Zoe
My biggest piece of advice I would give myself if I could talk to myself as a high school senior to prepare for college would absolutely be to PLAN AHEAD. Not just in academics, but in everything about college. There have been countless times since move-in on August 9th. Actually, since before then. I would tell myself not to put off packing for college, buying the things I need, and saying my goodbyes to my friends. I would tell myself not to put off homework until the night before it's due, because it adds unnecassary stress. I would tell myself that if I get an essay prompt or project assigned at the beginning of the semester, do it sooner rather than later because there's nothing worse than having multiple projects and essays due during finals week, in addition to taking the finals themselves. But other than telling myself to plan ahead, I would tell myself that it is still so important to remember to have fun. Part of the college experience is having fun with friends, participating in campus activities, and RELAXING. Looking back now, I wish I knew these things going into college.
Lequina
I would tell myself to go after my dreams, believe that I can in anything and stop stressing about my future and just have fun.
Nicole
If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself not to slack off, and be more outgoing. I slacked off in my English and Spanish four class for 3 quarters and it didn't do my gpa any good. I was never that outgoing so I never made that many friends to go to college with even though I'm making up for it now. I mainly wish that I had a higher gpa because if I did it would have been easier finding scholarships. I would also like to tell myself apply for scholarships as soon as possible because my parents are forced to pay my tuition and even though we make $100,000 a year we mainly use that money on medical bills for my grandma who has terminal colon cancer. My last year was like I was never there I was just going through the motions, but I have learned my lesson now. I know now that I need to be more outgoing, apply myself, study hard, and no procrastinating.
Aubrey
If I could go back in time to my high school self, I'd tell myself to not worry so much. As a senior in high school, I was extremely stressed about going to college. I worried about things like how I would find the money, if I would get accepted, and how I would get myself all the way down to Florida. On top of all that stress, I was loaded down with schoolwork from Advanced Placement classes, and I had to work at my part time job as much as possible so I could make enough money for rent (plus hopefully a little extra for college). Looking back at myself a year ago, I'm definitely proud of what I accomplished, but I wish I had just given myself a little more free time to hang out with my friends, and allowed myself a chance to relax.
Joy
My senior-age self would be taught this lesson: follow your heart.
As a high school senior, I was highly focused on and motivated to work toward certain goals. I convinced myself that I wanted my future-self to be a certain person who accomplished certain things by a certain time. The problem was, I did not truly want what I was working toward. I spent my entire senior year of high school, my freshman year of college, and half of my sophomore year of college working toward something I never really wanted, and ignoring what I did want because I believed that it was not a "good enough" goal. In the end, I spent nearly two and a half years torn between where I was heading and where I was wanting to be. I was afraid to change directions, and I was afraid to continue on the path I had mapped out for myself.
In the end, I discovered that I could only find true joy by setting goals that fit who I was. I found who I was by listening to my heart, and allowing it to guide me to the path I am now on.
Melissa
I would tell myself that all of the anxiety and worry was not worth it. It truly is the most exciting time of your life. Everything works out in the end, and with so many people helping you the worry is not necessary.
Claudia
I am back in school after many years. If I could go back in time I would tell myself, “ Don’t stop! Keep going! You can do this! Don’t be afraid! "
Veda
Eckerd College has enabled me the opportunity to develop and enhance my writing, verbal communication, and computer skills. The courses I have taken and continue to take has enhanced my yearning for knowledge; and are very valuable. The teachings of this school has taught me how to objectively review the values of society and relate them to a world view as well as my own personal value system, set priorities on diverse value, and how to reconcile value conflicts. I value this newfound knowlege and will utilize it not only in the workforce, but in giving back to the community.
Amanda
I have learned so much from my art instructors. They have expanded my creativity by a long-shot and are helping me make my skills stronger. It's been valuable because if I didn't have a degree, then I'd be a girl who just likes to draw in her freetime instead of the woman who is making illustrations for best sellers. Instead of persuing my dream of being an illustrator, I'd probably have to resort to being a tattoo artist, and that's just not classy.
Stacey
So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned to live independently without having my parents look after me. I have learned to compensate my needs with a roommate, and to intergrate socially with my peers. I have learned to be responsible with my choices and to also relax from stressful circumstances. My college education has provided me the opportunities to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I would not trade it for the world.