Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Top Questions

I was a high school senior 35 years ago. I would tell that girl I used to be to seek out financial aid based on my grades and ACT score and to explore more options before choosing a school. I would advise her to take some classes before going to nursing school to be sure she could handle college level science courses . I would remind her that grades do not always reflect abilities. I would push her, ever so gently, to think about majoring in special education. I would encourage her to remember that the things we were told in high school (we were the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented and had the most school spirit) were still valid -- whether or not they were ever true -- even when college professors said that we were the dumbest class they had ever seen -- which wasn't true either. At that time I was convinced I had to go away to school. I would tell myself that that is not a bad choice, but to beware of losing contact with my childhood friends. I would tell her that homesickness is normal, and so is growing up and enjoying being on my own.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself would be simple. The first thing I would tell myself would be not to graduate early. If I would not have graduated from high school early, I would have completed Calculus my senior year, and I would not have had to take it in college. Next, I would tell myself to stay focused, don't let people influence you wrongly, and don't be easily angered. Lastly, having friends are okay, but you don't need them to survive.

First of all, don't freak out. Living on your own is not as bad as everyone thinks and it's a very easy thing to deal with. You will meet so many people in college and they eventually become your life here. One thing to really work on before college is to set up an easy study schedule. In college you are required to study on your own without a study hall and without the teachers really worried about one particular student. They don't really give you extra credit or any extra points so you need to work as hard as possible. Also, college is what determines your future. So skipping class and partying is not a good idea. There are so many people around to help you though, so if you get behind you could ask anyone for help and it won't be a big deal.

If I could go back to high school and give my senior-self advice, there are many things I could say. I would tell myself not to take life and school so seriously, because at the end of the day, a B on a test isnt going to matter. I would tell myself to be more social and go out of my comfort zone to meet people. In twenty years it's not going to be the tests and quizzes I'm going to remember, it's going to be the time I spend with family, and friends - old and new. I would forwarn my senior-self about procrastination and about how frustrating it can make things if you let it overtake your school work. Lastly, I would tell myself to be thankful for yesterday, live for today, and dream about changing tomorrow, because that is all we can ever do in this marvelous life!

I would suggest, to myself, to take things slower and work a little harder at my degree. I also would suggest to myself to figure out what exactly I wanted in life before deciding on my major.

I would tell myself to be honest with the advisors about I really wanted and not to be afraid of looking foolish. I would also tell myself to go for what I really wanted. The hard work and time spent will be well worth it in the end. to do otherwise only means that you will be working hard and long at projects that are not really a part of your heart.

Stay in school. Take advantage of all of what life has to offer. Make a plan and stay on track. Study abroad, join a sorority, join all the clubs you are interested in and absorb every minute of it and make the most out of it. Be "cool" and study and make honors clubs. In the long run you'll pat yourself on the back and thank yourself that you did just that. By doing so, you become a more well rounded individual with everything to offer the world.

i would explain that to succeed, everybody needs to mentally and physically prepare themselves for a tough 3-4 years. it is not going to be easy to acheive a bachelor's degree, especially in a subject such as pre-medicine. attending all lectures and completing assigned work is essential. finding a time and place to study often and routinely is important as well. it's not like high school any more. we are adults and have to take on this role called responsibility in order to succeed not only in college but in life. it will take lots of work, time, and money of course, but it will prepare us for a rewarding career that we've worked hard for.

"Here's the deal. You have heard every single college prep talk under the sun. You have been told all of the "secrets of success that most freshmen don't know". I know you are doubting yourself; in high school, you rarely ever reached for your full potential. Your best effort is a muscle that has grown weak from lack of use, and you know it. College is a new slate. You don't have to 'be' anything here. You are not a "B/C student" anymore. You need to stay ahead of the game and aim for the 4.0 Every point you lose in a class is one you can't get back. Don't think of it as 'your first semester with all those hard-sounding classes.' Think of it as a small series of hoops you have to jump through, day by day. And once you get through them, you're done, already moving on to the next ones. It is a privilege to get paid to do what you love. You need to earn it. Work with integrity, honor, and passion. It will set the tone for the person you become. "

Many college freshmen might say that collge changes a person. I can not say that I disagree with this statement. When I entered my first year at SIU Edwardsville, life was really put into perspective for me. For the first time, I had to learn to live on my own, make my own dinner, and be responsible enough to go to bed on at a reasonable hour despite the fun that might be happening elsewhere. If I was able to go back in time and give myself advice, there are many subjects I would discuss. First, I would tell myself to relax. As an honor student, I found myself stressed about homework, paper deadlines, and lengthly exams. Although my first semester has been challenging, I feel that I could have allowed myself a little more time for fun in high school. I would also suggest that I save money instead of buying two tops -same style but different colors- at the mall. Since I am paying for my education out of pocket, money seems much more delicate now. Lastly, I would tell myself to start thinking about career plans as I have changed my major 3 times in one semester.