Bottom Line

Sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago

We recently asked one of our Success students, Steven, to talk about his experience so far in Bottom Line and at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Here’s what he shared:

What are you studying in college, and how long have you been in Bottom Line?
I’m a psychology and economics double major with a finance minor. I have been with Bottom Line for almost three years.

How would you describe your relationship with your Bottom Line Advisor, and how has it helped you be successful?
My Bottom Line Success Advisor, TaShea’, and I have a great relationship. I feel very comfortable around her, and she understands me well. She knows which topics to touch on during our meetings, which allows us to have smooth, efficient, and enriching conversations. For example, she knows not to ask too much about my classes because she knows I tend not to have any trouble academically. Instead, she focuses on my personal and professional growth, two areas that I really want to focus on.

Additionally, I have also been working on a transfer application, and TaShea’ has done a lot to mitigate the stress. For example, she’s always happy to read over my application essays and give me amazing feedback. She has also reached out to co-workers and her manager to read over my essays to ensure that she is giving useful, objective feedback.

Why is graduating from college important to you?
My parents did not have the opportunity to have a quality education. In fact, my mother has not even gone to high school. They came to this country from China to ensure that their children will have a better future, and they have instilled the values of hard work and dedication in me. Graduating from college is a necessary step for me to fulfill both my own and my parents’ visions of being successful. I also have a natural love of learning. I think attending and graduating from college will open many doors for me to learn and grow in the areas that I want to do so.

Would you recommend Bottom Line to a friend or family member? Why?
Yes, I would recommend Bottom Line to a friend because Bottom Line has great resources that fill the lack of guidance that usually exists in the lives of first-generation students. Those students usually have no idea what to do when it comes to applying to college, applying for loans, filling out FAFSA, and many other important aspects of college. I personally think that the educational system does not prepare prospective college students to handle all of the major financial decisions that come with applying to and attending college. Bottom Line Advisors know exactly what to do to help those students make informed decisions, which will ultimately help students be more financially well-off in the future.