Northern Illinois University Top Questions

I have gotten so much out of my college experience, and I am not done yet. I have learned the value of prioitizing my time. I have also learned how to step up to my college professors and let them know my feelings towards my grades and the grades I feel like I should recieve. That experience has helped me be more confident in who I am and the work that I can achieve. I know myself and I know that through my beginning years of college I have grown-up. I value the time that I have aquired because it has allowed me to become the strong woman I am and has helped me to become confident in the career path that I have chosen to walk down. It is an experience that I have a hard time describing, but it is one of the best experiences of my life.

i havent really atttended

Going to college to further educate myself was the best thing I have ever done in my life. For me there is more to the college experience then books, studying, and home work, it’s the people you meet, work you do and friends you make along the way. Some of my best friends I made where at college, Colin who I met in my film class turned out to be my newest best friend. We both have much the same interests in film and art, we can have great conversations about our classes, teachers and what we are working on in class, he moved to another state for college but we still keep in touch. My professor Tony who taught several of my film classes has helped me tremendously, giving me advice, counseling me, and even getting me a job, and without him I would have not decided to continue my education to get my bachelors of arts in animation. Being educated enhances your character, making you a much more cultured human being. We all can learn something about ourselves when we go to school, our strengths, our weaknesses, and our passions.

I have gotten many things out of going to college. I now have the access to getting a career that I love and better pay to support my family. I am getting married in two years and my classes help expand my beleifs so that I can be more open to things that would benefit me. I have been in college for a year and a half now and I wouldn't take back one day. Every day is new and more experiences turn me into the person I want to be. Without college, I would be working a dead end job and still living with my parents. I have the key to success because of college and I will use that key every chance I get!

I am a nursing major and i didn't really need to attend a university i could have went to a community college at home. It would have been much cheaper but I wanted the full college experience of staying on campus, living in the dorms, and being away from home. I can truely say that going away to college has made me a more independent person. I've learn how to mange my money. I've gain time mangement skills and I'v became a more responsible person. It's been valuable to attend college because of all those things and to further my education so i can enter into the field that i'm studying.

I honestly dont know where to begin. there is so much i have leared in this one semester. i feel that the experience so far has been a magnificant on. Im away from home but yet i feel at home. I know that the next semester will be a good one because ive learned how to deal with what initially unknown. Northern illinois University has literally changed my life and i feel that is valuable for that alone.

I have became more open-minded and more responsible. i also developed better studying habits. it has been valuable to attend because if you want to be somebody in this world that we live in, you will need a college degree.

So far my college experience is great! I disliked high school. College is extrememly better and more fun that high school. My college is the perfect size for me and all of the staff and teachers are friendly and helpful. The campus is well maintained and always clean. I am proud to attend my college.

My college experince has been one that i would dream about, the transition from highschool to college wasnt as hard as i thought. I believe me being the outgoing "go getter" type of person i am, has made my first couple of months here at Green river cummunity college that much better from me. The lessons i've learned in class have been ones that keep me thinking even after class is over, now that has to be a good class if you ask me! continueing my education after highschool was always something that was up in the air for me. I didnt think that i even wanted to go? But now that I'm here im savoring every last minute of it because i feel really blessed to be here!

I believe I've received so many rewarding experiences from college. Before I actually walked through the doors of my residence hall I thought college was only a dream and something I'd never be able to say I accomplished. Even as I unpacked and met the first of my college friends I was still in shock. Now, I am here and I pinch myself to make sure I'm not still dreaming. Overall, the the most rewarding aspect of it all is to be able to study alongside others that know what it's like to fight hard to achieve your deams and be able to live them. Without any of these experiences I wouldn't be the adult I am today. Before attending NIU I was scared and didn't want my mother to leave. Now, she has to beg me to come home for my birthday. Attending college was the best decision I have ever made and I would be willing to risk everything I have to keep this dream of mine alive.

I was planning to attend college in the Fall of 2010, unfortunately I couldn't due to financial issues. I am wanting to go to college so I can become a NeoNatal Nurse. I adore babies, and getting to have the opportunity to help them is magical. Hoping to get this scholarship, I will fulfill my dreams.

I have learned that diversity plays a huge role when it comes to communities and social life. I have learned to manage my time much better and to keep my priorites in order. I believe that it has valuable to attend college in order to test my own independence and make sure I can do the things necessary to move forward in life as well as prepare for life when I am completely on my own after graduating.

I have learned a lot of things about myself from my college experience. I learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I have gotten leadership skills. I became more outgoing and social. I was a shy person before but now I am the one who asks more questions in class and I am involved in a few activites on campus. I also learned to rely on myself and not on my parents since I live on campus. I am confident in myself and my abilities.

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is the understanding of how important it is to stay focused. College has taught me that I cannot act the same way as I did in high school. The teachers do not follow behind you if you do not attend, or do not do homework that was given. College is my way of learning to stand on my own two feet without the usual help that I once got in high school. This newly developed task is not only helping me in college, but also in my day to day life. If I still had the same mentality as I did in high school, I surely would not be as successful in college as I am right now. College has been valuable to attend because if I had not, I would still walk around with ignorant thoughts in my head about the real world. Going to college has taught me how to operate in the "grown up" world. I know that in due time, my life skills will get even better because I decided to take the next step to a higher education.

If someone would have told me five years ago that I would be getting ready to transfer to a four year college, I would have thought that they were crazy. One day , back in 2007, I got an advertisement for an open house at CCP. I decided to go. I sat through the presentation and was surprised that I wanted to know more. It didn't take very long. They scheduled a placement test and I spoke with financial aid. Suddenly, I was in English class! I felt out of place and was on the verge of dropping the whole thing. Then, something happened. I started to connect with the school, the professor and my classmates. With every course I completed, I felt a true sense of pride and success. I felt a strength and confidence that was never there before. I now have dreams of a future, of a life that is exciting and new. I intend to continue my education for as long as I can. It has given me a firm foundation on which to build my life, and I will not take that for granted. Education is an amazing confidence builder and has changed my life.

College taught me to be independent. Through my experience with the study abroad program, I gained great confidence and it has given me more than I could have imagined.

My decision to return to school was reached through a great deal of soul searching. The course my life had taken was no longer acceptable and I needed to make major changes. I longed for a career with purpose that would allow me to help others. I realized after much self-reflection, that I would not be truly satisfied with any career that was not involved in the care and nurturing of others. I believe that nursing will provide me the platform to excel in a profession and the opportunity to assist others in need. I understand that I am not choosing the easiest career path; however, I am certain that it will be incredibly rewarding. So today, I am a mother, a wife, and a student. My grades are better than ever and I finally have clarity regarding to my career goals. I hope to add Registered Nurse to my list of accomplishments soon. Not only for its merit, but also because it will allow me to use my innate care-giver personality to help others. Although this journey was slow to begin, it has proven to be one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.

At Northern Illinois University, I have learned how to protect myself against any sort of harm. With the campus being relatively unsafe, I have learned various defense mechanisms. Needless to say, I will be transfering to finish off my degree, however.

College is the ultimate way to learn about yourself. All through junior high and high school students are worried about their image and might have grown from that by their graduation but college is where students learn 'I can do this' and 'this is who I am and want to be'. I have always heard that college years are the best years of your life. This has to be true because we get to know other people from different races, different backgrounds, and it is so inspiring to hear of an African student that earned a scholarship (full ride) all by their hard work and determination. It makes one feel humble and happy to know someone like that. I have learned so much about myself and learned not just the subjects of my major but also the awesomeness of the people I met.

I've now been away at college for a little over a month. In such a short time, I have gained alot of responsiblity and freedom. I am learning how to do everything on my own which gives me a sense of power and pride. I am proud to be in college because I know that it is an oppurtunity that not everyone gets so I plan to take advantage of this while I can. I enjoy that I am furthering my education because later on in life, I will not regret the decision of going to college.

I feel that college was valuable for me to attend because it helped me get to know many diverse cultures and backgrounds that I would not have otherwise had the chance to encounter. I was able to meet people of different ages and backgrounds and was able to learn how they learn and work as a group. College gave me the opportunity to start learning how to multi-task. During my time in college I learned how to attend classes all day, work all evening and still have an excellent social life. College also gave me time to grow as an individual. If I had started a career fresh from high school I would not have learned more about myself in that time and would not have been led to the career field that I am truly passionate about.

The things i have gotten out of college experience is i think the time taken to attend college is important in the sense that it allows people to be exposed. Another experience is been more organized and learning materials each day also takine elective courses that interest me and are outside of my major. Joining a student group that is passionate about something. A sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done. Confidence. Realizing because of college that there are a lot of things I can accomplish if I want to. The greatest benefit is knowig what i really want my career job to be and meeting new people who are so generous and helpful. College is valuable to me because having a college degree often provides for greater promotion opportunity.

Here at NIU I have truly begun to see my true potential. I have learned so much more the first few weeks here than i ever did at my community college. The people i have met here are amazing, from students to teachers they all have influenced me. I have had a chance to prove myself and i have surpassed my expectations attending NIU.

What i have got out of this college experince is to study, study and study. Dont think that because you away from your parents that is time for you to do bad. I knew some people who did not take Northen serious and end up getting kick out. Education is the key to success so, dont waste it. Also Norhtern University can definately help you achieve it. When you go to college and finish it your life become more better then what it was. you will be able to make more then enough money that you will need. You will also be able to tell people how u made it without letting people completely bring you down

Being prepared for opportunities that have come my way.

I have learned so much about myself by attending college. I have grown so much since my high school days and the college experience has really shaped my character. It has been so valuable to attend because without the college experience, I don't know where I would be right now. My education is the most important thing to me and it is the foundation of my life. I learned that it is ok to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. I learned that I should embrace other cultures and people from various backgrounds. I also learned that it is ok if I don't know right away what I would like to do with the rest of my life. I have a lifetime to figure out where I want to go in life. I learned that I can be successful if I work hard, stay focused, and not allow negative people to bring me down. I am grateful for the college experience and I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Going to college for the first year has really opened my eyes to a new world. For that year I got a first-hand experience of what it is like to be completely on your own and to have nobody (my parents) there to make sure I got things done, to make sure i woke up to go to class, or to make sure I made sure I was on time to a meeting. I have just only begun my road to responsibility and I believe that college has proved to be the biggest factor and will continue to help me.

I am a 58 year old single Hispanic mother. As you can see, returning to school at my age poses a lot of obstacles. Mostly 'senior moments'. Ha Ha. When I started college, my daughter and I were homeless and living in our Safari van. It was during the hottest time of year in West Texas. The van was old, the passenger side window did not open and we had no air conditioning. In spite of this situation, we lived the adventure and I started college in order to get out of the heat. Little did I know how well I would do in school. The first semester, I got 4 As. Since then, I have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. This semester, I was hospitalized twice for pancreatitis. It was a real challenge, but I still maintained my GPA. Odessa College was instrumental in helping us find affordable housing. I have nothing but praise for this college that goes out of its way to meet the needs of the students.

Attending college has showed me that there are better opportunities for me. I have the will and the time to pursue my dreams and i am pursuing them by going to college. College is a great experience you get to meet different people as well as a positve enviroment i love it. Its valuable for me to attend in order to becom a better woman and set a great example for my child and other family members that look up to me as well as a sense of accomplishment in my self.

I have no doubt that I will achieve my college endeavors because I have chosen a field of study that I am so passionate about. I have the self motivation and the determination to see thing through as my grades reflect. Therefore, I plan to graduate college with honors. I feel I will succeed at college because I will choose a college, such as Keiser University, with small class and dedicated staff that we insure my success. I need a college with more personalized education. This opportunity will allow me to become an even more productive asset to my community and I will get the chance to better myself as a person.

I've learn many lessons in life but for the most part I've learn that its up to me if I want to succeed in life. The college life has taught me a lot about the real world ahead of me, which I think is great because there's no better place than to learn and experiece the real world than at college. I value in cherish ev ery moment and hope for me many more charishable moments as this one because it's where I learn about me in others all in one as one. I Succeed !

So far, I have learned that going back to school was an excelllent decosion. I am retaking a few courses that I had taken over 13 years ago, and has been a nice refresher. I have also learned to use different computer program that will help me in my career of choice, Accounting. Attending school has been a valuable experience, and I am learning what I need to know to be successful in today's workplace.

I have yet to start college. I do however think that it will be the most valuable experience of my life. The Art Institute of Austin will give me the skills, tools, and knowledge I need to make it in my chosen feild and above all it will give me a sense of purpose in life.

I learned that being in college is an important aspect in our lives. It's important both for our educational and social purposes. NIU had been valuable to attend because I met the best people that I could ask for. Not only was I involved in the organizations such as Asian American Association and the Philippine Student Association, I was also part of a dance team called Animation. I met so many new and incredible people that I was glad to attend NIU. I also mantained a high gpa because of my new friends. I spent relentless hours in the library studying but also having fun. The most I learned about being in college is although we are considered adults, we still need to finish our education. It's important to attend classes everyday because we can be left behind if we don't. I also learned that being part of a community can help with making new friends. NIU had been very valuable to attend because I know in the long run, I'll be a registered nurse because of Northern Illinois University's nursing program.

I've notice that if your pay for a class might as well go to it and get something out of it. College is on your time and how to manage school and the extra things you do. While in college it gives me a motivation and i keep in my head that i'm one step closer to my career. It lets you realize how close to being able to achieve and become someone important. Not just to other people but to your friends, family and the ones who look up to you. When that day comes, you will know that those extra four years of school was worth it at the end of the day. So all you can tell yourself is that you can do anything you set your mind to and that you cant give up. Because your one step closer to a great beginning in your life.

I of course received a wonderful education from NIU. My professors were well trained in their field of study and offered a great learning environment for the students. Beyond the classroom I gained an all new sense of independence and confidence. Going away to college was the first time I felt like I was on my own, away from my parents. I believe this is an important experience for everyone to have. I had to learn how to organize my finances as well as develop time management skills. Without learnign those basic life skills I don't believe I would be where I am at now in my life. I have supported myself, putting myself through a master's program and now returning to school to obtain my Teaching Certificate. In addition to all of the skills I gained during my years at NIU, I also developed lifelong friendships.

Attending school has always been extremely valuable to me. Without the proper education, I will never be able to go through with my goals in life. My goals being getting a degree in Physical Therapy and working with disabled children in hopes of giving them a better, more fulfilling life. Also, being a Latina, I have faced descrimination throughtout my entire life. With a higher education I will be able to stand up for myself and prove to those who don't believe a Latina can get somwhere in life, with actions not words, that it is possible. I can be an exception to the stereotype against Latinos. Through a higher education I will be able to achieve that goal and finally be someone. By being accepted to a university has been a big step, but in order to continue to follow my dream, I need the financial means to schieve that. In my experience at Northern Illinois University I have learned that there are people that will help me follow that dream. The will to succeed and taking action rather than sitting around waiting for success to fall from the sky is what will help me reach my dream.

So far, I have learned about time management. College is more time, and more work; yet most assignments are due later in the future versus the next day like in high school. I had to learn how to manage my time to get alll of my work done. (i.e) Not waiting until the day before an assingment was due because you will not do your best on the assingment.

Every college is made for you to learn. I believe it is what they offer but do not teach that makes each college unique. Living on my own is a big change but i believe it will make my life after college easier. Also, i am able to make my own friends, not just whoever is in your highschool class. My college has made me more social and that is why it is valuable to attend.

As the first person in my family to go to college, I feel I am experiencing something very special. I come from a family who has never had a lot of money, but works very hard. I work, but I also know the value of a good education. Even my successful family members do not have a colIege degree; I believe they are missing out. I have learned to be more responsible and open minded as a student. Even though my friends have dropped out, I am still pushing through my obstacles so I can stay in school. My college experience has made me a more rounded adult. I am capable of handling stressful situations, time management, multi-tasking and study skills. My college experience has contributed to who I am, someone who is struggling, but even though I don't have as much support as I would like I am still resillient.

I have really learned that everyone is not out to get you. its okay to open up and get to know new people, and network. It is possible to go to class, learn, and have a healthy social life. I also understand that joining social groups and getting involved on campus are critical and will really help you in the future.

I have learned so much through my college experience. It has opened me up to new experiences such as clubs and societies. I have found it very important to perform my best in all that I do. I plan on being a teacher in the near future, so attending college has given me an outlook on life. I have realized that one must do the best that they can do, not only accademicly, but in everything. It has been a valuable experience, because I have met some of the best people that I will ever meet. This includes friends as well as teachers. I have met teachers in college who have inspired me so much. They have taught me that a teacher can never give up on a student no matter what the situation may be. I have enjoyed my college experience and hope that everyone takes the opportunity to attend college and experience what I have. It has been a real joy and blessing in my life and I hope to give the same experience to the future students that I will be teaching one day.

I have gotten alot out of my college experience. i would say going to college made me wake up, and want to become a better person for me as well my family and people around me. It made me realize that education is a choice, and that it is something that can't no one take away from you. College helped me open my eyes and realize that it is more to life than just fun, and that if you want something you have to strive hard to get it! Coming to college also helped me learned more about myself and what i want out of life. , it helped me understand that you have to want for yourself and that no one is obligated to do anything for you. College is valuable for me because its great networking and you learn things here, that you would need for a life time!

Seriously think about every decision you make. With everything you do make sure it is the right move. Dont get caught up in the past; your past problems do not difine you in the future, but they will hold you back if you let them. Take this time slow, relax, and enjoy the ride while it lasts because your life is about to get turned upside down. You will have new friends, you will expierience new things, and you will work hard for what you need. You will miss home, but it will always be there waiting for you when you need them. Finally if your low on cash ramen will always be cheap!

The one thing I would say to myself as a senior in high school would be, "Don't take this as a joke!" I took high school serious but not serious enough. I always did just enough to get by, I never put my all into what I did and now I am sufferig the consequences of it all. If I would have had better habits towards in high school it would have made the college transition less challenging. I always knew that you needed good grades and test scores to receive money for your education. My perception was far off, my grades were around average but I soon found out that you needed to be above average to receive money for your education. I really do regret some of the choices I made during high school and I am really trying my hardest here at Northern Illinois University. Attending school strictly on loans is not a good feeling and I'm trying to prevent it from happening next year. My goal is to have at least a 3.5 average GPA after my firt year. Hopefully my years here will hep me become a better student and person.

Wow, I wish I had that oportunity because I would say so many things. My freshman year was extremly hard for me. I struggled so much to transition into college. I would say to myself that dont feel lost becasue you are not alone. It is hard for every student to tranition into college. You have to keep your head up high and look at the furture. Why, becasue you can be the best that you can be. Study hard and stay focused. Get organized during the first week of classes for each semester it will help. Ask your professors for help becasue they know what they are talking about; dont get intimidated by them too. After all they were students once. Make lots of freinds (and I did but more is even better) becasue the friends you make here are your friends for life. Lastly, college isnt easy. Dont slack off becasue if its a liitle then thats not gonna be good. Dont let people get you down if you dont do well. After all that should motivate you to do even better even if you have a learning disability ( it has and I love that about me now).

If i could go back in time as a high school senior, i would plan on so many things to achieve my goal. First, i try to find my strength in each subject. It is very important to know your true self. High school year is the time to explore myself to see what i am going to do in the next ten years. Knowing that, i would study harder and try to focus on my strength of interest. I'd set the plan for the next four years and make sure that when i get into the college, i know exactly which path i'm going to to take. Second is being prepare. I found it was very helpful in many situations that being prepared is the key success in both education and everyday's life. I'll try to read a head and get in class discussion. This activities will not only help me in improving my verbal skill but also being able to interact with other people actively. In conclusion, the key to success is to know what you are doing and prepare ahead so that the positive path will await for you.

I always thought High School was hard--until I went to college. In college homework is not always assigned, yet it must always be completed; this makes it difficult to want to do it. Reading the text is imperitive to understanding the material. Also, along with the fun activities that exist outside of academics, there is always a project due the day after next. With all of the readings, homework, projects, activities and other tasks to do, the agendas all get jumbled and the headaches begin. So, the most important tip I could give to myself as a high schoole senior is to get organized. The use of a planner or two (or even three) is not that crazy of an idea. If I had the skill of using organizers coming into college, then my college life would be much less stressful. Transitioning from High School to College is tough, but once everything is organized and planned out, the headaches fade away.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge that I have now as a college freshman and making the transition from high school to college, I would give myself several advices. I would tell myself how important it is to be very independent and self-determining with my actions. It is also very important to stay on top of my work by turning in assignments on time as well as taking the time to make sure that the work is correct. I would inform myself how significant it is to be punctual to classes because the instructor will teach the class with or without me. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to make goals and try my best to achieve them by doing all that I can academically. I would tell myself that the sky is the limit so reach for it. I would just encourage myself to be the bet that I can be an don?t let anything or anyone stop me from being a successful independent woman, because all of my hard work will pay off.

The first advice I would give myself would be to never give up. From being frustrated on assignments and papers in college, I have realized that if I try my hardest at my work then I will succeed. I would also advise myself not to slack off senior year and attempt to take classes that will prepare me for college-level courses. Lastly, I would tell myself to have fun and not stress so much over scholarship applications. I would tell myself to fill the applications out the best I could and don't get frustrated with myself if I don't get all the awards.