University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

I graduated high school in 2003 and I feel as though I've lived a lot; in a strange way, high school feels like it was a lifetime ago. If I were to go back to talk to myself in high school, I would first reassure myself that everything that happens in high school doesn't matter. In fact, I barely remember high school and it's only been 12 years! Secondly, I would attempt to convince my younger self that I am beautiful; there's no need to rush love and fall for the first guy who comes along. Lastly, I would tell myself to live. We only get one shot at life and it shouldn't be wasted with insecurity or self-doubt. I am proud of everything I've done for the last 12 years because it got me here but I wish I would have had the strength, courage, and freedom that I've discovered in my 20s.

College is absolutely different than high school. Don't become discouraged of your education simply because a teacher is incapable of properly teaching, or if you believe the work load is just too much. Keep moving toward the goal of college because the world of university education is entirely in your hands. Also, don't get too cocky with your knowledge! There are so many things you have yet to learn in the field you are interested in. If you keep an open mind, then learning and comprehending will be absolutely enjoyable as well as painless. This is your life, don't let anyone define you differently. You know what you want to achieve, and if going to college and getting an education in what you love is your aspiration, then shoot for the stars. If anyone tells you that you can't do so, you don't need those people in your life. Don't ever change those aspirations for anyone, and stay true to the education you deserve.

I would say, go to your first choice college and do not be worried or intimidated to live a little! If you play it safe and chose a college that is easy and comfortable, you may not get everything you were wanting out of it. Pick a school and do your research-- look up class sizes, academic life, campus invovlement and activities. Talk to someone from your high school that goes to school their and get their taking on the school. Tour the school, heck spend a weekend there. Imagine yourself there! After all that is said and done, evaluate if this is YOUR school. You are going to college for school and to get a degree. Make that the most important factor. Make sure you will like the classes and degree program. The second most important thing is picking that one school where it is going to be home away from home-- one you are proud to be a part of, come back to, make lifelong friendships out of. You only have a short amount of time to enjoy college the way you are supposed to... so chose wisely...put your mind and heart into it and go!

Knowing what I know about college now and the transition I had to go through, I would tell myself that starting at a smaller school and working toward something bigger is totally okay. The transition I had in going to a small school and living at home was much easier as well as cheaper than going straight into a bigger school right after graduation. I feel much more prepared and well adjusted to life as a college student than many of my friends who did go to a bigger school. It is also not the end of the world if you don't get into your top school. There is always an option to transfer if you choose a school you do not like. Yes, college is a big deal, but do not let the pressure of adults and friends make you feel as though there is only one choice. Trust your instinct, because only you know yourself the best.

Be proactive. Find the freshman advisor office and make connections. Show up to your professor's office hours even if you don't have any questions. Engage them by talking about your life, you interestes, and find out about theirs.

If I could go back in time and advise myself in how best to make the decision between high school and college life, I would say these words: Cydney, you are an adult now. You can make your own choices and think freely about yourself and about the world around you. Embrace your newfound freedom and never, ever take it for granted, because any bit of it can be taken at any point in time - like when you go home on the weekend and suddenly have to go back to asking Mom and Dad if you can go out with a friend to a midnight movie showing. Trust that you know yourself well enough to handle difficult situations, and trust that you know when to get yourself out of dangerous ones. If you don't trust yourself, you'll fail. Mistakes are inevitable, but they'll be much less painful if you keep faith in yourself.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say, "You're in the International Baccalaureate Program, and although your studies are difficult right now, and you worry about what next year will be like; you will be okay. You have the preparation you need to succeed. Your friends will spread out across the country, and you'll miss them quite often, but when you see them next you'll have so much more to talk about then you did before, and the time you spend with them will be so much more appreciated. Although you'll have to get used to a new school and new teachers, you don't have to be nervous. Your teachers will understand your a freshman, and they will work with you to help you succeed, you'll even become close to some of them rather quickly! Inhale, exhale, and make sure to enjoy your lat year in highschool, it'll be over before you know it and you'll miss it dearly. You're ready for college, so finish high school with a bang!"

Looking back on the experiences that I have had as a freshman in college, I would tell my high school senior self to take more risks and to stop being afraid of the outcome. I would give myself this advice because experiencing failure and learning from mistakes is a huge part of growing up that is important in becoming successful. By taking risks, I am referring to risks such as going out of state for college, taking challenging classes and doing things that I love. I regret being afraid to take these kinds of risks while making the transition into college and hope that I will be more willing to take risks in the future.

If I could go back in time and talk to my former self, I would tell him that he does not need to take on as much as he thinks. When I was a freshman just starting off in college, I took on a heavy, science-based workload while working approximately six to ten hours a week. I was taking twenty credits and was running myself ragged. I was diagnosed with mono and pneumonia at the same time, and i still went to all my classes and work. I literally almost killed myself because I thought I needed to do all those things to be successful in college. I would tell myself that there will be time to do all the things I wanted to do, so do not take on more than you can handle. I would tell him that you have to first take into account your health before you can focus on anything else. While I still recieved a 3.5 GPA that semester, it was one of the most miserable times of my life because I was so sick, and if I could change that time, I would.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that there are ways to afford college that many people do not talk about. There are more than academic scholarships available but you have to search them out and apply. Also the method to apply for school grants and loans is relatively easy it just takes time and a computer. I would also say that going to college is not as difficult as one thinks. Yes it takes time and effort but it is all worth it in the end. Do not let people around you in your current small town talk you out of finding ways to go to college. You are an intelligent girl who will not stop to achieve your goals. Once you have found your way remember to give back to others. You can and will do everything you dreamed of doing.