University of South Alabama Top Questions

If I could give my younger self advice about the college experience, I would tell her to prepare earlier than I did. I would tell her not to wait for scholarships to come to her because a person has to go to them. I would encourage her to apply for jobs in the fall or spring instead of waiting until just before graduation because getting a good job early is important to financial stability in college. I would tell her that although attending class may be boring, it is essential to success in college. I would remind her to be prepared to get to class on time and to be there every time the class is in session because that is the most effective way for a student to learn. Otherwise, I would tell her to relax and to remember that moving off is not as big a deal as some people make it out to be. It is a new, invigorating experience that some people are not privileged to have. I would tell her to deeply appreciate the opportunity she is being awarded through a good college education.

College can be the most exciting yet painful experience of your life. I know that you are ready to get out of the house, but you are going to miss your family more than you think. Those scholarships you are not putting effort into filling out are what could make your transition so much smoother. Having school paid for means that you will have some spare money to go out with all of the wonderful friends that you are going to make next year. There are going to be nights when you want to go out and party because that's what everyone else is doing, but you also know that you have a huge test in the morning. The truth is, its college. There is something going on almost every night. Stay in some nights because those parties will only be fun for the night, however a good GPA will ensure you to have a more fun life with a better job than you would have had if you gone out partying every night!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her what I wish someone would have told me at that age. I would advise her to pursue her dreams no matter what. It's taken me 21 years to realize that the best gift you can give to yourself is your own support. So many people look to their parents, friends, and teachers for encouragement and approval; they ask what path they should take, what goals they should set, and what they should believe in. The truth is, all of the answers are already inside of you. All you have to do is discover them. Forget about what people think you should do, what they want you to do, what they expect from you. Know what your ambitions are, and believe in yourself enough to pursue them. The only thing stopping you from getting everything you want is yourself.

Angelica, High school passes in a blur. Enjoy every second of it. College life is different. It involves choices that you have to make, time management skills, dedication, concentration and the ability to stand on your own two feet. When you are wanting to make adult decisions in high school-just wait. It comes so fast. Being able to stand alone is your best trait but it does get lonely. Embrace the ability to make friends, join groups and don't be afraid to be different. You will make a difference but believing in yourself is that first step.

Grades are only temporarily important. The experience you have during your time at school is the long term importance. So enjoy every event possible, go to all the parties, make some mistakes, live life! Because now is the time to do so.

Looking back in retrospect of my high school self, I would tell myself to live life to the fullest and remember to breathe. Senior year I was so caught up in scholarship essays and resumes that I was missing out on life. I would tell myself that there is no need to worry about if I will be accepted to college or if I will receive more scholarships. Afterall, what has worrying ever changed? I would tell myself, "no you do not need that cute frame for your dorm because you will never be in there anyways." I would never question the food that my mother cooked but rather enjoy the luxury of a homecooked meal. I would spend every last minute with my bestfriends that I will soon be five-hundred miles away from. I'll hug my parents a little tighter and laugh a little louder. Overall, the stress of college approaching is only temporary. Once it begins, all of those worries will fade and the next chapter of your life will be halfway over before you realize it. Lastly, I would tell myself the best years of your life begin now!

Learn how to study and start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. My high school education did not prepare me for a higher education, so I had to teach myself. Studying is one of the most important things that you need to learn to do before you get into college. Studying has consumed my life since I moved to the University of South Alabama, but all I can think is that it will be worth it all in the end. Scholarships are another huge part of college. I would tell myself to start studying for the ACT sooner than I did and keep working to make a higher score. I would tell myself to work on my resume as much as possible-- the more the merrier.

I would have told myself to participate in more school activities, and to apply for more scholarships. Yes, i did get a full ride to a local community college, but i didnt get the oppurtunity to go to 4 year universities right after high school like most of my friends did. I envied them in a way, but they did put in most of the work and effort in order to be where they are now.

Thinking back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be overwhelmed by the amount of students that will be attending classes and on campus. I knew everyone in high school. While my college is not entirely too big, the sheer amount of students that are on campus at any given time is mind blowing to a high school student. College students crowd every place available: the library, the cafeteria, the classrooms, and they even parade in the streets like they are impervious to oncoming traffic. It can be difficult to get used to the huge student body. Also, students range in age from newly graduated high school students to people old enough to be my grandparents. College students are going to come from everywhere, from every walk of life, and have drastically differing views about the world. This experience can be daunting, but in the end, it is a rewarding experience that will not only benefit your future career, but also personal and professional relationships .

Honestly, I would give myself the advice to never give up on myself and never lose confidence and to always, ALWAYS try my best no matter what or who gets in my way.