University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

I would go back and tell myself that colledge is an amazing time and you shouldn't get cought up in all the stress to do perfect on every piece of work you are assigned. You only go to college once so you might as well enjoy the expierence.

The most important piece of information that I could give myself if I were to go back in time to my senior year of high school would be to follow my passion. I started at the University of Northern Iowa as a business major. I did this because it was practical and would give me good job prospects when I finished college. Two semesters into college and I knew a business major wasn't going to work for me. I didn't enjoy the classes and found myself not caring about the work I did. I have since changed my major to Environmental Geography. I have found a home in the sciences; I am still anxious about obtaining a job after I graduate, but I feel as if I have started my career path. I find it exciting and am always thirsting for more. These kinds of feelings I would have never found in the business major. I needed to follow my passion and not let fear deter me from doing what I love.

The biggest thing that I would tell myself as a high school senior is not to worry, it isnt that bad. I never believed the ones that told me and I wish that I had. No matter what the circumstance is in college, time will pass and things will go one. You have to believe in yourself and you will achieve. There will be smooth and rough patches but you will always get through them. Don't stress and just relax. Also don't procrastinate, it is not worth it. Get the work done and you won't have to worry about it. I would also tell myself to keep in contact with your family. Family will always be there for you and you need someone to confide in when times get tough. Family knows you best and the have your best interests in heart even if they dont show it. When push comes to shove, your parents will help you fight. As much as I would want myself to know all this, I know I wouldn't believe me. You need to learn things first hand to truly understand things yourself. Good luck!

Even though I have only been out of high school for two years, I feel like I have learned infinitely more about life than ever before. If I could give my high school self advice about college, I would first mention that I should lighten up and take things as they come and not be so serious all the time. I didn't realize the importance of slowing down to take in the scenery once in a while. College credit classes are another thing that is very important and would have saved me a great deal of money as well as helping me prepare for the increased class load required of me. Finally, focusing more on determining a direction in life as early as possible. This would have saved me a lot of stress and money.

There are many things I would tell myself about the college life and transition if I were, once again, a high school senior. I would tell myself not to be scared to get out and get involved. I've realized that by getting involved you meet so many new people and it is a very easy way to make friends that could last a lifetime. Be involved. Get out of your dorm room. There are always so many people walking around the halls or in the lounges just hanging out. Join those people. Make an effort to meet others because if you don't you will find yourself struggling to have fun. This will also help you in the whole transition of living away from home, which can be hard. Meeting people and making new friends will help you overcome this, what can be difficult struggle. I would also tell myself that my job in college is being a student. You aren't paying for college to go out every night and have fun. You are paying to learn. Manage your time. When you know you need to study, study. When you do study reward yourself when you can.

If I were talking to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that studying is what helps you get the grades you want. Grades are mostly based on tests and little homework is given to pad your grade. So as hard as comprehension is for you, you can do it! I would also tell myself to stay at school on the weekends in order to meet new people. Extra curricular involvement is also important in the skills you learn and the new people that you will meet. One last thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to try new things or make new friends. The transition to college life is so much easier if you are outgoing and not shy like you were in high school. You will be happy once you have come out of your box!

I would have pushed myself to take more difficult classes to prepare for the long road ahead. I wouldn't change my work ethic one bit, but striving for a double major or a minor would have been a lot easier if I would have taken more college level classes in high school. I also would have mentally prepared myself. College is a hard transition and a time to figure ones' self out. I would have told my self to not be transformed by the patterns of the college ways.

Looking back on my senior year of high school, I realize that I was unable to take time to really enjoy the many social experiences that usually take place. Instead of hanging out with friends, attending athletic games or dances, and participating in my usual activites like show choir crew and the drama department I was spending endless hours studying for my bulky course load. Not only was I taking on a full load of high school courses, but also a couple college courses at night. By doing so I was able to complete my overall goal of graduating high school at the end of the first quarter, and immediately continuing on with college. Even though I am extremely pleased with being able to get a full year ahead in my academics, I sometimes regret that I did not get my full senior experience. Looking back, I would tell myself to slow down and allow time for the full experience. After all, what is the point of rushing to reach the finishline when you aren't even enjoying the scenery along the way?

If I could go back and talk to myself again I would emphasize how important it is to get organized and know exactly what the expectations are in each class. By being organized and knowing exactly what is happening in each class it is much easier to prioritize assignments and have my work done in a timely manner. This helps to avoid some of the stress that can occur when assignements are due around the same time. I would also emphasize to myself how important it is to find the resources to get help if needed in the classes. Search out the tutoring center, writing center or student advisors so that you know where to get help if you need it. It can be very overwhelming to face all of those classes so you need to know where the resources are for help if you need it. You don't have to feel like you are alone, reach out and get the help you need so that you don't have trouble in your classes.

College is an adventure. You think you know what it is going to be like in high school, but you are completely wrong. Don't worry, high school does equip you with necessary tools that you didn't think you would need, but you do. As you start this adventure, you need to make sure you wear high boots, to avoid getting stuck in quicksand that so many students get pulled into, and drop out. Make sure to wear a hat, to protect your head from all the knowledge coming at you, so you are not too overwhelmed and have time to get organized. Drink lots of water and take notes on all the new discoveries you will make, so you may retain the new knowledge to help others. Remember your grappling hook, so when times get rough you can reach to higher places and get help. Sleep at night, not during the day, otherwise you will be attacked by insects that will only slow you down on your journey. Finally, have a heart to learn. Life is too short to let it pass you by. You only go on this journey once, so drink it all up.