DePaul University Top Questions

If I went back in time, I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. Moving away from home is a great opportunity to make new friends and gain independence. After a few weeks, homesickness is not a problem. I would also remind myself that having a fear of socializing is not needed in college. All of the people at DePaul are extremely friendly.

If I were to talk to my high school self, I would tell him to start applying for scholarships sooner and more seriously. College is expensive and we are seeing the difficulties of paying for it a lot more now. I would also tell myself that DePaul has a ton to offer and to get invloved with as much as possible. I would tell myself that I am going to make a few really close friends and that I am going to feel welcome. I will meet teachers that I constantly try to get into their class again because they are great teachers. Finally, I would tell myself that I don't have to worry about commuting to and from school and that it won't interfere with me getting a "college" experience. Mom and Dad have been very flexible with letting me stay with friends on campus and that it works out well this way. College has been great so far and expect that the rest of it will be too.

I would start off by asking myself, "Why do I want to go college? How will going make me a better person both academically and financially? Will this transition make my family and friends proud of me?" When I have come and established my real desires and dreams, I would definitely know if going and representing the right college is for me. Understanding that education is very important, it is also costly. I am a firm believer in " Where there is a well, there is a way. One has not, because they ask not." So not having to stress out about the issue of paying for college, I would focus more on what kind of education I will be receiving and how that college can give me exactly what I need to succeed. I will as stay motivated and determined, realizing that whatever I put my mind to, I can do it.

The advise I would give my self as a high school senior would be to be open-minded, hard working, and to be yourself. Being open-minded at such a diverse school is very important because there are all types of people at DePaul University and in the city of Chicago. Making friends with all types of people is important because you learn a lot about different cultures, religions, political views, etc. Growing up in a white, middle-class town, you do not see a lot of different types of people. It's a big change going from a rural town to a big city, so being open-minded is important. Also, being a hard worker at school is number one! Some students think college is all about partying, skipping classes, and being able to pass with out going to class. But it is not, college is hard and you need to be a hard, dedicated worker to be able to succeed. One more important piece of advice I would give myself is to be yourself, do not try to be someone you are not because you will not make true, lasting friendships that way. Be yourself and have fun!

My college experience has been an emotional roller coaster ride. I say this because I am married, work full time, attend classes full time, and take care of my household responsibilities. Additionally, I am paying college tuition for myself and assisting in paying college expenses for my two daughters. I obtained my first degree in 1980 with a very low grade point average; something I have always regretted. After several years in the workforce, I knew that I wanted to return to college to obtain a second degree. I waited until both my daughters were in college to apply to the Surgical Technology Program. In January 2010, I began my quest to prove to myself that I could and would do better in college. So you ask me what have I gotten out of my college experience; it is simple. I have received new zest in my life, a new spring in my step, and a 3.83 GPA out of a possible 4.00 GPA. Attending college a second time has been a valuable tool in showing my two daughters that they have no excuse for not doing well in college.

The greatest thing I’ve gotten out of school and especially DePaul is the inspiration to not only be a better person but to inspire people to be better people. The friendly teachers and staff throughout the school remind me every day of how knowledge is power but knowledge will get you nowhere unless you share it with others and put it to good use. Some schools teach you history, science and math but DePaul teaches you basic subjects while showing you how you are unique and how you can use those unique traits to not only experience the world around you but how to help others and teach them the things you have learned. Knowledge is power but the ability to help others and share your knowledge and use you knowledge to experience the world and eventually change it and change the lives is others is the most valuable thing I have learned at DePaul.

It has been an invaluable experience of personal growth and knowledge. People say in college you "find yourself". Although that it is a rather cliche sentiment, it is true to a certain extent. For me, I grew up in an enviroment counter to my nature. Mississippi is a very homogenous setting. The majority of people are white. conservative with a narrow-minded tendency. As an open-minded, liberal, and racial minority this enviroment was stiffling. When I moved to Chicago, I felt a breath of fresh air. Finally I could speak my mind and be true to myself. In that sense, I 'found myself'. Personal responsibility is crucial to surviving and thriving - it is all encompassing. You are responsible for everything from homework to health. Mom and dad are no longer there to help when it gets hard. In class I have learned so much about theatre arts and communication studies! At my school, my professors are professionally working and I am making lasting connections with people in the industry. My professors fully understand the material they are teaching. I am getting my money's worth (and more) at DePaul Univeristy. Go Blue Demons!

I have learned the value of respect. As we know, colleges are melting pots and everyone is different. Whether it is religion or taste, we all have to step out into this diverse world. Throughout my college experience I have learned to respect the opinions and views of others because everyone possess different backgrounds and have different values. Being a student at DePaul University is constantly preparing me for this step and allows me to grow on campus as well as within myself.

My college experience has truly been a priceless part of my continued growth as a student in life. Although my career goals have changed over the years, my values and beliefs have been nurtured and enhanced because of my college experiences. I believe that education should be a continuous lifelong experience to enable lifelong growth. Education in and out of the classroom is a vital part of who I am on my journey to achieve my goals. It not only keeps my mind sharp and alive, but nurtures my inner spirit and passion in my daily life. For it is this passion that makes me excited for each days "fresh start" and opportunities that are available to me. By having the opportunity to continue my education, I am given the chance to be the best possible person I can be as well as help guide others around me to achieve their goals too. I wish to continue to pursue my education and obtain my masters degree in education. It will not only add to my college experiences, but to my life ones and that is truly priceless!

The best is to understand the american way of studying. Applying real life exercises that I was able to apply to my job.