Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

Reminiscing often brings up a lengthy list of "should haves" , "could haves", and "if onlys". However, I can condense my advice to my high school self in two phrases: research, and get involved. When I was a high school senior preparing for college I was unaware of the numerous career options in the Arts. My creativity was mainly exercised in my hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and pass/fail Art classes. When I considered studying Art in college, I thought my only career option would be to independently create art in a studio. If I had researched current art careers and had discovered the many lucrative positions there are in the workforce, such as: Graphic/Web Design, Advertising, Visual Communication, Art Direction, etc.; I would have pursued art in my higher eduacation. Entering college I put classwork first, and didn't understand the importance of student organizations and clubs. Uniting with others that share the same interests and passions as you help you develop skills, discover new talents, become a leader, and network. Now as a college graduate, I am following my own advice. After participating in Art classes, I am returning to school to pursue a career in Graphic design.

If I were given the chance to advise myself as a high school senior, I would. Being the first person in my immediate family to attend college, I had to navigate the process on my own. Despite occasionally seeking guidance from my advisors, I didn't always make the optimal decisions. The first thing I'd advise myself would be to determine my career goals before choosing my major. I’d suggest doing the research before starting school, and gaining experience in the field to be sure of my decision. Once I had made my decision, I’d suggest carefully researching the majors my school offers and asking advisors for help in order to make the best decision for my career goals. I’ve come to realize that deciding one’s major is not something to take lightly, because different majors have different course requirements, and taking classes unnecessary for degree completion can cause a person to fall behind. I’d suggest keeping my responsibilities organized, focusing on taking the most beneficial classes first, being prompt in applying for financial aid and setting up advising appointments, and always asking for help, even when I think I have everything in control.

I would tell myself to join the lacrosse team. It is very important to stay active in school so that you don't gain the freshman 15 lb. joining a team or club is also a very easy way to make friends in a large school like ASU. With 70,000 people, there are so many wonderful people to meet.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pursue and education in a field that I REALLY loved. Find the path that you enjoy, and follow it. Four years of college seems like forever when looking at it as a high school senior, but in reality, those 4 years go by so quickly. I would also tell myself not to work so hard in jobs outside college while attending college. The college years are about learning to balance a good education with work and fun. Going too far in any one of these directions off-sets this balance and can lead to destruction of the other parts. Above all, don't let the cost of your education pursuade you to give up what you really want to do. Anything can be accomplished (and paid back) with hard work, dedication, and a strong faith in the Lord.

Enjoy your independence. Learn to be on your own and take care of yourself, but admit when you need help. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It shows you have the strength to ask for what you need. See every obstacle as a challenge that can be overcome. These obstacles aren’t things standing in your way, but instead tiny hurdles you need to make small jumps over in order to leap into success. Always be yourself every day in every situation. Those who don‘t accept you for who you are and want you to change aren’t people that you want in your life anyways. The only person you ever need to be good enough for is yourself. Live one day at a time. Don’t let your thoughts be consumed by what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future. Find a balance between school and your personal life. Focusing too much on one and not enough on the other will cause a lot of stress. Make decisions based on what you want to do and choose what will make you happy. It’s your life. Not anybody else’s.

I would give myself the advice to not begin a career in music, as I feel I wasted a lot of time and effort on something that I do not plan to give my life to. I would give myself the advice to begin a career in a healthcare-related field in order to truly achieve what I want to do - help others.

I would have told myself to not stress so much. People make out that college is difficult. I am in the honors program, and I had more homework in high school! I feel that I overprepared for college, If I had known it was to be easier, I probably would have not. Also, sports are a great way to meet people, especially on such a large campus. I would have told myself to take atheltics more seriously in high school and not focus too much on grades.

I would say the most important thing to succeed in college, besides studying and getting good grades, is getting to know lots of people, whether it be other students or teachers. Having friends or even just acquaintances in all your classes most definitely allows for a much better, more fun, smoother, and rewarding college experience. No one wants to go through life alone, so why go through college alone? People you meet in college can become your study buddy, help you through difficult personal issues, be someone to hang out with, become life-long friends, or any of the other endless possibilities, so do not miss out! Besides students, building a professional relationship with your teachers can give you a plethora of opportunities like internships, one-on-one help with school work, possible job connections, and outstanding letters of recommendation. Therefore, I would tell myself to be more outgoing and talk to more people, to set goals of making at least one friend in each of my classes and to get to know my teachers, especially the ones from my major.

Be honest with yourself. What is it that you love? What is your dream? However impractical, crazy, out-of-the-ordinary, and challenging it may seem: do it. Don’t worry about the things that other people will think or what they want for you. Do what Create a college experience that will make you happy and proud, leading you to your dreams. There are a million majors and seven times as many extra-curricular clubs and activities. Try some of them. If you don’t like them, try something different. Talk to your professors. Do research with them. Ask for help with homework. Some of them will love working with you, some of them will be more difficult, and some of them will flat out say no. Try anyway. Rush a sorority. Audition for a choir. Go to a club with friends. Volunteer. Be on a student panel. Interview for Community Assistant. Some of these things you will love, some of them you won’t. Don’t be afraid to get up and try something different.A D on a test isn’t the end of the world; it’s a push to try harder. Keep going.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to step out and make new friends. During my first semester in college, I was really afraid to be myself because I was afraid people wouldn't like me. The truth is, that was a big lie. In my second semester, I began to talk to more people, and I actually made a lot of friends. College kids aren't out there to make a fool out of you. In fact, other freshman are in the same situation as you.