Concordia University-Chicago Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give some advice on how to relax in school and enjoy the experience. I would tell myself to concentrate on trying to really learn the material being presented to me instead of just memorizing the facts for a test. Also, I would advise my past self to take a wide variety of classes since, often times, a person finds a new interest or even a career path simply by enrolling in a random class.

Attending college has and continues to take me through new experiences. It has truly been a pleasure to have the opportunity to be able to attend an elite university. It has allowed me to prove to myself and others that anyone with motivation can do anything. I was born and raised in Palm Springs, California. I came from a lower income family, and as long as I can remember my family has always struggled financially. There have been many unfortunate events with my family and every experience I was put through turned me into the strong determined person I am today. College allowed me the perfect get away from my chaotic life with the family. Being so far away from home has taught me the meaning of true independence. I have learned to figure out my own financials and how to make it in life without needing my parents 24/7. Deciding to attend college in Chicago instead of California is truly an experience. At first it was a culture shock, but it has opened my eyes to new things. I am able to understand and grasp different aspects in others cultures.

I feel blessed to be attending SDSMT and I am studying hard for my Environmental Engineer degree. I am proud to be a good example for my children, to show them that one can change their situation to make a better future for themself at any age, through any hardships, and even with physical challanges. Also, learning about the sustainability of our earth and going to a school that values that has prompted me and my children to be more aware and contribute by recycling, growing plants and trees, conserving energy and water use, etc. I have learned to reach out to other students and professors for help with studies and appreciate the importance of networking. My children spend time at my school where they have met my professors, socialize and play games with students, enjoy their great food, and marvel at the emphasis that the school puts on "Green" living. Not only do I enjoy learning and have professional and personal goals that this schooling will help me to acheive (building my family a self-sufficient monolithic dome home), but my schooling has also opened up a whole new positive outlook on the future for myself and my children.

What I have gotten out of my college experience was to always have a back up plan an have a strong network because now a days it doesnt matter what school you went to or the grades you recieved while you were there, it's about the people you know and your plan for life. You have to have a strong network so when you need that job after college or just some connections in general, you have someone to call or have a referance because everyday it gets harder and harder and harder for people to get jobs that they want. I know a woman who has a assoicates, bacholers in two majors, and a masters and she still can't find a job, or a good one with the cridentials that she has and the worked that she has put in. She was a teacher in the city of Detroit, where I live and she got layed off. In that city, no teacher should be getting layed off, especially with her type of skill and knowledge but thats how hard getting a job is. Your back up plan you should have already planned since highschool.

My college experience thus far has taught me a lot about people in general; I have learned why they act the way they do at times, whether the actions are welcomed or rejected. I have learned not only about the behavioral part of others, but more importantly, I have learned--and continue to do so--that every individual has a story that ultimately explains their behavior. Most people overlook the "why" when an individual acts contrary to what they consider to be "correct." Perhaps they reasoned that people are simply "too different" to bother tolerating that particular individual, or maybe there is another reason. However, in my college experience, I have learned that people are not as different as they might seem; no one likes to feel alone, unloved or like a cast-out. That is why I have to say that my time at college was valuable and quite priceless.

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. It has taught me how to be independent and I have learned to see the world in a different way. Life can be like an adventure and if you don't learn how the world works, you can get eaten alive. It's like survival of the fittest. I learned that life isn't as easy as it seems. I feel this is very valuable to me because I wouldn't be who I am. Without the changes I have endured, I would not be as open-minded and as knowledgable as I am today. I'm glad I am lucky enough to have gotten the opportunity to learn more about our world today and how to survive it.

At this point in my college career, I'd say that what I got out of my college experience is a sense of what it means to be independent. For instance, previously, I've never been concerned about money because everything I needed was provided for me. However, now, I have been seeking employment and gaining experience so that I would be able to pay for what I need on my own. Also, I enjoy spending time volunteering, spending time with friends and family, and other things that aren't academic or work related. Therefore, I realize that to really be able to be independent, I must be able to prioritize and manage my time.

I attend a community college in my area. When I first began school, I was young and didn’t realize the value of an education. I dropped out after three semesters. Time passed, my life continued to grow and I matured. I returned to school full-time with the idea of obtaining my Associate’s degree in Small Business Management and had no real intention of continuing my education beyond that point, fearing that I wouldn’t be able to handle the upper division course material. As I have progressed through my classes, I was honored to find that I made the Dean’s list every semester with a 3.0 or higher. Though I am in school full-time, I continue to serve in my home church ministries, work part-time and raise five children. I look at all that I have accomplished thus far and can sum up that I have done well. Through my accomplishments I have become more confident in my abilities to achieve more. If I had not returned to college to finish my Associate’s degree, I would not have gained the confidence in myself to continue on to obtain my Bachelor’s degree.

So far i have gotten alot out of my college experience. I have learned how to make friends and be helpful to all my peers. Playing on the soccer team for the university has helped me experienced a high level of competition. My freshman year has been very valuable to me. I have learned alot of new things while attending concordia university. The quality time that i get to spend with teachers really helps me be successful. I am content with the accessibility to all my teachers.

My college experience has been life changing! I earned the money needed to pay for the first semester by myself. This was the first time money was coming out of my own pocket for education. This meant that if I did not try my best I was only hurting myself and the hard work I had put in to get myself here. Knowing this, I had more motivation to work hard in my school work and extracurricular activities. My first year of college was also the first time I did not live with my family for a whole year. This meant that I was on my own. I did not have a curfew or set of rules that my parents could enforce because I lived under their roof. The feeling was both exhilarating and terrifying. I was responsible for my actions and had to rely on myself and my own conscience to know what was right and how to make the correct decisions. The whole experience was very valuable to me because I learned independence and what it meant to be an adult. I learned to rely on myself and my own willpower which made me strong as a person.