Jeff
If I could talk to the younger version of myself, I'd encourage myself to get invovled sooner and more often. College has so much to offer to a student, and I think the average person doesn't take advantage of that. I would tell myself to not treat it as a job or burden, but to see college as a fun experience that you'll never forget. College may be some of the best years of someone's life, so I believe you should get as much out of it as you can. I'd also tell myself to establish more relationships with my professors. These are some of the smartest people you will ever come across in your life, and I think you should take advantage of those relationship opportunities. I'd tell myself to keep a solid balance between school and social life, but also understand that your education is extremely important and to take it seriously. I'd encourage myself to not sleep through my years in college. This is the time of your life to be active and involved. You should be creating relationships, having fun, and building your future.
Abalyn
As a high school senior I made the best time I could of my last year. I made sure I was surrounded by friends and participated in all that I could. I was so wrapped up in my high school life that I didn't even begin to think about what college would be like. If I could tell my high school self anything it would be to make sure that I am preparing myself for this huge trasition. Don't cling onto your high school life when such a big change is coming. Do everything you can to be involved with UNLV activities before the semester even starts. Make sure that you have a healthy balance of hanging with your old friends and making new ones. I would tell myself that high school was such a small environment and it was easy to meet new people, college is huge and it isn't going to be a breeze keeping in touch. So make sure that you participate in your new adventuree as you did in your old, that way the trasition will be easier with the new friends you have made.
Alexis
I would tell myself to enjoy your senior year as much as you can. Get involved with school, apply for many colleges and apply for scholarships. As a high school senior i thought i would have all the time in the world to think about college and apply for scholarships and that was not the case. I let time slip on by and in college thats one thing you learn that you can not do. I would also tell myself to take college prep classes because you arent really prepared in high school for how different the enviornment in a college can be.
Mehaki
I would tell myself to focus more in biology and other science classes. I would also suggest trying to do better in math in order to pass the necessary math courses and be able to position myself in upper division classes in college. I would also tell myself to enjoy life a little more.
Dakota
If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self to get in the habit of not procrastinating. I would also tell myself to start on the scholarships early and get as many done as possible. Procrastinating is something I would want to tell my past self not to do because doing work the last minute is really stupid and could hurt your gpa. I would tell myself that since I am paying for college I should get all the work done and to start early. I would tell my past self to start taking notes better. Taking good notes will help in college. Many classes requires to have notes and to have the book chapters read before class the next day. I would tell myself to get a skateboard or scooter so it will be easier to get to class on time. I would want myself to know that if I dont have a skateboard then I would have to watch out for them because it hurts when you get ran over by them.
Meagan
Honestly, I feel as though my teachers, mother, and siblings prepared me very well for both the academic and social strains of college life. If there's one thing I would tell my younger highschool senior self it would be "its not as bad as you think." I was so stressed out my senior year of highschool. I would worry about having to pay for tuition, what major to choose, how scary college math classes looked, and all the complaints of my older friends saying that they had no social life. I was afraid of college. However, now i'm here and i've been going to school full time, while working to pay for tuition and keeping up a relationship with my highschool sweetheart, things don't seem so scary. I haven't had to choose between my academic and social life as younger me worried about. All that stress was unneeded, and if I could time travel in a tardis with the Doctor to meet my younger self, I think I would tell her how great we ended up.
Kenza
I would pay much much more attention to my studies and work ten times harder. I wasn't motivated enough as a high school student.
Kristen
Dear me,
Life will not work out the way that you are planning and that's okay. You will suffer great losses, relish successes and discover bits of yourself along the way. Don't forget that education is the most important thing. People will tell you not to do it, but believe me, it will be all that you want to do. People close to you may not believe in you. You must believe in yourself enough for everyone! Don' t give up. You will struggle, that is to be expected, but just fight harder. Learn from your mistakes and your failures. That is what they are there for. Trust your instincts. Be patient and kind with yourself. You've got this! Don't let anyone ever tell you you can't do something just because they couldn't. Don't stress the small stuff... actually, don't stress at all! It just makes things worse! Take time to take care of your body. It is the vehicle that will get you to where you are going.
You are a strong, intelligent and innovative individual. Make me proud!
Love,
Yourself.
Stepheni
Hey Steph! I heard you're getting ready to start as a freshman at UNLV! Let me tell you - it's going to be a big transition. College isn't like high school. Here's some tips to smooth the transition: Firstly, be organized. Get a full year calendar and before the semester starts, go over your syllabi and write down every single assignment (no matter how small). Always look ahead at least one week so you aren't suprised by what's coming! Next, go to see your professors during office hours and develop a personal relationship with them! I know you think you can do it all by yourself, you can't. They have so much knowledge and they want to help so take advantage of their free information! Lastly, don't forget to take time for yourself. I know you will be trying to achieve the best but don't lose sight of yourself in the process. Go out with your friends and take a breather every once in a while! Get ready girl - I know you'll do great!
C'Ahra
That teacher who stayed on top of you about doing your homework, that assembly about finding out what you want to do, that career fair you dreaded, that lecture from the counselor about your grades, and that boy that broke your heart.. these were all important. I know you could not see this at the time but they all are playing a part in preparing you for college. So pay attention, learn what you can, take advantage of the help that is being offered now. The routine of going from class to class and having a tardy bell, or even having a bell at all. I know it all seems ridiculous but in college there are no bells, there are no manuals on what to do, there are no teachers that will stay on top of you. College is all about YOU. So I say again, please pay attention and stop taking these small things for granted. Figure out what you want to do now because college caters to no one. Prepare yourself and pay attention to the adults that are trying to help you better prepare now. I promise you that it will all make sense very soon.