The following guest post was written by CSF Alumnus Shaiann Frazier. A sophomore at Lehman College, Shaiann interned at CSF this past summer and we asked her to share her thoughts on the transition from high school to college so younger CSF alumni could benefit from her insight.
What to Expect and What Not to Expect in College
by CSF Alumna Shaiann Frazier, Immaculate Conception School ’11; Academy of Mount St. Ursula ’15; Lehman College ’19
For the most part, everyone looks forward to college. It’s a time when we young adults can venture out into the world and find our place in it. College is also a time when we discover ourselves and our limits of freedom expand. It is a big stepping stone from high school and a big transition to adjust to. But overall, college is a fun and enjoyable experience if you make the most of it.
One thing you can expect in college is the diversity of people you will come into contact with. College is filled with people from many different nationalities, from all walks of life, who come to college with the same goal: to accomplish and further their dreams. With such a diversity of people, you can expect to meet and network with various types of people who may or may not be in your chosen career path. Building a network of new people can help you gain internships, knowledge, recommendations, and the opportunity to be exposed to different resources and information that can benefit you in the long run.
Whereas in high school you were accustomed to teachers reminding you of assignments and due dates, in college you will come across many professors who hold you to a higher level of maturity. Professors in college see you as an adult who is capable of balancing school work and personal life. I believe this aspect of college is what distinguishes it most from high school—in college you’re responsible for yourself. And this change is good because you begin to feel more like an adult than a child.
During this transition you will also start to find yourself, and the things that interest you will become more apparent. Personally, when I began college I was not social, but once I became introduced to people who shared my interests, I began to open up and become more social. One way to do this is by joining one of the many clubs and organizations available to you. From what I’ve observed, there is a club for almost everything. But what you won’t find are people asking you to join; their main goal is giving you the option to decide on your own. Unlike high school, you can also expect the freedom to choose your class schedule around your own liking and preference. You will have an advisor to help you choose the right courses, but the decision is ultimately yours. And that’s one thing I love most about college, you are free to choose whatever you like; nothing feels forced or mandatory.
College is a great place to find yourself and figure out what you really want to do. For some, the transition may not be easy, but it’s an experience everyone should partake in, if they can. In college, there are so many opportunities and resources you can take advantage of that will benefit you in whatever path you choose to take in life.
CSF Alumna Shaiann Frazier mingled with guests at CSF’s Celebrate Success event in 2015.