University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I would give myself an overwhelming amount of advice, but I feel like the majority of the advice would be to not worry so much about what other people think of me, and to stay true to who I am and what I know in my heart is right. I would tell myself to save money and not feel the need to keep up with the Jones' because in the end it doesn't really matter and I will be better off in the long run. I would also tell myself to be sure and focus on getting as much out of college as possible. There is so much knowledge available to be acquired and if it isn't taken seriously, so much can be missed. If I could go back and do it all over again I would definitely focus a little bit more, especially during my first couple years of college. Instead of doing the minimum, would spend a little time making it the most valuable experience I possibly could.

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Dear high school me, College isn't what you expect. It actually feels like home. You're going to make great friends that you'll have forever, and the choices in boys is MUCH better than at home. You'll do great with the transition- there are times when you might miss your family a little, but just remember, college is exactly what you need to be doing right now. Remember how you want to travel everywhere? There are so many opportunities for you here! Cedar Falls has become your permanent home, and you won't change that for the world. You love it here, and even though times may get hard, you make it through to write this letter to yourself. Don't get stressed. College is so much fun, and you don't even know it yet! High school may seem awesome now, but you know that you love your independence. You can do what you want at college without telling anyone. You're doing good so don't worry. P.S. I know boys are complicated, but keep your head up, okay? You'll be frustrated with them just as much at college. Love, Me

Take it slow, it will get easier. I know you're excited to get out of the house and on your own but don't rush into it. Enjoy the time you have the summer before you first move into school! The University of Northern Iowa is the right place for you, stop doubting it and go with the flow. I know you want to be done with school but you need to get in gear and actually focus during college. It's easy to get swept up in meeting new people and being on your own but always try to keep grounded and make sure you get everything done on time and not to the bare minimum, show the professors that you care. It will all be over soon enough and you'll have lots of fond memories to cherrish for years on down the road. Your college experience is what you make of it so get out there and show everyone who you are and what you stand for. You can be who you want to be and do what you want to do, just tackle any obstacle that stands in your way and take it.

I'd tell myself to definitely apply myself more and come into college with a good GPA. I'd say get involved in activities more and make more an impact while you are there. Also take college credit classes to knock some out of th way before you go to college.

I would tell myself as a high school senior to fill out a lot of scholarships. I would aslo tell myself to ask about financial aid. I would tell myself to get involved on campus and to not be shy and just meet new people. I also think I would tell myself to go on campus tours whenever I could and remember where everything was. I think everything else was ok for me in high school. I think I would tell myself to try and take AP classes or college classes if they allowed me too. I think having some experience with college before I got here would help me while I am in college now.

As a high school senior I was just as confused as everyone else around me but I made one fatal mistake. I didn't do anything about it. I decided to wait a year instead, hoping things would just kind of come together for me later. I'm not sure how such a stupid thought entered my head but alas, a year has passed and I'm more confused than ever. Which decision comes first? Is it choosing a school, getting a scholarship, or deciding what I want to go to school for? Unfortunately, I still can't answer these questions. Yet, I do know that to go back to school I need money. Hence, searching for scholarships. It's a step, hopefully in the right direction. If I could go back just a year, I would tell myself to take advantage of all the people who offered me help before i rejected them and remind myself to stay strong. Obviously, the first scholarship or perhaps even school that I apply for may not accept me. I just have to remember not to take it personally and also to pursue what I know will make me happy and accomplished.

Looking back at myself as a senior and with what I know now, the main thing I would tell myself would be never lose yourself. The hardest thing about college is staying true to yourself and doing what you truly want and what is ultimately best for you. With the party scenes, and the new circles of friends, its hard to remember what matters to you. Don't let anyone else's ways, beliefs, or ideas become yours. You are your own person and that is all that matters. No matter how good of friends you think you have, you always come first. Work hard to your life goals and don't be distracted by other people's laziness. You are determined, you are a hard worker, don't lose that. Look to the future and don't hold on to the past. Balance your time wisely but spend some time to yourself.

Its not as easy as you think is going to its a long process and it take a long time so start working on it now

Make as many friends and connections as possible. Study hard, have fun. Go to class! Things are not as stressful as they may seem at the time. Remember it is only a test. Worry less about the grade and more about the content. Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do right away or if you change your mind. You're allowed to! Find what you love and are passionate about. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks! Be who you are and love what you do. Life is too short to worry and to be unhappy. It make take you awhile and you may feel lost at times, but you are a smart person and you will figure out what is best for you!