Lourdes University Top Questions

Twenty years has passed since I graduated from high school, but it seems like yesterday that I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I began my college endeavor having no clue what I wanted to do with my life. If I could go back to my senior year, I would have been less anxious about the road ahead of me. Although rocky at times, things always seemed to work out. Even though I was in the upper academic echelons of my graduating class, I would have pushed a little bit harder so that I could have received academic scholarships. During my senior year, I didn’t realize how much that money would help enhance my future and make life less financially cumbersome. Also, I would have focused on career paths immediately out of school that required licensure. Jobs requiring a license to practice seem to always have opportunity and pay well. I would have forced myself to focus on a regulated career and chosen from those careers. The things that I would have told myself during my senior year are things I will definitely share with my children, much earlier than it had taken me to realize.

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school and tell myself about college, I would tell myself to not think about anything other than myself. College is not how it is shown on TV. College is about learning and getting an education. That is the only thing that I should be focused on. Having a lot of friends, going our and being "cool" is not as important as exceeding in life. I would tell myself not to worry about what others think of me. Going to school all dressed up, in nice clothes and such will not matter in ten years, when it is time to apply for a job. What will matter is how you did in school, not how you looked. Id tell myself to love myself for who I am, and just focus on whats important. Stick to my goal. Graduate. Be successful.

I would advise myself to be more organized, time efficiency is essential in college. It is important to be able to stay focused and study. This seems like a simple concept, but when a professor says you need to study three hours for every hour in class, they truly mean that. I would have also told my senior self to enjoy high school and not worry so much. College can be stressful, but worrying too much does not get As for grades. A student excels when relaxed and confident that they have prepared for the material on the quiz or exam. The last piece of advise I would have told myself as a senior is to apply for as many scholarships as possible. College is expensive and loans will one day mean paying interest, if I would have applied sooner for scholarships and more frequently I may have been in less debt. Although this is true it is worth the debt for the knowledge I have learned since beginning school and I am excited that I will one day be able to have the career of my dreams.

There's a saying that I heard growing up: hindsight is 20/20. I never realized how true that statement was until I got older. Looking back on one's life sheds so much light on situations and experiences that now seem so much clearer. As a high school senior, I remember feeling like most kids, just wanting to fit it and not rock the boat. Now, however, I am much more empowered to make the best decisions for me and not just the best decision for the situation. I would advise my younger self to be brave, and not be afraid to experience new and exciting situations, such as going away for college. As a high school senior, I was working part-time while still in school with the intention of increasing my hours after graduation. I would tell myself that although I felt the need to work full-time, I should stay focused on school, and stay on track in order to ensure that my future was my priority. I would tell my younger self not to loose sight of my goal, because it can be too easily swept aside, and too hard to return to the path.

The best advice I could give my self going back in time, is to complete High School and take it more serious. I came from a home that was unsupportive, one that my parents were uneducated so school was not important. As an adult and parent myself, I would encourage myself to study hard, graduate with a high GPA and take advantage of any and every opportunity to further my education when I was younger. Today's society requires you to have a college education and if you want to take care of your family, you need to continue your education, not stop thinking a GED is good enough, because it is not. You need to be able to rely on yourself and be able to support you. Be a role model for your future children, showing them you finished High School, and continued your education. You received the degree you needed in order to accomplish all your dreams. Look to your future did you really want to be a high school drop out? No you want to be a successful Forensic Accountant and stop the fraud and corruption of corporate America.

The first thing I would tell myself is to not worry about relationships! I feel this is something not many people think about when it comes to transitioning into college but I feel it is a very good and important point to look at. For me, at least, having a relationship was important and sometimes would distract me from doing well in school and taking all the steps to pick a good future for myself. If I were to go back and do it all over I would actually stay single until I was done with college and had a career. With doing that, I may not end up getting married or having children as soon as my peers but I would have the time to travel, experience life, and most importantly become well eduacated and sucessful. With out a relationship there would be nothing to hold me back and distract me from whats most important at the age of 18 untill about 24. Although, many girls find it impotant to find a mate and settle down as quick as possible it really is not that important and you have your whole life to do that.

First and foremost, applying for scholarships is key. People are giving you a great gift by making an investment in your future and education. Take advantage of it! Second, money runs out so spend it wisely. I now pay for everything in cash because it is so easy to just swipe your debit card and not see the money disappear. It is also so important to balance your check book and know how much is in your account. The next time you think you want to go out to eat or really need three new shirts and a pair of shoes, you probably don't, learn to say no or at least limit yourself because it all adds up pretty fast. On another note, you have no reason to be afraid. Yes, you are leaving your friends, family, and only way of life you've ever known for the first time but it is worth it. The friends you meet, education you recieve, and responsibilty you learn can't be traded for the world. Going to college is the best decision you'll ever make!

If I knew what I new back when I was teenager in high school and trying to figure out my career path. I would have have choose a different route for myself beside the route I took. I would have went to college and pursued my career as a Register nurse and would not be trying to complete this degree at such an older age. I thought college was a wait of my time back then and would interfere with my hanging out with friends. I was wrong because if I could turn back the clock I would have went to school first and enjoyed that life of being a college student and further my career path. But now that I am older and wisers I can help other young kids make the right decision to continue their education and follow a path of success. Given them advice that I should have taken back when I was kid. I will not look backwards but I will continue my journey forward and hopefully in the next year I will have completed my life long journey to my career path that I put off so many years ago. Thank you

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self, I would tell myself not to be scared, that college will be one of the best experiences of your life. I would also tell myself to be ready for a lot of options to join clubs, make friends and have experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. I would also say that even though I said not to be scared, to be prepared because college years will be very important for the rest of your life. I'll remind myself that family and friends will remain important through all of college and that they will be your biggest support system when you're having rough patches. Finally, I'd tell myself to relax and be ready for fun.

If I were able to go back in time to give myself advice, I'm not sure where exactly I would start. In anyone's senior year of highschool, they are so devoured by the idea of graduating and moving on, that often times the little things are passed by without really thinking about. I think one of the biggest things I would tell myself is to just enjoy each day. They're so many fun and exciting things that happen senior year, I would love to be able to go back and live those one more time. I would also tell myself to love the people who have always been there for me, and to take advantage of the last times with them. The people around me outside of school too. I was an active member of my church's youth group, and I miss that group of people and Sunday nights more than anything. The transition to college classes is nothing like post secondary, and I would let myself be aware of that ahead of time. Being able to go back to my highschool senior self and say a few words of advice would be a great experience.