University of Arizona Top Questions

If I could go back to my senior year, I would give myself two pieces of advice; don't get caught up in other people's petty, nonsensical issues, and stand up for what you believe in. Being a non-Catholic student at a very conservative Catholic institution, I feel, damaged my motivation to state my opinion at the beginning of my high school career. As the years progressed, my personality became more submissive and I began pretending to agree with whatever anyone said, even if I didn’t concur. Now that I am at the University of Arizona, my drive has returned, and I find myself willingly expressing my opinions, and participating in debates without caution or fear of someone shunning my own beliefs.

Don't wait ten years to continue your education. Take time to explore different college campuses to see what is the best fit for yourself. Be active in more than just academics. Take time to explore extra activities and clubs on campus.

Take your time. Don't worry about what you're going to be or what you want to do with your life, there will be time for that decision later, once you have a better grasp of the whole college thing. Also, get over there and get moved in at least a month before school starts. Living on your own, doing your own cooking, laundry, going to the grocery. Believe me, that stuff takes some getting used to, so get over there early and get adjusted to being by yourself. Getting used to class schedules and assignments will be it's own thing and you'll need your energy for that adjustment too. Last, but most important. Don't go to college until you're ready. There will be a lot of pressure from friends, family, relatives, etc. to go but if you're not ready then do not do it. College is about you, you growing and learning and becoming a responsible grown-up. Go get a job, work as an apprentice or something, get some experience in real life. Only once you're ready go, you'll do 10 times better, I swear.

Be prepared: everything you thought that was once known about life is about to change for the likes of which we do not know for better or naught. Is it really that serious?! Not quite. However, big changes are upon the horizon and one thing that has to be understood: embrace change. There is a world of it to come and it is a wonderful gift to utulize, to unlock the right path for you in the world of academics. There could be no easy to simplify the wonders of each persons unique journey through the world of community college or a 4 year university; but one thing is kown is each of the jobs earned by the arduous students who work for that position gain an uncanny happiness. This is being said because there will be many bumps and pit-stops along the way where your friends will leave. This is the ultimate lesson of the road of higher academics and happiness: you must embrace change! One must embrace the confidence in themself! One must be willing to change for better and follow thier heart and not a social group's standard to pass this transition.

There are so many things I would like to go back and tell my former self. I'd tell her, "don't do that, you're going to get in trouble" or "don't stay up late, you're going to be tired in the morning." I'd remind myself to not date stupid people or make friends with bad influences. Most of all, I would tell myself about the transition to college and what to do to actually succeed. I would say "Jamie, you're lazy. Always have been and always will be, but you need to try for 9 months out of the year. You can do well in high school slacking off but college is extremely different. You're going to regret losing your scholarship and working at some low paying job that bores you to tears every day." I would make sure my former self would try just a little bit harder her first semester of college because it's going to save her from some stress and a huge financial burden. I'm sure my former self would listen to me because after all, who knows me better than me?

If you knew in high school what you knew now, college would not be as difficult for you. Students were serious when they came back and said no one will baby you in college. The real world will hit you so fast, that if you are not careful, you will land hard on your behind. In high school, take the work seriously and soak up all the knowledge you can. If you are doing just enough to get by, you are only cheating yourself. In college just enough is not enough. Challenge yourself to go beyond the expected of you. In the summertime enroll in a college course or two to get your feet wet. It will only help you further down the line. Furthermore, there is enough time to be an adult. Settle down and relax. Do not be anxious about moving out and being on your own; it is not as glamorous as it sounds. You are only young once; enjoy it in a responsible manner.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to transfer to a better school for my senior year. My high school did not prepare me for the science lectures and labs that I have encountered during college. I feel like I am always behind during classes and that I have to study twice as much as my fellow students in order to keep up. I am confused during labs because I have never seen or heard of most of the equipment and experiments we do. I would tell myself to try to find a high school that helps set up students for a more science-based academic future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior after knowing what I know about college life and making the transition the advice I would give to myself is to focus on myself. All of my life I have struggled with the word no. I tend to satisfy others needs before mine even though most of the time those needs may hinder me from suceeding. When I first came to college I would spend hours on end helping friends and giving them advice when I should of been studying for exams or even going to bed at a decent hour. Looking back I wish I would of known that although its always nice to help others, it is essential to cater to my needs first in order to be succesful. I suffered with grades because I would put others needs before mine and this prevented me from accomplishing things that would benefit me.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared for the unexpected in the college life. I would also give myself the advice to not procrastinate and always do your best, no matter what. The most important piece of advice I would give to myself is to never give up, as hard as things will seem to be or get to be, do not give up. Chase your dream of being what you want to be, and do not let anything get in your way or try to stop you. Never stop trying.

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now I’d tell myself to not be so serious all the time. I’d let people’s words roll off my shoulders and not take mean things people said to heart. I’d make sure that I knew life is harder once you graduate so enjoy all the time you have; be more open and honest about things and just be yourself. Nothing on this earth comes free except for your own happiness so be happy and spend time with the people who care about you. I had a wise man once tell me; “Speak the truth even when your voice shakes” but I never listened. I found out quick that my dad was not only a wise but honest man himself and if I had the chance I’d tell myself every day to fallow in his footsteps because I know now that honesty and love are the best things to have in life to bring your soul peace. I’d tell younger self to listen to my parents more because even if they are annoying they know a lot more than you.