Broadening the Scope: Students prepare for life after high school

As seniors finish their last year of high school, they will enter a new chapter of their lives when they will have to face obstacles and adjust to new environments. Of the 609 seniors graduating this year, seniors Haejin Suh and Lauren Kim share their views on how they think college will affect their
lives.

Although they have contrasting interests, they believe that college will be a challenging, yet exciting experience.

Suh plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of the Arts and Architecture. Its strong arts program and supportive surroundings encouraged her to choose
this school.

“I would not say that I am completely prepared because I really do not know what to expect,” Suh said. “I think putting myself in a new environment will eventually allow me to learn an unknown side of me and help me mature.”

A common problem that students often struggle with when entering college is the idea of opening up to new people. Suh states that it is one of her biggest concerns, considering the large population of her school.

“I try to be really active when I meet people, but I struggle to since I am an introvert,” Suh said. “I am also worried about the lack of privacy that I will have in college because I will be sharing a room with others. I think finding a private place within the college to have some time alone could help me face this problem.”

Students say that life in high school and life in college differ immensely in various areas including  academics, environment and population. The workload in college increases greatly, but more free time is available. College also presents more opportunities and provides greater diversity. Hence, these differences welcome students into trying new things and developing other interests.

Kim plans to attend the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in the fall. She states that she is ready to face new challenges on the East Coast.

“I love that UPenn is a big school in Philadelphia, a big city,” Kim said. “There is so much to explore and lots of opportunities to seek. I cannot wait  to join different clubs on campus and get close with the professors and other students.”

Heading to an out-of-state college has made Kim broaden her perspectives, leaving her with mixed feelings. The great distance will separate Kim from her family and close friends, but it will give her the opportunity to take advantage of a unique experience.

“Many people have already warned me about being homesick, but I plan to stay in touch with my family and friends by visiting them during the breaks,” Kim said. “I will also be able to experience more freedom and time to think for myself and figure out what I want to do with my life.”

Along with these changes, students entering college often develop a sense of maturity and independence and learn to handle issues on their own.

“There is definitely a lot more responsibilities involved and no parents to remind or nag you about the quotidian routines of life,” Kim said. “I know I will have to always be prepared, since there is no one else to do so for me in college.”