University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

I would tell myself not to stress out to much about college life. Yes, it's different in many ways such as having to leave home for a long period of time and taking more responsibility for your actions, but chances are that you will meet people there that you will come to consider your second family, and they will be there to support you through the tough situations that you're in. People think college is a time where you have to start thinking about your career and how you're going to live the rest of your life, but you should also know that you won't be alone. There are other students experiencing some of the same struggles as you are, and together, you guys can make it through. Plus, being away from family and parents will allow you to truly figure out who you are as a person and what you really want to do with your life without someone over your shoulder telling you what is right or wrong. College can be stressful, but in time you'll get used to it and it will a period of your life that you'll never forget.

The sleepless nights of high school are worth it towards your GPA. This GPA will be asked in most college applications, and can either help you into one or be the decision that won't get you into your dream school. It is essensial that you take into responsibility and I mean it. What everyone says it is true, colleges will judge you on what you did throughout the high school years. Accomplish something big, get involved in school. Enjoy those years because they will go by fast and it is free education and you will miss that.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to not just push my comfort zone, but to break through it: to make new friends around every corner, and to get involved with several different clubs, not just one. I would also tell myself to develop better study habits in high school, because the way you study in high school is vastly different than the way you study in college. I would tell myself to spend more time with my family, because it is really hard to leave them in September. I would tell myself to call them more often once I got here, and maybe even text Dad out of the blue because, believe it or not, he misses me. I would tell myself that the macaron business is worth it, that Maggie's Macarons succeeds, and that all the time put into it paid off. I might also encourage myself to get a second summer job to help ease the burden of college expenses. But if my past self didn't listen to anything I had to say, I would be fine, because life right now is how it was meant to be.

Expand your mind and open your heart wider than you thought possible; the world is unimaginably full and richer than you know. Be a sponge and allow yourself to absorb every last drop of your experiences. There will joy, heartbreak, a dismantling and rebuilding of your identity, a rediscovery of your values, and endless opportunities for self- and other-exploration. Fear not novelty; expose yourself to possibility, question everything, accept the challenge of uncovering the answers, and watch yourself grow in ways you had not previously considered. You will struggle; you will feel lost, you will feel alone, you will question your journey and the destination, and you will doubt your ability to achieve success. Take comfort in knowing that everyone around you has felt, does feel, or will feel this way from time to time. Embrace these struggles, as they will teach you more about your strength and inner resources than anything else. Welcome change and transformation with open arms, but remember who you are and do not compromise yourself. Above all, be proud. You have already achieved more than you realize, and if you want to, you will thrive in this new world of endless possibilities.

I would tell my high school senior self to take advantage of the many interesting courses the school has to offer, and not feel so pressured to decide on a major in my first year. Finding a good balance between academics and a social life is important, and first year classes should still be taken seriously. The ultimate would be to get the best grades in the first year while also forming incredible friendships. The way to do this is to hang out with people who share both your work ethic and your need to relax and have fun. What's more, going to a Professor's office hours really helps improve your grade, mostly because he/she will be more inclined to help you if he/she sees that you made an effort to do well. Lastly, college is about finding yourself and figuring out who you want to become, so go on more spontaneous adventures, befriend different types of people, and learn as much as you can about yourself and the world you are a part of.

Plan everything ahead and make lists. Don't be afriad to ask for help and feeling overwhelmed is totally normal. My biggest advice would be to create a support group to help emotionally and academically with the struggles ahead. Keep breathing and keep working, it's worth it.

If I could go back, I would tell my high school self to take advantage of all the campus resources. It took me a few years to figure out that going to the tutoring center, and speaking to counselors helped me advance in school and raise my GPA. They are there to help, and you definitely don't have to do anything alone. Take the help, the advice, and use it to your advantage because this WILL help you succeed. Everything can be done if you set your mind to it.

Never be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure of. Even if you feel like it is the silliest question in the world, it may be the same question your peers are thinking about. Do not allow yourself to feel intimidated by your classmates or professors. They are there for the sam reason you are, to achieve their lifelong aspirations. So please seek out help from your professors and teacher's assistants, they are there to help you not confuse you. College is practice for the real world and failing only teaches you to not make the same mistake twice. So do not be afraid to take the time and ask yourself, "Why am I in college?". There is nothing more unsettling than forgetting your goals and how you came to be who you are. It will help reevaluate your ambitions and your motivations for success. Attending the social events and seminars on campus is where you will get a hands on understanding of the major contributions your professors and peers are making to the academic world. Most importantly join a student-run club or organization that will help you unwind and create relationships that last a lifetime.

The high school experience is difficult for every adolescent simply because it is a tug-of-war between finding yourself as an individual and conforming in order to fit in with your peers. During that time you don't know what you want, you haven't experienced enough in your life to understand your purpose, but our expectations from our teachers and parents remain high. I attended Los Altos High School in the heart of the Silicon Valley, an area known for its wealth and successes. My family however lives on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to income and accomplishments. Going to high school every day with kids who had it all was challenging. Looking back at it all I would tell myself that it means absolutley nothing! Materialistic items and striving for perfection is all useless in the long run. High school is a time for you to enjoy your youth. Embrace every moment of it because when you go to college all you will take with you is the memories you made. Be positive and don't let what you don't have bring you down. Appreciate every moment and chance you are given.

The first thing I would talk about is the extreme differences in environments. I grew up in South Los Angeles, near Inglewood. UC Santa Cruz is right in the middle of the forest. It is very different. I would tell myself, "Aneshia, enjoy the silence of the forest. Don't be afraid to explore just because you've lived your whole life in the city." Another thing I would talk about is the work load. The work load at UC Santa Cruz can be overwhelming, especially in the quarter system. I would tell myself sternly, "Don't get cocky! Just because you were an A student in high school doesn't mean exceptional work will come naturally in college. Learn to accept failures, and learn from those failures. What's important is not how many times you fall down, it 's learning how to get up every single time."