Mark
My college experience has taught me how to think and reason. I have learned a plethora of other valuable traits but I use this one because people take the idea for granted. The difference I notice when I meet someone who has gone to college and someone who has not is that the those who have gone think for themselves. A person who has gone to college does not take "facts" or ideas at face value but questions the world around them. My college experience has taught me to keep questioning and to continue learning because the pursuit of knowledge does not end after the final is over and you receive a grade. What seperates humans from animals is our ability to learn and reason. It would be a waste to become complacent with a life style that did not include an ongoing challenge to expand my own knowledge of the world around me. What we learn and discover today is what will define the world of tomorrow. My college experience has not just taught me the skills to suceed in a job field but to live a life of leaning and discovery.
Camille
During high school I was too concerned with the present and not enough with the future; I made decisions without any concern for how they would impact my future. That being said, if I could, I would have a few things to tell my senior self now that I have lived through the consequences of those actions. First of all, I would tell myself to participate in extracurricular activities while I still had time. A lot of high school students don?t realize how much time they have and how it will disappear in college. I would also tell myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible. I regret not applying for any because I have wasted several hundred dollars that I could have gone towards university. I should have accumulated enough money to pay for everything so I wouldn?t have to worry about getting enough money each semester. In conclusion, even though I made several mistakes in my senior year of high school, I did indeed pull through them and came out on the other side a better person. I still wish that I had done things a little differently, but that?s just how life works.
Amara
If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, there would be so much to relay to her. I would start off by telling her to calm down about choosing a major. She may not know what she wants to do yet, but she has time before she needs to know. To go ahead and try out different kinds of classes before making that decision, especially classes she normally wouldn't really consider. I would also recommend that she get involved in the school however she can. She may think that school work is a full-time job in itself, but she wouldn't have to go to a club meeting every day, just do something simple, like make a poster for an upcoming event or attend a major workshop. Even small activities will make her feel like a part of the school community and be more determined to work hard, meet new people, and grow as a person. I'm sure as I progress at the University, there will be much more advice I could give my high school self, but I have already learned so much, and hope to continue doing so each semester.
Nicole
If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to join as many clubs and organizations as I could senior year to gain a better understanding of what I would enjoy majoring in. I would also apply to more schools and take more campus tours to see what campus I could envision myslef attending. Applying for scholarships earlier on would have helped me financially. The last thing I would tell myself is to enjoy every minute of my senior year of high school and freshman year of college because you can only go through it once.
kimberly
the advice that i would give myself as a a senior would be to keep the momentum i had since junior year. keep all the working skills i had and apply all of them non stop throughout high school. also i would tell myself to take advantage of all the resources that my school had to offer. another piece of advice i would give myself would dont give up any dreams that i have. no matter what obstical that came my way. that last bit of advice would be to have fun and enjoy the four years of high school that i have, they go by so fast and without any notice, its over
MacKenzie
The four years that are spent in high school are a time for self-discovery. The progress I saw from those first days of my freshman year to the last moments of receiving my diploma signifies a time that will never be forgotten. Thinking back on my senior year, though it seems like a lifetime ago, I have come to realize how my fears of growing up hindered choices I made for my future.
If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to appreciate being young and enjoy growing up. Don?t fear the unexpected because it will hold you back. Meet all the requirements on time but don?t let yourself stress. Everything will work out; just be patient.
When you do get accepted and find yourself making the final transition from child to adult, don?t forget to let your family know how important they have been in the entire process. That their support and love means the world to you and you understand letting go isn?t easy.
But, the biggest thing I would tell myself? Go all out. Apply everywhere. You are good enough, no matter what anyone tells you.
Kathryn
Hey Kathryn. I know that you think college is some hard deadful place but it really isn't. College life is nice. The GE classes aren't that bad. Some are easier than others. The transition itself is easy to make. In my opinion college is better than High School. In college you have two or three classes a day, which you get to pick. You can also schedule classes so that you have a break between each class and relax on Friday. Hardely any classes you take are on Friday, which is really nice. The homework load is bearable. Essay can be a pain but the sooner you complete them the sooner you can relax. You are really going to enjoy the downtime in college. Depending on the class tests can be hard but again don't worry about them. If you pay attention to the lectures you will do fine. Studying isn't too bad. I know that you are going to enjoy college when you get there.
Jenissa
I would start at a community college and transfer to a four year after that. I went straight to a private school and racked up a large amount of debt. I tansfered to a community college after attending two private schools and still got an equally as effective education there. Be sure to stick with one school - transfering too much can make aquiring your degree a much longer process. Make the most of where ever you go. All schools have something different to offer. Most important piece of advice: get involved, stay active, and keep a smile on your face!
Elizabeth
Dont be afraid to take a class you might think would be difficult. Push yourself to do the best you can and become involved in school as early as you can. Meet students and faculty early on. that is how you make your connections. Have fun but stay focused on the what you came here to do. Ask questions and stay positve. Stay on the weekends in housing that is the only way to meet people and start off as a freshman working hard and putting more effort rather than putting too little effort.
Nigel
To the parents, I would like to say give your children all the resources they need in choosing the right college. Make sure they know that the possibilities are endless when applying for colleges/universities. also be sure to let them know that it doesn't matter where they go but that your just proud that they are going.
For students, i would like to say that you should do your research on every campus you plan to attend. Try and go to as many campus tours as possible and if accepted to the school of your choice immediately get involved so in the fall it will seem as if you a second year student and you will be able to help out the other freshmen. You also may think about seeing which university will give you the most financial aid, that is very important. Overall find a great school for whatever reason you think it is great and hope for the best.