University of La Verne Top Questions

For me, senior year was about having fun and sliding by with average grades and efforts. Now that I am an adult in the workforce I would love to go back and do things differently. I would tell my high-school self to slow down and take more time to think through my decisions. I would tell myself to stop saying I would continue with my education the next semester or the semester after that. I would tell myself to continue with my education every semester until I reach my goal, and earn the job I deserve. Being a single mother at the age of 23 is difficult, but had I thought through my decisions my daughter could have the life both her and I deserve.

If I had to go back in time and give advice to my high school self, it would go as follows: Maria, you come from a family of hard working people who put serious emphasis in education. You were very lucky to have the emotional support of your family, however, what you didn't have were the resources or guidance to figure out how to attain the education without having serious financial means. My advice to you would be to seek out financial assistance by looking for grants, loans and scholarships at both your school and with various organizations. Although your education seems unattainable financially, it can be done. Don't give up because you feel you can't afford it. Your grades are great and there are plenty of organizations out there that offer scholarships for low-income or hispanic students. You can do this. Check with the college you are considering to see what they have to offer you. Also, seek out loans from the government. It may seem like too much to take out loans, but in the end, you're degree will help you get a great job that will help you pay that debt.

If I could give myself an advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself this: College is not that hard, and it is not as scary as it seems. Living on campus is a great experience, you do not have to worry about living away from your family. Trust me, everything will be fine, you are going to love it! Get out of your comfort zone, go out and make new friends and connections. Get involved as much as you can becuase it helps you feel more confident about yourself and become an independent person, plus, there are more things you can add to your resume. Also, try to get a job as soon as possible because it will be worth it, but always think that you are going to college to get an education. Whenever you have time to do your homework, do it! Do not procrastinate! Overall, study hard, and enjoy college! The next four years will be the best years that you've ever had and experience in your life.

When you first begin college it is alright to come in and not know what to do because that is what college is, an opportunity to figure out who you are and what you want to do in life. What is importannt is you have confidence in yourself and your abilities. As long as you know your identity no one can tell you what to do and how to live your life. It is important to be yourself and understand that pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever. Classes are not everything, get involved in as many clubs as you can and help out within the community. You learn way more things if you are involved in extracurricular activites than just showing up to classes. Also an important thing is just to have fun because this is an experience you will never have again and if you stress too much you will miss out on all the small things in life.

I would tell my old self to use all resources, like other people who have been through the college life. Also to not go this route alone, having a full support system is key to success in the college life. I would always say time management is everything, and you will need it for the rest of your life.

If I could go back to senior year. I would have listened to my parents I would have pushed my self even harder, and gone to University Of La Verne first Instead of transfering. But I cant take back what I did but only tell myself that everything happens for a reason. That this was the path, that was set for me.

Finish school while you can. While you do not have a family, do not have a full time job and the responsibilities of a wife, mother and student. Take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself. Yes, after 12 years of school you are ready to branch out, be your own person, become independent but you can do that and go to school at the same time. It's not as hard as it seems. If you're going for a Bachelor's Degree, four more years really is not that long.

if i could go back in time and talk to myself i would most definitely remind myself to never give up and never take anything for granted. i believed that high school was a joke especially senior year, but it is high school that framed who i am today and high school was also a contributing factor to colleges accepting me into their institutions. i would also tell myself that the friends i had then have nothing to do with my future and my ability to succeed. i would remind myself to remeber that im still a kid and to enjoy my senior year. the most important piece of advice i could tell myself is too never give up, no matter how hard it may seem to get, everything will always fall in to place if you continue to strive for success.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self I would tell her that everything she is doing now will pay off and to keep going. The main advice I would give to myself is to truly consider what is best for my financial situation, and chose a college wisely. Now as I struggle to pay for school I would have adviced my senior self to do more scholarships and take advantage of all the help given to high school seniors. I would also tell myself to finish strong, just because school is coming to an end does not mean to start to give in. But, I would mostly encourage myself. I did a lot of extracurriculars during high school and this balancing act as greatly prepared me for college. I would also tell myself that everything will be okay, college and the transition is great. That I would make new friends that are just as great as my old ones, and their will always be a bond with my high school friends. My two key points being that everything will turn out fine and to keep pushing forward.

As I look back, seeing myself as senior in high school I wish someone would have advised me about certain things that I will face in the future. At least a fair warning. I would have told myself “Studying for an hour is not the worst thing”, keep increasing the hours because as a college student the hours multiply. Now as a college student, I advise my younger self to push myself, not to limit or settle of less. All of my hard work will pay off in the long run. I would have said to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone and see what new experiences I will encounter. Not to be afraid of the unknown for it might be gratifying. Be open minded to advise and different thoughts and feelings. Enjoy the free hours and be young and do not worry so much. Discover new things that once got your attention and accomplish it. I would also tell my younger self to enjoy being youthful and careless and the cafeteria meals.