University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

Focus. That is all I would tell myself. I need to make the best of my first year, but at the same time I cannot forget why I am here. I am here to succeed, to make a future for myself so I can support my mother and father who have supported me throughout my life . They have taught me what to live for and how to earn what I desire. I need to focus on the task in front of me and conquer each small battle whether it be academic, or social. I must study diligently, listen actively in class, and look past the textbook to find solutions to question because that is the difference between a student who wants to learn and a student that wants an A. I should not let people who do not care about me affect my daily activities and know that adversities fuel people to change the world in a better way. I would tell myself to stay true to the values that you were brought up on, and always have the vision of reaching my dreams in the back of my mind motivating me to never give up on a daunting task.

If I could go back to talk to myself in my senior year I would tell my past self to relax. Yes, college is hard, but it's not as hard as you make it out to be. You're only psyching yourself out. Take a deep breath because college is just like high school except you don't go everyday and they teachers are more laid back. You will do just fine. Yes, adulthood is scary but you'll get through it because everyone does. You know in your heart that you will make a great Elementary School teacher you just have to work your butt off and believe in yourself. If I could go back in time to talk to my high school senior self I would make sure to tell her to have confidence in herself because confidence is what helps you motivate yourself to keep going on with what you are doing. Confidence is key.

Take your friends and never let them go. Distance can do quite a number on friendships, and you don't want college to destroy companionships that you've worked so hard to build. They always say, "You'll meet your true friends in college," but that isn't always true. There are so many people to meet on such a huge campus, so of course you'll find some fantastic friends, but they could never replace the ones you made in high school or even before that. Middle school is the darkest time in anybody's life, we all know that--so any friend who has known you then and sticks with you through high school is definitely a keeper. Any friend that says you saved their life is also worth keeping, a million times over. The friend that offers you a place to live for a week after a hurricane passes by is one of the greatest friends you'll ever have. Having friends in college is important, but not more important than your high school friends. And they never will be.

Hattie, College is a chapter where you will have make decisions, more specifically decisions about relationships. Right now at this point in your life the most important thing to you is your relationship with your current boyfriend, but trust and believe honey your dreams and goals are more important. What I can tell you now is that you're going to be tested and forced to make decisions that will affect your future, try to see the long term consequences of you decisions, as opposed to your short term gains. Another way to state this is, when you're approaching an argument with your boyfriend, DO NOT let him distract you from your studies and homework. I can promise you that each time you engage in a stressful and emotional battle with him, it will negatively impact your academic performance. Sweetie you are too pretty, smart, and ambitious to let someone's insecurities hinder you from academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. With all of that said, advice: the moment you're unhappy call it off! You will only have the precious moments as an undergraduate once. My second piece of advice is, to never let anyone stop your dreams.

Listen Up Tiffy! If you asked high school Tiffany how her senior year was, she would have answered, "Okay I guess. But wait until college. I can start over again!" in an excited tone. However, that Tiffany was a procrastinator and had much to learn about being herself, forward planning, and financial blunders. So, to that truly blind Tiffany I dedicate this advice: "Tiffany, on that August 1st when you're watching hair care videos, STOP. Find out about Scholarship Experts and get to work! You'll save your memories another dark day of doom with mother. Oh yeah! Remember when you said your intuition is always right? It IS! That guy you thought was too perfect, that party you should have gone to, that guy that you think is for you... Don't deny yourself! And just because you think you're alone doesn't mean Project Change Yourself. Remember that friendships are stronger when you allow them to form naturally. And lastly, complete your assignments a week before. Yah, that's possible now. So don't declare and don't do. You'll at least keep your promises to yourself, won't you?"

I would tell myself, "Relax. College is not a race. You were accepted into a world-class institution because you're an academic. If you feel pressured by others, that you're their inferior or you aren't as intelligent as they are, remember that you are where you are for a reason. You deserve to be there. Take your time discovering your abilities, and hone them to become your very best. Only you define your prowess. "Don't be shy around other people. College is the time to meet friends who will stand by your side for the rest of your life. And if someone comes along whose ideals collide hideously with yours, it's alright to bid "So long." "Don't fear the professors. It's their job to provide worlds of information and coach you to become your very best. Who knows-- even some professors could become lifelong friends! They are your coworkers, confidants, and professional connections. They've been in your shoes. They understand that you're still figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. It's okay to make mistakes. They will guide you through the confusion."

- Apply to everything: scholarships, school programs, internships. You can always decide to accept or decline later, and not applying is the only way to guarantee you won’t have the option. You never know what you’ll interested in or ready for in the future - Ask everyone for their story, especially adults; ask how they got to where they are and what advice they have. Recognize that no path is straightforward and there’s no exact formula for success - Be eager to learn, inside and outside of the classroom. You got into college because you are good at learning inside the classroom, but college is best at teaching you things completely unrelated to academics. - Be the person you want to be. College is a fresh start; although entering a class of completely new people is daunting compared to the network of lifelong friends of your hometown, it means you have no reputation or expectations. Make the changes you want to be the person you want to be. - Commit to your school and your experience. Be proactive about getting what you want from your school, because the value you get out of anything is equal to the commitment you put in.

I would say be open to as many new experiences as you possibly can. Try and get involved in a variety of things, be as diligent as you were with colleges as you are with your extracurriculars in college. Don't define yourself or limit who you could be by friends from high school or orientation. Seriously, do something weird or expose yourself to a new crowd of people, it opens up who you can be friends with and what experiences you'll get to know about in college.

If I had the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be prepared to move out. It is not easy financially and school is expensive. I would tell myself to get a summer job and save as much as I can. I would also tell myself to rent books online and buy them only if they are truly neccessary because I spent a lot of money on books that professors did not even end up using.

To try harder in school.