University of North Carolina at Charlotte Top Questions

Enjoy every moment! You hear people say it flys by and you never beleive them, well it does. I would also suggest living in a dorm for at least one semester. You wont know what you are missing if you never have the chance to try it. Make sure you also take advantage of different sporting events or clubs. They are free and great ways in meeting new people outside of your classes.

Once upon a time there was a pretentious 18 year old, who thought a college degree was all she needed to conquer the world. I would give so much to sit her down and convince her that putting in more work and less play would save her years of more 'study' and heartache. I took the easy route my first round of college, going to the same school as my older siblings because it was familiar; joining the same sorities, living in the same housing, taking the same classes. But now, 4 years after graduation, I'm venturing back as a post-bacc student, to fulfill a now-realized dream of becoming a veterinarian. Had I taken a second to stop and analyze I might have done things differently. I encourage high school seniors to get out into the world. Experience life! That's how I eventually figured out what I truly wanted to do. It might just save you an extra 6 years of school, and a couple (tens of) thousands of dollars in debt.

Hey Meade-man! Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. Now that I know what I know I wanted to tell you that as much as I hate to say it- mom and dad were right. Life is tough! You're 18 now- a man- a freshman! You got into college. You were scared to death about coming, but didn't want anyone to know. So many changes- you're now in charge- of your life! But mom and dad prepared you for this so you can do it! Mom taught you to wash clothes and cook a bit. They helped you manage your money. They helped you tackle your homework when needed. They expected that you communicate with people so talking to your professors shouldn't be a problem. Over many years, they helped you learn to manage your time. You worked hard your first semester, but you know you do better when you have a lot on your plate. I'm proud of you for becoming an active participant in clubs and activities at UNC-C. Keep that up and continue to work hard to make a positive impact on yourself and UNC-C.

You will screw up. You will fail a class, maybe multiple. You will lose a best friend. You will lose a job. You will experience what its like to be poor, so poor you cant afford a cup of coffee. You will experiment with drugs, just dont let them take over your life. College will teach you not just what you need for your future career, but how to keep moving forward when you feel like the entire world is pushing against you. Make a Goal every semester and turn that goal into a reality. Surround yourself with the kind of people that you want to be. Being social is NOT a bad thing. Talk to a stranger every day. Dont forget the things that made you happy as a little kid. And finally, You are more important than you will ever know, and anyone who tells you different is an ignorant ass with nothing better to do than bring others down.

I would tell my highschool self to always try your hardest in school. Never give up, because your grades are everything. Having education is the best thing for your future. I would also tell myself to either save up money working at the minimum-wage job that I had or apply for many different scholarships, because tuition is very expencive, and the family can't really afford that. I would've also told myelf to get involved with extracurricular activities like clubs and student council. Although I was a very stubborn person I would definitely listen to my older self. I would tell her to also get all the sleep she could, because there is no sleeping in college, it's just studying. There is also no partying in college. However, I probably wouldn't try to change myself and how I used to be, because that would change the person I am today. I am proud how I have turned out to be. I am a hard working individual and I work my best until I succeed at what I'm focused on.

If I could go back in time and give advicce to my high school self I would encourage myself to challenge myself a little more. While I did participate in College level classes, AP courses, I didn't really take them as seriously as I should have. I only did enough to pass the class. Instead I should have done more to successfuly recieve a high score on the AP exam in order to get college credit for the class. Also I would advise myself to not get distracted by little things, school and reaching your goals should be the only thing on your mind at that time.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college I would tell myself to take scholarships seriously. This is something that I did not deem important and now I am paying for it. Unfortunately, I did not have enough money to return to school this semester so I decided to do an internship at Disney World. I love what I am doing here but all I can think about is not being able to return to school when my program is over. Now that I am not in school I see the importance of scholarships because if I would have applied for some I would be in school now completing my first semester of my junior year, Another thing I realized is that loans add up. I am only half way done with my undergraduate degree and I already owe about $20,000. Just the thought of owing this much money already really stresses me out. School is very important to me and I cannot wait to go back and earn my degree but if I could do this whole thing over again applying for scholarships would be my number one priority.

Don't be shy there are people just like you. There's no need to be perfect just do your best. What do you have a passion for? Go for it and do get detered. Their is no perfect road to success, it's rock full of hole, bounds, and leaps. It's ok to say no and it's ok to say yes. Explore your jungle and learn your field. All things come with time and success falls in to place when you need it the most. Just keep smiling and know your not a failure and everythings okay.

If it were possible for me to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would encourage myself to venture on. I woudl tell my younger self that it gets better in college, "The work you are doing now is already at a college level but in abundant amounts, you already have what it takes. You have survived the IB Program then you can survive anything that comes your way in college.", is what I would tell myself. I would also tell my younger self not to be afraid, that I can do whatever I want to do, study what I want to, and be whoeve I wanted to be in college. I'd ensure myself that I'd be fine with the transition because of the social butterfly that I am. I would say, "Sure it's hard at first leaving home but you will grow and prosper beautifully after a week or so. You just have to keep your eyes and mind open to the copious opportunities and various experiences that will come your way in college. I'd end my visit by saying, "You'll be great!".

Work hard in your Advanced Placement classes, and take the Advanced Placement tests so you can get credit for the work you have done prior to college. You're going to make some mistakes in college, and you're going to transfer after freshman year when you change your major, but both experiences are amazing, so enjoy both while you can. Remember who you are, you're going to change a lot and learn to love yourself, so do not worry about what others think of you- you figure it all out in the long run, I promise.