Rhode Island College Top Questions

Focus. Hunger. Drive. Those are the three words that come to mind that I would of have engraved on my forehead if I could of have gone back. Just for thirty seconds to even just say Focus would be suffice. I never realized how much a career could do, not just for myself, but for my country. I am Mexican-American, the stereotype in America goes around that Mexicans typically drop out of high school, or simply graduate and do not further their education. I am not sure if there is no hunger, if there is no drive, but we definitely do need focus. I think the reason for that being is the opportunities that we misunderstand. This degree in my field can provide hope, drive, and focus for my generation, for my family, and for myself, to bringabout that a career can change your life.

Knowing what I know now, I would advise my seventeen-year-old self to consider my options as far as other majors. I had my mind set on nursing at such a young age that I didn't let myself acknowledge the broad range of alternative possibilities. Now that I have successfully changed my major, two years later, I couldn't be happier. However, I wish I realized this sooner before spending such extended time on strictly science based courses. I would also advise ending a personal relationship which held me back from living on campus my freshman year and enjoying extra curricular activities I could have flourished at; due to jealousy and childish behavior on their part. Last but not least, I would advise to never give up on myself, stay determined and strong, understand the transition is awkward and stressful but amazing and necessary. Success is achievable even through midterms, finals, exams, doubts and uncertainty. On the other hand, I would only share that last piece of motivational advice. Simply because all my experiences and decisions have led to the development of the mature, responsible, independent woman I am today.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would excentuate the imprtance of time management, not only in the application and scholarship process, but in my courses as well. While applying to college and for scholarships, I learned how important it is to get things done in a timely manner. I waited to hear back from my colleges for months and realized that had I applied sooner I would have heard back sooner and had less time to stress. I also thought I had more time to apply for scholarships and missed many deadlines. I would tell myself to be ontop of taking application opportunities as soon as they became available. Finally, I would tell myself that this is a life altering time and the choices I make will be with me forever. Be smart, careful, and think about how my choices will affect my future.

Your education is an investment, don't worry so much about how much it costs. Find the school that you fall in love with and that has all the resources, classes, and opportunities that will allow you to achieve your goals and dreams in life. Make sure the college you pick will be a nurturing and welcoming environment for you, don't pick a school because your friends go there. You will make new friends whereever you go. It's ok to take time away from school and experience the world outside academia if you're unsure what you want to do with your life. Most importantly, have fun and love what you're studying; if you are not, then do not be afraid to change your direction. The journey is as important, if not more so, than the destination.

I would have definately considered staying home, other than going out of state for college. I would have thought about trying to find more scholarships, especially for athletics. I also probably would have started putting away money early.

If I were to go back in time as a senior graduating high school, I would advise myself to not be so nervous about starting this new chapter of my life. I also would express the importance of studying, reading and excelling in everything I do, making it clear to myself to give my all in everything I do. One of the many lessons I learned while attending college was you only have one chance to do your absolute best and to make that chance count. As a college student, I've become exposed to vast diversity; if I were to go back and talk to my high school-self I would encourage myself to embrace diversity sooner and use it as a tool to enhance my education.

It has been nearly eight years since I graduated from high school and I have learned many lessons along the way. However, if I could go back and talk to my high school self I would say to not give up or become discouraged. I know that seems like very generic advice but not long after I graduated high school I became pregnant and had my first son. I attempted to remain in school but believed it was too difficult and I needed to be home with Isaiah. Eight years later and with two sons now I have realized that yes it is difficult and yes it takes a lot of my energy and time but it is worth it because I am doing it to provide a better future for them. If I had realized this sooner I would be further in my career and able to spend more time with them and attend all events. So if I could go back I would make myself see that it would be better for my family to push through and finish and not give up so they cant say "my mommy quit because of me".

If i coud go back to my high school days and tell myself ahead of time i would say, just be prepared and dont take it as a joke. Being in college is very hard. When you are sitting around in that classroom your teachers are there but they are expecting you to know somethings and work on your own. Some people think that the teachers are always going to be there for you to answer ever question or yet giving them to you. I would have told myself that I needed to take noted and make sure that i can do it by myself. Most of my classes are done online so I'm only inside the classroom with my teachers for a little time of the day, they are they to helo and answer few questions and they dont do one on one time alot. I loved being in high school working with the teachers and having fun with the classmates but I wasnt prepared for college so i would tell myself, work hard, get your work done and pay very close attention to everything that your teachers are saying to you. Stop Think and listen to them!

The only thing I regret when I was a high school senior was not putting in the effort to get better grades. I ended my high school career with a 2.5 GPA and in college it is at a 3.0 and increasing. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to join more clubs in school and to work harder into getting better grades. Going to college with a 2.5 GPA isn't something to be proud of, but I have certainly learned from my high school experience that if I can put in the effort I can succeed.

The biggest advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be to begin practicing time management. In high school I had plenty of free time, and time management was not something I was very concerned with. Knowing I was going to wrestle in college while taking on a much larger courseload, I was aware that time management would be the key to my success. However, I had no idea that learning how to manage my time well would not be something I could learn over night. My first few years in college were tough because I had never practiced managing my time. During my first semester, while balancing athletics and 12 credits, I earned a GPA of 2.75. By spring semester of my junior year I received a GPA of 3.8, bringing my cumulative GPA up to a 3.5. Only this time I was balancing athletics, 18 credits, an internship, and a part time job. By now I would say I am fairly good at managing my time. However, if I had learned how to manage my time earlier I could have been a lot more productive during my first few years of college.