DePaul University Top Questions

The last two years of high school, I attended classes at the local community college, so I only went to the high school a couple of times. However, something I would tell myself is to slow down. I was working and going to school full time and I missed out on so many things because I grew up too fast. I would tell my senior self to spend more time with family, especially, my parents because they are growing older, too. I would tell myself that getting A's is not more important than listening to my younger brother tell me about his day. I would tell myself to say "I love you" and "thank you" more to my parents and actually mean it. I would tell myself to slow down because now that I am away from home, those opportunities don't happen as often.

Given the opportunity to speak to the naive and often arrogant version of myself from 4 years ago, I would simply tell him to relax. So much of my senior year of high school was spent worrying. Worrying about college. Worrying about money. Worrying about how well I would adjust to a new school and new friends and new opportunities. These things are all part of life. Whether you're going off to higher education, joining the military, or becoming part of the work force, there will always be new challenges to tackle and new people to become acquainted with. I would tell myself (and anyone else in my position) to not be anxious about the future, but to embrace it. Every college freshman is nervous. You're not alone! Take this chance to become comfortable with yourself. Be open to trying new things and looking at life in new and interesting ways. Life beyond high school is about far more than studying and finding a job. It's about experiencing the world first hand and finding yourself. This is among the most exciting times in your entire life. Relax and enjoy it.

if i was back in high school i would definatly tell myself to join in a college right out of high school. although i jumped right into the work force and really enjoy working with the special needs kids in the high school. i'm finding it more difficult to make a living without a better education. i will tell myself to do better in school to give myself the best possiblities in achieving my high education goals. i will thrive for perfection instead of cruising through, doing just enough to get by and apply myself to all the activity i particapated in during high school. so i would be better prepared for the world today.

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, I would definitely tell myself to not get caught in the social scene at college. Knowing myself and knowing how college works now, I would tell myself that being cool was only cool in high school. Cliques don't exist in college because everyone is trying to do the same thing you do without being distracted. Also, since you're the only paying for it by yourself, don't spend money to go out and eat. ITs not worth being broke!

The transition from high school to college is one that entails many lifestyle changes. As I began college, the lack of an easily accessible support system caused me large amounts of stress. Unlike high school, I did not have my family or friends to confide in if I were feeling out of sorts. Although they were only a phone call away, the lack of tangibility was still something that was emotionally draining. If I were to give my high school senior self advice, it would be to not be so stuck on my past relationships when starting my college journey. As I continued my college experience, I realized that all freshman were in the same situation as I, and it would take patience to build brand new friendships. I could not compare the people I met at DePaul to my friends of many years back at home. College is a time for students to embrace a new sense of independence and meet an entirely new network of people. If I were to go back in time, I would tell my former self to appreciate the unfamiliar experience because it is one that can never be repeated.

"You're doing great, keep up your good grades and continue working hard because it is only going to get better and more focused on what you love to do: art! I would recommend that you try to focus more on what you want to do for a major and ultimately as a career. Meet with professionals in the areas you are interested in such as advertising, graphic design, and industrial design. Look at what their daily schedule and activities are and if you can see yourself in that role. Will choosing this path lead you to a happy, successful, and fulfilling career? That's the main question. It's hard to answer but you have to work as hard as you can to figure it out as soon as you can so you can begin your successful life. Meet with people, ask questions, and get involved. You'll never know where these things will lead you but you might find what you're looking for. It's a big step but you can do it. Just keep working hard and applying yourself and you'll be rewarded with your dreams. There is no limit"

Nicole, you need to calm down. I know how hard it was for you to receive all those rejection letters from the huge, prestigious universities that you heard about when you were a little kid. I remember how difficult the news was, and it wasn’t a fun time. But you know, after everything was said and done, you ended up in the place you were meant to be at from the very beginning. Sure, it might not be one of those head-turning, eye-popping names that all high school students fear and awe, but a name is just a name. In the end, you get to be surrounded by people you’re comfortable with, make a bunch of amazing friends, and ultimately find a home: something you haven’t had in your life. So Nicole: don’t worry so much about the rejections and focus on the acceptances that you’ve had. Because everything will work out in the end. It always does. Oh, and make sure to focus on that Calculus homework. It only gets harder as you go on.

I would tell myself that an education is one of the most important things I can get for myself. I didn’t realize how important an education was until I started working in retail. I can’t get away from low paying jobs like that without a degree. I would also tell myself that Heald will really help with everything. from financial aid to class schedule. They are there to work with me every step of the way! College may be stressful but when I got my foot in the door it wasn’t so bad. The sooner I start the better off I am! I would also tell myself that living with my parents may be tough, but its worth it in the long run. I can worry about school and homework not bills and where my next meal will be comming from.

Focus on school. Don't slack off because it matters. Make sure you research any college you're interested in taking into consideration the school size and costs and if its well known in the field you want to pursue. And most importantly don't stress out too much. Take breaks when needed

Dear Charlotte, You can stop freaking out, DePaul was a good choice. I can't think of anything better that we could've chosen. You're going to be really homesick for a bit, but just get out there and be around people until you find your feet, that'll happen soon enough. I can't emphasize more: get on the ball searching for more scholarships and job opportunities, woman! They won't fall in your lap! You have great intentions, but are lousy at starting things like this, so just DO it. You won't regret it. I regret NOT doing it. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I've gone through, you have to make those discoveries yourself, BUT... I will tell you to make all attempts to understand the class structure of DePaul. I still don't, but I wish I'd focused on fulfilling some more gen-ed requirements; I've ended up with one or two too many in the humanities (which you will eventually come to realize that you were meant in life for. Don't fight it.) Just keep moving forward. We do fine. Charlotte