57 answers
Iqra
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
11
Questions
Updated
5329 views
Is there anything you regret not doing in high school/college?
Why didn't you do it and is it something you would recommend others do? #college-advice #college #highschool #highschool-advice #JULY20
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57 answers
B P
Q
7
Answers
Illinois, Illinois
Updated
B’s Answer
Learning a foreign language and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel. Looking back, I wish I would have engaged in more things that were outside my comfort zone. This is a really good time to push yourself to try things that make you nervous :)
Will do! Thanks, Sabrina!
Iqra
Agreed! I wish I would have studied abroad while in school. But, now, I make up for that by traveling to new places and foreign countries.
Marina Baker
Dr. Delma Browne
Executive Officer and University Instructor
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Dr. Delma’s Answer
I agree with everyone, on involvement. That was one area for me that I regret not partaking in both high school and college years. I highly suggest, joining clubs that are of interest to you even though you don't know anyone. Don't be shy, even if it means you have to start a club with a group of your friends or others with the same interest. Having said that, don't forget what your ultimate goal is, time management is the key.
Thank you! I'm actually thinking of starting a club at my school so hopefully, that'll work out!
Iqra
Jennifer Tyes
Scrum Master
4
Answers
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
For myself, I may look back and think about the things I could have done but I would not regret. I am in a great place in my life right now and nothing I didn't do in High school affected my path to today.
I'm glad that's the case for you!
Iqra
Terhan Tinker
Sales Leader
7
Answers
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Terhan’s Answer
I have two regrets from high school/college: 1. I didn't challenge myself academically, I was comfortable making an easy A or avoiding a subject that would challenge me like math. 2. I didn't leverage the access I had to so many educated people daily, educators have so much life knowledge and it is easy to take them for granted.
Thanks for the answer!
Iqra
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1321
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
I recommend taking advantage of any visiting lecturers to your university as well as the culture of the city where you live.
Thanks Estelle!
Iqra
David Loi
Casino Marketing Executive Host
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
David’s Answer
For myself, I did not regret for not doing in high school/college. Everything I did from high school to college graduated is all my choices, I join clubs, organizations, play sport and in sport team, and etc. Also handing different position in clubs, organizations, sport teams, fraternities/sororities, and etc. But have I seen people around me regrets for not doing in high school and colleges, that would be a yes. And I had tried to help them organize or plan out what pathway or guide they can do or change. I have friends who regrets for choosing the wrong major, wrong colleges, and/or not taking on position in clubs, organizations, and etc. High school and early college is the time you can have fun, build up yourself, learn from what you will be facing in the working world and etc., Now and days everyone can still go back to college to get another degree, final off a degree and etc. But while you are young with no family, and responsible load that is the time you can freely do whatever you want. Now you can't maybe because you have family, load of responsibility and more. I can see most people regret are not doing what they want themselves but follow what society want them to do and when look back is when they regret because that is the past as well while they are young, now is a bit older and it is not the same feeling anymore.
Thanks for the answer, David! I'm glad that you're happy with the choices you made!
Iqra
Ivory Taylor
Verizon Wireless
5
Answers
North Charleston, South Carolina
Updated
Ivory’s Answer
I regret not being involved with different after school activities. I would recommend cheerleading, basketball, debate teams are all great things to get involved with. It'll keep you busy and active!
Thanks for your answer! I'm not very athletic but I do enjoy debate!
Iqra
Yume Tateo
Medical Assistant
8
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Yume’s Answer
Hi Lqra!
Personally, I have always wanted to do healthcare, but it took until junior year of college to fully realize what I wanted to do. Although, I do not regret taking a gap year to pursue being a physician assistant, I definitely could have made steps earlier in college that would have helped me! For example, I regret not participating in clubs that were relevant to me that would have helped me understand the profession more and obtain volunteering hours. I was very much absorbed in succeeding academically and in research that I almost completely neglected the extracurricular activities. However, in my gap year, there have been other ways to become knowledgeable about a desired profession without joining a club and I have been able to slowly obtain volunteering hours. I don't necessarily regret going full-speed with academics because GPA is not something that that I could have fixed as easily as not obtaining the hours. I hope this helps a little bit!
Personally, I have always wanted to do healthcare, but it took until junior year of college to fully realize what I wanted to do. Although, I do not regret taking a gap year to pursue being a physician assistant, I definitely could have made steps earlier in college that would have helped me! For example, I regret not participating in clubs that were relevant to me that would have helped me understand the profession more and obtain volunteering hours. I was very much absorbed in succeeding academically and in research that I almost completely neglected the extracurricular activities. However, in my gap year, there have been other ways to become knowledgeable about a desired profession without joining a club and I have been able to slowly obtain volunteering hours. I don't necessarily regret going full-speed with academics because GPA is not something that that I could have fixed as easily as not obtaining the hours. I hope this helps a little bit!
Thanks for the answer, Yume!
Iqra
Carlos Murillo
customer service
12
Answers
Redding, California
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Lqra,
This is a great question.
I wish I would of been more involved during my senior year in high school besides helping create Art Club which is still on going at my High School. I would of joined more clubs, been more involved with the Student body. When I got to college I wish I would of finished my second year and got my degree, but I dropped out 2 weeks prior to finishing.
Get involved in what clubs/activities you can in High School and stick with them! The more clubs & activities you are apart of will help you with any insecurities you may have being in a public setting. I do regret not being more involved because of my own insecurities but over time and working retail it helped me become more of myself when doing public speaking.
Good Luck !
This is a great question.
I wish I would of been more involved during my senior year in high school besides helping create Art Club which is still on going at my High School. I would of joined more clubs, been more involved with the Student body. When I got to college I wish I would of finished my second year and got my degree, but I dropped out 2 weeks prior to finishing.
Get involved in what clubs/activities you can in High School and stick with them! The more clubs & activities you are apart of will help you with any insecurities you may have being in a public setting. I do regret not being more involved because of my own insecurities but over time and working retail it helped me become more of myself when doing public speaking.
Good Luck !
Thanks for the answer Carlos! I'm going to do my best to try new things!
Iqra
Jessica Sera Padron
Enrollment Specialist
23
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jessica Sera’s Answer
Hi there!
I wouldn't necessarily say I regretted not doing anything in high school / college. That being said, there are definitely a few steps I could have taken to be more proactive about my professional development and goals. For example, one thing that is not explicitly taught in high school or college is emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Often times, I was so caught up with studying that I did not regularly check in with my thoughts and feelings. After graduating, I had so much more time to myself and had the opportunity to sit alone with my thoughts. This has helped me become aware of my feelings and being able to take steps to regulate my feelings in a more productive manner. Because we tend to be so busy with high school involvements or college clubs, mental energy is not often directed inward to explore your subconscious. Therefore, I would definitely recommend practicing checking in with yourself. The concept of metacognition - thinking about thinking was only something I really immersed myself with after I graduated from college. However, this tool is beneficial in all aspects of your life. It will help improve your mood, bring clarity to your goals, and strengthen your relationships with others.
This is a bit more of a spiritual answer to your question, but I hope it helps!
Check in with yourself regularly
Become aware of how you are feeling and regulate your feelings healthily
Be honest with yourself when setting goals
Take time to sit alone with your thoughts and think about thinking
Journal and meditate daily
I wouldn't necessarily say I regretted not doing anything in high school / college. That being said, there are definitely a few steps I could have taken to be more proactive about my professional development and goals. For example, one thing that is not explicitly taught in high school or college is emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Often times, I was so caught up with studying that I did not regularly check in with my thoughts and feelings. After graduating, I had so much more time to myself and had the opportunity to sit alone with my thoughts. This has helped me become aware of my feelings and being able to take steps to regulate my feelings in a more productive manner. Because we tend to be so busy with high school involvements or college clubs, mental energy is not often directed inward to explore your subconscious. Therefore, I would definitely recommend practicing checking in with yourself. The concept of metacognition - thinking about thinking was only something I really immersed myself with after I graduated from college. However, this tool is beneficial in all aspects of your life. It will help improve your mood, bring clarity to your goals, and strengthen your relationships with others.
This is a bit more of a spiritual answer to your question, but I hope it helps!
Jessica Sera recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the answer! I do try to journal every now and then but I find it really difficult to be consistent. I will try to improve upon that in the future though!
Iqra
Valeria Alvarez
Emergency Medical Technician
11
Answers
Jurupa Valley, California
Updated
Valeria’s Answer
Hello :)
Looking back, I can’t say I regret much from high school and college! However, there are lots of things I’m soooo happy I did!!
For high school, being super involved allowed me to make the most of my high school experience! I was involved in lots of clubs & extra curricular activities. I also attended most pep rallies & dances & little events the school held. That made me feel connected to my class & truly enjoy high school!!
For college, I tried to keep the same mentality & get involved. It was definitely harder, and looking back, I probably would have liked to be more involved with my university. However, studying abroad was a 10/10 choice! I loved it!!! I recommend if you have the chance, to get out of your comfort zone & study in a county you’ve never visited. Also, take advantage of all the resources you have during your college years! Lots of people willing to help you & you should take advantage of that.
Good luck to you!! Remember that it’s easier to regret the things you didn’t do, as opposed to the things you did do (those become lessons!)
Looking back, I can’t say I regret much from high school and college! However, there are lots of things I’m soooo happy I did!!
For high school, being super involved allowed me to make the most of my high school experience! I was involved in lots of clubs & extra curricular activities. I also attended most pep rallies & dances & little events the school held. That made me feel connected to my class & truly enjoy high school!!
For college, I tried to keep the same mentality & get involved. It was definitely harder, and looking back, I probably would have liked to be more involved with my university. However, studying abroad was a 10/10 choice! I loved it!!! I recommend if you have the chance, to get out of your comfort zone & study in a county you’ve never visited. Also, take advantage of all the resources you have during your college years! Lots of people willing to help you & you should take advantage of that.
Good luck to you!! Remember that it’s easier to regret the things you didn’t do, as opposed to the things you did do (those become lessons!)
Thank you! I don't know if I'll be able to study abroad but if the opportunity arises, I'll make sure to take advantage of it!
Iqra
Janea Williams
Sales Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Janea’s Answer
That's a very great question, Lqra. When I think back the time I spent in high school and college, it was some of the fantastic time of my life. What I like most about those times was that it is time to discover you. And what I mean by that is to be engaged in different activities, hang out with people who you usually wouldn't hang out with. It's okay to be weird and socially for the greater good. So to answer your question, I regret not discovering me to my full potential. I wished I got involved in things that made me uncomfortable to be comfortable with. I wished I've networked with people starting in high school that leads in college and after college also. Connection with people will be essential. I believe in today's world; it is about whom you know, not what you know. Don't let fear be the reason why you do not explore life at that time in your life, as you will see with each every advice you will receive. Take something from all of us. As you can see, we lived a life already—best wishes to you.
Thank you for your answer! I'd encourage you to still take advantage of the time you have and try new things and will keep your advice in mind! (:
Iqra
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Lqra,
What a fantastic question! For me, I wish for two things:
One, I wish I would have learned how to study in high-school, which meant I wish I would have academically challenged myself more through challenging college classes or self-development in programming. High school was so easy for me, where I never really studied anything. I just breezed through my homework and tests and never learned to really hunker down and study. When I went to college, the difficulty in the school subjects hit a critical point where I couldn't just count on my smarts anymore. This led to me flunking my classes and being academically dismissed. It took a lot of work to get back into college and graduate on time, and given that I had to work part time to support myself, I didn't have time for much else.
Two, if I had more time in college, I wish I would have done internships. This would have allowed me to discover earlier on that analog design is not something that I enjoyed, and would have helped me pivot to a computer science degree, which would have been more helpful. Having been on the hiring side for many years, I can't tell you how much advantage a candidate has with internship experience. Because they have worked in a corporate setting before, the candidates who have had internships just come across more mature than those without. It's also one of those things that stand out on a resume, even if the internship was with a smaller firm.
Lastly, I rephrased your question a bit because I don't actually regret these things. I wish I would have done some things differently, but really, I am very happy with where I am and the unique journey I took.
I wish you the best of luck, and remember that if you're happy with yourself, there is no wrong way to go about life.
--
Dexter
What a fantastic question! For me, I wish for two things:
One, I wish I would have learned how to study in high-school, which meant I wish I would have academically challenged myself more through challenging college classes or self-development in programming. High school was so easy for me, where I never really studied anything. I just breezed through my homework and tests and never learned to really hunker down and study. When I went to college, the difficulty in the school subjects hit a critical point where I couldn't just count on my smarts anymore. This led to me flunking my classes and being academically dismissed. It took a lot of work to get back into college and graduate on time, and given that I had to work part time to support myself, I didn't have time for much else.
Two, if I had more time in college, I wish I would have done internships. This would have allowed me to discover earlier on that analog design is not something that I enjoyed, and would have helped me pivot to a computer science degree, which would have been more helpful. Having been on the hiring side for many years, I can't tell you how much advantage a candidate has with internship experience. Because they have worked in a corporate setting before, the candidates who have had internships just come across more mature than those without. It's also one of those things that stand out on a resume, even if the internship was with a smaller firm.
Lastly, I rephrased your question a bit because I don't actually regret these things. I wish I would have done some things differently, but really, I am very happy with where I am and the unique journey I took.
I wish you the best of luck, and remember that if you're happy with yourself, there is no wrong way to go about life.
--
Dexter
Hi Dexter, thanks for the answer! I seriously relate to the studying thing! High school has been for the most part, pretty easy. I'm worried that adjusting to college might be difficult. I'll keep that in mind about internships! Also, I'm glad that you're happy with where you are in life!
Iqra
Gina Ringer
National Account Manager
114
Answers
Wheaton, Illinois
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hello-- I really don't regret anything because I feel college formed who I am today. I'm n only child so in high school I stuck to what I knew and was a bit more introverted. When I got to college it allowed me for a fresh start. I went on a tennis scholarship so i learned so much from my teammates. And I was involved in many activities within my major and outside of class. It gave me the opportunity to find myslef and what I liked to do and met so many interesting and cool people along the way.
Thanks for answering!
Iqra
Cynthia Goldberg
Career Advisor (university) retired
22
Answers
Davis, California
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
I regret not being more involved in one really meaningful (to me) club in college. I also regret not doing internships in college. It was not a popular option back in my day (we are talking several decades ago) but I wish I'd had some volunteering or club or organizational experiences to balance out my studies. I think this is all much more common now.
Thanks for the answer, Cynthia! I've made sure to do some volunteering at my local hospital and really enjoy it! As for internships, I'll keep those in mind once I get to college.
Iqra
sometimes while you do volunteering you can also use your contacts in that setting to ask about other careers, options, types of businesses/organizations...and just find some good general advice givers.....and remember to keep contact with those folks...that junior year nonprofit staff person who you worked so well with might be the reference that helps you get a job when you are a sophomore in college (I used to check references for university student job applicants...and there was a big divide between those references from HS days who said...who? I don't recall him? vs those who said, oh yeah, he was great, we've stayed in touch via email and he visits occassionally, i've watched him grow and mature, he's doing x and y, and would be great for your job).