University of Arizona Top Questions

It has only been a year since I graduated, but I have gained invaluable experience in this small timeframe. At the end of my senior year in high school, I thought I was prepared for college life. After all, I had always succeeded in school. In hindsight, I was arrogant. I arrived at the university, cocky and assured that I would be able to get by with the same amount of effort that propelled me through high school. Little did I know that I was in for a rude awakening. From day one, I was overwhelmed. I had thought I was fairly intelligent; the classes utterly blew my mind. I discovered it was actually a necessity to....study. Study? I barely knew the meaning of the word. And sleep? It quickly became a thing of the past as I was soon spending night after night chipping away at my homework load. And I had not even contemplated the loneliness I would feel, living in a new city wih my family a good couple hundred miles away. If I could visit my high school self, I'd tell her: "You don't have a clue what you're getting yourself into."

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be many things I would tell myself to ease my transition into college. The very first thing I would say to myself is be open to everyone’s personality and don’t judge someone by the way they look because in college, students come from all over the world. College is all about making connections and building relationships with people you would normally never meet, while obtaining an education that applies to your interest. I would tell myself to get involved in all the organizations and clubs available because the more you apply yourself through college, the better chance you have at succeeding. I would end the conversation by stressing the importance of trying your best in every class and truly giving 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in everything you do. Not everyone gets the opportunity that you are about to embark on, take nothing for granted because an education is priceless.

I would tell myself to think about who I am and where I fit in the world. I would tell myself to choose a school and a location that I feel at home in, and a place where I can independently grow. And I would tell myself not to take my home for granted. I would want to know as a high school senior that being on my own is scarey and difficult, but that I am able of doing great things and that whatever I want I can achieve if I don't give up. Mostly, I would want to know that college life isn't everything, it passes quickly, and that successfully living in "the real world" is a goal worth reaching.

Reflecting back on what I now know; I would tell myself to take the first year of college appropriately. I made the mistake of taking too many units that were intensive, major focused courses my first year. I would tell my high school self to learn from my mistake and take relaxed general education courses in order to enjoy the freshman college experience of living away from your parents for the first time, going to football games, and making new and exciting friends. The first year of college is so important in establishing a foundation in which you can grow and learn as a new person. That foundation is quintessential in the nuturing of your academic career at this institution of higher eduaction. When you are a college freshman you should try and do things, outside of your usual comfort zone, that you normally would not try. College is an exciting new world that offers people the oppurtunity to become who they truly are. I would tell myself not to set limits on what I could or could not do. I would encourage myself to be everything I dreamed of and more. College is a gateway to the American Dream.

I would tell myself to stop procrastinating. Getting things done at the last minute doesn't result in a good grade in college. It takes time, dedication, and commitment to school in order to do well. If I were to start developing better study and homework ethics in my senior year, it wouldn't be so hard to use those same ethics in college. Paying attention to the material presented in class and actually retaining the info is also important. College often refers to things you already know but more in depth. I would also tell myself to enjoy that senior year more because when college comes the fun is over. Getting involved in the community is also a big plus. Resumes almost always call for some type of volunteer work. This is also a great way to meet professional people who can later be used as references for letters of recomendation. All of these things would have made the transition a little easier. High school and college are completely different, and I feel like students are not always prepared for whats ahead because we don't know what to expect.

I want to encourage you to take a step back and evaluate the way you let yourself be treated. You'll realize that you deserve so much more. Dig deep inside yourself and find the confidence you know is in there--you're even more beautiful when you're confident in your steps. Have faith in the words you write and stand firmly by the words you say, because your words represent you, and you have the potential to be a heard voice in the world. Don't wait anymore--waiting only prolongs the inevitable and doesn't allow you to grow. Go to the people you love and go to the opportunities you know are meant for you. Do not wait for a pen to appear in your hand, for you are not a magician and the ink is already in your fingertips. Remember that anxiety doesn't have to keep you out of the game. Challenge it, for it can be beaten. Even when your palms sweat and your heartbeat quickens. Greet the cute guy. Tell those people how they hurt you. Raise your hand and break past the barrier holding you back. Raise your hand and speak.

If i could go back in time and talk to my high school self i would tell him to make sure he takes as many Honors courses as possible to avoid as many general education courses as he possibly can. I would also tell him to make sure that he keeps up with all of his readings, homeworks and does the optional work to make sure he stays ahead in class. University courses are much harder than high school and the level of self-advocacy is on a completely new level. I would also advise that he talks to his professors and advisors as much as possible to make sure that he's doing everything he can to maximize his success and not waste time taking unneeded courses or doing poorly in them. It's important to have a plan when going into college and those people are educated and trained to make the transition as easy as possible. Using all the resources a large school like the U of A has can be very useful and beneficial to his success and exerience in college.

Prepare yourself to do a lot of work outside of the classroom. My high school experience did not prepare me for the extra work I am now required to do. Many times in high school you may be able to skate by without opening the book, but that is rarely an option now. Professors expect you to do all the assigned readings. Also, learn to schedule your time. Professors often will not remind you about upcoming due dates. If it is in the syllabus you receive at the beginning of the semester, you are responsible to do it. One last thing. Take your freshman year seriously. Even though you will most likely be taking only entry-level general education classes, they can have just as much of an effect on your GPA as the hardest classes your senior year. Remember, work hard and have fun!

Wow. If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I will tell her not to think about guys and to focus on what's really important; to focus on her schooling and her education. I will tell her that she is smart, intellegent, and a bright young lady. I would ask her what is it that she really wants in life. Then, I'll tell her," You can be anything you want to be in the world. You can be a doctor, a teacher, a lawer, a nurse anything you put your mind and soul to." I would tell her that a high school diploma is not enough and that alot of good jobs require a higher education, a degree. I would explain to her that a college degree is very important because she will learn alot of amazing and incredible new things that will help opens up her mind and help her think outside the box. I will let her know that a college degress will open alot of doors full with opportunities and a brighter future. Believe that you can. Si Se Puede!!!!!! Yes you can!!!!!!!

Dear high school senior, ME! First off you need to focus. Stop that mind mentality of just getting by in class. When you get to college you won't be able to do that. You will need to focus on your school work and really try. Its better to get those study and work habits down early. Secondly you need to research and ask questions. Don't wait until the last minute to do your college research. Go see your advisor and see what he says to do to be better prepared for college. It would be tragic if you wait until you enter college and are still confused. Lastly CALM DOWN! Stop stressing out about the transition between high school and college. College is not as intimidating as your teachers make it out to be. As long as you are prepared and ready college will be a great learning and growing experience! Sincerely, College student, you!