University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Top Questions

I would tell my high school self "Even though you are currently uncertain about what career path you want to follow, you should enroll in a community college and start taking your general education courses. You can be undecided until you figure out what you want to do with your life. During your time in school, you should sit down with yourself and really think hard about what inspires you and what interests you the most. This will help you make your decision. Apply to scholarships when you have the time, because you never know if you might win. And lastly, dream big. Pay no attention to the naysayers.

Sometimes life throws problems your way. No matter what, don't give up. Take a minute and realize that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, it just may take time.

Dear 18 year old self, You’re almost to the point in your life where big things are going to happen! As I am looking at you from the future, here are some pointers to help you throughout your last year in high school. 1) When you feel like “senioritis” is setting in, just remind yourself that although there are fun things other than schoolwork to do, you still should finish your work to the best of your ability. 2) Prepare for college, but don’t stress out about the new experiences to come. You will enjoy them! 3) Spend time with your friends and family, because soon your precious time with them will be limited. 4) Open your mind to the new experiences you will soon be having. For every opportunity you are given-take it! You will become the person you want to academically, personally, and socially if you work hard and keep an open mind. Love, Future You

Keep true to yourself. Work hard to go to school and raise the daughter you will have next year. It will be a struggle, but studying the environment and conservation will be worth it. It will be easier to get your undergraduate degree right the first time through. In the future you can go back and take graduate courses. Marrying your high school sweet heart is the right choice. You will be happier in the future. Even though you will worry about getting home to pick up your daughter, take the time to get to know your classmates and go out once in a while with them. Pray every day and don’t forget who you are. Don’t take people for granted and say thank you often. Help others often. Don’t use credit cards. If you don’t have cash you don’t need it. They might seem like a good option at the time, but don’t do it! Keep working out and stay in shape. You really do look good now! Don’t forget about making yourself happy. Life is scary but everything works out in the end.

If i could go back to myself when I was in high school, the first thing I would tell myself is to start thinking ahead. When I was a senior, I wasn’t worried about things like how to pay for college or making friends. I was very closed minded with the fact that everything would be taken care of for me, just like it was in high school. I would tell myself to save as much money as I could so I wouldn’t have to stress out later. I would also tell myself to try and be as open as possible to make new friends. The first week of school seemed to fly by with ease. After midterms I realized I needed to step it up. That is why the second thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study and focus more with school work. Although my grades in high school were good, my first semester, I really struggled in my classes. I didn’t realize I actually needed to work for my grades. I can’t go back and change the past, but I can learn from it to benefit my future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college, I would have a lot to say. First, I would tell myself to spend as much time with my family and friends as possible. The community college that I attend is five hours away from my home town. I have an extremely close relationship with my family, especially my mother. I miss seeing my family everyday and I wish I took more advantage of seeing them before I left for school. Second, I would make better study habits for myself. I had fairly decent study habits before, however, college is a completely different educational environment. I have learned to really discipline myself which is something I appreciate. Lastly, I would tell myself to make sure I stay close with old high school friends because I have, unfortunately, not stayed in touch with some of them. Though I have tried keeping ties with old friends, they are busy with school, jobs, etc. I completely understand that they are busy. If I could go back to my senior year I would create as many memories with friends and family as possible.

If I was to go back and talk to myself about collage life and the transition, I would tell myself to not to rush and to take your time. I would tell myself not to feel bad when he couldn’t get into UWEC right away, and to not to sweat it when the times get hard because just when it was really sucking it got better and everything turned out in the end. And finally I would tell myself to keep your guard up and let no one use you for his or her own benefit.

Dear Kayla, I know you're anxiously planning ahead for college and trying to get throught the last year of high school. However, just because you are already accepted into college, don't give up trying hard and putting forth your best effort. It is still worth the extra mile. That being said, don't stress out too much about school work. Be sure to enjoy your time with family and friends too. Soon you will be living in another city and will only be able to see them once in a while, so enjoy your time now. Do you remember how nervous you were before you started middle school and high school? Well there was nothing to worry about was there? Everything turned out just fine and you loved it! Well, college is no exception. Just enjoy every moment and know that there is no need to be nervous. The negative peer pressure won't dissapear so be aware of that and make friends with the right people. College is a time to forge lasting relationships and learn as much as you can about this big world of ours! Take advantage of the many opportunities availible! Love, Kayla

The main advice I would give myself is to continue to work hard. College truly is nothing like high school. The work load is a lot more difficult and takes a lot more time to complete, but it really is managable if you just take the time to sit down and do the work without procrastination. Unlike high school, believe it or not, almost every single student studies for finals. Every study lounge and floor of the library is completely filled. Although your coursework is your top priority, don't forget to take time off to spend time with friends and do things your love. College is not all about getting black-out drunk and high. There are several activities each weekend that don't involve these substances, and college students are very accepting even if you say "no". It is easy and comfortable to go to parties without consuming a single drop of alcohol or doing any drugs. Stay strong, remember your beliefs, and you will do just fine.

If I could go back in time to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure to tell myself that I need to learn how to study because biology classes are hard. I would also tell myself to be less shy and try harder to make friends at college because this is a place where I can start over and not have to worry about what people thought about me in high school. I would tell myself to save money and apply to as many scholarships as I could. I would also tell myself to just have fun.