Northern Illinois University Top Questions

My college experience has completely changed me. The first time I stepped into a college I had no idea how much there was that I did not know. I was nervous about the new journey that I was about to embark on, and my dreams seemed like a million miles away then, which was only eighteen months ago, but I feel as though I have come a very long way. My mind has been opened to endless new possibilities and ideas that I never would have been exposed to if it had not been for my coursework and the people I have had to interact with since starting college. I feel like a much stronger person emotionally and intellectually as a result of all of that. Now I am almost two years in, and I have enough experience to not be nervous anymore. I have become a much more confident individual, and I am finally beginning to see my dreams becoming realities.

When I commenced my Associate Degree In Tourism Management, I was really proud of myself. I was the first one in my family to undertake tertiary level education and I was financing it by myself. During those three years of my life I had to dig deep inside for courage, endurance and faith to ensure that I would reach the finish line. This experience was a valuabe one because I found strength, patience and self worth I never thought I possessed. I worked from 8am to 4pm and attended classes four days a week from 5pm to 8 or 9pm (I awoke at 4am). I dealt with countless 'bad attitudes' during group projects and had many sleepless nights but, I also met various persons from different walks of life. My college experience has prepared me for my journey in the world; I developed patiences, found my voice and discovered that I am SOMEBODY. When I walked across the stage on my graduation day, I held my head high and was as proud as a peacock. It was a culmination of all the hard work I had put in which no one could or can take from me.

During my college experience I learned how to manage my time and keep myself balanced. College is very different from high school and for that reason the transition impacts you. As an independent student, you learn how to compromise and make the best out of what you have. It may seem unmanagable at first, but when reality seeks in, the experience will start to make sense. If you did not learn how to be balance before you came to college, you definately will learn it once you attend.

My college experiences have been valuable on many levels. It is at school that I have made my closest friends, had my view of the world shaped, and matured into a greater semblance of an adult. Of even greater importance however, is that through attending, I will earn a degree. In today’s economy there seem only two paths available; have a degree and live comfortably or forgo one and struggle to survive on minimum wage. The reprieve from the latter makes the value of attending school as close to incalculable as it could be, save every major institution is trying its best. Though it makes up a large part, I do not solely place my value of education on the future promise of financial security. I am also very passionate about my major, which is psychology. I have found no greater or more fulfilling activity in life then helping others and with a degree I will be able to do so in a much greater capacity.

When I first arrived at Northern I was nervous because I left alone and of place. As the semester progressed I learned that I wasnt alone and there were many people who felt the same. Northern welcomed me and embraced me, which made me feel comfortable. I learned alot from my college experience. I learned how to work with others as a team. I learned that communication is key , and is very important in today's society. I was able to interact with other from different backgrouds, which was great life changing experince for me. It has been vauleable for me to attend Northern, because not only am have I learned a great deal in school I have learned alot about life. I value my stay at Northern because I feel that I would like to learn Northern has no problem with directing me into the right direction. It is valuable for me to attend Northern there are so many life changing oppertunities available. I believe my stay at Northern change my life for the better , and I am very thankful and grateful to attend such a school that cares about thier students.

I have only been in college for one semester, yet i have learned so many invaluable things. When i first arrived on campus i was very reserved but i began to meet new people and have fun. Meeting new people has helped me be more determined with my school work, because there is always someone there to help me when i am in need, In highschool my grades were not good, but when i got to college and began to see all of the successful people around me, it made me more determined than ever. Now i have passed this semester with a 3.5 GPA. College has been such a valuable experience for me, and i hope to learn so much more while i am here.

At my orientation, the counselors told us to look to your left, and then our right, they proceeded by saying these people might not be here when you graduate. Of course being a freshman at the time, I did not believe what they were saying. As the years went by I notice that the faces I saw when I got to NIU, I rarely saw anymore. I began to wonder if I would ever be one of those people who did not come back after Christmas or summer break. This is when I made the conscious decision to become an involved member in the community. My involvement in various organization enhanced my college experience. I was able to develop relationships with other students and university administratiors. Additionally, I learned valuble skills that has prepared me for my professional career. In sum, I learned that I was ultimately responsible for my success or failure. I saw the opportunity for success and I pursued it, I did have minor failures along the way. However they contributed to my success; they allowed me to make improvements. For all of these reasons my expereince and attendance was valuable.

The ultimate from college so far is perspective. All the knowledge that is acquired has stimulated this brain to see the world in a better a light. This knowledge can be used to make the world a better place. Through personal experience I can attest to say that education can make this a much better place. If all people could be educated and intellectually stimulated than people could truly help one another to the fullest. All in all it has helped me develop into a better person because I know that there are others out there that need more help than I. Perhaps in the not so distant future, I can help out one another better than I can now.

Out of my college experience I have realized that college is needed. Everyone needs a education and thats what I have got out of my college experience that even though things can be hard that you can do it. Its been valuable because its needed more than anything. Being the only one in my family trying to succeed and get a degree being here is a blessing that I know I'm glad to be apart of.

I have gone through many experiences while in college. I started off as a accounting major and switched to math education after my freshman year. After going through financial hardship that led me to receive an unsatisfactory grade in my student teaching (the last semester of my undergraduate program), I had to take time off to work, but realized that no matter what choices I made failing was never one. When trying to reapply for student teaching I came across a very devastating decision to either transfer to another school or change majors. Realizing that teaching wasn't what I was passionate about I changed my major to the fastest thing that I can do to graduate: general studies. This decision has pushed me to apply to graduate school right after I graduate for what it is I truly want to do. I have found myself and my purpose at this school through various ups and downs. I would not change anything about my undergraduate experience at NIU because it has made me stronger and more determined.