Utah Valley University Top Questions

It has been ten years for me since I attended high school. I attempted to take college courses when I was first out of high school, but I was afraid to really get involved. If I could give my high school self some advice it would be to not be so afraid. My second time around incollege has been considerably more engaging because I have been more open to the several resources that are available to college students. I have made an effort to get to know each of my professors and use the help that hey offer. I have found that professors genuinely care about their students and want to help them in any way possible. I have also discovered that there are so many resources around campus that are just waiting to be used. I have had the opportuinity to use many of these resources over the last few years and to become much more involved in school. If I had done this the first time I attended college I probably would have been much more successful. Being involved in school and getting to know people around campus is important in making college a memorable and engaging experience.

Even if I could go back into time, their wouldn't be any advice I would give myself honestly. Leaving highschool I was already determined to make myself known and established at this University. Chose this University when I was in the tenth grade and failure was just never an option for me. I seen my vision and began my quest to conquer. Everyday I wake up, thank God then repeat one statement that's always on my mind, "With nothing standing in the way of my success but me, I will never fail." Thank You

Keep on doing good in school. Get good grades, turn in your homework on time, get enough sleep at night. Make sure to take a fun class each semester. You'll be graduating before you know it!

I would say to myself: Know what you want before you go to college.

As I said before, plan out your education ahead of time! Don't switch between majors like it will not have any effect on your education, every choice you make, every class you take, every grade you get factors into the rest of your schooling and your choices in post-graduate education. Focus, don't take classes just because they might be 'fun.' Think about what you really need to take to complete a degree, and finish your General Ed classes early so you can focus. But most importantly, learn, and not just from the teachers or books, but from your fellow students as well. And don't forget to enjoy furthering your education.

Like most my senior year of high school didn't prepare me very well for college. If I had the chance to go back and give myself advice on how to prepare I would. First, I would give myself tips on how to study more effectively and get the most out of something in the shortest amount of time. Second, I would show myself how to be a better writer. Every class I have had in college requires essays and knowing the skills to writing an essay make college so much easier. Third, do not procrastinate. I think this is an issue everyone has in high school and needs to solved before going into college. If I had these three simple tips about college in high school, my first year of college would have been much easier. Overall, its the little things that matter the most and make the biggest difference.

I have gone to college 3 times now, and this will be the fourth. I have a degree in nursing, started a degree in computer science, twice. The nursing degree was obtained out of financial necessity, although it is not even close to what I would like to do. Life will place obstacles in your path as you continue to grow. Take the opportunity you have while you are young to do whatever it takes to get what you want, while there are few life obstacles to overcome. I am now 30 years old, and finally doing what I want, becoming a professional pilot with a BA or more in Aviation Administration. The biggest thing I have learned is that it does not matter what other people think you have the potential for; we have the potential to do ANYTHING. Do what you will love; do what you want to spend the rest of your life pursuing. Life's obstacles will seem much smaller when they do not include the selection of a means to a successful financial and career-oriented future.

If I was able to go back I would talk to myself about the importance of easing my way into college life. When I went from Highschool to college life I took on the hardest work load that I could, but between homework and my social life it was hard to get the best grades possible. So I would tell myself to get involved with the programs that the college offers to freshman, and to take an easier workload my first semesters.

If only I knew that too much coffee and not enough sleep during exam week could result in mild hysteria, or that saving up money for classes is more important than spending it on a dress you thought was cute then. Yet, I think the advice that would've been most valuable to my naive freshman soul is that trying is the most important thing you can ever do. We hear it from the time we are born: "never give up . . . always try your hardest!" But is it ever put to the test? Upon entering college, I realized that taking a chance in the hopes for success, putting myself on the map - ready for humiliation - is the boldest, yet smartest thing I can do. Too often we let the fear of failure lead us down paths we never wish to find ourselves on. It's a frightening truth that daring to talk to people of higher status and making a name for ourselves is more important. Yet we must remember that even if it leads to failure, at least one can say "I tried my best." Because isn't failure, much like success, in the eyes of the beholder?

If I were to experience the opportunity, I am sure most would die to have, to go back in time and converse with my 18 year old self, there would be so much to say. Having grown on a personal and spiritual level while attending college, I would first tell myself to keep my chin up and know that trials I experience in life will only make me stronger. No mater how discouraging a human anatomy class can be, or difficult balancing work and school proves, I would tell myself to charge ahead with confidence in my abilities and have open-mindedness towards others. Doing so will aid me in preparation for the professional world while simultaneously guiding me through the academic world. Now knowing the resources and study techniques that work best for me, I would place emphasis on using tutors, encourage myself to take charge and organize study groups, as well as give back by tutoring those in courses I have previously completed. Having a full time job whenever possible would be advised as well as saving every last cent, so that I might be in a place to study without the weight of financial insecurity hanging overhead.