University of Florida Top Questions

I would tell myself to work hard the whole year and to enjoy myself more. Get more active in things and to talk to more people.

Of all the things that have been a problem for me, it’s been my own habits that have been the hardest to overcome and change. If I could go back and give my high school senior self some advice it would be, be diligent in your work. Don’t procrastinate on any assignment, but manage it. Manage your time accordingly. If you have two weeks to complete an assignment at least start an outline for it. Construct something so you know what you want to say beforehand and even if that changes, at least you now have guidelines to work with. This way you aren’t scrambling for a topic, for material to write about, and for time to just complete the assignment. Take the time to study each day too. Part of college is exams and they can be tough. Studying at the last minute for one exam is strenuous, studying for four is insane. So do yourself a favor and manage your study time. Start early and do it each day. Time is always precious in this school and being prepared is the most beneficial thing one can be for an exam, for a presentation, for anything.

Anything you may think you know about your future college experience is wrong. There is no way that you could have ever fathomed what was waiting for you: the people you'll meet, the experiences you'll make, the things you'll discover about yourself. That major that you're dead set on right now? You'll change it before your first fall semester is over. Those friends from high school you are afraid to lose? You don't lose them, and you also make some cool new friends too. The anxiety you have about being potentially bullied for being gay once you get here? People really don't care. (heads up: you will come out to dad the summer between your freshman and sophomore year; it goes much more smoothly than you could've imagined) Just realize that plans and expectations rarely ever coincide with the reality of a situation, and my best advice for you is to accept that. Every experience you have will change you in some way, for better or worse, dramatically or subtly. The worst thing you could do for yourself is resist that. Good luck, kid.

Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, focus and study more. Join a sports team while you are waiting for Drama to start up and keep yourself busy. You have no idea now but when you are given a challenge you rise up and meet it and you are going places. Strive to get on the honor roll every year because you are going to need it. Community College is a second chance but take a step back and really think about what you want to do for a career because if you go to college after high school instead of waiting you will be able to get the career that you're meant for much sooner. You are an awesome person, don't take forever to realize that.

College is just like kindergarden, only way better. Remember that first day of kindergarden? Ok, well maybe you don't exactly, but I can assure you, you were a frantic mess. Your little five year old self was as nervous and scared as the day you thought you broke your little brother's arm when you threw that football to him. Anyway, the point is, after that first week or two of kindergarden you were settled in and it was great; nap time everyday and access to that big sixty-four pack of crrayons with the sharpener on the back. The only difference in college is there is a little less sleep. Have fun, be yourself and don't stress yourself out about it too much and you'll do great, just like you did in kindergarden.

Make just as much time for your creative pursuits as your schoolwork and social life.

If i was able to go back in time the best advise, I could give myself would be, to take my time not to rush through my education and life . Life is to fast and precious to run through and not enjoy the riches that come by you everyday. Also , to learn and listen to the stories from are elders they are full of knowledge that you wil not probablly ever learn in a book or classroom. life is full of suprises may not been the ones you expected but, take them and run with them . dream big cause any dream is possiable if you have the dermination and willfulness to go after them. dont ever say you can't do something or it's somebody's fault because you where to scared to say i'll try be brave and take a big breath and step forward even though it scary it will be a happy scary cause the unknown is always better than the known . live life to the fullest and to make sure you have your family beside you everystep of the way to enjoy it with you. life to short to be alone , be a square !

Forget about the rules and cliques. This isn't high school anymore. No one cares about how cool you were and how many trophies you won in your swim team competitions or if you were the captain of the cheerleading squad. It's time to look at yourself and everyone else as individuals and really find your place. Making friends will be awkward and difficult at first, but keep trying. Join every club that piques your interest and go to at least three meetings before you quit. Your professors aren't going to chase you down when you're missing a homework assignment, and no one's going to notice if you skip class for two weeks. This is your education, and your life, essentially. If you don't want to be here, that's your choice, and no one's there to stop you. Finally, appreciate your family. No matter how much you can't wait to move out, you will miss them, because when it comes down to the truth, no one else will care if you're vomitting your guts out at three in the morning. Love, live, and don't waste a single minute.

College is nothing like high school, high school Iqra. There are many things you believe in now that you will be disappointed with in college. It is something entirely different from waht you expect, but not always in a bad way. There are friends you thought you would have for the rest of your life. You aren't a whimsical person, but you saw them at your graduation, your wedding, your children playing with theirs. Life never works out the way you want it to. Remember that Whatever's meant to be, will be. People come and go; do not take that as a failure on your part. Taking that "whatever's meant to be, will be" mentality, keep in mind that college is different. Do well on your AP exams - they will save you incredible amounts of money and time. Form strong bonds with your teachers - they truly care for you and will always provide invaluable guidance. Lastly, most importantly, cherish your parents. Spend as much time with them. Take your mom out randomly. In a few months, you'll miss them more than you could ever imagine. In a few months, nothing will ever be the same.

Dear Me, Please don't be so scared of this. It's going to be really fun - I promise! You're going to live with Grandma, and even though she can be critical at times she'll be the one who helps you develop independence. When Ben breaks up with you, she'll be your way back to standing on your own two legs with her comfort food and advice about how to be your own person. So cut her some slack and don't gripe about her criticism every weekend when you come home. Smile lots! People will love it, and if you don't want to play volleyball, so what. No one cares or thinks any worse of you for it. You really can be yourself and people will still like you. Maybe don't go home every weekend and take the time to get involved at college. Definitely find a job earlier - sitting on the couch watching all that Law & Order is going to make you paranoid. Stop freaking out that every car behind you is really a murder/rapist out to get you. Most importantly, be confident. You can do this!! Love, Your Future Self