The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Top Questions

Hey there. I know you’re busy rushing to finish those college applications and stressing like crazy, but I just wanted to tell you not to worry so much because things are going to fall into place. Right now you think that you’ll begin college alone, with nobody to call your friend, but the truth is it’ll be the exact opposite. Remember that everyone will be in the same boat as you and never be afraid to talk to new people, especially those that seem shyer than you are. You’ll be surprised by how many friends you make that way. Also, get involved! The prospect of joining a group in which you don’t know anyone seems a bit scary at first, but being involved with groups on campus is actually fun. It helps you meet new people and is beneficial to you and many other students on campus. Not to mention, you’ll get to do so many cool things like seeing Frank Warren (I know you don’t know who that is, so after you read this, Google him. He’s very inspirational). For now, just take everything a day at a time.

College is expensive. It can be an investment but it requires a lot more than just money. It requires an investment of your time, dedication, and commitement. One thing I learned the hard way is, if you don't know what you want to do, start off small. Get your general education courses out of the way, you may find along the way you will find something you want to pursue. Then at that point, you'll be used to taking college classes and can explore your core classes. When I first started school I didn't know what I wanted to do and changed my major 3 times in the first year. I took too many core classes for each major and they don't count toward any degree. It was a waste of money and I hope that you don't make a similar mistake. My last piece of advice would be to start applying for scholarships. It can take years and years to pay off student loans, and it is hard enough to graduate and start a new job, maybe buy a house, or have some kids, especially if you are thousands of dollars in debt.

If I could go back and give myself some advice it would be keep an open mind and try new things and meet all of the people you can. I really didn't start trying new things and keeping an open mind until my second semester. I loved my second semester because of that, my first semester was the most miserable 3 months of my life. In the second semester my freinds and I started going to events on campus. One thing that we went to that we all enjoyed was a rock opera. It was really enjoyable and when we went none of us thought we would like it, we were just bored and looking for something to do. Since then I enjoy going to plays and have developed an appreciation for theatre. The other thing was to meet people. One time we were playing soccer and a group of guys walked by and we asked them to play with us. It turns out that they were a group of foreign exchange students from all over Europe. It was really cool to be able to talk to them about where they were form and see the cultural differences.

If I was given the ability to go back and talk to myself as a high school student I would tell myself that time management is very important. In college your mom and dad arenn't there to wake you every morning and make sure you get to class, and the teachers are not constantly reminding you that you have an assignment due. In college you are on your own and you must be able to decide when to study and when to complete many assignments along with many other activities that may be going on. It is so easy to lose focus in college as there are always many things going on but you must make sure that you know what you have to be doing. Carrying around a planner may be the best idea ever. It helps for you to write down everything even it you may not forget it. Also writing down all the assignments from the syllabi into the planner is also so good so that you are aware of an assignment well before time. Time management is very important for college success.

If I could go back and give myself advice, the first focus point would be to learn time management. In college, I am faced with a lot of free time that should be used wisely. I struggled with this when I first got on campus, but I learned quickly how to use this time to it's best potential. The second point is to develop great study habits. In highschool, test are pretty simple and straight forward, but college is completely different. I had to develop great forms of studying to prepare myself for each exam. The last point is to be prepared for lifestyle change. College brings many new aspects of the world that highschool does not have. I met many people from all types of backgrounds and cultures. I have learned a lot since getting to college, and I am greatful for this experience.

If I could go back into high school, I would tell myself to be more involved in things, be more outgoing, and not take childhood for granted. In high school I was a shy, but relatively popular guy. I played soccer and was in a few clubs, but that was it. I loved the things I did, but I would do more if I could do it again. I had a lot of friends, but mainly just the same group as I always had. I was not the best at making friends, and at college it has hurt me. I wish I knew more people. Lastly, do not take anything for granted. In high school I dreamed of going to college at Tennessee. I love it, but people are growing up, I have lost a few friends, and the workload is much more requiring. I never had any work in high school. I would tell myself to quit complaining about what my parents told me to do, how lame high school was, or wanting to go to college. Looking back, it was the best year of my life and I would not trade it for anything.

Don't waste your time worrying and stressing about little things when you can be out living your life and trying new experiences. God has a plan for you. Even though it might be hard to see where His plan is going sometimes, always trust in Him, because He'll never put you in a situation that you can't handle.

If I were to talk to my high school self, I would leave him with these passing thoughts: Never change yourself for a significant other. The one worth hanging on to will love you for who you are. Give yourself a break. This assignment is not life or death. You are an intelligent and hardworking person, and your quality of life is the most improtant thing. Find something you are truly passionate about. A handsome salary means nothing if you hate what you do. Don't date yourself. Find someone who compliments you not someone who mirrors you. If you are a scientist, date an artist, and vice versa that way you always have something to teach your partner. Don't be afraid to try something new. My favorite classes were theatre, world religions, and constitutional law, which have nothing to do with my major. Find some positive friends who build you up and encourage the better aspects of your personality. In my case I found these at my campus ministry. This is also where I met my fiance. Get involved in a religious or spiritual organization. Murphy's law happens in spades in college. These people can help.

Looking back over my adjustment to college life, the best advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to take on as much responsibilty as possible. As a college freshman, I was thrown into the world of responsibilty really quickly when I arrived at the University of Tennessee. My health, hunger, cleanliness, spirituality, [and] sanity, were all up to ME. Not to say that my friends and family were not there helping me along the way, because, as I moved away from family and friends, I truly did realize who my true friends were, and how much my family really did do for me while I lived under their roof. But, I would commit my high school self to find a steady job, manage my finances, start looking up professions that seem interesting, learn about the entire college process [from relatives or older friends], but also, bottom line: to simply enjoy high school. I would tell myself to take the responsibilty of simply enjoying classes, getting good/ decent grades, and learning about the world. I know now that every piece of information that you learn in high school will, in fact, be useful in college.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to study harder, take harder classes.