Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

If I would have known then what I know now, Iwould definitely tell my high school self to save money! College is expensive, no matter where you go. I had a job over the summer, and I also received money as m graduation gift. I blew it all on material things, and I just wish that I had a plan to save beforehand. All of the money that I had earned from working would have been put into my savings, and I would have waited to buy those cool new shoes. VCU has a very good meal plan which takes away the need to spend on food, but if you are seeking to be a part of any organizations you will need money for club dues. I would have also told myself to look for jobs around campus before I got here. There is nothing like having money in your pockets, knowing that you have earned it yourself.

Relax. Simply put, my last two years in high school were overwhelming and stressful. As a high school senior there was never time to relax. It was stress stress stress all the time. I am in college now and I continue to ask myself, "Why?" Why was i constantly stressed out. Why was graduating and moving on such a big deal? Was it because I would be leaving home or the fact that I would be on my own? I am not sure. But, if there was one word of advice I could give to my high school self it would be to relax. Take a step back and have a little fun instead of worrying all the time.

The old me in high school was very undetermined and on a lost track. I think i would tell myself about all the amazing opportunites that are available at VCU. I would also tell myself that I need to prepare myself to work hard and not let myself get distracted. College is not a joke and it should not be treated lightly, not only is it important to get an education, but flunking out has negative outcomes on many levels; such as having to pay back the school even though you are no longer attending, working at a low end job for the rest of your life and having a hole in yourself knowing that you couldn't go all the way.

I was not fortunate enough to attend high school in the United States, but I know when I was a teenager I could have done many things that would have improved my life. The high school I attended in Denmark was different from those you see in America, but the teenagers were no less diverse and, quite frankly, equally irresponsible and responsible, respectively. I'm ashamed to admit that I was one of those who would be considered irresponsible. Why? I thought I needed to enjoy my youth, do all the crazy things you can't do when you're older. Time changes many things, however, and I have certainly learned better ways to deal with life. In the past, I nearly failed all my classes simply due to a lack of effort. Today, I have a 4.0 GPA and not for a lack of effort. Time changed me. So if I could go back, what would I tell myself? very simply, I would say: "patience. You have time."

Just breathe. High school's gone by fast and this year will be over before you know it, so enjoy it as best you can. Focus on the good, learn from the not so good and understand that your experiences from here on out won't ever be the same as someone else's. After graduation you're going to feel sad watching your friends go and you're going to miss high school. You're going to cry a little bit and that's ok. But actually think about how big the world is outside of high school, how there are more exciting things in life than being crowned prom queen. Know that the choices you've made have molded you and readied you for the next amazing chapter of life. Strive for greatness, but know that happiness is always the most important. Know that you are more than capable of taking on this next challenge. Smile and let yourself be filled with excitement about the unknown. And remember, just breathe.

Dear High School Senior Jessica, Life is infinitely and unequivocally better as you get older. High school is nothing more than a launching pad and a medium for motivation for you to get the hell out of that small town. There is so much more to see and understand than you could possibly imagine. Don’t get overwhelmed by opportunity; pursue it and let it wash over you like a waterfall. You are intelligent and capable. I know that you don’t believe you can get into college (I’m still not sure why I ever thought that), but you can. Just apply, don’t spend your life afraid of success! Don’t depend on mom and dad to find the means for you. They don’t have it and they won’t find it. One word: scholarships. Apply until it hurts. Believe in yourself. I know it sounds silly, but you need to learn to be your greatest champion and source of encouragement. Learn to love yourself and lastly, let people help you. It will save you a lot of grief in the future. Sincerely and with love, Soon to be First Year Graduate Student Jessica

If I were to go back in time and give my high-school-senior self some college wisdom, I would say to save up as much money as possible. That about 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my future paycheck is going to education and I will need that money. Since I am attending culinary school, I would also tell myself to work on my cutting and knife skills. I would say that emotional pain has no effect on the future what so ever, and that focusing on education is what is most important; that no matter what I feel, it shouldn’t affect how I work. Most importantly, I would advise on really embracing the small things when they come up; because no matter how hard and grueling life gets, there is always some reason to smile.

If I could go back and talk to myself I would explain how hard it is to get money for school. When I was in high school I thought people just gave you money to go to school, unfortunately that isn't the case. I would tell myself to save every penny I earned. I have worked since the time I was 16. If I would have saved more money it would have been easier to go to school. I would also tellmyself that the grades DO matter. I know money isn't everything in life but money is needed to go to college. I would hope talking to myself would help me to have saved more money so the transition into the working-world could be a smooth one, not one with $60,000 in debt.

Assuming I could go back in time and speak to Katie the High School Senior, I would discuss two important points with her. First, I would tell her that college is not going to be easy. I would assure her that while college seems like fun and games with a bit of work mixed in, it is quite the opposite. “High remarks are imperative to college success.” I would state. Katie will look at me with sad eyes, afraid she will fail. I will then tell her with undoubted seriousness that she is capable of incredible things. I will tell her to always be confident in her abilities and to never doubt herself. I will say, “It will be tough, but you are strong and you can do anything.” Next, I will tell her to close her eyes and feel the burning in her soul. I would say, “Katie, that fire inside you is your passion.” I would tell her to embrace that passion whole-heartedly, and to never let it go. Her gaze will change, focused on the goal. Strength, courage, and passion radiate from her soul. She is ready. She will succeed.

Don't be shy! There are many resources just waiting to help you. Not looking into what the school has to offer will probably make life a lot harder than it has to be. Talk to your professors and go their office hours. Your instructor can be your best friend, especially if they see how hard you're trying. Being a "teacher's pet" is a good thing. Join clubs and be active early on so you can see what you like and what does not suit you. Don't be scared if you don't know where you're heading and what you want to do. Take your time and explore what you want to pursue and when you find it, stick to it and become involved in that group. I cannot stress how important it is to go out and make connections, but at the same time, pace yourself. You do not want to collapse from exhaustion. Oh, and another thing: take care of your health. It's so much easier to grab a bag of chips and run because your next class starts in five minutes but, trust me, you need proper nutrition to keep going.