Utah Valley University Top Questions

I have recieved much more than I thought i would in my college experience. I've learned that you have to work hard, but it's not backbreaking time consuming work. I've actually enjoyed going to school, and I never did in high school. It's been valuable for me to attend because I am learning more than I expected. College is going to be something I never regret, no matter how expensive it ends up being!

I dropped out of high school in my tenth grade year. Being 30 years old, there is alot that I could cover in this question. As for what I advice I would have to offer. I would still tell myself to drop out. High school was not getting me anywhere and the lessons I learned by living in the real world where far more valuable than any classroom could have offered me at that particular time in my life. If I could instead go back to my early 20's and inform myself that the career choices I was making where not going to be sustatianable for when I married and had a child. In reality, even if I could return I proably wouldn't have listened. My life is the series of choices that I made, These choice have lead me to where I am today. I am far more focused on my future than at any time in my past and have the motivation of providing for my family and 18 month old son. Being 30 years old provides a level of perspective on what time I have left to pursue my career goals!

If I could go back and talk to myself about my transition from High School to College, I wouldn't say too much. I have been so happy here, and have learned so much from both the good and bad choices I've made, so I dont really think I would want to change anything except for one lesson that I learned that has helped me in a big way. I would say to myself to never be afraid, and to go for it! When I first started college, I was nervous and I did have some challenges that I had to overcome, but about halfway through my first semester, I decided that no matter what came my way, I would try to push myself beyond my level of comfort. Everything changed from there. I did well in my classes, my teachers pushed me more to make me reach even greater heights, and I made friendships that will never fade. Taking a leap into a new world is scary, but I am learning so much about myself in doing so, and I'm learning that Im not alone either. There is always someone here to help me. Take a chance!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student I would tell myself that I have to get it together because college is no joke. I would also tell myself to keep my grades up and obtain as many scholarships as possible, stay focused and choose wisely it will not be as easy as high school. Plain and simple just stay FOCUSED on the big picture my future and my career!

Note to self: Hang in there. I know high school sucks. The cliques, the worn out high school teachers, the crappy facilities, the lame , self-absorbed, immature student body really take the joy out of life. But thankfully high school doesn't last forever. College is BETTER ! College life is distinctly different. You can take classes you enjoy from highly rated professors (see ratemyprofessors.com), you can live on or off campus w/wo roommates, have a job -- or not, go to activities, dances, movies, try an internship, change your major. You've got choices, options. Live it up !

Dear younger and not so wise self, I am writing to you as an opportunity to give aid and advise in this confusing, life altering time as you prepare and go to college. I feel compelled to tell you that you are beautiful. You will often forget this and do harsh things to your body to convince yourself of this. Please refrain. There are simply things you cannot take back. Remember, your divinity is transcendently more powerful then you think. Always remember this. You have great power to influence people for good. If you cannot see your own strength and light, how are you to help others and see them for their magnificent true selves? There will be countless setbacks along the way. You will have great trouble learning, and people may even treat you poorly; NEVER LOOSE CONFIDENCE. That is your grandest enemy. Comparing yourself to others only plunges you into a hole of self pity and depression. Sometimes you may struggle with leaving the house and taking responsibility for commitments. Confidence. Beauty. Remember these things, and you will come out with new-found strength and tools to conquer your demons along life's path. Love, your complete self

First, I would tell myself to continue to work hard and apply for as many scholarships as you can. Remember, don?t ever give up an opportunity to learn more and be involved. You should enjoy this time of your life because you won't ever get the moments back. Remember to enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things. I would recommend developing strong study habits and learn how to create a budget. I would tell myself to become more involved with the community and volunteer work. I would say take a chance, step out of your box and develop new friendships, learn your strengths and weaknesses during that first semester of college. I would advise to find out what you are truly passionate about and talk to people who are in your future career field. Most importantly, don't be afraid to be who you are, stand out and make a difference in the world. Believe in yourself and what you can accomplish, the world is at your fingertips. Live your life and always strive for the best.

I would tell myself to study more and to learn as much as I could. Take time to really put the material into long-term memory, and not to just pass the test. Take more A.P. classes, and if possible, do more distance learning and concurrent enrollment classes to get as many college credits as possible while in high school. I have learned these classes prepare a student for the college experience. In addition, find time to really study and not just look over notes & handouts. Being motivated is one of the biggest problems I had in high school. Learning to be self-motivated is an important skill for success. The making of new friends, getting to know new people, and doing group projects in classes also help to contribute preparing for college. This is a lifetime skill that will be benificial throughout life and when exploring careers of interest. Lastly, I would look at my intended major, then take those classes that would prepare me for the college classes required for that major.

I really want you to know that life isn't all that hard. I know you don't believe me, but it really is true. If you could see the things you will do and have in your life, you would really want to make better of the time you have. I know how it was back then, I was there. Take if from me, it really isn't that important to hang out with friends all the time. You get good grades, but if you would just apply yourself and put school work first, you will go farther faster. And if your wondering, yes, you will mary that girl that you love so much. She will be more beautiful each day you are with her, and remember to breathe when you see her in that beautiful white dress. Then when you feel that you might catch your breathe again, you will see the most beautiful baby boy. Do your best right now and make a great life for them. No matter what your little family will love you but take it from me, if you work hard now life will be so much easier, and you will have peace.

I would definately tell myself to become an expert at time managment. The sad thing is that while I was in high school I thought I was so good at managing my time but then I came out to college, and not having classes everyday and almost having more time made it harder for me to focus on when to study and when to do homework and other things along those lines. I would tell myself to learn good study habits on my own, because in college the teachers don't help you have a guidline to study by or tell you what specifically to study or what to focus on in a lecture. you are on your own most of the time and you need to dicsipline yourself to do everything you need to, to be successful.