Montana State University-Billings Top Questions

If I were to go back in time and meet myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to take my time in life and not get in a hurry to do anything. Focus on completing school and looking toward my future. I would also that I start school at my local college rather than attempting to go so far from home right out of high school as attending the school that I did in the Chicago area where the pollution was high caused me to be sick so much of the time. I had to leave after the first semester because of these health issues and was then discouraged. I felt that I had failed even though I received good grades and did complete the semester, however, I did not start again right away and the opportunity to return to school did not come to me again until many years later. I would remind myself that life is short and that it is my life to choose what I desire for my future.

Don't worry about what other people think of you, you will not always get picked on and made fun of. In the future, you will find that furthering your education is not only fun and interesting, but a very mature and responsible thing to do. Just because you're not the brightest student with one of the highest GPAs doesn't mean that you won't get through it successfully, even though it may take you a little longer than others to grasp the knowledge coming to you. Don't be so hard on yourself.

As a senior in high school, I often worried about how my life would change. The transition itself from high school to college was almost seamless when it occurred. Surprisingly, the topics that most worried me seemed so minor when they actually happened. I wish I had known that I could adjust. I wish I had understood that I had prepared myself for life’s next step. I wish I had known that life happens the way it’s supposed to, regardless of my anxiety. I wish I had realized that the challenges and obstacles I had overcome in high school were the very ones that helped me face college with an open mind. Could I go back in time and talk to myself then, I would have reassured myself that hard work pays off and life will work out regardless of worries and stressing over the little things, so relax and enjoy the ride.

Throughout my first year of college, I spent minimal time actually reading the material and using textbooks and other resources. This is also how I went all the way through high school. I graduated high school with good grades and my first year of college I ended with good grades as well. However, throughout my second year of college, I started using more rescources and spending more time in my textbooks and other materials. I put in much more time and effort toward my studies. I still ended with good grades, but found a distinct difference in my level of stress, confidence, and overall learning experience. I noticed that I was confident in my knowledge and I didn't have to spend study time cramming for tests because I was actually soaking in the information. My advice would be to take the time and study and read the material given to me. This advice had been given to me for years and years, but since I was always still able to get good grades, I never really took it to heart. Once I experienced the difference for myself I realized how much easier school could have been in the past.

There is so much I would try to explain and convince 18 year old Kelly of if I had the chance to talk to her with the knowledge I’ve gained through my college experiences. Most importantly, I would want to convince her that time flies, and she needs to focus on the big picture and her future. Also, she shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. She has way too much potential for that type of negativity. Another big one, would be to focus on her education. Go to class every day. Do the homework. Get the grades. Apply for scholarships. I would tell her it's important to find joy in learning and to learn from her colleagues’ experiences. And for goodness sake, master Spanish, and study abroad! No one ever regrets doing it, but I sure regret not doing it. Also, don’t bring too much stuff from home. You don’t like half those clothes anyways. Lastly, it’s important to know the decisions made during these years will shape the rest of your life. It’s very important to stay focused and take care of your whole self. Like Dad always said: Mind. Body. And Soul.

If I could say anything to my high school senior self, I would want to reassure her that college is not as scary as it may seem from an outsider’s perspective. No it does not mean the classes are necessarily easy, but they are not impossible either. At first glance when you see all the work you will have to face ahead of you, it may feel intimidating, and you wish you wouldn’t have to do it all. The math assignments, the essays, and the speech presentations; just the thought of it makes you distressed, but at the same time you want to make the most of your education, and you can only make the most through hard work. As you tackle each problem, you can look behind and feel a sense of accomplishment as you see all the tasks you conquered, the tasks you once thought were impossible. And then you can look ahead and see the fruit of your labor, be it a college degree, a job, or even a greater opportunity for the next step in your life. No matter what, just don't give up.

My best advice I would give myself would be to breathe. Too many times I have found myself in a pile of books, papers, tests and stress. Each and every time I have learned something: life goes on. Stressing everything is just going to bog someone down. I wish I could go back in time to tell myself this because that one simple task of taking a deep breath has gotten me further than I could ever imagine as a senior! Taking a breath allows you to clear your mind, and sort through the mess of homework. The human brain cannot function without oxygen! I feel like I could have been just a few steps further, a few pounds lighter, and a few gray hairs less (yes, even at twenty!) had I known to inhale… and exhale.

The first thing that I would tell myself as a high school senior is to pick a bachelors degree that can be more applicable after graduation rather then a general degree. I would also tell myself to be more involved in applying for more scholarships. Another main point that I would tell myself is take more ap classes in high school. Although, the main point that I would say if I could go back is to enjoy friends and family while you are still there becuase time flies when you are away.

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would immediately give myself this sage advice: procrastination will not work in college like it did in high school. The day to day work may be less common, but the daunting large assignments and projects will stack up if not handled in an efficient manner. A day planner, as well as a well thought out work schedule is essential to success in college. As long as one stays on track with the classwork, success is not a strenuous task, but if one falls behind it can become next to impossible. Second, I would advise myself to make friendships with my classmates, as they can be a more accessible resource than the professor if you need help with the class material. This also provides you with a potential study partner, and invaluable element to the college experience. Third, I would tell myself to become well acquainted with my professors, as a good relationship with them makes them more approachable, and allows them to better understand you and the unique problems you may have over the course of the class.

Dear Self, Ahhhh, there is so much I could tell you about college life, but let's begin with the basics. The first thing you must do is go see an advisor! Do not try to "wing it" and take courses randomly! It is also vital that you go to the Career Services Center. They will help you narrow down your skills, gifts, and job fields that fit these giftings. Spend time on the government website for the Occupatioinal Outlook Handbook to get a glimpse of job opportunities, wages, and necessary education required for the career path you are considering. In other words, do your homework (before the real homework begins)! Keep your eyes focused on the goal and take advantage of the resources offered by the college. If you are struggling, use the tutors! Lastly, don't be afraid to speak up in class. Ask questions and offer your opinion. You matter and learning is an interactive process! You can do it!