DePaul University Top Questions

I will advice myself to get all the help I can get. College is not easy or cheap. I will look for any financial help available and do anything to make the transition easier.

If I could go back to and give myself advice as a highschool senior, my most precious advice would be to be more involved. When people here the idea of being involved they solely think of joining clubs, but for me it also reflects in the classroom. In highschool, classes run year round so we have no other choice but to get to know the person sitting next to us, whereas in college it runs for 10 weeks. Many of us sit next to people for 10 weeks and never interact with those we share the same space with everyday. Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to reach out to more people, make more random friends. It makes your college experience more fun and easier. We think they will only be in our class for one quarter when in actuality we will see them for four years. Branch out and be more involved with those around you.

June 13th marked the last day of my freshmen year which I graduated with good grades. Thinking back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself three important things: AP classes are worth it, savor your time, and losing friends is inevitable. AP classes not only save time but also money! General education classes are the worst but mandatory so if there is a way to avoid them, take those opportunities. Less classes = less time in college therefore saving you the burden of unnecessary loans! Besides having to pay my own phone bill, I was recently informed that I would have to purchase my own health insurance. Honestly, I don’t even know how to go about getting insurance. Who knew 19 year olds weren’t covered under Medicaid. A year ago, I couldn’t wait to grow but now I wish I could go back. Lastly, losing friends isn’t something to take personal, it’s just a part of growing up. Not everyone is meant to make it into your future and there’s always a reason why they’re left in the past. Plus, it allows new opportunities and people to enter your life.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is, '"You don't know everything -- in fact, there is so much more that you don't know than that you do know. That's okay. -- in fact , that's good." Upon graduation we think we know everything, and that we are as smart as we can be. But the truth is, we haven't even begun to understand our own lives nevermind those of others. I would tell myself to keep my mind open. What I think I might know might be wrong, and that's okay. What I might want to do might change. That's okay too. Then I would tell myself that I am going to push myself to reach outside my comfort zone . Journalism will force me outside my shell, and I'll branch out and apply for positions that might initially make me nervous. Although this will be bring nerves and slight anxiety at first, in the end it will bring deeper understanding and accomplishment than I had previously known. I would end with "Work hard, branch out, and have fun."

One thing I wish that I could tell myself is to not stress myself out so much. Working hard is a good thing but over doing it is not. There are a lot more resources out there if you look for it and people are willing to help. College is a wonderful experiences. It is a time to continue your education, make connections and prepare for your future....as well as have fun and try new things

I would tell myself, "Whatever you do, don't allow the color of your skin to keep you from exceling. Yes you will be in a predominately White institution; yes you will become more aware of your Blackness, but don't let that seperate you from your true potential. The color of your skin is not indicative of who you are. You are going to have moments where you are going to want to give up. There will be moments where you will be placed on academic probation, but that does not mean that you aren't smart, it simply means you have to try harder. When you make it through the challenges of DePaul University you will be equipped to help others to do the same. When you reach out to others for assistance and to be of assistance you will build lasting friendships. And remender to be prepared in your heart to build with your hands that which you pray for. You are going to face many challenges but they are preparing you for greater. Don't give up because many depend on you."

You're going to do great and amazing thing that you never imagined. Don’t ever give up on your goals, obstacles are there for a reason and it’s to make you grow. Take every opportunity you can get. Take risks sometimes they have a rewarding payoff. Don’t be afraid of change, that's what college is about. Don’t ever think you’re not good enough for that dream internship sometimes you are what they're looking for. Strive for good grades, but keep a healthy balance. Also time management is the key to your success. Enjoy your time in college since it will be over in a blink of an eye.

I have learned a lot in the time I have been in college. The best advice I can give from the experience is to educate and inspire yourself as much as possible. As long as you know what is possible and what your goals are, you will find success as if it were looking for you. The reality of it is that you have to put forth time and effort to find that success. Motivation and knowledge are the key components to that success. Keep yourself motivated regardless of your environment and know all of your options before you make a decision. Reevaluate yourself; who do you spend time with? Who do you know? What can you handle? If you are spending time with bad influences, your journey to success might be delayed or discontinued. Acquaint yourself with experienced people who have gone through college and ask them for advice regularly. This played a great role in my journey. My advisors weren't so much an influence as they were just advisors who introduced me to different ideas and opportunities. I've always thought as myself as my own influence. Be yours; don't dream your future, make your future.

If I could give my senior-self advice, I would say that when you hear that college is hard its's no joke and that there're going to be times when you question yourself and your goals. I would tell myself that this is going to be a hard transition and you will want to run back home and never go back to college, but remeber that you're not alone in college even though it will feel that way. Also I will tell myself to be prepare to grow as a person and that this will be the best feeling. There will be days when you don't feel worthy enough to be attending such a prestigious university, but remember that you got in for a reason. I will tell myself that the first couple of months will be hardest and to be prepared to cry yourslef to sleep and fake a smile everyday like if nothing is wrong, but that it will get better and believe it or not, I will love college. I would tell myself to not ever feel depressed in college becasue our family back home is proud of ourselves and we should too.

Well after being in college for a quarter at DePaul University I would say that I learned a lot especially since I am the first in my family to go to college. One of the first things that I learned was that now that I have to pay out of pocket and take out loans I have to put even more effort into school to get the most for my money. I would say that I should not take so long to accept my spot at DePaul because I waited to long, I did not apply for enough scholarships nor did I apply for housing in time so now I have to commute to school. Commuting can be very tiring especially during the winter months. That being said I would tell my high school senior self to not procrastinate with my work nor to wait to long to apply for housing because by late July it is already full. Finally apply for scholarships instead of loans that way you do not have to pay for school yourself and you are not in debt!