Heritage Hall News

College-Aged Alumni Share Experiences, Advice

Not long ago, Alex Fisher ’16, Will Kennedy ’14, Carly Mirabile ’15, Delaney Mayo ’16, Molly Remondino ’14, and Hayley Swan ’16 were contending with the challenges and uncertainties that come with the college application process and transition to college life. Today, these Charger alumni are successful students at Columbia, OU, Duke, William Jewell, TCU, and OSU, respectively.

With this year’s seniors merely months away from college enrollment and juniors now beginning the admission process, the College Counseling and Alumni Affairs offices joined forces to bring these six alumni back to campus to discuss college selection, roommates, classes/workload, Greek life, and other aspects of college life with Heritage Hall’s juniors and seniors. The panel shared some of their experiences and answered questions ranging from the difficulty of leaving home and family to the most important must-have for their dorm room.

The panelists’ tips on what students should do now and in college to make a successful transition included:
  • Set high standards and challenge yourself – don’t slack off during your senior year.
  • Spend time on campuses of interest outside any admission tours.
  • Once on campus, find opportunities to be involved and to meet people – join clubs, participate in Greek life, or just introduce yourself to people in your dorm or classes.
  • Find ways to get to know your professors.
  • Learn time management skills and how to prioritize; you can’t do everything and shouldn’t overload yourself, especially during the first semester.
  • Don’t limit yourself! Take this opportunity to try different types of classes, study abroad, experience new things.
  • Keep your class syllabus! Many times, assignments and important dates on the syllabus are never discussed in class.
  • Give your transition a little time. If you are out of state, stay off social media for the first couple of weeks to avoid homesickness.
  • Remember that it’s ALL on you! No one will tell you to do your homework, remind you about things, or do your laundry. Learn life skills so you are prepared for the responsibilities that come with independence when you go to college.

Heritage Hall’s college counselors, Julie Bramble and Dr. Vicki Schaeffer, focus on helping each student find his or her best college match. We appreciate these six alumni for assisting in their efforts.

For more information about Heritage Hall’s college counseling program, please visit heritagehall.com or contact the College Counseling office at 405.749.3045.
Back
Heritage Hall is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse community promoting fairness, acceptance, equal treatment, and opportunities for all. With regard to hiring, student admission, allocation of financial aid, and educational policy, it is our policy not to discriminate and to comply with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected classification.