University of North Carolina at Charlotte Top Questions

It seems cliche what Mom and Dad said, that your college years are some of the best years of your life. Well.....it's true. It's terrifying at first I'm well aware, but trust in the people around you. The close friends you will make will be your greatest achievement in school. College is about so much more than just an education, and I know it doens't make sense right now. All you are thinking about right now is homework and tests I get that. You'll just have to trust me, stay open minded, don't get wrapped up in the little things, and just be yourself. There is plenty of fun to be had, in the most rediculous ways. You think you have it figured out, but there is no way any of us on this planet can have it all figured out. The road will be as bumpy or as smooth as you let it be most of the time. There will be times when college will smack you down hard. You have to learn to be able to get back up and prove you have what it takes.

Take the SAT and the ACT mutiple times. Make sure to keep your grades up, even in that last stretch of your senior year. Have a good summer, but when you get to college be ready to work. College is a different experience, both good and bad. Have fun, but don't forget to turn in your assignments on time and study hard! Enjoy!

I go back a few years, when I was a senior in high school. I think to myself, "I am so proud of where I stand today." I remember those "senioritis" days and I remember the memories I had created in high school. The best advice I could of given myself would be to continue my education with a positive attitude. Although it may be tough in the beginnning, simply because of the new transition you must go through and financial difficulties when starting at a new college, it is all worth it. Meeting new friends, and joining academic groups will help expand your knowledge and possibly help earn you scholarships. Focus on getting good grades in high school, and do not slack, because your hard work pays off in the end...you could get scholarships. If you have a dream, such as becoming a muscian, follow that goal because music could pay your way to college. Surround yourself with happiness and be proud of yourself, because one day the career you choose, will impact others around you in so many wonderful ways. At the end of the day, that is the most rewarding for yourself.

Never limit yourself. You have so many oppurtunities ahead of you. Don't ever be afraid, because you can go anywhere and do anything, so long as you never give up. And don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Some one, out there, will help you. Follow your heart, because you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing something that you hate. Money isn't everything, it is limiting. But doing something that you can be proud of and happy with, that is everything. Enjoy each moment; this is going to be an exciting ride!!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to stress out and worry so much about sports. I knew that I was not going to play sports in college yet I still threw a lot of my time into those extra curricular activities. I do not regret the decision to play but I wish I had participated in some other out of school activities. I would suggest for my high school self to participate in FFA(Future Farmers of America) or other archery/shooting sports since that is what I am interested in now after I have grown up. Also I would suggest that I do not date someone in my hometown while I am in college. My college self missed out on many activities during three years of dating while I was in college because I came home on weekends to see someone who would eventually break up with me. Great lessons learned in this but you can not go back and do it over. Also go with your heart on what you would like to do as a job, not what others want for you!

I would like to think I had it all figured out but in reality I should have taken high school more seriously. I did not realize at the time how large of a stepping-stone it was going to be for my future. Back then I could not wait to finish with school, not realizing I had many more years ahead of me. I would push myself to go to college immediately rather than waiting. Doing this would have saved me time and money. I would explain the importance of waiting to have a child until I finished college and started my career, because being a mom created unique challenges for me as a college student. Juggling a child and studying was very difficult. Having a family forced me to spread out my class load, prolonging my graduation by two years. Staying home with my child became a priority, causing me to deviate from my main goal of becoming an RN. I should have just followed my dream from the start. In the end it took me six years to accomplish my goal of becoming an RN. With hard work and determination anything is possible as I proved to myself.

Two main points of advice I would give my self is the take time and energy or effort, which is human energy. First, take time, a lot of time, the consider the opportunities or opportunity costs. What are the benefits of one choice compare to the cost of that choice over another? Consider what are my goals both long-range and short-range and take time to create a vision of how to achieve my goals. Read some words of wisdom from one of our countries founders, Benjamin Franklin, on Prundential Algebra in which the pro and cons of each decision are carefully weighed. While we are considering our future, attend church regularly because it will open up opportunities we were not aware of. Once we have made decision on our short-range and long-range goals, it is our responsibility to follow through, bringing our vision to reality, with time and effort, energy and enthusiasm. By attending church we will come to know that with time and energy, everything is possible. Lastly, be willing to change because the future is a mysterey, the past is history, and the present is a gift. Be us, be who we will be.

Explore all of the colleges May. Don't ever limit yourself. I understand that you are frightened and just pick whatever is comfortable but this is the chance to find your dreams. Don't take that lightly. Search and search until you know exactly where it is you belong. Whatever makes you happy, whether it's to travel the world or a public university. Don't think of yourself as any lower. And never let the money limit you. You can make it, no matter what the cost. Because in the end, your dreams are priceless.

Begin to look into all careers that fit all of your interest. Create a resume that has references and volunteer hours which can be validated and substaintated. The environment for scholarships are varied and working with your counselor is important. Continue to seek and ask for help in finace, understanding rankings, extending studies to double or triple major and look toward graduate school as a continum not added time to be held back. Adulthood requires forethought and time managemet. Pleae bring your "A" game at all times and talk out your fears. Make every moment aan adventure not only socially but in your educational development. Find a mentor and hold on for the ride thanking them for their expertise and guidance. Accept all advice as interest and discern the validity of the advice with trusted adults of all ages. Fear is natural and change is inevitiable; use both to your advantage. This is the advice time has emerged over time, taught me well, and I now use to the best of my benefit.

Take it serious. Do not let family life problems be your responsilbility. Be the intelligent student that you are. Take advantage of ALL the resources that a college can offer you and travel the world through study aboard. In the future there will be lots of time to worry about stuff, but for now, while you have nothing to tie you down, see the world. You have the capability and curiousity to understand the world. Take you chance and LIVE! For once in your life do something for YOU.