Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

I would tell myself to take the ACT as many times as possible and to take it easy. I was involved in a lot of extracurriculars activities during the critical period of applying to colleges. I was strugglign to do homework, college applications, scholarship applications and extra that I stressed myself out. I would tell my high school self to relax and it is ok to take a break for some things for a while to get oher things done.

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can. I am mostly happy with every other decision I made. I started at community college to save money, and then went to my dream school, Columbia.

When I was in high school I always knew that music and food were what I wanted to go into. It was my life. I slacked off in high school because all I wanted to achieve was the music industry. I pushed food out and stuck with music. Part of me semi regreted it. Alas, I had other passions in mind but always over looked them. I went to Columbia College in hopes of getting my degree in Music Business and have a focus in Rock/Metal music. Over the past few years Professors have told me that rock music is dead. I took that too much to heart. So do what you always want to do which was food and follow your passions.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would give two pieces of advice. First, I would tell myself that going to community college for my freshman year will be beneficial for multiple reasons, such as saving on tuition and maturing as a student. The financial aspect of junior college was a huge benefit because I am currently applying for a study abroad opportunity made possible by the the tuition I saved. Junior college also allowed me to mature as a student and develop a determination to achieve the goals and aspirations I have for my life. Secondly, I would encourage myself to start making more films in an attempt to hone my skills and become a better storyteller. Filmmaking has always been my passion so the advice would not fall on deaf ears. I would proceed to convey that despite the lack of resources necessary to make quality short films, the experience is all relative. In conculsion, I would've utilized this advice because it would have quelled the feelings of doubt I had surrounding my future and prepared me for the obstacles yet to come.

If I could go back and tell my high school self one thing, it wold be "try new things." When I was in high school, I was rather shy and didn't like doing things out of my comfort zone or talking to people I didn't know. This lack of trying new things is my biggest regret looking back at my high school years. Given the chance to redo high school, I would join as many groups and clubs as possible, and get to know as many people as possible. Furthermore, I would tell my high school self to put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into all they do. In high school, particualy in my senior year, I didn't put as much effort as possible into my school work. I usually did what was expected and nothing more. Looking back, I see that I missed a lot of oppritunities to go further in school by doing the bare minimun, instead of doing the best I could. Overall, I would tell my high school self to think more about the future, and not just think about having fun.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to become more involved in my school activities. Now that I am in college, it has truly helped me find myself and to embrace the talents that I have. Every opportunity that I have, I go for it regardless of my circumstances because I'll never know where it can take me if I don't try. I've also learned that it's not always what you know but who you know and the more I network, the more beneficial it will be for me, especially for the industry that I am pursuing. I would implement networking and being apart of organizations or school-related activies if I could go back to my senior year in high school.

Dear Rhiannon, Ok I know you will make it to Columbia. You are doing really good. You need to get a little more pushy with Mr. Brown because he hasn't helped you much at all. You will be struggling to pay for school and know nothing about scholarships, FASFA, or even how to apply. Sit down with him and tell him, look Mr. Brown either help me or I am going to fire you as my councilor and find someone else who will help me and don't take any crap. Get a job before this summer. All the money you give Debbie and Alan, don't. That is money you will need later. Don't listen to your brother and let him talk you into buying him stupid stuff, and don't get a Chromebook or a Lenovo try to go for an Apple computer. The Lenovo will bankrupt you and the Chromebook is just for research. Don't help Julian out because he will never pay you back. Your going to have to put up with some horrible situations but keep your head up. Your stronger and will overcome them. Good Luck kiddo. Sincerely, Rhiannon Martinez

Hey me; avoid buying food everyday. Save your eat-out days for late nights and hanging out with friends. Also be a little more vocal. Unlike high-school, no one will judge you for being weird. Also set aside money for yourself in case you need something; like shoes or clothes. Don't buy all your school supplies at once and take the bus, it's cheaper. Also sign up for scholarships like crazy and live on campus or find an apartment (it sounds more expensive but trust me it evens it's self out). Oh and find a second part-time job and you'll get an email about being a canidate for some new module set-up at your school; DON"T ACCEPT, you end up have to go a whole semester broke and annoying your parents for money. Just be like the rest of the college students, your drawing will improve. Ok that's about it. Good luck.

Look Sarah, you need to open up. Extracurricular activities become so important when it comes to scholarship applications, and being shy shouldn't be the anchor that holds anyone back. I know not everyone likes you, and I know it's trying on your patience. Keep up with clubs, join a team. Make yourself count, and make yourself a shining star. Polish who you are. College is a place to be anyone you want. You're walking into a world where, even after four years of being with the same people, you will still remain unknown to some. Be open, be free. Don't hide behind your weight, clothes, hairstyle, anything that makes you uncomfortable now. Be who you know you are inside. Then, when you're finished, GET ON THOSE SCHOLARSHIPS! Apply for them, build yourself up, make a resume, get a job! Make friends, make connections, networking is key. Don't be intimidated by people. Everyone starts somewhere, and they're just as scared as you. Don't let the opinions of some reflect on who you are to your soulmates in the future. You will succeed, so don't take too long testing the water. Jump in.

If I could go back in time to my highschool self, I would tell her that her grades are not the end all be all. It doesn't matter that she failed that test/ class, so she can breathe. She'll be fine. Things get so much easier in college because you're learning about things that interest you. And the teachers are so much more invested. And look! She's on the dean's list now (take that, bad highschool grades)! I would also tell her to stop ignoring her problems. Confrontation is not always a bad thing. Sometimes you just need to talk to your teacher and ask for an extension. The same goes for classmates. If someone in a group isn't pulling their weight, talk to them! Just remember to be courteous while doing so. One more piece of advice: Actually do your homework! Get off the internet!