Sarah
College is a party. Those words ring in the ears of every graduating high school senior, myself included. My teachers told me that this is false; college professors give loads of homework and tear you to shreds. This belief was affirmed by my parents who told me that college is an expensive experience that will be extremely difficult emotionally and academically. However I think that my first thought remains true; college is a party.
A party is nothing more than a celebration. My first few weeks it was a celebration of being "independant". Our festivities included not doing laundry and going to bed when we wanted. Classes are a celebration of our education and of what the future holds. Everyday I think about getting into Medical School, and that seems like something to celebrate. After my first final exams we celebrated the end of 1/8 of our college careers.
I suppose if I were to speak to myself in high school I would have this to say,"Don't fear college, it will make you better. Don't take college too lightly, it will be difficult. Never stop the party, just change what you're celebrating."
Emily
I would advise myself as a high school senior to not always settle or do what is comfortable. I chose Villanova because I comfortable on the campus, which I do not regret. However, I did not search beyond this feeling, and chose the school based on this comfort level. Similarly, I always did what felt safe-- I clung to the same activities and people throughout high school, and I was very set in my ways. I would tell my high school senior self to push these boundaries, and do things that are uncomfortable and I may not necessarily enjoy. I shouldn't spend my time with a limited number of people, instead, I should have branched out and befriended others, especially those who were different from myself. I should have tried new activities in order to have new experiences. In college, I have continued to do many of the things that I did in high school, for example I am still in band. I love band, but I have also pushed myself further. I am involved in other activities that enable me to meet many different people and personalities, and as a result I have learned a lot about myself.
Monica
OK Monica now is the time to stay focused this is your last year and you have to graduate. You can't miss class or be late because time is everything. get your mind off that boy he is not doing anything with his self he has no goals. Make the right decision and think about the consequences if you make the wrong choice remember you want to go off to college. You don't want a baby right now because your education is more important. Look at the young girls around the neighborhood struggling! Do you want that for yourself. You are someone of devine purpose set your goals and have high expectations in life. Know that you are beautiful and something good is going to happen to you as long as you believe in yourself.
Lily
I would tell myself to attend a community college for two years and then transfer my credits to a university that I am interested in. As a result, I would save myself alot of money because the tuition at the community college would be alot more reasonable then any private university. At the community college, I would take general courses where I can expose myself to all areas of study. Then, when I transition to the university I would then declare my major. Also, I would tell myself that you could be expose to prejudice, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol. As long as I know my education is most important, nothing stated above can jeporadize my education. If you work hard, I believe the payoff will be great.
Darcy
Don't waste time worrying and being scared. Everyone is in the beginning, so it is better to just leave the fear behind you and move forward with hope and excitement for what lies ahead.
Rachel
Knowing what I know now as a second semester college female freshman, I would advise myself to not be so intimidated about starting a new life in college. I was afraid to be away from my family and friends when I started college, but now I realize I can have it all. High school is so different from college, with the exciting things you learn in and out of the classroom. The freedom and independence you are afforded by getting away from home is invaluable in the process of growing into a responsible adult. You will always have the old friends your family for support. The new friends you are making just enhance the experience.
I would also say that the maturation process includes new experiences about trusting the new people you will meet. There are so many different types of people in college. Trusting everyone is not possible and there will be disappointments along the way. I would have set my expectations lower in this category, and would have done a better job preparing myself that I would not be best friends with everyone I meet.
Danise
I would have to visit the campus to see how big it is and ofcourse check out the dorm room size cause I need my space, I dont want a room mate. Taste the cafeteria food to see if it's good, and see what stores are near that I could get something to eat incase i miss meal times at the cafeteria. Is there public transportation that would take me somewhere to go food or clothe shopping, because as a freshman I wont be able to have a car on campus. Is there security guards here, cause i want to feel safe walking across campus, is there school transportation that takes you from class to the dorms in bad weather. What kind of groups or organizations does this place have that i can get join, sorrities, culture groups, student government....ect. I hope they have a gym I can play basketball, or a weight room to work out. Is there a entertainment center with tvs, and poole tables in case i get bored. whats the population, how big is the campus, is the campus diverse. Make sure I start my assignments when they are given to me, and study
Stefanie
The most important advice I could give to myself as a high school senior would be to attend the school that I thought was the best fit for me. Parents, guidance, counselours, siblings, and friends can all be very persuasive when it comes to college decisions and I think that we are all a bit confused and vulnerable during this time. I chose to attend a school close to home where I knew many students and it was not the best school for me. I did transfer and earn a degree, but I may have had a more fulfilling college experience if I had chosen to attend another school. Also, I would adivse my high school self to have fun! As cliche as it may seem these years truly do fly by and can be missed in the blink of an eye. As as adult student returning for a second degree, studying is still top of the list of important things to do but I've made a promise to myself that I will have fun and enjoy this experience. So, high school self, pick the school you really like and make the best of it!
Lea
Definitely keep your goals in mind. Everything done in college should be geared towards your success after you graduate. Every learning opportunity possible (such as internships or any outside-of-class experiences) should be taken advantage of. Also, always take advantage of social opportunities around you too. Research social life at different colleges and whether or not having fun is dependent on joining different organizations. All in all, never pass up any opportunity in front of you, be it academic or social. This is college! It's supposed to be the best four years of your life; make it so! It's all up to you.
Mary
I would tell myself to relax and trust that I've worked hard enough throughout my high school career to handle college life. While it will, at times, be difficult to schedule my time and balance my schoolwork with my extra-curricular activities, I can handle myself. I will be able to prioritize my work and in the end, I'll finish it all. I would tell myself not to worry about making friends, that I'm in the right place with people who hold the same values as I do. I won't have a problem finding like-minded people who will become my friends for life.