Delaware County Community College Top Questions

Joe, Even though your Dad isn't around, your Mom doesn't care, and you have no personal direction, be the catalyst of your own success. I know that it's hard growing up on your own, and it's very hard to watch the other kids at school getting the help that they need, or deserve, but you need to worry about yourself, find your own priorities, and work for them. You are exponentially more intelligent than you give yourself credit for, and if you can focus on getting a decent GPA in a Psychology B.A. now, then you will be much father off by 23, than I am now at 26. Please do this for yourself, being upset that you got the 'short-end-of-the-stick' with parents isn't an excuse, use it as a motivator. You're worth it! With the utmost sincerity and love, Your future self

I would tell myself to set aside more money for books and for tuition. There is a lot more that goes into college than I originally thought. I also would have told myself to register as early as physically possible and not procrastinate on anything.

Keep going

I would tell myself that even if it's not your first choice of school, ultimately, starting at a Community College will be the best decision I could have made. I've saved thousands of dollars, all the while exploring majors and ideas for my future and ultimately coming to pick a major that I'm really satisfied with and excited about. So, I would tell my past self, don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want to do with your life right here and now. It will come to you. This isn't a decision that just magically happens to everyone- it comes after a lot of though and deliberation. So let that deliberation happen- your future has so much potential, you just don't even know it yet.

Kate, don't do this to yourself, GO TO SCHOOL. Don't make excuses and do not be afraid of change. Embrace it. Sometimes things in life will be terrifying but don't run away. You are so much stronger than you know. Mommy and daddy love you and as your parents will always be there to support you. You will have plenty of time when they are older to repay them. You can't be ashamed of yourself or be afraid of not being good enough. You are and will alway be good enough. Try not to think about what you think other people need, you can't help others until you help yourself. So often people think about the now instead of the future or unfortunately the future instead of the now, live for both. Remeber to embrace the moment your in but know that everything has consequences.

Please don't listen to anyone who tells you that you are not eligible for financial aid. Apply to go to West Chester, or any other given college and see what happens. You will be so much happier in college. Get over your fears about math and try harder. Even if you go for Film Production, you'll still be better off than if you had believed the people who told you that you couldn't do it, or that you couldn't get enough financial aid. Take the risk and step out on your own and don't listen to your mother who told you to be a secretary and get married. You can do way more than you thought you could, when you have supportive people around you encouraging you.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would would tell myself to take that final year more seriously. I would also tell myself there is nothing wrong with starting off at a community college and then transferring. High school may not have seemed that important to me at the time but looking back on it I realized how important it truly is for your future. Community college has helped me figure out what I would like to do with my life and what path I think would be best for me. I would want my high school senior self to know that even though I did not take most of high school years seriously, I could have still turned it around when I started at community college (which I did). I honestly believe I would tell my high school self that community college is the best first step for me for a bright future.

A positive attitude and flexibility will take you a long way. Let go of your fears, do not be intimidated, afraid, or ashamed of whom you are. Never let anyone talk you out of your dreams, because if you dream it you can achieve it. Know you don’t have all the answers, so do not hesitate to ask questions they bring you closer to the answer and where you want to go. At times the person you ask may not have your answer, that is OK maybe they can suggest a direction, keep asking. Participate in team activities you will learn so much about yourself and others and what motivates people. Make absolutely sure you take advantage of everything your tuition has to offer. Things like career development, academic advisors, libraries, recreational facilities, extra curricular activities, events, and research opportunities in your field of study all prepare you and help you grow. Have as much fun as you can, learning and exploring your experience. Your confidence will elevate.

Always, apply yourself, never be afraid or to shy to ask questions. Never let anyone tell you your dreams are unimportant, listen to your heart and mind there is more than one way to reach your goals. Ask for help even when you are being bullied. Intimatation is debilitating. I was fortunate to get my first teacher of color he talk to me about shaving my grades and explained why that was not serving me well and would not make people my friends. He got me into Howard University, Howard, Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania were my choices, with just one phone call and who helped my parents get the administrative paperwork done.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and tell my high school self anything, I think the most important piece of advice that I would have would be not to take college life for granted. When I first attempted to go to school at Temple University, I did not get as involved in both my studies and extracurriculars as I should have been. When I decided to go back to Delaware County Community College, that all changed, and so did my outlook. At DCCC, I devoted myself to study and I dived into activities on campus. I became involved in the plays produced, sang in choirs and bands, and got experience in the college radio station. It kept me grounded and gave me something to really sink my teeth into on campus. As such, it further motivated me to succeed, and I honestly feel like I was able to get the most out of my time on DCCC's campus.