The “C” Word wants to put a student perspective on the college search, college admissions and the college transition. We’re following students all over the country as they stress through college essays, prep for the SAT, weigh their college options, and eventually move in to campus. We believe each student’s experience is unique, and we all come from a variety of backgrounds, heading us into a variety of directions. We hope you can learn from us and that we can learn from you.
Want to write for The “C” Word? We’re interested in hearing from high school students and college students ready to share their stories. E-mail pauline.college@gmail.com to inquire.
Pauline D., class of 2008
I’m an American-born Filipina, just starting to get an idea of what that means in my life. After graduating from an all-girls(ish) Jesuit Catholic high school in the suburbs of Denver, I am now a freshman Journalism major at Seattle University. I’m part of the Core Honors program here and absolutely loooove it so far. In high school I was way into music (from indie rock to school band), the school paper, my church, speech and debate, photography, volunteering, social justice, and so on. I’m still trying to figure out what’s worth continuing in college.
Kathryn S., class of 2008
I’m a person, like any other, except that I’m me. I’ll be finishing my correspondence courses in the next few months, and plan to take a year off before going to college. I like reading and writing, love classic literature. If I were stranded on a desert island, I would need food, water, pen and paper, not necessarily in that order. I don’t have any idea what sort of career I want, but I know it will be something I love. This is me, growing up, and one way or the other I know it’s going to turn out alright.
Matthew F., class of 2009
I’m a rising senior at a private small college preparatory school in Connecticut. Some interests include: kayaking/boating, culinary arts, photography and many other interesting exotic things. I’m 17 years old and have lived in CT my whole life. I’m creative and determined. I’m considering Business/Entrepreneurial studies, along with some other majors such as psychology.
Nancy R., class of 2009
I’m a rising senior at Academy of Arts and Minds, a charter arts-oriented high school in Coconut Grove, Florida. My interests include (but are not limited to) writing, performing, travel, and neuroscience. I’m ecstatic for my last year of high school but I’m also completely terrified. In one year, I’ll be going off to college and leaping into the unknown. Where will I apply? Where will I be accepted? Where will I go? I don’t know yet. But join me in my journey and we’ll soon find out.
Lily F., class of 2010
I’m a soon-to-be junior at Oxford Academy, a public magnet high school in Cypress, CA. I am very bent on college, and I’m attempting to expose myself to many opportunities in preparation for it. My interests include health, travel, language, tennis, piano, and social science. Next year will be a real challenge for me, but I feel that I am ready. I’m a textbook straight-A student, but I feel that I lack in terms of extracurriculars. This is my journey to not only college, but to the real world and beyond.
Meghan P., class of 2011
As a current sophomore, I attend a public high school in the Boston area of Massachusetts. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m at times terribly nerdy, which most likely contributes to my love of reading, philosophy, politics, and current events. My goal is to achieve a greater understanding of my future and possibly expand upon these passions through college or a career beyond. Though I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, I hope that the next few years will turn out all right; and whatever happens, I’ll document it here.
