University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Top Questions

If I could go back and give my high school self advice about college life and making the transition, I would focus on technology. Technology is playing an ever increasing role in education at all levels, especially college. I would tell my high school self to start getting familiar with technology in all forms. Obviously typing skills are important but becoming even more important are internet searching skills and the ability to operate all forms of technology from cell phones to tablets. The education system is increasingly concentrated online, from assignments to research and I would tell my high school self to make an extra effort to get good at using technology as to be better prepared for college.

If I could tell my seventeen year old self one thing, it would be to not take on such a heavy work load. Biting off more than you can chew will either lengthen the process, or cause you to choke. College is much harder than high school, but that doesn't mean you can blow your courses off. Go to bed earlier so that you are better rested for the day, as sleeping through your classes will not help you pass them. Don't worry about how you look-nobody will care who you are once you're graduated. The opinions of others do not define you. They define the opinion holder. The final thing I would like to tell myself is that it will all be okay. Don't stress yourself out as much as you do because you are doing just fine. Don't lose your luster.

No matter what, keep applying for scholarships. Even if you aren't getting any, keep trying. Eventually you will get one or more! Do so in college as well. There are plenty of scholarships out there, you just have to find them. In the end, applying to a ridiculous amount of scholarships is better than applying to none because (obviously) you have a greater chance of getting one. Apply for ones you don't think you necessarily fit either. You never know, that could be the one that you get. To sum it all just keep applying for scholarships until you are out of college and have a steady career.

I would tell myself that it's okay to step out of your comfort zone and to be involved with what you're passionate about. This is a habit I aquired in college and I wish I had known in high school because I think it would have made high school more memorable and allowed me to make more close friends. Since coming to college, I've joined clubs that I have a large interest in and try things that I would have been too shy to do in high school. I believe this is made me a more open-minded and friendlier person.

Take the time and really look into every school and ask current students if they love the school. Read reviews from past and current students

If I could go back in time to be a mentor to my past high school self, my first piece of advice would be to get involved in as many extracirricular activities and clubs that I found interesting. The conversation would go a little something like this: "Jordan, I know it's hard to go to four different high schools four years in a row, but sometimes life throws curveballs at us and we just have to suck it up." The past me would sigh and look off in another direction. "It's too hard," she would complain. My present self would become more assertive. "Jordan," I would insist, "you're already halfway there. You have amazing grades, you have somewhat of a social life, your family is there for you. But you really should join activities that are of interest to you." I would be able to tell that my lecturing was boring her. "Photography, drawing, painting...art!" I would raise my voice to get her attention. "Art is your passion. Get involved. It will be hard, but I know you can do this."

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I've learned that in order to get the most out of college, I have to push myself to try new things, persue new interests, and befriend lots of new people. Besides that, I would remind myself that college is hard work. I would advise my younger self to review notes daily and to form study groups. I would also encourage myself to keep an open mind. In college, I have met so many people with a variey of backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. It's important to truly listen and respect these new and thought- provoking ideas. Overall, I would want to remind myself to be open to new experiences and keep in mind why I chose to go to college.

Make sure to check out ratemyproffesor.com before registering for classes! Also, try to schedule classes for the mornings.

I would tell myself, "Save your money!" My parents continuously told me to budget my social life and to start saving for my educational life. I have what is sometimes known as "selective hearing," where I just choose to not "hear" my parents when they try to tell me what to do because I, being the teenager that I was, thought I was always right. I would tell myself that it doesn't always work itself out and that I have to work very hard if I want to go to college. I could not quit my well-paying job because it was too hard or it was too much work, I have to keep trying. I would also tell myself that the first month of college is going to be terrible, big time. I might not make friends right away while it seems like everyone else is and that I need to stick to my beliefs, otherwise I will lose who I am. College isn't about "finding yourself," it's about shaping the person that you already are and that first month of being without the support of my parents is crucial to that shaping that person.

First of all, I would tell myself not to worry as much about my future. In high school I stressed over what I would do with my life, who I would be friends with, how I would manage everything, and even how I would be percieved by my professors. This year has proved that I was acquipped with more than satisfactory skills during high school. Most importantly, I would tell myself to enjoy the time that I had left and invest in lasting relationships with peers and teachers. In college, it has become apparent to me just how quickly time flies as well as how important and influencial daily interactions are. Even though being excited and nervous for college was expected and acceptable, I should have taken more time to appreciate my current state and the relationships that I had. Thirdly, I would urge myself to clean my room for I now know that everytime I come home I do not have the time to do so, and there is always more items piled on my bed! Finally, I would encourage myself to remain motivated and approach all opportnities with an open mind and heart.