Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

The advice I would give myself would be not to stress out the entire year. College is important, but maintaining your sanity and health is more important. I would tell myself not to set my mind on one specific school; it just sets you up for disappointment if you do not get accepted or cannot afford it or cannot go because of some other circumstance. It is not what college or university you go to but about the experience you have there. The college experience does not make you, you make the college experience. Also, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I could. Yes, it takes time to apply, but the outcome is totally and completely worth it. The more applications you fill out, the more chances you have at winning scholarships. Finally, I would tell myself to truly appreciate my family, friends, education, and surroundings. You are only at home for so long, and you really need to appreciate everything your home offers before you leave and build a new home somewhere else. You need to take advantage of the time that you are given, because you do not have much time left.

I would tell my self that education, my education is the most important thing for a better future. I would tell myself that school is a very serious situation its important to do your best. My education is not something that can be blown off as if it were not a major goal or issue in my life. I would tell myself that It is not even that hard as long as you focus and dedicate time to your studies. I would tell my self then stop being afraid to fail and take a chance because if I dont try thats when I really fail. I fail my self. I let fear of failing hold me back in the past so I would make sure to get the point across that is ok to take a risk and worry about failure but its not ok to let fear keep you from taking that risk, when it comes to something that can imporve my life so much an education. I would tell my self by doing well in school I improve things not only for my self but for my family and friends. Giving them better oppertunities with dedicated hard work

I learned a lot of things in college, much of it in the classroom, more of it in the clubs I ran and activities I planned, and most importantly in the real world of work and friends. It is hard to pick only one thing I would want to tell myself before college, but the ?Big Dumb Smile? (BDS) definitely wins out. The big dumb smile is a skill I learned to keep my boss happy when I was having a bad day. He would get upset when the customers weren?t smiling, so I had to learn the art of smiling no matter what. What I have learned since, is that the BDS is not only the key to a happy boss, but also a happy professor, and happy people who want to be your friend. I would tell myself that no matter how sad, scared, or insecure I felt a BDS will always pave the way to friendship and support. I would tell myself there are many scary things in the transition to college life, but a smile will help dispel them. And, that the BDS often brings such wonderful things to my life that it becomes real.

Honestly, I would have had a better social life in high school. In my experience at Columbia College Chicago, I do a lot of networking to get job and creative opportunities. It took a while to develop my social skills to the level that I needed them to be at to be successful. I would have also had a better part time job, because I have a ton of loans to deal with now. Other than that, I am exactly where I need to be, and I couldn't have made a better decision than to come here.

If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself: Don't wait to make a decision. I took so long to decide on what I wanted to do in life and where I wanted to go to get my life started, that I put myself in a hard situation. I will have years of dept to pay and will not be able to start my dream as soon as I had hoped. Procrastination and ignorance are very bad things that not only put myself in poor situations but my parents and family as well. I left them at home with my old life and never want to see that side of my behavior again.

Study harder and don'r grow up to fast!

I would tell myself that I don't have to rush into making a decision on my major. I should take my time and explore all my options. The first year of college should be fun but know that you still should keep up your grades and if you need help don't be ashamed to ask for it whether it be from your parents or from a study group or counselors. I would also say that you can always change your mind. Never look at your decisions as final and that changing your direction is often more couragous then staying on course. No matter how far along you are in your decided major, if you want to change, go for it, and it is never too late. Take a chance and you might suprise yourself. This is the time where you learn the most about you and who you are as a person. Be confident and ambitious and you will meet and exceed your personal goals.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise mysef to save up money for tuition and try harder in all my classes for a better GPA. Although my GPA is good I'd rather push myself to achieve better. I would also tell myself to apply for financial aid as soon as possible and look at all my options. Looking back, I would tell myself about all the classes and which ones to try hardest for and which I shouldn't waste time on. I would describe the campus and all the wonderful things and tell myself to get involved in groups and demonstrations for my freshman year of college to make more connections and friends. Lastly, I'd tell myself that networking can be started early on and that it's best to network with lots of different people with different interests.

There is so much advice I would give to myself back in high school that would have completely changed my transition to college in the past. First, I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships and grants as soon as possible because there is alot of money that goes unclaimed. I would also say to be involved with everything in my community and school that I can. It not only helps others but it helps yourself as well. Another thing that I would say is to not be afraid to talk to my teachers and counselors about getting help and guidance for college. Sometimes they can help you out the most. Also the library will become one of the most vital resources when you go to college so make sure to get a library card and look for all the books I need there first. I would also tell myself that if possible, try to stay in the dorms for at least one year. Staying in the dorms helps you stay in touch with other students and your school. Last but not least, I would tell myself to enjoy high school while I can and always be myself!

Don't worry. Everything really is going to be okay.