Paisley
Dear High School Self, You are doing amazing. I couldn't be more proud of you. Completeing 108 college credits before you graduate this May is a real accomplishment. Keep up the great work in college. Don't slack off like you did in high school, or procrastinate. Friends and everything else will come later, it is school you must focus on. But knowing you, it will be fine. The transition will be easy, you have done this before so no worries! Just enjoy your new added major, Music, and try new things. You deserve to have fun now that you have accomplished so much. Lastly, call mom every now and then, she loves you, and so does dad, but dont be like your brother. Family is mucho important! You can even say that in Japanese now!
Carl
If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself not to go to Malone University and just go to Kent State. Then I would tell myself to take that summer job (instead of preparing for football) so I can pay for college instead of piling up insurmountable debt. By not going to Malone, I would have skipped a GPA ruining semester of Calculus with a first year, Korean professor. I would also tell myself that having a social life is not worth it, and that focusing on school work makes me a lot happier than people ever have. I'd also tell myself that just because an organization says they put God first, doesn't mean they are telling the truth.
Tiffany
I would tell my high school senior self to be open to new experiences. College is a place where new things are thrown at you everyday and you have to learn to go along with them and enjoy them. I would also tell myself to appriciate the time that I have with my family and friends. In college, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by homework, test, and classes, but you really need to make sure that you make time for the people in your life also. I would also tell myself to not bring so much stuff! The dorms are small, but living on campus is totally worth the experience you have.
Kyle
Take this decision more seriously! Your future doesn't just happen, it's earned. You should have committed yourself to working towards UW-Madison as a freshman, but you can still get there through other schools and transferring in. Don't be afraid to start at a 2-year public school. There's no shame in starting small and working towards a bigger, more accreditted school. You can earn the degree you want. "Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by it's ability to climb a tree, it will live it's whole life believing it is stupid. So start small and then shoot for the moon. Oh, and choose a major that will give you a good job when you graduate...the economy has tanked and there's hardly anyone hiring.
Shawn
Knowing what I know now,and with knowing how I use to be I would warn myself to take advantage of every single opertunity that I have in order to make a smooth transition for myself. This includes taking care of business before it is due. I would also tell myself to take advantage of the tools that are provided to him. Everything you need is here. You simply have to open your mouth and ask where to find it. As my mother has always tried to pound into my head, "closed mouths don't get fed".
Brian
Advice I would give my high school self:
1. Get a job before graduating. College is expensive and you'll be glad for the extra money and job experience that comes from it.
2. Get involved in student organizations. You don't really experience college until you get involved with student organizations. They provide you with leadership opportunities and chances to meet new friends. The sooner you get involved; the better it is for you.
Taylor
Every freshman should realize that this is not high school anymore - the time for slacking off and sliding by is over. While Kent is a very good, helpful school, it is still a University. Kent expects all students to be responsible and able to handle themselves. Freshman should steel themselves with dedication because the next few years of their lives will be challenging.
Kristina
Many mistakes and wasted time have occured since my high school career. First, I would tell myself to listen to my dad about being responsible and the consequences of my actions. Second, I would tell myself that I am smart and worthy of respect. Third, not to let anyone get in the way of my goals and that time waits for no one.
That being said, the best advice I could give myself would be to abstain. Being a teen mom is not fun and there are little rewards. I have had to work twice as hard to get half the results simply due the reputation which stems from being a teenaged mother. Being a teenager and trying to discover who you are is difficult enough, but to throw a baby into the mix makes going to college almost impossible. At 30 years old, am trying to balance marriage, small children, teenagers, work and college is exhausting to say the least. The opposite sex can wait, but your goals and dreams have a time limit. Children change everything, especially when you are a child yourself.
Matthew
The advice I would give myself if I were given the opportunity is to start filling out as many scholarshp applications as possible. I now realize how important it is to take as much money as possible off of my tuition. Especially because I plan on attending law school which will only increase my college debt so whatever I can get taken off I must take advantage of it. Another advice I would give myself would be to pick out your roommate carefully. Pick one that has atleast some similar qualities as your own. Another really helpful tip is to talk to as many people as you can while at college you never know when it might lead to a life long friendship and even a life long marriage. Those are the advices I would give myself if i had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my old high school self.
Katherine
I would tell myself not to sweat the big stuff and do what truly makes you happy. pursue your dreams and follow your heart. The road is rocky but it gets better. Keep your head up kid and go for it. Dig in the dirt more and talk about art.