Valparaiso University Top Questions

I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from putting a social life over my homework. I quit caring and stopped trying, and that has really set me back in terms of scholarships and pther things. I only got a 2.9 in high school but I was capable of so much more. Even though I am ashamed of how I acted in high school, in a way I am glad, because I never would have had my baby, and never would have been able to be living the life I have right now, which is with my daughter and fiance. It is a shame that I can't boast a higher GPA, but I have really turned that draw back into motivation to exceed everyone's expectations of my college career! I am pushing myself harder than ever to prove to everoyne - including myself - that I am perfectly capable of a 4.0, and I don't think it would be that way if I had done things the "right" way in high school.

Its just gonna be tough sometimes. Keep sucking it up.

There are so many things I would like to tell myself as a senior in high school. First, I would say to listen to your parents advice. They know you very well and only want what is best for you. With that being said, you also don't need to go to a college only because your parents want you to go there. You have to be comfortable and excited about where you are going to college. Secondly, take ownership of your decisions, education, life, and career. You need to want it! If you are going to college just to please your parents then it will be a terrible experience and you will not do as well as you could. Lastly, live life to its fullest! Life is short and your college experience will fly by. Take advantage of all of the different groups and activites that the college has to offer. Expand your horizons and take a class or two that is out of your realm of normalcy. Meet as many new people as you can and make friends with people who accept you for who you already are. These are just a few things I would tell myself.

Dearest Taylor, This is a lot different than high school. For one, you need to study. I know you're smart and you would wing every test you took in high school (and somehow managed to be Top Ten in your class), but this is NOTHING like that. You need to be dedicated to your work and DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Seriously, girl. Procrastination will cause you to pull all nighters and I know how much you enjoy your sleep. Tay, you also need to get involved. Your first semester is going to be a rough transition... but that is okay! Go out and meet to people! Don't sit in your dorm all day and mope because you "don't have fellowship with others of your faith." Get off your lazy butt and be social. There are a lot of amazing people and professors at this school, so don't lose any opportunities to give your all to those around you. My last bit of advice: clean your room and do your laundry. There is something so satisfying about having a clean room and fresh pajamas after a long day of work. Take advantage of that.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to enjoy the little things in life more. Instead of stressing over perfect grades and studying constantly, I would advice my younger self to endulge in more fun activities like hanging out with friends and playing sports recreationally. While grades are a top priority, it should be a balance between academics and fun.

Dear Nicole, Don't pick any morning classes, you will hate yourself for doing so. Also, do not under any circumstances freak out about not being able to handle the work load—you'll just give yourself hives. You're amazing, no matter what Dad says, you don't need to remove yourself from your social life to do well. The same goes for work, leave time in your schedule to go to work, otherwise you'll get made fun of by the guys for not working as much as everyone else. Apply for financial aid! Pressure Dad into giving you whatever information you need, he's wrong that it's a waste of time. You have to look out for your own best interests because no one else will. More than anything else, if you do nothing else that I say, do this one thing: Don't give up or give in. There are going to be times when you can't seem to get out of bed because the weight of the world is pressing down on you. Just do what needs to be done and the weight will be lifted. Don't stop fighting. Ever. Love, Nicole.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to develop a solid career plan. I would also make the suggestion of having plenty of alternate plans. Then I would tell myself to focus on acquiring financial literacy and developing career strategies, so that I can live comfortably when I am ready to start a family. I would also suggest working part-time while attending school, and to continually look for and apply for scholarships until I am completely finished with all of my education (undergraduate, and professional). I would also tell myself to make sure that I have health insurance since college students often get sick, and if I do not work, the cost of medical care will be overwhelming. I would also warn myself against taking out too much money in student loans, particularly private loans because private loans do not offer alterante re-payment plans nor do they forgive loans unless I am deceased or a have a permanent, debilitating disability. Most importantly, I would tell myself to seek balance and enjoy the college lifestyle because I will never get the opportunity to experience it again.

I would tell myself to start looking into different colleges early in my senior year. Ask myself if i wanted to go to school online or try to go to a school close to me. If i was working, i would really start saving to help myself pay for college that way i didn't have to take out so many student loans. I wouldn't be so nervous about it, more excited than anything!!

Never give up in your dreams no matter what. All your efforts will be worth it. The way some times will be hard, but you must keep trying, and you will see at the end the light shine. You will remeber those days were you didn't want to continue, the tons of homework, but you will say I did it. I am here and I deserve this.

Dear High School Self, Entering a large university from a small town is going to be a HUGE transition. Although it is an exciting new adventure, you are paying the university to learn and receive the degree of your dreams. Do not put your social life above your classwork. Yes, you are there for four years and have time to build up your GPA, but if you start out unfocused and do not work hard to keep a solid GPA, it will only be harder to raise in your future coursework. Not having a solid grade point will only cause headaches when you are trying to apply to the program of your choice. There are plethora of bright students in the world who are given the opportunity of a lifetime when accepted into a prestigious university; you want to stand out from these students working towards the same goals and not take for granted your. You only have four years to prove yourself, so make your time and money well worth it. Starting off on the right foot your first year will only make your climb to the top easier for your future decisions.