Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Top Questions

I would make sure i prepared myself for the transition of living on my own. And learn the importance of self discipline and time management at a young age.

As a high school senior I choose to join the U.S. Navy. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would not change a thing. I am proud to serve in the U.S. Navy, but there is a limit of TA credits you can get in a fiscal year. I have reached my limit and I am close to getting my Associates in General studies. The only thing I would change would be the fact that I would have told myself to apply myself more and go to the Community College while in High School. It would have been smart move to knock out some of the general courses while I was in High School.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to random people, going to class is important, and being willing to shop around for the stuff you need. Also to be yourself because there is a reason why you choose to go this far from home!

I would tell myself first to stick to what you know. Dont try to do what you think others want you to do, because in the end you are standing alone and if you dont truley want to succeed in that major you will never make it. Dont stress about not fitting in- there is a group for you somewhere. Dont worry about not having a personal relationship with your professors, if you are willing to make the effort they will get to know you. And finally, dont psych yourself out. These truley are the best years of your life and you cant get them back. Stressing over every little thing will only cause you to fail. Stay strong, you're a beautiful, independant person and you will prevail!

My freshmen year in high school I attended a really strict school that would make you pay a fine for things such as stepping on the grass. I couldn't handle all the unecessay rules and military style disipline so I transferred. However, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to go back to that school because although they were strict, academically it was worth putting up with. College is tough and really fast paced and had I stuck with a high school that was the same way I think I would've been better prepared. Also, I would tell myself to get involved in more activites, possibly ones that i could continue in college because having friends helps alot in the transition. Most importantly, I would tell myself to think more carefully about my college. I wanted so desperately to get away from home and be an adult that I didn't research colleges as well as I should. The school I really wanted to go to was more expensive and I let that discourage me from applying because I knew I couldn't afford it. I should've checked scholarships.

Entering high school, teachers instill the importance of doing well academically. Having good grades are very important in school. I also learned that being a well rounded student is more important. In highschool i was on various clubs and extracurricular activities such as, track and field. Withing these activies i learned how to manage my time. Taking a step from highschool to college, in my opinion, is like a baby taking its first step in walking. If a baby doesn't practice, the baby will not know how to walk. I believe that balancing my time with school and organizations in highschool helped me learn how to do it in college. The best advice I would give myself is to know that academics come first. Letting other things become a bigger priority would not be benefitial. Achieving good grades and excelling in school reflects on oneself. Even though i had a strong passion for track, I would tell myself to continue to do well in track but understand the circumstances if I do not focus well in my studies. I would also give current high school senors this advice.

I've learned a lot about myself and the world on the last year. If I could back and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would make sure I didn't make the same mistakes. First off, make sure you go to every class everyday. Also, make sure you get to know your professors; it will help you in the long run. Lastly, plan fiancially for the future. I had trouble paying off my balance; it would have been easier if I had applied for some scholarships.

I would go back and tell myself that everything would be ok. I get nervouse about doing new things and now that I know how things are turning out I would feel more comfortable. I would tell myself to spend more time with my dad. My dad passed away from Marfan syndrome. I would tell myself to make things easier on my mom and to study a little more. I would tell myself to spend more time with the ones that I love and not worry about being out all of the time. I know this was suppose to be about the transition to college but doing all of this would make it easier. You learn a lot from life after you already lived it. It is when you haven't done something that makes things hard. I would tell myself to just stay confident, study hard, and pay attention in class. It is a lot easier doing things right the first time then having to go back and redo something that could already be done.

Don't assume that you can coast by in the classes. This is the education that helps you towards your career, and you will apply most of the concepts you learn. Staying organized is a really big part of your success as well. Teachers will not put up with excuses because they teach hundreds of students, so you really need to stay on top of assignments and make sure that you put forth your best effort.

The advice I would give to myself, and to any other high school sneior is very simple. Get involved. Do not stay in your room and hope other people will come to you and coax you out of the room. While some may do that, others will not, and you will miss out on meeting many amazing people that will become your closest friends for the rest of your life. Get out there, talk to people around you and have fun!