--- title: 5 Ways College Has Changed You (For the Better) description: College has definitely changed you for the better! See if you can identify with the five things listed in our blog. image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/grad%20positive%20attitude.jpg --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) Search Together we can find what you're looking for: Enter your search term: Search Close Search - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. # 5 Ways College Has Changed You (For the Better) Posted by [Sam Sottosanto](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-sottosanto) on Apr 29, 2019 8:02:00 AM ![Sam Sottosanto](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![college change u banner3](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/college%20change%20u%20banner3.jpg?width=600&name=college%20change%20u%20banner3.jpg) From the late nights studying to the research papers, class projects and final exams - we know college isn't easy. But even though you've been through a lot this year, know that this experience has ultimately impacted you positively - and it may have even changed you for the better. Can you identify with these five things below? **![thats me thats me](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/thats%20me%20thats%20me.gif?width=400&name=thats%20me%20thats%20me.gif) 1. College has helped you become self-aware. ** In college, you get to explore YOUR interests. You've gotten to take classes that are more relevant to what you want to do with your life - and this has contributed to you getting to know yourself better. Embrace this new self-awareness and make a commitment to develop it further as you go along!  ****![rugrats responsibilities](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/rugrats%20responsibilities.gif?width=400&name=rugrats%20responsibilities.gif) 2. College has made you more responsible.**** Because college classes are less structured, it's up to you seek help if you need it. And if you're paying for college on your own, this has no doubt made you more mindful of how well you do in class. Responsibility is good - it means you're becoming a better person! ********![being on my own zooey](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/being%20on%20my%20own%20zooey.gif?width=400&name=being%20on%20my%20own%20zooey.gif)**** 3. College has helped you shape your independence.**** Even if you're still living at home, if you've ever had to make a decision about your future (from choosing a major to the classes you want to take to student activities that you join), you've gained independence. Independence can [boost confidence, decrease stress and help you go after what you really want](https://urbanwellnesscounseling.com/5-ways-independent/). ****![the goal is to win](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/the%20goal%20is%20to%20win.gif?width=400&name=the%20goal%20is%20to%20win.gif) 4. College has given you a reason to have concrete goals.**** Sure, you probably had goals in high school, but in college your mindset changes. Your GPA and the student activities you're involved in matters more because it's what you're going to put on your resume. Having more concrete goals to work toward can [help with motivation, confidence and ultimately, your achievement](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/313503). ****![genius](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/genius.gif?width=400&name=genius.gif) 5. College has made you smarter. **** Just think about everything you've learned since you got here! And this is only step one. Keep moving forward in your field and you'll eventually become an expert. Be proud of how far you have come!    **Related Posts** [How to Get Ready for Life at Your Four-Year University](https://blog.jjc.edu/how-to-get-ready-for-life-at-your-four-year-university)[Why Taking Summer Classes is the Smartest Thing You Can Do in College](https://blog.jjc.edu/why-taking-summer-classes-is-the-smartest-thing-you-can-do-in-college)[It's Finals Week... Now What?](https://blog.jjc.edu/its-finals-week-now-what)[What to Look for in a Transfer School](https://blog.jjc.edu/what-to-look-for-in-a-transfer-school-2) \*\*\* **Like this post? Check out: [![Learn How to Get Started: JJC Geographic Information Systems](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/487869/972bc08b-8819-4a6b-b2c1-c8ce826412d0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/487869/972bc08b-8819-4a6b-b2c1-c8ce826412d0)** Tags: [Just for Fun](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun), [About JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/about-jjc) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Just for Fun (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) - [Tips & Tricks (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/tips-tricks) - [About JJC (65)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/about-jjc) - [For New Students (52)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students) - [Community (32)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/community) - [Careers (26)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/careers) - [JJC Experts (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-experts) - [Student Services (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-services) - [Holidays (17)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/holidays) - [Summer (16)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/summer) - [In-Demand Jobs (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/in-demand-jobs) - [Online Learning (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/online-learning) - [Money Saving Tips (13)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/money-saving-tips) - [COVID-19 (8)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/covid-19) - [Majors (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/majors) - [Study Abroad (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/study-abroad) - [Student Voices (6)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-voices) - [Financial Aid (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/financial-aid) - [Healthcare (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/healthcare) - [Culinary (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/culinary) - [FAFSA (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fafsa) - [History (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/history) - [MakerLab (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/makerlab) - [Mental Health (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/mental-health) - [Recipes (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/recipes) - [Safety Tips (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/safety-tips) - [#BelongAtJJC (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/belongatjjc) - [Art (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/art) - [Automotive (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/automotive) - [Continuing Education (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/continuing-education) - [Corporate and Community Services (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/corporate-and-community-services) - [Radiologic Technology (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/radiologic-technology) - [Romeoville Campus (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/romeoville-campus) - [Scholarships (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/scholarships) - [Theatre (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/theatre) - [Transfer (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/transfer) - [Virtual Tours (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual-tours) - [Wiley's Pack (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/wileys-pack) - [#JJCHeroes2020 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjcheroes2020) - [Adult Education (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/adult-education) - [Application (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/application) - [Athletics (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/athletics) - [Bookstore (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/bookstore) - [CDL (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cdl) - [Cleared4 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cleared4) - [Disability Services (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/disability-services) - [EEAS (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/eeas) - [English as a Second Language (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/english-as-a-second-language) - [Fine Arts (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fine-arts) - [High School Equivalency (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/high-school-equivalency) - [JJC Alumni (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-alumni) - [Job Fair (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/job-fair) - [Music (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/music) - [Respiratory Therapy (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/respiratory-therapy) - [Resume (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/resume) - [Social Media (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/social-media) - [Student Ambassadors (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-ambassadors) - [Supply Chain Management (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/supply-chain-management) - [Virtual (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual) - [graduation (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/graduation) see all [![Joliet Junior College](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Logos/RGB%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.png)](https://jjc.edu/) 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL, 60431 [815.729.9020](tel:815.729.9020) - [Visit us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JolietJuniorCollege) - [Visit us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/jolietjrcollege/) - [Visit us on X](https://twitter.com/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@jolietjrcollege?) - [Visit us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jolietjuniorcollege/sets/) - [Contact Us](https://www.jjc.edu/contact-us) - [Academic Calendar](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-calendar) - [JJC News & Events](https://jjc.edu/news-events) - [College Catalog](http://catalog.jjc.edu/) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Employment](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Privacy Statement](https://jjc.edu/jjc-privacy-statement) - [Accessibility](https://jjc.edu/accessibility) - [Directory](https://jjc.edu/directory) - [Right To Know](https://jjc.edu/right-know-information) - [Title IX](http://www.jjc.edu/title-ix) © 2024 Joliet Junior College All Rights Reserved location time logo-full alert arrow calendar check close cta-chat cta-pencil cta-pin facebook flickr google-plus home instagram logo-shield menu minus number-one pinterest play plus plus2 search stat-1 stat-2 stat-3 twitter vine youtube tiktok