Do you go to class every day? What if you don’t like your roommate? What if you change your mind on a major? Would you prefer writing a 10-page paper or giving a presentation?

A group of 28 students from DePaul University’s Scholar Success Program answered these and other questions from Parker Junior High students during an eighth graders assembly May 15 and in break-out sessions afterward.

After greetings from Principal Ursula Parris, select members of Parker’s AVID Scholars sat on the stage asking questions of DePaul students seated beside them.

“In eighth grade I didn’t have this, so you’re a step ahead of me,” a DePaul senior said as he looked out on a sea of students.

DePaul students stressed that although college may seem intimidating, it’s really not. 

College is a time when “no one holds your hand,” a DePaul marketing major said. It’s a commitment on your part to go to class and prepare for your future. 

The DePaul students said they get lots of support from faculty, and especially on-campus mentors who can address questions from a student’s perspective.

There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind on a major. Yes, it may cost you an extra semester, but in the end you’ll be happier. One graduate student said she was planning to be a veterinarian, but during an internship she couldn’t euthanize an animal. 

“I couldn’t emotionally handle that,” she explained. She switched her major to human rights.

“You have so many majors to choose from. You have a lot of time to figure it out,” she said. Changing your major “doesn’t make you any more or less of a student.” 

Don’t stress if you don’t get into the college of your choice. 

“It’s not the end of the world,” a DePaul junior said.

“The advice I’d give to my eighth-grade self? Not to worry so much about other people and focus on yourself,” a DePaul senior said. “It’s a big time for everyone. You’re all changing so much, whether that’s within a group or as a person. Focus on yourself and try to be the best person you can be.”