University of New Mexico-Main Campus Top Questions

As a high school senior and just before that, when I was applying for college, I was sure I would end up anywhere but UNM. Unfortunately, UNM gets a bad reputation around New Mexico, especially in Los Alamos where I grew up and people tend to think only those who can't get in elsewhere attend college here. When my scholarship offer came in the mail, it was obvious that I couldn't turn it down. My mom was in tears telling me how happy she was that I wouldn't have to rely on my dad's open-ended promises to make it through college the way my sister did, but I was upset that I would be stuck in Albuquerque. Now, two years later, I've learned to appreciate all the little things that come along with being close to home. If I could tell my senior self one thing, it would be to make the best of a situation that seems less than ideal. If I had moved far from home, I would be missing important moments in my baby siblings' lives, and I would be having to take out massive loans.

What I would tell myself is to stay focused in school and not get caught up with my surrounding. The surroundings being partying, friends, and gaming. All these distractions took away from the one thing that could have made me a better scholar. Now that I see where I am at and where I am going I feel that those years where dumb and foolish. I would tell myself that sure they may be fun and exciting but it is not worth it in the end. College is hard and a lot of work. If I knew that before I left for college than I would have taken high school more seriously. Now my studying skills are always being improved becasue I refused to learn in high school. Learn all that you can in the time given because once that is taken away then a new, harder story begins!! Good Luck! Stay Focused

Hopefully I would not go back in time to midterms or finals week when trying to talk to my old self. Planning on that not happening, and being able to talk to my old self when he was in a listening mood would be the best time to give him some advice on the future. I would tell him to not worry about homework, essays, and tests so long as he is proactive in his studying. Start doing the assignments earlier that way you do not have to cram the night before like so many other students do. Doing so you will have stress free academic career with an incredible amount of free time for an internship, job, and social life. Next I would tell him to pursue an internship at his earliest convenience. Pursue playing sports/intramurals in college as this opens the door easily to new friends and an engaging college experience. Lastly, I would tell him to pursue even the smallest interest in another field of study such as engineering, psychology, the arts, anything. Later in life it will help that you did as no one thinks exactly like you. They all have different interests and hobbies.

I would tell myself not to ever give up, and to keep striving for what I want in life. I would tell myself that I will get far in life, and to take life one step at a time. I would tell myself to never forget my goals and to keep pushing.

As a college freshman, I have found that classes are short, but the lack of time with the instructor is made up through the extensive homework hours that I spend every night. However, the transition between high school and college for me was not so agressive, thanks to the fact that I was always enrolled in at least two Advanced Placement classes, which were just as intense and homework packed as my college classes, therefore I would tell myself "Evelyn you're doing great keep up with AP classes and never slack because those will be the classes that truly prepare you for college. "Another word of advice which I now give to my middle school brother is that straight As are not the only important aspect of getting into a great college. Extra curricular activities and being extroverted are what make you a well rounded person, I would therefore tell myself , "Evelyn even though you do great in all your classes,dont sweat it if you are on the brink of Bs, rather look for something fun to do that takes your mind off of school while being involved with your community; please be more than a book worm."

Dear Sam, Where to begin... I know right now it feels like your world is crashing down, like everyone around you has turned their backs, and that home just doesn't quite feel like home anymore, but, in a few months, life as you know it will be turned upside down. Everything that matters to you right this second will be a laughing matter in the days to come. But for now, stop turning your cheek in embarrasment every time your mom leans in to kiss you because I guarentee you will miss those moments. Make things better with your dad before you leave because I promise you you're going to need him when you're gone. Keep working hard on your grades...you haven't the slightest idea how much they have helped you succeed in the years to come. And as far as volleyball goes? Hang in there.. It will all fall into place just as you have dreamed. Sam, if there is one thing I must say it is this... Continue to prove them wrong. Perservere through everything and know that it doesn't get easier, but it will be worth it.

As Brad Paisley sang in Letter to Me, "your'e wondering if you'll survive, you'll make it through this and you'll see, your'e still around to write this letter to me." Life will seem hard just about all the time. The homework never seems to stop and there are times when you want to rip your hair out. Now I don't know this for sure, but people tell me that things get better after college, so persevere. Don't be afraid to try new things, regret is your greatest enemy. There is nothing worse than wishing you had done that one thing and wondering what your life would be like if you had. The alarm app on your iPod is your best friend, set it to remind you BEFORE regular homeworks are due and you'll get through classes alright. Just never slack off or wait untill the last minute to write papers or do projects.

If I could go back and tell the high school senior me anything, it would be no not worry about the prestige of the university. Coming to the University of New Mexico, I thought I was better than my peers for being able to attend college away three hours away from home. Going into the second semester of my junior year, I am transferring to a college an hour away from home. Attending UNM allowed me to be able to transition well into college life, however, my happiness depleted due to my family being so far away. I would tell myself to do what your heart tells you, but keep in mind, your decision will affect you in the long run. Sometimes going to a university close to home is the best for your physical and mental wellbeing. As long as you are working to receive a degree from a post-secondary institution, the name of the institution does not matter; your name is the only name that matters on that Bachelor's degree.

Dear Bonnie, You are about to begin a period of intense personal growth and self-discovery... here is some advice for your journey. Take more art classes, creative expression will be your biggest ally and provide you with a window into yourself. Please remember that your parents love you dearly. Though it may not seem like it, they have your best interests at heart. Don't compare yourself to others. Treat others with love and compassion; you never know how your actions will affect those around you. Spend less time listening to the media telling you who you should be, and more time being creative and discovering who you already are. The company you keep will greatly influence your perception, so do yourself a favor and surround yourself with positive people. Don't take yourself too seriously. Try not to be too hard on yourself... just remember we are our own worst critic. Above all else, listen to your heart and trust your intuition, your instincts are usually right. Keep an open mind and a steady heart, and you will be destined for miracles! I believe in you! Love, Your Future Self

Kristyn, my dear, listen. To those who say, "you need to decide." Although you think you do not need to abide, By the rules set to help you strive. You should listen To those who say, "four years goes by fast." They will be your past. Even though you may feel harassed, Please listen To those who say, "Go." You think you already know but even so, You'll surely look back and think, "Woah, Maybe I should have listened."