DePaul University Top Questions

Although I had good grades I could have done better. I would advise myself to getter better grades and take the ACT earlier. I would also have started looking for scholarships in the beginning of my junior year.l

High School is a structured and controlled way of life. It is kind of like working for a large scale business which has been around for years and the entire original entrepreneurial spirit on which the company was built on is gone. The school has an established hierarchy. Those who conform to it are rewarded while those who try to be original are met with opposition. College has a lot more of an entrepreneurial spirit. If I could go back and give advice to my high school self, I would let myself know that from the day I get on campus I must start to develop proper lifelong habits. I would tell myself to pick one good habit and practice doing it for one month. The next month I would add another new habit to work on. This slow and gradual change would allow myself to not be overwhelmed with the drastic change in life style that happens when going from high school to college. Over my college career I would have then develop 48 new life long habits which would help me in living a more meaningful and holistic lifestyle.

While not thinking of college yet, you might find yourself staring at your life soon, asking: “This is my life? How did I let this happen to me?” Don’t panic. Life rarely gives us anything that can’t be outlived. Even the worst, in most cases, can be fixed. The trick is not giving up. First, don’t ever let the crying lead to depression. Analyze everything thoroughly: why did this happen? If the reason is determined – learn this lesson for future. Although, not all happens because of our acts, still, accept it and find a way to move on. One of the possible direction for you is going for a higher education. That's your flag-post, toward which you’ll be moving through all the difficulties that you’ll face. Resist looking back at those easy relaxing days when all seemed perfect in your life. Keep the vision of your new flag. A lot will be unknown, and therefore, intimidating. Don’t be scared. Fear causes procrastination and in your position, you don’t have a luxury to lose opportunities. Take each chance and remember: it will be difficult, but everything will work out for the best.

I would go back to when I was just entering high school so I could tell myself that it doesn’t matter which high school I graduate from. I would tell myself to go to HAIS instead of DeBakey, but no matter what, study. I would tell myself to get the class list that is required to graduate with a Debakey diploma and ask to take those classes at HAIS. It would be so much less stress for the same material and most likely my GPA would be higher. I would beg myself to go to HAIS and take as many community college classes as possible so that I can graduate with my associates in Science and have 2-3 years of college out of the way at graduation. I would tell myself that, even though DeBakey is an amazing and rigorous school, HAIS has more opportunities for me and I should take what I can for free because after that it’s all gone. Everything costs money and education is priceless. I would also want to tell myself that it’s my education, therefore it’s my major and that means I get to choose what it is.

If I could go back in time to my freshmen year in high school I would tell her, the shy Jasmine, that I love her. I love her for being so dedicated and open minded, but I also would tell her “No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer oye” (dont leave things for tomorrow when you can do it today). This is a saying that my grandmother would always tell me and I never completely understood the importance until I entered college. In high school everything is easy to just wait for the next day to do because I did not have anything else to do but once I entered college I realized that everymin is important and I could use that time wisely. Moreover, I would tell myself that joining a club at Deapul can help greatly in getting to know the school, working hard will bewarded, get to know everyone because you never know who can help, and when I get stressed about anything working out and painting to music can go along way, dorm at Depaul will help so much with transportation, be interesting, nothing is impossible, and most important be independent.

Since gaining knowledge about college life, I would tell my old high school senior self to take everything with a grain of salt. Yes the transition is going to be difficult and maybe even scary, but in the end everything works out. You may not fit in right away and stick out like a sore thumb, or you might gain a great new circle of friends. Whatever happens, I would like to remind my old self that its not that serious. School should be your main focus and priority, not what other peers think of you or what they say about you. Remember when you thought high school was real life and that all these popular groups would still rule your school, well same thing can be said for college. After high school and even college, a blank slate is open for you to achieve all your dreams and goals.

I feel like my advice to my younger self is the complete opposite of what most people would say. I would tell my younger self to cut back and not take life so seriously. I spent a good amount of time in high school building up my resume, only to realize that what I did in high school does not matter beyond the first month of college. I would tell myself that getting a B in class is by no means the end of the world and it's perfectly acceptable to only have one job as a 17 year old.

If I were to talk to my high school self, I would tell me to choose a less expensive university. Although I wanted more than anything in the world to move to the big city, I coul d have chosen a school with a smaller bill. The amount of student debt I will have once I leave DePaul University is daunting. I would tell myself that I would be just as happy at UW Milwaukee where many of my high school friends attend. The cost of attending a private university is too high and I wish I would have known how stressful paying for it would be. I would also tell myself to focus on school over my social life. Having great friends and an exciting life outside of school is important but to make sure I keep them in check while away from home.

Don't go to school just for mom, do it for yourself. Graduation in nearing and you failed to apply to any colleges. I know you're telling yourself that you're going to community college as a way to keep mom happy but stop thinking that. I'm 24 years old and I keep telling myself I wasted the last 4 years of my life but I'm going to sum of the last 6 years up for you. I did a lot of self-exploring and the biggest lesson I learned was that not having a college degree and the financial benefits that come with it closes a lot of door for you. You will wish you had finished your bachelor’s degree and got that good paying job that would have allowed you to go to Mexico to say bye to a special someone. Ask for help, talk to any advisor available. Information technology is the major we will go with. Believe it or not you will go to DePaul University and everyone will tell you how proud they are of you. Do this for yourself now and you'll make mom happy not even trying.

I would tell my high school self to not worry about anyone else and to do what works best for me. Instead of feeling in a competition all the time, embrace the fact that everyone is different. I felt I was so caught up with what everyone else was doing in high school, I forgot to focus solely on myself. Now in college, I realize how important it is to find yourself so you will be able to pick a major that you truly are passionate about and be able to succeed. I loved my high school experience but I would definitely tell myself to focus strictly on myself and prepare myself for the future.

I will advice myself to get all the help I can get. College is not easy or cheap. I will look for any financial help available and do anything to make the transition easier.

If I could go back to and give myself advice as a highschool senior, my most precious advice would be to be more involved. When people here the idea of being involved they solely think of joining clubs, but for me it also reflects in the classroom. In highschool, classes run year round so we have no other choice but to get to know the person sitting next to us, whereas in college it runs for 10 weeks. Many of us sit next to people for 10 weeks and never interact with those we share the same space with everyday. Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to reach out to more people, make more random friends. It makes your college experience more fun and easier. We think they will only be in our class for one quarter when in actuality we will see them for four years. Branch out and be more involved with those around you.

June 13th marked the last day of my freshmen year which I graduated with good grades. Thinking back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself three important things: AP classes are worth it, savor your time, and losing friends is inevitable. AP classes not only save time but also money! General education classes are the worst but mandatory so if there is a way to avoid them, take those opportunities. Less classes = less time in college therefore saving you the burden of unnecessary loans! Besides having to pay my own phone bill, I was recently informed that I would have to purchase my own health insurance. Honestly, I don’t even know how to go about getting insurance. Who knew 19 year olds weren’t covered under Medicaid. A year ago, I couldn’t wait to grow but now I wish I could go back. Lastly, losing friends isn’t something to take personal, it’s just a part of growing up. Not everyone is meant to make it into your future and there’s always a reason why they’re left in the past. Plus, it allows new opportunities and people to enter your life.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is, '"You don't know everything -- in fact, there is so much more that you don't know than that you do know. That's okay. -- in fact , that's good." Upon graduation we think we know everything, and that we are as smart as we can be. But the truth is, we haven't even begun to understand our own lives nevermind those of others. I would tell myself to keep my mind open. What I think I might know might be wrong, and that's okay. What I might want to do might change. That's okay too. Then I would tell myself that I am going to push myself to reach outside my comfort zone . Journalism will force me outside my shell, and I'll branch out and apply for positions that might initially make me nervous. Although this will be bring nerves and slight anxiety at first, in the end it will bring deeper understanding and accomplishment than I had previously known. I would end with "Work hard, branch out, and have fun."

One thing I wish that I could tell myself is to not stress myself out so much. Working hard is a good thing but over doing it is not. There are a lot more resources out there if you look for it and people are willing to help. College is a wonderful experiences. It is a time to continue your education, make connections and prepare for your future....as well as have fun and try new things

I would tell myself, "Whatever you do, don't allow the color of your skin to keep you from exceling. Yes you will be in a predominately White institution; yes you will become more aware of your Blackness, but don't let that seperate you from your true potential. The color of your skin is not indicative of who you are. You are going to have moments where you are going to want to give up. There will be moments where you will be placed on academic probation, but that does not mean that you aren't smart, it simply means you have to try harder. When you make it through the challenges of DePaul University you will be equipped to help others to do the same. When you reach out to others for assistance and to be of assistance you will build lasting friendships. And remender to be prepared in your heart to build with your hands that which you pray for. You are going to face many challenges but they are preparing you for greater. Don't give up because many depend on you."

You're going to do great and amazing thing that you never imagined. Don’t ever give up on your goals, obstacles are there for a reason and it’s to make you grow. Take every opportunity you can get. Take risks sometimes they have a rewarding payoff. Don’t be afraid of change, that's what college is about. Don’t ever think you’re not good enough for that dream internship sometimes you are what they're looking for. Strive for good grades, but keep a healthy balance. Also time management is the key to your success. Enjoy your time in college since it will be over in a blink of an eye.

I have learned a lot in the time I have been in college. The best advice I can give from the experience is to educate and inspire yourself as much as possible. As long as you know what is possible and what your goals are, you will find success as if it were looking for you. The reality of it is that you have to put forth time and effort to find that success. Motivation and knowledge are the key components to that success. Keep yourself motivated regardless of your environment and know all of your options before you make a decision. Reevaluate yourself; who do you spend time with? Who do you know? What can you handle? If you are spending time with bad influences, your journey to success might be delayed or discontinued. Acquaint yourself with experienced people who have gone through college and ask them for advice regularly. This played a great role in my journey. My advisors weren't so much an influence as they were just advisors who introduced me to different ideas and opportunities. I've always thought as myself as my own influence. Be yours; don't dream your future, make your future.

If I could give my senior-self advice, I would say that when you hear that college is hard its's no joke and that there're going to be times when you question yourself and your goals. I would tell myself that this is going to be a hard transition and you will want to run back home and never go back to college, but remeber that you're not alone in college even though it will feel that way. Also I will tell myself to be prepare to grow as a person and that this will be the best feeling. There will be days when you don't feel worthy enough to be attending such a prestigious university, but remember that you got in for a reason. I will tell myself that the first couple of months will be hardest and to be prepared to cry yourslef to sleep and fake a smile everyday like if nothing is wrong, but that it will get better and believe it or not, I will love college. I would tell myself to not ever feel depressed in college becasue our family back home is proud of ourselves and we should too.

Well after being in college for a quarter at DePaul University I would say that I learned a lot especially since I am the first in my family to go to college. One of the first things that I learned was that now that I have to pay out of pocket and take out loans I have to put even more effort into school to get the most for my money. I would say that I should not take so long to accept my spot at DePaul because I waited to long, I did not apply for enough scholarships nor did I apply for housing in time so now I have to commute to school. Commuting can be very tiring especially during the winter months. That being said I would tell my high school senior self to not procrastinate with my work nor to wait to long to apply for housing because by late July it is already full. Finally apply for scholarships instead of loans that way you do not have to pay for school yourself and you are not in debt!