Countdown to College

Dear Diary.... A group of Wallkill Valley High School students have been keeping diaries about the steps they’re taking on the road to college. They share with readers of the Advertiser-News their emotions and efforts as they assess their possibilities and reach for their academic goals. Nicole Cusick The summer of 2009 was the summer of college preparation. All of the long rainy days were filled with Internet searches of top journalism schools allowing me to put the final touches on my Wish List of colleges I am currently applying to. Besides that, I spent several days traveling the East Coast visiting schools that appealed to me. I highly recommend visiting schools of interest to college bound students. There is nothing like attending a tour and walking through a college campus thinking that in less than a year I could be attending this very school. I was also extremely busy this summer attending conferences creating connections that take me far in life. Jersey Girls’ State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, was week-long meeting of over 300 female leaders from all across New Jersey there to learn about government, life and America. At another conference, Presidential Classroom, held in Washington, D.C., I chose to attend the journalism division. Students from all over the world gathered to see the sights of America’s capitol and learn from some of the country’s most well respected journalists. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the career I wish to major in next year in college. This summer flew by but served as one of the most informative summers of my life. Meghan Heintz It is hard to believe I only have seven months until graduation. It seems like I just stepped foot into Wallkill Valley as a freshman, not knowing what my high school years would bring. Yet four years later, I can now say the things I have experienced in high school will probably be some of the greatest memories I will ever have. But by the time June arrives, where will I go from there? The thought of not having the same routine every day or seeing the same faces can be overwhelming. But after recently visiting a few colleges, I began to feel excited for the first time as well. I cannot dwell on how much I enjoyed high school and how nervous I am to move on, but rather look at what the future may hold. I took tours of Rowan University, Salisbury University and Fairleigh Dickinson University beginning in early October and it was interesting to see what they offered and the courses that I will take to lead me to a career in communications. Although I still have more colleges to look at before making a decision that will change my life forever, I first want to take the time to relax and enjoy the last seven months I have of my senior year. Juliann Lajeskie Tomorrow marks the end of the first marking period: In other words, junior year is one quarter over. While exciting, this is probably the scariest thought I’ve had in a while. Considering your junior transcript is what’s sent out to colleges along with your application — and considering that so far I’d rather burn my junior transcript than show it to anyone — already in the back of my mind there’s a certain feeling of defeat forming. I had a long talk with my mom about this last night, though. We decided that I’d try from this point on to do my absolute possible best. If, when I apply to colleges next year, I don’t get accepted to a top-choice school, I’ll go somewhere else for a semester or two until I can apply to the better schools again. There’s absolutely no way I’m going to community college; but as my mom put it, you don’t always end up where you start. So while I’m going to put my all toward getting into a great university, in the back of my mind I know that even if that doesn’t happen, it’s not the end. But I’m not going to be too hard on myself, because I have a lot more going for me than grades. While they count, they’re not the most important thing. I’m Co-Community Service Vice President for FBLA; class treasurer; cross country runner; I’ve been in plays; my SAT scores, if the PSATS are at all representative, are looking pretty good. I’m not counting myself out. So I guess right now for me the biggest hurdle I have to get over is just to keep up the optimism and motivation. Some colleges like seeing that you messed up but then got on the right track. It shows that you “got it” and you matured, that you realized what was important and prioritized and didn’t give up. Maybe that’s what’ll happen to me. Amanda Shane It’s crazy how time is flying by all of us. Before we know it, it’ll be June and we’ll be walking down the aisle with our caps and gowns on. Over the summer I visited Cazenovia College and absolutely loved it. It was an awesome campus and the people were so friendly. Within the next few weeks my mom and I are going to visit Fairleigh Dickinson, Drew University, Kean University, and Centenary College. I’m so excited because I want to start sending in my applications and find out where I’m going to be accepted to. I have my fingers crossed that I’ll get accepted to at least two of the colleges I apply to so that way I can choose. All the colleges seem so inviting and college life seems like it’s going to be so much fun! Once I find out where I’m accepted a lot of the stress is going to finally disappear and I can relax and enjoy the rest of my senior year. After next weekend I never have to take the SAT’s again and all I have to worry about is graduation. Graduation! I remember the first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. Once this school year is over I’ll be college bound!