College Student and Graduate Panel

Overview

In this section, you will explore what it is really like to start college and make the transition from high school. You will hear directly from current college students and recent graduates as they share what they wish they had known when they first stepped onto campus. Through short videos, you will get real advice and personal stories to help you feel more prepared and confident about beginning your college journey.

By the end of this section, you will connect with the voices of those who have been in your shoes, learn from their insight, and apply that knowledge to your own academic and personal journey. 

Learn

In this activity, you will hear personal stories from college students and recent graduates about their experiences moving from high school to college. They share what the transition was like and things they wish they had known when they started. As you watch the short videos, think about which parts of their stories feel familiar or surprising to you. Their advice may help you feel more prepared and give you a head start for your own first year of college.

You will watch the videos linked and embedded below:

1. Ella | 4 min 

2. Katie | 3 min

3. Nick | 3 min

4. Saleem | 4 min 

Apply

(Optional) Use the information you learned to complete the activity outlined below.

After watching the student videos, reflect on the following questions:

• What stood out most, and how might it change how you prepare for navigating the first year of college experience?

• What advice would you give to your high school self about starting college strong - academically, socially, personal well-being?

• Which topic from the mini videos felt most relevant to your current experience or concerns (e.g., time management, academic pressure, mental health, finances, motivation)? What did you learn about that topic?