University of Georgia Top Questions

College years are filled with much more learning than I expected. Not only do we learn about our desired careers, but also about the kind of work it takes to get there, how to live with a roommate, and how to balance our social lives with school, work, and family. We learn to take responsibly for our actions, figure out who we truly are, and grow into independent adults. When I graduated from high school, my idea of college was what I saw in the movies. If I could visit my high school senior self, there would be numerous tips I could share. I would start by telling her to invest in a nice pair of rain boots, a good umbrella, and an agenda! I would also tell her to be completely honest and upfront with her roommate from the beginning. If you think the volume on the television is too loud while you are sleeping, go ahead and politely ask her to turn it down a notch or two. My biggest piece of advice would be to explore new things, but to always stay true to your values and morals. Never let someone else change who you are.

LEARN HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY! Everything may seem like fun and games, but college is much tougher than high school when it comes to the work. In high school, your teachers baby you, big time! In college, it is a different world. You get mutiple assignments that overlap one another and it's your responsibility to keep up with when they are all due. The professors give you the syllabus and it's all you from there. When you have overlapping assignments like this, you cannot procrastinate. The longer you wait to do an assignment, the more stressful your life becomes. College is your job and you should treat it that way. Manage your time wisely and get your assigntments finished before the very last minute!

Do do things in time and take advantage of all the opportunities that were given to me, but I didn't utilize.

If there is one thing that I know about myself, it is that I have always been an organized person. So, if I want back in time to my high school self, I would probably make a list of advice to give him so that the transition would be smoother. Here is how it would look: 1. College is awesome. You know that freedom that you keep hearing about from your college friends? Well it is true. You make your own schedule and stick to your own rules. 2. College is tough, but not too tough. It is certainly harder than high school, but just stay focused and you will do fine. 3. College is full of opportunities. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things. 4. College is diverse. I know you feel uncomfortable with it, but TALK TO PEOPLE! The friends you make here will last a lifetime. 5. College is what you make it. This is the most important advice I can give you, Tim: make college special. From the day that you move in, don't waste a single minute, because you can't get these years back.

College really is all it's cracked up to be. It's a wonderful place where you're the only one in charge of you. Learn to be a morning person. Learn to accept people as they are. Most of all, learn to commit yourself. Without commitment, grades, relationships, and your future will suffer. Once you have your sights set on a goal, you commit your whole self to achieving that goal. It will be painful, you will not like the work, but it will be worth it. Finally, professors are people. Seriously, you've heard it a million times but INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Simply talking to the teacher a few times a month outside of class has saved my bacon in three classes (and helped me keep HOPE. That's a $14,000/year payoff for simply talking to a few people). Oh, and have fun. You'll always look back and wish you could go to college again.

Rooming with friends might be a great idea, but you will realize you did not know this person as well as you thought you did. Just because they've been your friend for a long time does not mean you will not want to throw them out of the window when they wake you coming home at 2am the day of a big test.

If I could go back two years, I'd say to myself to not care so much about what my parents think. To stop trying to do the opposite of what they want just to prove a point and seem independent. I'm going to change my major anyway so it's best to stay home where I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get an education. The friends I have at home are the ones that are going to stick by my side and the ones I would be making in Georgia won't be there when I need them most. Make the rational decision, not the emotional one.

I've struggled with depression since my late teens but didn't acknowledge the severity of my problem until my late twenties. Throughout college I struggled with motivation, relationships, and substance abuse without understanding that I could get better. I was ashamed of my "weakness," and instead of seeking help I did my best to hide my problems. Although I maintained good grades, I missed out on many opportunites to turn my education into a career. I wish I would have taken more time to network and pursue internship opportunites, but the weight of depression made it difficult to keep my life in order. Even more than the missed career opportunites I regret the unneccessary years spent carrying that weight. In some ways I feel like my life didn't start until I got the help I needed. If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self that it's not weak to ask for help.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be so nervous about being away from home, because Athens has become my second home that I have grown to love. I would tell myelf to prepare to study hard, and learn how to do so efficiently, because college classes are nothing like high school classes. Most importantly, I would tell myself not to get lost in all the work and remember to have fun.

Katie, Here are three things to remember as you make the transition to college: 1) Even if you don't consider yourself a "morning person," you should consider your 8 a.m. classes as practice for your job - which begins promptly at 8 a.m. Every. Single. Day. Five. Days. A. Week. 2) Follow your heart and find time to help others. Volunteering will introduce you to great people, help you explore your interests, and build your knowledge of the disparities in the world. 3) Have fun! You will only be in this learning environment for four years. Once you graduate, you'll miss the days of dining halls, pre-planned club activities and spending the afternoons reading on a lawn. Say "yes" more than "no" and take advantage of the myriad opportunities around you. Sincerely, The Older and Wiser Katie (Trust me) PS: Despite your best attempts to roll out of bed and make it on time to your 8 a.m. class, remember that you have no excuse to leave your dorm room in pajama pants. Ever.