Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

I would first tell myself to have plan. Specifically define my goals and write them down. Once you can clearly define what is you want to do, it makes it easier to prioritize the steps that are most important for accomplishing those goals. I would also tell myself to be prepared to have the discipline needed to complete those goals. Being disciplined gives you the focus to fight through the difficult times and the strength to resist the distractions that can deter you from accomplishing your goals. I woould tell myself to study and enhance my time and money management skills. Having the skills to properly budget your money and time is a crucial part of every student’s academic success while attending college and will be a great asset for the rest of your life. Lastly I would tell myself to make lots of acquaintances and enjoy the experience. Your future acquaintances will provide you with an opportunity to development long lasting friendships and maybe even romance. I would tell my younger self that my college years will be crucial for building the foundation for future success in life, therefore, it's important to have a plan.

Going back four years, I would change very little about the decisions I made and the dedication I had to learning. I made it, in the most American dream-realized way possible. I will be graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, in less than two months, with a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering, with honors, magna cum laude, and plans to attend medical school in the fall. I have learned so much about the world, both in the academic sense and the worldly sense, since I came to VCU. If I were to talk to my high school senior self, I would not tell myself to study more for this test or change that decision. Every challenge I took on and mistakes I made have been a learning experience. It would not be the same if I tell myself what to do; learning is half the challenge and half my reaction. I choose not to live with regrets so I would tell myself to be fearless, keep trying new things and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. There is no excitement and motivation in knowing what to expect, so go be yourself and learn for the sake of knowledge.

Do not, and I repeat do not stress yourself out so much! Throughout high school they make it seem like it is the end of the world if you don't make it into college or that it is so difficult to apply and pay for college. I've learned that the application process isn't as difficult as it seems if you only apply to a max of like five schools and that paying for college shouldn't even be on someones mind until much later in life because thats is what loans are for. I remember having a panic attack when I didn't get the grades I wanted but it was ok as I still got into college. So I would tell myself to breathe, it will all work out in the end!

I would tell myself that it's okay to relax sometimes. I was incredibly scared of getting bad grades and disappointing myself or others around me that I never took the time to get to know my classmates or even my suitemates. I never relaxed and went out with friends. I was constantly in libraries and study sessions working on my studies. I would tell myself that its not only okay to make time for social life but that its necessary. I would tell my highschool self that A's are still possible without the constant late nights at the library. I would tell my highschool myself that, as long as education never takes second place to any other thing, its okay to relax a little bit.

You're much stronger than you think. Remember to try and be positive. I mean, how cool is it that you get the chance to study what you love in a completely new place than you're used to? Pretty darn cool. So be EXCITED! There are lots of kids who don't have this opportunity. So grab it by the [ram] horns! Take advantage of every single thing. Scholarships. Mentorships. Clubs. Classes. Kindle your curiosity and let it grow. You have so much potential, and you CAN tackle living away from home. You can tckle thriving away from home, because that's exactly what you're going to do. This is your time to make connections with ideas and people that will influence the rest of your life. So hey. Be excited.

Don't buy the books new and wait until the first week of classes; its better to pay a little more to have it shipped faster than to waste $400 on a book you never even opened. Don't panic if it's not one time- the library has one. Get involved on campus in anything you can- this lets you meet people and gives you a varied friend population- the more people you know and are friends with the better things will be.

Consider completing prerequisits at a community college to save money. In the interest of saving money and time, do not commit to a major until you have "done your homework" and are sure it is the potential career choice for you. Seek a stable home away from home and strive to stay there most of if not all of your college career. Get involved in your school community. Take advanage of scholarships and grants early. Always remember to keep your stress level to a minimum and stay positive. Remember your life and your success is determined by you and will happen in your own time. Never settle for a degree, remember that you are preparing for the rest of your life. Have Fun and Be Safe!

I would tell myself to not worry about what others thought about me or how many friends I had. Focus on school and get good grades because after high school nothing else will matter. Most of the friends you have in high school will not be around afterwards. And people that you never talked to in high school will become good friends after high school. I'd also tell myself that guys don't matter. You aren't going to find the "one" in high school so stop trying so hard. And the number one piece of advice I'd give myself is to just be myself.

The high school senior version of me is someone I barely recognize now. If I could go back in time to talk to her, I'd ask her if she really liked horses as much as she thought she did. The biggest piece of advice I would give 18 year old me would be to sit down and consider the fact that a passion I've had since I was 8 years old could become a chore if I went to a school that was specifically known for their equestrian center. Especially if I was too intimidated by the competition to try out for the team. I'd also tell myself to focus more on the school aspect of school, not be so secretly shy, and to remember that the real reason I'm studying what I'm studying is to eventually becoma a real life Lorax.

First of all, realize that you are the only one who knows what you want. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, to follow your own path. Say what you think and don't apologize for it. Don't let anyone tell you that what you're doing isn't good enough, or isn't what is expected. Forge your own path, and if someone doesn't like it, leave them behind. You don't have to have all the answers now. Don't be afraid to fail or to change your mind. It's important to finish what you start, but don't let your past dictate the future. Every experience you have, whether good or bad, wrong decision or right, will form you into the person you were created to become. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger - it's an expression that proves true if you let it. Take advice from those closest to you, that's why they're there, but make your own decisions. When you don't have all the answers, and you never will, just do what you can with what's in front of you. The rest will unfold itself.