University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

When I came to college, I was scared. I knew that the transition would be hard, and that it wouldn't be anything like the high school life I was used to. I think the most important thing I would tell my past self is that it isn't as bad as you thing it going to be. Sure its scarry to be on your own, and you're going to miss home and our pets, and our huge bed, but we are going to make new friends, get a fantastic job, get grades that were just as good as the ones we got in high school, and try all new things. Branching out like we will have to is hard and a daunting task when you think about it, but its something we really need to grow as a person and its going to be a lot more fun than it seems right now. So basically, I would tell myself not to freak out. Things are going to be okay if you just keep flying.

I would give myself the advice of really pushing to get that high honor role status and keep up the motivation all throughout the year. For one, it feels wonderful to recieve that award and secondly, colleges really like that motivation in a student. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to try new things and stick with them. I would have told myself to not focus on the negatives that will come in the next year the a large university in a state far away. I would have told myself that its okay to be homesick and that i wouldnt regret staying in the furture. If future me didnt listen, i would tell myself that transfering is okay, and that when i do it it will be difficult. In the end, i would say, everything will be alright and i will succeed wherever i go. Just keep pushing onward and reach those high goals.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to base my college decision on the important things in life. I would tell myself to attend a school where I feel comfortable to be myself and where I can reach my full potential. I would tell myself to choose a school that does not cost a lot of money for many reasons: so that Dad can take more than a day off here and there to be home and to stay healthy; so Mum has the money to quit her waitressing job and open the restaurant she has always wanted to; so that I can save more of the money I make at work to help pay for life after college and to try new things. I would tell myself to attend a school close to home in order to spend more time with my family, but also a school that offers opportunities to explore. I would tell myself to attend a school that is not an end within itself, but which is a means to an end, one that teaches how to build a happy life.

“WAKE UP! What are you waiting for? There are so many scholarships out there that you could be applying for! Don’t slack now! Time is ticking fast!” These would be the first few sentences that I would lecture to myself. I never did realize the importance of applying to as many scholarships as possible until it was too late. The value of a single scholarship can easily be overlooked by a paper or response that’s required. This perspective is pure laziness and unfortunately, the exact attitude I fell into senior year. I was too lazy to look into scholarships that could have saved me thousands of dollars and is something I still regret today. Looking back now I would tell myself to take those opportunities that could have benefited me more significantly. I would tell myself to be careful, to not mess around in college, and to take in as much as possible. Time is something that no one on this Earth can get back. It's the most valuable thing. So take time to study hard, make good decisions, and apply to as many scholarships as possible. Don’t miss out on the opportunity scholarships provide.

In this response i am using YOU to describe and advise myself!: You are doing great, keep doing it. The information that you recieve in your senior year is very vital and very true aswell. Dont get your counselors and teachers wrong, they are there to help and whatever they advised is very important. Dont get mad with your teachers when they cut off your points on a late assignment because in college thats not even possible: if your assignment is late than its not accpetable. Be ready to put lots of effort. You cant study a night before the exam and possibly know everything and get good grades on it. Make a habbit of studying little bit everyday and getting ready for anykinds of assesments. Dont overwhelm, its better than what you expect to be but you just need to put some effort to make it the best as it can be! Again dont overwhelm yourself, what you are doing is great and thats a start to the next step of your college life!

It's like looking into a foggy mirror. As I think of myself as a high school senior there was still so much I needed to learn. I was focused on having fun. I was fearful of leaving home. I let my friends make the majority of my decisions. I wasn't ready to handle the so called "real world"; but I needed to step out of my comfort zone. The advice I would give my near adult hood self would be to realize whats truly important in life. Education, family, being self reliant, choosing to be happy despite our circumstances, those are the things that would matter in the end. I had this false conception that I had to fill my life with things and people who made my life enjoyable for a matter of a few hours. When in reality I was just digging myself into a deep whole of unaccomplished dreams. I would tell myself to not be fearful of change because its shapes us into a contributing member of society. To go out and work hard and one day you will accomplish all you've dreamed.

If I could talk to myself as a high shool senior I would tell myself to calm down and take a breath. Don't arrive at college and jump into everything, give yourself time. Believe it or not, it's harder to have a full schedule with clubs and sports in college than it is in high school. Give yourself time to adjust, it's not easy to adapt in a week or so. Don't panic if you don't have as many friends as you used to. You don't see everyone all day in college, we all have vastly different schedules. Say hi to that stranger, just please do it. If it doesn't make their day and they think you're weird, who cares? There are no appearances to keep up with in college, some people like ice cream on their hot dogs and that's okay. I know everyone says this, but get to know at least one professor, seriously. You'll never guess how many interesting stories they have or how much they can teach you in one conversation. Lastly, I want you to accept yourself because that's who you're here for.

I would try to get to know more people. I kinda of hung around with the same people in high school. At UNH, I have joined different clubs and tried out for a few that I didn't make. The experience has been world changing to think of some people in high school that I maybe could have gotten to know better. I am more confident going up to people at club meeting or just people in general.

The best advice I have always received from my Father and reiterated by my middle school teacher is simply, never assume. Those are the same words I would advise myself as a high school senior. This would entail making sure to have all your ducks in a row and read every single piece of information you can. The college experience is optimized when you are aware of all your opportunities, academic and extracurricular. Learning is not limited to the classroom. Do not assume you will get informed about all the opportunities and find them yourself. That being said, the most rewarding and beneficial experiences come when you least expect it. If you are making the effort to get the most of it the opportunities will come. The transition goes smoothly with a good attitude and willingness to find something new. College helps you understand yourself and it is important from the start not to be afraid to look in the mirror. I reflect back on my experience positively because I allowed myself to learn more than what is in the books and I advise you to do the same.

If I could pass a message to my high school senior self it would be to search for scholarships and grants sooner. By looking earlier in the year your options are wider as deadlines vary greatly from one scholarship program to another. One of the biggest frustrations in school is figuring out how to afford to pay for the large tuition bill. Having more financial aid would allow for the school year to be more enjoyable instead of having to work as much as possible to be able to pay for the textbooks, tuition, and other fees that come with being a college student in todays world. Though it may seem near impossible to pay for college, I want to pass the message it is possible, just seek help from guidance counselors, teachers, people who have been through college, and the internet to find sources to help you be successful and be able to earn a college degree.