From NYC to the Mid-West: An Update on Row New York Alumni Near and Far

The Row New York Class of 2015 has settled into college!  These college freshmen are enjoying everything from unique classes to dorming and making new friends to campus clubs and the benefits of summer intensive programs.  The graduating class of 2015 represent an array of colleges, some as close as Fordham University, some as far as Oberlin College.

We’ve been fortunate to have some regulars visit our office like Bianca Davila (Hunter College), Kelly Arango (City College) and Jacqueline Rodas (Borough of Manhattan Community College).  We also have a large group who are making their mark at schools like State University of New York (SUNY) Albany, University of Delaware and Notre Dame College. From far and near, our alumni tell us about their first steps into new lives as college students.

Xatziri Ponce who is currently attending SUNY Plattsburgh says that the summer pre-college program she attended was extremely helpful to her transition. “My first day of college felt like my 50th because of the summer EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) Institute; it really helped me adjust to the new environment.” Xatziri’s summer program allowed her to get to know the college well before fall classes officially started.

Catherine Rodriguez, a freshman at the College of Saint Rose is enjoying the good and the great. She’s enthusiastic about her classes and workload.  “I love all of my classes except English, there’s so many papers to be written!”  

Theo Simko, who attends Wesleyan University, says that his semester started with a bang!  He is currently taking an English class where they read and discuss works of literature about global warming and human impact on the earth.  He expressed that all of his courses are really interesting, but very intensive. “I have a whole bunch o’ reading every night.”

He looks back on the first day and reflects on ways to strengthen his approach to the academic rigor. “I’m looking forward to getting into a regular routine — something I certainly lacked in the latter half of senior year and my summer. It was somewhat of a shock to have so much work again, but I think I’m adjusting well to it. I’ve been spending a lot of time at Olin Library.”

But not all transitions are as smooth as one would hope. Kelly and Mariza have commute times from Queens to Harlem which total almost two hours. They say it’s worth getting used to and hope to soon move closer to the city. Luckily, City College, where they both attend, has great nap space in its library.

For those students who are having the time of their lives, rock on. And for those who are struggling with any aspect of a new transition, Row New York is always here to support. Good luck to all of our alumni on their first semesters and beyond!