University of California-Irvine Top Questions

There are so many opportunities and chances for you out there, don't ever think that life is ever at a dead end. When life nearly reaches rock bottom at times, you will find a way out. You can't lose unless you give up. Tomorrow always come, so remember you past, live in the present and strive for the future.

One important lesson I would like to tell myself is to keep an open-mind and not plan every little thing in life because not everything will go according to plan. I've learned that lesson multiple times in and out of my first and second year, which is why I'm not becoming an Environmental Engineer and rather, doubling with Social Science specializing in Public and Community Service, Urban Studies, minoring in Educational Studies and working two jobs. Also in making the transition, I would tell myself to join every club I found interesting regardless of membership because it's seizing your interests and doing something about it. Carpe Diem! I thought I was limited as an engineer in terms of organizations and scholarships, but in the end, it's about will, whether you want to do something about it or wait for something to happen.

Assuming I could go back, I think I would tell myself to do a better job researching potential colleges and finding one that I am really passionate about going to. When I applied, I just applied to schools that sounded good from websites and popular opinion. If I had the chance to redo the admission process, I definitely would have applied to more (and probably different) schools. I would tell myself to not only think of the classes, but also the social life of the surrounding area, since I'll be living there too when I'm not at class, something I didn't do a good job of taking into consideration. As far as making the transition to college, I would have told myself to get involved right away! I spent the first quarter of school with a very limited group of people, and I am still paying for it, although I am starting to broaden my horizons and make more connections. I didn't realize how much your success in college depends on involvement outside of class, and I would have made sure to tell myself to start doing this as soon as possible.

To be honest, I would not change anything. I do not believe there would be any advice I could give myself, except confidence, but even then that is not something you can easily pass for advice. Before college, I remember the last year of high school was quite nerve-racking. I wondered who my roommate was going to be, would we get along, would I make more friends, would I succeed in my major. These were questions of insecurity. Little did I know, college life would be better than I imaged. UCI had all the necessities and opportunites readily available. The career center, the student center, the libraries, my academic advising office, and all the restaurants at the tip of my fingers. Adjusting to the quarter system and their academic standards was not something to worry. UCI made sure the transition as a freshman would be easy and stress-free. My main fear as a high school senior back then was not to get lost and fall behind in such a large institution. If I truely could see myself as senior again, I woud say "fear not little one, through persistance and hard work, college will be your best friend."

Take advantage of the amazing friends you have, you will never find as good of people as you have at home, spend so much time with you family because you will miss them and remember there will be a party next Friday, the Friday after that and the Friday after that so you really aren't missing out if you decide to stay in for the night. Most of all take everything, you never know what you may need.

You are about to live the life of a college student! There really is a lot of freedom once you're in college. There's rarely ever homework that needs to be turned in. Everything is mainly independent studying through reading the course books. It's important to read the books and attend lectures and discussions. I'd say lectures and discussions are more important than reading the books, though. As long as you take fast, good notes and pay attention, the exams aren't too bad. The book usually just has more in depth information about the subject. You should definitely start taking notes with abbreviations and quick symbols. Sometimes the professors go over one topic and jump to the next so fast that there won't be time to copy everything down. Oh! Also, start following a schedule, too, for study, homework, and free time. Since there is so much freedom in college, it is easy to spend all that extra time for fun instead of studying. If you manage your time well, you'll be able to get good grades AND hang out with dormmates in the common room or accept the invitation to that party ;). Bye!

I just want to let you know to try your hardest at the beginning of your college career even if you feel like you don't need too. It will allow you to start your college career right and will boost your confidence. A balance of grades and extra curricular activities will equal academic success. Don't be afraid to join different groups and try different things that you would normal not do. This proccess allows you to find your real self and will work to prepare you for your future graduate education in the process.

If I were a high school senior I would tell myself to explore possible careers via high school or community college classes and internships. I think the mistake that so many high school students make is thinking that they are too young to start thinking about possible careers. As it is, high school students are already faced with picking a major to apply to college with, which can be extremely difficult to do when you have no experience in any of the fields that even remotely interest you. Being in college I realized that I cannot know what I want to pursue as a career without experience exposing me to that profession. Had I been able to tell myself to volunteer in hospitals or to take a course on becoming a nursing assistant perhaps I would have known now that I want to be a nurse and not a teacher or a researcher, but because I did not do those things I have not the slightest clue of what I want to be. So save yourself the trouble of wondering whether you are even in the right major by engaging in opportunities that will expose you to interesting careers.

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to take the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to pursue in life. After studying English in college, I learned alot about literature. However, that knowledge did not specifically serve my future plans to enter law school. If I would have utilized the resources available to me, such as career counseling and assessment tests, I think I would have made smarter decisions regarding my choice of major. Further, those resources might have directed me to people who could have helped me during my academic pursuit. Networking and talking with experienced adults may likely have propelled me into a different direction. In addition to self-realization, I would also advise my past self to take more time to enjoy the learning process. There is no rush to get a degree. And, often times, hurrying through the work undermines the learning process.

I would tell myself to take one thing at a time, to pace myself, and never give up. I would tell myself to always ask questions no matter how stupid they seem, but to always do my research before I ask questions. To not be afraid to talk to my professor and make connections. To not be afraid to talk to other peers, for most likely they are in the same boat of difficulties as I am Always reach out to others and listen for you never know when you are changing somebodys life for the better. I've become a strong believer that hard work can take you far, but passion takes you all the way and changes the world. I would tell myself to not make hasty decisions, but to think thoroughly through things as I would if it were somebody else's life. To take risks and put myself in uncomfortable situations, for this is how strength is born. With this, I would tell myself as a highschool senior to never doubt myself or the passion I have for the well-being of others; which is why I chose Psychology and Social Behavior to begin with.