University of Florida Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself not to stress out too much about which college I would go to. The right college is all a matter of perspective and wherever I end up, I will find myself happy there because I will find people that I can relate to and activities that I am interested in. It's all about making your own niche in any college and appreciating everything it has to offer, not trying to find one that matches you exactly at that moment because college is an experience that will change you, and the "best" college is one that can offer many opportunities for growth.

I did well and i'm proud of the decisions i made. Although i wasn't sure at the time, but looking back now i know i made the right choices. I was very anxious as a senior not sure what to expect being an adult, living on my own for the first time and going to college. I was scared, very scared; knowing i would have so much more responsibilities. However i took the guidance from my counselors and was set on the right path. So if i ever had that chance to reassure myself, i would decline. Only because i learned a lesson, a lesson on anxiety and despair that i wouldn't have learned by telling myself things will work out. I used my anxiety to do things i know i needed and would benefit me, like scholarships and the FAFSA. Plus if i new that then, i might not be here in college today just because i would think everything would be fine then procrastinate and not get anything done. Now i know as long as i'm going in the right direction it will get me somewhere positive.

Don’t take anything for granted. At the University of Florida there is no such thing as an easy a. Some classes are easier than others, but don’t ever assume it will be easy and not study as a result. Also, don’t get overwhelmed at the transition. Those first few weeks on campus were a bit rough as I adjusted to living on my own for the first time in my life. It was extremely hard to motivate myself to do school work, and I struggled establishing a routine. I finally found my niche here at the University, but not until deep into my first semester. My grades suffered on the early exams of the semester, which is something I could’ve prevented if I hadn’t lost myself in the college transition. Finally, I would tell myself to be more persistent than I was before I got on campus. At a University this large, there are opportunities abound for gaining valuable career experience and insight. However, you constantly have to bug those in charge to make your voice stand out in the crowd. If I do, than it is possible to get involved at so many levels.

As the close of the day nears, I sit quietly and contemplate over the inevitable passing of time. Almost three years have gone by and I am now a busy, anxious, yet content third year in college. However, I always ask myself what could I have done differently? What could I have known as a high school senior that would have made my college life even greater than it is now? The very first thought that comes into mind-as simple as it is- is time management. Practicing time management and conquering this easy, yet crucial skill is the key to success in college. I admire my friends who are able to balance their demanding classes and their rigorous work schedule with a fulfilling and exciting social life. They make sure every minute spent in their schedule is not wasted to unproductive habits such as excessively watching television or following social media. They prioritize their academics, yet open their schedule to their passions. They remain organized, focused and determined to excel in all endeavors. This drive, balanced with the fundamental skill of time management will bring anyone’s college experience to life and guarantee future success beyond college.

As a high school senior, I was so concerned with how every small decision I made would impact the rest of my life, that I didn't do things I loved or take classes I was interested in because I was afraid that they wouldn't appear "impressive" to the colleges I was applying for. Now that I am in college, I realize that participating in things I love or learning things that are interesting are precisely what will advance my path in different endeavors and what will make me a passionate, fulfilled person. This is exactly what I would tell myself as a high school senior: don't be so afraid of life that you forget to live it. So frequently we focus on what we are or will be: a student, a doctor, or a teacher. Yet, these nouns don't say nearly as much about what we are contributing to society as the verbs do: learning, healing, and educating. I would tell myself as a high-school senior to focus on the verbs and to live in the moment, because in the end, it's not what we are, but what we do that changes the world.

The most important thing to me is family. The best advice I could have given myself was to cherish the moments I had with them my last year of high school. If I could do it again I would spend more quality time with not only those I love but those friends that I am really close to.

If I was able to go back in time and tell my high school self what I know now, things would have gone different my first semester. I would say to myself that the first semester should be where you set up your study schedule. I'd try to make an easy schedule that allows for free time and homework time. And the biggest thing I would tell myself is to get an apartment. There is nothing better than having your own room, bathroom and kitchen.

"Don't be afraid. I know it's a simple sentence and sounds rather cliche but looking back there is nothing I regret more than being afriad. Going from high school to college is scary step toward growing up. I also know how shy you when meeting new people and trying new things. Yes, its normal to be afraid, or at least hesistant, about these things but I'm here to tell you have no reason to be. Had someone told me this when I was graduating I would not have the regrets I do today. It took me a year, but I finally realized there was nothing to be afraid of and have made mant great friends and memories. So I'm here to tell you, for our sake, go out of your comfort zone and do something you would never imagine yourself doing. College has taught me to never say never and try things because this is your last real oppurtunity to enjoy life to the fullest. So don't be afraid of leaving home, you'll get past it. And don't be afraid of just knocking on peoples' doors, you'll make a new friend. "

I would tell myself to sleep and eat better, take better care of myself, exercise regularly, and focus my focus. I would tell myself to get a steady job on campus and keep it during my whole college career for financial security. I would tell myself to not stay up all night studying so hard that I'd burn out because the effects of being physically and mentally burned out will affect you for a long time. I would tell myself to ask for help more when I didn't understand because feeling embarrassed about not understanding but then ultimately getting the grade is better than letting my pride make me to not do well in the class. I would tell myself to take physical breaks to increase oxygen and endorphins to keep me mentally healthy and able to focus on my studies. I would tell myself to not be intimidated by anyone or anything, that as long as I put my mind to something I can learn, understand, test well, and prove myself in my field of study. Lastly, I would remind myself to keep the big picture in mind because this is only one season of my life.

When I entered my high school guidance counselors offices as a high school junior, they used to pull out a chart showing the average GPA of students who got into the universities I wanted to attend and where mine fell (well short) of where theirs were plotted on the graph. I used to refer to the chart as “The Dreamcrusher”. I simply gave up applying for scholarships and lost my eligibility for state-sponsored scholarships that could have easily paid for my higher education if I would have put forth the effort during my final two years in high school. Presently, I’m pursuing a PhD at the school I had always wanted to attend back in high school. If I could go back and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would simply tell myself that there is always a way to accomplish your goal, even if others tell you that you can’t attain it. Tune out those who say you can’t and listen to those individuals who foster your dreams and build you up. It turns out most of the time; the naysayers have no idea what they are talking about.