Northern Illinois University Top Questions

I was born in The Czech Republic. When I come to the United States ,couple of years ago, I did not speak English. My parents were poor and could not help me with education even in my country of birth. I came to the United States with a backpack of clothes and 1000,-$ in my pocket. I have slept on the floor covering myself with a sleeping back for a months. I was working hard and attending ESL classes in community college. It took me couple of years and a lot's of money to pass Associate in Art from psychology. I always wanted to work with elderly people and that is why I worked as caregiver for years while attending Community College. I have come the long way to be Social Worker in gerontology field and I have come to understand the impotrance of education. I have learned six different languages on the way to my succes and I am not done at all. The college experience is the most and profound adventure for me. Through education I am finding and expending myself and that is the best way I can help the most people.

Educationally, I earned a Bachelor's degree, in which this generation is essential to obtain in order to succeed in life. Moreover, my university gave me the opportunity to socialize with 25,000 different students. Some of my closest friends I have met on my dorm floor. The attended many different activities such as concerts played beautifully by NIU students. Lastly, NIU gave me chance to grow and determine my path in life. Due to the 2009 NIU shooting, I have chosen to become a social worker to help less fortunate individuals and help society improve one person at a time.

Being home-schooled my entire life prior to college, I had a very different experience of education. At the time, doing my schoolwork was a chore and my least favorite part of my daily routine. In fact, if my parents had not pushed me to complete my work, I probably would not have done any of it. This all changed when I got to community college my freshman year. Upon arrival I had absolutely no idea of what I wanted to do. I knew that I liked art, but due to my experience with home education, I was not very familiar with many of the other fields. By the time I entered Northern Illinois University at the beginning of my junior year, I knew the field I wanted to pursue: Scientific Illustration. Also, I had gained a love and excitement for knowledge and education. I took a complete turn from the attitude I had always had towards school; what was once a bore now became one of my passions and high on my priorities list.

I had the opportunity to return to school after being in the workforce for almost fifteen years. Being an adult learner has provided me an advantage because not only am I aware of the expecations that are placed upon me and I am committed to meet them using the prior experience and tools I've obtained during my years in employment. I knew I always had the potential to be an exemplary student, but when I was younger I didn't put the effort that was needed in order to obtain an outstanding GPA. Since I've returned to school I've been on the President's/Dean's list for the five semesters/sessions I've been in attendence and the success I've achieved has given me has given me confidence and a better self-image.

I expeience new things everyday. Northern Illinois Unviversity is the college to be at, because there is someone always there that will not jugde you for who you are. There is something that fits our style (ex: clubs & groups). College is more than you hear on tv or movies. College is where you find yourself and have great people to help you along your way. I attend this college because not only is the major programs very good, but also because teachers are willing to work one on one with you so you can better yourself for your future.

People are the most value assest on the planet. Investing more time and valuable resources on our kind can only lead to a more productive society.

So far my college experience has helped me to gain vast knowledge in many different areas. I have learned to be more social as well as more responsible. College has taught me to manage my time. I have learned to allow time for myself, my studies, as well as my friends and family. Which, everyone knows is not an easy task. I am very happy that I decided to attend college, it changed my life for the better.

I have a better understanding of the meaning of life. I took a history first year writing seminar and met Professor Schwartz. After knowing my financial difficulty, he decided to help me. He had been very busy. Still he not just helped me write a reference to the financial aid office, but moreover, directly intervened and talked to the financial aid officer. Although, the attempt to get financial aid was unsuccessful, I got out of the process something more valuable than money. I reflected on myself. A lot of times, when other people asked me for help, I felt I was too busy to help them. Now I feel that I am not busier than my professor and I can imagine a thousand reasons for him not to help me, including he should not involve in the business of financial aid office. Perhaps, the thing I was "busy" at was perceived as more important than those things others need my help. Because of Prof. Schwartz, now I know helping others sometimes would make an impact on others' life. This is the kind of person I want to be.

I was able to find my identity as a student in college. Even though campus is less than 30 miles from my hometown, the difference is the world. I have gotten with 24 credit hours of my 2 year degree, and made a ton of new friends while attending. College is really a great experience for someone who has waited to spread their wings. The value of getting to college is immeasurable, and I only hope I can come up with the last bit of funding I need to get through the spring semester. Thank you for consideration!

I have gotten knowledge and every year I appreciate learning more and more. I know when I graduate as a Speech Language Pathology, I'm going to be great at it, thanks to my University.