University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

Be yourself. Remember that in time everything will work out. You don't need to have all the answers yet- just going to college is amazing. You will figure out what you want to do with your life as you go through college. Relax and have fun!

As you have heard a million times, hard work is essential for success. But college is much different from high school. Here are three additional pieces of advice that may aid you in a successful college experience. 1) KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE! (don't get distracted). You may have heard rumors about wild college parties and so on. Many of these rumors are true. Not only that, but life without parents can seem like a different world. Don't let your freedom get the best of you; remember why you're here. 2) BE YOURSELF AND BE CONFIDENT! As with many times during life, there may be pressure (perceived or actual) to conform, and to marginalize various aspects of your individuality. This may have happened to you during high school as well. But I can tell you, based on personal experience, that being true to yourself is the most rewarding decision you can make. 3) NETWORK! You might get annoyed when parents or teachers mention this. But many of the professors and classmates you meet during college can help you kick-start your career, and will continue to be invaluable assets in the years and decades to come.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that starting college is not the time to take a break. I would have stressed the importance of finding a job as soon as I start college, instead of not starting until the summer afterwards. I would also tell myself that staying involved in clubs is really important, because once you start missing meetings you end up feeling awkward about going back and often end up not going back again. Academics are important, but those are an easy problem to manage. Its managing time that is the biggest problem. Having a datebook for writing down appointments, club meetings, and assignments would be incredibly helpful. Many universities offer time management and stress management classes, or workshops. Attending those would have also been helpful. Attending university events and activities can really help expand ones social circles, and making new friends is difficult, but working at it is important. I also might have changed my mind about living in the dorms, as it was one of the worst experiences of my life, and I recommend it to no one.

Prior to entering college as a freshman, I would tell my high school self to go out and meet as many people as possible. The difference between attending a 2-year school versus a 4-year school is the social interaction as well as bonds and friendships formed. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Putting yourself out there for these interactions is what will help you most as an individual. Work as hard as you can with your studies, and use the bonds that you make to excel in this area.

Always be open to any and every opportunity that comes your way, and remember to role with the punches. Don’t stress yourself out over things that are out of your control; whether socially or academically, just focus on yourself and strive to be the best you can on all fronts, the rest will fall into place. Remember that everyone you meet is in the same shoes as you are, looking for new friends and just hoping to be accepted. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a person next to you and just remember to be as open and friendly as you can. Once your school work is done, go out to a club meeting or a social event on campus. College is a fresh start, a new beginning. It can be whatever you make of it, so don’t sit around and wait for everything to happen because it will only pass you by. Go out and make things happen for you, enjoy the time you have with the people around you because it’s over too quickly and the worst part about today is that we can’t get it back once tomorrow comes.

Looking back, I wish I had taken an appitude test in high school. Unfortunately, this was not an option in 1981. My high school was known for preparing students to attend Ivy League schools and not much else. Although I made the most of the amazing resources which my prep school offered, I was no longer at the top of the class and my self-esteem suffered. Four years later I graduated from college without any firm idea of what I wanted to do. Eventually, I drifted into government relations and discovered that I was good at solving problems and helping people. Despite a rapid climb up the career ladder, however, no job ever felt quite right. Something always seemed to be missing. When my son was born in 1998, I left the workforce and became a full-time Mom. Fourteen years later when it came time to return to work, all I knew was that I didn't want to return to "lobbying." So I finally took an aptitude test. When "funeral service" popped up on the list of suggested fields, I knew I had found my calling. Today, I am happily pursuing an AAS degree in Mortuary Science.

Jolene, Just because you want to go to school far away does not mean the past will not follow you. Mom will still be sick, your sisters will still try to run your life, and on top of it you will pay outrageous fees for out of state tuition. Be ready for a bumpy road. You are going to meet the love of your life, but he will not stay for long. However, as you grow as a student he will watch over you from Heaven and help mom reach remission twice. Also, get involved right away! Don't wait for your junor year to enter the Entrepreneurship Club--joing right away! Everyone is super nice and fun to hang out with. When times get tough, remember mom, dad, Samantha, and Andrea are always there. Oh--and don't skip buying the Chihuahua. She's awesome and brings lots of happiness! Love, your future self

I would tell myself that every part of school is important so do not slack off just because it is senior year. I would tell myself not to make excuses and try new things even if your friends do not want to do them too, because you will make more friends and create fun, new experiences doing it. I would push myself to apply for more scholarships even though I don’t think I qualify for them. I would remind myself that it’s not all about me and that even though my parents do not act like they miss me a ton, they really do and I need to be more sensitive to their feelings. I would tell my high school self to let my younger sisters be excited for me going to college and not push them away. I would also keep my younger self from throwing out my handbook on MLA and APA formatting for bibliographies. My younger self needs to know that even though letting go can hurt, sometimes it truly is for the better and that it’s ok to feel hurt, but holding on can keep you anchored down from experiencing new things.

" I wonder where and what collge is right for me?" I would tell my senior year self to think about where to go first. Technical college, 4-year institution or wait until I absolutely know where I want to go. Second, I would have myself live in the residence halls to get the "full experience of college life." Finally, I would advise mysself to look at the financial situation to have the least amount of loans as possible. When thinking about college, I need to figure out the right "fit" for me and whether this is the right path for me and not choose because everyone else chose the same place. The college needs to have more then just a "brand" for me to go to. I would tell myself, "Will I receive the education that I want and am priveledge to have as a citizen here in United States?" So in the end, I would tell myself to look at the value of my education to be successful once college is completed and in the workforce. Experience matters in our society so I cannot take this too lightheartedly.

The biggest advice I would give to my high school self would be to know what I was doing. I sort of messed up my first year of college because I was waiting around for people to tell me what to do, what classes to take, when to sign up for them, etc. Really it was my responcibility to know and to take care of things. I would also tell my high school self to learn how to study. In high school I got by not having to really study a lot but in college I can't keep going like that. I would have saved myself so much pain and effort (and a few not so great grades) if I had just learned how to be a good student before I went to college.