Alumni share experience with students ready to go

In an annual tradition, several Alexander Hamilton High School alumni gathered in their former auditorium with members of the current junior and senior classes. The panel discussed their personal college experiences, some who are freshmen, or seniors, all to help their peers feel more comfortable with what may come.

“It’s a good opportunity to hear different points of view and may help guide you in your process,” Guidance Counselor Monica Ahern said.

The alumni talked about the vibe at their respective colleges, what they like about their choice, how college differs from high school and the importance of developing good time management skills.

“UConn has a big sense of community,” Phoenix Harper, a senior at the University of Connecticut said. “I love that. It’s very diverse. The school is not boring.”

The one thing that makes his school standout, is the fact that it is the oldest university in the country, a fact that attracts a lot of tourists to the Cambridge, Mass. campus.

“My favorite thing is it doesn’t feel very stressful,” Matteo Di Berto said being a freshman at Harvard University. “They limit you to four classes a semester, and its done so you graduate on time.”

Twins Dean and Dylan Guerra both attend the University of Maryland.

For Dean it was his top choice, and his brother Dylan said he really liked the campus.

Miguel Gonzalez stressed that once you leave high school you are on your own, which for him was a big change.

“Everything is dependent on what you want to do,” Mr. Gonzalez, who attends John Jay University, said. “If you chose to be involved in party life, that is your choice or if you want to be into your studies, no one is going to tell you that you are falling behind, if you don’t’ do your work, that is on you.”

For Ms. Harper the new sense of freedom she felt as a freshman was different from her high school days. She said the one thing that kept her focused was the fact that she was now paying for her education.

“You are wasting money if you don’t take advantage of the opportunity to learn,” she said.

Aurora Johnson, a freshman at the University of New Haven, encouraged students to be mindful of the free time they will have. 

“I would say use it wisely,” she said. “If you have homework, do it then.”

The one thing that surprised her was how quickly time went by, and it’s best to learn how to manage it well so you don’t fall behind.

This freedom means that there is no one there to help you get up on time, or to be sure your work is being done.

“No one will hold you accountable,” Mr. Di Berto said. “You really have to keep yourself on track.”

For Sunjay Green, a senior at UConn, he encouraged students to say “hi” to everyone they meet, it is the best way to make friends.

“You will meet people from everywhere,” he said. “It’s all about networking for your future.”

In terms of the work itself, Ms. Harper said one thing she would have liked to know ahead of time, was how challenging college courses were compared to high school. Fortunately, she said, professors are there to help and she encouraged students to take advantage of the office hours they have. 

“Find a way to ‘lock in,’ you can’t skate through college courses,” she said.

Mr. Gonzalez noted too that finding a balance is important. He admitted that during his first semester he got involved in everything — clubs and sports. It just made him feel burned out. 

“Find a balance,” he said. “Definitely get involved but be sure to give yourself some time to yourself.”

Mr. Di Berto encouraged students to not stress about what college they will end up at, even if it’s not their top choice. 

“Wherever you go, you will be fine, have your life and enjoy it first,” he said.

Mr. Green agreed. 

“Stay on track, obviously, but take some of the pressure off of yourself,” he said. “You don’t have to have your whole life planned out. It’s ok not to know.”

For Mr. Gonzalez, who commutes to John Jay, said he enjoys it, being at home and saving money. However, it can be an impediment to being more involved on campus. He has found friends, however, and they take turns commuting together.

Several alums warned that living on campus has its plusses and minuses. The on-campus housing situation can vary not only from school to school but on campus as well. You could end up in one of the oldest dorms on campus or be lucky to live in a new one. With each year the situation and where you live can easily change and off campus housing could be an option too.

The same can be said for the food. Students were curious about how and when they eat while at college. Each college is different, they were told, but many use a points system each semester and most offer a variety of food and even some have familiar restaurants on campus.

During the question-and-answer session, students asked about making friends, the social life and how to pick a major.

Ultimately, as Mr. Di Berto said, “you make friends the moment you talk to people.”