Texas State University Top Questions

Looking back at the past year, I can confidentily say that there are several things I wish I would have been able to know prior to going through my first year at a university. First, I would tell myself that the most important thing above all else is to spend an ample amount of time studying for class and keeping up to date with the material. I came out with a 3.28, but maybe I could've made a 4.0 had I spent more time studying. Another thing that I believe is almost equally important is making sure to put myself out there and find a place where I can make friends. I am a shy and introverted person so making friends isn't easy for me, but if I tried a little harder, it could've made all the difference in the world. I found myself feeling lonely allot and I am determined to make next year better. I am excited because now that I have experienced what it is like, I am anxious to get back in the swing of things and apply what I learned about making the most of the year.

My high school self needed to know not be scared of change. I went very unprepared to college mentally, spiritually, and physically because I was scared of growing up. When I arrived to my dorm I was not my self. I built a shell around me so I would not socialize. I would stereotype others and myself because they were different from what I was use to seeing and I was different from them. I did not give myself a chance to make friends my entire first semester of college. When I went back home for winter brake I did not want to go back to Texas State but thank God I did because I was able to brake free from my shell. I began to get involved with the school and was picked to be part of different comities that explored topics from social justice to non-traditional students. I was picked to attend Leader Shape and NCORE in the summer as a result of being part of those comities. I wish I could go back and tell my self that change is beautiful and that you are going to love self-improvement.

I would tell myself that the coursework is even more difficult than you thought it would be. I would say to pick your professors wisely when choosing classes by doing some research about them first. I would warn my high school self that at first it would be lonely when first transitioning into college but in time you will meet friends and feel like your part of the school. I would say to be more choosy when it comes to getting roommates. I would say never to fall for the temptation of being someone you're not just for the sake of fitting in. I would tell myself to be more wise in regard to spending money on course materials. I would say that altough the studies are top priority to try and be social with your fellow students. I think most importantly I would tell my high school self not to be a loner in regard to coursework, work together with other students toward the goal in the classroom.

Dear Young Chrissy,

People who say "high school never ends" never grew up. Learn to live independently. Wake up early. Get there early. Make schedules, both short and long-term. Become a creature of habit, but remain flexible. Take some time off to work a real job or volunteer. If you find yourself resisting a worthwhile activity just because you don't feel like it, do it. Make "laziness is no excuse" your mantra. Your first romantic relationship in college won't be your last; don't plan your life around it. Learn how to retain information before you have to. Exercise before studying. Listen to instrumental music while studying. Most of what you learn, you will teach yourself. Ask questions, even if it makes you feel dumb. Do better than the person next to you. Nobody cares if you think a class is hard; they have their own problems. Don't approach studying as a chore, approach it as a challenge. You WILL use the seemingly useless information you learn in college if you work in the field you intend to. Professors can be jerks. They can also be tough but fair. Learn to recognize the difference. Make it happen.

If I could go back and tell myself something as a senior, I would of encouraged myself to push through the last bit of the year and make memories with the friends I had. As for any senior in high school I had a bad case of senorities, I just wanted to do the work just to get in over with rather than recieving the best grade I could of gotten. Looking back at it, it was all simple busy work that could of easily been done if I put effort. As for making memories with my friends, I would of spent more time with them and got closer with each one of them. Now we hardly talk and coming to a university with no one that I knew, it was hard to not really have anyone to call when I wasnt making friends. Besides my mom of course, but we all need those friends that we have known for awhile, we all need a couple of friendships that we can cherish that go beyond just high school.

If I were to successfully go back in time, I would attempt to be as careful as possible. There is no telling what would happen if I say or do the wrong thing. The only thing that I would attempt to do is leave a reminder to apply for scholarships early. However, I do not know if there would be conditions somewhere in the whole time travelling scheme. If the only thing I could do was say something to my younger self, it would be to apply for scholarships earlier and to not stress more than what is needed. There are other people that could do the stressing. If I am able to stay with my younger self for some time, I would help my younger self understand mathematical principles better. From that point on, hopefully, I would return from time travelling unharmed and unfazed.

It felt almost like a dream, except I am positive I was awake. I could see the room illuminate through the slight opening of my eyes. My eyes widened as I saw a cloud of fog surround my bedroom. I heard a voice come from within. “Hello?” I cautiously questioned, “Is anybody there?” The voice suddenly cried out “shhh!! They’ll hear you!” “Who’s speaking?” “SHHH! Keep quiet!! I came to help you! I’m you. Well, the future version of you!” At this point, I was beyond bewildered. “What do you mean?” I questioned. “I came to give you a heads up on what is expected of you in the next couple of months.” With frustration, the voice suddenly said, “Look, I have very little time to explain, therefore, I won’t. So, fill out plenty of applications for scholarships. EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE! You will need the money, so take all your chances. Also, lose those hoop earrings and camouflage pants you always wear, they’re so last decade. Believe me; I know what’s best for you!” In seconds, the mist disappeared and I knew what needed to be done.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely let myself know that college will be very expensive and that I need to start saving immediately. I would probably convince myself to go to a small junior college to get my basics and then transfer to a bigger 4 year college for my graduate school. I would definitely convince myself that even though going to a more expensive school early on sounds like a lot of fun, that the debt that I will have to pay off later isn't near as fun. I would tell myself to make smarter decisions now that I have already made the transition. I would convince myself to be financially aware and look at the bigger picture as opposed to thinking only in the moment.

Don’t worry about your high school friends, their opinions, or their plans. College is your first big chance in life to strike out on your own and do what you want to do. Your biggest personal growth and your greatest opportunities for learning happen when you become independent. Don’t be afraid of the curveballs life will throw; take intelligent risks. Live on campus, meet new people, take advantage of social and academic opportunities, and work hard to succeed in your coursework. Never skip class if you can help it. Study abroad if you get the chance. Meet your professors on the first day of class and always aim to make an excellent impression. The people you meet during college will play a major part in your life after graduation, especially your professors.