Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Live to Learn and Learn to Live. Try to learn something new every day, but most important learn to have fun, you only have one shot. Life for all we know is what you make it, so make it wonderful.

I would just tell myself simply to be open and pursue every opportunity you can because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As a high school senior I was a very high strung individual Not only did not want to go to college directly after high school but I thought the decisions I made about college were life altering decisions that would make or break the rest of my life. I based many of my decisions on what I thought was expected of me. If I could go back and talk to my self then the most important thing I would tell myself would be to relax; yes the decisions we make alter our lifes path but rarely are they 'make or break' decisions. I would suggest taking a year off and discovering what I was truly passionate about. I spent two and a half years in a major I hated, if I'd known as a fresman what I wanted to do I would have had a much different college experience. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy life, especially the little things; to not take life so seriously, and that it's okay to make a few mistakes in college as long as you learn from them. I am not perfect, nobody is and trying to be so is futile.

Though I seemed to have transitioned well from high school to college, I would have told myself to focus more on my schoolwork regardless of the fact that Indiana University provides several opportunities for extracurricular activities which can be distracting towards academics. I would have assured myself that college is difficult, but not impossible, and that I should initiate myself in the more difficult classes before my sophomore year. I also would have encouraged myself that regardless of financial situations, to always remain positive; in fact, several other individuals do not have the opportunity to attend college, nor a university with such high standing.

If I could talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would advise myself to be open to new things. During my first year in college I was timid and did not try to experience the university as much as I should have. Specifically, I would tell myself to begin taking classes or join a club that is different from what I would normally find interesting. There are many things to be learned from stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Going along with being open to new things, getting involved with the community is very important. In high school I never made an attempt to help other people, which changed once I started college. By tutoring local high school students and volunteering with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, I learned how rewarding it is to help other people. My overall recommendation to myself would be to experience new things and to help others whenever there is an opportunity to do so. After doing these the rest of your college career will successfully fall into place.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior--I would first say, "Way to be brave--it paid off!". To prefice that, I came to Indiana University from California not knowing anyone and leaving a full ride scholarship to UCLA. I wanted to try something new so I took a chance and now I love IU and am doing well. As well as congratulate myself, I would warn myself. I would question my original major choice and making me realize that it was something I was doing for someone else and not for me. While I have changed my major, it took me a year to realize what exactly I wanted to do during my collegiate career. I would also tell myself--LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! I undersestimated the out-of-state tuition and it has come back to haunt me. Despite the amount of money IU has to offer, unfortunatley most of the scholarships are available to only in-state students. Lastly--I would tell myself, don't stress out! Stress does more bad things than good and has the potential of getting in the way of my collegiate career goals.

I would tell myself not to get too stressed out, put classes before socializing and don't be afraid to open up to someone new. I would tell myself to get involved more with campus activities so I could put them on my resume and to study as hard as I could.

Many of us would change numerous things if there was a way for to go back in time. Personally, I would tell myself not to slack off in college. High school is like a pond where teachers spoon-feed you in order for you to succeed but once you are out of this pond and into the big ocean like college there is no spoon-feeding. Everything that you learn has to be on your own and the professors are there to guide you but not to be your walking stick. If only I knew how different college life is going to be before I got into the big ocean, I would have been more successful and on the top. I am learning everyday from my mistakes and telling my siblings not to make the same ones I did. I had no one there but they have me. Also, If I knew I was going to do pre-med and a psychology major I would have taken courses in psychology before taking harder courses at Indiana University. These are some of the things that I would tell myself if I had a chance to go back in time.

Take a variety of classes your freshman year to help you determine what you want to major in. If you think you know what you want to do after college still give yourself other options and explore your interests and a variety of careers. If your campus has a career development center make good use of it and the resources there. Don't limit yourself in your freshman year. There are many opportunities available. Take advantage of them. Be sure to get involved in a few good organizations and build friendships. Lastly, work on developing your leadership skills.

Don't hold back. If you want to try something, try it. If you want to talk to someone, talk to them. The only way you will know what something is like is by trying it. I know it sounds cliche and out of your comfort zone but college is a time for change. You won't know who your really are or who your true friends are without seeing who you aren't. You're going to make mistakes, you're going to feel overwhelmed or feel that everyone knows what they are doing in life except you but that's not true. Don't rush in to figuring out what you want to do and make sure it is something you love. Meet new people, you never know who will become your new best friend or who will help you out in a tough time. Don't forget the people you leave behind either, you've know them for what seems like forever so they deserve a place in your life even if you don't see them everyday. Finally, don't procrastinate. It's not worth the stress and worry when it comes to crunch time.