious atmosphere you want to be immersed in, because even though you do not realize it, you are a religious person and want to go to a catholic college. Next, please look at the class size at the colleges that you are looking at: the smaller the better for you, since you love the personal relationship with your classmates and professor. Futhermore, make sure you look at the colleges pre-law programs, which will help you in 4 years when you are filling out applications again for law school. And finally, visit at least 3 campus of the colleges you are considering, this is going to ease your concious when you are finally at college, which willl let you know you made the right choice. Remember, this is your choice, so dream big. '

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first tell myself not to underestimate any college classes I will be taking in the near future just because I have taken an Advanced Placement course in that subject or class. Overestimation does not help either, especially in a college class setting, for you do not want to be intimidated by a class you have not taken before or a teacher; alwasy stay a positive thinker. Furthermore, procastination will not get you anywhere in an undergraduate school because each class is highly demanding and straying behind one assignment in one class can almost surely cause a domino effect in other assignments in other classes. The trick is to learn time management for it is one of the keys to success as it will then aid you in your college courses and prepare you for upper-division courses you will take later on. It is also helpful to join clubs or a sports team that you are interested in for it will help you meet other people who share your passion and who could possibly be contacts for a future intership or job.

First advice: please learn the value of time. Time is something that even money can't buy. If I waste my time on something not as productive, then I would regret it later on in life, specifically speaking, for me, in a few days. I would choose to use my time on computer, websites such as facebook, youtube, are a big time waster, as my mom would call it. I never understood why my mom always hated me when I am on computer, but now I do. In my first quarter at UCSD, I would spend most of my time in front of the computer, staring at the screen, while the time is ticking away. Then when the midterms and finals came, I panicked. I blamed the professors on their bad teaching skills, and never realized my fault. Now when I retrospect, I was the one at fault. It was my choice to waste time instead of studying. Time is extremely precious; it is simply irreplacable once I lose it. If I were to go back in time, I would tell myself to use time efficiently and not to make the same mistake twice.

Trying as that final semester of high school was, with picking a college and preparing for life in the adult world, I would choose to return to it. During my college selection process, I chose a highly rated school close to my home with a well-respected program in my field of study. On paper, the school looked like a sound choice. However, I feel I might have made a different selection if I had looked at the school more holistically and factored the student body into my decision. I found that many of them came from economically privileged families and had not been exposed to the sorts of diversity I had been. Many hold very narrow-minded views of humanity and the world. I wish I had evaluated this situation before I entered. Since arriving, I have found it hard to find like-minded people. This has made the college adjustment process more challenging than it seemed for many of my peers. I feel I would have been able to create a better support system for myself if I had attended a school where students held similar beliefs and took an interest in global change as I do.

What I would say to myself if i could go back in time to my senior year of high school is, Buckle down and get your work done you only have one year left and your friends won't take you very far continue to socialize but in smaller amounts, try your hardest to pass every class and make sure to do all of your homework. Once you graduate look into massage school i bet you will really like it. Your life will be hard but nothing that you can't manage just buckle down and try you hardest to succeed at everything. Keep in mind you want to create a good future for your husband and future children, you are going to do great! Good Luck!

The advice I would give myself would be to get involved early in student organizations. I was so shy coming into college and didn't really join any clubs or sports teams and now I feel like an outcast and don't have a good social life. I wish I could have made better relationships earlier on in my college career. I think having these friendships would be a backbone to my success at my school in making my social life better and also help encourage me in my studies. I would also have told myself that being independent does not mean that you can't ask for help. One of the most important parts of becoming independent is learning that you are dependant on others for some things. I have now learned that I need my professors help no matter how much I think I can study on my own. And I need my roommate and close friends to be there for me when I am having trouble either in my personal life or academically. I wish I had known that independent doesn't mean you are out there on your own.