Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

If I were to go back in time I would tell myself to stop stressing about "what I want to be." I would have many days when I would be so confused and focus on learning about a career that was going to make me the most money. I came to college and learned this is where you find your true self. I am learning what it really means to "learn" about a subject you love and have passion for it. It is not about what career is going to make you the most money. I should have been thinking of ways my future career would benefit or help the lives of others. I would tell myself not to try to plan my life out because it never works out the way you had planned in your career class. You disocver a passion that may fuel you for the rest of your life with the new opportunities in college.

Talking to my high school self, I would tell her to lighten up. I definitely believe in working hard and I wouldn't ever advocate working any less than I did, but I would try to have more fun. Throughout my whole life I've been a relatively serious person, but as I get older I've realized that I would have had so much fun when I was younger. There are times to be serious, but there are more times to be fun. College is really challenging, but knowing how to ease up and take a break is just as important as knowing how to buckle down. My whole life I was raised knowing that college is competitive and to get in requires demonstrating consistent good grades -- which takes a lot of effort -- but I never let myself relax. Going back in time, I would tell myself that it's okay to have a little frivolous fun, in fact, it's needed!

So, you know all of that effort you’re putting into those AP classes right now? Well, guess what, you are going to excel in college if you keep that up. You are also going to exhaust yourself if you keep going like that. My lesson to you, past self, is that you are not invincible. You are strong, but you do not have to be the best in everything. Be proud of your accomplishments, but humble in your acknowledgments. Respect all who come into your life, for you will never know who is going to change your life. Learn to trust in others. You do not have to go through trials and hard times alone. Your roommates are going to drive you crazy, but you will learn to love them. Stop spending money on useless things- just start cutting out soda now. I promise, it saves money and time. You are not perfect. You do not have to be perfect. Just be the best person that you are capable of being. And that person will change again and again. Remember who you are and what you stand for. You, love, are a child of God. Never forget that.

I would tell myself to absorb all the knowledge available to me. I would tell myself to appreciate my teachers, take classes I would learn something unique from, even if it had nothing to do with what I planned on studying in college. Most importantly, I would press my high school self to question EVERYTHING. The greatest way to build your mind is to figure out the "why?". If you can understand the foundation of a subject, you can build upon it and share that knowledge, teach that knowledge. I would encourage myself to take every unique opportunity I saw. I would tell myself to make an extra effort to impart love on everyone around me... You never know who you may never see again. I would tell myself to take care of the people who struggled and to teach them whatever I could. I would tell myself that college is a wonderful experience, and there is plenty of time to do it. I would tell myself to be prepared for wild roller coaster I would be on the next year, modeling in New York Fashion Week, living in Europe. I would promise myself to savor every moment.

Seniors, I'm telling you now, get over the prejudices, the cliques, and the groups that control your school, and get to know people. Don't spread yourself to thin, have a group of solid friends, but learn how to meet people. The day you enter college, you're bombarded with questions, and knowing how to introduce yourself to someone in a friendly and impressive way is essential to surviving in a mass of people. At college people won't know your life story, like in high-school. Your professors wont know, neither will your roommates, and neither will the random guy that sits next to you in class. You will feel like a number, another statistic of someone who worked hard to get there, another person taking up space. Learning to introduce yourself to people, makes you realize that you are an individual in the sea of people sporting your college's colors. Many times these one time meetings don't result in any sort of friendship, but the moment of introducing yourself to someone, and carrying on seemingly insignificant conversation, confirms that you are a living, breathing, person that is working hard rather than just another seat filled.

I would tell myself to study more and keep working hard. Also I would find more chances to go out and have fun.

I would tell my high school senior-self that college is amazing. It is fun, challenging, and helps you grow. I would tell myself to not doubt your passions and interests. Don't waste time doubting yourself. Make sure you work hard, but don't neglect your social life. It doesn't come as easily as it did in high school. Don't feel like you have to prove yourself to other people and don't be afraid to let go of your friends from high school. It is time to move on from everyone. Make sure you spend time getting to know your professors, they aren't as intimidating as you think. It will really help you to form close relationships with them. Make sure you get involved in extra ciriculars and research projects. Know your limits. Sometimes it is okay to overachieve, but make sure you are taking care of yourself. It is okay to take some semesters slow or take extra classes that sound interesting to you. Just enjoy college. It is a great time of your life. You will like it more than you think! Keep working hard and good luck!

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give my high school self some advice, it would be to “Hang in there…it’s worth it!” There were numerous occasions amidst the endless hours of studying, researching, writing and problem solving that I was ready to throw in the towel. My comfortable bed was much more appealing than the computer screen or textbook page at midnight, and I was tempted to call it quits. Maintaining my 4.9 GPA and class ranking seemed to push me at the time, but now I know there were bigger motivators out there! “Hang in there…it’s worth it!” Had I known what was ahead of me, I would have never slowed down! Transitioning to a college campus has been an exciting adventure already filled with a wealth of experiences. The diligence in my studies and relentless focus on my education paved the way for me as a college student. Those high school challenges were simply preparing me for the world ahead, full of new faces, new challenges, and most importantly new learning. All of the obstacles I have previously faced are well worth the value of my education.

Jake, you're going to college soon. I've come to share some keys that will guide you in your college career. Learn to love learning, once you realize that the learning and growth you experience is as important as the class, you'll get good grades. Sit close to the front, take good notes, pay attention, and go to every single class period, this is half the battle to learning what your professor teaches. Make friends in your classes, a good group of friends can make all the difference. Live in the moment and get involved. Make it great!

If I could go back and give some advice to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a few pointers. One thing I would tell myself is to make sure to get involved in something. Get involved in some kind of sport, or club, just something that will ensure you an immediate group of friends that you can rely on and hang out with. Another thing I would tell myself is to work enough during the summer to be able to ensure that during the school year you can just focus on your studies. Working at the same time as going to school can really be a huge stresser on any college student. Finally, I would tell myself to not forget that college is to also have fun. Sure you have to have plenty of study time, but it's always good to save a few moments and just go relax from the cares of college work and do something you love.