High school students taking summer programs at American University listed their expectations of their future college experiences as taking challenging classes, meeting people and being busy and tired.
In Fall 2014, about 21 million students were expected to attend American colleges and universities, an increase since 2000, according to the National Center of Education Statistics.
For summer leadership and conference participants on American University’s campus this summer, they are receiving valuable insight into taking classes with college professors and living in dorms without their parents around.
Amy-Beth Hoarty, 17, a participant in the National Leadership Conference, said she has experienced being a part of a community with other students she relates to and connects with. Being in class with people who share her interests made it go faster, unlike her school where she doesn’t really connect with others, she said.
Kelsey Lageraaen, 17, a Long Island native enjoys having an experience different than she would at home.
“There is definitely a more diverse group of people because there is people from different states and countries, so you get to see people’s opinions and ideas based on where they are from.”
This encounter, she said, makes her realize this is definitely something she wants to have at her future college.
Amaris Norwood, 19, said she knew what she was expecting before she got to American University because she did a lot of research. When she got here she was not disappointed; the campus was full of diversity and passionate students, she said.
Norwood said she was surprised by how easy sickness spread in close quarters of the dorms.
“Sicknesses get spread easily,” Norwood said. “Sometimes you forget to eat and then you end up getting sick and passing out.”
Lageraaen feels college is a key part of her future.
“You get a lot of new experiences. It’s the first time for a lot of people being on their own and getting to live with themselves and their friends, so they learn to be independent,” she said.