University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

I would say that college is not like how it is on TV. Yes, there are crazy parties, yes there are drugs, yes some of the classes are really difficult and yes, some of these professors really act like they are out to destroy your GPA. In reality though, those things make up a fraction of what college is really like. Prepare yourself to be thrown in an adult world where you as a young adult will struggle to push yourself past any and all limits you have ever had. Know that you are not the only one going through a tough transition from dependent to (almost) independent (let's be real, you are not paying for college COMPLETELY by yourself, so you aren't as independent as you think you are). Finally, you know nothing. By this I mean, there will NEVER come a time where you have learned all that you need to learn. So, do yourself a favor and do NOT act like you know it all. You will save yourself a lot of embarrasing moments. Other than that, take a chance with certain things. Step outside of your box, and you will love yourself for it.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior about transitioning into college, I would tell myself do not be afraid. I am from the island of O’ahu. Although it is the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands it has always felt like a small place. I even attended a very small all-girls school where my graduating class was only 46 girls. So when it was time to apply for college, I was afraid. Afraid of going to a school that was much bigger than my previous one, afraid of not knowing anyone, afraid of living somewhere other than where I grew up, and afraid of new experiences. I let those fears take over my next step in life. I ended up attending the university on O’ahu. Although it was larger than my last school, I attached myself to friends and took the same classes as them. In time though, I took the time to meet new people, learn from new experiences, and gain my independence. Fear held me back. Now I know I should have taken the fear of unknowing and pushed to be brave and confident in myself.

JOIN AN ACE CLUSTER!!!! As nerdy as you may think it is, I met all of my best college friends through my ACE cluster. They're people who are interested in the same major as you and will be your support system in your core classes your first semester. Few other things you should learn: How to do laundry. I can't even begin to count how many people I've taught how to wash their own clothes. How to cook. Top Ramen, Hot Pockets, and the number to the local pizza place, should not be the extent of your menu, learn to make basic food and it'll save you on that freshmen 15. If you're going to drink, learn your limit and drink water. It's not fun or funny watching a freshmen learn their limit at the first tailgate party of the year.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell them to apply for more scholarships. I would tell them how important each scholarship is whether it's $100 or $1,000. Every little bit will help. I would also tell them to apply for student loans because it will help build your credit as you pay it off. If someone were to enforce this on me when I was in high school my school financial situation would be much easier!

If I could go back in time and counsel myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I had a future to look forward to and not to lose hope. I would tell myself that I was strong enough and capable enough to leave home in order to explore the world on my own. I would have reminded myself to save more money from my employment. I would encourage myself to complete my senior classes so that I could graduate with the rest of my senior class, instead of having to obtain a G.E.D. afterwards. I would advise myself to continue my passion in philosophy, attend community college, and transfer to an out of state college. I would have told myself that it was possible for me to use a philosophy degree by continuing to graduate school and/or law school. I would have encouraged myself to take Women's Studies courses early on as well. Most importantly, I would have told myself that I did not have to self-destruct just because I was opposed to mainstream society's limitations or become its victim. Education is positive power and gateway to a brighter future.

Don't come here expecting an East-Coast or California party school in a tropical location. Don't expect UH to resemble any type of mainland college where your friends are going. Hawaii is its own place. You will get culture shocked at some point. You will be dissatisfied with some academic programs and other aspects of life here. You will be correct in thinking that mainland schools, including your in-state college probably, are superior in a lot of ways. But if you get past those thoughts, you will realize that you're living in a tropical paradise with a completely unique culture and atmosphere. The academics will be surprisingly awesome in some situations. And you'll probably chill out a lot and lose your mainland edge. You'll realize that UH is a completely unique experience and you can learn a lot outside of the classroom about the world in general. Be open-minded and don't panic

Although the UH campus is not as big as many public universities in the Continental U.S., you should know where all of the buildings are before the first day of school. A good chance may be when you need to purchase textbooks...and I would definitely recommend to buy them BEFORE the first day of class...and this also goes for getting your student ID. The lines in the first week for the bookstore and ticket ID office may even take up to an hour before you can reach the cash register...

Dont be afraid to pile on the classes or try new things. Just not when those new things can mess with your GPA

If it was possible for me to go back in time to speak to myself in high school, I'd give myself and others the advice to be persistent, have endurance and never underestimate your capabilites. As I reflect upon high school, I've learned that what others accentuate will hurt you unless you don't believe in it. Their remarks will only hurt you emotionally and mentally and in whatever negative things they speak of don't ever believe in it. Instead, prove them wrong. There are times when you want to be like others, but you shouldn't. It's your originality that makes you extremely amazing. Instead, smile and learn because someday you'll use the application of knowledge to it's finest to impact and help an individual or the world for good in any way. Your heart and mind is pure and don't ever let anyone define who you are because you only know yourself the best.

I didn't go to highschool and I started college at 16. If I could go back to my 15 year old self, I'd tell myself to never mention Hawaii. I thought about going to Hawaii, but the bear mention caused my crazy parents to move there to establish residency. I didn't want to let them down and with residency, it was actually pretty affordable to go there. I still feel like my potential is wasted at Hawaii and that it won't impress any employers. I find a lot of people from the north east can't adjust to the Hawaii lifestyle. I love the Northeast and the only good thing I find about school in Hawaii is studying abroad (away from Hawaii). The study abroad program is good and I loved that experience. I'd tell my younger self that I could do better and find a place where I would be appreciated for my mind and not scolded for my pale skin.