Ward Melville Students Get a College Education – from Alumni

Matthew Monteforte has already decided to attend Bucknell University next year, a decision he made after visiting the school recently. But he's a little more confident in his decision now, after listening to an Alumni Day panel – including one current Bucknell student, Monteforte's friend Rob Jablonski – talk all about the college experience.

The annual Ward Melville High School event, held Friday, brings recent graduates back to talk to current seniors about what actually happens at college.

"I thought he was able to tell you something that the colleges aren't able to tell you ... the perspective of an actual student," said Monteforte, 17, who plans to major in economics.

Topics of discussion ranged from heavier topics like academic pressures and time management to lighter ruminations on campus life, food, and roommates. Dressed in their college shirts, dozens of alumni offered firsthand advice.

"Get one of those big month calendars and write down every test and paper you have due," said Samantha Hesse, an exercise science major at High Point University.

"You have to do your work right away, or it's going to kill you at the end when it's due," said Joshua Butensky, who attends Suffolk Community College.

"You can still be active socially without participating in the Greek system," Jablonski said.

"My roommate's awesome. I think that's a rare thing, though," said Daniel Roth, who attends New York University.

Three Villagers may remember Roth as last year's senior class president, who delivered a which featured a Boone sandwich from Se-Port Deli as an analogy for student potential. After participating in Alumni Day, which he described as a nostalgic experience, Roth said he himself learned a few lessons about college.

"It's interesting to hear the diversity in experience," he said. "Living in the city is such a unique experience that it's interesting to hear what happens on other campuses."

Many seniors in attendance felt a little more comfortable with the eventuality of college. Miles Laffitte, 18, called Alumni Day helpful.

"It's a little insightful," said Laffitte, who attends BOCES' aviation program. "The roommate information was helpful. And time  management."

Scheena Jules, 18, agreed.

"It helped me know, when I go to college, what to expect, what to do," she said.