University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give a lot of advice to myself. First of all, don't slack off in class; do all the homework assignments on time and do them to the best of your ability. Due dates are final in college; there is no acceptance of late work. Also, take classes in high school that will help with future classes in college. This will help you do better on placement exams, as well as the actual classes. Keep yourself well rounded by taking a variety of classes and joining varies clubs. This will help with scholarships and help with deciding what to get involved with in college. Lastly, have fun. There is much more responsibilty while in college; you are on your own with just about everything. Of course there is always someone to help you, but at some point there may not be. High school is the time to find yourself, and college is the time to pursue your dreams and live the life you've always wanted.

College is nothing like high school, so don't have that mentality. Be ready to work harder then you ever have before. It's not easy, but you will make it. Don't be afraid to go talk to the professors if you need to- they are there and willing to help, in fact, they want to. Do your work and put the time and effort in and you will be fine!

Upon travelling back in time and seeing myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to be more open minded. Throughout high school, I seldom took part in extracurricular activities and I feel I could have benefitted much more from them if I had taken them. I also would have told myself to not be afraid to follow my passion of acoustics, because back then I thought of it as merely a hobby. Now, I am genuinely excited to learn about it in a learning environment, which took a lot of opening up from my part. In high school, I was also fearing college as a place where professors did not care about one's education and constantly gave papers and exams. Within the first few weeks, I saw it was nothing like that, and was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. College life can be exciting and energizing as long as one cares about their education; it is a place completely unlike high school, but in a much better way. As much as I believe I would have benefitted from this, I realize that mistakes equal experience, and that quality makes the better college student.

As a senior in High School, one of my biggest dilemmas about choosing a college was my living situation. I debated whether or not I wanted to live on campus or off. There we school's where I would have to live on campus and others where I wouldn't need to. I would go back an tell myself not to stress about that. I now know that yes, its a big part of the college experience but it doesn't affect it very much. I believe I made the right choice by choosing UWM. I still get to do everything the kids on campus get to do but I get the accomidations of living at home and having a place where I can study and not get disturbed. I would also tell myself to try and apply to more scholarships! College is not cheap, $500 is better than $0! and the last thing i would tell myself, is to try and absorb as much as I could while still in high school. I would advise myself to try and find what works best for me and what doesn't.

First of all, I would tell myself that this campus is not nearly as big as I thought it was. Although there are many students, the campus is only about 3 blocks. When I made my schedule my freshman year, I made sure there was at least an hour between my classes so that I would be sure to have enough time to get from class to class. Now, I could tell myself that 10 or 15 minutes would have sufficed. Also, I would thank myself for taking advanced/AP classes in high school. Not only did these courses earn me extra credit and save me extra money, but they also prepared me for the amount of workload. When many students start college, they are shocked by the amount of coursework given out and that they won't be able to pass exams without studying. I'm glad that I already had this experience in high school because it made the transition to college alot easier. Oh, and I also would have told myself to buy some quality earplugs for living in the dorms. It would get quite loud....

The advise I would give myself would be to hunker down and study hard. There is always time to get together with your friends, but your studies must come first and foremost. Take some college classes (pre-requiste) while still a senior in high school if at all possible. This too will help you to be able to take more of the classes you desire rather when entering college. And remember only you can make it possible to succeed if you so desire.

Knowing what I know now about high school and college life, the best piece of advice I can give is this: no matter what hardships you encounter in your life, remember that your education is something the no one can ever take away from you. Even if times get difficult and seem hopeless, remember what you are working towards and constantly remind yourself of the benefits of going to college. College courses are much more difficult than high school ones, so challenging yourself early on is a good preparation for future success. Above all, stay positive and focused to achieve your goals, but never forget how you got to where you are today or where you will go in the future.

Dear Hillary, You are a shining star! However, you must remember that not all of your shine can come from your smile. It must also project from your personality, character traits, strengths, and actions. Your shine rubs off on others, whether you see it or not. Be aware of your shine. There will be times when you don?t feel like shining, but you must shine on. Your motivation, self-awareness, and determination will be your best allies; do not neglect them. You are your own best friend. Do not dim your own shine. There will also be times when it seems like others are trying to steal your shine, but they are not. They have their own individual type of shine, which at times may shine brighter than yours. That is their moment; let them shine. Remember: you are a shining star, unique and brilliant. Your are the star at the center of the universe in your life, but not in everyone else?s. You are one of many, and sometimes a combination of diverse stars shine brighter than a single star. Be a part of the world and understand it does not revolve around your shine. Sincerely, Hillary

I would tell myself to apply myself to the best of my abilities, from an acedmic standpoint and from a social standpoint. My college experience has taught me that the best way to transition into college life is to try your hardest to do well in school and take the initiative to be the best student possible. Procastinating on doing homework, hesitating to participate in class, and shying away from interacting with classmates and professors on campus will be detrimental to the transitioning process. Due to the fact UW-Milwaukee is a large and at times demanding university, falling behind on work and a lack of social interraction with your peers can cause you to be overwhelmed and feel isolated. This can cause a vicious cycle, due to the fact feeling overwhelmed and helpless will only cause you to fall even further behind on school work and isolating yourself. By giving it your all from the start and applying yourself academically while establishing a stable social life, you can avoid any pitfalls and the transition from high school to the college life can be accomplished with ease.

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I would tell me self to always be moving toward your goal in someway. If you're not certain what your goal is at this time keep your options open, but always be productive in moving ahead and never be shy of who you are and doing what needs to be done. I would also tell myself to look into colleges that are further away from my hometown even though it seems hard to distance yourself from friends and family. However, I am glad I came to Milwaukee because of the people I've met but I've always wondered how other schools might have shaped me differently.

If I could go back and talk to myself as high school senior, it would be an interesting experience. I would honestly have little to say, but what I would sayis: ?Enjoy school, and make the most of it. Be outgoing, don?t pass up any opportunities to excel, and do your best. Challenge yourself, and understand that shit happens, but learn from it. Have fun.? I wouldn?t warn myself that I would transfer Universities because I don?t regret going to the University of Wisconsin?Green Bay. I wouldn?t warn myself that I might not like my roommate at the UW ? Green Bay because it was an experience that I am glad I went through, and I wouldn?t warn myself that I might sometimes dread living at home after I transfer because it saved me a hell of a lot of money. Looking back at these past two years, I don?t regret anything I have done because I learned from it and it is part of who I have become. So, if I could go back and talk to myself, I would not warn myself, but encourage myself to be my best.

I would first tell myself to begin my college career early because as people get older, it will be harder for nontraditional students to adjust to college settings, especially when they had been out of school for so long. Next, I would tell myself the large work load that college brings to students who believe college is "just a bigger high school." The hardest part for me to tell myself would be responsibilities for college and making sure I will be on track with all the courses I take throughout my college career even if some courses are not interesting but are needed for graduation. Also, trying to remind myself not to PROCRASTINATE all the time on which I could had been the master of that sad art in my senior year of high school. Last but not least, I will tell myself the positives of college that are given to students. For example, how friendly students are in college compared to high school students, and how information learned are used to make me a better person and a smarter one in the future!

Dear Becky (in 2006) Get a job now! Do not wait until your senior year. You will need the money to afford college. Start volunteering during the summer as well to gain as much experience as you can in the field that you decide on. College is different from highschool. Make close ties with your friends now if you intend to know them for any length of time after highschool. You tend to be more reclusive during college, no matter what they say about parties. So hang on to the friends you have now. College is hard work and requires organizational skills, start working on that now. Most of all realize that you will have to rely on other people to get anywhere in life. Do not be afraid of making connections with people and asking for help. No matter how hard you try you will not be able to make it in life completely on your own. Try to make connections within your field, which can also be done while you are working or volunteering. Remember that life will go fast once out of highschool. It does for me. Sincerely, Becky (2010)

The biggest piece of advice I wish I would have been told is to try harder to get scholarships. I worked so much the last couple months trying to pay for school. I wish when I was a senior I could have told myself to take more time towards scholarships. This would allow me to be able to focus even more on my grades and education. Achieving more scholarships would also take a huge burden financially off my hands. It would have allowed me to not stress so much about college payments and more time to worry about studying.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, to be honest, I would tell myself to not procrasinate. I would tell myself to make up my mind of what college I really wanted to attend so that I could go and find out more about it. I would visit my college more and make myself more informed of my surroundings. I would advise myself to apply for more scholarships and apply for financial aid as soon as possible. I would prepare earlier for college so that I wouldn't rush myself a day before classes started. I would also prepare myself to be more open to new ideas and to meeting new people. I would also develop a good studying habit so that I wouldn't struggle so much in college. Most of all, I would tell myself that things will work out all right even though the first couple of days are stressful, and just enjoy and don't be afraid to ask for help.

I'd tell myself: Get a well paying job. After living here three years I've finally applied for a career in the police force. It's the closet you can get to my military background without the travel issues. It's hard holding a job without any specific skills, so I'd probably go to school for a career before school for a degree. Also, stay in shape! Transitioning from Germany to the States was okay, but there's junk food everywhere. I know you have no self control, so stay in the gym, or whichever hiking trails you can find. Find friends you can live with, or save up mooney too find your own place to live. What you go through isn't what you deserve and people change. A lot. Finally, at least once a semester, take a simple class that helps you to unwind, and counts towards your Major. So, billards or yoga is a good idea. They both help you unwind, get to know people, and in yoga's case. Find time to exercise. But, both will make sure you find some time to rest before you go off to work, more school, and study.

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would pay to take the AP exams and pay college credit for the honor courses. AP and honor classes are easier in high school compare to college because there is home work to back up your grade and in college there are only quizzes, tests and exams. If I had paid for the courses in high school, I would get a better grade therefore leading to a better GPA in college. Also, paying for college courses in high school is half the original price in college. Just by paying for the AP exams and honor courses, I gained the credit I took in high school, a better grade and fewer years to take in order graduate. Another advice would be to not procrastinate in high school because it becomes a habit in college. College goes by very fast and if one procrastinate, it becomes very hard to catch up. Procrastination can lead to failing a class that would affect your GPA and your GPA means a lot when it comes to being selected for your career.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get more involved in scholarship opportunities. I have realized that not only do scholarships help financially, they also look great on a resume. Now that I am finishing my junior year of college I realize how important it is to have items to put on a resume for future career opportunities. Taking out the extra time in high school to complete scholarship applications would have benefited me enormously. I also had much more time back then, instead of having to worry so much about finding time now.

Hey Steph! How's your last year of high school? Believe me, the last year goes by so fast. Make the most of it, because next year, you'll be playing a whole new ball game. Next year you will be going off to college. Right now that probably sounds pretty scary. Don't worry, though. You get into UW-Waukesha without a problem. I know that you are worried about making friends there and not having the normal 'college' expereince, since you will be commuting while most of your friends are living in the dorms. You still will make plenty of friends, trust me. You not only make lots of friends in your classes, but you tutor Math in the Study Center and meet lots of people through there. Also, you join the tennis team! It's great. I love all the professors here. They are helpful and always want to see you succeed. Take advantage of their office hours! They want to help. Even though they may not collect homework assignments like in high school, make sure to do the homework and readings. It only makes studying for exams easier. Trust me, I've learned the hard way.

College is a path that not everyone wants, or should take if they dont want to. I debatedgoing to school after highschool and I'm glad I did. Here's the thing: I listened to my mom and Pastor and decidced to stay in a Lutheran setting. It was the worse descion I could've made. Don't get me wrong, I do love my religion but I have been beat up, and picked on all my life in every Lutheran school I have been to. I thought , this being college the teasing would go away; sadly it didn't. I was still treated badly by people that were suppose to be "adults". I made the decision in switchin to a public university and I LOVE it. It gives you freedom, and no one messes with you (not to mention the price is decent). I love being free from all of the pain that others inflicted on me. So, if I could have told myself one thing as a Senior in high school, it would've been choose UWM; you're gonna love it, trust me.

If I was to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to work harder in school. Getting better grades will make it easier in getting into the college of my choice. I would tell myself to keep a good paying job and work harder at keeping it. Being a better person and having more friends is something i would tell myself while being a senior. Being a senior i would volunteer in different clubs and participate in anything involving community service. I would tell myself to ask the councelor for applications to different colleges. I would try to pay more attention to my schooling then whats going on after school or other personal things. i would study alot more making it easier to get better grades on tests and exams. If i didnt know what to do i would ask for help rather than cheating or trying to do it on my own making it harder for me to understand what was the homework about . This is what i would tell myself if i traveled back in time and was a senior in high school again.

Being able to step back in time to my high school years would be a great experience. I must admit that I deeply enjoyed high school. I maintained excellent grades and I was involved in some small clubs. However, I do wish that I had been more flexible and open to taking chances. I would have developed my self-confidence, my sense of humor, and my ability to bounce back if I had joined more clubs, auditioned for choir or plays, developed a new hobby, or ran for a student office. I realize now that we don't really get to know ourselves until we face fresh challenges and attempt to overcome new obstacles. Stepping out of our comfort zone and taking risks helps us define who we are, what we are capable of, and what we truly value. My advice to my old high school self would be to take more risks and be open to making mistakes. Carpe diem -- seize the day!

I would explain to myself that there is a lot more to the world than what you see in this small town. In terms of academics, the material is not necessarily more difficult, but the time you have to complete a course is cut in half. I would tell myself you need to have good study habits perfected in order to maximize your learning. You need to be very careful with spending habits because you need every penny you can get. Also, keep an open mind when meeting the thousands of people on campus. This will enhance your ability to create new relationships that will last the rest of your life. Get involved with campus activities because they make the struggles of the semester worth it. Lastly I would tell myself to cherish the time you have at home with your family and friends you have had to this point. After going to college time at home is limited and really goes by fast. College will be one of the most influential times of your life and you need to be prepared to make the most of it.

Look at all the things you enjoy about the world around you along with all the experiences you'v had as the answer to your future career is right in your hands; don't sweat about not having friend consistent over the next four years as there will be plenty of time once out of college to do so (anyways, the goods ones will really be in your senior year!). Get a job! Having one early during the 'easier' classes will make it easier down the road once you know where you are going in your career (non-pay internships are bountiful!). Pray, 'cause you're gonna need it to deal with the everyday stresses. Call your parents at least every other week as they just want to know you're alive! Most of your profesors will be willing to hel you but take what T.A.s say with a grain of salt - remember they're students too!

Applying to colleges is one of the most stressful jobs seniors have. I would say to myself, realize that you are going to be spending four years at the college that you choose. Make sure to apply to more than one school. It is always good to have a couple of fallbacks. You may be certain you are going to get into your top choice, but they may not offer you the financial aid package you need to be able to attend. Make sure you visit the school before you choose it. Go and tour the schools. The pictures in the brochures are always nicer than what you will see in person. Finally, understand the type of people you are going to be going to school with. Every region of the United States is vastly different. The amount that a college costs will also determine the type of students that go there some extent. Consider whether you want to go to a school where Greek life is the center of everything.

The first time that I went to college, I went right out of high school and I was not sure of what direction that I wanted to take in life. I didn't do enough research into a career, instead going to school just to go to school and not thinking about what I wanted to do after college. I borrowed money irresponsibly and stopped attending classes. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would focus more on researching a lucrative career in a field that would be both interesting and challenging to me. I would also try to educate myself more about credit cards, student loans and personal finance in general. The biggest piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to take class seriously, it is impossible to do well if you do not attend. Similarly, if you attend class regularly and keep up with your work, not only will you feel more comfortable participating in class, but your likelihood of success will increase exponentially. Go to class, have fun, and be responsible and you will surely succeed!

Don't ever let anyone tell you "you can't". When you get knocked down, keep fighting. College isn't as tough as it seems, but the decisions you make there will effect the rest of your life. Don't overwhelm yourself with classes. Don't let family issues make their way into the classroom, your there to learn - not to dread. Follow your heart and don't sell your soul to pursue only money, you'll only end up miserable. Take in the advice others give you rather than simply looking away and ignoring it completely, even though their advice may not be what you want to hear. If I were to have told myself these things three years ago when I finished high school, I would only be a year out of finishing college instead of two.

Enjoy your disposable income while you have it, money's tight in college. Cherish your friends and family, they're honestly the most important part of life. A degree's a degree and a college is a college, what matters most is that you always have people to depend on when life's rough, and believe me, your college years are going to be rough. Embrace your new independance, but don't choose a college half way across the country to get away from your parents. You'll regret it when you realize you're too poor to make it home to see them more often. True friends are hard to come by, don't let them slip away. Sure, you'll make new friends, but it's just not the same as in high school. Be yourself, don't you ever change yourself to impress anyone. Lastly, it's okay to be scared and not know exactly what you want to do with your life, I still don't. Trust in yourself and do exactly what you want.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would let myself prepare for college in different ways. The first thing I would tell myself is to look for a job in campus rather than applying around the community. Though I was close to getting a job around the community, my class schedule interfered with the training days that were required, leading me to have no job for a semester. Yet, perhaps the most important piece of information was to have research my Housing Contract, as this would have saved me over $2,000.00. Though I did enjoy part of my stay at the dorms, they led my family and I with the need for money, and ultimately my removal of the dorms due to the high expenses that we would not have been able to cover for the rest of the semester and year.

1. Don't buy books at the school bookstore, you can get them online for so much cheaper 2. Get help right away when you need it, don't wait becuase you'll fall behind 3. Take a class you like even if its not required just becuase you want to 4. Make study time productive, don't sit on facebook for 20 min, do your work and then you can relax sooner. 5. Sometimes lectures don't teach much so bring some other homework to do and pop your head up once in awhile to make sure you didn't miss anything 6. No one likes "that guy" who is throwing up everywhere after drinking so have fun but don't be "that guy" 7. Make a routine or schedule or routine and try to stick with it. 8. If your going to party learn the rules of the drinking game your playing so you don't look like such a rookie. 9. Realize college isn't easy so don't get over stressed 9. Keep an open mind about everything. People, classes, events. You'll be surprised who you meet and how much fun you can have.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few key words of advice I would give myself. First, I would tell myself to be more involved in student organizations as a freshman. During my junior year, I joined the Ad Club, Public Relations Student Society of America, and the Chinese Club. Had I joined these organizations earlier, I would have found it easier to make friends and feel like part of the campus community. Second, I would tell myself not to be so worried about grades. I have been able to maintain a 3.982 GPA with hard work and dedication; there was no need to feel so stressed out all of the time. I would have enjoyed my classes more if I had not been so nervous about my grades. I would also encourage myself to be open with my friends about my physical afflictions, including vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, and not to let my chronic pain get me down. The last piece of advice I would give myself is to never be anyone but my authentic self, even if others find my uniqueness strange!

If I could go back in time and speak to myself on my high school graduation day, I would have many words of advice about the next chapter of my life. Though, two pieces of advice stand out the most. The firstly, I would advise myself to take a wide variety of courses relating to different subjects as a way to expose myself to several options in choosing a major. Although you may be tempted to immediately determine your degree, it really is not worth settling on a major too quickly when you, later on in your college career, find yourself wishing you had gone a different route. There is no rush! Ultimately, the time and money that you spend on making sure you love your major will be completely worth it for the amount of happiness and contentment you find in your life and career. Lastly, I would advise myself to enjoy the next five years of my life by getting the most I can out of college and ?the college life?. This means get involved, make yourself available to meet people you wouldn?t have otherwise gotten to meet, and follow your heart in doing things you love.

After getting a little bit better feel on the world and life after high school, one thing I would go back and advise myself and friends on is the importance of working hard and finishing your high school career strong. Throughout my senior year of high school i followed suit in the tradition of senioritis. Just like many of the kids before me, during my senior year I tended to slack off a little more than i normally would. I didn't think this would hurt me. I was already accepted to college so all i had to do was pass right? Well that time that i chose not to work so hard at ended up costing me. During the mid to end of your senior year you have to take placement exams for college classes and needless to say in my current working habits i didn't do to well on them. So instead of passing out of classes and saving money and time that I could used to work towards my major or take classes i wanted to, I had to sit through classes that i had already taken and just to get the college credit.

I would make sure to tell myself to keep hard on the studies. Even though some of the classes may not be fun, they all shape us and help us become who we are in life. Everything that happens in our lives from our transfer from high school to college happens for a reason. I would make sure that my past self would know to keep pushing forward towards you goals no matter what other people may say. People will discourage you, tell you that you are dumb, and tell you that you can't do what you are wanting to do in life, but to know that if you are happy with what you are doing, keep your head held high, chin up, and show those people you are a driven person and that you are who you are and doing what you want to do. Lastly, I would tell myself to keep those friends you have in high school and keep them in contact as you go towards college. Those friends that have encouraged you throughout your senior year can be the best lift ups with your transition as they are probably going through it with you.

I would tell myself to be less shy and put myself out there more. This is an issue I have been working on for much of my life for I am rather introverted. I have been improving, but I could have made friends faster if I just talked more to people. I would tell myself not to worry about people?s reactions to me, because if their reactions are negative I don?t have to talk to them anymore, and eventually I will find good friends who will enjoy me for who I am. Also, I?d tell myself to consider moving into a dorm more seriously. I currently commute, and while it is nice to have privacy, living in the dorms sounds like a lot of fun. I?d tell myself to investigate the option more thoroughly and seriously consider living in the dorms instead of commuting. The workload I have managed rather well, it is the social aspect I need to work harder at.

College life is not as tough as they make it out to be. You get to choose your own schedule. Your free time can be used to do homework, work a job on campus, or you can check out Bible studies. Bible studies help you grow in knowledge of the Lord. He has a plan for everyone and if you call on Him, He will help you to get through your homework, tests, and anything else. He walks through your life with you as you are stressed and worried. God gives you comfort and helps you to do well in all you do. All you need to do is to call upon Him and trust that He can help through any challenge, whether you can do it or not. He keeps you calm when you are worried about a test or getting a job or scholarship. He will always help you. And remember: you can always keep applying for scholarships throughout the year. And try to find jobs and fill out FAFSA as soon as you can. You want enough money to make it through college.

Save money- do not spend it on random useless things. Do not procrastinate- it only makes you stressed and could make your grades suffer. Be outgoing- meet new people, a lot of them are in the same position you are. Save some time for fun- college is very important for education, but it is also an experience.

During my senior year, knowing that college life is all about and making the transition. I would completely pay more attention to more of my exam, i honestly felt that college is some what like High School, but i was wrong. If i knew that one exam will mess up my grade so badly, I would try much harder. i guess by not give it all my best is hard on me and now it affect my GPA. One thing i could've done, by asking my friends around me to see if i can get any help nor ask how college exam really works. I learn from so much going to college and if i could go back. i would completely think what i could do to help me and think ahead. Also be more organized. With the help of experience, i learned to make changes, makes me want to focus more and with the lack of misunderstanding of how i think of how college life is. I felt that I'm in the "Real World" now, that i have to take responabilities and whatever i do i have to starts taking things more seriously.

I I would print out my current grades bring back with me my advisory notices of probabtion staus for school /financial aid, I would sit myself down and tell myself that the world is not a game, you can keep goofing off playing video games and watching movies but weather you like it or not the world will keep going with or without you. Life is what you make it. Regarding this question I find it quite Ironic because I ask myself this exact same question, I wish I can go back in time and do it over and not slack off but whats done is done and now as an adult I must take responsiblity for my actions. If I were to go back in time I would allow myself to see the world through my current eyes & expierince which has helped me better myself and allow myself to finaly wake up. Past Alan, "the world is not a video game or a supe hero movie we need to progress and be part of something greater and just like the heroes we look up to we must be that same role model for the future generation".

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have the same mentality that I did then. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. If I had not gone through the trials and tribulations that I have today, I would not be the same person. Hardships shape us into stronger people with even more drive and determination than before. Before the transition into college life, I told myself that I would attempt every assignment and task to the best of my ability; this way I could not say at the end of the day that I did not give it my all. To this day, I would have given the same advice merely one year ago. I have always dedicated myself to my education and strive for the highest grades possible. Although school has never come easy, I have never let that bring me down. As a high school senior, I told myself to work even harder to obtain my career goal of becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Today I am proud to tell you that I am one and a half years closer to reaching that dream!

I think part of the fun of the first year of college are the surprises that await. There are so many new experiences. I would tell the senior me to be open to trying new things. I would also tell myself to move away. I stayed with my parents my first two years and it is hard to get out of the "high school" mentality when you are not accountable to yourself. By leaving, it would give me the opportunity to expand my wings and really explore the new "adult" me. Without having my parents looking over my shoulder, I would be more willing to try new things. But, most importantly, there would be the freedom to try new things without having people waiting for me at home, watching the clock expectantly. Who knows if I would have listened; I was pretty stubborn.

I would advise myself to study more, like right from the beginning of learning the material and asking questions to make sure you are understanding it better. Save more money instead of going out every weekend and spending it. There are times to have fun but there are times that you have to save your money for other important things.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to ditch all fear. Starting college can be a scary experience. Sometimes, it is tempting to not try something because of fear of failing or feeling uncomfortable. However, I quickly found that the only guaranteed way to be let down is to be limited by fear. I was afraid of making new friends and talking to people different than those I grew up with. Overtime, I found that the diversity these people brought to my life taught me to communicate with people different than myself and also exposed me to various cultures and beliefs. I was also afraid of not being good enough or failing. Because of this, I almost did not become a resident assistant, get involved with service learning, or challenge myself. However, by overcoming fear I grew as an individual and had a lot of fun by becoming involved in these things. If I told my high school self to not fear, I could provide myself with more learning opportunities and enjoyment in the future.

Zach - in your Latin class your teacher wrote down the first day of class, Carpe Diem (seize the day) encouraging all of you to do your best everyday. That was good advice and you took it to heart and always strived to do your best in whatever class you had but life is made up of alot more than just studying and getting that A in class. When you get to college don't forget to laugh and have some fun. Get involved in something you have never done before or better yet something you thought you could never do. Life long friendships can develop in some of the most unusual circumstances. Everyone has something they are interested in or passionate about. By stretching yourself and trying new ideas you can surround yourself with people you never may have met by playing it safe. Stop stressing about what other people think of you, just get out there and enjoy life! Remember it takes more muscles in your face to frown than to smile so stop being so serious and start smiling and seize the day! It's contagious.

If I were to go back and talk to myself in highschool I would tell myself be prepared for the long english research paperes that I'll have to write. I would also tell myself that I'm to save up as much money as possible because money would get real tight in college. I would also tell myself to prepare more for college because its much harder than what I thought it would be

If I could go back I would investigate more institutions and try to set clearer goals for myself. I'd decide right away what program I wanted to be in, if I want to study abroad, etc and really asses whether I was mature enough for college or whether it would be better to take some time off first until I could really appreciate the opportunities I was being presented with.

If given the opportunity to go back in time, I would remind my younger self to cherish every moment with my family and to embrace each day. My family is my "rock" and being away from them was one of the hardest transitions. I would remind myself that although I am at the end of one journey, it is still important to finish strong. Any information learned will be to my benefit in future studies. One of the most important pieces of advice I would give, would be to "bloom where you are planted". In saying that, I mean to be optomistic and make the best of whatever situation may come my way. Make goals for yourself, big and little, and work to achieve those goals one step at a time. Have fun and always remember who you are and what makes you unique. You will always be "daddy's little girl". Now is the time to evaluate your morals, for in the near future they will be tested. Having fun does not mean that these morals go out the window, therefore, responsibly make decisions. Most importantly, love each moment and take this as an opportunity to grow and learn.

If I were to go back to high school, there are many things I could do to help myself as a college student. First, something I now see playing a vital role in my success, would be to take classes that would benefit me according to my major. As an architecture student taking more art classes would have been in my favor. Another thing I would do would have been to live in the dorms my first semester. I feel missing out on this social oppotunity played a major role in attaining friends with the similar extra curricular activites as well as the same career objectives. Lastly, I would tell myself to get ready to work hard, have fun, and remember to do what you love and love what you do.

The advise I would give myself is to prepare more for the difficulty of college. I would tell myself to organize my time and realize that a social life is fun but college needs to be placed first. I would tell her to understand just how important college is and you have to work hard right from the beginning or else you can face difficulties later on down the road. The last thing I would tell myself would be to believe in myself. You need to believe in yourself and what you are capable of doing. Always be positive and strive for the best you can possibly do.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not take college freedom for granted. Though some lecture classes don't required you to go to classes, doesn't mean that you should skip those lectures at all. YOU are paying for those lectures; YOU are paying for your classes, so make your money worth it. If you're not paying for it, then someone else must be. Make them proud and prove them that they're making the right decision to send you to college. Though it is true that some lectures are boring, but try to find something interesting about them, or make friends with someone to give yourself some motivations to attend those classes. Also, in the future, in order to get into a competitive company, know that they want the best of the best in people who can move the company forward, not some slacker who will hold the company back. Thus, you should do your best to excel in what you're studying so that you can help yourself, as well as others, move forward.