High School Resource Zone

We asked younger students to send in questions they have for high school seniors. Heidi Chung, a senior at Dubuque Hempstead, chats about choosing to study social work at Wartburg, her dreams and what she might have done differently.

impact: How did you figure out which college you wanted to go to?

Heidi: I figured out which college I wanted to go to by becoming familiar with the campus and what the school had to offer. I’ve been to Wartburg College on many occasions either for camps or visiting my sister, who goes there, and I really like the atmosphere.

impact: Do you have a career path selected? If so, what made you realize that you really wanted to pursue that particular career field?

Heidi: I do have a career path selected. I’m not sure if I’ll stick to it because I’m a very indecisive person; however, it seems like a choice that I would not get bored of and I would be helping others in the process. I think it would be a very rewarding occupation.

impact: What would you like to do when you are done with college?

Heidi: After college, I would like to further my studies in social work at a grad school in California. I grew up on the West Coast, and that is where I ultimately want to end up.

impact: Is it hard to try to live up to your dreams?

Heidi: I don’t find it very hard because I take every day as it comes. It’s a long and gradual process, so it’s not very stressful when I take it day by day.

impact: How important is it to take AP (Advanced Placement^®) classes?

Heidi: Personally, I have found that taking AP classes is very beneficial. This is coming from a girl who’s gotten 2s on her AP tests. (AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score.) I enjoy challenging myself and being surrounded by kids who like to challenge themselves as well. You get a lot more out of the subject, and you can also see if the subject is holding your interest.

impact: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Heidi: Never settle. Don’t just go for something because it’s easy or take cop-out classes because you want easy A’s. Work for something that you will eventually be proud of. Also, do what you want to do in life and be open-minded to your options.

impact: What did you do in high school that most prepared you for college?

Heidi: I’m very glad I got involved with so many different activities. I have done musicals, cheerleading, golf, orchestra, choir, executive council and more, solely because you really see what you enjoy doing most and after college, you have more opportunities to pursue it.

impact: What do you wish you had done differently in preparing for college?

Heidi: I wish I had taken some harder classes my underclassmen years. I look back and see a pretty good grade point average, but only because I took such easy courses. I wish I had challenged myself to my fullest potential; otherwise, it just goes wasted.

Thank you to the students who submitted questions for our chat today!