George Mason University Top Questions

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships much earlier. There are so many out there and I never knew, i just assumed financial aid would cover everything. It doesn't. Grants are great, but there are only so many out there. Scholarships are plentiful.

If I could go back as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study more and stop giving in to "senioritis." There is a big transition between high school and college work, so the more one tries in high school, the easier their college life will be. Also, I would tell myself to not slack on looking for scholarships and apply to every one I was eligible for because I didn't realize how expense college was until I got here--there is a lot more money that goes in besides tuition.

I seriously thought I had my life figured out till college decisions came in three months after my final exam. Not only was my desire to read Law in college crushed, but I also had to figure out what exactly I was going to do with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and French especially in a country like Ghana. One semester in the University of Ghana had me wishing I had been the daughter of a University Professor so I could be pushed into the program of my choice without any hassle. That all changed with coming to study in the States. I have realized that there is more to life than wishing to be someone you are not and cannot be no matter how hard you tried. Looking back however, I wish I could have given my high school senior self this advice : "Look Diana, it is fine to study hard and be on top of your class, but it is also important that you get involved in activities that would benefit the society at large. Be other-oriented; that is what volunteering is about, and it is exactly what Hiring Professionals love to see."

College is a completely different world and be prepared for it. In high school, it is like I was in babysitting. All of a sudden, there is a huge difference when someone goes to college.

Find a job on campus that pays a good wage but still allows you to get your homework done. By the time you get your undergraduate degree you'll have saved enough money to pay for your graduate degree without taking out loans.

I would tell myself that having a small number of quality friends trupms having a big groups of friends that are not really your good friends. Having a small number of quality friends allows you to feel secure in your friendships and to know that the people you surround yourselves with will be there for you no matter what. I would tell myself that the friends you choose to have will be the people that you can depend on when in need. They are the people that when you are in college struggling to adjust to being in such a new environment, you call them and they get you through it. Alternately when they need the reassurance that they will be okay, they call you and your job as thier friend is to listen and be there for them. Friendships are a two way street of give and take. Choose wisely who you want to associate with becasue you are putting a great amount of trust in these people and you need people like this in your life. You need good friends you can count on to get you through tough moments.

I would tell myself to communicate with your soon to be classmates as much as you possibly can. It is good to get to know people from the college you're attending especially if it is out of state. Most of the time you can find your classmates on Facebook or on Twitter using a hashtag with your college or university's name and the year you're graduating. For instance, for my class I typed in #GMU18 and I came across so many of my future classmates. I would tell myself to reach out to your classmates and get to know them. Also visit your future home as much as possible so you can get a feel of the campus.

Alright, I know that you've heard alot of advice before, but I have to tell you, college is going to be the best thing that happens to you. High school seems great, but forget about it. Thinking about high school and the friends you made there and your home town and everything is great but don't get caught up in the past. You're going to make new friends and live in a whole new world when you get to college. A big thing to do is just forget how to be shy. Go say hello to everyone, whether they are in your class, eating alone or sitting and waiting somewhere. Just try not be creepy. The only problems you might have when you get to college is remembering to do your work and going back home after each semester. Oh, and don't forget to talk to your advisor. They know what they're doing and they'll make it so you won't have to go to gollege for two extra years. We all know it's too expensive.

I would inform my younger self about the increasing burden of student debt. I could share news articles to myself involving horror stories about families spending decades to pay off loans as well as inspiring accounts about students who sacrificed food, housing and comfort to have little to no debt. I could also warn myself of the impact that the job market and unemployment crisis would have once I graduated from high school. I would advise myself to research what career path would best fit my life. I should ask myself: “Is this career something I want?”,“Will my potential profession be worth investing time and money into a degree”, and “will it help me pay back my loans and get out of debt?” However, I would also remind myself that even though costs and finance are significant, my overall college experience like education and meeting new people is also important. These years of college are special because it will be the last time where all I have to do is learn from the brightest people in the criminal justice field. Ultimately, I have to decide: Would I rather be happy and be in debt or miserable and debt-free?

To focus more on your studies and to become more involved with the Mason Community and all the people who make it up.