Graduates (left to right) Aidan O’Hare, Dana Peagler, Lauren Core, Lindsey Story, Wesley Boylard, Jessie Campbell, Becca Earnhardt, and Todd Moore speak to the students about the college experience. Each January alumni return to offer advice. Photo by Emily Gray.By Olivia Tritschler
On Fri. Jan. 6th, eleven graduates revisited the school to give tips to juniors and seniors who are getting ready for college. They reflected on their first semester, their difficulties finding a balance between class and freedom, and the high school activities that they were thankful they had in preparation.
The alumnus finished their first semesters of classes while attending different colleges located in Virginia. Lindsey Story’s favorite part of attending VCU is the Richmond environment while Colby Eliades enjoyed the diversity seen on the George Mason campus.
When asked what they did in high school that prepared them for college, the former students agreed that the AP and Dual Enrollment classes were a big help. Also they believed that getting credits before college helped to cut out some of the freshman courses in college.
The graduates ended the information session by going through with a list of the most important things they have learned. Here is a do and do not list of items they believed to be important.
Do keep notes.
Don’t procrastinate.
Do set rules with your roommate.
Don’t room with someone you know in high school.
Do put yourself out there.
Don’t over commit to groups and organizations.
Do pick something to focus on.
Don’t forget homework if you have a job.
Do be up front with your managers about your schedule.
Don’t be a slacker in group projects.
Do the readings.
Don’t forget to plan.