DePaul University Top Questions

I would tell the pre-college me to stop looking at the world through a black and white telescope. I didn't understand that the vast majority of life is a gray, murky area where things aren't always one way or the other. Worst , I didn't understand that this was an entirely acceptable fact of life. I would tell myself that no matter how hard I tried, I wasn't going to make all the right decisions right away--I was never going to be the "perfect" white to the loathesome black I thought I was without embracing all the gray areas of my life ; without giving myself the power just to be who I was, to slow down and relish in every experience that came my way, to not give so much weight to the school I ended up at and the major I finally chose. In the end, I know I will get where I need to be, because I'm not afraid to see gray. The exact steps of my journey aren't so important as it is to allow myself to make it. That is the most valuable piece of advice I could give.

Don't be afraid of life, don't be afraid to take risks and chances. Don't feel bad when others do not support you, agree with you or recognize your abilities. Remain optimistic and confident. Sometimes, things will seem overwhelming and the bottom appears to fall out, but remain steadfast and encouraged, it is all a part of the process. We must have rain in order to enjoy and appreciate the sunshine. We must have failures in order to recognize and appreciate success. Past disappointments are only trial runs for future successes. Everything in life happens for a reason. Things are to be used and people are to be loved, not the other way around - loving things and using people. Life is not as difficult as it seems, it is joyous and meaningful. The future is yours, grab it by the horns and don't let go. Watch out for those who try to destroy your dreams and always, always, always believe in yourself. Do not succuumb to other's thoughts about you, good or bad. Those that sing your praises today will sometimes turn their backs on you. Life can be and is very rewarding - enjoy it!

People always say, ?if I only knew that when I was your age.? I have heard this time and time again, but I have never really understood its meaning until recently. I have been in college for almost two years now, and there are definitely a few things that I wish I could tell myself. I would tell myself that it is important to get to know your professor and get them to know you. It is important to go out of your way to meet people to make your college experience an actual college experience. I would tell myself to manage my time properly, that school needs to come before anything else. I would give myself the advice to ask question whenever I have them. No question is stupid, and they deserve answers no matter the type of question. All of these things were said to me growing up in school, but I never really understood them until I came to school. Therefore, I would want to reiterate these things to myself so I can make college and college life the best I possibly could from the start.

If I was ever graced with the window of opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself about college and what to expect, I would most definitely take this opputunity to tell myself to calm down and it is not as difficult as it is made out to be. Althroughout high school, students are told that higher education is no joke and they should use the time provided in high school to prepare for difficulty. Although this was useful advice and college is not a joke, the attacking of college often made adolescents in high school panic about where they would go to school and if they would succeed. Speaking from experience, I was a student that held my breath often when the "C" word was said. So for that matter, I would tell past me that everything will be fine as long as there is no laziness nor slacking off in my vocabulary. There may difficulty but it is not as tragic as once mentioned. Although I have little experience of the college life, I know what is ahead for me because hard-work and effort are necessary for success and these tools are in use.

I would tell myself to get involved quick. Make as many new friends as possible while maintaining the friendships from High School and earlier. The more friends there are, the more networking there will be in order to network with alumni, businesses, and other people. College is like the beginning of life where there is a lot more freedom as opposed to high school, and a lot of friendliness. It doesn't matter whether you were the nerd or the geek or the jock in high school, that doesn't matter at all in college because everyone is in the same boat. Also, get involved with the community because it makes you a better person overall and try studying abroad because people really look for things to remember you by.

Dear Keisha, I have just been given an unbelievable chance to send to you, from the future, a note. Tell you take the chance I knew I should have 14 years ago. I remember all too fondly how frustrated you are feeling about your limited opportunities this senior year. But you must fight the fear and the doubt that you're feeling and listening to, apply to Clark Atlanta, focus on school and don't get side tract by our families? inability to see what talents you have. I have been given a chance to advise you on college, I say go get all the knowledge and experiences you can. It is the one thing in your life that you regret most. Educate yourself on money- how to save and spend so that you can be successful after college and not riddled with credit card debt. Also choose a major you really our passionate about. You will be happy and at peace when you finally make that decision. Another thing never doubt yourself even when you've made a mistake learn from it and don't repeat it again. I leave you with this take a leap of faith!

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY. The strength of your future career will depend on how you break through in the face of adversity in college. Live in the moment to get you through. You will be the only person who will take care of you in the end. Prepare for your success. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would definitely give my senior year self a reality check. High school is fun and because you are a senior, you feel that you're done with school and you can take a break when in reality, the real world starts. Now the time has come to step up and take on the responsibility into becomming an adult. I would give my senior year self advice and tell myself that in college, it's all about who you hang out with and what you want in life. If you are focused and surround yourself around positive people then postitive things will evolve and you will get to wher you want to be in life. If you surround yourself around people who are negative and are only in college to have fun, then you will get negative results and end up with regrets. Think positive, be positive, and you shall have a college life thats full of happiness, fun, and success!

I would suggest practicing more time efficient habits. Also, college is definitely not cheap, so putting more of an effort in searching for scholarships would have been helpful. Other than that, I would thank myself for wanting to be successful, because it has lead me to a positive college experience thus far.

If I was able to go back and converse with myself as a high school senior I would stress the importance of choosing a college that would enhance and encourage professional ability. Rather than make a decision based on friends and social scene, I would reaffirm my desire to choose a school that will be a personal and professional asset; specifically choosing a university that focuses on professional success after college. Despite worrying, I would advise myself that parties are fun but they don't get you a job. College is not all about parties, rather it is about forming relationships inside the classroom and through college organizations that enable success and creating lifelong contacts.