University of Arizona Top Questions

During the last year of high school, students are constantly encouraged to focus on one topic: their future. It is expected that they decide on a college, a field of study, and a career. Although this planning is necessary for success during the next phase of life, it is also important to be prepared for the unexpected. If I could tell my high school self one thing, it would be this: Developing a cohesive plan for your future is important, but knowing how to react when events do not go as anticipated is just as critical. As high school seniors, there is pressure to have a sound plan for how we are going to utilize our newfound independence. One of the most difficult experiences to cope with is disappointing yourself and others when your original plan proves fragile or unrealistic. It is important to keep in mind that these are only temporary setbacks. There is no single, correct path we must follow to achieve our goals, and the side roads we find ourselves on may be just as valuable as our original navigation. As thoughtfully stated by Albert Einstein, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.”

If I were able to give advice to myself two years ago, I would emphasize the fact that it is not so important to go to a prestigious school as it is to make sure the school you go to offers great programs for what you want to study. At the time, I was very caught up in the idea of attending a well-known unversity on the east coast, yet disregarded information about specific programs that these schools offered. When I decided to go to an instate college, The UA, in May of my senior year, I realized that I could have saved a lot of time, money, and worry had I simply focused on the education aspect rather than the prestige of a name.

I would tell myself that I do stand a chance of attending a university, and I am so much smarter than I thought. Really trying to apply myself, with homework, family, and social life, will help and would allow me the extra step in the right direction. I would need to pay attetion and actually do the homework because teachers and professers can tell when it's half done or not much thought is put in. I would really have to work for what I want, it won't just be handed to me.

Never give up! Keep applying scholarship programs, and you will get your dream career.

Not many people will ever care about the obscure piece of information I memorized for my Japanese Art and Culture test. That is because college is not about the knowledge you retain, it is about the skills you obtain. It is vitally important that you learn how to learn, and that it what I am being taught daily. If you acquire the ability to approach situations with an open mind, while simultaneously engaging in critical thinking and analysis, you will be far happier and more valuable than if you could recall every fact you have ever crammed into your brain. Start honing these skill now, because you will utilize them regularly. Another significant change in college is that your professors are not as invested in your success as they were in high school. You have to take the initiative to sharpen your mind and gain value from your education. So go to office hours, attend the non-mandatory meetings, never be afraid to ask questions, and most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. College has the potential to be the best time of your life, so make sure you take time to simply enjoy the ride.

If I could back in time to last year when I was a high school senior, I would have known already where I wanted to go to school and what I wanted to study. I now know I want to attend The Catholic University of America and study Choral/General Music Education. Last year I had not made up my mind so in order to save money I began attending Germanna Community College, where I am currently enrolled. If I had known this last year, I would have applied to The Catholic University of America as a high school senior and probably would have been eligible for more scholarships. I would have also applied for and researched many more scholarships, since I am responsible for paying for my own education, without the help of my parents who have four other children.

If I could go back in time and talk to my myself as a high school senior I would of said, "STOP complaining!" When I was in high school I was in the top five of my class and always on honor roll, but that doesn't mean I loved school. I remember when I was in high school I was always complaing about the amount of homework and classwork the teacher would assign. I didn't do much reading thats why I didn't do well on exams. But now that I'm a freshman in college I started to realize that it may not be easy, but it is not impossible. What I would of said to my self is to never give up easily, work as hard as you can because someday all the hard work will pay off, don't be a slacker, always think of your future, just do the work and good things will come out of it, and don't complain because sooner or later in life you will face things you may not like, but you have to do it in order to get to the place you want to be.

The advice that I would give myself is that in college many students situations vary. For example, in high school i was an A student, but when I came to college I chose an extremely hard major (pre-med) so getting those A's are not going to be easy. I would also tell myself that when teachers set rules they abide by them and do not make as many personal connections as in high school because in college I can feel like just another number at times.

Jackie, I know you have been through a lot during high school. But college is going to give you a fresh start and I can promise you that you are going to love the University of Arizona. It is exactly what you need to grow as a confident and intelligent woman. Be yourself and even though you may face adversity persevere. Going out of state seems scary to you right now but in the long run it will make you more independent. I know coming from a prodominately Asian community you are scared if people will judge you at the University of Arizona, where most students are white. But there is nothing to fear, most people will welcome you in open arms and they will see you for you and not by your appearance. Attending the University of Arizona will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Take a deep breath and go for it! Great memories and experiences await you at the University of Arizona. Work hard, learn and don't forget to have fun. Go Wildcats!!

Having fun is school is fine as long as you dream and dream big for the future. It is important to consider the advice from teacher in the class room environment. Often we think we know what is best for us without underderstanding getting a college education is very important to succeeding today's work environment. Too often high school seniors fail to realize the importance of further their education to become successful. Developing great study habits and participating in class discussions while is school will help make the transition to college easy.