Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

A rip in the fabric of space and time has somehow thrown me back into the year 2009, as a 17-year old high school senior. The freezing temperature, black slush, and white powder suggests it is late Decmeber, early January. As I walked down Cottman Avenue I see my previous self walking out of the familiar 7-Eleven that is across the street from my house. I explained my existence at our first encounter; and in 5 minutes my former self was filled with excitement upon hearing my explanation. I went on to strongly insist "Myself" to continue working hard during the last year of "My" high school year; I told "Myself" that college is a complete 180 from what high school is like, especially "My" high school. "Time management is crucial, if not the MOST important, in being successful with studies in college." I explained. He had so many questions for which I had many answers to, but before I could answer one, I find myself looking at the familiar ceiling of my dormroom. And thus I was pulled back into the reality of 2010.

Making the decision of what to do with my life was one of the hardest things I've ever done. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get more involved from the start. I'd tell myself to find a club or group that was right for me and fully devote myself to it. Also I would tell myself not to be afraid to try new things or take interesting classes, and not to stress too much about the little things.

If I had a chance to go back in time to visit myself in my senior year in high school, the one thing I would tell myself to make getting into college easier is to get "involved". By this I mean it is a good idea to play a sport or many sports all the way through high school and/or join a club. Another smart idea would be to get involved outside of high school and help your community by doing volunteer work. Doing these things will help your chances dramatically of getting into college. It will make it easier on you and it will save you a lot of the less stress and frusteration of getting denied acceptence into a college. Colleges look highly upon students that have good grades, but they also look higher upon the students who have extra curricular activites on top of their good grades. I have learned this the hard way. So my number one advice I would tell myself as a senior in high school is to get "involved".

I would tell myself to open my mind to the opportunities to explore all this new world has to offer with out fear. I would tell myself that there is no reason to worry about ridicule or lack of acceptance from my peers, they too are exploring new avenues and are as apprehensive as I am about entering a new phase in their lives. I would work very hard to continue my friendships with my classmates,family and friends because I know I will need their support and understanding as I leave my safe little world for the first time. I will also reach out to new people so that I may gain a better understanding of myself and others. I would accept every invitation offered to me to see new places and meet new people, to further enhance my understanding of the diversity in the world. I would volunteer more in my community to gain a better understanding of the many career paths that may be available to me. I would get a parttime job to teach myself the importance of manging my time and my budget wisely. I would thank God and my parents for this opportunity everyday.

I would give myself the advice to really take my high school education more seriously because it will benefit me in my college career. I would tell myself to study ten times more than I did in highschool because it will really show in my grades, and while studying hard make sure to meet new people and open up to new experiences. Being shy does not help at a large university and being a very outgoing person in college can really have an impact on your life , mainly your career after college. I would say that college is a great experience and I should not take it for granted. College is a time to have fun, but make a good life for yourself at the same time so responsibility is a key factor in those four years.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try my best on everything I do and graduate with a high grade point average and do reseaches on the things I would love as a career, and read more. Even though it's going to be hard, because of the distrations around you; such as: family, friends, and jobs, you should always put school first, in the end your hard work will be worth it. Graduating with a high GPA gives you more chance of acceptance and more open doors from different colleges/universities. You can choose which college/university is best for you. With the reseaches of your different career choices gives you a step ahead of students that doesn't know theirs. After you graduate high school you can go to the college that fits your career; it will save you a lot of time and money. I would tell myself to read more because reading is important. Those would be the advices I would give myself if I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior I would first talk about grades. I would tell myself that grades are what is most important. I need to do all of my homework, study for every exam, and take it serious. Your final GPA is one of the most important things an employer will look at on your resume. I would also tell myself how although the school work is extremely important having fun is too. You want to have the full college experience. So when you aren't working on schoolwork, go explore all the activities you can do at your college. Learn about clubs you can join, activities you can do, and community service you can help with. All of that stuff will look great on your resume and you will meet new friends and make great memories doing it all. Always go after what you want and your dreams will come true!

If I could return to the past and give myself adivce about the college transition, I believe I would tell myself to pay more attention to the matierals presented in class versus focusing on just getting a grade. I feel that college puts more of an emphasis on the actual course material than just doing work to earn a letter grade. Not to to de-emphasize the importance of letter grades; the are a very important part of you academic career. However I feel that the college experience should overall equip you for a profession instead of taking courses just to get a grade. I feel that going back in time, I would have gotten alot more out of my classes instead of just doing what was required.

I would tell myself not to stress out so much and not to be so hard on myself. Fill out as many scholarships as possible and study as hard as you can, more than in high school. Not all classes are as easy as they were in high school, and if you have trouble in a class dont be afraid to ask for help, go to a tutor, or the professors' office hours. In the end, all of the effort will definitely pay off. Also try to get involved in as much as possible, it's a great way to meet new people, find new things you love, and make friends.

Assuming I am a high school senior and know how my first three years in college will turn out, I would have many words of advice for myself. My main advice for myself would be for me to be confident. I should never doubt myself based on how many other students there are trying for the same goal that I am. Nothing makes them any better than me and I am just as equal as every single student in school. Another word of advice for me would to study hard and get into a routine. Never fall behind on work and be prepared every single day for class because no class is less important than another. Its all part of my future. Last advice I would be would to get involved from the very beginning. Volunteer my time, join groups, do whatever you can to make a difference in the community because not only will it provide self satisfaction but you will also gain a lot of valuable experience that you cant learn in the classroom. Even though I am not a high school senior currently, I will continue to use this advice everyday.