University of Utah Top Questions

If I could visit my high school self today, I would first just laugh. My biggest problem in life has always been over-thinking and worrying so much about the future I can barely enjoy the present. Looking back at myself as a senior -all sweaty and stressed about deadlines, assignments, applications, friends, college, you-name-it - all my worries just seem so ridiculous. None even came true: I did make it to college and survived the first year, I got a 4.0, I made all my deadlines and appointments, and I even still have friends. My advice to myself would be to relax, to enjoy the process of becoming a college student, and to take pride in my accomplishments so far. Hard work is extremely important to me, but it sometimes comes at the cost of my own happiness. These years as a bright-eyed young adult are fleeting. My present self smiles at that scared little senior and says, "You're going to be fine."

I truly wish I could go back in time. I would have told myself, you cannot achieve anything without a college education. College prepares you for the many difficult obstacles you will face in your life. College is a very rewarding experience financially as well. I definitely would have told myself to hang in there, especially with the economic crisis we are facing. I also would have reminded myself that you do not want to be a 30 year old single mother; trying to start over. Raising my two year old daughter and working a dead end job is definitely a losing battle. I would have told myself, if you continue to press forward you could have the American Dream by 30 years of age. Luckily, it is never too late too fulfill your dreams.

If I had the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior I would encourage myself to retake the ACT and actually study for it. I would also tell myself it is well worth the time and effort to spend endless hours applying for as many scholarships as humanly possible even if they include reading some crazy book or writing and 15 page essay. I would also tell myself that even though a B letter grade is fantastic reaching for that A even if you don't acheive it is worth the study hours. Along with that I would encourage myself to take the advanced placement tests at the end of the year to save myself from paying for the actual college course. Lastly, I would tell myself to stop worrying about what everyone else wants and expects and to do what I want and to follow my dreams becauce ultimately it is my life and if I am not happy with it than it does not matter whose expectations I filled.

I have not yet attended college, but there is plenty that I would tell my high school senior self knowing what I know now. Being a high school senior was fun and games. It was like a big social gathering, and learning was put on the back burner. Knowing what I know now, as an adult, in the real world, trying to make ends meet, I would tell myself, "stay in school, and learn everything that you can to be a better you." Life as an adult is hard, and with out a good education, it is even harder. The transition into college is difficult I am sure, but even more difficult is making the mistake of not making that transition at all. I know I didn't exactly answer the question per se, but under my own personal circumstances, this is the best answer that I could give. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Take advantage of the opportunities to be unique. Don't worry about being different. If something sounds interesting, go for it!

If I could go back in time to give myseld advice, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. In high school you are so worried about little, meaningless things that it distracts you from what is really important. I would tell myself to not try to fit in. It only holds you back. If you want to achieve great things, you can't be scared to stand out from the crowd. Of course there are lots of things that I wish I would have known back in high school, but the truth of the matter is, I can't go back and change things. I have to learn from my mistakes. And that is the beauty of life. We make mistakes, and if we recognize them, they make us stronger.

Laramie, I know that now is a stressful time for you. What colleges are you going to apply to? You have no clue what you want to pursue as a career. There are so many questions that are followed by uncertainty. Do not allow yourself to become bewildered. I know that the weight of expectation is laden upon your shoulders. Persevere. Take the advice of those around you, however, listen to the wisdom of your own voice as well. Do not silence yourself. Although it may feel as if your life is too slippery to clutch, hold on. This is a time for experiment. The fear of failure will only serve as a burden. I know that you are afraid. You want to accomplish so much but are scared to fall short of those goals. You will never hit a target unless you aim. You are a stubborn girl, but from one headstrong girl to another, "Ready, aim, and fire!" You never know what the future will bring until you submurge yourself in the present. I believe in you and pray that you can one day believe in yourself as well. Your future is aglow. Don't snuff the flame.

The greatest personal success can be found in college when you find a love of learning. When you go to class and you are excited because you are going to learn something new. With this kind of attitude, you are happier in all the other aspects of your life. You wake up excited for the day, you have the desire to get involved, and it's easier to meet new people and build lasting friendships. If your goal for school is to just get through so you can get a high paying job, or because your parents wanted you to go, or for other extrinsic reasons, your experience will not have the joy that it could have had if your focus on going to school was to learn, and that you loved it. I would have tried to cultivate that attitude while I was in high school, because it would have made school work much easier, productive, and enjoyable.

I have gotten more than I could ask for out of my college experience thurst far. I had the oppertunity to do a study abroad in Spain this summer. I have been able to get a job in a lab at the Huntsmen Cancer Institute and be a peer adviser for incoming freshmen. There is a surprising diverse student body, formed of mostly out of state students whos love for the outdoors brought them to Utah. As well as a large percentage of international students.

I have gained absolute confidence to further myself, better myself and succeed. College is a place where my hard work and effort is rewarded, making me feel intelligent, valuable, and deserving.