College Freshmen Return to NFA West with Advice

College freshmen who graduated from Newburgh Free Academy West Campus just last year returned to share their knowledge and expertise, along with tips and advice about the college journey with their former classmates. The college students discussed the college application process, how well they are adjusting to college, and gave advice for listening to their teachers at NFA West Campus - even when they do not want to. The panel spoke with the entire school to answer general questions and then spoke with juniors and seniors to answer more specific questions as those students are engaging in the college application process in real time. 

The students returned were a sampling of graduates who have returned throughout the school year to continue to give back to our Goldback community. 

Jack Millen: Class of 2023, SUNY Oneonta, Physics and Engineering
Deondre Johnson: Class of 2023, Rutgers University 
Mckayla Santiago: Class of 2023, Mercy College, Nursing
Sanaa Simmons: Class of 2022, SUNY Orange, Childhood Education 

Prepared questions allowed students to hear about various topics and students were able to ask their own questions as well. 

Personal Journey

1. Share your experience as a NFA West Student. 
1. How did West help you during your time in college? (Please feel free to share specific experiences, adults or moments that you may remember)
2. Share Success stories and challenges you faced as a high school student.
3. Speak about social and/or academic success you may have had.
4. Speak about activities you participated in that helped your college application process. (This can include sports, internships and/or jobs

Application Process

1. How many colleges did you apply to and why?
2. What was the hardest part about the college application process?
3. Was the college admissions process stressful for you? How did you manage it?
4. Were you rejected from any colleges? How did you deal with rejection?
5. How did you ultimately decide which college to go to?

College Experience

1. How is college so far? How is it similar/different from high school?
2. What is your major? Was it the same major you decided in high school? How did you decide?
1. If you haven’t decided, does the college help you decide? How?
3. What are college classes like?
4. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities on campus?
5. What parts of West helped you with your academics in college? 

Share 3 pieces of high school advice for our students. 

What are some of your favorite moments and memories at NFA West and why?

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!