University of Maryland-University College Top Questions

I graduated high school a semester early. At that time, my dad told me he was willing to finance my college education on the condition that I start in the fall. I felt I needed more time to decide what I wanted to do. My dad was wise enough to know that I should take core classes while I decided what to major in. I decided not to take his advice, and moved to Seattle instead. It didn't take me long to realize I should have taken his advice. My pride wouldn't allow me to admit I was wrong, so I joined the military instead. I used my military education benefits and completed my Bachelor of Science in 2014. I have children of my own now, and I would tell my high school self the same thing I tell them. A college education doen't define you as a person or mean that one person is better than another. It is, however, a key that opens doors which may otherwise remain closed to you. Limiting yourself by not taking advantage of any education available to you is not wise, and this was something my dad knew.

Have fun, but remember to stay focused. Hard work now will definitely make life easier in the long run. There is plenty of time to have fun in life, and it is much more fun with all the money you will be making after graduating from college. Remember to give back to the community that you are around. Volunteering gives you great insight and a sense of accomplishment. The reward for your time is immeasurable. Volunteering in the field you are going to school for is a great way to gain experience as well as network for the future. Get to know your fellow students and teachers. They will likely be your peers, workmates, and maybe even employees or bosses. Set goals that are realistic and attainable, both short and long term. Completion of the short term goals will give you the confidence to accomplish the long term goals. Finally, pick a field that you enjoy. If you like it, it is much easier to learn, and you will have fun along the way. Remember, have fun and stay focused.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to "work hard now so that I don't have to struggle as much later. Being the most popular, the class clown, and focusing on fitting in; did not help to advance my academic or professional career. Instead focus on community service initiatives to raise awareness about the things that matter to our society, find summer internships to gain a perspective about the workplace, volunteer, it makes you feel good to give back, play sports to build competitiveness, and listen to everything that your parents tell you because they are most likely right! I would tell myself to have fun, but not the kind of fun that damages your reputation or hinders you in the future from reaching your professional or educational goals. Let life happen, but do not let it just pass you by.

Dear Self, Study hard and focus by setting goals for the immediate and long-term future. Structure your week so there is adequate time to study AND have a little fun. Take advantage of every free lecture or band or performance that is available to you on campus. You never know when there will be an opportunity to share a common experience with someone; if you don't make time for experiences, you'll have very little to share. Network, network, network. It's okay to make mistakes. Do not be afraid of them nor the consequences of them. THIS is how we grow. Lastly, ditch that haircut. It's not as flattering as you think it is. Go get 'em, Tiger! Love, Self

Conquering College Conundrums: Conscientiously and Cheerfully How do you prepare a teenager that has lived their entire existence under parental guidance, to the introduction of a world that entails academic dedication, while also attempting to generate new and lasting social relationships? The answer is not simple, and there are countless of visionary pieces of wisdom I could impart onto myself today, that could have greatly eased my mind. But, where on earth should I start, and what unique insights can prepare an individual for the labyrinth of life choices and experiences ahead of them? The most poignant and sound belief, that would have anchored my initial trepidation, is that we can transcend every single hurdle we face, even if it feels insurmountable. Our basic needs and desires of acceptance, companionship, and success, always remain constant, even if the methodologies have a metamorphosis. Regardless of the nature of the matter, whether it is a seemingly impossible class, missing the comforts of home, not bonding with other students, or simply feeling out of place, time changes everything. Hindsight may always be “20/20”, but living in the present and appreciating every moment, is one of my favorite lessons in life thus far.

Just to tell myself that if you want anything out of life that you are going to have to work for it. Also never be dissapointed at failure but take it as a learning experience.

College is nothing like your school experience so far. You will come out of your metaphorical turtle shell that you always hide in and find it easier to be the leader you know you can be. I'm proof that you didn't give up on yourself. Take your time. You still work better on your own terms. There are online classes for that. You'll stick with the Biology thing for a while, but the teacher who convinced you to do that will mean nothing when you find your true passion - spoilers. Every failure you think has had disasterous consequences? They too will mean nothing compared to your achievements in the future, especially community college. You never would have guessed that community college was the best decision you ever made. When it comes to your university decision afterwards, try not to stress so much this time. It was exhausting. Just know your final choice is actually yours, not anyone elses. Don't give up and create some weird paradox right now. I like existing. You'll get there soon.

I should have gone and talk with the student counselor to take every piece of knowledge from her on how to fund and succeed for college. I was a 3.5 grade point average student for High School Freshman and Sophomore year, but I did not have a vision after High School. I never once used the admin resources to research for college. Knowing what I know now, I truly see it as a loss of opportunity in High School. Had I actually been admitted to college the following year, I want to say to myself “study for your undergraduate courses and stop procrastinating.” My freshman year in college was taking courses lackadaisically and not caring about my grades. The struggle I ran into my Junior and Senior undergraduate year could have avoided and given me honor student status. I still feel the ramification from that moment as I applying for graduate school today.

I would tell myself to go to college as soon as I graduated highschool. I would tell myself to be prepared to study and to be excited about the opportunity to learn. I would tell myself to look around at different career options and have fairly concrete idea about what I need to study and learn in order to be successful in my future career.

Congratulations on being the first in your family to embark on a college education. I’m really proud of you for being brave to go to College 450 miles away from home. Your college experiences will help define you. Remember don’t make rash decisions, the choices you make will follow you throughout your college career. Focus on getting great grades. Don’t overwhelm yourself take fun electives with your mandatory courses each semester. For your first spring break, I would suggest going on vacation with your best friends. If you happen to experience some sort of homesickness/depression, try to spend more time with your friend Jennifer. Being at the University of New Hampshire for the first year with your best friend is a great thing. I can’t reiterate this enough think about the decisions you make, missing class, going to parties and staying up late. Think several years down the line on the repercussions. Will this decision get me the degree I am seeking or will it hinder me from getting it? Above all though have fun while being responsible! I’m extremely proud of your success; you’re the first Fernandez to go to College.