In an ongoing feature at PantherNation, we will be checking in every few weeks with recent alumni as they offer their advice and reactions to University life.
Name: Sidney Smith
ISB Class of: 2016
College: Northeastern University
Years in College: 1
- What career path are you pursuing?
I am pursuing a career path in psychology with a double minor in biology and criminal justice. This should hopefully put me on a pre law track or a doctorate in psychology.
- How would you describe the transition from ISB to your new College?
My transition was super smooth, ISB made it easy to adjust to a new environment and being around different people. I can honestly say ISB prepared me for everything that has been thrown at me and I believe that others who went to schools in the US were not as prepared.
College is an environment with a range of people, smart-not so smart, different political beliefs, ages etc. Honestly it is quite like ISB just on a bigger scale.
- Do you feel ISB prepared you well for your College experience (both academically and socially)?
Academically I feel relieved, full IB is much harder than my first semester of classes.
Socially, I think having a rigorous high school and the open social life in Bangkok I came in knowing how to balance my own schedule, when to sleep, when to go out/when to not. Again, some students come in having no experience with balancing this on their own so some really struggle. But I think ISB really prepared us well.
- What advice would you give to this year’s Seniors as they follow in your footsteps next year?
I know it is scary thinking about college, but those next 4 years are all about you, be selfish. Pick the school you want to go to and you can see yourself happy at, not just a school your friends think are cool or your parents want you to attend. Same goes with classes, college does not require you to take specific courses, so take what you want to.
Enjoy Bangkok! Embrace the culture, the people and Nichada.
Make memories, capture them, treasure the time you have with your classmates
- Any other thoughts to share?
Do not stress over college, it is your time to be you but now also is. You never get another senior year of high school. Embrace it.
Spend time with your family, you will also miss them just as much as you miss your friends. On top of that, connections. Connections is the key, whether friends, teachers, peers, they can always help.
Watch the dining hall food… freshman 15 is not a myth.
Stay in touch with the people you care about, this does not have to be the whole class but a few is good.
IB EXAMS: Yes, they are important, but do not cram! That’s a horrible idea, you have been preparing for 2 years for that 1.5 hour exam, you got it, just review and predict the IB and you will be fine.
