University of Arizona Top Questions

Dear Young Me, I know you don’t really know what you want right now, and little me, you don’t ever really know what you want. You figure it all out, but it takes a little while. Don’t get discouraged, remember our favorite success quote “When you spend an adequate amount of time determining who you are, what you want to do and how you are to do it, you will have spent relatively less time doing it and achieve greater success” Trust me, when you spend the time, you achieve that success. Little me, learn to do you. Everyone has an opinion about what you want, and we both know they have no idea. Be strong enough to stand up for what you want. FOCUS! We both know, even now, focusing with your overactive brain is your biggest problem. Dad always says to work hard so you can play later. It's true, but don't over work yourself. Take time for you, stop and smell the desert. Last and more importantly, let go of your pride and let people into your heart. You always hated being alone and that's one thing that doesn't change.

Dear Self, During the first few months of school, please remember that all students are going through some kind of difficult transition. Some are just better at masking it than others. Do not feel pressure to be perfect... crying and making mistakes are definitely okay and a crucial part of figuring out who you are (a brave, smart, and beautiful person!). That being said, make sure to get involved in something non-academic related on campus. Try to find something that makes you smile, relieves stress, and helps you meet new people. Similarly, schedule time to treat yourself during and after big accomplishments. A simple walk with a friend will do wonders, as will the delicious and inexpensive frozen yogurt on campus. Throughout the next few years of your "parent free" educational journey, take the emotion out of school by simply doing (asking questions, studying, and visiting office hours) and remembering that your grade on a test does not impact your ability to be happy. Finally, remember the strength of your support system, family, and friends. They believe in you and know you are on your way to accomplishing the dreams you've had since childhood! Love, Emily

Dear me of the past I have come from the future with the knowledge to change your whole life forever! First I would like to tell you to pay attention in English and get a 4 in the IB examination. Take the placement test to get into a good math class right after June18th. Instead of following the “herd” also known as friends make your major General Studies and NOT Liberal Arts! If you must take a Foreign Language take French because you have a little knowledge/background in it *cough* took it for three years *cough* and NOT Arabic no matter how beautiful and elegant it is. Oh and definitely DON’T get engaged in ’08 please it’s not your time, and it won’t do you any good! Even if you don’t like it, become a substitute teacher for the Fairfax County you’ll come to love it in the future! No matter what happens please do us BOTH a favor and DON'T let your GPA drop!!! Seriously do these things in order and you will have the best time starting up your life, honest! Sincerity the messed up You from the Future

Firstly, I'd say be prepared. Gather as many advantages as possible. Take a couple classes relevant to a possible major at community college during the year or in summer. It'll give you a better idea of whether you actually want to be in that major. But, more than that, you'll ease the transition of college. You will better understand how rigorous the coursework will be in college, too. That's a major hurdle for most freshmen. Community college grades don't transfer to affect you GPA at university most times. So, this is likely a risk-free endeavor. Look at many different colleges and know that a school might have a bad reputation but have a good program in what you're interested. Visit campuses and find the best place for YOU, without letting other people affect your decision. When you get to your new school, try for balance. All the new freedom you have is intoxicating. But, don't lose sight of your schoolwork while you party all semester. Failing out of school is a very real possibility. Study regularly, not just when you have a test. But, don't stay inside all day. HAVE FUN!

I would not tell him anything simply because I have had so much fun during these past years in college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior self, I would have gave myself some very important advice. As much as it would have hurt, I would tell my former self to give up the countless hours playing video games. Considering the sheer amount of time I invested in reading, composing essays, and completing homework – leisure time is a rare luxury to find in college. Before attending the University of Arizona, I would tell my former self to “Stay focus and do not lose sight of your dreams and aspirations.” College has been a very stressful yet rewarding time in my life. I strive to do my best and stay optimistic, so I can better my chances for the constructive future I want build for myself and those around me. Looking back at my youthful childhood, I would have also advised my former self to spend much more time applying for scholarships; as the cost of college is increasing at a staggering rate. I know as long as I stay focus and determined, I can accomplish my dreams and aspirations.

If I had the opportunity to go back and speak to my seventeen year old self I would say to her: "Mayra, get it together." In my small town experience I was scared of what was to come and couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was terrified by change and the prospect of college. I had no idea what to study, how to apply, where to go, etc. I was so clueless I didn't think to speak to a guidance counselor or anyone else for that matter about my apprehension. As an adult I've become accustomed to ask questions, to ask for direction, and more importantly to ask for advice. I would impart this wisdom to my younger self and hope that she get over her nerves and step up. Given the chance to speak to that scared clueless teen, I would say, "It's ok if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up but don't let that get in the way of life's course or from exploring new possibilities. Don't let life pass you by."

I would tell myself so many things if I could go back, beginning with AP tests. I would encourage my high school senior self to study hard for those AP tests and try hard because they can save me money and pointless Gen Ed classes. Those AP tests are harder than they appear, and much more important than a high school senior thinks. Now that I know its importance, I would push myself to do better! Another piece of advice that I would give myself is to play that last year of basketball, I should not have quit my final year. I would tell myself to keep playing and play harder than before. I know that I could have accomplished so much more if I had finished that final year, and I would convince myself to play!

If I could go back in time to tell my younger self what to expect, I would give myself some advice. I would tell myself that even though there are so many things to do at the University of Arizona, I would advice not to get too distracted and always finish my work on time. The first thing that must be done is all the work. Finish them early then have a bit of fun. It is good to have them done a few days they are due, but it is better to actually finish them weeks ahead of time, even on the day they were given. But the most important thing I would tell myself is have fun and try to balance my study life with my fun life. Enjoy my life at the university, make new friends, and go to some of the clubs they have. The university life doesn’t have to be all about studying, it can be the first thing on the list of things to do, but after that, enjoy myself and learn new things. If this can be done, then life at the University of Arizona won’t be so bad.

If I could meet my high school self, I would advise myself to first make sure that I do not do anything foolish that would cause any negative marks on my credit report., especially not to get any credit cards. I would advise myself to make sure that I pay all of my bills on time. I would also advise myself to take a career in computers. This is because computers are the "wave of the future". Information Technology is an area that is always hiring and jobs are in demand. As a result, I would advise myself to gain as much knowledge, skills and certificates in order to make myself an asset to employers. I would also tell myself to apply for as much scholarships as possible. By doing this, I would not have had to get so many student loans and be in so much debt. I would also tell myself to make as much positive credit as possible. This would help me get closer to my ultimate goal of owning my own home.