Marlborough – Ten recent Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School graduates returned to their alma mater to form a college panel and speak to the current juniors and seniors about their college experiences and to field questions from the audience. The alumni ranged from college freshmen to seniors, and represented both state and private colleges and universities, and were happy to share their advice with the current students. Discussion topics included learning to fit in with a roommate, how each institution incorporates technology into the curriculum, and time management. A current senior asked how many colleges each had applied to, and the answers ranged from two to 10, although most agreed that four or five would have been sufficient. Several students mentioned applying and getting accepted early to be able to tap into the scholarship and grant pools. Many students on the panel are still following their Assabet Valley Technical program choices, and advised that the students make sure they speak to their advisor at college to be able to get credit for several college-level courses through their technical area. Others have branched out to other fields, but are using their “Assabet” skills to maintain a job to help with expenses.
“I really enjoy and look forward to this event each year. It seems like just yesterday that these students were walking through our hallways, and now they'se here giving college advice. It's fun to watch the transformation and see how mature they'se become,” said Assabet Principal Mark Hollick.
“I think our own students really appreciate hearing from former students, as they'se much more credible in their eyes than their teachers and counselors,” he said.
