Trainees in College!

An Insightful Interview With Four Hopeworks Youth About Life In And Out Of The College Classroom.

We recently caught up with several of our trainees to hear what they had to say about their college experience this year.  Jamaal Johnson and Miles Roman are freshman at Camden County College.  Mario Arriola is a sophomore at Camden County and Angel Rodriguez, a sophomore, is in his first year at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Question - What are you learning about yourself at college?

Jamaal – I am learning that I can do well at school.  I thought I would do Ok and now I know it.

Angel – I’m learning how to survive without my parents.  I have to make good decisions and budget my time.  I have to be an adult.  I am also learning that I want to do well.  I’ll do whatever it takes to succeed here.

Miles – I’m learning that I enjoy the challenge.  College has made me more confident about my abilities.

Mario – I’ve learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.  If I stay focused, I can achieve anything that is thrown my way.

Q - What is the biggest difference about this school year and last?

Jamaal -  For me the biggest difference between high school and college is in college you set up your own schedule.  There is nobody to make you go to classes so it is all up to you.

Angel – Compared to my first year in college, classes here at St. Joe’s are harder than I expected, you really have to work. The work is more serious, more challenging and it takes more time.

Miles – The biggest difference is the independence.  You are on your own.  Everything is up to me and I like it like that.

Mario – The biggest difference between my fist and second year classes are that this year your entire grade can be determined by just one exam or one project. In classes last year you might have a quiz every week.  This puts more pressure on yourself. The expectations are higher.

Q - What’s the best thing about college this year?

Jamaal – The best thing is all the new things I’m learning.

Angel- I like when you are done with your classes for the day and you can just chill with your friends.  I go to the gym, I play flag football.  It’s the time away from classes and homework.

Miles – The best thing is the learning.

Mario – The best thing is the fact that college forces you to be responsible.  It is always up to me to get things done and to do them right.

Q - What is the worst thing about college this year?

Jamaal – Getting up in the morning for early classes.

Angel – Waking up early for morning classes.

Miles – Walking home late at night.

Mario – The worst thing is the same thing as the best  - college forces you to be responsible.  Everything is up to you. You get in trouble when you procrastinate.