University of Wisconsin-River Falls Top Questions

As a high school senior, I had many questions about college life and how I would adjust. As I was packing up to start a whole new chapter in my life, I was excited yet full of anticipation. Looking back as a college sophomore, the one topic I wish I could have warned myself about is balance. I spent virtually my first two college semesters in my dorm room. While I desired to branch out and explore various extra-curricular activities, the pressure I placed on myself to obtain perfect grades hindered my social life. This year I have become more actively involved in bible studies, clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Despite venturing out of my dorm room and campus library, my grades did not suffer like I had feared. Learning how to manage your time is so important in order to get the most out of your college experience. I have learned that college is not just a means to an end. Instead of focusing on the degree at the end of the tunnel, it is vital to simply enjoy the ride. After all, not all life lessons can be learned from textbooks; people must go out and experience them.

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get more sleep. Staying up to the wee hours of the morning to cram for a test is not worth the consequences. I would tell myself to learn better study habits so that I would be able to rest peacefully at night, fully knowing that I was prepared for the exam the following day. That way, I would have prevented myself from the consequences the lack of sleep brought. I wouldn't have missed the the last month of my senior year in high school because of mono. If I'd slept more, I would have been able to take pictures with my friends after graduation or go out to eat with my family. Instead, I hardly remember that day. A whole month of foggy memories, memories that should have been some of the most fun, memorable times of my youth. So whats the key to avoiding this or other consequences? The answer is sleep. Therefore, if I could go back, I would send a letter to myself that said, "Dear Alicia, please get enough sleep. You'll thank me someday. Sincerely, Youself."

I would tell myself to start seeking out help in math right from the begining of the semester. Even though I knew that math does not come easy for me, I told myself that I could handle the class just fine on my own. I was extremely wrong and now have to take the class again next year.

I think that if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the greatest advice that I could give myself would be, "Don't be afraid to be yourself." The transition from high school to college is scary for countless students and one of the most common fears is not being accepted or not fitting in at the new school. High school was comfortable, I had lots of friends, and I knew all of my teachers. At college though, everything was new, different, unknown, and very intimidating! This fear of not being accepted in my new surroundings held me back from doing many things and getting involved on campus during my freshman year of college, and this is one of my biggest regrets. Once I opened up, started getting involved, and met new people, college became much more enjoyable for me! I didn't dread leaving my dorm room or my corner of the library anymore because I had friends I could hang out with who loved me for me. I realized I had no reason to fear being myself. This is the best advice that I could give to anyone starting college!

I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the ride. When I was in high school I couldnt wait to get out and into college and on my own. But looking back now, I would have loved to spend more time in every moment because it is the journey that makes you not the destination. College is great and I love it but everything goes by so fast. I would tell myself to soak up everything I can because before you know it everything will change. Live for today and live life to the fullest everyday. Do not get stressed out and allow things to bother you because everything happens for a reason and it will all work itself out. Relax and enjoy the adventure of growing up and finding out who you are or what you want to be. Be open to new things and be strong in your morals but explore also. Take in everything you can and allow yourself to grow as a person.

I feel like the best advice I could tell myself or anyone going into college is that college is what you make of it. If you go into school with a negative attitude or expecting others to make the transition for you, you will end up blamming the school for your unhappiness there. Being a some what shy person I would tell myself that you need to step outside your comfort zone. That goes for your school and social life. To get the best of your education ask questions from the professors, go to the counselor, check out events dealing with your major. Knowing how my first semester went I would tell myself don't be affriad to make new friends! If you feel alone, do something about it! Join clubs, intramurals, or just talk to as many people as you can in classes or on campus. I would tell my senior self you are about to dive into a new chapter in your life and you have the power to make it amazing, so make the best of it!

Assuming that I was able to travel back in time to find my senior self, I would have some words of wisdom to say. I would have to begin that with in the pursuit of our life?s journey there will be some ups and downs we will have to face. It is the strength within us that will allow us to overcome these obstacles and pursue our ambitions. The strength of our self is not determined by our successes in life, but by our failures and how we are able to get back up when once defeated in what is sometimes the perilous battlefield of life. In showing our strength of character for perseverance we are fighting for what we believe in. Last year I wanted to attend a private college, unfortunately, financial aide and scholarships did not come through and I questioned my ability to succeed. If I learned anything within this year is nothing should detour me in what I want most in life. I have a 4.0 after my first semester in college. I am committed to excel and to attend the college I wanted to my senior year.

When I first attended college I was scared and didn't really know if I was going to succeed. I was nervous that I wouldnt make any friends or that all of my old friends would leave me and go on with their lives. I believed that without being in High School I was going to be lonely. Once I got to college I spent more time worrying about making friends and keeping the old ones then trying as well as I should've academically. So if I could go back I would tell myself "Don't worry, people come and people go. But you need to make the most of what you have now and worry less about what's in the past. Friends can come from anything, whether it be in an activity, class, or the room next door. Worry about what will help you to succeed rather than being socialable."

Make sure you tour the campus of the college you've selected during the school year. Seeing the school in "real action" would help immensely in making sure the flow of a normal day meets what you're expecting. Register and take college level classes in high school and research with the admissions department at your selected college to see what credits they accept. My high school advisor did not guide me correctly and I missed out dearly on earning college credits while in high school and testing out of some college courses because I'd already taken the class in high school that would have allowed me to move up to higher level college courses as an incoming freshman. Stay focused to the end of high school and your study habits will transfer over to how you will have to work to excel in your college classes. Enjoy high school and remember you will most likely not see your friends for a while, but ydon't despair; you will most certainly make plenty of new friends at college.

I would tell myself that it is ok not to know who I am and what I want. I have always been a planner; I plan for every little thing in my day and life. I think the hardest part of my college transition was experiencing so many different people, ideas, beliefs, and values. When confronted with a reality of so many different ideas, I was forced to reevaluate my position on many issues and for the first time in my life really take a stance. I was not living at home with my parents anymore and I had no one to tell me what I should think or do. College is an opportunity to explore who you are, what you believe, and what you stand for. It is ok to be unsure of how you feel and to explore different ideas and ways of life. This exploration will make you a stronger person and will help you to create more solid beliefs as you graduate and enter the workforce as an adult.