University of North Carolina at Asheville Top Questions

I was really uptight in high school before graduated early and went to California to live in a tent and volunteer with the American Conservation Experience. The four months I spent away from the people I grew up with was life-changing. I realized that I loved traveling, meeting new people, and helping to clean up the environment which is why I am majoring in International Studies and minoring in Environmental Studies. Going to college was easier for me because I realized I could make it on my own. My high school self was insecure. I would tell myself to relax and "you will find your way." I am still finding my way, but with so much more certainty that whatever life throws my way, I will be able to thrive.

My adcie to my high school self is this: don't give up. I know it was hard when he died, I know that the teachers only wanted the recognition to go to the athletes, I know that your self esteem was so low even the teachers looked at you with pity. Don't say that you couldn't do swim team in tenth grade because your thighs were too thick, don't say that you couldn't take time off when your father died, don't give up in a class because the work you do doesn't even compare to the work of the cheerleaders. Don't let them walk all over you, don't stay at home because you think that no one wants to be with you, and don't miss out on life because of what the people might say. Life is going to keep moving, take the time to notice the scenery.

Note to self, I love you, but sometimes you need to take a deep breath, sit down and relax. College is nothing to worry about. Just think of it as a large bubble filled with mature adults and not insecure, immature children. I know high school was tough for you. But college, UNCA more specifically, is where you will discover so many new and exciting facets about yourself. College will guide you out of your shell. Trust me, you will no longer be the shy and timid child after you experience life in the academic sphere. I will not lie though, their will be times of emotional turmoil but the lasting results are worth it. College is what you make of it. Its like clay, it can be easily molded into whatever you would like. I know that was cliché, but its true. Just remember to stay true to yourself, strut your stuff and know that it will be all worth it in the end.

Advice To My High School Self If I were given the opportunity to travel back in time, I would offer myself the following advice as a high school senior. First, I would tell myself to trust and embrace your genuine optimistic outlook on life. It’s a rare quality to have. In a world that is bombarded with negativity, you understand that keeping a positive attitude can make the difference. It can also be extremely contagious. Next, I would remind myself to value the education that comes with every moment of success, missed opportunity, and hard lesson learned throughout life. Understand your expectations and focus on the difference between each outcome. Practice the art of forgiveness and patience daily for yourself and others. You will learn more from your failures then you will your successes. Finally, I would ask myself to solicited feedback from others and truly listen to what each person has to say. There can be a difference between one’s own perception and the actual reality. If you take heed to the above advice, the character of the person you want to be will take shape as you transition into college.

You was only born once. Think about it. Ask yourself are you gonna repeat the same crap you did last year or are you gonna wise up and rise up? Stop crossing your will. You got a right to live by nature's way not this man way or mankind's way. You do a lot of stuff that is unnatural. Stop crossing your will. You gotta be natural and be yourself by living nature's law and universal law, and everything good will come into your life. Trust me. Keep putting natural food on your plate. You can't love yourself, because you keep crossing your will or watching television. You are not doing what you are suppose to do. Once you realize change is more important than money, then money will come.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to study harder than what I did. I also would tell myself that having better grades than what I did would of helped me get more scholarships to pay for college. What I did not realize then was how expensive college is. I think if I would of have realized that when going through high school I would of done things a lot differently. I also would have told myself not to wait as long as I did to start college.

The advice I would give to my high school self would be to cherish my friends and spend more time with them. I came to college and only knew three other people on my campus. I have made wonderful new friends in just a few months' time. However, I truly miss my high school friends and wish we had shared more time together before going our separate ways. Also, I would have told myself to be more involved in high school clubs and organizations so I would feel more prepared to join clubs and organizations at college. I am satisfied with my transition to college life, though, and am proud to hold true to my high school self who was in control, did not have to follow the crowd, and gave my absolute best to my school work, my friends and family. If you are comfortable with who you are when you graduate high school, you will transition well into college and be ready to face the challenges college can bring.

Don't be afraid to dream big, and don't make decisions based on "playing it safe." Don't worry about finding your husband right now, God will bring the right man into your life when the time is right. Please remember to think of your parents in your decisions, but don't be afraid to spend weekends away from home. Set your sights high, and prayerfully consider God's will in everything, don't run ahead of Him.

If I could go back and tell myself about college, I would say really sit down and think about what you want to do in life. I just jumped ito a major that everyone expected me to be in but my passion lied somewhere else. I would have said don't hesitiate to go out on a limb and try something new and dont be afraid to give college everything I have. Now that I know this is strive so hard everyday to make the best experience I can.

Almost everything you learn in high school will show up again when you go to college. The transition between high school and college could have been made easier if you had just buckled down an applied yourself when you were a freshmen. Sadly, it is too late for that now. You have done a good job at improving your grades over the past two years, but you need to take your preparations for college more seriously. Your mother isn't going to be there you take you by the hand and guide you through college. Start applying for colleges now, look for scholarships, and stop worrying so much about your social life! I guarantee that even with the extra work involved in applying to colleges and scholarships you will have plenty of time to hang with your friends. It is your job to be the first person in our family to finish college. You are an incredibly bright young man, after all, I should know. You have so much potential, and it would be a shame to see that potential be wasted. I promise it gets easier, but only if you are willing to hustle, and build a better future.