Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Top Questions

I have learned to mature into my own person in college. It is very valuable for me to attend because I want a better education for my future. I have learned in college not everything is handed to you on a silver platter, you have to put forth effort. Being able to be responsible and live on my own away from my family, I have learned to be independent and mature. I have become my own person in college. Im a much happier person being in college than I would have been not attending school. College is teaching me right from wrong, and it is preparing me to be successful in my future.

the experience to be on my own and to develope my understanding of the real world. i hope to recieve more in my following two years i have left.

School has always been my life. When I was younger, I was never challenged in school, so college was a dream come true. I have taken some time off of school because my father was ill with cancer. He passed away last year and he made me promise to go back to school, so here I am. My college experience has been different from most people's experiences. I was far away from home with a father terminally ill, so I had a rough time while there. I took off 3 years to come home and help take care of him. However, now I'm ready and focused to get back into the game. My initial college experience gave me a taste of what real learning is all about. I have always taught myself everything in highschool. My upcoming college experience is going to be even better. I cannot wait to soak up as much information as possible. I would like to become a nurse to help people like my father and make a difference in someone life, make a difference in the world.

Not only have I gotten the knowledge and the support needed for a major in Computer Engineering. But I have been given the opportunity to gain a better understanding in all aspects of engineering area. Many times, students come into engineering with one area of concentration. At SIU-C, the engineering college gives each student a chance to venture out and try all areas. Thus this does, at times, change a person's mind into what area of conentration a person will major in. Another experience I have gotten from SIU-C is the fraternal experience. I never considered seeking out a fraternity. But while being new at SIU-C, I was approached and decided to look into what they were all about. I have been exposed to the brotherhood of the Tau Kappa Epsilon experience. This brotherhood has not only introduced me to a wide variety of new friends, but has given me the chance to join in with intramural sports as well as other community volunteerism.

The ability to be independent and learn how to manage my time was they most valuable lesson I learned outside of class. The other lesson lerned was responsibility, making choices and being accountable for the consequences for those choices.

I've only attended this school for about 4 weeks and already I've been exposed to many great experiences and opportunities. The professors and teaching assistants have been here to help with any obstacles that I've run across and I've met many great people who are willing to help me every step of the way.

College has always been a dream of mine, I even enjoyed going attending high school. I always felt like I got by in high school attended all the events provided to celebrate my schools name. I dont regret my high school experience but I sure wish I could turn back the hands of time when study groups were formed to assist those who "werent passing", or when the "smart kids" were hanging together coming up with ways to raise their grades for graduation. By Aug. 2007 we were all freshmans in college but I was not at my "desired college", but a community college close by; how upset I was. Now i'm here in 2010 obtaining my AA degree in Dec and attending a Honors College in the Spring of 2011. While attending the community college I obtained a different kind of focus; books, academic advisors, and scholarships. I learned that it wasn't all about "gettting by" but being responsible for you and your actions. I learned that ones future is not about beauty but about brains, dedication and determination. I am now on the right track and plan to stay there for the rest of my life.

So far I have not gotten anything out of my college experience because I won't start till August 23 of this year. Hopefully I will enjoy everything college life has to offer me and I hope I grow as a person as well.

I have gained so much by attending a four-year university. I have not only learned academic material, but how to live on my own and get along without my parents being there when I need them. I have learned how to make the right decisions in everyday activities, because my parents were not always there to tell me whether I should or should not do something. So, when it came to deciding between going out on the weekends or staying in and studying for a very important test, I was able to discover for myself which would be the better option for me. By going to college so far away from home, I believe I will be more prepared to go off and be completely on my own once I have graduated. Though academics are the main reason for attending college, I believe that the most valuable thing to be learned is outside of the classrooms.

Being and only child my whole life, I have gotten alot out of my college experience so far. I have been shy alot of the time and being surrounded by so many friendly people has really opened my eyes to be more out going. Being at school has changed me as a person from not only becoming a more optomistic person, but also more responsible. I can not just let my grades slip, this is college and my future. I have gained much knowlege this far and can not wait to expand my mind as the years come. Being at school is very valuable to me because noone else in my family has ever attended. I need to not only make my family proud, but prove to myself that I can become something great.

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience so far, has been the ability to realize that I can create my own standards of performance and that I can achieve anything that I focus on. I believe that it has been valuable to attend college because it gives us, students, the opportunity to have a clearer picture of what it is that fullfills us the most. It is up to us though, to take it as far as we can. We are capable of accomplishing more than we think and college is one of the first steps to understand not only that we can be great but it inspires us to be the best we can be.

Attending college has been a liberating experience for me. My professors engaged me in thinking outside of the box; pontificating different ideals and ideas. I would highly recommend pursuing an advanced degree to anyone.

Unfortunately, my current bachelor's degree is not relevant to my area of work. I have worked for only 2 banking institutions in the last 12 years and know I am ready to take the next step and earn an MBA at the best school I can get into. I suppose to directly answer the question, what I really got out of my college experience was the fact that I am loyal and determined to finish something I have started, even though I was confused/undecided with respect to my direction in life. Attending a challenging school, such as Loyola University of Chicago's part-time MBA program would be my ultimate goal and I would be determined to perfom at my best.

Throughout my undergraduate experience, I discovered the core principles of social work across practice levels. Values such as empathy, empowerment, and social justice have increased my awareness and acceptance of the professional and personal responsibility associated with this discipline. My goal to gain more experience working with young adults in urban settings who experience chronic poverty, minimal education, and high unemployment has becomes more and more practical as my journey in social work continues. Additionally, majoring in social work has afforded me several opportunities to gain practical experience. These opportunities include volunteer work through my university and working with at-risk youth in rural settings. The experiences and instruction that I have received as an undergraduate have helped me sustain my career goal. I have learned the importance of evaluating your practice in this discipline. The development of my critical thinking and understanding of the research process has helped me realize that I have chosen the right path. With continued commitment to learning and professional development I know that I will discover my role as a professional. I would not change anything about this experience, and I anticipate what the future will reveal.

Being only a freshmen at SIUC, I've only had 4 classes. But so far the best thing I've gotten out of my college experience is making new friends and getting a great first semester. My teachers have been very attentive to my questions and have been extremely helpful in making sure I really understand what they're teaching.

I have really grown as a student, I find myself using things that I had learned in the classroom in everyday life all the time and I love when I can use something that I have learned to my life. Also, I have become much more social and more cultured by being around a different group of friends that are nothing like my friends back home. I feel Carbondale could be considered a cultural melting pot because of how many different kinds of people that are in this area and the wide variety of culture people bring here.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to try harder. Not only in my classes in my senior year but also in the transition between high school and college. The most important advice I would tell myself is to not procrastonate. Procrastination is probably the biggest obsticle that I faced. I could alwasy do something tomorrow. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and financial support to help pay for school. In the financial aspect I would tell myself to simply try. By simply trying I could have had more opportunities to help my parents to not have to pay for college as much. I would also tell myself to take more classes in my community college experience to save more money. With this advice I believe I could save myself money and also improve my resposibilty level. This is the advice I would give myself to improve my experience today.

If I were given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say, "Don't sweat the small stuff." All through high school I tended to put too much pressure on myself to impress my parents, friends, and teachers. I've learned in college that I can only do my best, and the only person's opinion that I really need to worry about is my own. I have done very well with grades, making friends, and having a job. If I could have relaxed more in high school, then the transition to college would have been a lot easier. However, I did make the transition, and I am doing exceedingly well, so I think my high school-self would appreciate hearing that.

There's a multitude of events that have occurred in my life since I found myself in high school, nearly eight years ago. Many of these events were life changing. Near the end of high school, I found myself becoming restless. I was bored with school and was anxious to finally get out. When I did, I thought that I would be done with school forever, as I had no intention of going to college. Over time though, I found myself rushing through life, making decisions that had the possibility of detrimenting my future. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a fresh, young, seventeen year old, I would tell myself to not be so wrapped up in the present that I forget to look into the future, as many things you that you do now can affect you for the rest of your life and if you're not careful, difficulties can arise. I would also make the point to slow down and take the time to learn about new things. There are so many things in this world to be curious and passion about if you only take the time to notice them.

Dear Me, as a high school senior, Regardless of what you think you want to do as a career, begin by taking general education classes instead of jumping straight into major requirements. To determine your purpose in life as a working individual, please conduct personal research and job shadow professionals in careers in which you think you are interested. While I realize you may believe that to be a waste of your time, I promise you that a couple years down the road, should you choose to change your mind about your future career choice, the money you spent attending classes will not have been wasted. Taking your general education classes first will allow you to meet a wider variety of people. I'm sure you already know what kind of people you think you'll like, but do us both a favor and step out of your comfort zone in order to discover facets of yourself that maybe you didn't know existed. In doing this, perhaps you will also find the career direction you didn't know you were looking for. Love, Your Future Self

I would make sure i prepared myself for the transition of living on my own. And learn the importance of self discipline and time management at a young age.

As a high school senior I choose to join the U.S. Navy. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would not change a thing. I am proud to serve in the U.S. Navy, but there is a limit of TA credits you can get in a fiscal year. I have reached my limit and I am close to getting my Associates in General studies. The only thing I would change would be the fact that I would have told myself to apply myself more and go to the Community College while in High School. It would have been smart move to knock out some of the general courses while I was in High School.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to random people, going to class is important, and being willing to shop around for the stuff you need. Also to be yourself because there is a reason why you choose to go this far from home!

I would tell myself first to stick to what you know. Dont try to do what you think others want you to do, because in the end you are standing alone and if you dont truley want to succeed in that major you will never make it. Dont stress about not fitting in- there is a group for you somewhere. Dont worry about not having a personal relationship with your professors, if you are willing to make the effort they will get to know you. And finally, dont psych yourself out. These truley are the best years of your life and you cant get them back. Stressing over every little thing will only cause you to fail. Stay strong, you're a beautiful, independant person and you will prevail!

My freshmen year in high school I attended a really strict school that would make you pay a fine for things such as stepping on the grass. I couldn't handle all the unecessay rules and military style disipline so I transferred. However, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to go back to that school because although they were strict, academically it was worth putting up with. College is tough and really fast paced and had I stuck with a high school that was the same way I think I would've been better prepared. Also, I would tell myself to get involved in more activites, possibly ones that i could continue in college because having friends helps alot in the transition. Most importantly, I would tell myself to think more carefully about my college. I wanted so desperately to get away from home and be an adult that I didn't research colleges as well as I should. The school I really wanted to go to was more expensive and I let that discourage me from applying because I knew I couldn't afford it. I should've checked scholarships.

Entering high school, teachers instill the importance of doing well academically. Having good grades are very important in school. I also learned that being a well rounded student is more important. In highschool i was on various clubs and extracurricular activities such as, track and field. Withing these activies i learned how to manage my time. Taking a step from highschool to college, in my opinion, is like a baby taking its first step in walking. If a baby doesn't practice, the baby will not know how to walk. I believe that balancing my time with school and organizations in highschool helped me learn how to do it in college. The best advice I would give myself is to know that academics come first. Letting other things become a bigger priority would not be benefitial. Achieving good grades and excelling in school reflects on oneself. Even though i had a strong passion for track, I would tell myself to continue to do well in track but understand the circumstances if I do not focus well in my studies. I would also give current high school senors this advice.

I've learned a lot about myself and the world on the last year. If I could back and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would make sure I didn't make the same mistakes. First off, make sure you go to every class everyday. Also, make sure you get to know your professors; it will help you in the long run. Lastly, plan fiancially for the future. I had trouble paying off my balance; it would have been easier if I had applied for some scholarships.

I would go back and tell myself that everything would be ok. I get nervouse about doing new things and now that I know how things are turning out I would feel more comfortable. I would tell myself to spend more time with my dad. My dad passed away from Marfan syndrome. I would tell myself to make things easier on my mom and to study a little more. I would tell myself to spend more time with the ones that I love and not worry about being out all of the time. I know this was suppose to be about the transition to college but doing all of this would make it easier. You learn a lot from life after you already lived it. It is when you haven't done something that makes things hard. I would tell myself to just stay confident, study hard, and pay attention in class. It is a lot easier doing things right the first time then having to go back and redo something that could already be done.

Don't assume that you can coast by in the classes. This is the education that helps you towards your career, and you will apply most of the concepts you learn. Staying organized is a really big part of your success as well. Teachers will not put up with excuses because they teach hundreds of students, so you really need to stay on top of assignments and make sure that you put forth your best effort.

The advice I would give to myself, and to any other high school sneior is very simple. Get involved. Do not stay in your room and hope other people will come to you and coax you out of the room. While some may do that, others will not, and you will miss out on meeting many amazing people that will become your closest friends for the rest of your life. Get out there, talk to people around you and have fun!

The best advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be, "live it up with your friends...to a reasonable degree." I feel that I had a good high school career and had a great time with my friends, but I just wish I could have done more. Get involved, reach out to more people, make relationships that will truly last and endure the onslaught of adulthood. Also, have no fear about yourself. By this I mean, I love reading, writing, and poetry; but what small town boy admits that to his friends who enjoy trucks, chicks, and a cool, refreshing Miller. So to myself I say, "Embrace yourself, love yourself, and take pride in the things that you love. If you love playing the tuba, play the tuba! If you want to moonwalk across a stage, grab your crotch and go 'Tee-hee!', go ahead and do it." Following this advice I think that I would have been more happy- more satisfied with my high school experience. Academics always come first, but you have to make room for little ole' me.

The advice I would give myself is always plan ahead. I would also advise myself to practice better communication skills. Another thing I would also tell myself to limit the pesimistic comapny I keep. I would also have advised myself to work part-time during senior year, so that i would have my own personal emergency money. And the last advice I would have given myself was to break-up with my girlfriend, because there are alot of beautiful single women on campus! These are the advices that would have made my life in college up to this point alot easier.

Apply for college loans as well as other financial aid resources early.

The thing that I would say to myself to really try to step out of my shell. I am normally very shy and introverted, so the first month or so was kind of hard for me. I would definitely say to myself a year ago to really try to be more confident and extroverted because everybody just really wants to make friends, so no one is really going to care whether or not you are extremely extroverted or if you make a fool of yourself or not. I think that definitely would have made the transition better, and it wouldn't have made that first month so lonely.

IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AND KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW BOUT COLLEGE LIFE AND MAKING THE TRANSITION, THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MYSELF WOULD BE TO, STAY FOCUS AND DO NOT LEFT THE PARTIES AND OTHER ACTIVITES STRAY YOU FROM YOUR WORK. IT IS EASILY TO GET DISTRACTED FROM YOUR SCHOOL WORK. YOU CAN SAY THAT YOU CAN DO YOUR WORK MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND THINK THAT IT WON'T SET YOU BACK, BUT YOU THOUGHT WRONG. DURING THE UPCOMING WEEK FOR THAT PARTY THATS TAKING PLACE FRIDAY OR SATURDAY WILL TAKE ALL YOUR ATTENTION OFF OF YOUR WORK. DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU'LL BE TO FOCUSED ON WHAT OUTFIT YOUR GOING TO WEAR TO WHAT YOUR GOING TO DO AFTER THE PARTY. YOUR SCHOOL WORK WILL BE PUSHED ASIDE, AND JUST AS FAST AS YOU BRUSHED OFF YOUR WORK, THE WEEKEND IS OVER AND YOUR WORK IS DUE AND YOU DIDNT EVEN START ON IT. SO THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MYSELF WOULD BE STAY FOCUSED AND DON'T LET ANYTHING DISTRACT YOU FROM YOUR SCHOOL WORK AT NO GIVING TIME NO MATTER WHAT'S PLANNED DURING THE WEEKEND.

I would tell myself to start my research right away, apply for more scholarships, talk to my guidance counselor about taking the SAT more assertively. There is also a possibility I may have attended a community college rather than a University as I now know that it could have saved me quite a bit of money. I would also tell myself to invest my money more wisely and not go crazy. Lastly, I would tell myself to prepare for the major changes that I will occur, both in my education as well as my daily life.

I was a bad apple in high school. I was not planning on attening any college or any higher education institution. If i could go back in time and give myself advice, I would encouage myself to be more focused on my education. I would encourage the old me to try a little harder and strive for the best and research more colleges and majors to set myself in the right path.

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is to relax. Everything seems scary and happens so quick so just go with the flow and soon enough you will catch on to how everything happens. When you go to college everyone going with you is in the same situation as you. It makes it extremely easy to relate to the people around you and make new friends. Also,most professors understand that you you are transitioning and can be a big help, so do not be afraid to go talk to them! When you are going through a hard time, do not forget that your family and old friends are still there if you need someone to talk to who understands you. The most important thing is to live for every moment because it will most definately go faster than you think.

Knowing what I know now, I would definatly study harder & do further research on the classes I wanted to take for my major. I would also advise others to do the same. I say that because my parents told me that time would fly by before you knew it. I never paid any attention to that until now. Everytime I think about it, I was just a high school freshman, now I am a college senior, where did the time go?! I do not regret anything I have done from then til now, but knowing what I know now would help me be a better person than I am now! -D.W.

If I had the chance to go back in time to advise myself of anything, it would be to stay smart and keep your eyes open dedication is key. One might think; that?s what you would say? The answer is yes. I believe my senior year to be one of my less appealing years, due to the lack of direction. After graduation it would be an entire year and a half, before I would wise up and decide to take control of my direction in life. I knew that one day I would return for my education. However I was not prepared for the dedication, or the financial burden I would face and commit to as a student. I know! If I was to go back in time and give myself this advice. I as the person I was then and still am today would think long and hard about my actions. To understand why such words would inspire, I must let it be known I ?m a thinker someone who, when told words of wisdom I seem to respond. I know the transition into college would have been easier, had I heard such words.

Before you begin your college career learn to be responsible for both yourself and your grades. No one is going to baby you through your classes and your grades should be important to you if you want to graduate. Not being focused will lead you to flunking your classes

I would say that college is merely just a continuation of high school. So do not be afraid of it. The transition is not as hard as you think. Yes, the first few months of it will be hard. Trust me, I've cried a few times. But eventually you will adjust. A lot of freshmans go to college thinking, "Oh no parents! I can party all the time". This is most definitely the wrong mentality to take with you to college. Although I said college is merely just a continuation of high school, the effort you put forth in high school you must put forth triple that in college. My dean, Dr John Nicklow, always told me,"For every hour you spend in class, you must spend two hours out of class studying". Also do not get discouraged if your grades you receive in college, look nothing like the ones you received in high school. Take that as a learning lesson and work harder next time. Another thing I would recommend is get to know your professors and utilize them. Its their job to help you. After all you are paying their salary. And strive for the best.

When I graduated from high school I gave my little sisters who were entering 8th grade the following advice: "Study hard, your grades really matter, you have to have good grades to get into a good college, and I wish I had paid attention from the very beginning, so study hard and make As and Bs." Now that I am in college, I see the other reasons that students really should apply themselves throughout life, the knowledge you gain is always building upon prior knowledge and prior experience. The more you apply yourself in high school, the better you will do in college, it is not simply starting over. I would also advice myself that it is important to pick a school where you fit in, and to visit the campus multiple times before making a final decision. I would advice myself to see what support network I will have at school and make sure it is adequate. I would also scope out the job market in the area long before the semester begins as it may be too late to find a suitable job once you arrive on campus.

Wow. If only I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now. Things could have been much easier for me. By my forth year in high school I just wanted to get out and go into the "real world". I thought everything was going to fall so easily into place. All I cared about was being the girl everybody liked and creating the perfect "senior moments". I kept those same habits into my first year of college not knowing that in just one year none of that was going to matter anymore. It took one too many bad decisions, and one D plus later to realize I squandering away my potential and thats when the "real world" finally hit me. My life had nothing to do with being popular or going out and making sure everybody liked me. At that point all I want is a second chance. At 20 years old, 3 years after graduation, I understand that I am responsible for every decision in my life, and to take it seriously. I can't help thinking that with the knowledge I gained I would have much less struggle trying to create my career.

First off, I believe it would be quite dangerous for anyone to go back in time and try to give theirselves advice for the future. The experiences I have gone through in my life have shaped me to be a very serious student with goals for reaching self-actualization. I waited awhile after highschool before attending college and that taught me the value of a good education. I realized that without earning a degree, I could not move ahead financially, emotionally, and intelligently in life. But, if I was really forced to give myself at least one piece of advice, it would be this: "Ask as many questions as you can to everyone you see, who has already succeeded educationally." I found as I have progressed with my current education I have come across many confusing and complicated obstacles. My immediate family never attempted to recieve a degree as high as I am trying to undertake. I believe that if I looked for more knowledgeable support earlier on in my life I would be already able to say, "I have made a major positive difference."

I would tell myself to go out and make friends. There are a lot of people at Southern Illinois University and though most are very different from the friends you grew up with, they are still friendly people. When your roommate goes out to meet new people, join him. Hang out with the people on your hall, since they are your neighbors, they are the most accessible people on the campus to hangout with. Sooner or later you will want to meet new people, so it is best to start right away, because if you wait you will not meet as many people. Do not allow your social life to make you forget your academics. You used certain skills to succeed academically in high school and you should continue to use them. Minimize your procrastination because you do not know what will come up. You do not want to have procrastinated on an assignment, so you need to finish it when something exciting for you to do with your friends pops up. Lastly, if you try to have fun you will, so go ahead and enjoy the college life.

Going back in time with the knowlegde I know have about college life I would have told myself to work harder academically. Coming from a high school with very poor instruction and lack of motivation from teachers I would have pushed my self to work harder independently in mathmatics. I would have told myself to get a tutor and go further then college algebra, maybe take a physics course so I wouldnt struggle now in my physics courses. I would tell myself to surround myself with proactive people instead of being around people who were were always fighting and getting into trouble. I would have also advised myself to be more involved in the community, providing service to the many people who were in need in my community. I would have also become a mentor to younger girls in my community. I would also advise myself to research college majors and occupations that I may have been interested in before coming to college. In making the transition to college I would have advised myself to visit the campus before moving on campus, and get to know my first dorm roomate before move in day.

Dear Allison, I know you're stressed with all of the decisions you have to make in the near future, but please don't worry. You'll make the best decision of your life in choosing to attend SIUC. You'll end up joining the marching band, although you've had your doubts. The lifelong friends you'll make, however, is worth the time commitment. I know you're also worried about your college academics, but you've always been a determined student, and you won't let yourself down. Just remember, this is the time to take chances and go for your goals. You'll have doubts to whether accounting is right for you, so don't be afraid to explore other options. You've always been the girl who can figure it out herself - and I still admire that! However, don't forget to take time to relax! And during your sophomore year when the opportunity arises to go to Death Valley with your geology class, don't hesitate! It will be the best decision you've made in college yet, and an experience you'll never forget! With much love, Your future self, Allison

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get out of the room more. Socialize with the people on your floor. Not only will you make friends and have fun through the school year, but you?ll also get better grades and make the Dean?s list as well by having a GPA of above 3.5. Sign up for some classes that others are already in on your floor so you can participate in study groups, share notes and have some discussions in order to attain higher grades. By doing this your first year at college won?t be as stressed and you won?t be left all by yourself you?ll have more friends which makes for a better academic experience.

If I can go back in time and give myself advice about college, the biggest advice I will tell is to keep working hard in school because it will pay off in the long run. Also get a part time job because sometimes financial aid is not enough and books costs. Also don?t bring too much to your dorm rooms because over time in school you?re going to buy and collect a lot. Another big piece of advice , learn how to plan, this way you can know what you have to do and what?s not really important. By doing that you want be stressed out when trying to complete work, have plan "B". Also it's good to learn about the school and its resource so when you arrive you can know where to go for help. When you come to school try to get involved in programs and clubs because in the long run they can be a big help to you when you need something, it?s good for networking. Lastly, stress is a lot and it can create health problems, don?t work too hard that you get sick, it?s okay to relax.