Appalachian State University Top Questions

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the four years that I was at Appalachian State University, and to make sure to focus on my studies because that is the main reason you're attending school. There will be plenty of time to go out and have fun, but make sure that all you work and studying is completed first. I would also tell myself to join more clubs and groups because it can be beneficial. Lastly I would tell myself to get involved in research earlier than I did. It can add to your learning experience and be very fulfilling. Overall just enjoy it and have fun the four years that you are there.

I would tell my high school self that the little things don't matter. Don't panic if you oversleep once- just don't do it again. Go to class, even if you feel like it doesn't do any good. Don't let yourself get swallowed in he thousands of students. You are a natural born leader and you need to stay that way. Truely consider advice. Don't just think 'Oh, that sounds good" but really sit on it for a while- it could come in handy.

I would tell high school self to go on and start at Appalachian and not go to the community college. If I was able to tell myself that I would have saved a lot of time as well as a lot of money. Another thing that I would have told myself would have been what degree to go after. The last thing that I would tell myself would be to study hard and make good grades.

If I could give myself advice, the me that was still a high school senior not getting enough sleep and developing a bad habit of drinking too much coffee, I guess I'd tell myself to not worry about feeling lonely. That sense of emptiness you feel when you move somewhere new by yourself, goes away. You fill your own empty spaces in your life, and become so much stronger and larger and vibrant than you ever thought you could be. I'd tell myself that although I never thought I was capable of doing so, I could become the artist of my own life. It's really such a beautiful thing to feel yourself growing up and out, soaking up all the rays of the sun and coming into your own. I'd tell myself to stop worrying about how I'd cope, because there is no circumstance which you can't turn into a learning experience, there's nothing you can't do or be. The world is your oyster.

Let’s see. Senior year was too recent to tell myself to put my money into a good company and call it a day! (like Microsoft in the 70’s!) So I would say “Hayden young chap! Go to college, get a good education, but go for the knowledge not the certificate! Getting a degree is a must in today’s society, but so is the pursuit of knowledge for the rest of your life! Education doesn’t stop after college is over, nor does your career begin once it has! Follow your dreams now boy-oh! Don’t wait till you’re out of college to start makin’ a difference in the world! And also… Don’t make that Toyota Corolla your first car. Definitely not worth it.” Good times! But in all seriousness I have made outstanding breakthroughs in my experience in college, it isn’t about finishing* college for me, it’s about succeeding in life, which no piece of paper (on its own) can give me, It’s up to me to make a difference! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go to college, and for the opportunity to compete for this scholarship!

Pay attention!

Take it seriously and do not slack off! I would also highly recommend speaking with an academic advisor as to what type of job/career that you want to pursue to ensure that your degree matches up to what you want to do once you graduate! Explore all of the job markets that best suit what you want to do.

To my high school senior self, don't be so worried about leaving Hawai'i. Sure, it will always be your home, but soon, so will Appalachian. It's going to be scary, and daunting, espeically those first few days, but it is eventually going to be the most comforting and wondeful place you have ever lived. It is going to feel so natural, just being there. It is going to seem scary and new, but that won't last long. Remember, everyone isn't going to be your best friend, but everyone isn't going to be your worst enemy either, open up to them and make friends. Keep certain people close, but let others go. The ones that leave, you won't miss them for long. Try and be a bit of a joiner, but stay where you are comfortable. You don't need to do it all just yet. And soon, the time will come when you have to make hard choices. Go with your gut, trust me, it is the best guide. Most of all, though, keep your chin up. It gets better, even in the worst moments. I promise! Love, Future You.

Dear Me, Believe in yourself. If you do not, then no one will. Do not be afraid of failure. Go after those dreams of yours that reside deep within your innermost self. People will tell you that you cannot do it, and maybe you cannot. But if you do not try, you will never prove them wrong. You will never live up to your potential. You will settle for mediocrity just like so many other people in this world. Do not be afraid to fail. Go on; chase your dreams. Apply to that Ivy League school. Join the Swing Dance club simply because you enjoy dancing, despite the fact that you have two left feet. Brush off the awkwardness; the memories will be worth it. Try out for the Club Soccer team. Exhibit self-confidence and remember to have fun. Do not be afraid to make new friends, especially if your old friends already have. Things change; let them. People will come and go out of your life. Be thankful for the time you have had with them, and let go of your bitterness towards those who have hurt you. It is not worth it. And most importantly, have faith.

If I were able to have a conversation with myself as a senior in high school, I am not sure I would change much. However, I would tell myself to not blow things out of proportion. Take things as they come and do not spend so much time worrying about little things and matters that you cannot control. Do not try to be anyone else other than yourself, you already spend too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and college is a time too precious to squander. Do not waste time, work harder and smarter because you are absolutely capable of doing so. Call mom and dad more and check on Jamie because she grows up so quickly. Visit as much as you can and do not take any of them for granted. Being away from them is hard and you have not realized it yet. Have fun and work hard. Cherish the friends you make and do not be afraid of being independent. Love yourself and be strong. You have a great future ahead of you.