Boston College Top Questions

I would definately start out by telling my self to stay focused on my goals. Then I would have to say that I have great opportunity that is ahead of me and to do everything possible to make sure that I exhaust all my energies into getting good grades and dont worry about growing up so fast, as at that time working was one of my main focuses and should not have been. The horizons and opportunities that are coming are far better then you could imagine and that do not waste time on distractions and become centered with your goals, and life is very short and you cant change your past but you are in control of your future.

Many high school students aren't thinking about the future and are more focused on gaining acceptance through their peers. As a result, less time is spent concerned with the future and more time is wasted. Hard work in high school is rewarded with scholarships, getting into better colleges, and the overall satisfaction of honest, hard work. There are so many different clubs, sports, student government positions, and summer opportunities available if you would only look. Though it can be easy to feel like time won't allow many different activities, careful planning and sacrifice can create more time in a day than you would expect. Different clubs like the National Honor Society, Leo Club, and academic clubs can promote global thinking as well as secure friendships. Also, sports provide exercise while encouraging focus and determination. Student government teaches important leadership and social skills necessary in life. High school doesn't have to be considered the “worst years of your life” as many call it. If you would look beyond the need to make friends and simply engage in the school and the world around you, you'll find there's a lot to offer, even at Kauai High School.

Always remember to study and make time to study no matter what. Always sit down to make a schedule of your time.

Don't try to over involve yourself with all sorts of clubs and activities. You are there for school as well as the experiences. Also keep on top of your studies, and don't leave it all until the end. You learn better when you break the information into chunks and study a little every day rather than cramming large quantities into short spans of time. The professors are not there to baby you so you need to make sure you do all the necessary preparations to succeed.

Take advantage of every oppurtunity you can. Once you realize what you should have done, it's too late. It is crutial to get a degree if you ever plan on living a life that is not stressful every single day.

Hey high school self, All things considered, you're doing a good job preparing yourself for college. Make sure you keep studying with the same intensity, because it's going to make your classes seem that much easier. Don't forget about time management; that is going to be your most important skill in college. Believe me, sometimes it's worth it to go out instead of studying -- you have to keep yourself sane! -- but other times, you're just going to have to learn to say "no". It's always going to be a judgment call. It'll be hard to be away from home. I know everything will seem shiny and new, but at some point in the middle of freshman year, you're going to feel like you got punched right in the stomach. "Who are these people? Where's my family? Where is the place I know and love, where I know who I am?" Listen, high school self, I've been there. And let me tell you, it gets better. Don't be afraid to open up to your college friends; they're just as scared as you are. And remember, time heals all wounds.

If I were able to advise my high school self about college, my main piece of advice would be "begin college the year you graduate high school." I had taken a few college course earlier in my life and they were much easier than they are now. Due to my age and the responsibilty that comes with getting older, college has become much more difficult. So, in order to make things easier on my current self, I would strongly encourage a younger me to being, and finish, college earlier.

If I needed to be told anything, it's "Remember to breathe." Taking that one deep breath is what will be most helpful in reorganizing my thoughts, refocusing, and calming myself down. One breath grounded me and forced me to remember that everything would work out, everything would be okay, and I don't need to have everything perfectly planned out at the start of my undergraduate career. There is still time to explore options, still time to correct mistakes, and there is still even time to bring up my GPA. Yes, it's not perfect, and it's not exactly what I had envisioned, but it's just another lesson preparing me for future life experiences. Taking the time to remember to breath is what saves me from committing to too many clubs, from giving up after receiving a low paper grade; breathing keeps me sane. Breathing is essential to life and at college you begin to plan your life. College is the place to practice for the real world so take the time time college to breathe, reorganize, and refocus so you have an idea of how to maintain control, your happiness, and your health.

As a high school senior I attended two AP/College prep classes, along with 5 other classes. I also was very involved with the theatre program, including having a secretory position. If I was to go back and say some sage advice to high school senior me, I would tell her to expect a lot of self-organization heading into college. In high school, you often “hold hands with your teacher” and are handed your homework on a silver platter. In college, while the teacher is sometimes forgiving, the key to passing is making your own goals in that class. At the very beginning of the semester, read your teachers syllabus, understand how you will obtain the grade you want, and get to be confident with your work. Talk to your teacher during their office hours and know that they are there to help you. Know that college is what YOU choose to make it, so that is, YOU, who should make the best of the experience.

I would tell myself not to be afraid of the college transition. One of the biggest things that held me down was homesickness and always feeling that things weren't going how they should be. I pictured college life being something you can just jump into and have the time of your life, but I was sadly mistaken. It takes time to get used to being away from home, making new friends, and taking new classes. It's all worth it in the end though. Although at the time it may feel like the end of the world, you do get adjusted and good things are coming the longer you stay at school. College is only four years of your life, so make the most of it while you can. Be patient, take risks, and try new things: it is all going to be fine.