Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

First of all, grow your hair out, you have really nice hair in the future. Have some confidence, you have no reason not to love your self for who you are. Think of all the amazing things you have accomplished, if I could tell you the things you will accomplish in the next year, you would only doubt me because I still have no idea how I did what I did. I know you're probably wondering if the pain of mom's death will go away and I'm here to tell you it definitely does not, but it gets easier. The universe has a way of showing you how good you have it. College is different, I know you think you may not be ready, but you are. There will be times when you think about dropping out and becoming a flight stewardess, but that phase will pass. Above all keep your head up, read as much as possible, don’t ever doubt yourself and call your dad and your brothers. No matter how much you fight with them, they’re the best people in your life. Above all keep your humor, it will keep you sane.

You must realize that you cannot please everyone. You must make a choice for yourself. Do not consider it your fault if the other person is discontent with your decision. By all means, please do not choose your college based on another person’s desires; otherwise your potential career will be harmed. When I arrived to Chicago I was greeted with a farewell and ended up alone in a big city. I chose a mediocre school that had my major, but realized only 30 other people were in my same major (in other words they didn’t care for Fine Arts). By making the decision to attend an expensive college, I put my mother in danger as well. I knew we were not the wealthiest of families and placed my mother in a position I wish I never put her in (money wise). Making choices for yourself doesn’t mean you disregard the thoughts of others. Give them the same respect because they have to make the right choices for themselves too. There is always something good that comes from the difficult moments in life. You have a big heart, but pleasing everybody is impossible. Please yourself first.

If I, ever for a moment, were able to advise my high school self of any matter concerning college, with my new found wisdom, I would tell myself simply not to become disheartened. For one thing which eluded me, and impacted above all else, was the fact that some, or in my case many, friends from high school do not last. I would inform her not to become depressed as I did, nor become isolated from the world; for coming out from her shell of fear and shyness is the only means there is to make friends. While, my own depression and fear of rejection hindered my own development , I would not want hers to be the same. I missed out on a variety of opportunities to make connections, because of my fear of not making any at all; I contradicted myself and limited the experiences in which I could have had. While, even after meeting new friends the hurt of the abandonment of the old will hurt. I would hate for her feelings of loneliness and panic to ultimately make her friendless and alone ; for it is an endless paradox which can only be broken by courage.

If I were able to return to the past and converse with my High School senior self, I would advise myself not to follow what other people set out to do; to discover my own way of life and not make the mistakes I ended up commiting. It would allow me for much time and money saved, both at the time and in the future.

I would tell myself not to stress out so much about whether or not I made the right choice. Making new friends is easy and even if you don't like the school you can always transfer. As long as you apply yourself you will be able to make the grades.

If I could, I would tell myself to think more about the cost of school. It is good to be surrounded by passionate people, but it is more important to live within my means. I would also tell myself to think carefully about what I want to do in the future. I would want to make sure that I was aware of all of my options, and not just a few. Where you get your degree is just as important as the degree you are trying to attain, regardelss of what my family says. I would tell myself to learn how to cook, so that I don't half starve once I am out on my own. Finally, I would tell myself to do what I want to do, regardless of the people around me. I would be sure that I understood that choosing a school and a major had more to do with me, and what best suits my learning abilities than what my parents or family want me to do.

“I know moving to Chicago sounds risky, especially to pursue directing, but you cannot wait for circumstances to be perfect or safe before you act. If you do, be prepared to wait a long time,” I said. “What if I get to Chicago, and I can’t keep up with the talent? It’s not as though I’m attending a performing arts high school. I haven’t had any formal training,” high school senior, Kathryn Walters expressed. She sat next to me, the college freshman version of herself. “What if you ignore your passion for theatre? It would be such a waste. I am not telling you to ignore consequences; there will be a few, but be proactive. Going the extra mile is not going the extra mile anymore. It is expected. “You will have trouble keeping up with talent in and out of class (there is a lot of it), but struggling only proves that you are trying and growing your skills as an artist. Be persistent, and stay optimistic; it’s attractive. “Treat Columbia College as you would a job, and perhaps one day you will bring talented artists together to discover life in its fullest onstage.”

Hi there! It’s you from the future. Seriously. I have a few hints for you to get through the next few years. No, I’m not going to give you the lotto numbers, so don’t just skip to the bottom. 1. You have more ability than you give yourself credit for. Try for scholarships, jobs, and awards you don’t think you qualify for, you just may get it. Speak up and don’t worry that you’re not the smartest person in the room, you have interesting ideas to contribute. 2. Blame and self-pity don't get anyone anywhere. If things aren’t working out, suck it up and move on. 3. I know that you’re shy and that’s ok, but don’t be scared of anything (except maybe sharks, that doesn’t change) Remember that high jump from swim class when you were 7? Go down and take a look at it, it’s SO much smaller than you thought! Now apply that to anything that intimidates you. 4. I know you love art, but minor in a marketable skill, you’ll thank me later. Keep working hard, it’ll pay off!

To prepare myself better filling out more schloarships so that im more financially stable

Anne Marie, remember to make an effort to get involved. You were involved in so many things in high school, and you're confident enough to keep it up. Sure, you may feel shy and awkward, but you're not the only one that feels that way. Talk to people! I know you feel better with one-on-one conversations, but groups aren't that different. Just try it out. What's the worse that can happen? I promise, the whole college will not turn their back on you for saying something stupid or silly your first week. Everyone says stupid stuff their first week! And sometimes longer. Keep your sense of humor, it's going to get you far. Laugh. A lot. And stay proud of who you are. Stay the awkward, loving, silly you. That's how you'll make friends. Just be you.