University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

I would tell myself to stay calm and plan ahead, to really look at my options and to look at possibilities for scholarships and other aid everywhere. I would tell myself not to forget to enjoy every day as it comes, and that each day is an opportunity to do great things.

Okay, where to start..... APPLY FOR AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS YOU CAN!!! College ends up being way more expensive than you can imagine so budget your money wisely and work a lot over the summer before moving to college. Don't assume that since you took college level classes through your highschool that the real college classes will be a breeze. It ends up being way more competitive than highschool and the workload is heavier. Restrain yourself from going out all the time and instead get a good night of sleep and some study time in. 8 a.m. classes aren't a good idea if attendance is not mandatory because I know you'll skip, you rascal. The same goes for night classes. Find a favorite coffee shop or building to study in because you will not get much done in the dorms (try Spyhouse, their coffee is SO GOOD). I know you're a little shy sometimes, but don't be afraid to talk to professors. They turn out to be pretty cool and helpful, and they could make a great reference one day. Good luck, Lauren. Follow future Lauren's advice and you'll do great!

"What do you go to college for?" This would be the first question I would ask myself. Not because I was unsure at the time or because my parents told me not to go to college, but because the experience is invaluable. Everything done at the university, every class is put toward the desired career. Starting my first semester at the university, I took it like it was high school. Attend, do the work, and I'll get good grades. I started out my first semester that way and I almost failed several major courses. This was the biggest wake-up call to actually put work into every class I take because later in life, I'm going to need that experience. I didn't think the universtiy was actually helping me with my career in every class I took. Understanding this earlier on would have helped my GPA and academic work in the courses I took. In response to my earlier question, placing myself in the feet of when I was a transitioning student, I would have answered "To get an education". I now realize that I am here to gain an immeasurable experience.

The most influential event that altered my character was the transition from being significantly overweight to healthy. Up until that point, I was bullied in school and unhappy with my lifestyle. I remember lying on the couch and watching TV on a beautiful, sunny Saturday; in that moment, I decided I was done living my life uncomfortably. Over the course of several months, I worked towards losing weight by drinking only a 16-ounce smoothie for lunch and running every night. After this became a habit, I was expecting to lose weight, but I was surprised by the side effects—I was more energetic, a better student, and extremely confident. So confident that I worked up the courage to ask out a girl, who is now my fiancé, on a date. The changes that I made within myself resonated in the people around me, and the faculty of my school awarded me with the “most improved student” award. If I could talk to my former self, I would let him know that the future is bright, and that the problems of today may seem insignificant in the future.

I would told myself to start early in exploring possible career options that fit my interests and strenghts during high school. It took me a while to figure this out. Thus, I wasted a lot of time s taking classes for majors that I eventually realized I was not interesd. My other advice is to apply for a lot of scholarship as possible. There are thoundsands of scholarships out there for highschool and college students and it is not difficult to get one.

Upon leaving high school and entering college, I had a fairytale like perspective on the world. High school had been simple and I transferred that idea on to my perception of college. What I didn't understand was that there are less factors to control in high school. Once in college I was not solely responsible for school work like I was in high school, but finances, living expenses and time management as well. These extra responsibilities gave me an anxiety overload. In the process of trying to learn to juggle these stressors I began to narrow my mind. I would perform only to the extent expected adhering to an assignment exactly. At the time I didn’t realize how this limited me until my professor made a comment. He said I was too afraid of failure that I wasn't challenging myself. My advice to myself would be don’t be afraid to fail. It is in failure, and with intelligence, the most extraordinary learning happens. Don't let a fear of a grade limit your ability. Work hard and expand your mind.

Jon, I'm here to give you some advice about College next year. I know that you're anxious, excited and maybe even a little bit panicked. I'm here to tell you to calm down, you're someone that always makes sure that your work gets done, so don't worry about the academics, just be ready to read, a lot. I'm here to tell you something else, I know that you always get worried about your schoolwork, I know that you often stay in on the weekends making sure that your homework gets done and I know that you pass up a lot of opporutnities because you're worried about your work. I'm here to tell you to relax. You will always have the time to get your work done. I want you to have a blast in college, go out with your friends on weekends! Never pass up an amazing opportunity that life presents you with! Life isn't all about academics, it's about having the time in your life during the best time in your life. You'll do really well in college, enjoy yourself, take a deep breath and go.

Dear me, ten years ago: You've received two college acceptances and you're having a difficult time deciding. A part of you wants to remain in your comfort zone and attend the in-state university. Another part wants to explore new horizons. Take the plunge and discover a new place. It will be the best decision of your life. At your freshman advisor meeting, be bold and decide you're going to double major even though you have no idea what lies ahead of you. This decision will allow you to graduate with an unexpected three majors and one minor, all because you were focused on your goal. When the opportunity presents itself junior year to study abroad for either a semester or a year, do the year! Everyone always says one semester is not enough, and it's true, it really isn't. The five month mark is the time when you finally start feeling comfortable with your surroundings and integrating into the culture, don't rob yourself of the opportunity to blend into life in a foreign country. Plus, you'll end up meeting your future husband! Most importantly, enjoy, because time flys by too fast.

Dear past self, The first semester or half of the year was hard. For one thing, look a lot harder for scholarships. That way you won't end up crying in the hallway 2 weeks before the semester ends. Trust me, it was embarrassing. The second thing is don't take highschool for granted. I'll tell you a lie that they tell every freshman; it's easier to make friends in college. That is the biggest lie, typically most kids have friends already or are apart of organizations and make friends. So join some clubs, don't be me and have only one friend by the end of the semester. It sucks and I know it, I mean I've lived it. Lastly, keep working hard because that work ethic will be tons of help. Also make schedules because college life is twenty times busier. I lied, lastly, have fun. Make sure you have fun in college. Something I didn't do a lot of and regret. Sincerly the all knowing college freshman, Destanee

Be yourself. As cliche as it sounds, just be yourself. Don't worry about other people's perception of you because a less than a year from now, there is a good chance you may never see half the people you are graduating with ever again. Be spontaneous, ask that girl you've had a crush on all year out on a date, be a goof ball, crack jokes, don't hold back your thoughts in class, you're smarter than you think, and stop second guessing yourself. You've been second guessing yourself your whole life and nothing good has ever come from it, count to three, take a deep breathe, and do whatever it is you're worried about. It will change your life. Perhaps most importantly, learn to say "no", and better yet, don't always feel the need to explain yourself. Before you spend your whole life trying to please everyone else, make sure you take care of yourself first.