Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

The most important thing that I would tell myself is not to get overstressed about knowing what you want to do with your life during the first semester at college. Many people change their majors though out their college experience and many more have a variety of careers after college. Take time to breath and just focus on doing well in your G.E. classes. Take time to learn about yourself and try out new things. If you’re interested in a major, talk to people who are in that major. Meet with alumni who have graduated with that major and ask them what their life is like now. Just take the time in your first few semesters (or years) to learn what you like to do and it will make a big difference later on down the road.

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Seek financial aid sooner. Make goals, but don't be afraid to reevaluate and change them as your knowledge and experience grow. Always strive to do your best. When you drive hard, keep going until you finish. When you reach goals, reward yourself. But not until you achieve them. You are not in this alone. Reach out and help others along the way.

Dude, you know how you think you know how to study? You're wrong! Put in 30 more minutes studying every night and it'll make a difference. Also, good job on holding back from partying. Too many kids are lazy and making really poor decisions. They are wasting time, money and their future. Enjoy those naps now because they don't exist once you're in college and appreciate mom's home cooking a little more. Do some occasional laudry and save more of your paychecks. I have a baseball player in one of my classes and wish I were him! Put in longer practices, go swing in the batting cage every day, hit off the tee, go for runs and push yourself a little harder. You turn out pretty okay and have a lot of great people who give you some neat opportunities and great advice. Keep working hard!

High School Self, While you have a lot to be proud of, just remember that you're still seventeen; you don't, in fact, no everything. The world doesn't owe you anything, so be sure to pack a big dose of humility in your suitcase. You will need it. Remember that what anyone else thinks of you is none of your business. Heed this advice and you'll save a lot of time that you'd otherwise spend obsessing over the approval of others. Most of those nit-pickers don't matter anyway. If you get hit by a car while riding your bike, for the love of God get that idiot's license plate number-- there's a chance he will speed away and leave you there. Open your mind because you can learn from everyone. Don't be quick to dismiss the asshole. You don't know where he's been. Last, but not least, you are a geek, an introvert, and a nerd who prefers bookstores and quiet evenings to parties and concerts. Don't be ashamed of that. Embrace your weirdness and you will come to find that other people love that about you too.

If I could advise myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go all-in. College is not a time to hold back. Attend all the programs you can, talk to everyone around you, and make friends. College is all about who you know. On the academic side, having friends in each course will significantly increase you test scores and understanding of course material, and knowing professors can make you memorable and help your grades. In the social perspective, reaching out can help you find your place and your closest friends. College is about finding yourself. Everything you do, put your self into it whether it is a math assignment or a date. Be fully present and see the bright side of every situation you are in. When the going gets tough, be grateful you have the opportunity to attend college, and get out and laugh. Laugh every day. Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, and do what makes you happy. Do not let anyone shame you into being someone you are not. Create some insane memories. Be able to tell you future children stories they will not believe. Make it a time to remember.

Whatever you might think your priorities should be in the future, remember this one lesson: Life is about people. Focus on your relationships before your accomplishments. Focus on loving your family members, making friends, and being open and available to those around you. College can be an isolating, stressful, depressing experience. Or college can be the time where you discover how many gifts and talents that you've been blessed with, gifts that will enrich the world when you are outwardly focused. Never get too caught up in your problems and struggles that you forget to be happy. You will find true happiness in loving other people. All the other decisons, where to live, what to study, where to get a job...those are all secondary to the decison of how you treat other people. So smile, be bold and friendly. Always help others. Be involved in people's lives. Listen to them. Find ways to serve in your apartment, your community, your classes. Study in groups. Be a peer tutor. Be a leader. Be an example of good character. By loving other people, you'll be fulfilling the highest calling you have in this life.

Take the time to complete assignment and homework before work or play if possible. Join clubs and intermural teams. Learn to enjoy Raman, Peanut Butter sandwiches and Man and Cheese. Have fun, college can be a lot of fun too,

Do not take the easy way out. High school life breeds short sightedness. You tend to be selfish, focus on yourself, and only briefly plan for the future. Be careful and avoid this common trap. Open your vision wide, look beyond yourself now, and think about what will most benefit you in the long run. Be aware that the university level will challenge you, but it will prepare you for life. Compare this lesson to a farmer. Early in the season the farmer works his hardest. He puts forth hours of labor and sacrifices sleep or entertainment in hopes for a bountiful harvest. As he centers his mind on future success, the work becomes more enjoyable. It's all about perspective. He knows his dilligent work now will eventually pay off, and so it is with college. Skip the community colleges and avoid the party schools. Find a university that will require strenuous hours of labor, sacrifice of sleep and entertainment, so that in the future you and your family will harvest fruits that will last you through the winter and into the future.

I would have studied harder and been more prepared and maybe actually have gotten scholarships.