Old Dominion University Top Questions

I would tell myself to just keep doing what I had planned. After high school I joined the US Navy, where I served for five years, then went to college full time. I believe the navy fully prepared me (and gave me time to mature) for college. The transition to college life was easy and enjoyable.

If I could travel backwards and meet myself in high school I would say set back and hold on, these battles will make you stronger. I would give myself words of encouragement and acknowledge my resilience in the face of child-hood trauma. I would write on sticky notes all over my messy room to stay focused and keep your eyes front don’t lose your motivation. Most of all I would have educated myself on the importance of not selling yourself short, instead ask questions and insist on answers. I would have made myself learn more about financial aid and not listened to parents who themselves made horrible financial choices. I would have saved money from the work I started at Wendy’s at the age of 13 until I was 23 years old, to pay for college. Increasing my assertiveness I would have provided myself support to seek help for my learning disorder, the secret I kept hidden until 29 years old. I would tell myself, in college you will find support others like you who dream big, work hard and you will become so much stronger, but never fold and never give up.

College has bought many memories and lessons I thought i'd never encounter in my life. As a high school senior I was actually very scared to venture out and go to college. Leaving my family and friends behind was the last thing I wanted to do after ending my high school career. I would definitely go back and tell my high school senior self to not be so afraid, but to prepare myself for weaknesses, defeats, and also accomplishments. I would tell myself to not be such a procrastinator because college is definitely no joke. There is a fine line between high school worksheets and college assignments. When your professors tell you to read, you better read that chapter because it will definitely help you in the long run. College will disappoint you while making you happy at the same time. It is no playground, but on the bright side you will find yourself and love who you are. You will meet tons of people who will either bring out the best in your or bring out the bad side of you. Stick with what you know and always hold your morals close to your heart.

Do not stress the little things! In high school I was stressed out about everything. I had to look good, I needed to do well on grades, and most of all I felt like I needed to fit in. College changed that. Sure, I am still working hard and doing well in college but there is no need to try to fit in. One thing I learned is that there is a huge maturity gap transformation from high school to college and I fit right in. People do not judge others in college like they did in high school. This has been an eye opening experience where stereotypes are less existent and it is much easier to make new friends, especially since I did not know anybody here at campus on the first day. People felt the same way I did and we got together and became friends. We as students were so sheltered in high school with all of the same people every day that we lacked what it took to be outgoing and find new people to eventually call “friend.” It has worked since, and is definitely something to tell to my high school self.

If I were a high school senior again I would tell myself to work harder. I am 25 years old now and only a junior in college. I took some time off and I regret it. I was an advanced student in high school but due to my lack of effort I ended up squeaking by just to graduate on time. The break that I took from high school to college led to a poor math placement, whereas I was almost awarded a college Calculus credit while in high school. A credit that I did not achieve until I was 24. In that time span I was forced to complete 5 math classes, which I had already completed in high school. If I had put in the effort in high school, I would have graduated by the age of 21. I could have a full life; but instead I work at minimum wage jobs and struggle to pay bills. I have learned a valuable lesson that I practice through my college career and in life; always put in all of your effort!

This question brings back what I've already thought about multiple times throughout the year, and I would love to share! As a college student, I am so passionate about the importance (and education) of diversity in our society. If I could look back and give myself advice as a senior, I would burn into my stubborn senior brain to not be misled or frightened by the many other views that others possess in life. We all have differing views on religion, politics, even sports teams. So often I would be concerned because I was so set on my way that I was afraid that I might be wrong simply because others had different perspectives than I did. What I would tell myself is, "You are not wrong! Your different views are what make life interesting!" Additionally, I would stress the importance of learning from others so that I may benefit from experiences other individuals may have had that could help me strengthen my personal perspective on a given topic. We all are unique, and that's what makes the world go around!

I would have taken high school more seriously. I would have worked harder and partied less. I also would have made sure I attended all of my classes unless I absolutely had to miss.

During my four high school years, I realize that senior year was the most stressfull. My mind soaked in so many questions and ideas. I was focused on finishing high school strong and keeping my GPA up. I was also focused on looking for a college that will accept me. I was discouraged by my SAT scores, and I was worried I would end up going to a school I dont like. My mind was also focused on my career. There wasn't a night when I would think about all the things I could do with my life. Graduation was around the corner, and I had only gotten accepted to one out of the six schools I applied for. At that point I just assumed I was going to Radford, but my first school of choice, ODU, ended up accepting me anyway. All of the stress went away, and I turned all my focus to my friends and saying goodbye. However if I could say something to my senior self. I would tell him that you are handling everything well, and that even the highest mountains of doubt can be climbed when you have faith within yourself. Good job.

I would tell myself to be prepared to study. My current GPA is not bad by any means, but I was not ready for the academic transition from high school to college. Studying was never something I had to do much of in high school. When I got to college I just assumed things would stay the same, but I was wrong. Once sophomore year started, I could not keep on coasting by without really hitting the books hard. I know all this now, but there was a rough period between the time when my grades started slipping and when I actually developed the discipline to study. I think I did a decent job of balancing classwork with everything else college has to offer, but I could have done better.

I would tell myself to not be so insecure. To get out and make more friends by doing activities. This way I could have learned more about myself at a younger age. In turn making a solid career choice earlier on in life.