Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

I have gotten that college works at a pace and that I have to keep up or I'll get left behind. I love my college experience it has opened up many doors and there are not many distractions in the classroom. The professors are available to talk and help and actually care. It is totally different then what people have told me about college and college life. College has been of value to me because it gets me on a straight path to my career goal which is to be a secondary special education teacher. I like that I have opportunities to go taste different subjects and try new things.

In my opinion, college provides a safe and caring environment in which to mature and grow into your adult self. Some schools and some campuses provide a very sheltered experience, a sort of watered down reality compared to the daily challenges of adult life. I believe that, having attended college in an urban setting, where I have been constantly in contact with real life challenges, I have matured and will segue more easily into my adult life without the culture shock associated with stepping into a professional career straight out of the sorority house. Although Sororities and Fraternities are important for building social skills and forging lasting relationships, I think that my school experience encouraged me to seek friends outside of school: friends who were already working in the field to which I aspired. And so, with that encouragement to look outside of the college community I have already begun my career, and I still have one more semester before I graduate. I came to this school to prepare myself to become a valuable commodity, and through my professors' wisdom, and through their own professional connections, I am well on my way to securing that goal.

The most important value was learning to survive on my own.Ties to my family were pretty loose and help from them was minimal. I had to learn to be an adult. My parents and I were never close and never taught me much; other than how not to trust anyone. My social skills were limited and my knowledge of how the real world lived was almost non-existent. My first year of college was difficult yet wonderful. It took time for me to understand some things. I had to learn boundaries beyond the scope of my family. The dynamics of adult friendships and roommates was not what I was used to. I also had to learn the dynamics of being friends with people from other backgrounds and cultures. I grew up in a very small town with only one ethnic and economic background. I learned many lessons that stick with me today. I grew up so much that year that it’s hard to believe I am still the same person. There are lessons I continue to learn everyday, but the value of those lessons I learned then has helped me become a better person, and a better student.

Going to Columbia College has been the most insightful experience of my life. During my first semester, I wanted to be a music performing arts major with the trumpet as my instrument. I was first chair trumpet for three years at my high school and my band conductor was my influence for major. Eventually, performing with my trumpet was not as fun as it was in high school and I lost my passion to play music. During that period, I was confused and was not sure of what I should do for the rest of my life. Then I discovered my first love: Painting. Throughout my life, painting was always a talent I had but never took it seriously enough to consider it as my major. At first, I thought it was just a hobby until I took a studio art class and realized I needed to embrace my talent and continue growing with it. Because of Columbia's creative teachers, I was taught how to enhance my skills and to never settle for less when it comes to expressing myself through my creations. Because of Columbia College, I am currently an Art and Design student growing with my art.

I have learned many things from my college experience, including networking skills, tips for my major and also learning how to live on my own. I have learned how to communicate with others and figure out how we can team up together to complete projects. I have also learned how to become a better photographer, tips on lighting and angle techniques. Living on my own was a bit tough at first because I was so used to my mom always being there but now I am able to solve problem and fend for myself.

During my time at my community college I have had a great time. I have gotten a great deal out of going for this past year and a half. I have learned many interesting facts about many different things. It has expanded my mind and has helped me look out of the box. I am very happy to say I am going to get my associates’ in art this coming May, and I have not missed one class meeting since the start of my college experience. My art class has really helped my drawing ability, and my art instructor is the best. She is strict but nice and teaches each person in a way that will help that specific person. It has made me a better person to go and learn about all the different subjects. I have gotten a lot out of my two years of college experience and it is very valuable for me to attend and graduate college I enjoy learning the arts and would love to go to SCAD if I can afford it. I think going to college is something everyone should be able to do.

I believe that a good college student isn't defined by their G.P.A, or if they are the smartest in their class. It should be defined by the passion and dedication one person has to accomplish their goals no matter how long it takes and how many times they fail. I say that because that would describe me. I have the passion and dedication and the determination that no matter how long it takes me but I will finish top of my class because I believe in what I want to do. And no matter how long it may take me I will finish what I started. College has expanded my horizons and made me more determined that before. Hopefully when I finish someone else who never thought they would make it can get strength knowing If I can do it they can too.

I have learned so much already in the 3 months I've been at Columbia. I have gained a lot of knowledge about script analysis and films. I was albe to volunteer for the film festival too which was great for networking. I also know that I LOVE living in a larger city and that I really want to be involved in the film industry somehow for my career. There are so many great ways to get out and get involved and I have really enjoyed joining clubs and volunteering.

My college experience has been valuable because it has allowed me a chance to overcome all the adversity that I have experienced in my young life. When I was four years old, my mother was arrested and incarcerated for five years. Growing up without my mother for five years was difficult. My mother was released from prison when I was nine years old. My out-of-state college experience has given me an opportunity to learn, listen, and appreciate music. This stimulation has encouraged me to think differently, ask questions, and explore new ideas, which has helped me with my independency and maturity. Going away to college has been valuable because it has helped shape and prepare me for my future. I possess the ability to make positive decisions and discipline myself accordingly; as well as relate to a diverse group of people effectively and positively. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in my past. Nevertheless, the past is the past and I realize that things in my past cannot be changed; only things in my future can be changed. I love my college life and experiences.

Connections, knowledge, close relationships with faculty, good facilities, support, opportunities