Prairie State College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Tiffany

If I could go back in time I would strongly advise myself not to attend DePaul University. I choose that school for the wrong reasons, such as location and the social scene. I should have focused on the program major and the tuition cost instead. These are essential issues. Most especially if you don't plan on getting a Masters degree anytime soon after graduation. I would say that now I am in debt for school and have only have one job out of several that pertains to my B.A. degree. I would advise myself to listen to others advice regarding schools and degrees, most especially my parents. I didn't during that time. I'd tell myself to seek out professionals in my desired field, medicine, to request job shadowing to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. There is a big difference in knowing abstractly what you want and knowing definitely what you want. I would tell myself to consider a community college's program so that I could immerse myself in the field quicker. Finally, I would strongly suggest joining the military so that I could gain additional funding for school.

Napoleon

I would tell myself that it is not like high school, it is more independent so be ready to grow up and do things on your own.

Kayla

Currently I am participating in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathmatics (S.T.E.M.) Program at Praire State Community College in addition to completing my senior year of high school at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois, so I would go back in time and talk to myself in August of 2013. I would begin by telling myself not to stress over things that I have no control over, as long as I do the best that I can and put in the effort, everything will be fine. I would also remind myself that I am qualified. Meaning, I have great grades, and wonderful relationships with my teachers and advisors, so I should not be putting myself down; instead I should be living up to my full potential.

Stephanie

"When Showing Up is Not Enough" I'm looking back now on my younger self and wanting to explain to her what it means to build your knowledge. Effort, participation and support are all building blocks to building your knowledge. Every student must go beyond attending class and make an effort to build their critical thinking and take the ideas they are learning and work to apply them to life. Every student should go above and beyond in both their academic and extra curricular participation. And most importantly using the support systems that are available to take you to the next level of knowledge. Asking questions, seeking guidance, and using the help available. The support building block above all the others are the ones I would want my younger self to pay careful attention to. I would want her to know not to be afraid to push herself to do her best.

Mariah

The main advice I would give to my self as a high school senior is to start preparing for college immediately. There are so many things that have to be done before you attend college, especially figuring out where to go to college, what to study, and how you are going to pay for it. College is a lot more responsibility than high school and it takes more focus and concentration. No high school senior should slack off in their last year because it will count against you when college rolls around. Never attempt to procrastinate in getting everything done for college. Give yourself ample time to finish so nothing becomes last minute. College is a huge step foward, so it is best to go in with a clear mind and full motivation.

Sarina

I would tell myself to take some time off before throwing myself into the college life. I originally went to a 4 year university, and i was completely overwhelmed. Now that i am older, and going to a community college near home, i realized that the university college life was too much for me. I am glad that i had the experience, but i do feel like i could have saved some money if i would have come to these conclusions sooner. I also wish that i would have had my car when i was away at school. i think that may have led to some of my being home-sick. If i was able to go home whenever i wanted, then maybe i wouldnt have felt trapped in a strange town.

Arielle

To take things seriously and stay focused.

Jessica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life, I would tell myself to relax. The unknown is scary, and as a senior I was very tense about college. Would people there like me? Would the courseload be too much for me? Now I know that the people at Prairie State are very friendly, and that there is no courseload too great, if your determination is equal to the challenge.

Dina

I have always LOVED school. Unfortunately I became pregnant in my junior year, but I did graduate with my class nonetheless. Since that time, I have always wanted to go back to school, but I had to work full-time to support my family. As luck or bad luck, if you will, would have it, I was laid off of my job so I took this "opportunity" to return to school and pursue a degree. I am very determined to see this through, but of course, financially it has been quite a struggle.

Damien

My advice to myself would be not to jump the gun and to only go to college when I feel that I'm ready to. I feel that at the age of 17 or 18 (when most people get out of high school) many people lack the maturity to take college life as seriously as they should. I wish I could have just one chance to go back in time to when I graduated and tell myself not to waste my time in pursuing a degree in graphic design. It just wasn't me

Tanya

I would have told myself to take college credits in high school and I would have told myself to try to get the best grades that I could. I would have studied more and would have not been concerned about hanging out with friends or having boyfriends. In doing these things as a high school senior I would have been well prepared for college and would have finished college much sooner than taking a long break and waiting to go back. I really wish I could go back in time and make these changes, but it's too late. When I talk to high school students now I tell them the mistakes I made and encourage them to do better.

Raven

In highschool I could just not attend school and still pass classes. I don't quite know how i did it, but I did. If iI could go back in time and make a transition I would really go to every class everyday. In college you can not skate by, importantly because if you want to persue a future later on in life you must have the education of the career down to a T. Employers are lookin for people who have the best potenetial for the position open. They are goin to hire the best, and if you skate through your education you can not possibly be the best. In order to get the grades and results I want out of college I must make a change and attend class on a regular basis and I'm happy i have come to realize that before it is to late.

Craig

There are so many things I wish I could tell myself. Specifically, I would convince myself to abandon Chemical Engineering because my heart isnt really in it. Music is what I want to do and I should focus on what makes myself happy. Also, I would tell myself to take that year more seriously because I will regret not working to my potential when it can still make a big difference. Go out and get that job and enjoy the social life instead of staying couped up in the house. I am powerful beyond measure and I should act like it. It'll pay off. I promise

Ashley

you might think that you can make it on your own, but having friends with you does help. Dont be so shy when you get to school and talk to more people, you will be more successful.

Jesus

I would tell myself to keep on studying. Studying can only help you and would never hurt. College life gives you a wide range of freedom which makes things difficult. With great time management skills, college can be less mind-boggling. College is also a time to experience new things, so don't be afraid of taking risks. Also, don't be afraid of talking to your professors because they are here to help in your education. Making new friends is also great in college and you leave the stigma of high school behind. College is a precious thing in life and you should try your best here. College can be tough but the experience is incredible.

nicole

I would definitely tell myself to apply to as many colleges as I could. I would say to take some pressure off of yourself. Focus more on the extracurricular activities. I would do the community college thing ASAP and use those credits at a major university. Check out the credit transfer systems at every college you want to apply to. Invest in your education with time and money. Once I get financial aid, hit the bookstore and invest in pens and folders, you will need them. It never hurts to get a college hoodie jacket. Don't forget, you are not just a number. Don't be afraid to get a tutor and use the library. Keep your library card up to date. Save as much money as you can. Don't buy into the hype that you have to buy your books at the bookstore, the internet can be your buddy! Save your aid money at the bookstore for smaller items like notebooks, calculators, batteries, folders, pens, etc.

radhin

always get an a. study hard. dont give in to pressure