Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

If I could go back to my future self I would tell myself to become more open to new ideas and perspectives. My high school self would need to know that it is not always about the right or wrong when it comes to learning, but what is learnt. Most of my school life i was taught one way of thinking that there is right and there is wrong, but that is not always true. There is always the unknown and the gray area. My high school self would definately need to know how to study in a tactial way because studying becomes so important and being a tactial learner can be hard in a traditional way of schooling. I would tell my high school self to become more involved in community because it would make adjusting so much easier because I would have built better social skills and been able to build relationships quicker with new people. Also, it is really important to become involoved in a communtiy because it allows everyone to build each other up. My high school self would have been more prepared if I knew all of the things I know now about college.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell me to keep an open mind, stop being so scared, and stay focused on my goal. First, I would tell myself to keep an open mind because in college, there are so many more opportunities presented to you. Where I come from, there is one stop light and you are lucky if you can find a decent job. I have only been at a University 1 year and I have already been offered so many job opportunities that my high school self would have never thought imaginable. Next, I would tell myself to stop being so scared because by being scared about coming to college, I didn't adjust well at first. Through doing this, I didn’t allow myself to make friends as easily as I could have if I were being me. Lastly, I would tell myself to stay focused on my goal because there are so many distractions at college. At the end of the day, you are the only person that matters. That is why it is important to put you first in order to succeed and reach your goal.

I would tell myself to not worry about finding friends in college, as you will make many friends who share your own interests. You will find some amazing people to hang out with in the clubs here and you will fun and laugh. Do not worry about your roommates as they will be fun to hang out with and understanding. Going to college will be the best decision you make in your life do not worry about anything at all, you will be happy and you will not struggle.

Knowing what I know now about the transition to college, if I could go back and talk to my high school self as a senior, I‘d tell myself three things: Budget, apply for scholarships, and focus in math class! I know now that managing money by creating a budget is crucial. Budgeting and saving early, would’ve eliminated stress caused from paying for books, or being unable to purchase essentials like food and clothing. Besides creating a budget for myself, I’d also apply for scholarships. The consequences of not applying for scholarships, have now become evident in my life. From lack of financial aid money, I never get enough to cover my college expenses. Resulting in me having to pay out of pocket. Lastly, I’d tell myself to focus in math class. I never believed teachers when they said certain math would be needed in life. I’m now taking a math class that doesn’t count towards my college graduation because I didn’t heed wise advice. Unfortunately, I can’t go back and tell myself these things. Thankfully, I’ve learned from my mistakes and I’m using my shortcomings as a tool towards success.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to relax. High school students break their own backs over their education, but there's no need. I know several people who went through the IB program in high school, and we take the same classes in the same school at the same level now. The effort they put forth hardly paid off, and they deserved a moment to be a child. School is important, and it comes first when compared to one's own social life and the sort, and good study habits are a NECESSITY in college, but all of the worry of being accepted into a college was for naught. Things will work out just fine so long as you apply yourself and you remain patient. Everything will fall into place in time, for better or for worse, and occupying yourself with concerns all the time will do nothing but make you sick unnecessarily.

If there were roads on the path to higher education, they would be paved with platitudes. "College is a growth experience." "It's a chance to spread your wings." "There's a time for everything, and it's college." Despite the encouraging twinkle that often accompanied such words, I remember feeling puzzled and a bit left out. What does it mean to "spread your wings"? Do I even have wings? Looking back on it now, I sympathize with my well-wishers. There were no words to prepare that girl for the changes still to come. She was so old for a child and too clever to boot. Life rushes at a person in the spring of their independence. The elders cannot speak clearly to those still womb-bound in youth. Instead they leave mysteries, little glimpses of the future. "Growth", "wings", it is the spirit of these words they wished to pass on. If I could speak to that girl, still wrapped in her egg. I would tell her that she does have wings, and, yes, they do need spreading. The tricky part will be finding them. Trust, and know that you are loved. There is nothing more to say.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to become better at organization and time management. I would also tell myself that learning how to study the right way is essential for college because assessments are made to test knowledge about the subjects and not memorization skills. I would tell myself to be more social and open minded in college and to pursue more opportunities and join more clubs such studying abroad and auditioning for an accapella group. I think if I had done that my freshmen year, I would have been able to gain more friends and transitioned even better from highschoool to college.

Save up your money right now. You will need it for the apartment you'll be buying in a couple of years. Also, stop whatever you're doing and put in application to VCU immediately. Late fees are not a fun thing. Anyways college is not as scary as what mom told us, it's actually a lot of fun. The people are nice and you will make a lot of friends. However, you need to develop a harder backbone, because you will run into moments where you need to stand up for yourself and stop running away from your problems. Did I already tell to you save money? Yea, because this apartment is not cheap my friend. Work hard to get better at drawing. When possible take the time to sit at a coffee shop and draw quick sketches of people. It's going to help a lot in your drawing classes. Be very consistent at time management. It will be a burden if you do not plan out your weekdays entirely. Fret not though, weekends are your time to sleep in. You'll need it for those early morning Monday classes. Good luck Your friend

Know your worth, it may seem like everyone else's time may have come and you're still waiting; but stay patient. Your time is coming. Love yourself more than you love the idea of being loved becuase you deserve real love that will build you up. Look in the mirror and see the good things about yourself even if it is hard. You have to love yourself before anyone esle can love you. All love is not the type of love your looking for. Protect your heart and your body by waiting and learning people; because some of them will decieve you. Life will get hard but you are strong enough to get through it. It can't storm forever, the sun will eventually come out. Worry about today and make the most of it. Live in the moment becuase time is always going. Lastly, respect yourself because now you may not feel worth anything but you are, you always will be because you are speciel creation. Someone out there will be proud to to say that they got the chance to be apart of your life. You are always loved.

Dear Self, You'll have to stop being so shy, you'll never make friends by just going to class and going to your room. Be more sure of yourself because you know you have so much to offer as a student and a friend. Make sure you join clubs and organizations, staying busy will also help you stay organized. Try not to overdoesd at the Starbucks in the library, I know mom never let you drink coffee at home but trust me, that stuff is addicting. Smile when you are walking to class, I know you are nervous but you don't want to seem mean. Speak more in class and remember your glasses! Since you are so bad at remember try to sit closer to the front. Don't get caught up on image and impressing people, focus on the important things like buying books before clothes. Lastly, enjoy this time because it is the best time of your life. You'll grow so much and some lessons may be hard. Don't be afraid of the challenge. Love, Yourself P.S call your grandparents more!