If you are a high school senior, there's a good chance you’ve been spending the last few months preparing for your college future by writing your entrance essays, asking your teachers for recommendations, and submitting applications. You may already know where you want to go or you might still be deciding on the college or university that best matches your needs. Either way, this is an exciting (and also potentially nervewracking) time, especially if you grew up on Maui or have lived here for most of your life.
This is the moment when you might be wondering what to expect in your first year of college and how to best navigate all the upcoming changes. This is where having some advice from current college students could be really valuable!
So you might be wondering, what makes me qualified to understand what you’re going through? On a personal level, I've been exactly where you are now: I grew up right here on Maui and still remember how it felt to grapple with moving away from home to attend college (I was both terrified and excited). More recently, I’ve experienced the other side of this transition from a parent’s POV by helping my own daughter (class of 2025) move into her dorm and get ready for college in Portland.
On a professional level, I've been doing portrait sessions with high school seniors on Maui for more than a decade, helping them to express themselves one photo at a time. I love hearing seniors share their excitement (and concerns…yes, these are in the mix too) about the future and always feel rewarded to see how their photography experience has added to their confidence.
To help you feel more confident as you head off into the next phase of your educational journey, I’ve asked some of the seniors that I’ve photographed over the years, who are now college students themselves, to share their best advice for thriving in college. (There’s so much great advice that you’ll also want to take a read through Part 2!)
"The best advice I would give someone getting ready to go to college would be to remember and celebrate how far you have already come. Use this next chapter to learn your values, interests, and what you love. Remember to support your community or the new community you may be joining it will come back to you. Go with kindness, confidence, humility, and respect and you will reflect the same.
Academically I would say don’t overwhelm yourself but challenge yourself and make an effort."
~Lilia, Freshman at University of Hawai'i at Hilo
"Socially: During the first couple days after your parents drop you off, try to talk to as many people as possible. For someone [who] isn’t really sociable, it was hard, but my roommate encouraged me by saying 'remember everyone is new too. Everyone's starting fresh and also looking for friends too.'
Academically: Use Google Calendar and add each of your classes, extracurriculars, and time to study. It helps me a lot to stay organized!!
Additionally tip: Invest time into setting up your dorm room. I have a photo wall and a wall with pictures of home near my bed. It just makes your dorm feel more homey."
~Kayce, Freshman at Creighton University
"My biggest tip is to balance your social and academic life. College can be overwhelming, and taking on too much can lead to burnout quickly. Finding a healthy balance between studying, spending time with friends, and getting rest has made all the difference for me.
Making friends can feel challenging at first, but joining clubs or connecting with people in your classes is a great way to build those relationships. And if you ever feel like you’re falling behind, don’t get discouraged, take things one step at a time. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s completely okay!”
~Jaimee, Junior at University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Know your priorities! Know what you want to get out of your college experience and know that everyone might be heading towards different goals!
~Wei-Ting, Junior at University of Hawai'i Manoa
"The best advice I'd give is to always be willing to try new things and put yourself out there. Trying new things and meeting new people is the easiest your first year because everyone is also looking for friends and connections. Don't be afraid to try out for a club or a team, you’ll find your people eventually."
~Leianna, Freshman at University of Portland
Thank you to Leianna, Kayce, Wei-Ting, and Lilia for offering wonderful advice to Maui high school seniors and beyond!
For more amazing advice on how to thrive in college be sure to read Part 2, which includes advice from Maui students attending Stanford University, Chaminade University, and Gonzaga University.
