University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

If I could have a talk with my self as a High School senior, I would tell myself to relax a little bit and not worry so much about starting college. I was so nervous and anxious when I made the decision to attend the University of Maryland, but honestly there was no need for any of it. By my second day here I felt right at home. My high school self also needed to know that not everyone has to follow the same set path. I started college in the spring rather than fall, and at the time thought it was a tragedy because all my friends were going away to school and I was stranded for a semester. The truth of the matter is however, that semester off did a lot of good for me. I learned a lot about myself and was in a better place when I got to school. While everyone thinks that you need to go straight to college after graduation, it is completely ok if your route to college differs from your peers. Everyone has different needs, you just need to find the perfect fit for you and pursue it.

Going back in time is sure an interesting thought but as the saying goes, " We learn from our mistakes." If I were to speak to myself when I was a highschool senior and discuss college life, the transition and any important advice that I may have had, I would simply answer, "Create, Establish and Be Yourself." College opens up a plethora of doors for the future so don't be afraid, ask questions when needed, and try to establish the goal of why you are receiving a higher education. Being yourself helps alleviate any future stress that may have been created if you shy away from certain activities or classes. On that note, take any classes which interest you, open yourself up to different people and create new friends. Don't stress about school and most of all enjoy life because college is really the quickest and the best four years of your life. So remember creating opportunities, establishing the future workload, and being yourself are the simplest ways in order for you to ensure a smooth transition into the university of your choice.

The greatest advice I could ever give to my former self is "to just be you." In high school, I was worried about looks, popularity, and my reputation. However, once I got to college, I realized that none of these elements mattered anymore. College is truly a time to find yourself. It encompasses four short years where you, as a student and maturing adult, can have the opportunity to take risks, make mistakes, and learn who you aspire to be as a person in society. As I approach my senior year of college, I have learned that I am many things: a student, a writer, a dancer, a musician, an educator, and most importantly, a fighter. I will fight in order to make my dreams come true, no matter what obstacles I may face. If I had spent more time in high school focusing on the elements that make up me, rather than trying to be the person my fellow peers wanted me to be, then my high school years would have been much happier. Once again, my advice to high school students who are transitioning into college is to be you, just be you.

If I could go back to high school and tell myself anything I know now, it would be to not worry about the small things; by this I mean if you have a falling out with a friend and you don't speak to them or if you fail a test, move on. There are so many new people and adventures in college and it is a whole new world that you'll want to discover. The little things seem so important when you are young, but there really is a plan for you in the real world and it is up to you to take that plan and make a path for yourself. Remeber the sweet and not so sweet moments from high school and take those with you as you grow. Let those moments be a constant reminder of where you came from and where you are going. Life is about the journey you have had and the path to where you will go and if you worry about the little things, than you will miss the big and wonderful picture called life.

First of all, I would definately tell myself to start filling out college scholarship forms in my junior year. Financial aid is a huge part of college & the more scholarships you obtain, the better. It makes life much easier when you dont have to worry about how you are going to pay for school. Next I would tell myself to study a lot more, to make sure I have straight A's in all of my classes. It is vitally important to develop good study habits. It provides you with a solid base when you are struggleing in certain classes. I would also let myself know that things in college are totally different than in high school. You dont have all of the "groups" that high school has, the ones that can make your life miserable. Things do improve for alot of people when they move on from high school to college. There is a lot more acceptance of varried personalities. Finally, I would tell myself to believe in myself, that believe it or not, I can succeed at anything I put my mind too. Confidence in yourself is a key factor in succeeding.

If I could go back to my high school self, I would tell me to be more open minded. I was always within my own group of friends and I was very set in my ways in terms of what I loved to do which was musical theater, chorus, band and many other musical endeavors. I wish that I had spread my wings outside of the performing arts arena. If I had done so, it would make getting involved with activities outside of my major a lot easier. I am now a vocal music education major and I find it hard to branch outside of the school of music. Also I would tell my high school self that it is alright not to have many disctractions. I was very involved in my church and my school which made it hard to have life outside of those places. I used to think I was the only one of my friends who did not out to a party here and there. I was concerned with being considered "cool". However now being in college I am realizing that these distractions become more magnified and opportunites become more present.

Be assertive. Conflict will come, and you cannot run from it forever. Know what you believe, and stand up for it. Be yourself! You do not need to worry so much about losing people’s regard or affection. You are a likeable person, and people will still want to be your friend, even if you do not always do what they want you to do or think what they think. Make your own decisions and be accountable for them. You do not have to rely on your parents or friends to decide your future for you. Remember that this is your life, and you will have to live with the consequences of your choices. Do not do what feels easier now, if you know you will regret it later. Believe in yourself! You can do so much more than you think you can. I trust you will make the right decisions when the time comes, and you should too.

Advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to come into college with an open mind. When transiting into college I was trying to look for similarities from my high school life. Initially I tried to find friends that were similar to my friends from high school and find any similarities around campus that would remind me of home. I quickly learned that College was going to be completely different and that it would slow me down if I tried to constantly think and remember events and people from High School. I am not saying to forget about your past, but I am saying that College is a time to branch out and create a new path in your life. If you try to recreate what you have done in the past there is no way that you will grow and learn new things. The first couple of weeks of college will be challenging when meeting new people and living in a new environment, but this challenging beginning will pay off in the end, because you will see the growth you have made as a person.

I know that you overreacted a lot to the things ahead of you, but understand that what happened in the past was all necessary to make room for the things of the future. It is easy to get carried away with worrying about which school to attend and which schools your peers are attending, but your life is yours so do not worry about others, and enjoy what you have right now. Most of all, never stop relying on God for peace and guidance because if you rely on Him, He really will give you peace. While you might be confused about what you will become or do, understand that God has an ultimate plan and that no matter what, since He loves you, He will keep you as part of that plan. It may not make much sense to you now, but you will be very humbled and awakened within the next three years. So be excited for what is to come, but more than that, be good to your family and be excited for what is going on around you now. Do not regret anything for even mistakes are made so that lessons can be learned. Enjoy!

The one and biggest thing I could tell myself-as well as anyone willing to listen-is that ‘things do not get any easier. As a high school student, there is a cloud that makes you think everything will work out. Just understand that no successful individual got where they are waiting for good things to come to them. They worked hard and put effort into everything they did. success was not meant for the lazy. Things only work out if you yourself make them work. So thank your parents and anyone who ever pushed you to do anything good, anything uncomfortable, anything hard, anything you didn’t want to do because had it not been for those people, I wouldn’t be what I am today. Work hard and remember everything you do is for you and not anybody else. Dad might be pushing you one way but if you go with your heart, you will be a lot happier, everything will turn out fine.