Butler University Top Questions

Dear Em,

If I could tell anything to my former high school senior self about college, then I would tell him that grades are not everything a university will look at. Throughout my high school career, I spent too much time fretting about my grades that I lost sight of other important things that colleges desire in a student, such as community work, SAT and ACT scores, and extracurricular activities. If I knew what I know now about the college selection process, then I would have devoted myself to studying for standardized tests more often and I would have participated in at least one community service project and/or extracurricular organization during my senior year.

Be prepared for anything and everything. College life is much different than you're life in high school. Know that the change is coming and embrace every opportunity put before you. Don't be afraid to try new things because in college every experience will be something new and exciting. Don't be so set in your schedule that you miss the little things because those little things will become the moments that you remember forever. Also know that it's okay not to have a plan for everything, actually it's practically impossible in college. Sometimes you just have to let situations work themselves out and let what happens happen. Most of all, never forget how blessed you are to have the opportunity to attend college and never foreget where you come from and the peope who helped you get to this point in your life.

If I could give a piece of advice to my high school senior self it would be that the best and closest friends will be made in college. I would tell myself not to worry about fitting in because a lot will change for the better after being accepted into Butler. Above all, do not doubt my decision to be a theatre major, it is the best decision I will ever make. It will give me purpose and ultimately allow me to give back to the communtiy and help those who have also lost a parent to cancer.

Through just one year of college, I have been changed. If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior year self things I learned and know now. 1. Do not buy books from the university bookstore. They are typically overpriced and you can get same exact books for a much better price at Amazon, Chegg, etc. Compare prices before making the purchase. n 2. Step out of your comfort zone. This will bring about many new and unforgettable memories and friendships. 3. Even though life is changing and moving fast, still keep in touch with old friends. The true friends will try and keep in contact with you. 4. Manage your time wisely. In college, there is a lot more free time. Be sure to plan your time that way you do not fall behind. 5. Take naps. If there is time, take a nap. You will feel much more energizered afterwards and it helps you stay focused. 6. If you need help in classes or anywhere really, ask. Do not wait until its too late before asking! 7. Save some time to just have fun and make unforgettable memories of your college years.

Dear Jessica, Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. You should be deeply thankful for the gifts you have been given. I know that you are nervous about starting a new chapter in your own book of life, but I urge you to not be. Live every second like it is your last for you never get that second back. Even if you can't see why, every experience you have is meaningful to your life and who you are in some way. College is going to be wonderful, make friends with everyone and don’t be afraid to be your goofy, fun-loving, studious, dedicated self because people will admire and respect you for those qualities. Take interest in the classes that, by title, may not sound particularly appealing. It is so much easier to be successful in a topic in which you are interested. With that said, remember that everything is worth studying and your brain can never be too full. Even if some information seems useless remember that no knowledge is useless knowledge. Most importantly, don’t forget to laugh. Laughter is truly the best medicine. It betters even the worst of days. This really is you, Yourself

When someting goes wrong, it's common, to wish to turn back time. It's a part of life, and we know we can't magically go back to the past to fix what was wrong. The least we can do is try to pass our knowledge on to those who might make the same mistakes. My reality check happened my freshman year. One Tuesday afternoon in November, I had a nauseating amount of work to do. So I fell asleep to escape from it. When I woke up, I was appalled at myself. How had I, the girl with straight A's in high school, turned into this lazy person who couldn't prioritize? My Achilles Heel was that I had never listened when people said college is harder than high school. I thought since I'd breezed through high school, college would be no different. Once I had my reality check, I turned things around. I learned to balance school and my social life. Now, I am a much better student and person for it. I'm glad we can' turn back time. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn a lesson.

The first thing I would tell myself would be to enjoy the little things at home and don't take them for granted before you leave. Once you move, you lose things you don't realize that you had before. Like your childhood. Although college is such an exciting time, it's really the first time in your life that you're forced to be independent. You don't have mom or dad to come home to and solve your problems. So before you're quick to ignore their advice when you're still in high school, think about what it would actually be like to not have them there for you everyday, because that is what it is like everyday in college. You don't really realize what you have until it's gone, so make sure to cherish little things about your family and home town and just your childhood in general before you take that next big step in your life.

It is very simple. The biggest advice I would give myself is to be patient. Senior year is just a rush. One rushes to finish exams, courses, high schools, and get out of ones house. All I remember is that I could not wait for the day to leave but now that I am gone I realize, I did not appreciate all the things I had at home and how much I miss them. The day came and I left, but I wish the last year would have been more focued on "what is happening now" rather than "what is about to happen."

I would tell myself not to be afraid to have some fun. My freshman year of college consisted of nothing but studying and academia. I still want to have the same success throughout my college career, but I need to be able to let loose and have some good times with my friends at the same time.