We interviewed Vanessa and Devin, who are studying at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, to discuss how students can shine online. In this student interview learn how they behave online, their tips for kids in high school, and what they do to be awesome students on campus.

University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Interview Key Takeaways

• Don’t post anything that you wouldn't want your parents to see. It's important to share yourself in a good light, not for people watching but for yourself.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Taking risks can lead to new opportunities.
• Be careful what you post. Your social media posts will be under your name for a very long time.

What are you studying and what are some tips you would give to kids in high school?

I'm a Math Major but originally I was a Psychology major. I wanted to become a Therapist to help my family. I realized that I had other interests and I changed my mind. I'm studying Math now because I'm passionate about it. It's okay to change your mind. It's okay not to know what you want to do. I had considered Psychology, Math, History, and Chemistry. You can do anything under the sun. It's important to find something that you like and something you can see yourself giving back to other people. That's really important to carry with yourself throughout college. Know why are you here. You are here to make a difference somewhere along the line. –Vanessa, College Student, University of Hawaii at Hilo

What advice would you give to high schoolers?

Get out of your comfort zone. I was born and raised in San Diego and University of Hawaii was the only out-of-state school that I had applied to. When I was offered admission I took it. I had never been away from my family. I'm a first-generation college student. A lot of my family disagreed with my decision to move so far away. However, the University of Hawaii at Hilo has opened a lot of doors for me. I've had so many crazy opportunities here that I don't regret my decision at all. I think it was so important for me to get away from home and to take a risk for my future. –Vanessa, College Student, University of Hawaii at Hilo

How do you shine online?

I googled myself in high school. I have my parents on my Snapchat and Instagram. My aunt is on my Twitter. My whole family is on my Facebook. I don't post anything that I wouldn't want my parents to see. I wouldn't want to show myself in a light that I would be ashamed of. I like to post positive things. I like to post about friends, things I'm doing in school, accomplishments, and travel. It's important to share yourself in a good light not for people watching but for yourself. –Vanessa, College Student, University of Hawaii at Hilo

What are you studying here and what advice would you give to yourself in high school?

My name is Devin. I am a super senior, studying Geography and Environmental Studies. We do a lot of field trips. We're surrounded by the ocean, so there's a lot to do with the environment here on the Big Island. To my high school self, I would tell him to watch what you post next time. –Devin, College Student, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Have you ever posted something you're not proud of and what did you do?

I posted something that shouldn't be shared. I did my best to take it down but something that stuck with me was the feeling of guilt that you'll carry for a long time. They say that you can't take down what you put up on the internet. My advice to high school seniors is be careful what you post. It'll be under your name for a very long time. It's important when you're applying for jobs that you don't have that kind of dirt on you. Even college nowadays, they might do a background check on your Facebook or Instagram. It's very important to watch what you post. –Devin, College Student, University of Hawaii at Hilo