Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Hey you, I know that you are excited to graduate from high school. However, there is no need to rush. Once you graduate from high school, real world would soon start to sink in. Those teacher giving you time to revise and re-do papers and quizzes will no longer be there. No more procrastination because too much of it will lead to work piling up. College will be a fun experience and it is okay for change. Change is actually good not scary in any way. The more diversity you surround yourself with will only make you a more well-rounded and accepting individual. Now it is the time to take your knowledge to another level and continue to strive.

There are so many things I would tell my self if I could go back in time. I would make sure my eighteen year old self would go after what I wanted. I would tell her to care less about what others think, and do what I feel is right. I would tell my self to value myself and not put myself down. I would also remind myself that I have to work hard for what I want. I skated through school, I rarely studied, I rarely did homework, and I managed to keep a modest GPA, but, that didn't prepare me for life after high school. The best advice I could give myself is how to view education. I would tell me: "Education is a gift we give ourselves. Work hard, study hard, and the rest will come. Financially it seems daunting, but, without an education, a worthwhile career isn't possible. Regardless of what dad wants, do what you want. This is about you and your future."

Given the chance to pay a visit to my suburban hometown circa 2009, the wisdom to bestow upon my neurotic, teen-aged self would be limited. At 22 years old, i've grown substantially; i've done things that I'm very proud of, things I'd not have dreamed myself capable of as a High School Senior. Still, I feel not yet qualified to dole out any words of supreme wisdom. Rather, I would limit my correspondence with the me of academia past to a few ostensibly simple words: it's okay. it's okay that you've not applied to college yet- that you're not even sure if you want to go to college. Your friends have all received their acceptance letters from their prospective four year universites; that's okay too. Be happy for them sans feelings of inferiority and guilt for not wanting what they want. I know that things feel terrible right now, that the future seems like an abstraction and nothing more. But when you feel strong enough to ask for help, it'll be there. And college, that'll be there too. For now, just keep in mind that things get better.

Be positive in a world that says you can't. Learn to yourself, and be your our best friend.

Don't get lost in the sauce! My RA told me that at the beginning of the semester, but I only heeded his warning so much. I didn't use my agenda like I used to do in middle/high school, so there were moments when I got a little overwealmed with assignments because I lost track of what was due when. I knew better than to do that, but if I could have warned myself before hand, then maybe I would have listened and last semester could have been more chill. I know now that I need to get work done before I claim to be "bored" with "nothing to do."

I would tell myself to base my college decision on myself, and not other people and to choose a school that feels like home. I'm in the process of transferring schools, not because I don't appreciate all that VCU offers, but because it just isn't a place that I feel I belong. It is an amazing school, but it isn't my home. I don't regret my choices, but I wish I knew that in the long run, you'll be happier if your decisions aren't based on others. I would also tell my high school self that homesickness is real and one of the hardest parts about going away to college and to be prepared to face it head on.

I would tell myself to take a deep breath and to relax. There's no reason to stay up late night after night stressing because everything will fall into place. Yes, college is a big place and you'll be in a new place but this is no reason to worry. This is an amazing opportunity and take advantage of the experience. Join clubs that interest you and cut people out of your life who try to keep you from accomplishing your goals. You might not think so, but you're ready. One last piece of advice: don't wait until the last minute to do your assignments! If you feel like your workload is too much, meet with an advisor or your professor.

As a second year student at Virginia Commonwealth University, I would advise my high school self to take AP classes that accounted for general education classes. Although fifteen AP credits did transfer over from high school, only four of those credits counted for general education classes. With taking more general education AP classes in high school, I would have been able to expand my education further in college by skipping general education classes to save money on classes. In addition, I have always been a striving student. I have always involved myself in various activities after school including swimming, track, and playing the flute, while keeping up with a 3.981 GPA in high school. One thing I wish I did in high school was to save more money for college. I am constantly worrying if I will be able to pay the next college bill or monthly rent. With aid I will be able to support my desire to learn and aid my first steps into the world as a scientific illustrator.

Dear High School Senior Me, Going through high school and transferring to college was tough. I was in a new state, didn't know anyone, and I didn't have mom there to remind me to do my homework. I want you to take all of your time having someone to tell you to do things as a time to get organized because it hurt me not being organized. Get a self planner while in high school and learn how to use it efficiently so you are prepared for college. Write everything in the planner so you know what's due, when your free time is, and even write your study time down so it is a set time. Another thing is learn study habits. Going to college without great study habits is going hurt you in the long run. You'll need to study to pass the tests and courses. Don't just study what you need for the test and forget it after. Remember this is what you will need to know for the rest of your career! Lastly, stay focused. Don't allow sports, people, or work distract you from your main goal! Sincerely, College Student Me

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would say that the most important thing is to know what you want out of yourself. After four strenuous years of high school, I came to college knowing that I wanted to be better. So I always said to mysef, "I will be the best that I can be and see how far it takes me." Now, I am a straight A student, on the deans list, having been accepted into multiple programs. Since I arrived, I valued being the best that I could be, and so I was. Being my best was more important than going out every weekend or being the crowd pleaser. What always came into question was what I was willing to fail at in order to succeed.