University of Arizona Top Questions

College is the intriguing chapter in the book of life. It is where the story becomes exciting as new characters unfold, knowlege of the world is released, and the twists and conflicts are always surprising. After experiencing college I would first advise my high school self to accept every opportunity presented to excel academically. High school is a free education. I would advise myself to take the AP exams and numerous classes to indulge myself in the provided learning and even try to get ahead for my future college experience. However, the best advice I could give myself would be to continue to follow my heart. I would tell myself to always believe in who I am and what I am capable of. I would advise to study in a major that I love and not for the gifts of money. As outgoing as I am I would still advise myself to live in the moment and establish friendships because some can even last for a lifetime. In the end I would say this is the part of the book that will captivate you in every way so instead of skimming over the pages, sit back and enjoy the journey.

I would go back and tell myself to be more confident in what I school I choose to go to. Be it a university, private, or a community college it is not the school that makes you, but how you learn from them. I would also like to tell the past me to dp more research on the school that I actually want to go to.

I would tell my self not to rush graduating. I would tell my self to take it slow and do it right the first time.

If I could go back to highschool. I would tell myself to make good study habits. The most difficult thing I had to learn in college was to manage my time. Since in highschool I lived at home, many aspects such as cooking,laundry,gorcery shopping, ect. was taken care of by my parents. In the first few semesters I had a very hard time trying to manage my time inbetween class, studying and maintaing a socail life. As a Senior in Highschool I was able to get away with doing minumum work and still pulling off good/passing grades. Studying night before the exam would almost always work out for me. However, in college it was a rude awakening when I was not able to do well by just studying the night before. Time managment and oraganization are key to a successful college life.

Do not be in such a hurry to make your life conform to what you currently plan. Things progress, in ways you can not predict, to conclusions you could not expect. As is written in Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Doors close, and other doors open. Over the years you will walk through many doors, and your eventual destination will be how your life will be perceived by others, but that is not the whole truth. You will know the path you have traveled, and that it was not where you initially planned to go. There are many avenues to a fulfilling life though, and you must let yourself be responsive to changes. Failure or success is not determined by how faithfully you carry through on your earliest plans. You grow as you travel along your path, and by learning through those travels you will find a destination right for you.

Going back to 2010, I would tell myself, “Although you're graduating, continue listening to mom. She will always have your best interest in mind.” When I was a senior in high school that was accepted to the University of Arizona, my mom had me sign up for the New Start Program, which is a college bridge program for incoming freshmen. I would tell myself that this experience is the reason you will be able to adjust smoothly to college and find your community on campus. Thanks to mom’s advice in registering for New Start, you were able to start college with 300 familiar faces on a college campus of 30,000 people; you got ahead in classes because of the summer course you took as part of the program; you also were told about the O’odham Ki wing, the Native American living learning community on campus, that you will later become the resident assistant of. Although you will be bitter about having to cut your summer with your friends short, now you are thankful for the impact that this program has had. Oh, and hug mom because you will miss her when you are away at college.

I would say slow down. During my senior year, I took four AP classes, was Senior Class President, played varsity basketball, and was involved in a number of other clubs and activities. While all of this helped me get into colleges and led to success, I missed out on other opportunities. All my friends from back home are going to school in California. I am the only person from my graduating class going to school in Arizona. I would tell myself to spend more time with my friends, because now I don't get to see or hear from them as often as I would like. I don’t regret being focused on school and activities. That’s who I was and in some ways it’s who I still am. However, I wish I spent more time doing high school things. I missed out on some dances because by the time Friday came I was too tired to go. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy life. You can’t put “had a blast” on a college application or résumé, but having a blast will make you so much happier.

Before attending The University of Arizona it would have been beneficial to know a few of the features that come along with becoming a wildcat. The main aspect of becoming a college student that I would have appreciated knowing prior is the nostalgia that comes with the experience recognized as the new chapter of your life. Ordering books, attending orientation, or even getting that brand new hair cut contributes to preparing you for school, nevertheless, there is not much that can prepare you for the feelings that will run through you as you reminisce on memories from back home. Sure, you will meet all kinds of interesting personalities and see many new faces, however, dealing with the desire to want to hug your mother, play with your dog, or even bicker with your younger sister all while trying to adapt to a new atmosphere can be tough. What I would tell the high school senior version of me is treasure the time left with families and friends and to prepare to feel a bit lonely. I’d also emphasize that these feelings are normal, it will get easier, and that most freshman on campus are feeling the exact same way.

As I look back on my high school years, I am reminded of a young girl plagued with trials. Attending a rigorous college preparatory high school after suffering from a traumatic brain injury had truly taken its toll on me. Feeling defeated that girl gave up on trying, and settled for less than her best. If I could advise that young girl that was once me I would tell her that the future gets better. College is filled with a combination of trials; from the difficult classes, managing time and trying to find your place on campus, it is easy to fill lost. However, college also offers an abundant amount of opportunities to succeed. I would tell that young girl to take advantage of those possibilities and always use the difficulty of college to motivate her to try harder. If you remember the importance of exceling in college, put your mind to the books and invest your heart in your dreams you will be victorious. Young troubled high school girl, if you follow my advise I can assure you by freshman year in college you will have found strength and success in yourself.

If I could go back in time to and talk to my sixteen year old self about what I know now about college life and making the transition I would tell myself to never give up no matter what. I would tell myself to not listen to everyone else and quit the first time. I would tell myself to keep my dream and finish college the first time when I am young. College is hard enough studying and trying to stay at the top of your class but it's even harder when you become a single parent of a five year old little girl. I would tell myself to keep up my math skills and remember how to write in an MLA format. I would tell myself to become tech savy because you can't just finish your courses with just the book anymore. I would tell myself to keep my head up and don't be afraid to ask questions. I would tell myself to never doubt myself because one day I will make it and be where I want to be and that I have all the confidence in the world in myself.