ADVICE FOR CLASS OF 2020
The Class of 2020 is headed off for college over the next couple weeks and it got us thinking about our first year at school and what we would have liked to have known. So, we got in touch with a few Chicago Scholars in their junior and senior years to get some first-hand advice.
Sylvia Lobo, Class of 2017 says:
1. Talk to your TA’s! They can be an amazing resource- don’t be afraid to ask for help.
2. Make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends from home – having a support network is so important.
Dino Petrov, Class of 2018 says:
1. Invest in a planner and develop good time-management skills.
2. Don’t feel like you need to try everything in your first few weeks on campus, but also seek new experiences that push you out of your comfort zone.
3. Communicate directly with roommates. Leaving notes or sending text messages can seem passive-aggressive and create an uncomfortable living environment.
Sana Moore, Class of 2018 says:
Balance is very important during college. Make sure that you manage school, at least ONE student organization and free time to just relax and hang with friends. Ultimately you are paying and at school to get an education, however you do need to some time to just relax and regroup. Grind hard Monday through Friday and the rest of the weekend is yours. Study AHEAD of time for exams because it makes it much easier (all nighters are more stressful). Going home because you flunked out is real! Don’t be scared by that, but motivated. Know that if you work hard, go to office hours (build relationships with your professors!!!!) and grind monday-friday you will do just fine. Breath, smile, and go for it!
Anastasiya Sapatynska, Class of 2018, says:
You only go through college once. If you live to 100, then it only counts for 4% of your life. But that 4% of your life could determine how you live the rest of your life after you graduate. Be open minded, explore your interests, get comfortable with being uncomfortable, build relationships, and most importantly take care of your body and mind. College is about you. This is your opportunity to grow academically, personally, and professionally so that when you step out, you can continue down the path that leads you to the type of lifestyle that you dream of. Remember to build yourself, not your resume.
Mirella Valdivia, Class of 2018, says:
Attend those club/organizations meetings on campus that you’re interested in and sooner than later you will find students that have similar interests and you could even take on a leadership role right away.
P.S plus the firs