In the not-so-distant past, 2023 NAHS graduates roamed the North Atlanta hallways, having completed the last of their school work, and wore caps and gowns on the hallowed graduation stage. But now, the Class of 2023 is stepping into the unknown terrain of adulthood. Moving away from the comfort of familiar communities and classrooms, these graduates find themselves facing a whirlwind of changes, challenges, and adventures.
High school life was marked by structured schedules filled with classes, extracurricular activities, and homework. Now, as they embark on their college journeys, these graduates are discovering that the path to success is marked by newfound independence, rigorous academics, and a wide array of extracurricular opportunities. Sophie Haines, a member of the North Atlanta class of 2023, shared her insights on this transition. Haines attends the Georgia Institute of Technology and is an active participant in the Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) sorority, the running club, and Voters of Tomorrow. “Time management is very different in college than it was in high school because you’re not in class all day, so you have a lot of free time to do work,” said Haines. “However, there is a lot of outside work to do and a lot of extra studying to do.”
Independence is another crucial aspect of the college experience. Days are entirely structured by the student. Mia Hsu, a fencer at Cornell University, takes advantage of morning and early afternoon classes in order to maximize productivity. Because fencing takes up such a large portion of her days, she has to take advantage of any time pockets she has during the day to do work. “It sounds cliché but there is no one telling you when to eat, what to eat, when to go to sleep, or even to go to lecture. You have to take things into your own hands” said Hsu.
When it comes to academics, Hsu has noticed significant differences between high school and college. One of the main discrepencies is higher weight of tests in the grading scale upon entering college. For example, 75% of Hsu’s biology grade is composed of prelims and the final. Another difference is the duration of classes. Most lectures are limited to 50 minutes – a relief after North Atlanta’s 90 minute classes. Hsu has a packed class schedule, cramming in 17 of the maximum 18 credits. Some of the classes she is taking include Intro to Human Biology, Health, and Society, Intro to Cell and Developmental Biology, and Intro to Psychology. “Classes take up A LOT more of your time than they did in high school,” said Hsu.
These insights provide a valuable glimpse into the exciting yet challenging world facing the class of 2023 as they transition to college and adulthood. With newfound independence, academic rigor, and a vibrant campus life, they are embracing the opportunities and adventures that come with this new chapter in their lives.
