Good stuff to know

Everyone has something to say about their college experience and what they wish they would have learned in high school! Here are a few comments from college students and recent college grads to help you prepare for senior year and after!

“In high school, I was active in athletics and academics. Entering college, I didn’t know about the athletic programs or how to become involved. I wish I’d known how to contact coaches and set up meetings to get my name out for my athletic ability.”
—Ashleigh Dopp, 20, junior, elementary education major

“I wish I had known how much my small-town home meant to me before I came to the city for college. I’d always made fun of my hometown when I lived there because it’s small and I thought it was trashy. But when I went to school, I appreciated it more because it’s laid back. I guess I’m saying that future college students should appreciate where they come from, because that is really who they are.”
—Janis Timian, 21, junior, communications/journalism major

“I wish I had known that playing sports is a great way to make friends in college. Although it’s very time consuming, if you have a real love for the sport, managing your time seems to fall into place.” —Meghan Leary, 20, junior, elementary and

special education major

“Before going to college, I wish I would’ve known to take full advantage of the one-on-one help that teachers at community colleges offer to their students. Every teacher can put a name to my face, and they are always available to help. You just have to ask.” —Jennifer Sidoni, 20, sophomore, undecided

“One thing I wish I would have known before entering college was the ability of having a long distance relationship. My whole life, I was subjected to beer-guzzling, frat-party movies. With this pre-conceived notion of having to ‘live my own life,’ I became free of my high school sweetheart. I figured I would hurt her in the long run. Once I got to school, I found that wasn’t the case. A lot of wasted nights sitting home alone could’ve been avoided if I had stayed with her and had someone sweet to visit.” —Andrew Massoud, 21, senior, English major

“I wish I would have known to get involved! I never knew how or what to get involved in, therefore I never did!” —Kelly Kreuz, 21, senior, management major

“I wish I wouldn’t have been so nervous to come to college. I had a long-distance relationship and friends at home I didn’t want to leave. I went home on the weekends and missed out on great times. When I finally opened up, I made a lot of great friends who I know will be my friends forever. Now I’m happier than I’ve ever been and am having the time of my life!” —Megan Webb, 20, junior, communications/English double major

“I wish I would have known how hard it is to live on my own, and that college life is different outside the life you know. People can be crude and ignorant to your feelings, but there are also people you meet who will change your life forever.” —Nicole Anastasi, 21, junior, communications/public relations major

“I wish I would have known more about career services, internships and opportunities after college instead of worrying about my grades and social life. I wish I had prepared for my life outside of college because I didn’t know anything about career preparation until after college. I wish I would have found a really good internship my senior year that would have led me to a job after college.” —Ryan Holmes, 25, graduate, communications/audio production major

Megan Webb is a junior at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., and an intern for The Next Step Magazine. E-mail her at [email protected].

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