University of Florida Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would stress the importance of getting involved, and staying positive throughout the transition process. I may not always get accepted to every club and organization I want to be in, but I have learned from these rejections, and in doing so have found amazing oppurtunities in other organizations. To remain confident in myself no matter the path I am on is so important, and I would want to give myself a heads up. I would also advise myself to be open to new relationships, with so many people at this university, giving everyone a equal oppurtunity to be a new friend/aquaintance will allow me to learn more about myself and grow. The last piece of advice I would give is to remember why I am here, academics come first, and even though it seems like you have time, a lot can happen to alter studying, and remember to keep academics in mind.

Going back in time to talk to myself would be a momentus occassion. I would make sure that I tell myself to shoot for the stars. Even if I'm taking a class on how to be me (Rudman), that I should never be so prideful that I don't ask anyone for the help I need. Here the school is giving me resources and opportunities that no one in their right mind would pass up. I know things are going to get rough because believe it or not, life is, but that's only another reason to keep on reaching for the stars. All of the studying taking place instead of partying will pay off in due time. When that time comes, I'll glow brighter than the Sun. Choose your friends wisely, and never take anything for granted because it can all disappear in a blink of an eye. Go after any money the government is willing to appropriate. Just make sure you use it responsibly. Have fun when you can, but never too wild. And one day you'll have the dream job of your life and the dream girl. Go hard or go home.

I know things are stressful right now, and you've got a whole lot to worry about. Which schools are you applying to? When are you going to right those essays and fill out those applications? Should you take the SAT one more time? Don't forget transcripts! Yes, yes, it's all a bit much on top of the course work you already have to deal with. However, once all that is said and done you have to make the ever important decision between the schools that accepted you. Which is the right fit for you? How will you know if you really belong there? If I could give you some advice, I would tell you to expect the unexpected. For better or for worse, college life is exactly what you make of it. You'll be happy to hear that the level of social pressure will be much lower than in high school and you'll meet some amazing people who like you as you are. The important thing is to let it happen. Don't let preconcieved notions or fears stop you from really discovering yourself.

I would tell myself not to worry or be nervous about an experience that every human being should be privileged to have in their lifetimes. Going to college truly broadens one's ability to think for yourself, to meet people from varied backgrounds and to share unique experiences with others. There is probably no other time in life that you have the opportunity to learn everything you can and try out different ideas without being restricted by family or financial responsibilities. I would tell myself to work hard, but also that it is ok to enjoy life's journey.

Don't take out more loans than you have to, since you will be paying them off for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! Pay attention at orientation. Make friends with someone who has a car as soon as you get to school. Try to eat real meals instead of take out and junk food. Go to bed at a decent time - 4pm is way too late. Don't wait to get a job until Spring - all the good ones will be gone by then. Don't be shy - everyone else is new to college as well. Take more pictures! Don't skip classes - it'll only hurt you in the end. Apply for more scholarships. Don't drop a class just because you are afraid you might get a B. Read the flyers on bulletin boards - some of the best classes, clubs, and events are hidden in that sea of paper. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to do your own thing. Live on campus. Get a good bike lock. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Call home more often. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to do your own thing.

I most suggest preparing yourself as soon as possible. Enjoy your senior year to the fullest but try not to lose focus about your future. Stay on top of deadlines to reduce your stress. It is easier to find scholarships as a senior preparing to go to college than to scrape to find scholarships later on. Be actively looking! It's also easier to maintain your knowledge by pushing yourself in your senior course work. The academic transition is softened by keeping your skills sharp. Your senior year can be an awesome time to learn how to balance schoolwork and fun. In college there is a multitude of opportunities to get involved and meet others, so be open minded! In high school it's easy to be involved in every club and on every teams but in college it's impossible for you to be involved in everything; you will stretch yourself too thin, not truely enjoy your activities, and you will run the risk of putting academics after fun. Explore your options to find what you are passionate about and devote yourself to those things. College can be the best years of your life if you make them it.

I would tell myself that the transition is not as bad as I thought it was going to be. While I worried that I would miss my family and old friends tremendously, I have been able to balance school and keeping up with all of them on a daily basis. I would also tell myself that it is going to be very easy to make new friends and meet new people and to be prepared for all of the diversity found in the world of college. Finally, I would tell myself to make sure to get involved in college and to put myself out there to meet new people and be open to new things.

Staying in the dorms on campus may not seem like the most favorable thing because of shared space issues, but it really does have a big impact on helping you fit into the campus community. Freshmen who stay oncampus tend to be more involved in student organizations and it helps them to make friends and ease into the college lifestyle more smoothly. Always remember your studies. Student organizations are fun and help you make great friends, but never forget that you are attending university for an education first and foremost. Never let your social life dominate your schedule. In the same respect, don't immerse yourself so completely in your schoolwork that you find yourself hardly going out with friends. Always strike a balance in all you do, it'll make you feel much better overall.

If I could go back in time, to talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would encourage my past self to not underestimate himself. Knowing what I know now, I know I'm cabable of great perseverance. How I can take a stormy day and appretiate the sound of rain on my window. I would tell the younger version of me that this trait is not to be undermined or wasted. That this trait will be tested before long, and that his success depends on his perseverance, not the other way around. I would tell him that his determination is his greatest strength and to never let the storms wash it away.

I would tell myself to make sure I get involved and active in the services that are offered to freshman and definitely take the initiative to stay on top of classes as well as seeking out academic related experiences that would enhance my overall college experience. I would definitely encourage myself to get out of my comfort zone and seek out things that I never would have imagined doing. Determination would be another point I would drill into my head to ensure that I was giving my best in ALL of my classes and not allowing the capacity of my mind to learn and formulate new ideas go to waste. Thankfully so, I've been able to do these things but only until recently and looking back had I been on this path in the beginning of my college days my overall experience would've been even more amazing.