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I would tell myself that college is not nearly as hard as you might think it is. College is actually a fun thing because what you do in college will actually change you life for the better. I know that high school was not easy because you got distracted by all the loud kids but that will not happen in college. You have alot of potential and its time to show everyone what you can do.

Looking back on my senior year I would say that was one of the best years of high school I ever had, everybody knew me and I was starting to get real popular real fast. But one thing I would tell myself would be to apply to schools earlier get scholarship applications done earlier. Just small things that could've made my transition just a little easier. I loved my senior year of high school but being the first child to go through college can be stressful especially when your parents don't know much about this transition either. They were in the same boat as me and it was stressful for all of us, there are things that I would like to change but the two things I mentioned earlier will change it just enough.

If I could go back in time and tell my high school self what I know now, I would tell myself many things. First of all, I would tell myself to get involved in more activities at the school, because they make applictions look much more impressive, which can help you to receive more scholarships. Secondly, I would tell myself to save more of my money that I earned while working for textbooks and tuition. During high school I spent much of my money on things I did not actually need, which could have helped me immensely when starting off my freshmen year. Another thing I would tell myself would to not let anyone take my happiness from me because they are not worth it in the end. Finally, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships than I did. As a senior I did not actually realize the ammount of money it took to pay for a full year of college and I should have taken it more seriously. While I did apply for some scholarships I could have applied for many more and should have taken the whole process way more seriously than I actually did.

I would tell me senior year self to not have too high of expectations. Don't throw the "best friend" label too quickly, and it's okay to feel stuck. You don't have to have a big group of friends, and you don't have to know exactly what you're doing. This is a completely new place, filled with new experiences. Take things slow, and don't expect your freshman year to be the best year of your life. It turns out nice, don't worry, but still. Relax a little. Also, enjoy your senior year a little bit more. It's fantastic you got into Ohio University, but, enjoy your time with your high school friends. You'll miss them a lot more than you think.

Our whole lives we are made to listen to what we are told. My one piece of advice to my former self would be to do the opposite. In my life, I have constantly been doubted and I used to ignore it. In high school, I always pushed myself beyond my limits, putting enormous amounts of stress on myself just to feel success in the end. Although, when I stepped on campus this fall, something changed. Suddenly, I felt as though maybe I could not do everything anymore. I then listened when advisors told me to "take it easy" my first semester, but as I look back, I wish I would have ignored this and stayed true to myself. It is easy for others to simply “relax and get settled” but I need to move, be busy, and follow a tight schedule; things I missed greatly because going into college, I was so nervous that others may be right. So today, I say to my high school senior self: never stop doubting the doubters, you know yourself best.

Paying for my college education is a huge concern. When I was in high school I didn't totally understand all the financial aid criteria. Now that I'm in my second year of college I understand it a lot better. Had I know in high school what I know now I would have been involved in activities and done things academically that lend themselves to financial aid awards. Academically I would have taken more AP classes to improve my GPA and lighten my course load in college. I would have tried harder to achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better because that seems to be a starting point for many financial aid awards. As far as extra-curricular activities, I would have gotten more involved in community service. There are many financial aid awards that are based solely on community service involvement.

Focus. Focus. Focus. Do not be distracted. Being on your own is enjoyable, challenging at times, but overall an absolute blast. BUT, the distractions come in huge waves, and many of those around you will fail out of school, to be blunt. Keep your determination. Know what you're studying is important, and this degree will lead to a better life for yourself and your family down the road. Grades are more important than beers; but relaxing after hard work, and the ability to adequately socialize and network, are invaluable. Find a balance. Manage your time wisely, study hard, and you will be an excellent candidate for jobs, or graduate studies, after graduate.

Many say that high school is the best four years of my life and I fully expected that, especially watching television shows of high schoolers. I would tell myself then, that that is not true and college is the best four years of your life so to keep looking forward to college and high school is not the end of the world. Perspective is huge. The littlest things seemed like the end of the world when in high school, and you grow up and realize it's not the end of the world and there are more important things. Also another big thing that seems so important in high school is your social status. Your social status is literally the least important thing ever. You go to college and it doesn't matter. We're all just students with the same goals overall and it's important to just enjoy your time and make great memories with great people!

I would tell myself as a hhighschool senior, to enjoy my time more. I know it probably is not the advice most people would give, but honestly there are so many things I missed out on because of my stress of getting into college. College is the time to stress, the time where you actually have to start acting like an adult. College is where studying in the priority, but in highschool, enjoy youself. I am not saying to not study and do well in your classes, but deffinetly make time for memories as well.

Take more chances. Say yes to everything. Stick with clubs even if the presidents are mean. Don't join a sorority; you're going to waste a ton of money to be around girls who tear you down. Study. Don't take French; take Spanish or something you could actually pass. Roommate issues feel like the end of the world, but they are not. Don't date men who make you feel like crap. He is going to break your heart, so don't be stupid and go back to him. Apply to be an RA, at least for a year. Keep your job. Things blow over. Make friends who share your values. Don't sign leases with people you don't know. Get a burrito once a week; it is good for your health. The 5th floor of the library is the best place to be quiet and think. Going to church makes you feel better, so go. Be involved and committed. Apply for things you think you are underqualified for. Stick to your own convictions. Oh, and the ROTC boys live on East Green.