Texas State University Top Questions

" Make your senior year your best, because it goes by so fast. Do everything and anything will all your power and don't hold back. Try out for teams that you always considered in the back of you mind but haven't done so yet. For me, I didn't take advantage of my senior year, and I always wish that I could go back. I always wanted to be in band but I didn't, because at my school it wasn't really the cool thing; but now looking back, I wish I would have joined anyway. Most importantly I wish I would have gone to my senior prom. I didn't go because I didn't have a date, and so I skiped out on a group of girls that invited me, because I kinda thought it would be embarrasing because I wasn't there with some guy. And when it comes to the little things in high school like who dated who, it dosen't matter after you graduate. Friendships change and people change, so like I said, don't hold back. Be yourself and make the best of what you have because it goes fast. "

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first off tell myself to try harder at school. I look back and think of just how easy high school was and I kick my self for not studying all night for a test. High school was so much easier and I know that I could have left with a 4.0 if I would have just put a little bit more effort in. Now that I'm in college, I don't know how I didn't study so much; I feel so anxious when I put off studying to do something else. Something else I would tell myself is to save some of that spending money I had. Even with financial aid and a part time job, I still find myself low on funds. I wish that I would have been more diciplined with my money when I was younger, rather than barely scraping by now.

I would tell myself to begin better habits earlier. Better habits as in, eating better, studying more effectively, not procrastinating, and get far better grades because in the end it really pays off. Being able to come out of my comfort zone every now and then would be good too because at the moment I have no actual new friends. I blame it on the fact that i'm a commuter but it's really just me not trying hard enough. I would also tell myself to enjoy the work load given in high school because it is nothing compared to the work in college, as well as the amount of stress. One last piece of advice, if you walk down San Jacinto you'll get to the art building much quicker than walking through campus.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give advice about the transition from high school classes to college classes. It was very rare in high school to study and when I first arrived in college I did not know how to. The main advice I give myself is to take those after school seminars that my high school provided on study habits and how to study. I believe that if I would have attended a seminar, the all nighter cram sessions would not be a problem. It is still taking me time to adjust and now I try to use every tool my college gives me so that I can excel.

Be gentler with yourself. EVERYONE is scared, and everyone is just doing the best that they can. Don't give up so easily just because things are difficult or challenging, the rewards outweigh the struggles, and the journey is the most fun, in retrospect. Reach out to other students, don't be afraid to answer questions and to ask them, network with people in and out of class because these relationships can be the building blocks for your life and career. Working while in school is often necessary, but remember that the degree is the goal, so don't spend your earnings on stuff for the job or on socializing, spend it on better equipment for school or a better living/studying environment. Your family wants you to succeed so don't be afraid to ask for help . It is a sign of maturity to recognize your own limitations, maximize resources. It always makes you feel good to help someone, keep that in mind when you ask for help. And finally, don't procrastinate! Keep track of schedules and be early to class and in submitting assignments. It's a great habit to incorporate. Have FUN!

I would advise high school seniors to try and learn as much as they can in high school as it will greatly help in the understanding of difficult college courses. Also to try and take any classes offered in high school that will count towards college credits. They must understand that college is not just fun and games and must be taken seriously. It can be very difficult if not enough time for studying is put in. With that said, college can also be extremely fun with lots to do and see. I would show examples of things that I like to do for example, sports, swimming in the beautiful river that flows through campus, taking advantage of the school trips to different places, etc... I would show pictures of the campus, campus life, and the students that attend this college.

I would tell myself to not feel rushed in my decision to choose a school. In my haste to apply to a a school before the deadlines, I didn't take the time to really consider my needs in my future career. I would have emphaszied that while Sound Recording Technology seems alluring, a live sound technician needs a more specialized training course, and I should look harder for one; even if it meant starting school "late". Also, I would have advised myself to take a closer look at Full Sail University; and not discredit it just because I had never heard of it before. Looking into Full Sail has shown me that enrolling will be one of the best things I ever do. I only wish that I had given this school the chance it deserved sooner, because it would saved two unfailingly precious things; time and government loan money.

After arriving at Texas State, I realized that some credits transferred from my high school AP courses. If I could arrive back to my senior year, I'd advise myself to take those AP classes seriously enough to achieve higher scores on the AP tests. Besides challenging myself to volunteer work, school extracurricular activites, and part time work, I would have told myself to take the opportunities of more AP classes. Paying for college is a life lesson of how far you are willing to go to set up the rest of your life. Boosting more confidence in those AP tests may have saved me even more money than what I began with. There is no limit to doing one's best; therefore, I would tell myself to keep stretching as far as humanly possible. If I started senior year again in high school, I would have strived in AP courses in order to save the extra work at a university level. Getting ahead never hurt anyone.

Looking back at my senior year, I realize I was completely unprepared for what I was about to experience. I was commited by my junior year to play volleyball at Texas State. Because of this, I didn't research any other schools or really think about whether or not this was the best university for me. I didn't exactly want to play college sports because I'm not very passionate about it, but my father made it clear that free school was much more important than what I really wanted to attain from college. I see now that if I could go back and tell myself anything it would be to do what my heart really desires; to live my dream and not someone elses. I'm now trying to put that plan into action and transfer to the school of my dreams. The only problem is that I'm giving up free tuition and my divorced parents can't exactly afford it right now. But I know I'm meant to do this and I'm going to try my absolute hardest to get to where I want to be. Even if I do it alone.

I would tell myself to be prepared for long nights and weekends spent studying. Don?t expect to party too hard; there won?t be time for that when you?re trying to pass your classes. Also, I would encourage myself to go out and try to make more friends, I didn?t do a whole lot of that this past semester, and my dorm room got really small by the end of the semester. Another thing that I would tell myself is to cherish time with your parents, don?t take it for granted, because you are going to miss them more than you think you will. I know right now college live seems like its going to be all fun and games but it?s not, it?s a lot of hard work, and you?re are going to miss having your parents there to help you through things.