University of Southern Maine Top Questions

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

Jacob

After knowing what I now know about college, I would make sure to stress how important it is to be fearless and to follow your heart. Thoroughout high school, I battled with myself whether or not to persue a degree in Theatre. Never ceasing to amaze me, I have been doing theatre since I was ten. I would get butterflies in my stomach before every performance; I would tear up just thinking about performing for the rest of my life. Theatre runs through my veins, and without it I would be nothing, it made me who I am today. Along with following my heart, I would advise my younger self to be fearless. Go out and make friends, be yourself and do not let prejudices stop you from making friends. I have made some of the most amazing friends here at college, and it was because I stopped caring what other people thought; I let all the dos and do nots of high school go. College is a lot different from high school, that's just one more thing I would stress to my younger self. There is not anyone telling you how to act, or what to do.

Saadia

Work harder because every grade counts.

Rachelle

To do exatly what I've done now. I spent two years working in the medical field stright out of high school and through that experience I've found something I'm passinate enough about to dedicate my life to it. I'd tell myself to continue to be money-wise and to make the same decisions that I've made to place me exactly where I am.

Jazmin

If I could go back in time I would tell myself that during my high school career to take a learning disability evaluation, instead of needlessly struggling. During that time I was far too proud, stubborn and worried about my reputation that to be classified as "disabled" and receiving the support I needed.

allison

Suring the application process to USM nursing program, I was terrified of how challengin gthe porgram would be. I had dropped out of High School and did not believe that I was smart enough to get a nursing degree. After graduating with honors and eventually succeding in the graduate nursing program, I would have told myself to have faith and trust my instincts. I began the porgram with studnets fresh out of high school and thought for sure I was going to fail since they had attended so many more hgih school classes than I had. Half way though A&P one of them asked to come and study with me since she was having so much toruble. I realized then that my survival skills I had needed to get thourhg tough times were guiding my resolve to work hard and get through the porgram. I would tell myslef to know that I have what it takes becuase passion and maturity are importnat parts of the college success puzzle.

Ivana

I would have started the money search sooner than I did. I would have saved myself the hastle of not being able to register for spring semester. I would have picked a cheaper college, or even made better friends. I wish I would have put my head into the books more than I did and I probably would have made better grades.

Khalfani

The acrid stench of urine in regretful Downtown Miami fills my poor tired lungs as I sit here typing until my lack of pigmented-negro hands fall to the floor. And for what? To tell you my story of how I screwed up in high school? Pfft! Please! If only I can tell my old stubborn, white Jonas wannabe, self how stupid it was not to apply for scholarships and grants just so I can have the fifty-six dollars and twenty-five cents to pay for a frayed bus pass. If only I can tell myself how stupid I sounded when I used pompous vocabulary-out context-just to inflate my pretentious ego..."like what I did there?" That's what I always said until July 22, 2013, when I found my, soon to be hated, job by November, OfficeMax. You know, I couldn't even spend a full Thanksgiving night with my family, because I needed the petty extra eighty-five bucks so my lights won't cut off by the thirteenth? Whatever, I'll end this rant on one note to all seniors out there. The provocative truth about screwing up is NOTHING! Now figure that out.

Brooke

The most important piece of advice I would give myself would be, to take the time to apply for scholarships. Money should be the last thing on your mind while you’re in college. Money is very stressful and can take away from your academic focus. Having a clear mind to focus strongly on your academic success is crucial. Yes, there are loans available that make it possible for people who do not receive finical aid, but when school is over the debt is almost not worth it. When you have 30,000 or more in student loans, buying your first home or car is the last thing you are able to consider. Slow down and look for ways to make tuition costs lower, it will only benefit you. My next piece of advice would be, to slow down and really think about what I want out of life? Where do I see myself being happy? Finding a school that is right is important along with happiness.

Lindsey

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. This is why I would not give my high school self very specific advice or warning regarding my upcoming college years. I, of course, made mistakes during my first few years of college and I am continuing to make mistakes as every person does. However I would tell high school Lindsey to be more flexible. I would say planning for the future is a good idea but plans are not maps to be followed. I had my major and career path planned before I set foot in a college classroom but three semester later I found that I wasn't enjoying that major and I thought my whole future was unraveling. In the end, I found a major I enjoy much more and I had almost all the credits needed to turn my old major into a minor. Therefore, I would advise my younger self not to take things so seriously and remember that a change of plans or choosing a new path does not mean all the time until that point was wasted.

Lauren

I would advise myself to chase after what makes me happiest. Explore areas that have always interested me but I never had the chance or courage to do. I would tell myself to not let the trouble of my family get in the way of my goals and success in college. I would tell myself that I should live on campus for sure so I can get to know more people and be more involved in school. I would say that being involved in school will have lessened the chance that I may drop out and that I should accept that there may be times where I feel alone but there is help available. This is probably the most important peice of advice I would give myself. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. They are free with tuition and they immensely help whether you are struggling or not academically or on a personal level with issues at home or at school. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would strongly advise myself as a high school senior to not let uncontrolable roadblocks get in the way of exploring college and to take advantage of counseling services.

Jessica

If I could go back in time my first and foremost piece of advice to myself would be to pay attention to my finances. Be more cautious with my spending and think ahead for the future. Instead of wasting money on frivolous things put a little bit of money away every week. Don't get a credit card unless absolutely neccessary and only use it for emergency situations. Learn how to make a budget now so you do not become overhwelmed by bills and learn how to be smart with what purchases you do make. Next I would be sure to tell myself not to cram overnight, work smarter not harder. Be consistent in you study and practice. Create a schedule and adhere to it as best you can. Also don't be overwhelmed by change. Expect it but don't be shocked by it. No matter how hard it seems change can be good it causes growth. Stay strong no matter what and when times get tough remember nothing is forever. You are a smart capable young woman and when you apply yourself you can achieve anything so chase your dreams and let nothing stand in your way.

Andrea

The advice I would give myself is to give myself the opportunity, the opporunity to apply or to even go to Texas State University. I didn't even give myself the chance to find out if I'd be accepted and until this day it haunts , I thought I'd never be good enough or be able to make it on my own. All I think is what if, what if I applied, what if I did get in, just what if? That's all I can ask myself. I wish I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and tell myself: give yourself a chance, you deserve a shot at something new in life that could either turn out to be amazing or become an experience to learn from but atleast give yourself the opportunity to find out. Don't be scared and give it a try. Sooner or later you're going to have to leave the nest and stand on your own two feet, why not start now? Don't hold back because of anything or anyone, you deserve to do this for you, do it for you. Do it.

Meaghan

This is a tough question for me - shortly after I graduated from high school, I became pregnant with my daughter. If I could go back and speak to myself, I'd say "hey Meaghan, do your homework," because that was something I really fell short on while I was there. I participated actively in conversation, and teachers all seemed to like me, but I failed miserably when it came to doing my work on time [or sometimes, at all.] Going back to school as a 21 year old parent was a tough, tough choice for me, but obviously the right one.

Marcia

I did my high school years in San Jose, Costa Rica. I would advise myself to work very hard in my future goals and be confident about my decision. I would tell myself to not be afraid to take risks and follow my heart. I would of learn English before I came here for College. I would probably suggest getting a job and save money for college.

Samantha

As the human society moves along and ventures to new and exciting levels, it is important for individuals to tranisiton appropriately along the way. Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, my transition into becoming a young woman would have been much different. Knowing what I know now about college life, I personally would have told myself to be more motivated and ambitious with my future goals. I would have asked for more help and more direction so that I could have better understood just how important college really is. Immediately, the first peice of advice I would have given to myself would be to get college applications out. Not knowing how to apply, nor having money should not have stopped me from delaying my education and settling for a community college. The transition and path that I chose was an easy route. Knowing what I know now about how college life really works and the strenuous amount of effect it takes to achieve such specactular goals, I would have told myself to buckle down. Venturing into my future college courses, I will become a young woman.

Taylor

I would tell myself to go to college. Start at a community college for the first two years and then transfer to a bigger university. I would also look into scholarships so I didn't leave school with a lot of student loan debt. I would make sure attending college was the right decision so I didn't waste any money.

Chelsea

You are not crazy, you are just chronically misunderstood. You are so much smarter, courageous, beautiful than you could ever imagine. You are not fat or lazy or stupid. The world is open to you. You have so much to offer. It gets better. Way better. You could not ever possibly imagine what life will be like in 5, 10, or even 2 years from now. You are lovable. Don't be too hard on yourself. Don't believe the lies people tell you about yourself. You know who you are and what's important. Don't give any one person too much of your power or let them take it from you. Try not to put all your eggs in one basket, it is unwise. Never take yourself too seriously. Life is not nearly as serious or predictable as you would like to think it is. Accept your limitations. You will come up against them time and time again and it is wise to heed them and not to force your way through. That strategy does not work. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it, in fact this is a strength building strategy.

Dezarey

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I honestly would not change a thing. I am so thankful that I made the "mistakes" I did while I was still at such a young age. I am now 26, and only 2 years back into school but I have so much to be thankful for. When I was a senior in high school, I became pregnant with my first child. He is so beautiful. Only 18 months after his birth was the birth of my second son. He is adorable and hilarious. If I had not made the mistakes so young, I wouldn’t have been given these two awesome kids. I may have delayed school a bit but I feel that sometimes, when people enter college straight out of high school, they don’t take it seriously. I am now mature enough to realize the importance of doing well. I am able to set a goal and meet it without the distractions of a teenager. The only thing I would tell myself as a teen, is Dezarey; you are smart, learn from your mistakes and keep moving.

Adan

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would say always staye focus. Knowing what I know, sometimes 1 day you blow off could mean the difference between a B or A. Get to know all your professor because in the end, they are recommending you. Always stay involved in school activities and document when you volunteer. I never documented when I volunteer and sometimes is necessary to show you actually did. I would also say use all the resources available like library and writing center. Lastly, I would say to myself, learn how to cook! It says money and you eat better quality food. Through my years in college, I was 12 hours away from my family on my own. Sometimes it was dificult to get through the month since my allowance was 100 dollar after paying rent and my bus pass. Making ones own food yields to saving a good amount of money, eating better, and staying healthy.

Claudia

Go for a reasonably priced school with a program you love. Your education is what you make of it, and you will find incredible teachers wherever you go if you take the time to listen. Take a year off if you need to - it is better to know what you want out of your education before diving head first into it only to find it isn't what you really wanted to be doing. It is possible to work your way through school without accumulating insurmountable debt by paying what you can when you can, and taking out as few loans as possible. Learn about the capitalization of interest, and don't take the word of any loan counselors - read the fine print yourself. While you are in school join clubs, and make a club of your own! They are a great way to meet lifelong friends, and once you figure out how your school funds work, you may get the school to pay for your club snacks, or trip to the science museum, or the seeds and dirt for your community garden. Take the initiative and do what you are passionate about - it will lead to good things!

Dainene

If I can go back to being a high school senior and talking to myself, the first thing I could possibly think of telling myself is, “Please be organized!” Being organized is the key to great achievement in college. Organization, simply put, means that you are overcoming the hindrances that keep you from doing all you need to do. College students have to be organized with everything; be it with knowing your class schedule, dates of exams, or dividing your free time with your studying time. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and organization to really master being a college student. Many students do not know that so much is involved with being a college student rather than being in high school. Everything was mapped out but now the organization skills must kick in! Once a student has become “organized,” they have this ability to be able to take on more and to achieve more in their college career. Being organized leads to the promise of obtaining your degree and a promising future!

david

You need to make a schedule and stick to it. Fight the urge to push everything to the last minute. Dont spend money on things you do not need. Do not skip class because you are too lazy.

Nicole

Nothing you are doing is abnormal, or strange. You are not handling college any better or worse than other freshmen. Do what makes you comfortable and happy, not what you think is expected of you as a college student (outside of completing your homework on time). While the upperclassmen all seem far more knowledgeable and wordly than you, they started out where you are right now and are STILL trying to figure college out. The school year will pass by much more quickly than you think, so stay on your toes. You're a neurotic and anxious person, so don't make it worse by procrastinating on assignments. This will snowball out of control and you will be so paralyzed by anxiety that you can't even start that already late assignment. It's okay to spend all night watching movies and chugging soda when you feel like you can't deal with other people. Taking a time out to pamper yourself and to allow for self-reflection is just as important in college as making sure you connect with other people - which you may not do easily at first. That's okay. Take it one step at a time.

Jessica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself four years of advice that I have acquired since. First, I would tell myself to study hard annd apply for as many scholarships you can. The real world is very difficult and money does not grow on trees. I did not take college serious as a high school senior, and thought money would just appear for payment I guess. I was lucky enough to receive the Life Scholarship, however, I thought I loved a boy and did not attend class everyday. In turn my grade point average dropped and I lost my scholarship. I would tell myself how good I had life made and not to take it for granit. I would also push myself way harder to achieve my goals faster. I have learned a lot being out of high school and my parents house. Living on my own is not what I thought it would be as a child. If I could truly go back and tell myself to work and study hard that school will be over soon and that I will greatly appreciate the works payoff.

Jacob

If I could go back to myself in high school and give some advice, it would definitely be to apply myself to my studies more than what I did. I wasn't exactly a slacker, but I could have applied myself more and would have gotten better grades. I would also tell myself not to worry about the little things so much, to just take life as it comes, there's too much that tries to bring you down and take your peace away. I'd really try to influence myself to make better choices in friends, because now that we've been out of high school for a couple of years, most of if, not all of, my friends have left or changed in some way; so i'd make myself find more lasting friends so that I've always got them no matter what. There's alot more I'd say and tell myself about what all I've done, but that doesn't matter as much right now.

Jamie

I would tell myself that success is determined by one's attitude not apptittude. One can achieve anything if the effort and determination is there. Also to never let the people around you keep you back from success. Everyone has a different path so separation is natural and in most cases, separation is neccessary

Rachel

I had a very religious background growing up, so although getting good grades was important college was strongly not encouraged. I wish if I could go back I would look at my high school education with a view to looking at what I wanted to do in college. High school is a time in life where you are curious and feel indestructable. It would have been nice to think about college as an adventure where I could become anything I wanted.

Kaleigh

If I could go back in time, what I would want to tell myself would be to just relax. Looking back now, I flustered myself before I came to college. I would want to tell myself that I'm ready to go, and not to worry about the "what if" situations. That in college you just have to roll with the punches, and deal with situations as they come. I would tell myself that if I waste time thinking about things that may not even happen, my college expirience won't be open to as many opportunities. I would aslo want to tell myself that what happens in college is real. That slacking off with school work isn't an option anymore. That school work needs to be taken seriously now. At college I've seen too many people slack off, and have their grades suffer in consiquence. I would renenforce the fact that what happens now, affects the rest of your life. Employers worry about what you know, and how well you know it. The only way to prove you know something, is to actually know it. So school work must be taken seriously to prepare for the future.

Magen

I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. You have to be an independent learner, and put all the responsibility of schooling upon yourself. You have to remind yourself of when assignments are due, when you have quizes, exams, etc.. The professors will do it for you once in a while, but not to the extent that high school teachers will. Also, in college, going to class is optional. However, you should make it mandatory for yourself; even if you're not feeling the greatest. Bring some handsanitizer, and anything to stop the spreading of what you've got. Being in class is so important, I can't stress it enough. The days you miss are the days you would have learned the most, or something really important for am exam. What I would really tell my high school self though is to stay more focused, but don't overdue it. Sometimes people have bad days, and failing an exam isn't going to be the end of your life. Get back up on the horse and put everything into it next time.

Lindsey

I'd tell myself to never give up. Friends do come along, and sports come back. Focus a lot during my first semester and don't waste so much time with people that don't care about me. I'd tell myself its okay to come out of my shell because people will end up loving me. I'd remind myself to work hard in off season, college sports are very hard. I would also like to tell my past self that you really do make your life long friends in college.

Melinda

Don't rush the experience. When I started I had the mindset that I would just plow through and only focus on mystudies. Then last year I had the idea that I wanted to become more involved with this campus and once I did I fell in love with being involved and wished I had done it sooner and not had been so serious. Our education isimportant yet if we are to focued on our goal and miss what is happengin around us then whats the point. Life is about all our experinces, so work hard in school yet enjoy it at the same time.

Katelyn

The advice I would give myself is keep pushing through all the difficulties. Save money because having no money is the most frustrating part of college. Dont try out for the soccer team. It is better that you devote all your time to your studies and not have to worry about practicing in the cold and dealing with the unsportsmanship attitudes of the team. Also, stay focused whenever you are driving; dont let anyone distract you. If you focus on the road you'll avoid an accident. Call mom every week. you'll find out over Christmas that things arent going well between mom and dad, so just call every week to remind them you love them. One last thing, an amazing girl, Kacie will walk into your life and be your best friend ever! She will help you get a new roommate and deal with all the stress at home, school, work, and with Alex. She will be the best thing that ever happened to you. You're going to be fine though. you're strong! Stay close to your family and choose your friends carefully. Love, me.

Kiersten

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would advise myself to listen to my high school teachers and guidance counselors. The amount of suggestions and useful material that was given to me was put to waste., including scholarship information. One of the most important things I was told was to set goals for my future. Another big piece of advice I would have given myself was to try your hardest in all your classes and on the SAT's. The effort put in your high school years really reflects upon your future. I wish I would have realized that my poor effort on the SAT's was going to have a huge impact on college.

Sara

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior self, I would tell her not to stress. I put so much stress on myself to get the most out of high school to prepare myself more for college. Well that didn't work, it discouraged my high school experience. On top of that high school did not prepare me for college at all. The thing that prepared me the most was my life experience. Before my senior I went through a divorce, living on my own for a while, moving to a town 30 minutes away and having to make that commute. It's those life experiences that gave me the head on my shoulders making me ready for the journey ahead of me. I would tell myself to stop worrying about self perfection, and recognition, worry about the life that is still being played around you, becuase it doesn't pause or slow down for you, it keeps going it's normal speed whether you are maturing with it or not.

Taylor

If I could go back and tell my young and nieve self anything, it would be to stop, look around you, and enjoy it. Highschool is definetly the best years of your life. Don't waste it on stressing the small stuff or being sad that the boy of your dreams isn't asking you out. Don't worry that you lost that last game or you took a bad school picture. College and working is not all its cracked up to be. It's harder then I used to think and you have to work for everything you want. You can make some great memories in highschool and friends of a lifetime, cherish them. Follow your heart and dreams. Don't go into something you don't love. Find your passion. Experience it. Live it. Most importantly dont take it for granted.

Sarah

I would tell myself to be smarter with money and to get tips from my mom about life skills. Go the grocery store with her and learn about shopping smart and how to save money while doing it. Watch and help her cook meals so you are able to cook and learn about basic sewing. The microwave will become your best friend and you will be awesome at using it, plus, when you go out to eat, always get the rest of your food box because you never know when you will want a snack. I would tell myself about how to stay active more and to try-out for volleyball right away and not wait till the next year to do it. Don't every go to the gym to work out in the morning or from 3-6 becuase it is really pack and hard to get weights or machines you want use. Lastly, i would let myself know to do the homework while listening to classical music because it helps me concentrate better and not procrastinate, have fun, relax, and join the engineering program because you want to be a mechanical engineer not a chemist.

Adilene

The advice I would giv myself if I was back in high school would of been to apply for as many schoarships as I could, get better grades, looked into college a little bit more, and participated in more school activities.

Kathleen

Young Kathleen, You're full of dreams but they all revolve around following the successful footprints of your family, most of whom are involved in the medical field. You know very well that this isn't the path for you, although sciences and medicine intrigue you, your heart lies in art. Your hands weren't meant to touch the hearts of others with healing, but with your creations. Art has always been your strongest subject, don't be afraid you aren't good enough, once you let go of your fears you will even start to impress yourself with what you can make. You don't need to move away from home.. Listen to Mom, stay close to her. She keeps you motivated and out of trouble, she's your biggest fan and supporter as well as a fountain of inspiration. Not to mention that by staying home you'll save yourself money. You can keep working at your steady job, with your supportive boss who gives you free lessons in business, why would you think to give that up? Try to surpress your desire for new exotic people and places, there's plenty of time to discover them later.

Jamarlen

If I could go back and time and talk to my high school senior self, oh there would be so many things I would tell a young me. I would tell him to get serious after high school, start working during the summer, so I could have many saved up for school and while then I would tell him to prepare to work hard and attened James Sprunt Community College and double major in both the Computer Information Technology field and in the Associate in Arts program, and when he would ask me why I would tell him its going to help you better help and prepare you for the future. With the knowledge I know now I would tell him community college would be his best choice, not only would he learn about computers andget his general courses out the way, so when he transferred to university he could go straight to his intended program of study which is computer science. I would also tell my younger self to enroll or transfer to UNC-Greensboro and enter their computer science program and try to do their accelerated BS and MS option in which you get bothe degrees.

Marcus

I would tell myself to really focus and study. This semester I realized that I needed to buckle down if I really want to complete my degree. This is the only thing I've ever wanted to do and probably will. Just focus and don't dilly dally. Get your work done! Impossible is nothing.

Jared

I would tell myself on simple thing, be you. I feel I have failed and conqurred, which has been the best experience.

nick

If I could go back in time and advise myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry so much about the small things. I never had to worry about the small things, like getting off to college or worrying if I would meet people there. I would tell myself that everything works out like it should, and I would not change any specific events. I would just want to let myself know that college goes great, you will meet a bunch of friends that are exactly like you, and you will get a girlfriend. I would not want to change any events because then I may not have met certain people, and I have met people since going to college that I will be friends with for life, and I would never want to change that.

John

I would say to that young impressionable self to take a year, maybe even two off away from school to learn more about yourself before diving right in. I'd say that college will be waiting and there is no reason to rush even if all your friends are going. When the time came to go I'd say not to worry about which classes might be the best fit and instead try some you might not normally. I'd say explore as many academic options as possible but also remember to have fun. Join the dram club, and the school chorus and stop worrying all the time about academic achievement. Hang out with people who make you laugh, dare to go into the local cities surrounding the campus and go to music clubs and restaurants. Finally see that you get some rest now and then. It's not crucial that you attend every party or go out drinking with your friends every friday night. Learn to make time for yourself so that you can sit and reflect on how things are going and whether you're having a good time at school.

Sarah

Dear young, impressionable high school self: Here are some words of wisdom to help you transition into college life. Take classes seriously, show up on time, and pay attention because the grades you earn Freshman year of college will affect your GPA all the way to graduation. Talk to the students in your classes and form study groups, it will seriously cut down on your study time! Go out and meet new people, join a club that interests you, and get involved in extra-curricular activities because college will be boring and lonely if you do not participate in campus events and find friends to share your college experience with. Form a relationship with your advisor so you can stay on track with the classes you need to be taking and what career opportunites might be available for you in the future. Choose one day every week to relax, unwind, and clear your head. And most importanty, stay motivated, and keep studying and pushing through even when you are burnt out because it will be so worth it in the end when you are holding your diploma!

Kathryn

Unfortunately, I don't feel as though my collegiate experience challenged me academically, or pushed me to my full potential. Regardless of these feelings, I think the overall value and experience of attending college are priceless. I have made what I consider, life-long friends, and have grown leaps and bounds as a person. The most valuable lesson I have taken away from my college experience is that it is never to late to change your situation. I think we often trap ourselves as students, and convince ourselves that we have to want one path, and one path only. We associate a lot of fear and disappointment with changing our educational plan. I graduated from a 4-year program and realized I wasn't happy, my experience encouraged me to continue with my eduation and find what truly makes me happy. Had I not had this experience, I may have settled for a career path I wasn't passionate about.

Annette

I have gained valuable life, long friends. These friends have helped me through some rough patches in my life. For instance, they helped me through some relationship issues last springs. My friends and I have memorable experiences such as this winter's Christmas Party. We played, Uno and had Chinese food for dinner. College has given a whole different perspective on life by meeting all sorts of different people.

Katherine

My college experience thus far has been so rich. College has taught me so much more than academics, it's taught me how to learn. I'm now at the point in my college career that I know what I want out of my education. These are the most productive and influential years of my life thus far as I have finally learned how to get the most out of my classes and professors. I have experimented with multiple ways to absorb information and have picked up so many life skills on the way. Not only have I learned how to support myself independently but also how to balance a demanding internship along with my studies in a productive way. College has taught me to respect and take value in the process of education, how to think critically under pressure, and how to stay organized. The entire experience has brought me through lots of trial and error, but that is what the college years are for, learning to learn.

Nikole

The most I have gotten out of my college experience is independence and responsibility. I no longer have my mother there to wake me up for class but at the same time she is not there to tell me when to go to bed. I feel like I am growing into my own person and this place has given me a lot of space to grow. Athletics has brought me closer to the community and I feel more obliged to help out than I had before.

Nicole

I would tell my self that everything will be okay there are times you will cry and miss your family but thats ok because you roomates feeling the same way. ALso dont go home everyweekend because then you miss out when you could be having fun . ALos study hard and recieve good grades for that is why you come to college but also remember to have fun employers look for well rounded students so get involved. overall dont stress have fun you'll have plenty of time later to worry about bills when you have to start paying back your loans so be a kid but remember you still at times have to be an adult.

Meggin

Because I had to work full time and commute two hours a day throughout my undergrad, I would tell myself as a senior to slow down and enjoy college more. Unlike most of my peers, I didn't spend much time partying or hanging out; I worked tirelessly at my academics and my multiple part time jobs in order to survive. While that was beneficial, I should have gone to all of the lectures and events that I was interested in, joined clubs, studied abroad, and just done whatever I could to make the most of that time in life in which one has so many opportunities to explore and stretch one's self. I'm glad I didn't waste time, but I wish I had been less focused on getting by and more focused on making the most of the experience.