The students spoke on the challenges that come with transitioning to college on Dec. 20
As an auditorium of mostly seniors and juniors quickly learned from a visiting panel of recent Washington Township High School graduates and current college students on Dec. 20, the challenges that come with transitioning to college are consistent from small campus to large campus and from major to major.
The seven alumni panelists, organized by WTHS school counselor Karin Carpenter, were in agreement about the topics of most importance: preparing yourself now for life beyond high school, learning to manage your time, seeking scholarship opportunities and financial aid, securing work-study positions and part-time work, making connections with professors and peers, finding a school that fits your needs and aspirations, finding your passion and setting yourself up for success.
Cassidy Coppola (WTHS Class of 2015- Temple University), Abby Haley (WTHS Class of 2016- Ithaca College), Dahlin Hackley (WTHS Class of 2015 — Rider University), Matteo Murgia (WTHS Class of 2016 — University of Pennsylvania), Alyssa Petner (WTHS Class of 2014 — Penn State University), Charles Reamon (WTHS Class of 2016 — Bloomfield University) and Remi Strand (WTHS Class of 2015 -Jefferson University) shared anecdotes and sound advice on what they encountered during the crucial transition period into college.
“Pay attention in English,” Strand said. “Research papers are real. They’re hard, and you don’t get help. I just turned in a 65-page report.”
“Sit in the front of your lecture halls where you are able to make connections with your professors and where there are less distractions,” Haley advised. “Oh, and remember, the world is not Washington Township.”
“Apply yourself in high school and carry that into college,” Hackley said. “There are a whole lot of life lessons to learn in college. Open up your mind and learn about the world around you and learn how to live in it.”
