Saginaw Valley State University Top Questions

Really look into all of your options for your college education. There are so many options out there both in state and out of state. It is also important that you put time and effort into looking for scholarships. There are so many availble to you if you just take the time to look around!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus more on my studies in college than my social life. Upon my arrival in college, I did not make good decisions in relation to my studies as I was far more concerned about my friends. By choosing my friends unwisely, I became involved in many activities such as underage drinking. As a result, I could have performed much better that first semester, but I also could have done much worse. Thankfully, I changed my friend group and made better decisions resulting in much better grades and a much healthier, happier social life. However, continuing with that lifestyle could have significantly damaged my future and ambitions. By telling my high school self to choose my friends shrewdly and focus more on my studies than social life, I could have avoided a substantial amount of hurt and heartache.

On the last day of school my parents asked me what I wanted to major in once I start college. At that moment I realized I was completely clueless of what my future would hold and what I wanted to do with my life. If I could go back and give myself advice on the future I would tell the scared clueless girl in front of me to look long and hard at yourself and listen to your own mind. Once you figure out what you truly love you will find the confidence in you to succeed at anything that comes in your path.

Looking back on the good ole days of high school, I would change a few things I did or didn't do. I would force myself out of my comfort zone more. I would talk to some classmates I'd never uttered a word to before, get to know them and maybe even make a connection with them. I would tell myself to do more crazy things, take a chance, even if I were to make a fool of myself, I would have more stories to tell. I would have more memories to tell my future grandchildren and they would be amazed of all the experiences Grandma Sarah had. I would also tell my high school self that every terrible thing that happens isn't the end of the world. Yes, you will get a bad grade, and of course a thought-to-be great guy will break your heart, and if they both happen on the same day, that's even worse! But it's not the end; you'll move on. I would remind myself that everything happens for a reason, people are always changing, and the best is yet to come.

The advice I would give myself is that I would need to take senior year more seriously and to apply for more scholarships. Also I would tell myself to take basketball more seriously and to do the work to get colleges tapes of my games. I would tell myself that I should still have fun, but to not lose focus on my learning.

I've done pretty well in my college career so far. I'm a member of the women's basketball team and have earned a 4.0 GPA. If I could go back to high school, I would probably have tried to be more involved in community service. Right now, I'm on my way to being appointed as the VP of our Student Athletic Advisory Committee and I'm so excited to continue producing more ideas for community involvement of our athletes. I believe that if you go through each day being able to put a smile on someones face, then you're living a successful life. That being said, in my college self would have told my high school self to get more involved in different community projects and make a lasting impression; to go above and beyond. Making the transition to college, I wouldn't tell myself too much more. I came left high school and entered college the same way, very focused and determined to make a name for myself and to help people along the way. And thus far, I believe I've done a pretty good job. There will always be room for improvement.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior about college, I would have a lot to say. The main thing I would emphasize is the importance of being responsible. It is a big change from living at home with your parents and living on campus. You may think that at college you can do whatever you want since you’re away from home. The truth of the matter is that you have to do everything for yourself now. You no longer have your parents to wake you up and stay on you about doing homework or attending classes. The transition from high school to college life can be difficult. You have to stay focused on the reason you’re in college in the first place or you will not be successful. You have to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources on campus. You can’t be afraid to seek assistance when needed. You have to maintain good grades in order to stay in college otherwise you could face “Academic Dismissal” after the first semester. College life can be a great experience but you have to be dedicated and give it your all.

You do have to study sometimes! I never studied in high school because everything was easy for me. I don't think my high school prepared me as well as they could have for college. College courses teach you some new information, but there is also more of an emphasis on real-life applications, and the expectations of your work are much higher than high school. I did get good grades, but I really had to work hard sometimes. I was used to not having to study to get A's, and that doesn't work for most college classes. You have to be able to fluently express what you know and show your understanding.

I would have told myself to relax and go in with confidence. I know how dedicated I am to my schoolwork and my self-success. I am not one to push aside my obligations. I knew this going into college and I should have never doubted that I could succeed in whatever I was committed to doing. There are so many opportunities out there and sometimes in order to make them happen you have to push yourself and go outside your comfort zone. Another piece of advice I would have given to myself would have been to not try to change who I am. In my freshmen year of college, I often found myself trying to fit in instead of finding friendships that would help me stay true to myself. It is never easy to make the transition from high school to college and no matter what advice I would have given myself, I would still be where I am today because I am confident in what I can achieve and where I want it to take me.

First of all, college is not like high school. People participate in class discussions and you won't be that weird girl who always knows all the answers anymore because your classmates actually care. It's wild, but you'll love it. Second, everyone says it, but it's true: find an activity or two that sound interesting and get involved. You will not make new friends by just appearing on campus for a couple hours of class and then going home. It's not just about making friends, either, because I know you're rolling your eyes and telling me that you're going to school to learn, not to make new friends or party. It's okay that you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life; college is there to help. By getting involved with more than just classes, you will learn more about yourself and about the things you didn't know you loved. I would suggest getting involved with Alternative Breaks your freshman year, yes, even if Mom did say you should. Maybe most importantly, ditch that boyfriend. He's really holding you back. You'll be just fine.