Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I have grown and matured to be the best person I can be both academically and socially. I have always valued the advantage of having an education, but even more so after my freshman year in college. I have learned to accept any and all challenges that come my way with eager anticipation. I know that when Igraduate and leave Indiana Universty Kelley School of Business in the Hutton Honors Program I can do anything I want to or the rest of my life with confidence. Graduating with a college degree will be one of my finest accomplishments in life.

I have not only realized who I am as a student and learner, but I have realized who I am as a person. People always told me that college is about getting a degree so you can get a job. I've learned that it's also about finding yourself and where you fit in. There are so many different opportunities that everyone can find something that they love. Everyone seems to get along here, and I think it's because we embrace diversity. That is what it's really all about.

If I could go back, the most important thing I could tell myself is to relax, everything turns out alright. I remember only too well how incredibly stressed I was at that point, and devasted by my collection of rejection letters (seeing as my entire high school career was spent at the top academically, it was very hard for me to be told no). Knowing what I know now and how much I have changed, for the better, I would tell myself what has become very true to me now; everything happens for a reason. I ended up at IU to experience a new place with new people, but also to realize how much I appreciate everything I took for granted at home. I can easily say that I have experienced my fair share of ups and downs at this university, but I can also say that I have learned so much. Although I do not have a clear-cut picture of where I will be in ten years, like I did in high school, I know I am on the right path and I made the right choice. This is what I would tell myself. Everything ends up alright.

I didn?t have any idea that college life was way different then high school. Until I step my feet in the college doors. Then I started to ask myself do I really belong here. I said that because I realize that college is nothing like my high school for example, the looks, size, and the classes. If I have known now that my high school life would not be the same. I would have taken high school more seriously. Also I should have focus on what I was doing and hearing. I should have study harder. Mainly I should have asked question on thing I did know. So I can get help on it and would not have to be struggling. I didn?t have know idea because I though college was easy. I wish I had really applied myself in high school. Now I know I have to in college. So I can go far in life. The looks are not like my high school because some college is more commutable and larger then my high school. I wish I had a clue on what to look for in college. I would have been a whole lot better.

If i was able to give my high schoolsenior self any advice about th upcoming years of college it would be to breathe and think solely for myself. The college process can be extremely stessful and often times you lose sight of the big picture when thinking about where you'll soon be. When I was a senior I was very concerned with seperating from my friends and being alone on some unknown land. Now, after being on campus for a semester Ive came to realize beingalone on this "unknown land" has peovided some of the best opportunities for me. It may not be easy, but you'll find your place. The journey's just beginning you can't bring all of yourhome town luggage with you, be ready to finally be free to be no one but you.

I would tell myself to get more involved on campus earlier. I didn't start joining clubs or do any volunteering until near the end of my first year. Once I started to get more involved with my school, I started loving it more and more. Also, because IU is a bigger campus compared to some other campuses, it does sometimes feel a little overwhelming. But, getting involved and participating in different activities is the best way to make a big campus feel like home. You start to meet new people and make new friends, and you really start to get to know yourself. I have enjoyed my second year of college so much more now that I am involved with different organizations and clubs. It really has made a difference.

If I could go back and tell myself important information about college, I would definitely say "keep your grades and your head up." When I was in high school, I passed classes easily and without much effort, but when I got to college I realized that things are much more difficult. Homework is much more intricate and rigorous, and it's important to stay on top of your game. It is also just as important to remain positive about the smaller situations that could lead to major stress, because unnecessary stress can lead to a decline in grades. If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be to just have a good time enjoying the smaller things that college has to offer, whether it's missing Mom's home-cooked meals or spending time in your new best friend's room. Grades are extremely important in college, but life is nothing without positivity and happiness.

Confidence is the key to meeting new people, to trying new experiences, to suceeding. In order to walk into college confident and proud of yourself, you need to be confident of your high school life as well. Don't waste high school with the expectation that college will get better. It is not where you are that determines your life, it is you that determines everything. From your day to day, to the big picture, college doesn't make life better, you do. Take life 'by the horns' now; don't wait. Even when you live at home, take control of your well-being, your mood. Take action. College will be far easier if you already live for yourself, and already have that drive to start each and every day. More than anything I would urge myself to seek medical attention sooner. Dealing with new medication in college makes the transition more difficult. I was becoming comfortable in a poor condition of mental health during my senior year. Instead of mildly asking my mother for a doctor, I needed to be active pursuing aid myself. I would have saved myself then, rather than struggle with it in college.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about making the transition from life at home to life at college, I would share some wisdom from the seemingly insignificant to the larger life lessons. You will have to share a room with someone, though this may sound simple it is more complicated than you think. For the first time you will daily have to change in front of another person and privacy will seem at an all time low. College changes some people, it certainly will to some of your friends. You will see them make poor choices and not hold true to them selves, but dont let that effect you. Hold true to what you believe in: your morals, your goals, and your values. Dont let family members and loved ones go unnoticed, for you never know when one will pass away. Trust that all things happen for a reason and when grandma dies have faith that she is in a better place. Keep your head up always, hope for the best, enjoy life and the opportunities you've been given. Above all though, stay true to who you are and enjoy your time at college.

I would tell myself that there will always be unknowns in my life, and to take these unknowns and take the chance to turn them into opportunities. After taking the opportunity to participate in a variety of activites and always feeling busy, i would tell myself to get a plate and fill it up, and right when it looks like its almost to full, put something else in the little space left. Find some gravy to poor ontop that will enrich all the experiences and somehow bind them all together. College is an amazing experience and there is no reason to be afraid to get involved, or to limit your activities because you feel that classes are the only reason to be in college.