University of Florida Top Questions

If I could take the knowledge I have gained through my years at the University of Florida and apply it to someone out there that is looking for guidance before they make that big leap , I'd tell them to have a clear goal and vision of where they want to go and hold on to it. I'd tell them that they don't have to fit in with everyone else because that's what they want for you. To not be afraid to go out there and grab the world and shake it up a bit. To learn through experience, to meet new people, to join new clubs, and do the things that they love to do. If you follow your heart and don't worry about being cool or what other people think, and truly do what you love doing because it makes you happy, then that's all you need. And always remember, take action. Nothing is ever done without action. Take the chance, make the opportunity, push the limits and raise the standards. This is what I'm learning through my college experience and what I have to share with future Gators.

"Don't stress". I would tell myself that doing your best is all that you can do. Worrying and stressing does not help. Don't stress about competing with your fellow classmates. Self yourself to the university and compete amongst yourself. Never give up and keep going even when you feel like you have given all you got. Four years will pass quickly, so make sure you give all your effort because those four years will affect the rest of your life. However, don't stress. Everything will work itself out as it's suppose to. You are considered "the best of the best" and you will always be considered above average. You have the work ethic and determination to succeed. You know that you will not allow yourself to give up and fail, therefore, don't stress and give your education the most of everything you have.

Although it has only been two years since I graduated from high school I feel like I have learned enough lessons for a lifetime. Moving away from home and out on my own forced me to grow up quick and learn fast. The advice I would give to my younger self would first and foremost be t enjoy the ride. While trying to get all of the things ready for my move I failed to enjoy the transtion. Going back I would have been less focused on looking ahead and more focused on enjoying the remaining time with my friends, family, and hometown. Once I arrived I would immediately become more involved in the student groups on campus. Also, I would advise myself to not treat my first semester of college as I did high school. College is the true foundation for your future. It is a time where you grow as a person and a proffessional. Going back in time, I would make sure I knew these things so I could have appreciated the time and experiences I had earlier in my college career as much as I do now.

If given the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to do exactly what I did. I would go to a community college first and then transition into a four-year university. I have experienced that moving from high school to a four-year university is better achieved if you attend a community college first. Attending a community college allows you to shape yourself as a college student and transition into the four-year university with less chances of feeling overwhelmed. I would tell myself that being part of different extracurricular activities definitely helps with the whole process and transferring. I would also mention that being part of clubs and organizations gives you a sense of social accomplishment and it polishes your leadership skills. Overall, I would tell myself to do exactly everything that I have done all over again because I wouldn?t change anything.

If I could look back as a senior and knowing what I know now as a college student, I would have definetly took more duall enrollment courses so that I would have save my mom and I money on things such as tuition and books. I would have also work harder to fill out college scholarships whether they were essay style or online forms just because not having financial aid and only having your mother help support you while you're in college can be a struggle and sometimes overwhelming for yourslef and the one's helping you. Last but not least, I would have pick up on some better studying habbits so that once I got to college, I would know how to study as a successful college student and not as a high school student. The last advice I would give myself or anyone who may be thinking about college, make sure the college you choose best fits you personal, professionally, and academically. Know what you want to do and know what it takes to get there.

College is a time for self-discovery and learning what you are made of. It's going to take hard work, and dedication. You may think that a "gap year or semester" is a good idea at some time during your college career, but believe me - don't stop. Once you take a break it is so much more difficult to get back on track. Traveling is very rewarding and you can learn so much from other cultures, so if you are able to, do a semester abroad and enjoy your time in school.

There is a lot of adjustment in all areas of life from high school to college. You're suddenly expected to be focused in your studies but explore new ideas and social groups. I would recommend that I take the hard classes. I would recommend that I try everything twice. The first time is scarey and new, no matter whether we're talking about a date, the $3 lunch special or writing a piece of software. Also, it's really important to make sure that you're never the smartest person in the room. This will be easy to achieve. I learned a lot outside of lecture halls that put textbook knowledge into a usable, real-world context. If you don't know how to use your schooling, what's the point? You can meet fascinating people at bus stops. And bars. And intro psychology lectures.

I know you're scared about where you're going to go or what you want to do with your life. I also know it scares you all your close friends are going to every other school but the school you're most likely going to. But I promise you it will be okay. I simply suggest that you take baby steps and open up the girls in your dorm and the students in your lectures. I know that you've been taught to put school work as first priority ever since you could understand language. However, I'm here to tell you there is so much more to life than just grades and studying. You will be one of those people that will live life to the fullest. The hardest part is putting yourself out there in social events and changing your thinking. However, I promise you the experiences will come and they will be earth-shattering but amazing. Just remember to stay true to yourself and your family and friends and I promise you'll love college. =)

Ronika, contiue to work hard, pray harder, and dream big because you are about to be blessed far beyond your wildest imagination! Stay focused, but remember to take some time to enjoy the view; your future gives the word 'bright' a new meaning.

If I had the ability to talk to a younger, more na?ve me, I could give myself a plethora of advice ranging from academics to social situations. My first semester in college was definitely not one that I can say I am proud of. I made quite a few mistakes; I suppose that is the transition that most freshman experience. Nevertheless, my gpa suffered and I am still paying the repercussions of these former actions. I could tell myself that I need to read my textbooks prior to class, write essays weeks in advance, and start studying days before a test, rather than the night before. These time management tactics certainly would have assisted my studies. My first year of college was definitely a knowledgeable one. I learned about myself, my surroundings, and other college students. Overall, I have a list of suggestions that I could give to a high school me... But I don?t think I would. The result of my first year of college is the fact that I have become a diligent, hard-working student. I would not be where I am today if I had not made the mistakes that most college freshman make.