The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg Top Questions

The best advice I could give my high school self is to dedicate my heart and soul into my work. Take all the help I can get and to really focus on being the best within each course I took. I would tell myself not to stress over personal relationships and focus on growing as an individual vs depending on someone else for my happiness. The jobs I had in college were great at influencing my passion for design and I truly should be grateful for all the experiences I had in school. I would tell myself to cherish all the moments I had because some of them as well as the people in them would become my best friends even after.

My advice would be to not give up. Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough. If you want to do something or be something, go for it. Talk to everyone you can. You never know who you're talking to. Take your studies seriously but not too seriously. Grades are not everything but everything you can learn is. Go above and beyond because that shows you understand the material presented and can use it. Pick a diverse group for a project. Never judge the person sitting next to you. Weigh every opinion, they could be useful. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You're not in college because you know everything, you're there to learn more. Be creative. Use common sense. Talk to your parents, they know more than you think and can help you. Have fun, you're only young once.

In high school we all think we know everything. Like exactly what we want to do for our occupation - which for some, sure, that can happen. However, through friends, families and everyone in between, I've heard horror stories regarding the amount of times these guys and gals have changed their major. And in the end - how much money can you imagine they're spending on tuition just on these constant changes! So my advice - do some research, intern, assist, take up hobbies before choosing your major. It could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Take your time. Find your intention. Doing these things will allow you deepen and enrichen your innate abilities. There is not grand prize at the other end, so there's no need to rush. Learn to find ease and enjoyment in this process. This experiences is as much about helping yourself grow as it is about connecting with other people. The better the relationship you have to yourself, the more confidence, poise and success you will encounter out in the world. Your sensitivies are a gift, and you absolutely can decide your desitiny. Have faith in yourself and you will find deep contentment and enjoyment in life.

What I would tell myself is to never be afraid to ask for help. You will always need at least a little help and double check everything you do. Another thing I would tell myself is that no matter how far down you slide or how many mistakes you've made; as long as you try and work hard you can always clinb out of the hole youv'e dug. Also, it's ok to take a break from school work every once in a while. You don't have to finish everything at one time. There are a lot of things I would like to tell myself back in high school, though those hand full of things would have really been a world of help.

Don't listen to your parents, follow your dreams, and don't let the price of school deter you from what you want to do. It's your life and you are the one who has to live it, no one else.

I wish I was afforded the opportunity to go back in time and speak with a younger version of myself about what college life would be like. I would make sure I had a better understanding of the competitiveness and commitment that would be required so I could get off to a better start and not find myself quite as overwhelmed while making the transition to college life.

I bet I know what you are thinking. As it is the time for you to do a final performance of this year’s musical, but it’s also the last time that you will ever work on a high school play. I’m aware of how you are feeling. But think of it as the same feeling that you always get in previous productions when you realize it is the very last day of the show. Nevertheless you don’t moue about it, instead you perform the show and give it all your best with a bang. Think of me as someone who will give you the most important advice you will ever hear. First, live your life to the fullest. Cherish it and be grateful for what you have, it will come in handy. Finally, don’t worry too much about your future. There are going to be hard times in college and beyond. But as long as you have a positive attitude and know what you want to do in life, you will be fine. You have the strength, stamina, dedication and courage to fulfill your dreams and without a doubt, you’re going to be something.

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So far I have learned more about drawing and design. I improved my writing skills, and am learning about psychology. By taking the online classes I have been able to take the class with people from all over the US, and that has been a great experience. It has been valuable to attend the college because it helps me improve my artistic ability.