Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first advice I would give to myself would be to always give a hundred and ten percent no matter how tough it gets, giving up doesn't get you anywhere. I also would tell myself to take the time and find yourself, and figure out who you are. You have a million things to worry about when you transition to college, and the last thing you need is to be worrying about figuring out the kind of person you are. Also the most important advice I would give myself would be to never ever live for other people, trying to impress them and such. Always, no matter what, live for yourself. You are the only person who knows what makes you happy.

I know it seems scary to move to a school that has more students than the population of your entire town, but don't worry you will get used to it and actually enjoy it and discover all the great things about going to a Big 10 school. Also, don't worry about making new friends or if you will get along with your roommates. You have to remember that everyone is in the same exact boat as you are, and you will make new friends without even realizing it. Don't worry about classes either, your professor will always be there to help you whenever you may need help and there will always be another person in your class that will be willing to be your "study buddy." I know you're worried about the rigorous academic plan you have in store for your major, so relax and take a breather you will be perfectly fine--you've prepared your whole life for this. Most of all, remember to take time to have some fun and make the best of your college years at IU!

IU is a really big school. It's huge, over 32,000 students on campus. Your incoming class will be about 8,000 people. The easiest way to shrink the school is to get involved. Join a club, an activity, a team, just join something. It's an easy way to meet new people and create a place to belong in such a big school. I joined the Ballroom Dance Team here, and I've never regretted my decision to get involved. They are my family! We help each other when things are tough, and it makes the school seem much smaller.

IU is a really big school. It's huge, over 40,000 students on campus. Your incoming class will be about 8,000 people. The easiest way to shrink the school is to get involved. Join a club, an activity, a team, just join something. It's an easy way to meet new people and create a place to belong in such a big school. I joined the Ballroom Dance Team here, and I've never regretted my decision to get involved. They are my family! We help each other when things are tough, and it makes the school seem much smaller.

I would love to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior! Knowing what I know now, I would definitely tell myself to not be so uptight about being in the highest level classes that my school offered. I would allow myself to have more freedom from academia and go out there, taking every opportunity that comes my way and never letting go. I would remind myself to never forget what truley matters to me and the inspirational hope and support that comes with surrounding yourself with people you love. Additionally, I would go back and let myself know that whatever you end up doing in life, wherever you choose to go, you will be successful as long as you have the ambition and passion to succeed. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Instead, prove them wrong. Lastly, I would tell myself to cherish every moment with anyone you encounter. Those memories last forever and no one can take them away from you, ever. As a last bit of advice, I'd tell myself the time old saying of enjoying your youth, as it doesn't last forever!

Set your goals high and work hard.

Learn how to study and manage your time better.

I view life as a consistant learning experience. With that beind said, given the option to go back in time when I was a high school senior to inform myself about what is to come, I would simply turn it down. I would not be the person that I am now without everything that has happened in my life in the passed few years between the two. I embrase everything that has happened to me, and that I have done full heartedly, and I will continue to use this philosophy on life until the day I pass. I strongly believe that if I altered my viewpoint on college when I was a senior I would have a higher potential to miss out on the beauty and wonderful experiences that I have gotten to be apart of already, and that I will not have!

Save, Save, Save. The economy can change faster than you know it. Loans and financial aid is not promised. Even if its $10 week. However, the opportunities available our endless. As a senior you may have thought the farthest you ever wanted to go was Florida but there is a whole world out there and college offers study abroad programs that are to die for. Italy, Africa, Australia, everywhere. Not only can you visit these places but also you can earn college credits for them. Traveling will open your eyes to ideas and other cultural experiences that cannot be replaced by anything else. Cultural experiences will open your eyes to be more knowledgeable about yourself and those around you. You will earn to be more accepting of everyone else in the world and learn that there is more out there than what is in front of you. Keep your head up and remember the world is yours to take.

It's a scary thing to turn from a page where everything is familiar to one you have never seen, but changing a page rarely means the book has ended. For all you know, you may be clinging to the introduction when the real story has yet to come. I haven't seen the end, so I don't know if you're embarking on a comedy or a tragedy. It very well may be both. Do not fear what lies ahead because, in all honesty, you're going to make mistakes. Not everyone will like you, you can't be perfect, and you can't have everything; don't waste the precious minutes you have trying to make impossibilities into a false reality. There are some things you will have to pass on, so be willing to let them go. Instead, be happy with who you are and take pride in yourself. Use the opportunities college offers to grow your interests and find others like you. Be content with where you are in life, and it will all turn out alright in the end.