Wichita State University Top Questions

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

Rebecka

I had the unique experience of not actually being a high school senior. I left my traditional high school experience to be in independent study since I wanted to be an actress. I was in such a hurry to grow up, I missed the oppertunity to go to prom, or grad night. Sure, I gained more life experience in trying to make a living for myself, but I am now missing the typical high school memories that others cherish. This transitions into college; you'll miss out on great memories if you are so concentrated on your classes. Yes, be diligent in them, but try to make time to join a club. Perhaps look into campus activites. I'd let my high school self know that it's ok to have fun and to make memories.

Maria

After attending my first semester of college there are many things i wish i would have done as a high school senior to make my college career a better experience. I would tell my high school self to not be lazy and take easy classes when instead i should take the honor and A.P courses. This would give me college credit shortening my college career by a semester or more. I would also tell my high school self to particapate in more volunteer opportunities helping me create a better resume for college and future jobs. Lastly i would tell my high school self to take the ACT test more times to improve my score to increase my chances for a scholarship.

Patricia

I would like to be able to tell myself to take college alot more seriously! Take classes that fit your sleeping schedule, find a job that is flexible around school. Be more involved in campus activities, and GET A ROOM IN THE DORMS!!!!! Be more open to trying new things, take drama if you didn't in high school, BE INVOLVED!

Joshua

Some of the best advice I could give my self as a high school senior is don't push yourself too hard, and make time for yourself and friends and family. It is easy to get caught up in the rigamarole of going to school full time and working full time, and you soon find out that you have no time to yourself or spare time for fun with family and friends. It is important to set time aside to decompress from the stress and obligations of life. One important thing that experience has taught me is that not making spare time for stress relief is the one of the quickest ways to get burned out. Burning out leads to poor grades and poor decisions, and can ultimately lead to failing your goals. So, always make time for yourself, friends and family, and remember that all work and no play can lead to a very unsatisfying life.

Joanna

I would tell myself not to worry so much because 99.9{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the school has the same feeling of nervousness, and anxiety that I felt. During the first day of school I was lost finding my classes and I was too shy to ask the people around me for help which is kind of ridiculous because everyone was a freshman at one point so there should be no shame when it comes to trying to find your class. I would probably tell myself breathe and take it day by day and know that high school is nothing like college. There will be no one telling you where to go and what time you have to get to class or what the homework is because college is a time where you grow and gain your independence, which is not an easy process. I would tell my overly nervous self to breathe and know that college can be a daunting place but the only way to grow is jump out of your comfort zone, take a leap of faith into the adult world and gain your sense of freedom and independence.

Tamara

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would make sure to tell myself to retake the ACT test, although I did fairly well I would like to have studied harder and gotten closer to a 30 on the test. I would also make sure I told myself to have more drive and determination to fill out more scholarship applications no matter how much I may not have wanted to do so. No one ever told me that in order to make it to sophomore status I would need to acquire 30 hours during my first year that was important information that I would tell any high school senior. The last and final thing I would tell myself is, just because you make good grades in high schol it does not mean they are going to pay for you to go to college, you should make good grades but dont bank on those to send you all the way through college without having to fill out more scholarship applications.

Michelle

The one thing that I would tell myself as a high school student transitioning to a college student would be to get out of my comfort zone. I wish that I would've gotten to know the people living on my floor more because I feel that I lost out on some potential friendships. Getting to know people is what the college experience is all about so I would tell my senior self to stop being so introverted and start being more fun!

Aria

Dear Aria of 2008, Think of college like Darwin's theory, "survival of the fittest"! To be apart of the "fittest" you will need to understand how important grades are and how critical it is to manage your money and time. If you act on these understandings you will see the advantages you will have over your peers when it comes to applying for scholarships, internships, and graduate school. Partying and boyfriends will always be available at some point in your life while school will not. So stay strong and determined to achieve your goals without any distractions. Always remeber your family and friends will be there to help you get through the emotial stress college can put you through. Be prepared for anything as college comes with MANY struggles and challenges. Also, have fun and meet as many people as you can for you may need their connection in the future. Most of all feel blessed and grateful that you have the opportunity to make your own future, for many can not. With love from afar, Aria of 2011

Marsha

Right now there is a lot of pressure to pick the perfect college, but whichever school you end up attending will be as good as you make it. There are four key things I’d like you to know though: First, RESIST the urge to buy things whenever you feel like it when you get your financial aid refund in. This can easily turn into a bad habit and before you know it you will be broke and in debt. So save as much as you can from this refund and any money you make from working. Second, utilize career services early on so you’re not in your third year of college and still have no idea what you want to major in! Third, it will be okay that you and your best friend don’t go to the same school; you’re going to meet some amazing people who you have a lot more in common with and are even better friends. Lastly, talking to your teachers when you are having problems understanding or completing assignments will help you pass a lot of classes! Stay smart and confident, college is going to be great!!

sara

I would have told myself that you don't have to have the cash to pay for college upfront. I didn't start college untill I was 28 because I was unaware of the resorces available to me. If I had started right after high school I'd have my masters. I also didn't realize the importance of a college education. I started in the aircraft industry at 18. I thought it was a career ,but it was not stable and the pay cuts off after you get so high. no matter what you want to be when you grow up; get into college and at least start your general eduacation courses.

jonathan

If I could go back into highschool and talk to myself, I would have sat myself down and lectured about the importance of and scholarships. If I would have known how hard it was to get good grades, I would have been a lot more motivated. Of course, I was a young man, imature and love video games, and was not such a great listener. If I could go back, I would have payed more attention to the people in my life who constantly nagged me about financial aid and scholarships. Even though I know it is not too late, it would have been nice to have applied for more scholarships. I know I would have qualified for many many scholarships, but I just didn't find the initiative. Now that I find the financial pull and stress, I have become wise and know this is important to ask for help. I once felt that it would lower my dignity by asking for money, I wanted to believe I could do it myself. But I now know I can't. I now am doing everything I can to dedicate myself to both my studies and to applying for financial help.

Jaqueline

Spend time researching different colleges and factors of college; including tution, room and boarding, books, the city/town you are in, including weather, population and definitely things to entertain yourself. That is a huge factor in finding a school that is right for you! I wish I would have told myself to find a major that is possible. When you are young everyone tells you that you can do anything you want to do, but most of the majors you pick are not possible or take a longer amount of time that you thought iit would. Majority of the students in college change their majorites at least two to three times. If i would of known to pick something realistic and something I truly loved I would have picked a major that I would have known I would not have changed. Also to leave home and really experience life and experience the world. Your not going to have and keep the same clicks and groups of friends from high school, so get out in the world and meet new people and try new things. Do not ever be afraid to live life and really feel great about yourself.

Adam

Adam, as a Freshman in college I can offer some advice to you in making your transition to college much easier. First of all, studying will be a marathon filled with lots of knowledge. I have found that study groups are an immensely helpful way to study for lengthy exams. Second, when experiencing difficulty with a particular subject always schedule an appointment with the professor. They are always willing to help a student. Third, get involved in clubs and organization that intrest you. This is a great way to meet people. That share your same intrests. Forth, enjoy yourself and your time at the University. The RSC offers students lots of entertainment choices when you have time away from your studies. Lastly, Adam college is everything you could have ever asked for and more. Thank your High School teachers for giving you such a great foundation to build upon in your college years.

Jenna

There are a number of small changes or adivce tips that I wish I would've known going into college. The first tip would be to expand your social group. It's very important to get to know the other students at your college of choice rather than to just hang around with the people who went to the same high school as you just because you already know them. College is the time to meet a variety of different people and experience different things. Another tip would be to take a class that researches careers and degrees if your college offers it. Most students don't know what they want to do with their live going in to college but the research to find out what they want to do should start as soon as college begins! It can save a lot time and hastle later on. Another tip would be to find a college group on campus to join such as a Christian group that meets weekly or another group that the student would spark a students interest. This is also a great way to meet other college students.

Stephanie

If I could return to my senior year now as a freshman in college, I would tell myself to ligten up on some things but to also take some things more seriously. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships, take more college-credit classes, and not to worry as much. I spent quite a bit of time stressing over what I wanted to major in, and I realized that you don't necessarily have to know going into your first year of college. Although the transition into college was definitely new and somewhat difficult, for me, it wasn't as big of a deal as I had previously made it out to be.

Lauren

Lauren, Don't lose sight of your original goals and dreams. Going to cosmetology school is a great idea, but keep going after that! Don't stop and get side tracked. You will get hurt and get stuck for a few years, but keep it up. Try to stay clear of guys (one imparticular) and although I could tell you who it is, I feel you can make your own choices. Just stay focused. Theatre is your dream and helping children your passion. You know how to get to where you want to go and you will have the opportunities to do so. Don't worry so much about the small stuff, everything will work out in the end (and this is me saying that, so you know it's not bullsh*t). Surprise yourself with something new each day, don't change who you are for anyone, enjoy the little beauties of the world around you and always, always keep your heart open to the people around you allowing your love to flow freely. Also, sometimes it’s mandatory to think of yourself first. How are you supposed to help others if you can’t help yourself? Love you!!

Taylor

If I were to go back and talk to myself last year when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to study more. In high school I didn't study as much as I should have, so learning to study for tests in college is difficult. Learning to set aside the cell phone and facebook is something that I have learned to do while studying, unlike in high school. And I would also tell myself to take the ACT again, so that maybe I could get a better scholarship from it if I got a better, higher score.

Chelsea

I would say to begin researching career options in highschool. I would encouraged myself to meet with my counselor often to explore careers, shadow a professional , as well as learn about what each career requires in regards to education, classes needed, grade point average to get into certain programs. I would tell myself to be more involved in clubs at school that could give me the experience to gain leadership skills that I can carry to college. I would tell myself to spend less time being ashamed of not fitting in with the crowd and more time appreciating who I am and what I have to offer. I would tell my self to not be scared of judgment from peers and teachers if I don't understand what is being taught, ask questions it will help you in the future. I would tell my self to not run away from math and science because of fear of failure but to embrace the challenge and find a support system to ensure that you leave high school with nesscary skills needed. Lastly, I would say explore several universitys and explore scholarship opportunities and apply for as many as possible.

Joshua

Set a goal for your college career. Know what job you would like to do after college and choose the appropriate major. If you have a goal you are working toward, it makes all the work pay off. If you don't have a good goal to work toward, you are most likely going to give up on college. Pick something early and go for it. I wandered about in college for awhile and wasted not only money, but even worse, my time, and had nothing to show for the work I put into it. I wish I would have left highschool with a pretty good idea of the kind of work I wanted to pursue. Thus I recommend that you come to a decision before you graduate, it will make your college career much more rewarding!

Megan

I would tell myself to study hard and focus on school more than anything. Having a job builds character in college but I should have worked less my first semester in order to spend more time studying. I would say to work on my bad habit of procrastinating and try to start on writing papers and studying for tests much earlier than the night before. Sleep and the right diet are the key to a healthy lifestyle in college. Most importantly i would tell myself to have fun and enjoy the 4 years i get to spend at such a great university.

Tia

I would give the advise to better pace myself with my time spent. Instead of applying to colleges within the course of a month, I would tell myself to focus on the two or maybe three schools I knew had the greatest probability of going to. I would have started working on applications and college specific scholarships as soon as the forms for Fall 2012 graduates became available. Instead of working so much, I would have chosen a lower availability to better give myself the time I need for my classes. In the whirlwind of applying for college and completing the countless essays, I would dedicate more time to their thoroughness. Lastly, instead of worrying for hours upon hours every week to find out if I had gotten any scholarships, I would spend more time researching them to apply for greater numbera. In lieu of spending so much time finding out if I had won the "big money" ones, I would advise myself to focus on the more attainable scholarships in the process of planning for college expenses, so as to make time to transition into the college atmosphere instead of worrying about the prices more than the course grades.

Maikhoi

High school Molly (HM): Woah! That girl looks just like me! Hey you! I'm Molly, what's your name? College Molly (CM): I know who you are, because I am you, but from the future. From a year from now to be exact. I'm here to tell you somethings about college. (HM): Cool! So what should I know? (CM): For starters, you'll need to begin dieting immediately since I eat a lot of candy in the future. (HM): What?! Not fair! (CM): I'm kidding! But this is serious, you don't need to worry so much about being all on your own in college. It does require more action and self-discipline on your part. However, there are so many people around willing to help. I had to create my own schedule, but my adviser helped me plan it wisely. Some of my classes are small, others have over a hundred students, but in every class, my professors answered all of my questions whether in class, through email, or just when I randomly see them. My point is, you need not worry about being alone. (HM): That's a relief! Tell me more! (CM): Nope, BYE!!!!!

Sarah

Attending a post secondary school is full of transitions, and it is important to adjust to the changes associated with college. When you first arrive at the college of your choice it can make you nervous, and possibly even intimidated at times. In order to have the best experience possible, I would advise that it is important to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. There are unbelievable opportunities in order to meet many types of people that you may not have ever been exposed to. College allows you to get to know international students, people with diverse religous beliefs, and many others who are not like yourself. Do not be afraid to reach out to those people who are different than you and build friendships. There will be very few opportunities in life similar to college in which you will be able to learn about such a vast range of cultures, religions, and beliefs. Take advantage of the chance to not only meet incredible people and make new friends, but also use this opportunity to further your knowledge of various cultures and beliefs that people hold.

Carla

I would tell my self to take school more seriously, and not to procrastinate. Also, to learn how to be more organized.

Dawn

Keep the parting to the weekends. Make sure you study and show up to class. You can have fun but get a degree that is why you went to college in the first place. Living with your parents is not a terrible thing then you can focus on school and not on paying rent. Go to a local school so your family can help you. Don't drop out of school so you can work you will reget it later on in life when you are trying to go to school, keep a marraige strong, run a household and raise two kids. Call Grandma more often because she won't be around to see you graduate or get married.

Luke

Be open and take advantage of every opportunity that you can. Join different clubs and meet new people. Do not be afraid of introducing yourself to others. Instead be proactive about that, and make new friends. Try taking challenging classes that will not only stimulate your brain, but that will challenge you to work hard and push yourself to the limit. In other words, just have an open mind. You would be amazed to find that an open mind will open a lot of different doors that you have never experienced!

Jahmel

I would tell myself to take my education a little more seriously. I spent a lot of time slacking off and playing games because I was young and thought I had all the time in the world. I would tell myself next time I'll do better or next semester I'll work harder and be more motivated. What you don't realize is that time stops for no man and while your playing games the world just keeps moving ahead. Life is fleeting and in order to achieve your dreams you have to take education and life in general seriously or next thing you know your an old man who with regrets over the dreams that you never got to achieve in life.

Luci

College is all about developing into adulthood and become an individual. It is the first time that a student separates from their parents or whoever raised them. Without their familiar umbrella, college allows students to choice what they are involved in, who the hang out with, and how they spend their time. I would have advised myself to follow my dreams and to not care what anyone was going to think of my decisions. I wish someone would have told me as a senior to learn what was easy for me and what I enjoyed doing and then to stick with it. As a past professor used to say, "What you focus on flourishes." That is what we all want, we want to flourish in today society. Many college students spend a lot of time majoring in what their friends or family think they should major in. Their peers may in fact have good advise to give, but it the student does not feel intrigued by their area of study then they might as well throw away tens of thousands of dollars and bundles of time. The will likely switch their major and have to start all over.

Jacob

Take advantage of scholarship competetions. These are great reasources to the student as well as the school. For the student, it gives them a chance to set themselves apart and to earn a scholarship. They also get there names out to the school's activities and organizations. For the school they get a chance to know the incoming freshman. The school can find places for students to get involved. Doing these competitions really prepare the students for college. They get to know other people that want to be involved in the campus life. If I could go back to my senior year, I would have gotten out of football practices to enter in these competitions.

Lauren

Given the opportunity to go back in time, I would tell my younger self to go back in time and really spend my time experimenting in the things I felt I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I would tell myself to go ahead and apply for jobs that I know I don't want just so I had an income; living without a job and car while attending college on a minimal budget makes it even harder to experiment and to invest my time in deciding the path I want for my future. I would tell myself that I need to work even harder while I young, so that I would be able to relax sooner in life.

James

not to stay an extra year at high school, and not to take any time off before and between college.

Ashley

If I could go back to the time I was a high school senior I would have encouraged myself to be proactive in seeking a college education. After graduation I went though a series of dead end paths. The week after I graduated high school I moved out of my mother's home and attended a four year college. As a high school senior I believed that the journey into adulthood would be a smooth transition. I did not realize that working and going to school would be so challenging. If I could go back and speak with myself as a high school senior I would have told myself that life is not easy. I ended up dropping out of college and this year decided after working and struggling for two years, to return to college to farther my education. As a high school senior I did not realize all of the challenges I would face on my own. I did not realize that I would be broke and struggle. If I could speak to myself as a senior I would tell my self that retrieving my education is the most important priorty that I should have held in life.

Kimberly

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice for the future, I would tell myself to stay focused. I would tell myself not to get in too big of a hurry to start a family, to wait to get married until after I graduated. Choosing a major and sticking with it would be something else I told myself. It is a waste of money to switch your major numerous times. (Plus it takes longer to graduate.) I would also tell myself not to stress so much. Everything will work out eventually.

kamrun

Now i am a college student.I worked part time and full time student.So my goal is to achieved my associate degree as soon as possible.I have to study very hard.Sometimes, i felt very difficulty about myself because english is my second language.But i try to study very hard.However, i have some classmates, who born here,so they told me,it doesnt matter who born here or someone came from another country.so u antbody have to study hard.First,i want finished my associate degree.then i want transered to baruch college.My major is buissness administration.To study in baruch college is my dream.So i want become my dream true.As for me,to study in college very hard because i dont have anybody to support me. My life is very busy.I have alot of dream about myself,i want to speake fluent english.In college, i learned manythings.i need to study at least five to six hours everyday.Also,i have to manage my time.Also,i have to stop going outside with my friends , i have to finish my homework first.So i am totally busy about myself.

Danielle

I would tell myself that studying is they key factor to success in college! I would tell myself to learn good study habits and learn time management! Knowing that the teachers don't care what grades you make, I would need to push myself into making great grades and going to class everyday. I would stress the importance of keeping my grades up in order to earn scholarships and possibly attend college free. Paying for college is no easy thing and grades can make all the difference. Knowing dates and when assignements are due is something I would need to keep up with since I am the one responsible in college and the actions I make. The most important advice I would give myself is to never give up! I know I can do this and know how good the results will be in the end!!

Lyndsey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to never give up on my dreams. As a high school senior I was the typical "know-it-all" teenager; I thought college would be easy however, I was wrong. I went to college right out of high school and began my life in a hurry, I got married my first year, although I would not change that decision in my life but I would advise myself to understand the struggles it can and did cause. It was not easy; nothing ever is. After my third year I started a family, another decision I would not change but it did cause issues because I had to quit for a year. I would inform myself that going back to school is a difficult decision to make but the most important decision I have made. My education is important, not only for myself but for my daughters as well. I would remind myself about our dreams; to one day own our own art gallery. That dream cannot be completed unless I return to school and begin another chapter in my life.

Laura

Take your time; you have completed an important milestone in your life. There is no need to rush; you will have plenty of time to finish your goals. You should take a moment to acknowledge yourself, feel proud that you completed high school, and allow yourself to become excited for the future. When you do begin college, spend a bit of time thinking how college education will be different from high school. To begin, it requires more attention and personal responsibility. Instructors may expect you to keep track of due dates and other important information. In addition, you spend much less time in a college class as compared to a high school class. This means you will need to spend more time outside of class preparing to get the same good grades you would have received in high school. Organization is key. Practice new and old skills for organizing your life. Try to look for creative and innovative ways to clear the clutter not only from your desk but also from your mind. Finally, communicate with your instructors they are here for you. They want you to succeed. If they do not know you have a problem, they cannot help.

Sarah

If I could go back in time and talk to myslef as a high school senior, I would say a number of things. Firstly, I would tell myself to be more disciplined in classes that I do not particularly enjoy. In college especially it is important to apply yourself even in classes that you don't like, since basically every college has a general education program that you need to pass in order to get your degree. Secondly, I would tell myself to get used to living on your own. It is important to start doing little things, like laundry, dishes, and cleaning. You will not have your parents there to do anything for you anymore, so if you don't get used to this then you will have a culture shock when you leave for school. Lastly, I would tell myself to ask more questions. Curiosoty is a great thing, necessary in college. If you don't speak up and ask questions then you will fall behind in classes which will cause your grade to suffer. Likewise, you may not find out about great social opportunites available to you on campus that you might not have known about before.

Erin

I would sit down with my student self, give her a hug, and tell her the following: "We've been through a lot you and I. And these next few months coming up for you are going to be hard. But stick to your school work, and don't let other kids get you down. Yes, sometimes our autism makes it hard for us to understand things. And yes, students here are cruel and mean... but with your strength, and determination, you'll get through it. Keep searching for scholarships, and apply for everything you can. I know you've sat down and have filled out forum after forum to try to get some type of scholarship, but keep doing that. Keep looking. Trust me... you're going to need the money. Now, in these next few months, kids are going to give you a hard time, and these honor classes you're taking for college credit will be hard. Yet don't stop trying, and do the best you can in those tough classes. You will pass if you keep working like you are. Keep God close, and continue to pray. You're going to make it. I promise."

MyTrinh

My advice: Be open-minded and friendly towards everyone. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to trust everyone you see, but rather try and get to know others. Eventually, you will realize who your true friends are and who isn't. It doesn't hurt to know a lot of people. That way, we can help one another and make the college experience worthwhile.

Tina

Are you listening? I said are you listening? I’m speaking to you from the future, and you definitely need to make some changes. I have been down this path and the future is not all bad; however, you can make it better. Many outside influences are turning you the wrong way; turn back. Now is the time for you to step up to plate, be truthful with yourself, and reflect on what really matters in life. Your education is your job and it is the only one you have. Take advantage of this time learn what you can and grasp hold of any opportunities offered. Education can change where you end up, and in the long run also determine how you will get through difficult economic times as they arise. You can do anything you apply yourself to. This is your time to focus on what you have to do to become who you want to be. In the end you have to make these decisions for yourself; no one else can do it for you. You will ultimately have to live with your decisions: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Donna

The class that helped the most was my Strategies class. I learned what my style of learning was and why it’s important to know this information. I learned how to set goals and how to stay focused on them. I’ve found that my style of learning has helped me to become better at achieving my goals. Paying attention to what works for you and use it to your advantage will take you far in reaching your goals. Attendance is another important factor in reaching your goals. Being in class will keep you from getting behind and missing something important. Things will happen from time to time, but it’s important to make every effort to be in school. The professors will give you ways to get in touch with them if you can not be at school. Making friends with the other students will help you to stay informed if you should have to miss a class. Friends make great study partners if you are struggling in a class. Don’t be afraid to ask the professor for help if needed.

christin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college, I would have many things to say. I would encourage myself to research colleges and find one that would benefit me. A place where I could explore and absorb all the knowledge it holds.College is where you will find yourself and who you want to be. Going to college is the only way in my eyes to survive in this world. In order to get a good paying job employers want you to have a college degree of some sort. College can help you improve you life style and your income. I have discovered so many things about myself that I never knew. I have learned to be more confident in myself. That I can do anything that I wish, therefore I can be whatever I wish to be. As long as I am willing to work for what I want I can have it. Now is the time to make decisions about your future, and if I had someone talking to me like this I would have made it sooner. I encourage you to be smart and to make decisions wisely.

Brandi

If I could go back to high school and give myself advice, it would be to continue my education right after graduation. I would stress the importance of not waiting because the longer you wait the harder it is to have the will power to go back. Going to college after graduation allows you the opportunity to finish your education and start in the career field that you want to be in at an early age. Also I would tell myself not to rush out of your parents home and start accumulating bills that will later come back to haunt you. I would suggest staying at home or a campus as long possible or until you complete school. This way the bills that you accumulate, if any, you would able to start paying off because now you have a degree in your field of study and can probably find a better paying job than the one you would have had had you not gone to college right after graduation.

Chelsie

The most important things I have learned from college are time mangament, realizing your priorities and how to juggle fun and studying so that you don't become to overwhelmed with either one. It's important to have a social life but at this point of your life it's always very important to plan for your future. Being able to set out time to see your friends as well as studying is key to success. What's helped me get through all my classes and homework is keeping a day planner in my purse and writing all my assignments, when tests are, what times I work and then it allows me to see the time slots I have during the week to do other fun things with my friends. Keeping organized and focused is really important if you want to get through college with great grades!

Jacob

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing that I would say is dont be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. I would also tell myself that even when mistakes are made or you dont do good on a test, good things will come out of it because it is just going to make you want to work that much harder on the next ones. Lastly, I would say to watch out who you decide to live with because the person that you knew in high school may be completely different under the influence of others. When peer pressure reveals itself to you, make a decision that is right for that certain situation because you never know how a decision you make, no matter how small, could affect your life or the life of others.

Marissa

After being in college for a little over a year now, I am just a few credit hours shy of being a junior in college. College has been a great experience for me and has already taught me a lot about myself. While attending college I am continuously learning from my experiences and mistakes and growing as a young adult. Looking back at my high school years there is two major things I would tell myself about college that I wish someone would have stressed to me and that is time management and commitment. I would explain to myself how you have to really learn how to manage your time and use your time wisely in order to get all of your homework and studying done, to have time to work, and to have time to enjoy. Also, that you are on your own more in college and have to be able to commit yourself to your school work; teachers are not going to constantly remind you when things are due or that tests are coming up. I think that if one is committed and knows how to manage their time they will be successful in college.

Isaac

I would tell myself not to wait to finish college and to not stop at just an associates degree but to continue all the way. It gets harder the older you get and the more responsibilities you have to take on with the process of getting older and becoming a productived member of society. Also, with getting older it becomes harder to remember assignments and particulars without writing them down and time tends to become something of a commodity as you are pulled into a hundred different directions. Prioritizing also becomes an issue between family, school, and work.

Parisa

Try hard, never give up and never feel you might not be able to graduate. Many people have done it successfully and so will you.

danielle

Stay focused and be prepared. Keep your eyes on the goal, ignoring all distractions that come your way. Extra work now means time/money saved later. Research the school of your choosing. Find deadlines and write them down. Punctuation and organization will be integrated into all aspects of the college life. Staying focused, doing extra work and preparing for what’s to come; makes the transition a breeze. Now you’re accepted into the school and finding you’re ahead of the game, take the time to get to know people. Go into the offices, ask questions and familiarize yourself with them. Get involved; don’t be afraid of becoming an asset. Make a difference by inspiring. Keep a calendar of coursework; continue to stay committed to what you’ve worked towards. Take even the toughest assignments and exceed all expectations. Be self-aware and open to feed back. Don’t get brought down by failure, perseverance pays off. Make adjustments and corrections as you move forward and you’ll be sure to reach your goals. Always maintain your integrity. It won’t matter to others how you succeed, it will matter to you. Strive to do the right thing.