Miranda
If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, the one thing I would tell myself is to get as involved as you possibly can. Take extra classes, even those included at local community colleges to get some credits and understand how college classes operate compared to high school classes. Get involved and experiment with different clubs or organizations in high school. This will help in college to see what kind of degree you would like to pursue, what activites you would enjoy being involved in on a college campus, and maybe even get a glimpse at what kind of a career you would or would not like to have. As for the transition to college, reach out to some of the other students you know will be attending the college next year so you can already have a support system on campus. The transition isn't always easy, but having friends there already can make it easier on you.
Jessica
There are a few words of advice I wish I could go back and give myself when I was in high school to get ready for the transition into college. Firstly i would have told myself to try harder to keep my grades up, yes I had good grades, but they could have all been A's if I tried a little harder. And at AIB where i attend school they give out scholarships based on your high school grades so with a little higher GPA I could have got more free money. Another thing i would have done when starting to make the transistion to college would have been to apply for more scholarships. Those are the two things i wish i could go back in time and tell myself to change more than anything. Thank you for taking your time to conisder me for this scholarship.
Jennifer
Knowing what I know now about the transition from high school to college, I would have some advice for myself that would benefit me academically, financially, and socially. First of all, my advice would be to take harder courses, especially ones that offer college credit. This will provide preparation for a higher education and get you in the college mindset. Do not take easy classes simply because it is your last year. In addition, figure out your major so you can start to focus more on that subject. This will be beneficial both academically and financially because if you take the classes for free in high school, then you do not have to pay for them later. Also, I would advise myself to get more involved. Colleges love seeing students being involved. This is also a great way to meet new people and establish connections that may be beneficial later on. My advice would not be that hard to follow, but it would have helped immensely in my college transition.
James
As a college freshman now, I have come to realize that a good education comes from what you can get out of your high school years. I look back and I see that the more academic activities and volunteering hours you put in, the more you will have a great grip on college life. Saving every penny you can, can also make a difference in where you can afford to go to school. I spent alot of time at work and less time doing academic activities. Yeah I had the money but I didn't have the expierence I needed to make the transition into college life easier. So, you ask the question if I could look back and talk to myself about making the transition? I don't think anything can prepare you for the transition, it is an entirely different ball game in the real world!
Kathlyn
The first thing I would tell myself is that it's an entirely new world, being in college. The amount of freedom can be overwhelming at first, and has to be used with caution and responsibility. I would also say to myself that it's perfectly normal and okay to feel afraid -- afraid of the unknown, of being away from home for the first time, and other worries. Then, I'd let myself know that those fears pass, and eventually, it all comes to you as routine. It's just one of those transitions we all must go through in life, and that I'll manage, pulling through with flying colors. I'd assure myself that everything would be just fine, and that yes, this is something I can definitely do.