As winter break approaches, more and more seniors are receiving their college acceptance letters. This is the time of the year where students range from just starting to apply, to already making making a down payment and knowing where they will be attending and living next year. While some senior will not know what next year holds for them, some have the relief of knowing.

North High senior Josie Borchert, will be attending Saint Marys University of Minnesota. She says, “I decided I want to attend this school over the summer after I went and visited it. I want to attend this school because they offer a great program. Also, it is a smaller school so I will have an easier time understanding things. I feel like I might drown in a big school and that none of my questions will be answered.”

There are many different colleges of varying size, to decide which one is best will be specific to each student and what they want to study.  Another North High senior, Tommy Koppy, will be attending Minnesota State Mankato. He chose this school after he toured it last summer.

Tommy says, ” I want to attend there because it’s close to home, but far enough away where I can still  be independent and it’s one of the only schools around that has a French major program.” Tommy plans to double major in French and German with a minor in music.

When asked how they feel about starting a new chapter in life, Josie said, “I feel very relaxed because I don’t have to worry about if I got in or not and I don’t have to go through the long process of  applications again. I am excited to start studying what I want to do. I’m also excited to meet new people and join new clubs.”

While college is very exciting, it can be hard for students to leave it behind. Josie said, “I feel ready to leave high school behind but I’m not sure if I am ready to leave my friends. I have a lot of good memories at this school and in this city.”

College is a big and important step in a persons life. It is exciting and scary. Students have a newly found independence and start their adult lives. And while it can be hard to leave, the new experiences and growth that occurs in college are extremely rewarding.