University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

I would tell my high school self a number of things- to keep calm, to enjoy going out as much as possible, to take care of my health, to work on a monthly budget, how to clean efficiently and be more organized, and to endure the criticism of my art classes, that life gets a lot more critical, fast. I would also tell myself to not settle on a major that would be 'appropriate', and tell myself I should go into Fashion. As much as I appreciate the growth and thinking time I had after choosing one major, I wish I had gone after what I wanted sooner. While I've placed my heavy workload as my first priority, and juggle my neurological problems, my minimal social life, and basic necessities like sleeping, eating, and cleaning as my second priorities, I can take comfort in that while my classes are difficult, I’m enjoying what I’m learning, and am excited with each new assignment, and don't have that feeling that my classes are just fillers that I have to push through like I did in high school.

Throughout the past few years, I have found myself saying, "If only I had known this earlier." My college experience has been an adventure. Had someone told me some of the things I now know, the adjustment would have been much easier. College is the time where one is able to find themself and open up to new possibilties. Looking into the eyes of myself as a senior in high school, I would have said this... One chapter may have closed but the next is now open and the best is yet to come. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. From mistakes are lessons and lessons must be learned. Be yourself , be open to others because you never know, they could change your life. Do not worry about things out of your control. Dream big and make those dreams come true. Do not let anyone stand in your way. Find out what you love to do and do it. Do not chose a career for money, choose a career that you will love, every single day of your life. You have one life, do everything you can to be able to look back and say, "I have no regrets."

Dear Angie, This is future you.I have very important information for you about college! Yes, you do go to college – and you do pretty damn well while you’re there! Listen up. You need focus on what really matters: friends, schoolwork, and family. Friends. All those people who you think are your friends; they will mean nothing to you within a couple years. Talk to Kourtney more. She needs your optimism in her life. Don’t stray away from her when it gets hard, you have a responsibility.Schoolwork. If you honestly call that “studying”, then you have another thing coming, Ang! Just wait. Six hours and five cups of coffee later on the night before finals, that’s studying.Family. This is the most important. Family comes first, and they always will. Spend time with Mom and Dad; your transition into college was hard for them. Oh, and spend more time with albuela. She means a lot more to you than you think. Bottom line. Set your priorities. Yeah, I want you to have fun. So, do that too. Keep up the good work. You’re doing amazing things; and this is only the beginning. Love, Future you

As a high school senior I would say don't stress too much about it, it's very different from home but in a new, good way. You're able to grow into an adult more and learn more about yourself. If you're someone who gets homesick easily I wouldn't suggest going somewhere really far away, you'lll hate it. And if you're going home on the weekends all the time it will be more difficult for you to make friends so really think about if your location is the best for you. I would also get a summer job and part time job during the school year, school is expensive! Also, FILL OUT SCHOLARSHIPS! They can be a huge help.

If I could go back in time and talk to my self as high school senior. I would tell myself to enjoy high school and to not be so shy. I would tell myself not to take anything for granted. I would also tell my self to tell my best friend that I love him no matter what. I would tell my self to try harder and to spend more time with my friends. I would tell myself over all to remeber the little moments that made senior year memberable such as prom and graduation.

Dear Linda, As your senior year comes to an end, I have some words of wisdom that will help with your upcoming college and "real" life decisions. If you know what you want to be when you grow up, go for it. You don't need to pick an IVY league school, community colleges as a headstart will be beneficial. The less loans you take, the less debt you'll be in. If you're undecided for a major, take a year off after high school. There's no need to rush into something that you won't be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} committed to. Pick a major that you'll enjoy and be happy with, money isn't everything. The economy is in a slight recession, but I'd definitely recommend going in the health/medical field, so don't be scared of failing!! The possibilities are endless-I know it's cliche but it's true. Believe in yourself, you're smarter than you think you are! And most importantly, enjoy college life-it goes by faster than you think. It'll be the best time of your life! Make sure you study but be social!!! Linda Chang

The advice I would give myself is to really be selfish, embrace your college experience, and be willing to leave your comfort zone. If you are willing to do these things then your transition into college will be so much more enjoyable and much less stressful!

Dropping out of High School may seem like the logical thing to do, but once you are ready for school it will be just that much harder to start again. That being said, there is no sense in rushing into something you think you might want to do. It's unforunate you have had to grow up so fast, but I assure you that this is not one of those times where you need to make a split decision about your life. Take some time to go to community college and explore your interests. As crazy as this might sound, you might not want to go into art, and will be much better suited to go into physics, or biology. Knowing everything is not what's important right now. What is important right now is taking your time to learn as much about yourself as you can, and doing what is best for you. Take your time, help out as many others as you can, and stay focused in school. There will always be parties, but you are paying for these classes right now. It's okay to not have it all figured out yet.

I would tell myself to get involved in campus life as a freshman; to find clubs and organizations that I’m interested in and invest my energy into those. Get really connected to campus and network right away. Almost all of the amazing opportunities I have been given have been because of some connection to a staff, faculty, or student I had made earlier. I would also tell myself to take all of my science classes earlier, so they interfere with my schedule less later on. Don't procrastinate on academic work as much as I had. Apply for more scholarships, so many go unclaimed.

Be outgoing and don't hold back. Yes, you can have fun every now and then but keep the studying hard because the independence feeling can take over and you can lose sight of why you are really there for. Join groups and organizations, they are a great way to make new friends and expand your mind of what you might like to do with future. Lastly, have fun at college it goes a lot faster than you think, way faster than high school did. Study hard, play hard.