University of Florida Top Questions

Going back in time is something that everyone wishes they could do. I feel that I should have listened more carefully to my brother and sister, both college graduates. My brother was in a fraternity, and while he thinks that they are necessary for establishing like minded friends, he doesn't think incoming 1st semester freshmen should be permitted to pledge. I am now in agreement with that comment. It's very tough to acclimate academically, and the many social activities can make it tough to study! I also wish I had applied earlier for a room on campus. I lived a bus ride and long walk to many of my classes. I was stubborn and a high school friend wanted me to room with him. Again, I should have listened this time to my sister and my mom. I'm incredibly happy with my decision to attend the University of Florida after thinking that it was strictly for brilliant students. I'd tell myself never to judge without knowledge.

I would tell myself to not be so stresses about the finances. It was so hard the first couple of weeks because I would worry about whether all of my scholarships and loans would pay for my tuition and fees, books, food and housing. The money came in and now I just realize that instead of stressing, I should have applied for more scholarships and been more ambitious. I would tell myself to do scholarships in my spare time as well as study harder and take the ACT (I should have taken it, I don't know why I didn't.) I would tell myself not to worry so much and that everything works out the way it should. I also would tell myself not to do sorority recruitment because it didn't work out and that it just ended up costing me more money. I should just relax and let the college life unfold.

After Graduation, i really thought i was ready for college and the excitement of finally, being able to go out and be an adult seemed like so much fun. Much to my surprised, how ever it takes alot of hard work and dedication. Many of the skills you learned in high school, wasn't exactly useful. You had no idea you'd be in so much loan debt, just after two years of college. I would've told myself to save money and at least worked part time to put down savings for a college degree. I also would've prepared myself mentally, for the long road I would be on. Parents, and teachers told you it would only take you 2-4 years at the least to get that degree. Myself meaning, it was going to take much longer then that. The dissapointments really takes a toll on you sometimes. And if i had known then what i know now. I really should have done my real homework and research the Cost of college life. Perhaps, better prepare myself mentally and emotionally for the pressure that was to come.

It would an amazing opportunity if I could go back in time and give myself some words of advice regarding college life. Back in high school I was definitely not prepared to face the struggles that college brings; from the heavy course load to some financial hardships, it is tough to handle it all at once. This transition is difficult and not everyone is ready for it. I wish I could go back and tell myself to be more organized and responsible regarding my classes. In high school it was easy to manage the classes and homework and still get a good grade. Starting college it was not that easy I realized. One has to really settle down and spend more time with each course and re-read all the material. Also, it is necessary to keep a planner to make sure you do not miss any assignments or club meetings, as many people forget when they are under stress. Overall, I think I would tell my high school self to keep a level-headed mind and be responsible in all my classes and not to take things too lightly.

Reminiscing about my experiences in high school as a senior, include memories from both extremes of the spectrum; sad moments, like when we lost at semifinals in volleyball, and happy recollections as gown searching for prom. Looking back, I wonder of the decisions I made when I was a senior. Although what I miss the most was my untainted bright attitude towards failure. When you are freshmen in college, many professors and staff members guide the students on the importance of hard working, studying and persistence; which these are the qualities of a good student. However, what I have learned on my own is the importance in learning how to overcome your failures. I would tell the past me, that in college everything is as hard as people do say, but that there is nothing that hard work can’t overcome. Keep that untainted spirit and vividness of wanting to progress, and most importantly, there will be times where certain situations might seem to have no solution and feel like a disappointment. Yet it will be that feeling of failure that will push you to keep studying and working harder, just to be one step closer to your dreams.

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to stop stressing about everything. I would let myself know that everything is going to work out and that I'm going to blossom more than I could ever imagine in college.

I am currently enrolled in North West Arkansas Community College. I work for Wal-Mart as a Shift Manager after coming up through the ranks beginning as a cashier. I have been employed with this company for approximately 13 years and decided that I wanted to get a degree. I have been participating in online classes for about a year. Growing up in a house of five children we did not have an opportunity to go to college. My father passed away when I was about seven leaving my mother with five small children so needless to say we didn’t have a lot of extra on a shirt factory wage. I am divorced and have 2 teenage children one 15 and the other 17. My son has joined the jump start program for the Air Force and my daughter plans on attending college after graduation. Knowing what I know now I would have tried harder to go to college at a much younger age and not waited until I was 45 to do so, with that being said I am glad that I can go now and still have the desire to achieve more in my life.

Forget all of the stereotypical and judgemental high school cliques that you're used to. Don't worry about dressing to impress, working hard to fit in, or trying to act cool to gain friends. College, especially the University of Florida, is so diverse that there is a club, team, volunteer group, or extracurricular activity for virtually everyone. You will find your niche simply by going out and participating in what you love. From the performing and visual arts, to sports teams like Ultimate Frisbee and the Quiddich Team for Harry Potter fans, to several types of dance and yoga classes, everyone will find exactly where they fit in: with people that are passionate about what you love too. Don't stress about your social transition because your academic transition will be a more pressing issue. Work hard, earn the best grades you can, and socialize on the weekends; everything will work out better than you ever expected.

Do not stress out about your first year of college, you will rock it. Classes will be a bit tougher than in high school. Marching band will take up a lot of time. You’re a smart guy though, and have the ability to manage your time quite effectively—you will earn A’s and B+’s in all your courses. The single most valuable piece of advice I can give you is to enjoy every minute of your time in college. Classes and schoolwork do come first, but you will find that there will still be plenty of time for socialization. Do not be shy in making new friends. You will almost always find yourself in the presence of genuine, caring people who will become some of the best friends you have. By all means keep your high school friends, as your bonds with them will only strengthen, but be sure to reach out to new people you meet this year. You will not regret it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself before college, I’d have a long talk about money management. Unfortunately, before college I had never really had a job or experience with large amounts of money, so when I found myself with scholarships, grants, and graduation money left over, I didn’t know how to handle it. I went shopping a lot, and I rationalized buying things I didn’t need. One moment that particularly stands out in my mind is when I went shopping with my roommates at Pac Sun. I found a dress that was cute, but not really my style. I convinced myself to get it because it was ‘such a good deal’. The only thing I can remember about the dress now is that I’ve probably worn it twice. Because it wasn’t really my style, I was never in a mood to wear it. Now, I realize I could’ve spent that money on something I know I could use. Going back, after telling myself that story, I’d hope that my younger self listens, and uses her money more wisely. Either way, it’s a lesson I have learned.