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I was part of a program in Ohio called "Seniors-to-Sophomores" which was basically like a post-secondary option only instead of going to high school part time and college part time I was able to completely skip my senior year and get my first year of college out of the way for free. If I were able to go back in time and talk to my senior self I would suggest applying to OSU first instead of Columbus State Community College. I feel I would have had more scholarship opportunities if I had just gone straight to OSU.

College life is fun and exciting but also extremely stressful. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to enjoy the time I had left in my senior year. It is often easy as a senior in high school to not appreciate the time you have left as a kid. I was so excited to get out and be on my own that I forgot to enjoy the last year of having no real responsibilities. I wish I would have spent more time with my high school friends and appreciating every moment with them. Also during my senior year my parents began the process of getting a divorce. I let this ruin my senior year, I did not going to prom with my friends or let myself take part in many senior activities. If I could go back and tell myself how much I would regret this I would. So overall, I think I would tell myself to enjoy life, don't take anything too seriously, and cherish every moment with the people who have been there for me the longest.

I would tell myself I need to learn how to become more independent. Here, in college, all my short-term and long-term circumstances seem to revolve around me and what I did or did not do. I would tell myself to make sure I have my priorities set straight, and place academics in front of whatever entertainment or socialization I have had planned. College is a large test that is crucial to pass; it is a test to see if you really can pursue your biggest dreams although the duration of the pursuit requires patience and hard work. So I would need to tell myself to go in with a strong heart, confidence, and determination. To keep my eyes on the prize--on the diploma--and persist until I earn it. To enter a class believing in myself that I could score flying colors on the finals. To power through and complete each project in my path, so everything I turn in is finished. To brace myself. Finally, I should keep in mind that I should study what is in my heart, and not be pressured or intimidated by peers to opt out.

Youth. That, I’m sure, is the first word that would come to mind if I saw my high school self. More than anything else, the transition to college life caused me to grow up. It happened so quickly I hardly took notice, yet was so profound, I question how it transpired so unconsciously. My past self would want to know just how unique a time high school is and to appreciate it. I would want to mention how important learning a new set of time management skills would be and provide the insurance that all the changes college life brings are tamed with time. But above all else, I would stress to my past self the need to really cherish the security, love, and encouragement having a family always around can provide. I was shocked when I realized this myself after leaving for school, but recognized it wasn’t a homesick feeling. Rather, it was the realization and gratefulness of something overlooked, yet so special. Oh, and I would suggest to past self learning a little bit about laundry before taking off for school “knowing” that there can’t be much to it.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to, "Calm down!" My whole senior year, I was stressed about writing essays, my choice of college, continueing to get A's, scholarships, and everything else that comes along with the college application process. Once I finally decided to attend Ohio State University, I was anxious about the transition, difficulty, and being away from home. Looking back, I now see how fruitless all of that worrying was. Yes, concerning the application process, some stress was necessary and inevitable, but my paranoia surrounding any wrong decision or mistake was pointless. It caused me much more uneeded stress on my senior year. Also, the transition from high school to college ws not difficult; I moved in a couple days early with my Learning Community who were very supportive, and I already knew some upperclassmen who gave me tips on getting through classes and exams. In the end, everything worked out and I am now a very involved Ohio State student with a 4.0 GPA. Knowing this, I would tell myself to go with the flow and not waste my time with so much worrying.

I would give myself the simple advice to work harder then to prepare. College in general is much different from high school. The main thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study, not procrastinate, and begin to grow up ASAP. These things would help tremendously in college once you get here.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself throughout my senior year, there would be so much advice that I would give to myself. As long as I can remember I have dreamt of going to Ohio State. Because of this the amount of colleges that I visited was limited. I only visted three colleges, and now looking back I would have told myself to check out more schools. I would tell myself to be open to schools that are more specialized to what I want to major in. Not only would I tell myself this, but I would also tell myself not to be in such a hurry to leave my small hometown. Every now and then I miss the small town atmosphere and there are days that I get homesick, but this is not why I would tell myself to slow down. If I had considered staying home for just one more year, I would have saved tons of money by staying home and going to the Lima Branch. My senior year I was dead set on leaving and refused to consider any other options, and I truly wish I would have.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry so much! When you first get to college it is so easy to get frazzled and feel like you have to make all your best friends right away and know your life plan for the next 10 years! That is not how it is. Making true friends takes time and you WILL develop those relationships! It is ok to not be sure about everything because to be completely honest, no one else knows either. A big part of college is discovering what we want to do the rest of our lives and part of that process is trying new things and even failing at some of them to know they are not the right path to take. I would tell myself to be organized and try to keep up with my schoolwork but to make sure to take time to smell the roses. College is where you make friends you will have the rest of your life and you won't meet them studying. You will meet them by being open and putting yourself out there.

I have gone through many changes since high school. Most of all I have become more open to people and really know my own personality. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would give the advice not to be afraid of trying new things, or caring too much about what other people think. Being in such a large school has made me realize that the most interesting and respected people are who they want to be, not what others think they should be. Being in an environment with so many diverse personalities has really allowed me to be who I want to be, and I am much happier with myself this way. Knowing this in high school could have given me more experiences and possibly a better understanding of what direction I wanted to take in college. I never thought about taking design as a career, I thought I wanted to practice medicine. Luckily after a year of chemistry and math, I realized I was not doing what I really wanted, and made a drastic change that has made me much happier and excited for the future.

College is a lot more fun than high school, so don't stress yourself. Definitely, choose The Ohio State University, it is the best in Ohio. Be confident, major in what you like doing, not what your parents like you to do.