ACCORDING TO CHMIL
It’s about that time!!
Jan 20, 2006
Choosing a school is a serious task. You need to ask yourself questions
such as “How will I fit in academically, emotionally and socially?”
and “Will I be challenged, bored overwhelmed, scared, homesick,
or lonely?” Being from Chicago, I can only speak from the out of
state point of view. When I chose UK, I wanted the big university feel
while still being able to drive home to Chicago to see my family. UK was
something completely different from my Chicago lifestyle and that’s
what I wanted. Lexington is not a rural community, but it has the southern
hospitality with out the drama and fast lifestyle. At UK, I felt I could
focus on my agricultural economics degree and become a well-rounded person.
I learned to respect and accept different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
I am the first generation of my family to go to college right after high
school and eventhough my family supported me they couldn’t advise
me on things like how to pay tuition and fees. I came to UK without any
knowledge of what was to come financially as far as tuition and books
were concerned. Fortunately, I began at UK in the Freshman Summer Program
where I learned about scholarships and other ways to fund my education.
Take the time and do the research. This is four years of your life that you will never get back if you waste your time or make a “bad” decision. You can always switch schools, but wouldn’t it be nice to get things right the first time! Remember don’t waste money (because nine out of ten, it’s probably not yours) and don’t’ waste time.
So my advice to you is:
1. First realize your capabilities as a student and choose a school where
you fit in academically. Make sure you think about your major, likes and
dislikes and whether or not a public, private or even an ivy league school
is right for you.
2. Choose the environment that fits your personality. Thinks about things
like weather and the sports associated with the school if you like sports.
If you’ve lived in a bustling city your whole life and like it then
do not choose a school that’s in a small town. Do you dream of paved
paths with a lot of trees and wildlife in a secluded rural campus? Or
would you rather be in the heart of a big city with a lot of activities
and noise?
3. Now its time to start thinking about how you are going to pay for college.
My advice is to talk to your family, officials at your high school and
aspiring college and do your homework.
4. Make a list and give it some thought. Visit the schools if possible.
Do not settle for less.
5. Finally go for it! Take the SAT or ACT and start applying for college
and financial aid as early as possible.
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
-- Jack London
Chmil Matthews
Facts
Year: senior
Major: Agriculture economics
Campus: Lexington
Residence: off campus
Hometown: Chicago, Il
Favorites
Film: Paid in Full, Belly, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Music artist: Crucial Conflict, R Kels, Do or Die
Class: Agricultural Management Principles (AEC 302) by
Dr. Isaacs
Snack: Tropical fruit salad
