Illinois State University Top Questions

As a high school senior, I would tell myself that real knowldge doesn't come from a book, but from the people around you. I was once told by a professor that elementary school was a social setting rather than an education setting because the students learn more from each other than they do from the material being taught; This idea still applies in college. I spent a lot of time working on homework instead of enjoying life because I felt I needed to work hard to succeed in college. The truth of the matter is that it's not about what the classes teach you; It's about the people you know. I spent my first two years in college with my head in a book and missed meeting many interesting people who are now doing interesting things. New knowledge comes from people; old knowledge is in books. Althoughg they create a good foundation for later discussion, the focus should be on the people, not the paper. I was lucky enough to meet some of these people during my last too years, but I could have met more had I known what I know now.

I'd say ...Dear Melissa please don't let things stress you so easily, now that you are a senior try to focus as hard as you can on preparation for college. Start new study habits, and along the way give yourself some alone time to relax or just be young! Educations the most important thing and in college there really isn't anyone to hold your hand. So now that you're still in high school, reach out to all your teachers and resources get as much help now as you can, learn to have good study habits, and when you're feeling stressed talk it out with someone because you're not alone in this journey and when you get to college you will realize life moving at a faster pace, so do well in high school, and once you begin college realize that you're smart and can do anything regardless of financial barriers, or no support from others, you WILL get far in life an be a college graduate. Enjoy your young life, but don't forget the things that really matter. Your education, so focus and be strong because you're already smart.

Whatever you want to do in life, go chase that dream. I am now returning to school to chase my dream, something I could have done the first time around if I knew what my options were. I did not have the proper guidance of where to go to get the education that I needed to become a nurse. I also did not have the support from my family or friends to pursue that dream. I would educate more parents in what it means to support your children as they prepare to become educated for what they hope is their dream career. Without the support, many students wander aimlessly through school, obtaining degrees in fields they never intend or end up in. So get some good advice, spend time researching the schools that specialize in your field of interest, and go there!

If I could talk to myself at 18, I would say not to rush it. At the time, I was being pressures by well-intentioned family who did not understand what I wanted in life, and I tried and failed at my first semester in college. I was depressed and chose to take time off and think about what I desired, instead of continuing to rush blindly ahead, with no particular goal in mind. Sampling many different things, it took me several years to decide my major -- Anthropology, which I loved before I even knew what it was called! But I am now in the program and loving every single class. I look forward to going to school each day, and I'm happier than I thought I could be at 18. Slow down and consider your options!

The only advice I can give is start looking at colleges ASAP!! I didn't want to admit that i was graduating so I avoided thinking about it as much as i could. I regret not looking into all the colleges that could be right for me.

I would tell my high school self to not worry about other peoples opinions because the only one that truely matters, is your own. I wish I could go back in time to teach my past self that the petty drama or issues that occured in high school are not going to matter or even be remembered in a year or two. I would say live life to its fullest and have fun, enjoy being young while you can because life only gets harder and more complicated as you age.

You have your whole life ahead of you. Have fun and enjoy this exciting experience, but make wise decisions. Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can, not just from your studies, but also from the diverse classmates, professors, co-workers, roommates that you will cross paths with on your education journey. Most likely, this will be the only time in your life that you can focus soley on your education. Take advantage of it! Challenge yourself! Make experiences that you will remember forever! Take initiative to go above and beyond in your curriculum! Go for it!

Illinois State has made me a well balanced person and teacher. The education course work completely prepared me for a lifetime of teaching. The practicum and student teacher experiences made me feel comforatble in the classroom before graduation. The professors were knowledgeable and friendly. They always put forth effort to make my experience better. I feel that I was on a campus of a perfect size. It felt like a community rather than a large city. The town is young and lended itself to the campus. There were many opportunities to make friends and meet people from various backgrounds. I was able to be invovled in campus committess and clubs. I enjoyed watching the sporting events of the Redbirds as well. Illinois State was a home away from home. It was the perfect place to spend four wonderful years.

Illinois State is one of the few universities in the United States that has my major: Deaf Education. I went to Illinois State Universtiy and met so many friends that have common personalities and interests with me! I never had that at home. All of the professors that I have had, including General Education course professors, have been very helpful and intuitive. They are always willing to help you when you ask for it. Overall, Illinois State has made me feel like I have a place here and that I have a voice. I am not just a student; I am an Illinois State Redbird and proud of it!

I have learned to be open to anything, try everything once, and don't underestimate the goodness of people. I think that living in a college town is an experience in itself, that you can never grow closer to people who are all experiencing the same things as you. People to share with you the same feelings, events, good times, and bad times with you are what you need in life and I think that is ONE valuable thing I've taken with me in my college experience.