University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

The advice I would give myself would be to become organized. I feel that organization is key to a successful school year because it helps with knowing and learning how to plan when to do assignments, when to study for exams, and when to have time for yourself, family, and friends. Procrastination during college I feel is something we should all avoid because from experience I end up cramming and find myself not learning about anything. Organization prevents procrastination.

The advice that I would give myself is that to enjoy being a highschooler and to enjoy being young because with each step comes more responsibility than the last. There is so much freedom in college but there is also so much more responsibility and it leaves you in an interesting position to choose between partying it out or living in the library. It's good to learn the balance in high school so that you don't have to figure it out in college when every second counts. Don't be a hermit in high school because when you get to college if you spend all your time you won't get to enjoy the true experience of college but don't be a party animal also because they will affect your grades and hurt your future.

I would tell myself that although I do not feel completely ready to go away to college, things will work out and I will learn things and be exposed to things that will open my mind in so many new, exciting and sometimes intimidating ways. But in the end I will be a stronger, more aware, more inquisitive person. At the end of my undergrad years I will wonder how I could have ever gone through life not knowing what I know now about life, myself and the way the world works . I would tell myself that this isn't a completely new chapter, it is just a continuation of a story.

When I was in high school I was not sure what I wanted to go to school for. The only careers that I kept thinking about were ones that would give me a large income. The best and only advice that I would give myself, is go for what would make me happy. Don?t think about the money, because in the end its about wanting to pursue a career in that field. You want to want to go to work everyday, not dread your everyday. Always think about what your good at and what will make you happy and it will all work out in the end.

I would tell myself that you need to use your college counselor, because it is a great way to get helpful information, but you also have to do your own research, too. Ask older students about the classes they are taking and how they have set up there schedules. I would also tell them that the workload of high school doesn't compare to that of college; College has much more work and much more individualized projects and reading. Keeping things organized is very important. I now keep a folder with copies of transcripts and award letters. Also to get really involved with volenteering and interning in order to build up a resume so you can get a stable job after college. Make a list of your dreams and goals along with your ambitions and compelling reasons to succeed. Write down who you were, who you are and who you want to become. Put this list in a place where you will always be reminded of these things. This will help you never forget who you want become because college is a big place with many distractions, and those who succeed are those who stay on the course.

Stay in school and become what you really love.

Amanda, I am you from the future. I have grown so much since I was you and know so much more about life. College is everything that you imagined!! Student teaching is great and you really picked a fantastic career!! At first you will be a bit shocked at how minimal you will see your friends from high school, but don't worry, you will get used to it and learn to like the solitude. Make sure you break that horrible habit of procrastination now because it will kill you in college!! Stay tight with your friends that go away to mainland colleges because you will miss them a lot and it will be hard for all of you to stay as tight as you are now. And don't let boys distract you from the thing you want the most, which is to graduate with good grades and to get a job once you're out!! Take care and continue to do well in school. Your future self, Amanda

College is fun, but you have to work hard to get the degree you want. Don't slack off just because you don't have class every day. Treat every day like it's regular school & focus on what you need to get done. You are paying a lot of money to get a degree at a university, so you should get what you pay for. Don't settle for less than average grades; receiving high grades & actively participating in organizations will be very helpful in the future. Since most of your money is going towards paying for your education, spend the rest of your money wisely. As corny as it sounds, it's best to buy things that are on sale since you can have extra spending money. Choose your friends wisely & make decisions that are appropriate & won't endanger your life. College can also give you benefits, such as discounts, & access to various opportunities to expand your career, such as the Study Abroad Program. Don't be afraid to ask questions since there are many advisors who are willing to answer your questions & try to make your transition comfortable.

The advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to go out and attend as many campus events as possible in order to make the transition from high school to college as amazing as possible. Being connected to your college is important because it creates a sense of belonging in an area that is completely out of the norm. Also, try to use study sessions, tutors, and department adivsors frequently in order to stay on track to graduation, and then to your future. Just make the best out of your new experiences because it will all be worthwhile as graduation will come faster than you know it!

High school prepares you for college academically, but you still have a lot of growing up to do. Do not be afraid to be yourself. Do not be ashamed of who you are. Do not have regrets. Rather than dwelling on the difficulties, think of the possibilities. College is the chance for you to establish who you are, while its important to make friends and have fun, don't forget who you are and keep your morals in your heart. Don't be pressured to fit in, because being different is what makes you, you. Embrace the creative possibilities in everything you hear, see, and experience. In those ordianry things you can find the most inspiration. College is a time to define yourself, don't let anyone do it for you. You can do it, don't be discouraged. Things may get difficult but they will always get better. Trust in yourself, and let yourself grow.