Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I would tell myself to take choosing a school much more seriously. I only applied to two and neither were any school I was really dying to go to. I would tell myself to do more research about city schools and focus less on "college-town" schools because I have learned that it's not the kind of school for me. I would also tell myself to be more open to trying new things and get out of my comfort zone a little more. I would tell myself to be more optimistic about the school I chose and make the most of the time I had there. I would really dig deep to find out what I want and where I want to be. I would still live with no regretts but I would spend more time beforehand to really figure out what I want

IU is a place for becoming who you will be, not discovering who you are. You will have to apply yourself academically, socially, artistically, mentally, and emotionally to this process. Your college experience is about forging a new "you" out of the areas of study you blindly stumble into. This is not easy. You will combat apathy and inaction, from both yourself and your friends, along with criticism from those who do not share your developing outlook on life, your hopes, dreams, desires. To build yourself up into someone new, someone better, you must steel your will against these obstacles. They will not cease, but, in time, your will inure yourself to them and be stronger for the effort. Concentrate your efforts in one or two areas, but always keep your senses alive to new information. Learn pieces of everything, as this will help you stitch your budding knowledge into a whole, instead of a part. Listen to those that hold more experience in a field than you do; however, this is purely to gather information. It falls upon you to form your beliefs. Fall in love, make friends, socialize, play music, protest. And, for heaven's sake, smile.

Take in every opportunity you can and never be afraid to try new things. People aren't going to have the same ideas as you but don't judge them harshly and make as many friends as possible. You're going to miss your family but take that chance to build close relationships with the people around you, they'll become your home away from home. Finally, never lose sight of your faith. People will try to challenge you but listen with kindness and hold onto your beliefs. Out of all these things HAVE FUN!! Freshman year flies by and I can only imagine that the rest do too.

If I could go back a few years I would tell my high school senior self to think in the now. Don't plan everything out because when you set your sights on one path you miss out on numerous other routes and opportunities that might be better. Don't get stuck in a mind set of a life you think you 'should' have. The only life you need to live is one that makes you happy. Loosen up a little bit, don't be afraid to make mistakes. You can't control everything and the more you try to control your future the more you'll lose control. Instead of trying to find and define yourself, let yourself develop as you go. Be spontaneous. Know that college is about learning but not all of that comes from the classroom so don't get stuck in the academics. It's ok to not get perfect grades because a worthwhile education is formed from all aspects of college life. Stop being afraid to do things on your own. It's your life, so get out there and be YOU not the person you think you should be.

If I could go travel back in time and talk to myself about college, I'd let myself know that everything I was going through at the time, wouldn't matter later in life. I'd tell myself to stick it out, to be strong enough to let go of the people that were making my life harder than it had to be, and persistant enought to never give up on my dreams. The most important piece of advice I'd give myself, however, is that no one else can live your life for you. It doesn't matter what your teachers, parents, and friends want for your life. All that matters is waking up every morning and knowing that you love what you're doing. I'd drill this into my own head, so that maybe it wouldn't have taken so long for me to realize I didn't want to live my parent's dream of me being a doctor, and I could have gotten started towards my life as a teacher much sooner.

Emma, You are ending one chapter of your life and starting a brand new one. I know you are scared, but here is the advice I have for you: Relax. Breathe. You will be fine. All the things you are scared of are unimportant. If you strive to achieve your goals, as you have done the past four years in high school, then you will be fine. I am living proof of that. Stand up for what you believe in and get involved on campus! There is an amazing linguistics club you could join or several other groups I know would interest you. Go to a lacrosse match! I know you have always wanted to, and now you can. Finally, I know meeting new people is scary, but you can do it. Before long you will have a great group of friends that will help you though your struggles along with old friends from high school. Again, Relax. Breathe. You will be fine. Love, Your Future Self

I would tell myself to appreciate my family more! It is crazy how much I miss them a lot of the time, and I wish that I could have spent even more time with them! I would also tell myself to not be so nervous about the transition. Things are meant to be and I found the right group of friends very easily!

I would tell myself to listen to my teachers and the advice that they offered about managing time. I would also listen to some of the studying techniques that they gave to me and use them so that I would be better at them now. The classes I took in high school also that were AP I would have taken them much more seriously so that I would not have had to take my first year and have to worry about another class that would be difficult. In all I feel that my senior year would totally different on account of my experiences here in my first year of college. It has shown me the error of my previous ways and the things that I have to change

If I could speak to my high school self, I would tell myself not to limit myself. When I was a senior in high school I didn't feel like I was ready or capable of leaving home to pursue my education. It took a lot for me to push myself to leave for a school three hours away from home, even though I knew I would be getting a better education. I didn’t want to let go of the life I had there with my friends, family and job. Given the chance, I would tell myself not only to take that step and go away to school but also to immerse myself in college life and the whole experience. I would tell myself to get involved because making friends in Bloomington is what has made it feel like another home to me and made me feel like I had another family. Ultimately I would want to tell myself how right the decision to go away truly is for me and my bright future.

Advice that I would give myself would first be to not procrastinate. Although the classes are easy and you don't have to put much effort into the work, you need to study and work hard on your academics. A high GPA can open up opportunities for more scholarship money, which means less student loans. Another piece of advice would be to prepare yourself for a new environment. IU is a big school and was extremely overwhelming, don't be afraid to get involved in clubs or other activities. Not only do they give you something to do in your free time but you will also be with people that like the same things as you do. The clubs also help make the transition a lot easier on you because all the students understand what you're going through and welcome you to the club and the school. The last bit of advice is to enjoy your senior year. Don't wish for graduation or to move out of your house, once that time is gone you're not getting it back. Don't worry about petty problems, just enjoy the time you have with your friends, family and teammates.