University of Houston Top Questions

If I were to go back in time to give myself advice, it probably would sound something like this: "Irene. Listen very carefully. I'm you from the future. Don't worry about how I got here. But... College is going to be very complicated. Take as many AP courses and tests as you can. Even if you can't take the course, try your hand at one of the tests. You might do well and get a good score. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, and apply for financial aid as soon as possible. Start saving as much as you can right now. Classes are really expensive, and you'll need the extra money if you want to buy gas and eat in the same day. Remember that you don't have the same structure as high school, so keep track of all the due dates and online homework. Stay in band because you'll make a lot of friends. Reserve your spot in the testing center as soon as possible. And get to class early. You'll really want that good parking spot."

"Quickly. Not enought time, find yourself." "Where would I be? Oh there I am. Wait! No! Stop!" Thud. "It's ok, I'm you, from the future. Before you say anything, I can't stay long, so we have to make this quick. There's some advice I want to give you about college before I leave." Nods. "Here it goes: Instead of taking 18 hour classes per semester in order to graduate early, take summer classes at a community college; it's cheaper, and less stressful for you during the school year. Don't buy textbooks, unless you're certain you're going to need them; some classes are based solely on lectures. Apply to any and all scholarships; you can never have too much money for college. Try not to be on campus 5 days a week; gas is expensive, and the commute is an hour long. Don't be intimidated by your professors, they are actually quite helpful and will make time to talk to you after class. Make use of campus resources such as the Writing Center and the library. Form study groups, and don't forget to meet new people and have a little fun.

You know that job you hate? Keep it. Money is vitally important when entering college. You will be able to do so much more when you have money. I know it's not enough for you to be able to escape your home situation, but saving will help. Once you live on your own, it will open worlds up to you. It's all possible through college and saving money. Save.

I would tell myself to apply to more colleges, get organized, and apply for more grants and scholarships. I should have applied to more colleges so that I would have more choices to choose from because I hindered myself by applying to just two colleges. I didn’t know what I wanted to do out of high school so, if there would have been more options then that would have opened my eyes to other majors. Second, if I could have learned how to organize in high school I would have been better prepared in college because if you are organized you can plan your whole week In advance. This also helps when you are studying because you will have everything in front of you and in order. Lastly, I would have applied for more grants and scholarships because I owe around sixteen thousand right now and I haven’t gotten my bachelor’s degree yet. Scholarships or grants would have reduced my tuition and help my parents with paying for my school. Ultimately, I would tell myself to stay on school, get organized and apply for more financial aid because you don’t realize how much it really cost.

I would tell myself to brace for the economic challenges that I will face. It is hard living in a single parent household, so i need to do whatever I can to save money but still get a good education. I need to learn to be an adult and not depend on everyone to save me when I get into a little sticky situtaiton. Be an independent woman that will succeed and stand on her own two feet! It's the basis of starting your career. It is also important to network. Talk and connect to as many people as you can. Smile and greet the professors that you come across because you never know what they might have in store for you.

Going back in time to my highschool self, I would tell myself to take heart. In highschool, I suffered from a serious 9 month concussion, which set me behind in my academic ablities. Before my concussion, I was an all AB student, my grades were great and they got better constantly, but after my injury some of my grades became Cs and focusing in a simple class turned into a dozen hammers pounding on my head. Depression set in, and I couldn't encourage myself to go on some days. If I had the chance to go talk to myself i would say: "Joyce, what are you doing? Moping around letting this injury get the best of you. Ignore the pain, Ignore the people telling you that you can't do anything with your life, and move forward! And remember to 'Forget the things that are behind and reach out for the things that are ahead,' (Philippians 3:13). God has such great things coming for you at the University of Houston, but you need to reach out and take hold of the blessings that lie ahead."

What's that sound? I look around the parking lot, but there's only one person there, just an older girl. She looks like...me. "Who are you?" I ask, "I think you already know the answer to that" is the response I receive. I open my mouth to say something, but the person cuts me off. "Stop. Just listen." I'm not sure if this is a dream or not, but I close my mouth and stand there in nervous expectation. She tells me of flaws in my character, flaws only I know of. She tells me about the need for confidence, the need for unshakeable determination, the need for no procrastination. She tells me I need to be able to balance school and a social life, that I need to know it's okay to take a break when I feel stressed out. She looks back at the building I just walked out of, my high school. It's my last day. I'm remembering all the good times I had there when she finally looks back at me with a smile, and whispers "Congratulations. Never let fear hold you back." Then she turns and walks away.

Dear high school self, I know you are counting down the days until graduation, but it is very important to know that college is a very different world from high school. Most campuses are like small cities. You must know how to navigate the campus to get around effectively or you will miss out on valuable resources! The better you know your campus, the more likely you’ll survive your first year. I think it is wise for you to make as many campus visits as possible before you choose a school to attend. Since you’ve decided to attend a school miles away from home you’ll have to come out of your shell a little. Students come from all over the world to attend this campus because it is awesome. Be prepared to make a lot of new friends; you’ll have many opportunities to network with those who have similar educational and career interests and make connections with people you would have never met in your hometown. One last tip: course work isn’t so bad if you study. Research your major thoroughly and then connect with an advisor for future career prospects in that field.

DO VOLUNTEER WORK!

There's absolutely nothing to worry about!