Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I think there would be many things I would want to tell myself if I could go back in time to before I left for college. First of all, I really would want to stress time management. When you get to college and are on your own for the first time, it can be overwhelming trying to experience anything and everything all at once. There are so many things that you have to balance all of a sudden such as more challenging schoolwork, friends, clubs, activities, sports and many others. I remember first semester of my freshman was very hard on my boyfriend and I. Our relationship needed a lot of work and we were really tested. Even though we went to the same school, and our dorms were right next to each other, it just was not as easy to have a good relationship in college. It definitely took a lot more effort, and luckily we were able to make things work. It is easy to get caught up in all the other things on campus you can get involved in besides schoolwork. If I could go back, I would want to prepare myself more for my first semester.

Don't take 19 credits in one semester! Make lots of friends and socialize more to make up for the mounds of homework and practicing you're about to get into. Apply for more scholarships and get more involved in volunteering so you have something to do that doesn't involve music. Visit the local schools more often to observe how different music directors teach. And finally, practice piano A LOT.

College is about exploration. You need to explore every piece of the puzzle to really figure out what pieces make up who you are. Try all different kinds of majors, don't be afraid to pursue multiple degrees. This is the time to take your passions and make them count. Distinguish yourself. Be who you really are, and that is how you will experience college to the fullest.

Love yourself always and trust in who you are. You are young right now, so if the concept of "who you are" isn't exactly clear yet, get excited because college is a great opportunity to discover what makes sense to you and what brings you joy. In college, each day brings a series of choices, and sometimes this autonomy can be overwhelming. However, you can obtain peace and success by creating a routine that fosters balance in your new surroundings. Two adversaries to your mission of success in college are the two P's: Partying and Procrastinating. There is always some sort of party happening at Indiana University, so don't feel like you're missing out when you decide to stay in. It may seem tempting to procrastinate your studying until the last minute, but don't. You'll be calmer and more sure of yourself if you review your notes after class, and visit your teachers if you need extra help. Overall, find a routine that allows you enough time for the right amount of sleep, exercise, studying, friends and a extracurricular club. Above all, pay attention to what interests you, and have faith in yourself.

I would tell myself to enjoy college life and make the best of it. There are many wonderful opportunities that are provided for students. If you know what your major is going to be then take those courses to see if you are interested in it. I knew what my major was going to be which is Business. It is important to do well in your classes right away so your GPA starts high.

Be open to seeing and getting to know different cultures. Expand yourself and open up to others. Talk to people that are on the bus, get to know them, even if only for a few minutes. Outside of the classes and school work, there is a world of people out there that would love to know you. There are people that are lonely, that need friends, and you could be that first friend that could make college life a whole lot easier than going about life by yourself. Even though there are at least 40,000 people at this knew school, few of which that look like you, and even fewer from the same place, know that you have a voice, you can make a difference. You can have a large impact on someone else's life, even if just a smile. Keep in mind that a small stone can create ripples in still water. What you contribute to other peoples lives counts. What you contribute to this university counts. You have influence.

Do whatever you can to get to Indiana University- Bloomington freshman year! I know your parents want you to be home for the first year, and attend your local branch of Indiana - but IU is too good of a place to miss one year. Transferring can be an issue, and credits may not always transfer. Take an abundance of classes your senior year in all fields. You have a love for business and writing, don't just sign up for that Marketing class - take Journalism! Being involved with DECA, Homestead TV, and Student Government are great choices of clubs to get you ready for the Bloomington campus. Also, talk over financial situtaions with the academic office of Bloomington. It becomes overwhelming, and the advisors can guide your through the financial aid process, because money is tight. Save all you can. Keep n contact with IU alum to ease the transition. You are definitely ready for the IU campus, being involved in high school will help you come out of your shell, and being a apart of Leadership Fort Wayne was your best move in high school allowing you to make friends from all places will help you network at IU!

My advice to myself in college would be to apply to a lot of places that there aren't people I went to high school with. I really enjoy the fact that I could go off and enjoy college without being stuck in the same routine and group of people that I had already spent so many years with. I love that I can be myself and then reconnect with friends at home during breaks. Do not choose schools based on other people and make a choice for yourself.

I remember sitting in my favorite teacher's office for hours, just discussing how nervous I was about moving out of my comfort zone to a new, unknown place. That fear of the unknown and not fitting in kept me home for the first year of college. While all of my friends enjoyed and made a plethora of new friends, I was at home in my safe zone. I really regret that decision today. I wish I would have just been brave enough to break free and experience the dorm life, meet new people, and engage in a new environment. I am envious of all my friends that actually took the leap because I know they had an extra year of college experience that I will never be able to get. A campus such as Bloomington is just so welcoming and friendly to anyone, I have no idea what I even feared. College is all about the experience, in and out of the classroom. While I got my in-class experience my freshman year, I definately missed out on the out of class experieces. It's a shame that I couldn't convince myself to grow.

Invest in 401K, Money Market Account, and Saving Account. Take Honors classes and AP classes. Get good grades. Start searching for scholarships ahead of time, and applying for universities. Consider marriage and children later say at 33 years old. Become a more established person to have a family and children. Finish my degrees all of them push myself more than I should, and don't start chatting because leads to classes and other things being missed.