For underclassmen, college seems distant but remains a source of reoccurring fear. Many students find themselves lost in the plans of their parents and stress over college criteria.
Many alumni contributed advice for underclassmen about taking pleasure in their remaining time on campus, college preparation and regrets to aide current students.
Eric Neufeld, ?05, wrote his senior editorial on advice for underclassmen to live up to their potential in everything.
?I spent the first year of high school trying to achieve academic success,? Neufeld said. ?But between my freshman and sophomore year, my grades began to drop. It hurts to admit I could have done better in school, and I did fail to meet my full potential.?
He passed with B?s and other mediocre grades seeking minimal satisfaction in his achievements until his senior year.
?My grades just fell short of UC status but were overwhelmingly well for a state college,? Neufeld. ?The lessons I have learned just in time will set me straight for college and the rest of life.?
Many alumni hold various positions on how appreciate high school and the change to college life.
?Socially the biggest thing is the adjustment,? CJ Haydock, ?03, said. ?My friends and I needed to grow up. Take every chance you have at an incredible school like this.?
Haydock currently attends Fresno City College and experienced the necessary academic adjustment.
?Academically it is easy to shut down senior year, but it is important not to,? Haydock said. ?It is a difficult academic adjustment from senior year to college. For me first semester was the hardest because of my academic apathy.?
Professors appear to be a significant factor in the switch to a university. In addition general atmosphere plays a role in outcome to the high school experience.
?In college teachers expect you to do things on you own,? Bethany Gong, ?03, said. ?You need to work hard do not always rely on teachers to check up on you in college. It is totally different from Fresno Christian since it was such a small school. The amount of work is about the same, but the environment is not.?
For many current students, the fears and daunts of college life and expectations in low on their priority list.
?I do not really worry about college right now,? Janae Keys-Bramlett, ?09, said. ?But when I do, I worry about my grades and the math classes I want to get.?
Some students do not consider the academic and social problems concerning college, but ponder over living arrangements.
?I am worrying about moving out of my house and being on my own,? Stephanie Morrison, ?06, said. ?But at the same time I want to.?
For seniors the end of high school will arrive within months and uncertainty remains in their minds.
?Looking over my high school years I would have done a few things differently,? James Brown, ?06, said. ?And now that college is around the corner I am left making decision of what I want to do for the next four years of school.?
For more information on planning on managing time and other advice go online to
www.adprima.com.