Benedictine University Top Questions

My advise to my high school self would be to have fun and be a little more social. I think being more open to trying different things would have helped me be more open in college life. Have fun in high school and join more clubs. That would be one thing I would change in high school. I would have joined more groups and clubs. I would also tell myself that I did the right amount of studying. I did well academically and it has paid off in college. I also agree with my studying skills in high school as they did help me stay focused in college.

Honestly, this is the one thought that never seems to leave my head. Almost everyday I think about this question and so much comes to my mind. To start off, I would tell myself not to blow off any classes. Just because I'm a senior does not mean that I get to destroy my GPA. Finishing strong is one thing I definitely feel is important to have a successful life. Most students start giving up when the school year is coming to end, because they are too excited for school to finally be over. I was like that in high school. I was one of those seniors that wanted to live my senior year. When summer came after graduation I realized that blowing off finals and classes was the most stupid mistake I have ever done. I never really took classes seriously in high school because I always said "oh it's just high school" but I regret saying that now. Even to the friends and family members I have that attend high school I always give them my personal opinion and tell them my story to encourage them to do well and try hard.

I would have gave myself a little more time to get more stuff done

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not listen to everyone else around me and not be scared. I would tell myself to reach for the schools I personally wanted to go to and make it happen. Furthermore, I would probably kick myself and tell me to apply for the scholarships presented in my county before the deadlines.

Study even though the material that you will be tested over is "easy" because when you get the test and you think it is gibberish it will be too late too turn back time. Do not waste your time on the internet even though it is TOO tempting. You will feel at times that people do not understand, but it is okay because you will get through it. Go to the professors' office hours because it will be worth the effort of getting up from "trying to study". This in turn will make you more aware of all the resources available to you for studying. Do NOT postpone homework until the day of because you will only bring trouble to your own self. College is not a piece of cake it is actual work, with professors who you might not even like. However, you have to stay the most positive you can be because your friends and family are cheering you on to keep working hard. Eventually the semester will be over and you will need the breaks you get to relax because the cycle never stops until you finish your degree.

Look at scholarships in advance ! Even if you are spending your first two years at a community college, get to know the scholarships available for the four year university that you want to attend. Plan out your schedule and meet with mutliple advising and acedemic counselors so that you can get multiple opinions. Make academics your top priority !

My advice to myself would be this: don't take no for an answer. There were options that I could have researched in regards to attending college out of high school that I didn't know I had. I would tell myself to go to the high school counselor and get all the information that is available to help get into college. I would tell myself that, although my family had no money nor any money saved, there are other avenues to get the financing together for college, such as scholarships, grants and student loans. I would also say that even though joining the military right out of high school worked out well, attending college sooner would have made life easier by allowing me to make a higher income and being better prepared to raise a family. I would also tell myself to not allow anyone to tell me that I can't succeed and to keep my head held high and go for my dreams, no matter where they take me. No matter what is said or done, don't give up and keep striving for the stars.

Don't choose your major based on what everyone wants for you. Choose your major for yourself. It makes learning and classes much more enjoyable.

When entering college, embrace the saying "work hard, play hard" because this is the definition of your college experience. You attend college to get a great education and an even better future career, so keep in mind that academics should always come first and you must start the semester off strong because a quick comeback to improve your grades at the last minute is an almost impossible task. When there is a very limited amount of what is graded in a class, every assignment should be done thoroughly and taken seriously. College is a very fast-paced environment filled with challenges that one does not experience in high school, so make sure to use the college's resources and plenty outside studying to excell early on. Also, college is supposed to be the best four years of our lives; therefore, join clubs that you have a passion about and would like to thoroughly involve yourself in, go campus events, and be open to making new friends. Keeping yourself involved will allow you to open doors for yourself, have fun, and make lifelong relationships for the future. "Working and playing hard" will make your experience at college worthwhile!

Everything in moderation is key and dividing your time. Having fun is great and all but you need to know when to be serious and get to work. The freedom is great but dont take advantage of it because before you know it, you will make mistakes and regret certain choices that you could have avoided if you have made time for yourself. Importantly dont be stupid and irrational there are so many opportunities that even if you miss one thing there are other things out there. Lastly, choose your friends wisely because I regret meeting certain people. Your five closest friends reflect who you are as a person. Think about who you want around as a good influence for a better college experience.