University of the Incarnate Word Top Questions

"Every decision you make today will shape your life tomorrow." As a kid, it is easy to get caught up in the superficial part of going to college. Everything from sports, clubs, name brand, and size are factors that ultimately don't matter. I would say to myself, "you can get educated anywhere, but make sure you go to an institution that wants to invest in you as a person and your future contribution to the world."

I would have told myself to forget about pursuing music education as my degree plan. I have always enjoyed history and loved asia. I would have encouraged my much younger self to delve deeply in asian languages, history and research writing. To go and visit as many asian countries as I could. One day, my younger self could be able to teach students from the perspective of one who has studied and experienced the history and cultures first-hand.

High school is the best years of your life. It's the time where you get the opportunity to find yourself and make your own decisions. Going into high school I had three older sisters who had already walked the halls before me and set the bar. They were ambitious, smart, beautiful, and talented. I did everything I could not to be like them and make my own name for myself rather then being know and their little sister. I messed up a lot, and got caught up in covering my mistakes. If I could go back and talk to myself I would say 'It's ok.' I had so much pressure to be just like them that everytime I messed up I was a dissapointment to my family that I was never able to get back up again. I would reassure myself that I was smart, I was talented, and I was beautiful. I would tell myself that a mistake does not define a person, but how they get back up and fight is what makes them a better person. I am a strong girl who just needed someone to have faith in me, and I do.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school and give myself advice about college, I would encourage myself to cherish every second I have left with my family. Ever since I’ve made my transition to college, I’ve experienced a void in my life. I miss my household more than I ever thought I would, and I hardly see them now. I grow eager for a vacation or a break, just so I can go back to my hometown and visit them again. It finally hit me. If I feel this kind of loss just by being away from them for a few weeks, imagine how I would feel if one day I was to miserably lose the presence of my parents. The thought of never having a “break” or “holiday” to see them again just distresses me. So I would definitely remind myself to enjoy the precious moments I have with my loved ones and never take them for granted, because you never know when God will take them to be with Him.

If I could go back in time I would honestly tell myself to work smart not hard. College is very frustrating at the beginning when your a freshman. Your getting used to a new school, your more to yourself, and your always busy with school work. College isn't a joke either its just as serious as high school was especially during finals. You're staying up hours in preperation of your up coming exam.

If I could go back and tell myself anything about college life, it would be that things only get better from here. Highschool is socially rough which takes a toll on your academics. College is different. You are not trapped with people who bully you or cheat off you, so you can focus on your education more. You learn what interests you, and are encourages to persue your passions, rather than complete a checklist of classes for a Diploma. I would encourage any student to get to know their college professors and ask them questions. Attend office hours and dont be afraid to question things, the answers they will provide can only help. I would also encourage students to find their study niche. If starbucks works for you, great. If the library is less distracting, thats good too. Try to discover the option that is most fitting to your needs. Make time for studying but also enjoy a social life and the campus life. The transition from highschool to college provides more freedom and time for personal growth, which when used responsably, can lead to an all around happier life.

If I could go back and talk to my senior self I would tell myself to just breathe and everything will fall into place. My senior year I stressed about getting into the college of my choice and that is why I would give myself these key words of advice. I would also tell myself that choosing to apply the University of the Incarnate Word would be the best decision that you are going to make this whole year. I would tell myself this because now that attend this school, I know that it really is the best school for me because I feel like I fit right in. I am extremely glad I have this opportunity to attend such a great school like it. Another thing I would tell myself is to not worry about what people say senior year and to not get caught up in what everyone else was doing because some of these people will not go to college with you so nothing they say or do matters. I believe every high school senior should know that after high school, the things you did there does not matter and you will not have the same friends.

If i could give my senior self some advice, the number one thing would be about scholarships. I did apply for several scholarships, however, I would warn myself to have started even earlier and to take them more seriously. I would also tell myself to get involved. You are transitioning into an entirely new environment, often which is not near home or consisting of many people most of which you do not know. This is why it is important to find a place where you belong and to make a lot of friends. The last piece of advice I would give myself would be to take care of myself. It is important to realize that no one in particular has your best interest better than you.

Dont give up, keep going because you are going to make it. fights with your friends and drama are not worth it all. Know what you can do and just keep believing in yourself. Work hard for you and nobody else

If i could go back in time I would tell myself to focus more on school and retake my SAT and ACT until I get a good score.