University of Illinois at Chicago Top Questions

I would tell my old high school senior self to try her hardest to earn more money, both for school and living expenses. I go through extreme stress and energy just to pocket some money in order to afford the daily costs of college. I would tell her to definitely find a job in high school because it is extremely hard to get any job, let alone a decent-paying one, in this day and the more work experience who has puts them in a better situation to switch jobs later. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of applying for more scholarships and securing a part-time job early on. It feels horrible not being to make enough just to have a livable wage even when your habits are already very frugal. Also I would tell my high school senior self to get into the habit of saving - saving in general, saving for a particular trip or item, saving just because and do not feel like you have to spend money right away. One last bit of advice I would share is to take a breather once in a while. Have fun or you will regret it. Believe me.

Gabriela, Follow your intuition as to which school to choose. Do not be afraid of making a mistake because it is not the school that seals your fate, it is what you do with it. Your first semester may be difficult but, you can do it. You are just as smart as everyone there. Be confident and bold but also have a healthy fear of certain classes because they will drive you to work harder and excel. It is okay to reevaluate your choice of major, it will fuel your love of psychology and Gender Studies even further. When you take your first Gender Studies class, it will kick your butt. However, that class will introduce you to a whole new world of ideas. When that advisor tells you that that psychology class is too advanced for you, ignore her. You know the materials and she is clearly underestimating you. You are Gabriela Brizuela and you can change the world. Best, Your future.

Currently, I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago as an out of state student. Although I am very happy with my decision to attend this university, I reget not applying to as many scholarship programs as I possibly could. If I were a high school senior again, I would take more time and effort into scholarship applications. In college, I had to become smart with how I spent my money. Another piece of advice would be to start saving in high school because saving a few dollars every week will accumulate in the end. I am sure I could have stirred clear of that four dollar cup of Starbucks coffee or that meal from Taco Bell and saved that extra money for much more sensible things, such as college textbooks or that Freshman orientation fee.

Dude, I know that you're making a hundred bucks a night working in that bar, and if you went to college you'd be broke, but let me tell you... when you're 29 years old and an alcoholic, you're gonna say to yourself, "I should have went to college". You KNOW that the decisions that you're making now are gonna end up messing you up later in life. Make the right choice.

I would tell myself to question everything. Curiosity is all it takes to peak interest in almost every subject. Asking questions is the best way to learn about a new topic. Being naturally curious isn't enough, you have to create a hunger for knowledge and information. But the great thing is that once you initiate that hunger, it almost comes alive on its own. You start to become addicted learning and it is one of the best feelings in the world. All it takes is for you to start asking questions.

If could go back in time I will advice myself to take Advanced Proficiency (AP) classes in High School in order to save not only money in tuition and books for College, but also time. I would also advice myself to get a part time job in High School to start saving money to pay for College. Education should be a right for everyone, unfortunately it is too expensive and not everyone can afford it, that is why everyone should start saving money as early as possible.

It's quite a different picture than we imagined while growing up. The important thing to know is that you need to stay dedicated and hardworking in your courses. You will struggle with a few courses along the way so don't be afraid to speak to your professors. That is what they are there for and are more than willing to help. It's also best to get familiar with them when the time comes for recommendations. Speaking of help, I cannot stress the importance of on-campus resources such as tutoring and writing centers. Don't be afraid to use them. This is also the time to come out of your shell and socialize. You will meet so many new friends, not just in your classes, but in clubs and study groups as well. These next four or five years will be the best time of your life, I can assure you. Stay positive.

Senioritis? This is only the beginning of the end, do not give up, this is your time to shine. You need to give it your all because you only perform as well as you practice. Those who succeed are the ones who are not afraid to fall; pick yourself up, if you try to look for the easy way out, you will always be faced with a difficulty. You have the privilege of attending a University, do not take it for granted show them and most importantly show yourself why it is that you do belong there. Do not become discouraged if you feel like an underdog, remain focused but not narrow minded, be strong and believe in yourself, burn fire with in, you are not a dud, Stay positive and give it 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, there are no losers, the only loser is the one who quits.

College is not a step you take in order to be guaranteed a job. A college degree could help to find a job during a difficult economy, but not all majors are equal. Before deciding on a major, check the career opportunities and the average salaries associated with them on a worst case scenario. Then compute how long it will take, on your entry-level salary, to pay off your college investment. If you are not willing to be in debts for that long, then consider another major or doing something else. Although people have been cramming your brain with "follow your passion", or "do what you love most", remember that this advice can be lethal when your "passion" cannot bring food on your plate. Consider that "passion" is not predetermined nor innate, and you do not necessarily have only one "passion". Finding your "passion" requires craft and patience, but above all, it require trial-and-error. You have to try, make mistakes and learn from your mistakes. Only then, you could call it "passion". So while you are in college, remember that nothing is definite, it is ok to make mistakes because this is how you learn.

This is a very interesting and deep question that I even ask myself from time to time. I would go back in time and quickly develop some study hobbits because in high school, I really did not study because I never really had to. I always received grades of A's and B's, so, when I got to UIC, I thought that it would be the same thing. Boy, was I wrong. I would go back in time, and shake myself and make myself realize that life as a high school student is easier to life as a College student and that I will need to study, ask for help, and make strong connections on and off campus, and get to know people that have took the classes that I have taken, enquired on which teachers are the best teachers, how to receive my books and school and class supplies the cheapest, and how to maintain a positive attitude when the work load gets very heavy on my shoulders.