Over Thanksgiving break students came home from all over the country and are thankful to return to their Alma Mater to spend quality time with family and friends as well as share what they’ve learned so far in college.

“College is another whole world,” confesses freshman Isabella Gonzalez. It’s a time where students find themselves in the big changes that occur from high school years into the college life. Forced to time manage and become responsible for decisions can be part of the challenge of living alone for the first time, but Academy girls are more prepared than other students at colleges and universities all over the country.

Academy alumnae favorite aspects of college are many. Alison Foley, freshman at University of South Carolina, admits her favorite thing so far is, “meeting people and making friends from all different parts of the country.” Many freshman such as Courtney Mastrorio, Olivia Mahoney, and Isabella Gonzalez all agree that meeting so many new people has definitely been the best part of college. “Even though I attend the University of Florida, I have been amazed at how many people I have met and become friends with from all over the country,” shares freshman Sophia Guerra. Meeting new people has been an easy task for Academy graduates because they feel as if the, “all girl environment in high school urged them to feel comfortable about themselves which then made meeting new people a lot easier.”

The college transition is filled with new friends and faces, and most importantly, a new growth from the independence given for the first time. Lauren Calka, freshman at University of Florida shares, “In just this short period of time, I have learned more about myself mainly because of all the freedom I have in college.”

From just these few short months away at college, the freshman shared advice on all things college.  When picking your dream school or touring a campus Alison Foley, freshman at University of South Carolina, suggests, “That little feeling you get when you step onto a campus…that’s how you know it’s your future home.” Once at college Lauren Calka recommends to, “Use the time to grow independently; do what you wish because you want to not because you feel like you have to.” Most importantly Olivia Mahoney, freshman at Florida State, encourages students to “not stress about little things like getting one bad grade or missing one social event because it won’t matter in a year.”

Although college is a great time to branch out and find yourself, Academy Alumnae often miss their time in high school. Kayla Rodriguez, freshman at the University of Tampa, attests she misses “the close friendships and constantly being surrounded by family” the most. Lauren Calka and Claire Cardillo both equally miss the “routine put in place in high school as opposed to college’s relaxed lifestyle.” College is a time to create new, lasting memories as well as grow intellectually and independently.