College Recap: Reflections from Soon-To-Be Graduates
Welcome back to another episode of Spill the Tea! On today’s episode, Megan, Sai, Val, and Malyn sit down to reflect on their college experiences and share how their expectations differed from their collegiate realities. As Megan, Sai, and Val are nearing the end of their college careers, they look back on their earlier years and discuss how far they have come from being freshmen to seniors. Our hosts also discuss how they’re college experiences have been unconventional compared to other students, and give their best advice to graduating high school seniors about what to REALLY expect when starting at a university.
Time flies when you’re having fun?
Many would say to cherish your college years since the years will fly by before you know it, but for our hosts, they share how they’re college experiences have been anything but short. With every new year feeling like a lifetime in their eyes, Megan, Sai, and Val agree that their development as young adults have truly been shaped by their experiences with each coming year. Of course, as they near the end of their academic lives, the finish line feels so close, but yet so far! When nearing graduation, it can seem like there is a never-ending list of affairs to be put in order. From planning out graduation pictures, to sending out invitations to grad parties, to ordering your cap and gown, things can get overwhelming quick! Hang in there ladies – only a few more months to go!
An Unconventional Journey
Compared to their peers, Megan, Sai, Val, and Malyn touch on how their college experiences may have differed from the typical idea of what a student may experience. As all four of our hosts have commuted to and from class instead of living on campus, they share how being on campus has been less of a social experience and rather just a place of learning. When they’re done with their school days, the girls typically find themselves working at Pochi and enjoying time at home rather than engaging in on-campus activities. Megan shares with the group that she definitely experienced FOMO (fear of missing out) when she entered college as a commuting freshman, but admits that living at home was a much better option for her. Whether you commute or plan on living in a dorm, everyone’s experiences will be different, and there are definitely pros and cons to both options!
Advice to Incoming Freshman
Are you a high school senior thinking about going to college? Ever wondered what college is REALLY like? Megan, Sai, Val, and Malyn share their best advice to graduating seniors, and how to restructure your mindset of what to expect in college. Here are a few of their best tips:
College coursework is DEFINITELY more difficult than you might think, so don’t feel discouraged when things seem unfamiliar.
Professors won’t keep you accountable for your work, and you have to learn to keep yourself on a schedule so that you don’t fall behind!
Relearn how to study! Starting an assignment the night before it’s due isn’t always going to work out or help you retain information well enough for an upcoming test! This may have worked in high school, but you’re in for a rude awakening if you try to continue this method in college!
With a larger amount of students per class, it can definitely feel harder to connect with your professors. Make sure to utilize TA’s and office hours!
Everyone will have successes and failures, so don’t feel discouraged that others may be performing better than you. In reality, everyone is going to struggle in college – it’s inevitable!
Don’t be too set on a major or career! When starting college, you could discover an entirely new interest that you’d want to pursue, so keep an open mind!
Remember to HAVE FUN! Of course it’s important to stay focused on your degree in college, but having a balance between your school and social life will definitely elevate your experience and provide lasting memories.
