It’s about gaining knowledge. It’s about being independent. It’s about learning who you are.
College means something different to each person, but everyone must deal with leaving high school life behind.
College Counselor Stephanie Krosnosky said the transition to college is different for everyone.
“Some students are deciding whether or not to continue boyfriend-girlfriend relationships,” Krosnosky said. “Others are ready to have their bags packed and be there.”
Senior Kati Jackson said she is excited about college.
“I’m ready for something more,” Jackson said. “I’m ready to start doing what I want to do, to enter the real world.”
Jackson said that though she is prepared for college, other people might not be.
“I think the people who are more ready for college are the ones that have been less sheltered at home,” Jackson said. “I’ve been taking care of myself financially for a long time.”
Senior Matthew Wren said that going to Bexley schools all his life has prepared him for college.
“From what I’ve heard, Bexley is harder than some colleges,” Wren said.
Senior Elianna Apothaker disagreed with Wren. She said that though Bexley has prepared her academically for college, she does not feel completely ready.
“I think I’ve become more ready emotionally through high school, but I don’t think it can prepare you for living on your own,” Apothaker said.
Senior Diana Williams said that she does not feel ready for college.
“When I’m on my own, I’ll work really hard at first, but then I’ll loosen up and have to work twice as hard to get my stuff together,” Williams said.
Though Williams said that she will miss her friends and family, she is optimistic about leaving.
“There are lots of stories about the great things that happen in college,” Williams said. “It’s a whole new experience.”
The transition from high school to college represents different things for different people.
Senior Corie Klepper said college is what prepares you for the rest of your life.
“It’s when you begin to live in the real world,” Klepper said. “My parents won’t be there anymore.”
Klepper added that in college she will be able to take classes particular to her interests.
Apothaker said that college is about more than just academic education.
“It’s a new phase of life, a new start,” Apothaker said. “I’m looking forward to the new environment and to growing as a person.” F
or senior Bilal Naseer, meeting new people is one appealing aspect of college.
“In Bexley, there’s very little diversity in the student population,” Naseer said. “In college, people come from all over the world.”
He added that there are other perks to college life.
“What excites me most is that I won’t have to get up at 6 a.m. every day,” Naseer said.
Krosnosky said that the independence students discover in college can sometimes shock them.
“If you’re absent from school today, a parent calls in and you’re excused or unexcused,” Krosnosky said. “In college, a professor allows x number of absences. The reason for the absence doesn’t matter.”
Klepper said that she is worried about the independence college represents.
“I’m afraid I’m going to procrastinate and get behind on all my work,” Klepper said. “I know in college teachers don’t help you along as much on assignments.”
Apothaker said that she doesn’t know how she’ll respond to being at college.
“I haven’t been there yet, so I don’t how I’m going to react,” Apothaker said. “I’m going to try to be as prepared as possible.”
Krosnosky said that she has seen the full spectrum of reactions to college, and that no one is handling the transition incorrectly.
“For some people, it’s about finding the school that has the academic programs suited to their future career goals,” Krosnosky said. “For some, it’s about finding a school in the ideal location that suits their quest for independence. For all students, it’s pulling together what you know about yourself to make the best decision for you future.”
