Northern Illinois University Top Questions

You did it! You got into a university and you will be graduating high school soon. How exciting! Okay firstly, buy yourself a laptop. I know you may think that going to the computer lab everytime you need to use the internet or type a paper is worth not purchasing a laptop; but you are wrong. Also, stay on top of classes and utilize the student tutoring and mentoring options that your college offers. Make sure you check periodically with your professors by asking for an update on grades ever so often. ALWAYS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXTRA CREDIT! You will soon learn that professors who offer extra credit are few and far between; so take advantage of that luxury if possible. Lastly, have fun! I know you will be stressed, but you need to slow down, relax and enjoy life more. Allow yourself to be who you are. Now is the time for you to show what you are made of! Take no prisoners and don't let anyone put you down. You will succeed if you allow yourself to Steve. Oh yeah, and the last 5 answers on your English final are ABBDC. You'll thank me later!

I would say if your not ready to be alone and become an adult wait a while. I would suggest going to a community college first, which is less expensive and gives you time to build maturity, also let's you get your general education classes out the way. General education classes are very difficult and sometimes the school may not have resources to help with the classes you are taking. Also, always apply for scholarships and stay away from loans because debt is nothing nice. Be assertive, conscience, and prepared about every decision you make because it will effect you in the future. Have fun but keep in mind what you are at college for first at all times.

Explore!! Make the most of yout time at college. Do things you normally wouldn't do. Go out of your comfort zone and create yourself into the person you are meant to be...not the person everyone wants you to be. Have fun, make new friends, but remember why you are there...to get an education! Not party!! Your future is in your hands, set goals, accomplish the small steps one at a time and make a bucket list! Look back at your college time and think...those were the best years of my life and my life is just beginning. Your world is open to so much more...use your eyes, clear and focused (not hungover and blurry) to see what lies ahead and then go get it!

Dont pick a college because of parties and social events. Pick somewhere that will help you out in your career.

Dear high school senior self, I want to tell you that everything gets better. I know you have been struggling with many personal family issues and trying to maintain friendships and school. I am here to tell you that everything does improve as the year goes on. One thing you should realize is that yes, what you are thinking about, sexuality wise is true. You are bisexual and it is amazing! Get close to the one girl that sits across from you in your Biotechnology class because she can help you. When you get to Northern Illinois University, the first couple of people you love on the same floor with will be your closest buddies. You will also meet many great people who you’ll be the best friends with. With your love life, keep an open mind and do not try too hard with the woman because your education should be your main focus. Plus, safety is an important factor in this institution. Make sure you get to know your late night officers as well as any other workers. From all that you will experience, make sure that you keep your goal to become a Nurse in mind.

Jasmine, Before you start classes at Northern Illinois University, there are a few things that you should know. College is going to be a life changing experience for you, because there will be challenges that you have not previously had to face. The characteristics you developed in high school will be put to the test. Focus and determination are perhaps the most important because they will get you through every obstacle you will encounter. Those obstacles include adjusting to the college courses, interacting with new people, and learning the definition of balance. College courses are a lot more difficult than high school classes. Dedicate a few hours every day to studying. Use all the resources the campus offers to help you succeed. Do not fear the unknown. Socializing will become a part of your campus experience and making friends will come naturally. Northern Illinois University is a multicultural campus so keep an open mind when interacting with new people. You can learn a lot from the people around you, if you are willing to listen. You will also need to learn how to balance your time and your money. If you can master this concept, you can accomplish so much.

I would give myself the advice of taking time and doing scholarships. I know from my first year experience how much money I could save if I actually did scholarships. Spend as much time with your high school friends as you can! Get into the habit of not procrasting on things. In college, if you procrastinate more things will come up and could be due the same week then you're rushing to get everything done and it may not be your best work that you have done. Get in the habit of reading! In college, if you don't read you could be very behind or not understand some things being taught.

I would first of all tell myself not to be so focused on popularity and to focus on school. Growing up, it seems like having everyone know you is the most important thing when in all actuality, your grades are. After high school, everyone goes their seperate way, doing seperate things, going to seperate schools. It is more then likely that the people you were so worried about being associated with, wont be in your life the next year. But when applying for college, the grades that you recieved those for years are what determine where you go to school. So it is more important to focus on your education and not how many people know your name. Also I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to someone. Senior year I struggled with someone trying to take my virginity. Keeping it in so long caused me to enter a slight stage of depression when I first came to college. I cut myself off from meeting new people out of fear. I would tell myself to deal with the problem right away, so I can be helpful to other girls that experienced the same thing as me.

To focus on myself and not panic when others around me are full of future prospects and seem to have everything planned out perfectly. Not everyone is the same and that there is nothing wrong with needing some extra time to figure out what you want to do with your life. I would reassure myself that I did make the right decision by going to a community college first and to never let anyone make me think otherwise. I'd emphasize the need to work up the courage to come out of my shell, and join groups and get to know more people. I've always kept my academics as top priority, but I would encourage myself to take some time to enjoy being in college, to have fun and experience life. But to be prepared for the occasional sad and lonely states that happen when you move away. It's difficult but if you stay focused you'll survive, even through all the stress and tears, it gets easier as go. And above all to continue to believe that I'm capable of being successful in college, to trust in myself that I won't let myself fail.

If i was a high school senior and i can go back and tell me something, it would be to focus more. Dont let the sterotype of having fun of getting in the way of the reason you really came to school for. College is a learning experience and a fun environment, but you have to learn to balance everything if you want to be successful.

Don't be nervous! As a freshmen coming to a new University, of course it will seem a little scary, but don't worry. All of the other freshman are in the same boat as you. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself! Get involved right away. There are more clubs, programs, groups, and events to get yourself into than you can even think of. There is something out there for everyone, so go find your match! Be prepared for classes and always introduce yourself to your professors. Professors want to help their students, so why not take advantage of that! There is always something to learn on a college campus. Keep your eyes open to new ideas, opportunities, and relationships! Ask questions, form study groups, make friends, explore your campus! You never know what doors might open up for you when you keep a smile on your face in everything you do. Reach out and help others! There are always volunteer programs or opportunities for you to do your share and give back to the community and school. Everyone can make a difference. Don't be afraid to let your voice be heard! Good Luck!

I would tell myself not to be scared. College should be a fun experience, not a scary one. I would say "I know that you are doubting yourself because you think your not intelligent, but guess what? you will do just fine." I would explain to my pass self that I put off college for a while for several reasons; First, I had no money. Second, I wasn't ready. The third and biggest reason was, I was terrified. I would express my reason why I should have gone to college right out of high school be. I felt out of place from all my other friends. I wouls work for many hours at a time but I just couldnt save money. I knew that I could do more with my life. I felt like something in my life was missing until one day I realized that my lack of education was the reason why I felt sad. Now that I am attending college, I feel soo much joy in my life; I have friends, opportunity, and self-confidence. Education is the golden key to life. Never be afraid of college, it will only help you.

I would tell myself to really think about what I want to do. I orignially followed my sister to her school and took the same major that she had. Eventually, I found my way to my current school and major, which I love! I would want to tell myself to enjoy college and work hard. I would want myself to take my time in decision making about my future. A lot of time could have been saved if I had taken time to evaluate what I wanted to do and I would want myself to know that it's okay to take my time in looking around for schools and majors. I would tell myself that it is important to really find something that I am going to want to do and not something that I could just "see myself doing, but not really loving."

Tae the aprentinceship at the tatoo parlor and take up firedancing now while you are young and skinny. School can wait, so can the debt you will accumulate. Save your money and skip out of the country for a while. Return with the wind in your hair and go back to school when you are 24, so you can get more aid from the government.

As I travel back in time an array of thoughts come to mind to remind myself of things to make sure I do better. We are in the 1985 and I know that I don't have enough money to go to college, so I am going to make sure I give my self all the up and coming stock tips for 1985-1986. Now that we funded college I can attend. I would also like to remind myself of all the turns I choose were due to financial contraints and pay more attention to the possibility that if you stay in school instead of getting your GED, perhaps the right information on how to pay for college will cross your path. I would also like to pat myself of the back for coming down the road that I did, and still having the heart to keep on trying.

There are people in the world who have come from worse places than you. You may think that you came from such a unique history given your adoption, your lack of memory from the age of four, the death of your adoptive mother, the transition from the kind people who found you at the construction site to an orphanage and to the lonliness you felt since the age of ten. There are people in the world who are more damaged than you, and sometimes understanding them is not what you need to do, but to help them by allowing them to release their emotions even if it seems redundant to you. They are self-destructive in the most appalling ways, but the worst possible reaction you can have is apathy. When they spiral down into themselves, you need to uncoil them. Do not let your friends help each other because they will only increase their own momentum. You must also let them have pieces of yourself even if it hurts them because if you don't, they won't allow you help them. They stop letting you in, and you'll end up joing them in their dispair. Good luck.

Going back to my senior year in high school, I think I would tell myself I could do it. I really didn't have positive role models to tell me that I could still accomplish things that I want with a child. I had my daughter the beginning of my senior year in high school. I was very athletic and I stopped playing some of my sports so I could focus more on my daughter. I really didn't have positive people around me to let me know that I could do anything that I put my mind to even with having a child so young. If I was a strong minded as I am today, I would have been an RN at this point in my life. Don’t ever give up your dreams; you will all ways regret that decision as I have. By me not believing in myself I’ve pushed my career back 10 yrs and I’m now starting my schooling as an adult, instead of me working at my dream job as an adult. Focus, believe in yourself. Again, having a child at such an early age just made me a wiser, stronger adult.

Well I thought I wanted to be a construction engineer. I finally figured out that I didn't want to do that every day of my life, so I'd tell myself that I don't want to do that. But, I'd also tell myself I need to make sure I stay ahead of my course work and study hard.

Make sure that you work hard all the way to the very end. Also, fill out scholarship applications as soon as possible. It is not easy or cheap to go to school. The more effort you put in early the better chances you have at getting help to pay for college. College is a fun and educational experience, there is nothing to be nervous about. Just be sure to stay focused and not get caught up in other aspects other than classes and the work that needs to be done for them. You are a smart, strong girl, when you set your mind to something only you stand in your way from completing it. Don't hold back, give it all you've got.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself that procrastinating on researching college information, financial aide, scholarships and deciding on a college and a career is NOT a wise decision, that it would cause nothing but headache, heartache, and hardship for many years to come. Deciding to put college off for a few years and to "take a break from school and get some life experience" is one of the stupidest things that I could do. That even though I felt like college could wait, that it would be difficult and scary; it's not. That it would take us 18 years to finally begin a career and that we would spend those 18 years "kicking" ourselves in the rear end for not making something of ourselves right out of high school, that we will struggle, always feeling like we were no good and missing something important in our life; never feeling happy with our life until we actually did something about finding a career and completing an actual field of study in college. That embracing and developing our self will give us all that we dream of at night, putting college off wont.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make the most of senior year. I remember feeling like I couldn't wait to get out of high school but now I realize just how good I had it. I would tell myself to enjoy being a kid because, even though I still live with my parents now, I had to do a lot of growing up as a college freshman. I have a lot more repsonsibilities now and its definitely something that I should have prepared more for as a senior in high school.

Knowing what I know now about college life, there are a LOT of things that I would do differently. In high school, I considered myself a pretty average person; average grades, average extracurricular involvement, average social life. I attended a pretty big high school of about 4000 students so I assumed adjusting to the college campus life wouldn't be too overwhelming. Boy was I wrong! Having a roommate for the first time, sharing living space, air, and THE BATHROOM, was not something I was prepared for considering I have been an only child my entire life. The high school counselors could have no way prepared me for that. Honestly, if I had known better, the main advice I would give myself would be to start smaller, like at a two-year college. I am now back living at home taking 12 hours online with all A's which is a WAY better situation than I was in at the four-year college. I would be sure to convince myself that the four-year college "scene" isn't and doesn't have to be for everyone. On the other hand, it took this experience for me to learn about myself.

In my experience, one of the coolest superpowers to have would be a master of time (not unlike Hiro from the television series, Heroes). I wish I could go back into time and drive one point into my head as a high school senior. The main idea would be “Pick a major!” The biggest time suck in my community college career (before transfering to a four year university) was taking classes that didn’t apply to my current major. I still don’t know what I want to do with my life but I recently selected marketing because it’s interesting to me. If I would have known that I was to be marketing major, I would have saved two whole semesters of wasted electives and unnecessary pre-requisite classes. Everyone I knew told me that it was ok not to know what I wanted to do. I find that terribly misleading. Yes, one doesn’t necessarily need to know what they want to do but they surely should pick something and have a plan on how to achieve it. Otherwise you end up aimlessly taking classes and wasting valuable time, and more importantly, money.

If I could go back and talk with myself as a senior, I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did before leaving for college. Transitioning from high school to college can be a very scary and overwhelming experience. Most students dont know what to expect and are scared of moving away from home, just as I was. However, college isnt scary at all. The first few days after moving in, I missed home alot. But after the first week or so, I got used to it and I actually loved being on my own for the first time. Being on my own gives me the opportunity to grow into a responsible adult by learning how to make wise descisions. As a senior, I was very concerned about whether or not I would be able to survive on my own and if I would be able to make the right descisions. But what I hadn't realized was that my family had been preparing me my whole life to be capable of living on my own when the time came. And now that I'm on my own, I must say I'm doing an excellent job.

Attending college has influenced me to stay focus and acheive my academic goal in becoming a nurse practitioner. It is valuable for me to attend because I am a teen parent and I feel like nothing can stop me from getting an education, and since I am 19 with a child I want to be a role model to those who dont believe that you can successfully make it to college. With Northern having great programs that help with different learning strategies on how to be successfully in any course, it has made my experience in college great.

I have not been in college long, I just started this past semester Fall 2010 . However, so far in my college career I have had the experience of receiving first semester grades in college. I couldn't believe I had a 3.7 GPA, I was blown away. I am a Mexican-American, so when I showed my family my grades they couldn't believe it either. I am the first girl and the first of my family to go to college and to get high marks like those was like them receiving a pot of gold. I cherish my family the most and I would do anything to make them proud. On Christmas day, after hearing that my parents were going to separate, I had a revelation. I realized that college is indeed valuable to attend. Neither my father or mother went to college, and they struggle with their jobs so they can give me and my brothers a decent life. My college experience has made me stronger, fearless, and ambitious, and thus is why school is valuable to attend because without it the world would be filled with cowards and hypocrites.

I'm not as afraid as I used to be. In high school, I was much more insecure and worried about what others thought. Now, I am not afraid to say what I believe in the classroom. Also, I have been able to read a lot of literature and learn about people in history that I never knew existed in high school.

I moved out of my house at 16yrs of age, shortly after that I recieved my GED. I started furthering my education by going to Wood Hygenic Institute School of Massage, where I recieved my certification. I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist since. I decided that I wanted to get a college education, so started in 1997, I was young and didn't focus as much as I should have. My GPA at the time was 2.7 and I didn't finish at that time. I went back in 2008, and as an adult, I was able to reach a 3.67 GPA and want to finalize with a Nursing Degree (AS). I will probably want to continue on to get my BS in Nursing after I have worked for a year or two. I have decided to go to a private for profit school, so I may complete my degree in 27 months and I start February 14, 2011. I hope to recieve any additional funding that I can to ensure my success.

I've gotten many friends out of my college experience so far. I also have gained the experience of work, hardwork that I can later use in my career. NIU is valuable to attend because of the community and its people. Forward Together Forward.

My college experience so far, has changed me in a lot of ways I never thought it would. The transition was so great, I was forced to adapt to being on my own and my behavior slowly began to change. There was no principal, or one office, where I could get all the answers I needed, as an alternative I had to learn how to use my resources and own my campus by using maps and calling different offices. Since I had to depend on only myself I had to motivate myself to attend classes by dismissing my alarm instead of pressing the snooze button. I also taught myself how to study and found out that rewriting notes works for me. Most importantly I am now able to manage my freedom. The experience has resulted in a valuable outcome because I have grown so much in a matter of one semester. My initial thought about attending a university was that I would party everyday and enjoy my freedom. Instead, I surprised myself by receiving good grades. Another great outcome was that I am now more than ever, ready to push myself into attaining my degree.

I was born in The Czech Republic. When I come to the United States ,couple of years ago, I did not speak English. My parents were poor and could not help me with education even in my country of birth. I came to the United States with a backpack of clothes and 1000,-$ in my pocket. I have slept on the floor covering myself with a sleeping back for a months. I was working hard and attending ESL classes in community college. It took me couple of years and a lot's of money to pass Associate in Art from psychology. I always wanted to work with elderly people and that is why I worked as caregiver for years while attending Community College. I have come the long way to be Social Worker in gerontology field and I have come to understand the impotrance of education. I have learned six different languages on the way to my succes and I am not done at all. The college experience is the most and profound adventure for me. Through education I am finding and expending myself and that is the best way I can help the most people.

Educationally, I earned a Bachelor's degree, in which this generation is essential to obtain in order to succeed in life. Moreover, my university gave me the opportunity to socialize with 25,000 different students. Some of my closest friends I have met on my dorm floor. The attended many different activities such as concerts played beautifully by NIU students. Lastly, NIU gave me chance to grow and determine my path in life. Due to the 2009 NIU shooting, I have chosen to become a social worker to help less fortunate individuals and help society improve one person at a time.

Being home-schooled my entire life prior to college, I had a very different experience of education. At the time, doing my schoolwork was a chore and my least favorite part of my daily routine. In fact, if my parents had not pushed me to complete my work, I probably would not have done any of it. This all changed when I got to community college my freshman year. Upon arrival I had absolutely no idea of what I wanted to do. I knew that I liked art, but due to my experience with home education, I was not very familiar with many of the other fields. By the time I entered Northern Illinois University at the beginning of my junior year, I knew the field I wanted to pursue: Scientific Illustration. Also, I had gained a love and excitement for knowledge and education. I took a complete turn from the attitude I had always had towards school; what was once a bore now became one of my passions and high on my priorities list.

I had the opportunity to return to school after being in the workforce for almost fifteen years. Being an adult learner has provided me an advantage because not only am I aware of the expecations that are placed upon me and I am committed to meet them using the prior experience and tools I've obtained during my years in employment. I knew I always had the potential to be an exemplary student, but when I was younger I didn't put the effort that was needed in order to obtain an outstanding GPA. Since I've returned to school I've been on the President's/Dean's list for the five semesters/sessions I've been in attendence and the success I've achieved has given me has given me confidence and a better self-image.

I expeience new things everyday. Northern Illinois Unviversity is the college to be at, because there is someone always there that will not jugde you for who you are. There is something that fits our style (ex: clubs & groups). College is more than you hear on tv or movies. College is where you find yourself and have great people to help you along your way. I attend this college because not only is the major programs very good, but also because teachers are willing to work one on one with you so you can better yourself for your future.

People are the most value assest on the planet. Investing more time and valuable resources on our kind can only lead to a more productive society.

So far my college experience has helped me to gain vast knowledge in many different areas. I have learned to be more social as well as more responsible. College has taught me to manage my time. I have learned to allow time for myself, my studies, as well as my friends and family. Which, everyone knows is not an easy task. I am very happy that I decided to attend college, it changed my life for the better.

I have a better understanding of the meaning of life. I took a history first year writing seminar and met Professor Schwartz. After knowing my financial difficulty, he decided to help me. He had been very busy. Still he not just helped me write a reference to the financial aid office, but moreover, directly intervened and talked to the financial aid officer. Although, the attempt to get financial aid was unsuccessful, I got out of the process something more valuable than money. I reflected on myself. A lot of times, when other people asked me for help, I felt I was too busy to help them. Now I feel that I am not busier than my professor and I can imagine a thousand reasons for him not to help me, including he should not involve in the business of financial aid office. Perhaps, the thing I was "busy" at was perceived as more important than those things others need my help. Because of Prof. Schwartz, now I know helping others sometimes would make an impact on others' life. This is the kind of person I want to be.

I was able to find my identity as a student in college. Even though campus is less than 30 miles from my hometown, the difference is the world. I have gotten with 24 credit hours of my 2 year degree, and made a ton of new friends while attending. College is really a great experience for someone who has waited to spread their wings. The value of getting to college is immeasurable, and I only hope I can come up with the last bit of funding I need to get through the spring semester. Thank you for consideration!

I have gotten knowledge and every year I appreciate learning more and more. I know when I graduate as a Speech Language Pathology, I'm going to be great at it, thanks to my University.

My college experience has completely changed me. The first time I stepped into a college I had no idea how much there was that I did not know. I was nervous about the new journey that I was about to embark on, and my dreams seemed like a million miles away then, which was only eighteen months ago, but I feel as though I have come a very long way. My mind has been opened to endless new possibilities and ideas that I never would have been exposed to if it had not been for my coursework and the people I have had to interact with since starting college. I feel like a much stronger person emotionally and intellectually as a result of all of that. Now I am almost two years in, and I have enough experience to not be nervous anymore. I have become a much more confident individual, and I am finally beginning to see my dreams becoming realities.

When I commenced my Associate Degree In Tourism Management, I was really proud of myself. I was the first one in my family to undertake tertiary level education and I was financing it by myself. During those three years of my life I had to dig deep inside for courage, endurance and faith to ensure that I would reach the finish line. This experience was a valuabe one because I found strength, patience and self worth I never thought I possessed. I worked from 8am to 4pm and attended classes four days a week from 5pm to 8 or 9pm (I awoke at 4am). I dealt with countless 'bad attitudes' during group projects and had many sleepless nights but, I also met various persons from different walks of life. My college experience has prepared me for my journey in the world; I developed patiences, found my voice and discovered that I am SOMEBODY. When I walked across the stage on my graduation day, I held my head high and was as proud as a peacock. It was a culmination of all the hard work I had put in which no one could or can take from me.

During my college experience I learned how to manage my time and keep myself balanced. College is very different from high school and for that reason the transition impacts you. As an independent student, you learn how to compromise and make the best out of what you have. It may seem unmanagable at first, but when reality seeks in, the experience will start to make sense. If you did not learn how to be balance before you came to college, you definately will learn it once you attend.

My college experiences have been valuable on many levels. It is at school that I have made my closest friends, had my view of the world shaped, and matured into a greater semblance of an adult. Of even greater importance however, is that through attending, I will earn a degree. In today’s economy there seem only two paths available; have a degree and live comfortably or forgo one and struggle to survive on minimum wage. The reprieve from the latter makes the value of attending school as close to incalculable as it could be, save every major institution is trying its best. Though it makes up a large part, I do not solely place my value of education on the future promise of financial security. I am also very passionate about my major, which is psychology. I have found no greater or more fulfilling activity in life then helping others and with a degree I will be able to do so in a much greater capacity.

When I first arrived at Northern I was nervous because I left alone and of place. As the semester progressed I learned that I wasnt alone and there were many people who felt the same. Northern welcomed me and embraced me, which made me feel comfortable. I learned alot from my college experience. I learned how to work with others as a team. I learned that communication is key , and is very important in today's society. I was able to interact with other from different backgrouds, which was great life changing experince for me. It has been vauleable for me to attend Northern, because not only am have I learned a great deal in school I have learned alot about life. I value my stay at Northern because I feel that I would like to learn Northern has no problem with directing me into the right direction. It is valuable for me to attend Northern there are so many life changing oppertunities available. I believe my stay at Northern change my life for the better , and I am very thankful and grateful to attend such a school that cares about thier students.

I have only been in college for one semester, yet i have learned so many invaluable things. When i first arrived on campus i was very reserved but i began to meet new people and have fun. Meeting new people has helped me be more determined with my school work, because there is always someone there to help me when i am in need, In highschool my grades were not good, but when i got to college and began to see all of the successful people around me, it made me more determined than ever. Now i have passed this semester with a 3.5 GPA. College has been such a valuable experience for me, and i hope to learn so much more while i am here.

At my orientation, the counselors told us to look to your left, and then our right, they proceeded by saying these people might not be here when you graduate. Of course being a freshman at the time, I did not believe what they were saying. As the years went by I notice that the faces I saw when I got to NIU, I rarely saw anymore. I began to wonder if I would ever be one of those people who did not come back after Christmas or summer break. This is when I made the conscious decision to become an involved member in the community. My involvement in various organization enhanced my college experience. I was able to develop relationships with other students and university administratiors. Additionally, I learned valuble skills that has prepared me for my professional career. In sum, I learned that I was ultimately responsible for my success or failure. I saw the opportunity for success and I pursued it, I did have minor failures along the way. However they contributed to my success; they allowed me to make improvements. For all of these reasons my expereince and attendance was valuable.

The ultimate from college so far is perspective. All the knowledge that is acquired has stimulated this brain to see the world in a better a light. This knowledge can be used to make the world a better place. Through personal experience I can attest to say that education can make this a much better place. If all people could be educated and intellectually stimulated than people could truly help one another to the fullest. All in all it has helped me develop into a better person because I know that there are others out there that need more help than I. Perhaps in the not so distant future, I can help out one another better than I can now.

Out of my college experience I have realized that college is needed. Everyone needs a education and thats what I have got out of my college experience that even though things can be hard that you can do it. Its been valuable because its needed more than anything. Being the only one in my family trying to succeed and get a degree being here is a blessing that I know I'm glad to be apart of.

I have gone through many experiences while in college. I started off as a accounting major and switched to math education after my freshman year. After going through financial hardship that led me to receive an unsatisfactory grade in my student teaching (the last semester of my undergraduate program), I had to take time off to work, but realized that no matter what choices I made failing was never one. When trying to reapply for student teaching I came across a very devastating decision to either transfer to another school or change majors. Realizing that teaching wasn't what I was passionate about I changed my major to the fastest thing that I can do to graduate: general studies. This decision has pushed me to apply to graduate school right after I graduate for what it is I truly want to do. I have found myself and my purpose at this school through various ups and downs. I would not change anything about my undergraduate experience at NIU because it has made me stronger and more determined.