Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Top Questions

From a young age and upon entering highschool, I was always interested in architecture. I looked foward to projects that would allow me to design building structures. However, during my senior year I started to recieve advise about alternative career choices from the school advisor and my parents. Their concern was that archietcure wouldn't yield a good salary but becoming a doctor would. So for the first year of my college career I attended Purdue University majoring in pre-med. I was miserable but I figured it would eventually pay off. It wasn't until I noticed one of my friends making a bridge for his engineering class that I realized just how much I loved architecture. The following fall semester I left Purdue, transfered to a community college majoring in archicture and eventually transfered to SIUC- SOA. I would tell myself to just trust God. I belive that everything happens for a reason. Although I could have avoided the set back of Purdue, I feel I wouldn't have really understood the amount of passion I have for architecture making me more focused in school. My advice would be to follow my heart and true joy will follow.

As a freshman now in college I look back to my high school self and I see a guy that doesn’t seem to think things through. I would sit him down and tell him to wake up, that life is passing you by and if you don’t try to take advantage of what’s around you, you’re going to miss it. I know that you are lazy and tend to forget about your work and focus on other things, if you were to focus now maybe in the future I wouldn’t have to be struggle to find scholarships money to pay off school. If you were to pick up that book and actually study it, college would be easier. I know now that things are much harder then they seem and nobody is going to hold your hand. Don’t let opportunity’s pass you by because once there gone they never come back and you won’t be able to recover them. Education is a valuable thing, if you can take advantage of the opportunity’s presented to you, you’re going to end up trying to make every last penny count towards your education.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would do things alot differently. First I would have already had my college choice picked out. I would have retaken my ACT. I would of also studied harder to have had my grade point average even higher so I could of qualified for even more scholarships and even possibly could of attained a full ride. I also would have started SIU Carbondale at the beginning of the year instead of transferring in the middle of the semester from Lincolnland Community College. So please for you seniors out there do retake your ACT, maintain the highest grades as you can, prepare for college early, be willing to make new friends, use your resources and enjoy every minute now as you prepare for your future and reap the rewards.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the main thing I would tell myself is to not worry so much! Yes, college classes are more difficult than high school courses, but that was not my main concern. I have always adapted well to academic situations. I was worried about not having any friends and missing my family. What I didn't realize was that there are people everywhere in college and they are all so friendly and helpful! I have made more friends in my first year of college than I have in my whole life and I am so greatful for that. As for missing my family, it was very hard at first, but what I learned is that you just need something to distract yourself. Join some clubs, go workout, watch the football games! There are so many activities college offers you to get your mind off how much you miss home for a while till they can come visit, and eventually, you grow up. Yes, you still miss them, but realize you can live without mom and dad behind you every step.

If I was able to go back and give advice to the highschool me, I would reassure myself saying that I am confident that I will gain the most out of my education at Southern Illinois University. I woujld say that there are numerous ways to be active both on campus and off. I would encourage myself to volunteer and become a member to as many organizations that I possibly could. As a result, my networking would grow tremendously from connections with teachers, students, organizations, andeven potential employers. I would say when you feel like you are working hard, to try a little bit harder becasue it is worth it. I would say that every assignment, paper, test, and quiz metters. I would say there is no better place to develop a well-rounded foundation of Architectural Knowledge then at Southern Illinois University. The professors truly care about each and every student and would love to help you succeed to move forward in your endeavors. I would say the students in your program are not just other students, they are your support and your family away from home. I would say that Southern is the perfect choice.

Whitney, this is about to be the most difficult, most exciting time in your life. Go in expecting the absolute greatest experience of your life because that is what you will acheive by the time you graduate, greatness. Really put your heart into everything you do. It may be difficult, at first, being away from everything you know, everyone you know, but being an adult is about experincing these new things and living beyond what you were raised to know. With all of that being said, life will not be perfect. You WILL run into people you butt heads with. You WILL have an obnoxious roommate that makes you roll your eyes everytime they talk. And you WILL struggle with classes. Just dig deep and realize what you are working for, because going through this experience is what will shape you as the wonderful person you are becoming. I believe in you and you should absolutely believe in yourself. Good Luck!

I would actually give myself a heads up choosing the right advisor, because thats where it start. Also make sure that there isn't to many distraction in my life while attending, and to be in a les stressful invironment. I also wouldn't had waited so late to attend a four year college, I would transferred from the Jr College early on. I also would advice mme to know what I want to do in the future, choose a career that best suits me.

1. Have A Major- Not having a major can set you back 1 to 2 years in your education 2. Get Involved In Your Campus- Simple! 3. Use Your Resources- Simple! 4. Get A Job- You want to go out have a good time, eat out, enjoy be in young, will get a job those $200-$300 checks bi-weekly will come in hand. 5. Make New Friends- Very important, new friends open your mind up to new things 6. Be More Opened Minded: always thing about things, it could be your holy gail 7. Try New Things-like kayaking, biking riding, new resturants 8. Enjoy The Campus Life- use your bowling alleys, go to games- they give out free stuff at games, etc 9. Study, Study, Study!!! Trust me, you wil thank me later 10. Use Your Dinning Halls - its decite and its already paid for 11. Get To Know Your RA's - they are the most important people in your dorms 12. Buy A Printer- this is important trust me you will save tons of money 13. Exercise- at least 2-3 x's a week- you won't gain the freshman fifteen 14. Drink Water- its free

Dear Self, I would like to give you some encouragement. I love you. It is your life that is most affected by your choice in career. This is a decision that is going to cost you a lot of money, please chose something that is in your heart. There is no greater satisfaction than making a living doing something that you love to wake up to everyday. Something that feeds your soul. Start out by being open if you are not sure what you want to do. Take it all in and find where your roots want to grow. It is not necessary to have all the answers right now.....give yourself the time and space to figure it out. College is an incredible journey of learning on many different educational and emotional levels. Try to stay present in the moment. If you get overwhelmed, know that I am always here for you.

If I could go back in time when I was a senior in high school, I would have said to myself, to do better in school and to make sure that you take care of school right away then waiting until I was in my 40s. I could have had my degree already and been making better money during the time up to now. I could have been alot more successful and have gotten my professional liscense sooner than later.