CollegeSendoff: Strategies for a Successful Transition to College
“I’m graduating high school! Now what?”
We’ve got you covered! Our recent CollegeSendoff events were filled with anticipation for the next chapter of our high school seniors’ journeys. Our outstanding College Persistence team, alongside the College Access Services (CAS) team and our partner uAspire, created engaging spaces tailored for learning, exploration, and relationship building. Hosted at Fashion Institute of Technology for New York City students and at SUNY Buffalo State University for our upstate peers, the events created a sense of community through practical and fun approaches to academic success, holistic wellness, and college finances. Seniors connected over a lively networking lunch and interactive workshops and activities, and seized opportunities to explore the vibrant college campuses.
Creating Structure and Setting Expectations in College
Building upon the peer advice shared at alumni days, the College Persistence team curated workshops focused on key areas that will impact Student Leadership alumni’s first year in college and beyond. The transition from structured high school routines to the freedom—and responsibilities—of independently managing one’s own time and finances can feel overwhelming and impact students’ holistic wellness. Our interactive workshops empowered students with tools to identify and problem-solve common challenges that they may face.
- Academic Success – Strategies for being a proactive student throughout the semester such as creating a manageable academic schedule, balancing social and work commitments, and utilizing trusted campus resources for seeking help when needed
- Holistic Wellness – Deep dive into personal wellness including self-care and sleep hygiene, and locating mental health support on college campuses
- Finances and Financial Aid – Bringing awareness and understanding of key financial aid terms, full-time and part-time financial aid expectations, and work-study jobs that align with individual situations
Candid Advice and Networking Opportunities
One of the most impactful moments was the sharing of relatable insights from our alumni. Tiffany, an alumni volunteer, candidly talked about navigating parental expectations: “Consider transferring as an option if your college is not the right fit. I thought that would mean disappointing my parents, wondering if they’d think I was a failure. Looking back, I should’ve considered that if where I am isn’t the right fit, I can say it’s okay to change my environment.” Jonzena, a senior from Validus Prep, shared her feedback at the end of the event, “I thought I had all the knowledge to go to college, but learned some things I didn’t know. I like that it was a great way to network with other students from around the five boroughs who go to different schools, so I can prepare myself for what college would be like.”
The College Persistence team offers a variety of direct services and connections to programs tailored to alumni’s needs. In addition to guidance on navigating college enrollment and transfer processes, they connect alumni to uAspire for individualized financial aid assistance and other programs for pursuing scholarships and advanced degrees. As Gabby Oliver, Manager of College Persistence, emphasized, “We are here to champion your success. We stress the importance of being proactive and communicating because our ultimate goal is ensuring you secure the resources to thrive.”
We look forward to our alumni utilizing the knowledge gained from the workshops as springboards for conversation with peers and trusted advisors in their college and beyond!
Gratitude for our Hosts and Partners
Thank you to the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Buffalo State University for hosting and sharing a slice of campus life with our alumni. We are also grateful to uAspire for their support to ensure alumni can successfully apply for and retain their financial aid awards in college each year. The energetic members of Student Leadership Network’s College Persistence team – Pamela Jones, Gabby Oliver, and Nicole Meyer – continue to innovate to support our alumni’s transitions to college. We are grateful to Carolina Moquete and Tahani James for facilitating the interactive workshops and all of our alumni volunteers. A huge shout out to Ivanna Jimenez and the Buffalo CAS Team for collaborating with us to bring this program to the Buffalo region!
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