EXCITING, frightening, stress- ful, daunting. These are just some of the many words that describe how the transition from high school to college can make a stu- dent feel. In the halls of Granger High, it’s college application season, and many Lancers likely have college-related thoughts constantly looming over them.

For some students, it is seen as an exciting adventure that is the beginning of a new chapter in life. For others, it makes them sick to their stomachs as the thoughts of what such a drastic life change may bring for them sink in. Most of the time, it’s an odd combina- tion of all of those feelings crash- ing down all at once.

Every high school senior has heard the generic information provided to them about college and how much different it is from high school. However, some of the most valuable tips one can consider during their transition do not simply come out of some sort of book or pamphlet—they come from experience.

Some of the members of Granger’s graduating class of 2017 are now about three months into college, and they know the score.

“I was scared about leaving Granger, my second home. I was nervous about the changes in classes, friends, and routines that would be coming my way,” An- gel Sedgwick (‘17) said. Spend- ing four years establishing one’s self at Granger High School to

then start over again in a new place can present quite a lifestyle change. As a senior, one can be quite comfortable in what they are doing without realizing that it will all soon fade away.

“Paying for college was de – nitely my biggest worry! I would tell my senior self to apply for more scholarships,” Sydney Bell (‘17) said. While college comes with a price tag,

all of Granger’s diverse, dynamic students should seek out scholar- ships and a fur- ther education to help enrich their lives. “You should de nitely go to college be- cause it’ll help you really ap- preciate actual education,” Bell said.

While college is still just less than a year away for current Granger seniors, it is strongly en- couraged that they start planning as early as possible. “I regret not preparing. I was so behind [at the end of senior year] trying to get everything done on top of gradu- ating, and it was crazy stressful,” Lexee Buckner (‘17) said.

At the same time, it is impossible for him. “You will not be prepared. But be condent and know that there are people at every turn to help you move along,” Cousins said.

Being a college student is dif- ferent from being a high school student in many different ways. Class of 2017 valedictorian and current University of Utah stu- dent Nelson Lotz (‘17) had cer-

can also lead some students into trouble. “There’s no one around to tell you what to do…it’s all on you,” Buckner said.

Overall, the thought of going to college can generate many dif- ferent feelings among Granger seniors. But with preparation, planning, hard work, and help, the transition to higher education can be made much smoother. Granger seniors should take as many op- portunities to get help applying for college, nding scholarships, and getting ready for a major life change as they can get.

There are many different re- sources both online and at Grang- er High that most students don’t utilize as much as they should. There is help available, students just need to seek it out. Seniors should go see their counselor regularly, get advice from current college students, talk to teachers, and use the internet to educate themselves about all things col- lege. Students should also contact the recruitment of ces of favorite colleges to see what support they offer incoming freshmen.

“Work hard, then reap the re- wards,” Sedgwick said. Ultimate- ly, these current college freshman emphasize how exciting the col- lege experience can be. “Don’t be scared, you can do it. Get ready for a blast, but stay on track,” Cousins said. Although planning for college can be overwhelming, the students who remain optimis- tic and stay on track will have a less complicated shift into the next chapter of their lives.

“It doesn’t matter what high school you come from [in college]. Education is your right. You deserve college everyone is capable,” Sedgwick said. Sedgwick and Bell are stu- dents at Salt Lake Community college, the most cost-effective option for the majority of Utah students. Both students strongly encourage Granger seniors to consider college, even if they can’t get into or afford one of the big name universities.

“I thought college would be a bit harder, more busy, and more fun. I also told myself I would get less sleep. I was right about all of those things,” Lotz said. In col- lege, there is a lot more to bal- ance. Along with being a student, there are the added aspects of maintaining a

Nelson Lotz lives in a U of U dorm. Caden Cousins works in a BYU lab.

ble to be completely prepared for what will come. The class of 2018 shouldn’t stress themselves out too much, but the future should certainly be on their minds.

Brigham Young University freshman Caden Cousins (‘17) is an example of a student who pre- pared quite a lot for college—but college came with surprises even

social life as well as guring out living and working situations.

Many college freshmen aren’t used to these things, and they es- pecially aren’t prepared for the responsibility that comes along with it all. College students are expected to be more mature and accountable for their actions. While this comes with perks, it