University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

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

Kane

What I would tell myself is not to stress so much in college because it just hurt me in the long run. I would also say to utilize more of the campus's academic resources. Also to try new things right away, get out there and find myself. I would also suggest not to wait till the last minute and rush everything, come up with goals and a plan.

Jacob

The advice that I would give myself would be to go to college and get your education no matter the price. I would also tell myself to wait on going into the military and see what I really want to do with my life, along with, what would make me truly happy. The most important words of advice that I could give my younger self would be, taking the road less traveled is a noble and remarkable thing to do, but it comes with a price. So, work hard but remember to take care of yourself along the way.

Brooke

I would give myself advice regarding academics, friends and group participation. Developing good study habits will become more important as courses become increasingly more difficult. High school came fairly easy to me, and I have never had to truly study. Now, I have had to learn how to study for my nursing classes. Getting good grades in high school also provides more opportunities for admission to the college of your choice. Regarding friends, I would say that it is important to try not to be shy because once you get to college, you probably won't know many people. Once you are at college and away from your family, friends become an important support system. Group participation teaches you the value of teamwork. In college you will be a part of group projects, clinical groups, and lab groups. By participating it not only helps you, but it makes the team more successful overall. Taking this advice when it comes time to start college, will help you get the most out of your college experience.

Rashaam

Make sure you select a college based on what career path you plan to take. Don't chose a school based on where your friends are going. Always take heed to your parents advice. In most situations they have gone through a similar experience and any advice that they give will help in some way. Set goals for yourself to ensure you make the balance between school work and sport activities.

Alicia

Thinking back to my senior year of high school and having to make my college decision I would tell myself to slow down. I would tell myself to research as many colleges as possible. I would research the different majors the colleges offers, where the college is located compared to stores in the city, and is the college affordable. Also, I would research what employers in the area are hiring. Being a college student, I have learned the working is a necessity. Next, I would tell myself that college is not like high school. College requires you to study and put in a lot of effort to acheive the grades you want. Also, I would tell myself that moving away from home is harder than I thought in high school. Once you leave home everything is up to yourself. But, leaving home makes you realize how much you appreciate and cherish your parents and what they did for you when you lived at home. Lastly, I would tell myself to have fun. College is everything that you make of it. The friends you make at school are the ones that will be there for you the rest of your life.

Nathan

If I could go back to my high senior self and give any advice, I would say, "Reach out to others, be a part of campus life, and be unaffraid of meeting new people." One of my greatest struggles during my freshman year was integrating myself into the campus community. I live five hours away from Oshkosh, and everyone there seemed to know each other; I quickly felt like an outsider. I have always found making friends a tall task. During my first semester I studied, ate meals, and relaxed in my dorm room. I should have spent more time trying new things on and of campus. Grades are obviously important, but making friends and developing relationships is as important. So, again, the advice I would give my younger self would be to reach out to others.

Heather

Take a deep breath, take the time to fully appreciate who you are and how far you have come right now. High school was not easy but you did very well. The coming years will pose even more of a challenge but you are far from alone. You have a supportive family and wait until you see the friendships you will make. Regardless, you are a strong, compassionate and brave woman who is not only a amazing team player but is able to independently motivate herself. Never be ashmed of asking for help, it does not make you look weak, it makes you strong because you know yourself well enough and you are willing to do whatever it takes to rise above even if it is hard. Do not lose sight of what is important, your life is not about being the best it is about being a person of honor, someone who will risk their own comfort to help a friend, someone who cares more about nature than about looking like a celebrity, someone who would never take back even the most embarassing of moments because they are what has shaped you into the person you are today.

Monica

Being a high school senior, there is only one thought in mind, and that is going away from their city and moving on to a new chapter in their life. In beginning to get accepted to the colleges of their dreams, seniors start to slack off in their studies thinking that they don't need to do much because they have already been accepted. In other words, if I were to go back in time and tell myself something that I know would change me during college, that would be to never slack off even if your goal is one step away. The act of never giving up to your goal shows more to other people than reaching the goal by taking short cuts. Even if a senior has been accepted to their dream school, that means that they should still work hard in the closing school year, because in what they learn in high school, will also return to college. Having that background knowledge about a subject previously taught will show professors that you were a hard worker, and will continue to be a hard worker in the following years to come fulfilling your goal: finishing college.

Timothy

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself to not believe what everyone else says. Almost every person I talked to about college said that it is greatly different than high school and you cannot treat studying and the education the same. I have found that to be completely wrong. Whether than means that I was already treating high school like college, or if college simply is just a harder version of high school I am not sure. However most counselors thought my approach on college was going to lead me to failure, that I cannot treat college like I did with high school, however coming out of my first semester with As and one B+, I would have to disagree with them. I would also tell myself to not worry about living with my roommate. I was worried I was going to hate everything about it; however I found that it was rather enjoyable. Obviously there was some pet peeves that have built up over the time, it is nothing I cannot deal with and I would tell myself to relax.

michelle

My advice I would given to myself would be still be the same, to try hardest and to never give up especially while I'm in college. I know for a fact that college is very important, it is the key which can lock new opportuntiy for me in my life and my future. I know for a fact that if I recieved my college degree I would be successful. I'm majoring in Nursing I love to care and help people when it is needed. I know that college is important and having a degree and becoming who I really want to be in life would absolutely help me but others also. My advice to my myself if I was to go back in time as a high school senior I know that when I graduate and go to a unversity that I would never give up, college is very important to me and I know that I should nver give up that opportuntiy.

Ellie

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stop worrying so much and to stop making up worst-case scenarios in my head! I would tell myself that although I did not realize it at the time, my high school courses prepared me well for college and that I would have no problems passing a college class. Since I worried how I would pay for my tuition (and sometimes still do), I would let myself know that I would find a wonderful job within the first two months of school that would signifiicanty lighten the financial burden of college. Something I never would have expected to happen was that I received a job promotion right after first semester because I dedicated myself to not only my schoolwork but also my job! In conclusion, I would just tell myself to keep working hard at everything I do to ensure that my first semester flows smoothly, but I would also mention that life doesn't always go in the direction you expect. In addition to working hard, I think that every new college student should learn to stop worrying and relax every so often!

Taylor

All the work that you put in at the high school level DOES make a difference down the road. Fight off senioritis as hard as you can because whatever you don't do now, you're going to have to complete it in college. It'll just be more difficult there, and, frankly, it'll be more expensive, too. To cover those expenses, you really need to work on all those scholarships. No matter how small the reward is, it's going to help. Also, as one last piece of advice, you're going to get really sick around the time ofyour AP Chemistry test. Please read the label of whatever medicine you decide to take because the last time you took the drowsy medication. Without explaining further, I'm sure you can tell the situation didn't end well. So, READ labels, WRITE your scholarship essays, and just know the good habits you form now can and will carry over to college.

Sarah

I remember sitting in that high school room anxiously filling in the circles of the ACT test believing that the results of that four hour test would be the deciding factor of my chance for success in the years to come. If I could have given my high school self some advice in that moment, it would have been to take a deep breath, relax, and don't believe the lies! ACT scores and perfect grades do not showcase or dictate how successful one will be in college and afterwards. This being said, I would have advised myself to go into college not with a plan of acing all of my classes grade-wise, but to instead be curious, adventurous, and involved. By being involved, I don't mean necessarily joining a fraternity, intramural, ect, but more importantly by utilizing all the resources at hand. This includes pursuing professors, curiously searching out information above and beyond classroom requirements, learning about others through campus organizations, and possibly creating a group of your own. Success doesn't result from a 4.0 I would tell myself. It comes from creativity, curiosity, and adventures that sometimes only occur outside of the classroom.

Anthony

You should really take your reading assignments seriously in high school. In order to do well in college I needed to do a lot more reading than was ever assinged in high school. If I had taken reading seriously in high school I would have saved myself a lot of time studying in my first semester.

Tara

I would tell myself to take the time to explore the college before picking one to make sure that I will be satisfied with the decision. College is that place where you get to reinvent yourself. Have fun and take it serious, but don't let it tear you down. You don't need all the friends in the world, you just need a few close ones to keep you sane throughout the years. People grow up and in turn grow apart, it's not the end of the world. The whole point of college is to better yourself for the future. Don't let others bring you down, do what makes you happy, and pursue you dreams.

Ceasar

The advice I would give to myslef is to believe in himself; if they can, you can! Where you come from does not matter. As an immigrant, moved to US at the age of 16, it is hard to adjust emotionally, socially and even psychologically. When I moved here I did not know what to feel, I already had plans in my original country, Philippines. We left my whole family and one of my sisters, my friends, and girlfriend. I can barely communicate to people, they do not understand me and they would make fun of me. Stress got me. I gained weight, I did not know myself at all. Nonetheless, I overcame through all of that I did not apply for college until April of my senior year, thinking I am not going to be accepted anyway; but I did. Knowing college life and with all the bad temptations, focus on your goal. Believe in yourself because you have come a long way and now is not the right time to mess up. Everything happens for a reason, just be patient. Everything will be fine when you believe and work hard.

Amanda

Being a senior in college and knowing what I know now about college life I would go back in time and give myself the following advice. First and foremost, take a deep breath and take things day by day. In school, I have learned the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals in order to succeed. It is impossible to accomplish everything overnight but work ahead opposed to falling behind. Second, take advantage of the resouces on campus. Campus tutors, advisors, and professors want to see students be successful. Seek help right away if there is a tricky concept or unit that is troublesome. There is no such thing as a stupid queston. Third, get involved! There are numerous campus clubs, activities, and groups for everyone. Getting involved not only allows students to become active members in the community but also make friends that share the same interests. Overall, I approach college with an open mind. The transition may be difficult but home is only a phone call away. Never ever give up and dream big!

Elizabeth

Throughout high school there was no question about going to college it was going to happen, but what I didn’t know was that it was going to be rough. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to get a job and work as much as I could. College is expensive but it is worth it. I would tell myself to not wait to move away, although it is very hard, it is the best thing. It helps you mature and grow, not who your parents want you to be, but who you want to be. Most importantly, have fun! Life is short and once you start college you have to plan for a future. If I could give my high school self-advice I would tell myself that I’ll figure it out, it may not be easy but I can do it.

Amber

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not to rush though senior year. I would also tell myself to start looking for schlorships, grants, and loans. Take all of the procautions just in cause you dont get to go to the college that you wanted to go to.

Heidi

Slow down, girl! Jumping into college with a career plan constructed by parental pressures is not the way to go. The transition to college is difficult if you don't allow yourself to form your own identity. Enter college with an open mind and allow yourself to explore academic opportunities and interests that you enjoy. Letting go of the socially constructed high school version of yourself is key in the journey of solidifying your morals, interests, and beliefs. You will meet a plethera of different people from distant cities, molded by various cultures, and blessed with a diversity of knowledge. It is amongst these people where you will construct and improve your sense of self while simultaneously mending friendships that will last a lifetime. College holds infinite opportunities for you in this journey of life: get out there and find yourself!

Kristen

The transition is the hardest part of being a college student. You're away from home for the first time and you know nobody. The best advice I can give is to not be afraid. Don't be afraid to ask a professor for help. Don't be afraid to try the new dish served at Blackhawk. Don't be afraid to go to a play or attend a sporting event. Don't be afraid to talk to people you have never met before. Don't be afraid to figure out who you really are. College is the time to figure out who you are. If you never try anything new, how would you know if you like it? The friends you make in college are ones that last a lifetime, and you may even meet your future husband or wife. Before you know it college will be over and you'll hit the real world where you won't have time to try new things. College is the time to stray from your comfort zone. It's a time to start over. Nobody knows your past, nothing is holding you down from who you really are. Just be you.

Sarah

Try not to decide what you want to do with your life right away. It is too hard for anyone to know coming out of Highschool who they want to be, and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Enjoy and pay attention in your general ed classes; in the long run your gpa reflect the work you put in, in the early years. Work hard, but don't forget to make new friends, and have some fun!

Brittany

The transition from high school to college was one of the biggest reality checks I had ever encountered. During high school, I most looked forward to seeing my friends, and driving to the nearest McDonalds for my lunch breaks. I was able to doodle in class, pass notes and giggle with my girlfriends; all while still passing classes with flying colors. College was the wake-up call that told me these luxuries could no longer happen. If I could go back and give myself some advice for my college career, I would start out by saying, "Don't worry so much about not making friends; these next few years will offer so much more. Unfortunately, you WILL need to learn how to cook for yourself now, and if you think you can finish all your homework during class... forget it. Also, you may want to study two days before an exam instead of two hours. Your academic world will seem to flip on you. You may have your moments of wanting to call Mom every day your first two weeks, but remember to push through and enjoy the little things. The fun and sleep you sacrifice will pay off."

Ntxawm

My advice to myself would be don't be afraid to go to the same college as all of your siblings. It's okay to go and house with them because then they can help you with any financial needs. Also if you're not sure of any scholarships for the college go to their website and type in scholarships. They provide you with their campus scholarships. You'll want to also plan early because you won't get a lot of money for college. You're going to want to work hard and focus on writing for scholarships. Don't fret about going to the same college as your family, and apply for scholarships, they will become very helpful to you if you want to go full time.

Megan

I would tell myself to not be afraid to follow my gut instinct. I was terrified of making wrong choices in transitioning to college and in my academics because I knew that it would impact my future. Looking back, every big and small decision I've made in college so far has been in the best interest of my education and professional career. We all have to make sacrifices to reach our goals sometimes and going ahead with those sacrifices is what sets apart being an adult from being a teenager. I am very happy where I am in life right now and I have been more succesful in school, co-curricular activities, jobs, and my social life than I ever thought I would be. I would also tell myself to not be afraid of sticking up for your beliefs and that with hard work comes great rewards.

Sarah

I would make sure to take a study-skills class the first year of school because I think that would've helped me to be an even better student. I try so hard, but have a hard time with studying so i think that would help others from the beginning, it will give them an even more successful college career!

Kaitlin

Dear myself in senior year, So, you're off to college soon. It's going to be a huge transition, but it's apart of life. Live and learn. The biggest advice I could give to you is to not forget your family back home. Yes, college is super exciting; you meet a lot of new people and form new relationships- but don't forget about the ones who have been there your whole life. You may only be an hour and a half away, but you don't have a car. Family life may be somewhat difficult, but you have to learn to deal with it when you're away. It's hard to know that grandparents are getting sick and there's nothing you can do about it. You're not just twenty minutes away anymore. Try not to fret too much. Just keep in touch with them and go home every so often. Letters a great way to let them know you care. Your family understands that you wish you could be there. They know how you feel. Don't forget to call your parents and tell them you love them. -Katie

Kristine

Seriously, shoot for the stars. Remember when you just went out for Cross Country, and because of your coaches, you were able to make it to state? Yeah, you can do that. Which means you can excel at pretty much anything you try. Please, don't just do things and be "good" at them. Be excellent! It's okay to be noticed. Now, as a college junior, you are on the journey of starting your own business and have mentors there to guide you. You knew there was more out there than going to class, and work, and back. So don't be afraid of going on journeys by yourself. You went to state as an individual and your family and friends were there to cheer you on. Now do everything in life that way. When you make it, they will be there to cheer you on there as well.

Abigail

Dear Abbey,You’ve made it. Well, you will make it. Oshkosh is the best fit for you, trust your gut. The academics are perfectly challenging but the out of classroom opportunities are what will push you to be better. Freshman year you will produce a movie, sophomore year you will get to direct one! You’ll meet some interesting people who open your mind to new ideas. You’ll meet some horrible people, too. The good people are worth all the bad. I promise. You are smarter than some professors, but that’s okay. Allow their views to educate you. And make friends with the good ones. Always remember that whether you like them or not, most of the time they are good people and they have lots to teach you. It might not be about their subject, but it will be valuable never the less. Lastly, save your money. You’re going to need more than you planned.Love,Future Abbey

Allyssa

"Enjoy the remainder of your senior year," I would say to myself. Look around and thank the teachers that have gotten you this far, and enjoy the time you have with your high school friends. During your senior year, take the time to focus on how to study. As easy as it sounds, you will soon find out that you may have been ineffectively studying, or not needing to study at all. Learn how you learn and study best. The knowledge you discover about yourself may make the difference in your continued education. Also, step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to try something you would never have considered in high school. Be courageous and knock on your neighbors' doors- they may become your best lifelong friends. Involve yourself not only on campus, but also in the community. There are incredible opportunities that are waiting for you to discover; be brave and have the courage to branch out. I am forever grateful to have met the friends I did and become involved in everything I have involved in- thanks to a little courage to try something new and meet someone new!

Allison

I would give myself the adivce to study more in high school because studying in college is different than studing in high school. I would also tell myself to try new things in high school because in college there are many oppertunities to try new things such as new clubs or studying abroad. Another thing I would mention is to look more into scholarships and finacial aid because althought college may be fun and offer a lot of things to it students, it can be expensive at times and its important to what your money and use it wisely. I would tell myself to do not worry about the beginning of freshman year and trying to meet new friends and find everything. On the first day everyone is in the same boat trying to find their classes and meet new friends. Always make sure on the first day to meet everyone because you will never know who your best friends will be later in the future.

Micayla

I would tell myself to pay more attention to the college related information sessions that are provided in high school. I decided to take a semester off, I missed my ACT test and now I'm behind a semester. I wish I would have gotten a better ACT score that would have helped me avoid taking a remedial math class. Its really important not to blow those things off, because there will be unforseen consquences that you will have to deal with later. Also, I wish I would have listened to my mom and saved more money for college so I didnt have to take college loans to pay for my tuition and housing. It really is important to apply for scholarships as well.

Jessica

If I could go back and give myself advice for college while I was in high school, I would tell myself three things: one- get to know your professors, two- get involved on campus, and three- manage your free time wisely. Getting to know professors is extremely important because they are the greatest resource a college student has, and they are often the least used. Being involved in campus activities is a great way to make connections, meet new people, and get to know a new community. I joined Circle K International my freshman year, which is a volunteering organization on campus and I made lots of friends and got to know the city of Oshkosh. Lastly, managing free time wisely is important because although it is tempting to spend free time napping or relaxing, or even hanging with friends, it is beneficial to spend some of that time studying or catching up on work. In the long run, this will help any student stay ahead with their work, and could also help keep grades up with daily reviewing of class material. Knowing these three things would have been beneficial to me when I was beginning my college experience.

Serryn

Be persistent! You are strong and smart! Whatever you do, try your best and do not give up! Don't be intimidated by the large campus, big town and all the people. It will be the biggest place you have ever seen. Make friends and study hard and you will do great. College may seem hard and you will feel overwhelmed and out of place. You are going to be homesick and miss your friends, Mom and Rhea. Don't quit! Know that those feelings will pass and you will succeed. Join clubs, socialize and be involved. You are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in control of your future! College leads to so many other wonderful things in your life. You can never learn too much. Just remember that hard work, dedication and persistence always pay off in the end. You will make it. When you are my age you will look back on this time and be so proud of yourself and your accomplishments and no matter where life takes you that feeling can never be taken away. Good luck at college. I know that you will make a difference and do really great!

Rebekah

My advice to my younger high school self would be to make sure I have more balance between my academic, social, physical, and working life. In high school, I was serious about my academics. I am not one of those college students who can say they never studied in high school, because I did. My grades mattered to me. However, the first semester of my junior year, I quit volleyball and took my Certified Nursing Assistant course at the local technical school. After I completed that, I was hired at the county nursing home where I worked about 25 hours a week. Between studying to keep my grades up and working, I did not have much time for physical activities like working out or sports. Along wth that, I also didn't have much time to spend with my friends. My life was taken up with working to save money for college and keeping my grades up so I could get into college. If I could go back, I would make sure to cherish the high school activities that went on and would make my academic, social, physical, and working life more balanced.

Alisha

If I could go back in time and give myself advice it would be simple. I would tell myself to learn study habits early. In high school it's pretty easy to not study and still pass. In college, however, you really do have to study to pass exams and quizzes. Study meaning studying throughout the section, not just the night before the exam. My Philosphy exams are all essays. Two questions, two essays, four paragraphs per essay. It's not easy to write that much without knowing the content. I wish I knew study tactics other than just making note cards. Note cards are great for studying vocabulary, but not so much for knowing deeper content. I wish that there were classes available in high school to learn how to study, instead of coming into college without having a clue.

Emma

If I could give my younger self advice about college life the advice would be not to worry. It seems like a scary monumnetal change and if you make a mistake it'll ruin your life. In actuallity everyone is trying to find their place at college and everyone makes mistakes. Be yourself and you'll find people that you hate, but you also make connections with people who you will end up changing your life for the better. I worried too much going into college;it was unneeded stress. I would just tell my youngerself to relax, not worry so much and concentrate on being yourself and the friends that will accept you for you will find you.

Mark

My advice to myself would be to concentrate, work very hard and dedicate myself to learn all I can. Demonstrate commitment to the knowledge and the learning process by presenting an excellent work ethic. Absorb all the informaion available and continue to strive to obtain as much education as possible before moving on to a career, family and life concerns. Once you've earned it, it can't be taken from you, so be proud of your achievments and maintain a standard of excellence in academic and community work. Make a sincere effort to obtain as well-rounded an education as possible, while striving for mastery in your chosen subject. Use the information you recieve to better yourself and your community. Observe the information you recieve in an objective way, and work to apply it to innovative ways to view your potential career, your life and even your leisure pusuits. Education is power, and a person who can become educated and use and apply that education to life, work and service is indeed a powerful force. Most importantly, you get from education what you put into it. Strive to take something useful from every class and experience. Learn and achieve!

Chloe

I would tell myself to get involved! Yes, I joined the dance team, but that's all I did. I wish I would have been more out going and made more friends and interacted with people more. I had a bad roommate experience my freshman year of college, but I would tell my freshman self to not let that get the best of me. I would tell myself to make the most out of that situation, because eventually it will get better! Also, I wish I would have participated in more clubs, extra curriculars and intramural sports. They are great ways to meet new people and have fun at the same time. All in all, if I had the chance to talk to myself before my freshman year of college I would just tell myself to live in the moment and make the best out of every day that is given to you because you never know what could happen the following day.

Miranda

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is work as much as you can to be able to have money to help pay off college loans. I'd tell myself to enjoy high school while I can because even though I had more classes in high school they still don't amount to the four plus classes of homework I get in college. I also would tell myself to enjoy living with my parents and having them help out with food and clothing costs because a Ramen noodle diet can't compare to a homecooked meal. I would learn to appreciate being able to see my friends every day too because in college everyone's schedules are much more busy and it makes it difficult to be able to see friends.

Carly

College is not a right, it's a privilege. Spend these next four (or five) years to become the best version of yourself. Study more than you think you need to, the skeletal system will not appear in your mind overnight. Don't go home every other weekend, mom and dad are a phone call away and the people across the hall from you are just as homesick as you are--go out and meet them! You will be on the fast track to the freshman 15 if you eat Jimmy John's every day--use your meal plan and stick with the salad bar...seriously. Get to know your professors, they are extremely awesome, very talented and are truly invested in your learning experience--don't take them for granted! Study abroad and don't think twice. The people you meet and the places you go will give you a brand new perspective on life as you know it. Join clubs and organizations on campus! Being involved is cool. Be intentional in your friendships and learn how to communicate effectively. Make time for yourself. Don't be proud of your college, make your college proud to have you.

Gabrielle

If I could go back to myself as a senior I would not have stopped school at the semester. At the time it seemed like a good idea I was sick of all the high school drama and always being broke. My hope with graduating at semester was to save a bunch of money to use towards college, but instead I learned working retail that does not happen. Even though I was available every day of the week at any time of the day I was still stuck with all my short night shifts that only made me about $30 a shift. I should have just stuck with high school and taken the advance classes offered for cheap to count for college credit, then I could be farther ahead in college than behind because I sucked at the placement tests after six months away from school.

Timothy

College life was not that hard to get aquainted with, in fact it was much easier to adjust to than high school life was for me. The problem I had as a senior was a lack of intrinsic motivation to go through with my plans, something that has affected my future in a big way because by the time I recieve my Bachelors I will have been in school for 7.5 years as opposed to the normal 4. If I could go back and give my younger self advice I would tell myself to research my major before I start to take classes for it. In the three years of attending community college I changed my major three times which resulted in paying for unnecessary credits and wasting precious time. I would also tell myself to stop thinking so much about what I want to do and just do it. Life is too short to sit around waiting for opportunity to knock at your door; you have to be the one searching and pursuing your dreams, or better yet creating opportunity for yourself. If you want to change the world, you first have to change yourself.

Jean

I would advise myself to understand that college is not easy. I would need to make sacrifice, don’t sleep as much as I used to sleep while I was in high school to be able to keep up with school work. Understand why you go to college, knowing that the challenge that you are facing at school is not going to be for ever. I would advise myself to get good grades in my classes, don’t get bothered by all the craziness that might happen on campus. I would advise myself to get ready for all the challenges and know how to manage my budget because being students is hard, especially when you come from a poor family. I would advised myself to not discourage when you ask for help and people don’t help you or do not understand if you are in need and don’t be afraid to tell people who you are and what kind of family you come from even if you have a poor family like me.

Erika

As a high school student there are a lot of different pressures coming from all different sources to pick the right school. Most people think that a four year campus is best, but after attending and completing my two year degree at a two year university, I would tell myself to stop worrying about what others think. Going to a two year school or even a technical school does not mean you are any less smart than your peers. If anything, you are smarter because a two year school generally costs less and allows you to remain in constant contact with your family. Moving to a four year school is a hard adjustment because you are on your own; at a two year school, however, you have the option to continue to live with family. You can also keep your job and make money while you learn! Attending a two year school does not mean you will miss out on the "college experience" like many people will tell you. You will still have opportunities to join clubs, meet new people and live on your own if you want. Overall, I would not change a thing!

Samantha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take my classes more seriously. The first semester of college I took some general classes, like biology, chemistry, and an environmental studies class. The material in the class was not difficult but I failed to take the time and study hard. I thought that I could get by with minimal studying and as long as I got a B in the class I would be okay. Now, looking back, I regret that. The classes I am taking this semester are more difficult and I feel like even though I study hard it is still difficult to get an A on everything. If I had studied more last year my GPA might be higher. I have a 3.5 GPA right now but to get into nursing school it is better to have a 3.8 GPA. It would be nice to go back to the past, but right now I have to focus on the present and future and study hard.

Shawna

Dear High School Self, I know that you are wise beyond your years. The truth is, the knowledge that you possess right now will benefit you in your future (perhaps even the calculus equation that you learned today). Along with what you know now, countless life-lessons await you in your near future. To guide you to your next step and through your transition into college, please consider the following advice: Change is one of the few constants in life. It is inevitable. Though change is a hard concept, accept it. With that, if you ever find yourself doing something that you don’t like, then change it. Trust your gut. Go after your passion. Push yourself to reach your full potential. Give all that you have and do all that you can do. I know that you will make a difference. It is natural for individuals your age to want to fast-forward into the future. Soon enough, you will feel as though you are fast-forwarding through life. Before you know it, your future will be your present. Remember to pause. Take time to enjoy the journey. Embrace every moment. Stay positive. Stay true to you. Love, Yourself

Haley

If I could fo back and talk to myself about the transition to college I would stress that you arenow fully responsible for yourself. There will be no one looking over your sholder to makesure you are doing you homework. Your parents are not ther eto make sure you are making responsible and safe choices. I would make sure that I knew that even though they are not there doesnot mean I should do whatever I want. I would tell myself that I need to make choices that I can live with the next morning. I would tell myself that the choices I make in college can affect the rest of my life. I would do this by telling myself that if I get into trouble with the law it could get in the way of being accepted into the College of Education or getting a job after I graduate. I think thatit is very imoratn to remind all incoming freshamn not to take advantage of their new found freedom because every action can affect the rest of their life.

Sarah

Being a first year college student, looking back I would've changed a lot of things in High School. First off, I would not take anything for granted. My first three years of high school flew by and all of a sudden I was a Senior. I regret taking a lot of my high school career for granted, especially my Senior year. Also, I would make sure I took my last year of high school more serious. How hard you work in high school reflects on how well you will do in college. If you don't learn how to study and time manage in high school, it will really show in college. Coming into college my first year, I had no idea how to study or even where to begin. Learning how to time mange and how to study are two of the most definite things I would make sure I would've knew before coming into college. All in all though, the biggest advice I would give to myself would be, college is a lot more difficult than high school, start preparing now before its too late.

Marisa

College is a time where you can completely be yourself, unashamed. There are so many opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals that bring out the best in you. It's ok to not know exactly what you want to study or where you want to go in life, take it all one day at a time. On another note, the all you care to eat dining facilities don't really mean you need to eat it all.... the freshmen fifteen is very real so be careful! Find a healthy balance between school work, social life, and allowing yourself enough time to rest and refresh so you don't overdo it. Most importantly have fun! These are the best times of your life with some of your new best friends.