If you're not sure what to expect of your college experience, let the experts -- graduating seniors -- help you. They've got the goods on the triumphs and challenges of campus life!

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My Fondest College Days
By Paul D. Rosevear
May 2002

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- The weeks are winding down before college seniors nationwide make that fateful walk from their beloved campus auditorium into the real world with a diploma in their hands and countless memories on their minds. We caught up with three graduating seniors to talk about some of the highs and lows of their college career, as well as what advice they might give to soon-to-be freshmen (like you!). Here's their dish:

Genese Rogers, an accounting major at Norfolk State University (NSU), Norfolk, VA, remembers the initial struggles she faced upon arriving at school. "It isn't always going to be like you picture it," she admits. "Plus, I had to get adjusted to sharing a room, learning to discipline myself, and setting my own goals."

Although Genese always knew she wanted to pursue a math-related major, she wasn't sure where that would take her career-wise. But, her job as a campus tutor convinced her teaching was something she wanted in her future. "When I became a tutor, I realized I had a skill for teaching," she says. "I decided that I want to earn my doctorate and become a professor here at NSU."

Hiwot Legesse, a senior at California State University-Fullerton (Cal State), Fullerton, CA, had no idea what she was going to study when she got to school. However, with the help of professors and advisors, she found a happy home in business finance. "You can always find people to help you," she assures. "I have a professor at school who has become a mentor to me. It's good to form those relationships."

In addition to getting to know her professors, Hiwot used her savvy business sense to kill two birds with one stone -- she found a way to kick her social life into gear while also learning more about her major. "At first, I had difficulty making friends," she says. "So, I joined the Finance Club, where I could make friends and network!"

As a finance major at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, Chris Spoust points to his election as senior class treasurer as his college career highlight. "By getting involved in student government, not only could I hang out with my friends, but I became known to much of the Rutgers administration," he says. "I wasn't just a face in the crowd anymore."

Now interested in pursuing graduate school, Chris asserts that his participation in school politics was not only fun, but quite useful -- from it, he learned how to make great contacts and schmooze (just a little). "Networking is something you can never do too much of," he says.

Remember to make the most out of your school stay by taking some hints from these graduating seniors. You can't go wrong!