Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myselfas a high school senior I think I would have two items of advice that I would give now that I have been in college. I would tell myself to work hard in the summer to make and save money so that I can pay my way through school because taking out loans is not a very good option and locks us down financially for a long period of time. So work hard and save money to be able to pay your way through school would be my first advice, and I think my second advice would be to really focus and school and make it a priority. The harder you study and the more important your studies are to you, the more success you will have and the more fulfilling studying at college will be.

Definitely expect the unexpected. The many "college-life," stories your friends and family tell you was nothing like your college life so far. Your expectation was to have a lot of fun in college and avoid the library as much as possible, but over your past semesters you realized how important your performance and excelleration were at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. You should have started college with an open mind because the experiences you expected to gain either didn't happen or happened and ended up regretting those decisions. Open mindedness was vital to have when you first attended a private university and is now in your current position as a full-time student. With that open mindedness you could have met your life long friends quicker and learned the business mind faster. Now, that you are open minded, be sure to fully grasp the concept of it in your future schooling, interviews, and ultimately workforce. Make the transition to college your learning experience and communicate yourself as much as you can to others to show them the unexpected.

You are about to embark on a wonderful journey to further your education, and as you do so your life will change in multiple ways. My advice to you would be to stay calm and enjoy the journey. You will figure everything out sooner or later. Enjoy the process of changing and becoming the person you want to become. You have left home and no one is responsible for you but you. You are going to have to work hard and that will help you grow. Don’t be so caught up in picking the major everyone else wants you to pick, find what you are passionate about. Become engaged in learning and not just cramming to pass a test. College is a privilege, denied to many don’t take for granted the opportunity you have to learn. Remember that college isn’t just about hitting the library. Get out and meet people, because they will be just as much a part of your experience as anything. Join clubs and get involved, this could lead you to many opportunities you won’t find in the classroom. Lastly, Don’t ever stop believing that you can change the world.

Although it wasn't too long ago, looking back on my transition from high school to college feels like looking at a different world. I was so focused on things that I can say now mattered so little, and I thought little of what mattered most. If I could tell my transitional self anything, it would be to slow down and think of people instead of things. Think about who you're going to meet, not what clothes you'll meet them in. Think about how much money you're spending, not the new shiny things you'll have. Think about the advice your parents, people who have done this before, can give you, not the independence you've longed for. There are so many things you're going to learn, so many friends and teachers to meet, and none of it relies on the newest generation of Mac laptops or infinity scarves or fishtail braids. What really ends up meaning the most is the kind of person you've become over the last 18 years, and how that person makes their world a better place. Don't worry about what is to come, but who you are to be.

I would say to myself, "Hold on!" It wasn't the easiest road to get to where I am at but it was definitly worth it. Be grateful for the challenges that come because many good things and doors have opened because of it. Stay positive and be yourself. Find the good in other and always be ready to help others. It will come back to you.

I should be more involve in the different activities of the school; example; clubs, sports, etc. also study hard since the beginning of the year; try to do the extra mile; and make more friends.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told my self many things. First I would tell him that I am a lot smarter than I believed and was capable of doing much more. I would explain that I was not going to spend my life in Arizona so shouldn't worry so much about the drama with my friends and family. I would have told him to focus on his interests rather than entertainment. I also would have demonstrated the joy of learning and that it is ok to fail. I would explain that the better I am now the better I will be later so don't worry about not being the best right now just simply keep striving to improve. I would tell him to ignore the negativity he would encounter and learn to forgive and love people around him. If I could have just done that I feel my life would have been very different. I would have helped more people and learned more things. Although reflecting upon what I could have done is nice I must recognize that I can apply those lessons now.

The world is a big place. You belong in it! The world needs you to make a difference in it! Believe in yourself. You do not have to have strait A's. Work hard! Be true to yourself. Chose a major where you can use your talents to improve the lives of those around you. Try different classes to see what you might be good at. When you chose your major be true to it, and work hard. You are diligent and will work hard on everything you do, however learn to have fun, and to take a break every now and again. Learn to laugh at yourself. Live the Spirit of Aloha. Breath. It will all work out in the end.

Alright, I have two things to share: First, whatever you do, save all the money you can! :) College is full of adventures but in order to perform well and stay out of debt as much as possible, you want to be able to set aside some money for fun as well as school. Which brings up my another point- In order to get the most out of college you have to be able to know how to balance having fun and staying focused on school work. You will perform the best with both of these in your schedule so don't stay indoors studying all the time! ;) College is an adventure so treat it like one! It's not meant to be scary or nerve-racking, all you're doing is becoming an adult and learning how to act like one. So "have fun, take chances, make mistakes and get messy!" as Ms. Frizzle would always say. Go have a blast and be wise with your spending!

Its all about the j-curve, just like in the business world having an accurate understanding of what investments in time/money will pay the biggest dividends is true when it comes to college. Going into college I started without a strategy and attended classes because that is what was expected of me. I spent so much wasted effort on areas of my college experience that provided little academic, social, or future economic benefit. Education should be all about your learning; I have now found that key to my experience has been identifying a strategy and focussing my efforts on experiences and opportunities that will really be impactful. This doesn't always mean the courses on the traditional map or even courses at all, it has meant for me starting businesses, finding mentors in the offices of my professors, and building lifelong friendships with individuals who inspire me and are having a positive impact on the world. My advice is develop a strategy and don't attend college or classes just because you are expected to, it is never too early to plan where you want to end up develop the skills and experience needed to get there.