City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College Top Questions

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that procrastinating would not get me anywhere with the excellent grades I had. I graduated top of my class, but because I procrastinated so much about college, I lost the opportunity of getting any scholarships and was thus forced to attend a community college due to insufficient funds. I would have told myself that even if I didn't know what I wanted to do, try my best to look around and find a four year institution with an overall good general program as well as apply to as many scholarships as I could. Though back then I didn't think a mere $500 was worth looking into considering the cost of college, I would tell myself that it would certainly add up and that I would be rewarded for all of my extra efforts to get that "small amount." I do still wonder how much different things would be had I not procrastinated about looking into colleges and finding good scholarships.

The advice I would give myself would be to just worry about myself. Starting at a state university right after high school, was a learning experience, but also put me into a huge debt. I went to Northern Illinois University and worried more about fitting in and making friends, rather than worrying about my education. Now that I am in a community college and living at home, I am extremely focused on my education and self-progression. I had to learn the hard way that the decisions I make will only affect me, not my peers.

The first thing I would tell myself is, save, save, save, the money that I was making at my part-time job. Not only that, I would tell myself the only way to get away from the drama you are facing at home ,and get to live on campus on school with no worries is getting my ACT score at a level to match my GPA so I could have had more option for scholarships. I would tell myself if I thought times were hard growing up nothing would prepare me for the struggles I have just to stay in school. Take advantage of the opportunities to at the public school when the books are free, and all you have to do is take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. The most important thing I would try to teach myself that a credit card is not your friend, especially at an age where I am not final stable. That having your credit is going to be the only way of fulfilling my dreams by getting a loan for school. If can even affect my long term dream of earning a college degree.

First of all, I would slap myself and follow by asking "what the hell are you thinking?". I would express my new found knowledge about how important an education is. How working hard and challenging myself is dire in order to succeed in life. I would explain to myself how difficult it has been to overcome the many obstacles I created due to my actions and decision about my education while in high school. Explain how, if I would not have slacked off, I would probably have the Associates Degree under my belt and working on a Bachelors. I would finish by encouraging myself to continue with my photography because in the end, that is what I plan on having a masters in.

Life ias a full time student can be very stressing. It calls for a lot of time and dedication to assignments. However, I really realized it when I entered into college. After experiencing the stress headaches and lack of sleep, I also noticed one other thing. College had become my life. I had become so concentrated on my work, I forgot everything else. If I were again a high school senior, I would have told myself to remember the other important things in life. Although my education is extremely important, so are my friends, family, and other responsibilities. They should not have to suffer because I seemingly do not have enough time for them! My main advice, then, would be to prioritize and organize. This would include both assignments from school and obligations at home. I would tell myself to never forsake those important to me so that I can succeed. Success in life also comes from within the family. I, then, would encourage myself to consider the question, "What truly is success?" If I had considered that as a high school senior going into college, I think I could have made my life much happier and less stressful.

Your passion always outweigh any circumstances. If something is not working for you dust off and pick up a new endeavor and carry your wisdom like a button so it can be removed or added back.

There is so much to learn and know about college life. Many different things that you must take into consideration. The college life is so very different from high school life. If i was to travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself three major things. First, i would talk about focusing. Then i would lecture about how important it is to study and do homework. Last but not least, i would tell myself to never give up. To begin with, focusing in college is the number one thing. You must always pay attention in class and get all the imformation that you can. Next, after learning your lecture, its study time. you must at least devote an hour to study time. You will not be able to learn it all in class that one time. Homework has to be done also. It is very good practice for midterms and finials. Finally, do not ever give up on yourself. No matter how tough the classes get hang in there. If the classes get that tough go and see a tutor thats what there for. What ever you do stay in school.