University of Arizona Top Questions

I would tell my 18 year old self to start out as an undeclared major so you have more freedom with classes and have more opportunities to explore different careers. Also, to become friends with upper classmates, because they give awesome insider advice. Also, to apply for an internship as a freshman, so what if you get rejected? Don't be a punk and apply for everything that interests you (jobs, volunteering being a DJ), they're all opportunities to become a new and better person. Go to the career center and ask for brochures on how to write a resume, major/career fairs and information on different careers. Are you writing all of this down? No? Go buy a nice agenda that you will love to carry around and write EVERYTHING about your day in there, even your goals and to do list. Eat what you want, just make sure to brush your teeth and go to the gym. Don't forget the tests that life has given you and write doen the lessons you learned; 10pm classes are a real drag. There more than 1000 clubs, find one that is interesting. You only have four years. Go.

As graduation came closer and closer my senior year, graduating was the least of my problems. I was more worried about financial aid, what dorm to stay in, and how I would adjust to college life. I had no idea what to expect. My father had a hard college experience working whenever he was not in class only to enlist in the military after getting his associates degree. My mother, who grew up in the Philippines, only completed high school. My older sister decided to work instead of going to college. I thought I was alone in preparing myself for college; however, I used the euphemism “independent” to replace “alone.” If I could travel back in time and give advice to my high school self I would say that it is okay to be scared and to be mature enough to ask for help. I have always been determined to do things myself, but during my first semester of college I learned the hard way that there are some things that I cannot do without help, in fact it is the connections I have made that allowed me to succeed.

I would love to go back and tell myself to take chemistry in high school. It is such a difficult field, and having prior experience with the subject would have helped so much. I would warn myself not to live off campus the first year, because I missed out on so many opportunites. I wish I could warn myself not to live with the person I did first semester, because his drinking and drug use would ruin our friendship. Most of all, I wish I could tell myself not to worry so much; college is not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Friends are not that hard to make, and the classes are much more fun than they were in high school. I would let myself know that I don't need to try to major in a science that I don't enjoy, and just stick with the one major that I love, Veterinary Science.

During high school, I was well-rounded student who was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, while showing my commitment and dedication to my responsibilities as a cheerleader. Looking back on my past, I can’t say that I’d change many things. To this day, I still use the study strategies/techniques that I obtained in high school to help me succeed in college. I believe that my high school involvement as cheerleading has helped improve my time management skills. Without this, my life as a college student would be more stressful and unpredictable. Overall, I am a very organized and reliable person. I do not commit to things that I cannot achieve and/or get accomplished. It is these qualities of which I obtained mostly in high school that makes me who I am today. Without them I would be a completely different individual.

I wish I could go back in time as a high school senior and tell myself, "yes, everything is going to be ok." To step back, continue to work hard, and to just enjoy the last year in high school. To know that being uncomfortable in a new situation can make me a much stronger person, and to know that taking chances is O.K. I would also tell myself that its ok to be uncertain, but it is good to have a career in mind and to start taking internships seriously. Life is short and it is important to embrace each step of life, and to be prepared and excited for the next. Becoming an adult involves independence, yet it is still ok to look to my parents for advice and guidance. Moving onto college is an exciting and nerve-wracking time, but it is so worth the experience. Everything will be all right, just hold on tight and trust that it is all going to work out and it will.

I would tell my high school self to apply for alot more scholarships and to always go to class. Just because it isn't mandatory doesn't mean you shouldn't go. I would also tell myself that no matter where you are you will always make friends. So don't be scared, go with an open mind and a very big smile on your face. Also to have fun with college don't over stress it, but also don't over do it with the parties. Keep your eye on the prize, but loosen up. College will be the best four years of your life if you let it be. Smile and appreciate everything you are able to do, but when it comes to getting coffee get it after your 8 a.m class so you aren't always late and the professor doesn't hate you or bring the professor one too.

I would tell myself that laziness is a huge enemy in college. Not getting assignments done and procrastinating can really hold you back. I would also tell myself that it is best to ask for help whenever I need it. It's good to do things on your own, but it's foolish to think that you can do everything by yourself. Another thing that's just as important is talking to your proffessor. Visiting them during their office hours can get you some brownie points and they may bump your grade up an extra point because you showed them that you actually care about what they are teaching. Getting enough sleep is also another big thing, staying up late and partying is fine, but, overdoing it can impede on your study time and ultimately affect your grades. Studying and going to the library is super important as well. Lastly, I would tell myself to always be alert at parties and have fun with discretion. Drinking too much or getting drugged is not something that is good for your future. Never accept any drinks from anyone and don't bring anything too important to parties (like a credit card).

If I were to go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would say to stay focused. I learned the hard way and found out that although I am paying and choosing when and where I take my classes; I got side tracked. I let friends who were not attending college keep me out too late and party when I knew I had exams and class. I knew I should not have gone but everyone gives into the peer pressure at some point. Thus I would tell myself that I have a goal and need to stay focused because although it may seem fun at the time it will push back your goals. When looking back at times of partying, I must say it really wasn't worth it. Now I am still working towards my degrees which I was planning on having done a couple years ago. However the more you live the more you learn; you just need to take it all as a learning experience.

To learn ways of relieving stress without having to stray away from work entirely. I have had countless break downs this first semester than I could have ever thought possible. Constant breakdowns are not healthly and it makes work more unbearable than before. People would suggest joining clubs of interest but that takes some time of fitting into. I joined a club for nursing and I had a great time volunteering but it didnt have a close family feel considering there were about four hundred people in it. In this upcoming semester Im hoping to have a better time in a club called campwildcat. They help disadvantaged childern have good experiences through games, camping, and the arts. Another piece of advice is to not fear that you will get consumed in your classes. A person who doesn't work hard and gets everything handed to them should fear but for someone thats the opposite it's perfectly fine. Some classes in my perspective were easier than others. Lastly, always take advantage of studying with others or getting tutoring from services provided. It helped to renforce for my learning by teaching difficult material to another student who didn't understand it.

Dear Kira, It's me, I mean you, 9 years into the future. You're in for quite a ride, kid! When you start taking classes in a few months at Mesa Community College, you're going to take a World Religions course with a professor that will profoundly change your life. Listen to all that he says, for it will serve you well. You're going to spend quite a while at MCC floundering for what you want to do for a career. Soak up all of that knowledge, for it will also prepare you. Many years will pass, you'll marry Brett your sweetheart and you'll be happy during your career quest. Your academic/career epiphany won't happen until 2010, so just keep learning all you can! Here's the big news... In 2010, you'll discover that your love for religious studies and your passion for education will finally come together and you'll realize that you want to teach religious studies courses at a community college! Then you'll start persuing this goal at the University of Arizona. The transition will be smooth, thanks to the Transfer Student Center on campus. Enjoy the journey!