Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

Looking back at where I am now, I would tell my high school self to step out of your comfort zone and realize that being strong academically can take you so far. It is something that I continue to work on every day as I pursue my Master’s Degree in journalism at Arizona State University. I’ve always considered myself a very laid-back, easy going person who plays it safe and doesn’t take a lot of risk. I have learned very quickly in the last few months that this aspect of my life has to change. One saying by Abraham Lincoln comes to mind: “Good things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” In the last five years, I have changed so much about the way I do things as a person. I would tell my high school self that academics may come easy for you now, but the most important lessons in life are those that you don’t learn out of a book. You have to be willing to work harder than anyone else for what you want. That is how you find true success.

I changed career paths from biomedical research to nursing the spring of my junior year of college. Now, in the midst of my senior year, I have to continue cramming nursing prerequisite classes in one year to be eligible for an accelerated bachelors program next fall. I am constantly thinking, “My life would be so much easier if I decided to become a nurse earlier.” My advice to my high school self could be “forget biochemistry research; begin with nursing”, but that advice would be incomplete. Given only this advice, I would not understand nor appreciate it. I had to experience scientific research environments to realize I am most productive in social settings. I was unhappy and unfulfilled conducting research, so I focused on careers that would highlight my love of science and people. I did not appreciate the importance of my social personality when I was a freshman in college. Therefore, I would tell myself, “Choose a major that would allow me to engage with other people in a scientific manner.” This advice would help point me in the nursing direction and grant me plenty of time to develop my skills throughout college.

Try to apply for a lot more scholarships, not recieving any scholarship aid will put you into tons of debt. Also don't dismiss people from your high school as you go to college, its all about the connections you have and they offer some good connections.

Colleen… as you begin to transition into the scary college world take the time to embrace your final days at home. The achievement of acceptance into your dream school was driven by the love of others. Take the time to thank mom and dad. Although you think being independent is cooler than coming home by curfew, you find yourself calling dad for financial advice and crying to mom the first time you get sick on your own. Their voices will comfort you during finals and guide you through tough decisions. When you are faced with these decisions, remember to take advantage of all opportunities that present themselves. Everything has the potential to be a learning experience. If some opportunities don’t work out, know that failure is hard to overcome but when you keep moving successes are guaranteed. Take pride in your work, but don’t be so disciplined in your academics that you don’t get to experience meaningful involvement and friendships. The best times will be bonding over mashed potatoes and toast because that’s all you and your friends can find in the kitchen. These will be the best four years, live it up!

I joined the US Army right out of high school. If I could go back and talk to teenage me, I'd tell myself the importance of education. I have a great knowledge of how the adult world works from living on my own, working full time, and being responsible for my actions. I would absolutely tell myself that no matter how much work experiece I have, nothing compares to a soldier foundation in education. If I were to have joined the military after completing my educational goals, I would have had many more options available to me simply because of the education I would have. I am now transitioning from the military life, to a civilian student because I now understand the importance of a college education. I would have told myself to work harder in high school, apply myself to my full ability, and to understand how important education really is.

The biggest piece of advice that I could give myself going back, is to prepare to feel more challenged. I was always a strong student academically and high school was never overwhelmingly hard, even with AP and honors classes. However I do wish I could have taken a few more AP classes to get the extra credits and to prepare myself for coming to OSU. While I definitely didn't slack off my senior year, just being able to put the extra stress on my plate as a senior when the stress of applying to colleges and GPA was off my shoulders would have helped tremendously. At a college like OSU everyone is smart and everyone did exactly what I did in high school. I wasn't prepared for this, I felt very down on my abilities in the beginning of school but after a little while I realized that I was good enough and that I could compete. Not only could I compete, but I could thrive. But after getting through that and looking back on it, I wish I could have prepared myself a little more in my senior year to make transitionining even easier.

Never settle for less than your best. Too many people in this world are just okay with being "average", and that isn't good enough. The biggest problem people in this world face is being satisfied with good. Good is never going to allow you to exceeed your expectations for life. Being great in everything you do should be a challenge to yourself that you continually accept. Being great isn't for people who are special, it's not a lucky charm. It's for the people who are willing to sacrifice everything they have in order to have a better life. It's about goal-setting. If you don't set goals, start setting them today. Set goals for one week from now, one month from now, one year from now, five years from now, ten years from now, and finally set a lifelong goal. What do you wish to receive out of life? Ask yourself what legacy you wish to leave behind and make today the day you start working to achieve it. Set goals for your life and be the great.

Don't be afraid to go out and try new things, even if you think it's something you aren't even remotely interested in. It might surprise you and you might surprise yourself. Even more, throwing yourself out there like that is a great way to make life-long friends and connections to be happy and successful throughout the rest of your life. These are the years that bridge the gap between being a kid and being an adult. You choose whether you will evolve into a successful adult or just another lazy bum who goes nowhere. So go to those classes you are paying thousands of dollars for and be that kid that asks questions. Study when you should, but relax when you need to. It's all about finding the perfect inbetween. Most of all, just because you are pre-med that doesn't mean "pre-boring." You're allowed to have fun just like everyone else. Just know the right place and times, and don't let your studying consume you.

If I could go back to take to my high school senior self I would tell me that patients and hardwork is key. I was denied to going to my dream college, I was diagnosed a chronic illness, and I want to prove people I was special. Things seemed like they were never going to be right. But through patients, hardwork and faith I made it to my dream college and have reached an agreement with my chornic illness. I'd tell myself all the obstacles were worth it because what's easy is never worth it but what's worth it is never easy. Thank you.

When I was graduating high school I had so many interests I could hardly even consider narrowing it down. I took advice and lots of differant classes when I got to collage. In the end I ended up in a major based on others advice and the job market resulting in a later return to collage when it became clear I hated what I chose to do. The best advice I can give any graduating senior is to follow your dreams the first time. Find a way to make a living doing what you love because doing any less will waste money and your own life. Live your dreams before life just carries you away.