Growing up in the Mattoon-Charleston area, I suppose that going to EIU was simply a matter of time more than anything else. Every time I'd be heading into Charleston itself, I would always see the castle of Old Main on the horizon. There was never a doubt in my mind that that was where I wanted to go. I didn't have any knowledge of what college was like back then, of course, but finally getting to attend all those years later made waiting worthwhile. I cannot say enough just how much EIU means to me. I wasn't always the best student, but the professors, instead of focusing on my mistakes and putting me down because of them, lifted me up and fundamentally changed me for the better. Now that I have the chance to spread the "good word", so to speak, of what EIU can do for new students, I find myself happy that I can assist in giving students the same chance I was given so long ago. 

My biggest piece of advice for students considering EIU is this: Think about the size. So, so many colleges around the country are huge with so many students per class that you're swept away in the sea of faces. That means if you're struggling, you may find it difficult to reach out to your professor and get the assistance you need. You may be doing well in school now, but college is on a whole other level in terms of freedom and responsibility. If you're anything like me (bull-headed and obstinate), you may just try to push through your struggles with brute force. At EIU, the classes are small enough to where the professors know who you are and take an active role in helping you grow. Don't waste that opportunity; you may not get it at another school.