Yelena
This is something that i wanted to do for a long time. And then when i finaly got the chance to go to this college i did! Now i am a profeccional and know what i am doing This college geve me good educationd , and more goles in my life.
Holly
Thoughout the first half of my college experience, I have found out a great deal about myself. Coming into college, I felt that I was a strong person and could take anything the University of Illinois could throw at me. However, after experiencing my first mid-term season at college, I quickly realized that my courses were not going to be as easy as high school. After realizing this, I became exteremely motivated to work as hard as I could. This motivation not only led me to be able to join numerous honor's organizations, but also drove me to obtain not just one, but two jobs while maintaining a full course-load and a major GPA of 3.70 on a 4.0 scale. I do not believe that I would have encountered this motivation had I got anywhere besides the University of Illinois. Because of its history, I felt pressure to ensure I do not let the University down, but also myself and my family. For that, I am forever grateful.
Yucong
What is the life that we live? To ourselves it is the world, to most it is a wayward flicker unnoticeable nor relevant, but to a few it is essence of love that bonds us. I used to live a life that was encased in a prison of my own making. Watching the movements of world through the gap of my life was my fear compelling me to shelter myself in my own dream. It was a primal instinct that bounded me from ever reaching out to blind fate, because the fear of humiliation and suffering was an ever omnipresence pressure. The cancer of doubt and hesitance was never something I ever overcame; it was something that was cured by others. Since coming to college I have found a place of warmth where I belonged in a nutshell with friends. The value of relations, friendship, and interaction in general is the value that most take for granted; these values are what drive us, motivates us, and protects us. These are the valuables of college that I adhere the most, and which I will never forget.
Norma
I have learned that responsibility is an absolutely essential trait to have. It's very important to be able to stay on top of things because no one is going to push you like they once did in High school. Teachers no longer go out of there way to tell you what you need to get done; you are an adult and are treated as such. It is also very important to be carefull of the people you choose to associate with. I have also been given the opportunity to take classes that both interest me and allow me to learn about the environment around me. It was while attending Human Development classes that I discovered that I wanted to become a teacher. Attending college has helped me grow into a better person. I have learned invaluable lessons that have helped me succeed in both my college career and my personal life. Armed with the ability to stay organized and the personal determination to succeed, I have become an imporant component of society.
Nicholas
College is the gateway to success. I realize that to succeed in life, you have to do things that require time and a bit of skill. College has helped me understand the value of education and what it can do for you. Not only is the extra education needed in any upcoming jobs or programs, but it is also used in everyday life. College shows you how to be a better person, both mentally, and physically in and out of the classroom. A good education can take you a very long way in life, the only way to get there though is to let it take you and to capitolize on every opportunity and chance you are given.
Kenna
I have learned the importance of making connections with all different races and ethnicities and the benefits of taking advantage of all of the great opportunities U of I has offered me. Every day I have the option to meet someone new and it has taught me to learn from every single person you meet. Choosing to join a certain student organization or opening yourself up to meet and talk to people you would not necessarily have a reason to talk to could completely change my life for the better and I am definitely taking advantage of that while I attend the University of Illinois.
Sarah
If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should be prepared for an extreme change. I would tell myself that college is a time in life that changes who you are, that there are going to be many temptations all around you, such as alcohol, parties, drugs and much more, and that you have to learn to prioritize. Don't give into temptation. I would assure myself that although everyone around me might be doing these things, that it does not make it right. I would also tell myself to be more open and personable with other students especially the floormates because you will be living around them for a year. Also, I would tell myself to not stress out and especially not to procrastinate. Do not stress out during finals week even though it is the hardest time of the semester, that everything will work out as long as you do everything on time. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy this time and to really put an effort in school because this is a critical time in life where you find yourself.
Jaclyn
If I could go back in time and give myself advice about transitioning to college, I would just have a few things to say. One, be very outgoing. Everyone is new to campus, and the school is very large so everybody is looking for friends. You have nothing to lose by being extra friendly, for if someone doesn't like your personality there are always more people out there. Also, get involved right away. School activities are a great way to meet new people and make connections for after college. Activities look great on a resume, especially organizations you were apart of all through college. Lastly, I would tell myself to study more. While high school can be challenging, college classes are much more difficult. They require a lot of time and dedication. Being that there are no rules or parents, it is easy to slack off. But, if you work hard, in the end it pays off to have a good GPA that will help you get great job offers.
Hannah
Be willing to stand out! Make a great first impression, and introduce yourself to someone you never would have in high school. College is a time to grow and learn. Know who you are sitting next to in class and exchange cell numbers because you can share your confusion together. By introducing myself to the people around me, I formed study groups and found awesome friends.
Learn to balance! Arriving at college, I had no idea of what to expect from my classes, socially, or through extracurricular activities. My parents were not in my dorm room encouraging me to stay in and finish my work. Make sure you learn or know how to balance your time and be self-disciplined. I signed up for ten plus activities at the beginning of the semester, and had to learn what I could reasonably accomplish in 24 hours.
Try something different! Coming to college, I knew I wanted to go into engineering, but was interested in so much more. I am currently researching with an anthropologist. I am also part of an organization called Alternative Spring Break, where groups travel across the country to help others. Make sure to invest in your interests.
Karim
The biggest advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to not procrastinate during senior year. Having less work to do during your final year of high school allows you to become lazy and be able to procrastinate. This lack of work turns the laziness into a habit that carries on into college. The biggest mistake for me was the fact that I was not used to completing homework and focusing during classes. I became lazy and did not study my coursework as much as i should have. If I had stayed focused and did not procrastinate in high school I would have been used to the amount of time and energy needed to stay ahead in my college classes. Now that I have this experience under my belt, I attend every class and complete all my work ahead of time. I have study days at the library twice a week rather than waiting until it is time for midterms or finals. This knowledge would have been crucial to me during my senior year as I would have been completely prepared for the commitment needed for collegiate studies.