More than forty recent graduates from Freeport High School returned to their alma mater to lend words of advice and support to current seniors as they prepare for their college careers. "When you go to college you have to manage everything, including your time and especially your money," joked Jorge Villao, who is studying architecture at NYIT. He and the other FHS grads, now studying at a myriad of schools including Brown, SUNY Stony Brook, St. John's and Adelphi, shared their experiences with regard to obtaining financial aid, spending money on textbooks and food, choosing roommates, and making the best academic choices. "You have choices out there, even if your grades are not the best. I'm in NYU now," said Lindsey Johnson, recalling the ups and downs of her own experiences during the college application process.
The alumni's visit was arranged through the College Student Network, a program organized by the Freeport Schools Guidance Department. The network's goal is to enlist recent Freeport High School graduates to come and speak about college life while they are on their winter break, so that the students slated to graduate in June can learn from the relating of their experiences. The high school students also get the opportunity to ask questions during and after the visit.
"We are very pleased at how many recent graduates agreed to come back. It shows how much they care about Freeport High School and the positive experiences they had here," said Freeport Schools Guidance Chairperson Emma Perdomo. "When you graduate and get to college and face some of the realities outside of Freeport High School, you realize what a great place this is," added Johnson.