Growing up in Champaign my whole life, I always knew that Parkland College would be one of many college options for me. In fact, my mom and one of my aunts both graduated from Parkland. But because I grew up here, I had every intention of leaving town for college. I wanted a change in scenery, new people, I wanted a chance to have a clean slate. Since the University of Illinois is in the same town as well, I didn’t bother applying there because, like I said, I had my heart set on leaving town. The only reason I applied to Parkland College was so that I had a fall back plan. I applied to four different colleges, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Robert Morris College in Chicago, and Parkland College. It was amazing to find out that I had gotten into all four schools. My first choice was Edwardsville. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen complications, I was unable to attend that school. I decided not to go to Robert Morris because I was unsure if I was ready to move to Chicago. I know people that live in the city, so I would not have been lonely, but for some reason it just didn’t seem like the right time to move into a big city on my own. And the reason I decided not to go to Carbondale was because I wasn’t a big fan of their campus. That left Parkland College.
Although my first choice school fell through, I can tell you today that I am happy with my decision to live at home and go to Parkland College. It is not at all what I had first expected it to be. I had always been told that Parkland is a good school but I never knew why until I got there. Especially since I am still unsure of what exactly it is that I want to do as a career, it is really nice going to a school that allows me to explore my options without spending an insane amount of money. The instructors that I have had at Parkland are understanding and easy to to talk to. I know that if I have a question, they are only an email away and they will not make me feel like I am asking a dumb question. I haven’t had a single teacher that has not had office hours available to their students. And even when my schedule conflicts with office hours, they have been willing to arrange a time for me to meet with them. I was very fortunate that my mom let me stay at home as well. I don’t have any bills to worry about. All I pay for is my transportation to and from Parkland. I have had a great first experience at Parkland!
Abby…Good one.