University of Southern Maine Top Questions

After knowing what I now know about college, I would make sure to stress how important it is to be fearless and to follow your heart. Thoroughout high school, I battled with myself whether or not to persue a degree in Theatre. Never ceasing to amaze me, I have been doing theatre since I was ten. I would get butterflies in my stomach before every performance; I would tear up just thinking about performing for the rest of my life. Theatre runs through my veins, and without it I would be nothing, it made me who I am today. Along with following my heart, I would advise my younger self to be fearless. Go out and make friends, be yourself and do not let prejudices stop you from making friends. I have made some of the most amazing friends here at college, and it was because I stopped caring what other people thought; I let all the dos and do nots of high school go. College is a lot different from high school, that's just one more thing I would stress to my younger self. There is not anyone telling you how to act, or what to do.

Work harder because every grade counts.

To do exatly what I've done now. I spent two years working in the medical field stright out of high school and through that experience I've found something I'm passinate enough about to dedicate my life to it. I'd tell myself to continue to be money-wise and to make the same decisions that I've made to place me exactly where I am.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself that during my high school career to take a learning disability evaluation, instead of needlessly struggling. During that time I was far too proud, stubborn and worried about my reputation that to be classified as "disabled" and receiving the support I needed.

Suring the application process to USM nursing program, I was terrified of how challengin gthe porgram would be. I had dropped out of High School and did not believe that I was smart enough to get a nursing degree. After graduating with honors and eventually succeding in the graduate nursing program, I would have told myself to have faith and trust my instincts. I began the porgram with studnets fresh out of high school and thought for sure I was going to fail since they had attended so many more hgih school classes than I had. Half way though A&P one of them asked to come and study with me since she was having so much toruble. I realized then that my survival skills I had needed to get thourhg tough times were guiding my resolve to work hard and get through the porgram. I would tell myslef to know that I have what it takes becuase passion and maturity are importnat parts of the college success puzzle.

I would have started the money search sooner than I did. I would have saved myself the hastle of not being able to register for spring semester. I would have picked a cheaper college, or even made better friends. I wish I would have put my head into the books more than I did and I probably would have made better grades.

The acrid stench of urine in regretful Downtown Miami fills my poor tired lungs as I sit here typing until my lack of pigmented-negro hands fall to the floor. And for what? To tell you my story of how I screwed up in high school? Pfft! Please! If only I can tell my old stubborn, white Jonas wannabe, self how stupid it was not to apply for scholarships and grants just so I can have the fifty-six dollars and twenty-five cents to pay for a frayed bus pass. If only I can tell myself how stupid I sounded when I used pompous vocabulary-out context-just to inflate my pretentious ego..."like what I did there?" That's what I always said until July 22, 2013, when I found my, soon to be hated, job by November, OfficeMax. You know, I couldn't even spend a full Thanksgiving night with my family, because I needed the petty extra eighty-five bucks so my lights won't cut off by the thirteenth? Whatever, I'll end this rant on one note to all seniors out there. The provocative truth about screwing up is NOTHING! Now figure that out.

The most important piece of advice I would give myself would be, to take the time to apply for scholarships. Money should be the last thing on your mind while you’re in college. Money is very stressful and can take away from your academic focus. Having a clear mind to focus strongly on your academic success is crucial. Yes, there are loans available that make it possible for people who do not receive finical aid, but when school is over the debt is almost not worth it. When you have 30,000 or more in student loans, buying your first home or car is the last thing you are able to consider. Slow down and look for ways to make tuition costs lower, it will only benefit you. My next piece of advice would be, to slow down and really think about what I want out of life? Where do I see myself being happy? Finding a school that is right is important along with happiness.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. This is why I would not give my high school self very specific advice or warning regarding my upcoming college years. I, of course, made mistakes during my first few years of college and I am continuing to make mistakes as every person does. However I would tell high school Lindsey to be more flexible. I would say planning for the future is a good idea but plans are not maps to be followed. I had my major and career path planned before I set foot in a college classroom but three semester later I found that I wasn't enjoying that major and I thought my whole future was unraveling. In the end, I found a major I enjoy much more and I had almost all the credits needed to turn my old major into a minor. Therefore, I would advise my younger self not to take things so seriously and remember that a change of plans or choosing a new path does not mean all the time until that point was wasted.

I would advise myself to chase after what makes me happiest. Explore areas that have always interested me but I never had the chance or courage to do. I would tell myself to not let the trouble of my family get in the way of my goals and success in college. I would tell myself that I should live on campus for sure so I can get to know more people and be more involved in school. I would say that being involved in school will have lessened the chance that I may drop out and that I should accept that there may be times where I feel alone but there is help available. This is probably the most important peice of advice I would give myself. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. They are free with tuition and they immensely help whether you are struggling or not academically or on a personal level with issues at home or at school. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would strongly advise myself as a high school senior to not let uncontrolable roadblocks get in the way of exploring college and to take advantage of counseling services.