Texas Tech University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and provide myself with some advice about Texas Tech University, it would be to be patient and enjoy my undergraduate career. I sped to quickly through my undergrad that I felt stressed and pressured many semsters. It also led me to become less active in social events. I spent countless hours studying when I could have taken a breath and admire my surroundings. I got so far I didn't even realize the end was approaching rapidly.

The advice I would give myself if I were in high school would be that time management and writing down deadlines/due dates are essential to success in college. Someone could be the smartest person in the world, but if they don't know when things are due or don't make time to get these things accomplished, they won't find any success in the college world or after college.

My first response would be to make sure you study and go to class. Those are two things I find extremely important, but looking back on the things I have learned, the most important one, I believe, is to enjoy your time. Looking back on my college years, there are so many things that came and went too fast than I would of liked. I was fortunate enough to be able to play football for Texas Tech. Those are memories I will forever hold close to my heart. I will have many longtime relationships with the guys I met through football and will always be one of my most favorite memories. But even after football, are the times that has really made college the time of my life. The late nights, whether be studying or hanging out, will be something I always have memories of, the good and the bad. So that's what I would tell my high school self, don't let these years fly by. I would give anything to be able to go back. Don't focus on tomorrow, live in the moment and enjoy these moments that only come in your college days.

Knowing what I now know about college, if I were to go back in time and talk to myself in high school I would undoubtedly stress the concept of keeping an open mind. I realized that one very quickly learns about who they are and what they want to be in the first year of college. From the social to the academic realms of college, many opportunities arise that you never see coming and it is in those instances that one learns something about where they want to go in life. As a sophomore, I am still not absolutely certain as to what I want to do with my college degree, but I know that I still have over two years to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to me to help guide me. One more thing I would less myself is to find scholarships. I would advise my younger self and all other high school students to put down the TV remote and start hunting down as many scholarship applications as possible; the monetary cost of college adds up very quickly.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself that slacking off should be over during the summer before freshman year; the minute you become a freshman in college all the dynamics changed. You become your own boss and you set the pace of how quickly and efficently things run in your life. If you want to go to graduate school it starts with the first semester in college. With all that freedom comes a huge responsibility that you shouldn't overlook. Your actions have a domino effect and since you are older than eighteen, mommy and daddy aren't going to help you when things get rough. You need to focus completely on doing well acedemically because you do not want all the loans you taken out to go to waste. Being away from the adult figures in your life doesn't mean you can go party and forget about school. School is your number one priority and never forget that.

The transition is going to be harder than you expect. It is completely different from the high school environment that you were so sheltered in. Don't take everything so seriously during your last couple years of high school - that is a time for memories that you will remember forever. You may not stay in touch with all of your friends, but the ones that you do, they'll be by your side forever, along with your college friends who will be there for you for life. You are going to fall in love with your university and be amazed by all of the wonderful opportunities that it is capable of providing. You may question some things about yourself, about the entire world, but you will figure everything out in due time, and you will feel more secure than ever. Texas Tech is the BEST place for you to be. You are going to flourish into a person that is prepared for anything and everything that this world could possibly throw at you and more. You made the right choice.

Knowing what I know now, the advise I would give to myself would be simple. First, I would warn myself that there will be plenty of activities to do on campus and while thats good to get involved in, remember that school and grades come first. Never leave homework that can be done today for tomorrow. Furthermore, school will get pretty hectic at times, so it is important to take breaks when possible to relax. Nobody works well when they're delusional. Second, never be afraid to make new friends. Everyone that starts college is new to the experience so don't be afraid to branch out and make new friends. Even the slightest gesture can be the difference between a lifelong friendship and just someone you had a class with. Lastly and most importantly, your 4 years here will be some of the greatest 4 years of your life, but they may also be the fastest 4 years of your life so be sure to slow down and take it all in. As Ferris Beuller once put it, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it."

If I could tell anything to my high school self, it would be to take your time and enjoy your college experience. There is enough time to do everything you want; there is no need to stress and rush through college. Take the time to find an internship. Take the time to study abroad. Join a club and find friends to hang out. Studies are important, but don't forget to enjoy yourself.

First off, hard work pays off always! If you don't put in any work it will show and teachers will not cover for you. This school cost way to much for you and your family to bust your butts and not pass class so work hard. Beware that every teacher will not have English as a first language but don't be afraid, try hard and study hard. Besides your grades, you have to have serious self control because the influence is heavy. Do not catch yourself falling into the crowd or else you will fail right along with them. That means if homework is due Monday, don't party all weekend and scramble to do it last minuet Sunday. Also about partying, don't think it's the thing do do every weekend or every night, and don't drink just because everybody else is. If you're drug free, don't be ashamed let it show and be proud. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and always push towards your goal even when it looks impossible.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I also would tell myself to look into the different majors offered at my University. Texas Tech doesn't get many recruiters talking about social work and addiction studies, and that is the field I ended up in. However, I first began studying Interior Design. I would have saved myself a semester's worth of classes. I would have also told myself to get a job during my first semester. It has benefitted me very well to have a job while going to school. Talking more to the professors, too. I would have consulted professors and advisors in the career field I picked.