University of Utah Top Questions

I know going to college doesn't feel like as big of a change as you hoped it would. Your still going to be living at home and surrounded by people you already know. But your going to meet so many diffrent types of people and make so many new friends. You'll learn lots of new things, about yourself and the world, you'll also change a lot without even knowing it. I know your scared because you have no idea what you want to do with your life, but you do figure it out; it only took a couple more years. Another great thing about college is it's not as stressful as you thought it would be. Of course you will be stretched thin during finals week, but you get through it, and you do a really good job. So dont worry, it's going to be fun.

If I was given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself, I would have so much to say. I would tell myself that I am beautiful, funny, caring and loving. I would tell myself not to put others needs before my own all of the time. I would tell myself to know when to walk away and when to stay. I would tell myself to never give up on what I want , or change for others, and just to be myself. I would tell myself that all I need is to focus on the betterment of my own self growth, and what I want so i can work toward my goals. I would tell myself that I am enough and more, and that I can acheive anything. I would tell myself that I will go through trials and tribulations( some of which are of my own doing) but that I would'nt want to go back and change anything because it turns out so much better than I could have imagined. Above all else, I would tell myself to work hard, save up, focus, not to worry, and that in the end everything will be ok.

Tania, Stay strong to your believes. Remain focused in your goals! I know buying new clothes might seem the most important thing, but it really isn't. Try to avoid debt, keep the car that you paid cash, and don't accure any more debt, that will help you save money for school! And most importantly, DON'T COMPARE YOUSERLF to others and their situations! Everyone has a different path, and I can assure you, yours is bright and great! it's just different than the one from your friends. Don't dismay! Stay in school, even if it's just one class, that is better than wasting time. invest your time in activities and people that help you stay happy. Love yourself above all!

Just show up to class. It may be boring but there is no excuse good enough for missing even one class period. The study hours decrease dramatically by just going to class.

I could tell myself not to procrastinate, but I wouldn't have listened. I could tell myself to move closer to campus, but I would have looked at my wallet and then ignored the advice. I could tell myself not to talk to that creep--and I totally would have listened, but that would be wasting an opportunity. If I could talk to my senior self, I would have hugged her and told her that college is ten times better than high school. That it is a challenge, but as long as she takes advantage of all of the recources that the university has to offer, noting has to be complicated. It may be difficult, but simple and fun. I would tell her that there is no need to fear drowning in the crowed of hard workers because she is capable of working just as hard, and that learning to trust and make new friends will dramatically improve her life for the better. "Take it from me," I would say, "I know what you're thinking, I know what you fear, and I know that you will be wonderful."

Dear Kirsten, I know you’re a senior in high school and you think you know everything about everything, but take it from me; there are a few things you don’t know. College is a place where there are endless possibilities; from classes to meal plans, to boyfriends, it’s all new. The choices made in college are choices that can change the rest of your life. Make these choices wisely, take your time. Most importantly, if you feel like you’re burned out, if you want play hard and think of nothing but playing, then wait to attend college until you’re ready to devote your time to doing your very best. I spent so much time goofing off, and while those memories will last a lifetime, they are ones that could have been made while I wasn’t paying tuition. College is a life changing experience; the people you meet, the mentors you study under, and the programs you choose will guide you down paths that will shape who you become. Use this time you will spend in college finding out what you want to offer the world, not what the world has to offer you.

Going back in time and talking to myself, one of the best things I could say would be take advantage of the extra curricular activies at the university. Being a part of the social clubs and groups is a great was to get involved with campus life fast and to meet new people. The people you meet will be from different majors, walks of life, and fields of experience. From those people you will be able to get ample of help when it comes to campus life or tutoring. They will also be able to show you all the neat little things that the campus has to offer, like secluded study areas, the best drinking fountains, the place with the campus wifi that nobody knows about, the best poetry cafe, and all those little things that make campus life fun, bohemian, and interesting.

GET A PLANNER! This is the single most important tool in college. Use the time before your first semester to organize yourself. Please go to an advisor and map out your future semesters. Find out how to be a great scholarship candidate and become that. It will save you from financial hardship and delaying your education. Listen to your parents but above all to your advisor; they really know what they are talking about. Please work as hard as you can on attendance. If you sleep in you will be giving your opportunities to someone else. Another important thing is find out what books you need before your classes start so that you can buy/rent them and be at the least 2 chapters ahead of class. Doing this will help you stay ahead and make getting great grades easier. If you are going to get that XBox make sure you schedule in play time but only if you finish your homework. Do not, under any circumstances, conform to having average grades. You are the best and you can do anything you set your mind to. Your future self believes in you. I will be proud of you.

Decide, commit, and you will succeed. You know what your passion is and where your heart lies. You don't have to be afraid to pursuit your dreams. Your abilities and determination will surprise even you. Make a plan and stick with it. Living your life is a wonderful thing, but there is a smaller window where your future may be optimally set up. There will be plenty of time to explore, but the adventure starts with dedicating yourself to education and all that it holds in store for you. Later, it gets harder. But the fight is worth it.

Upon entering college as a freshman, I not only brought along suitcases and boxes full of necessities and décor for my on-campus living, but I also carried many responsibilities from my home in Las Vegas, one of them being my long-distance boyfriend. After a couple months in, my ideal life wasn’t particularly going as expected. He and I fought almost every week over frivolous, meaningless matter, and in the meantime while he was out in Vegas, I was indoors in Salt Lake City. I never gave myself the chance to grow from my first-semester experiences, and therefore became more dependent instead of blossoming into the productive woman I so desired to become. If I could return to the past and tell my naïve freshman-self anything, it would be to grasp independency and growth as a college student, and to let the little things pass by instead of amplifying them into consequential battles. I realize that I viciously held on to various people and situations that I should’ve let grow into stronger bonds. Although I’ve learned from my past, it would’ve been in my best interest to learn earlier than later.