That moment had arrived for her. It was a moment she had been anticipating for years, four to be exact. Everything she had been working toward came to fruition in one ceremony.  At that point, she was beyond ready to graduate. But now as she readies to enter her junior year in college, there are a few things alumni Nakeya Carter wishes she would have known before that day came.
“I would have gone back and saved more money the first time around,” Carter said. “Even though I’m just attending Vernon, it still costs a lot of money.”
Carter has had to pay for classes and books, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
“The science classes usually cost more,” Carter said. “It’s really important to start saving early on.”
Rider alumni Tony Givin also agreed with Carter.
“Save as much money as possible, because if you don’t, you’ll be in debt for the rest of your life,” Givin said.
Both students made great grades during their time at Rider, which both believe is important in both high school and college.
“You need the best grades to get into college,” Carter said.  “Once you get into college, you have to continue to makes those grades. If you don’t, you’re going to flunk out and then what will you do with your life?”
Carter mentioned that it’s important to buckle down and focus when in college.
“You need to focus because college is something that needs to be taken seriously,” Carter said.
Givins also thinks that senior year out of all four years should be taken the most serious. He advises that students “start looking for colleges as soon as possible”.
Once entering college, it would be best to have a set major in mind. That way when you go to sign up for classes, you have a better knowledge and understanding of what classes you will need to take.
“Don’t wait around to decide,” Carter said. “The sooner, the better. It’ll pay off in the long run.”
Givin also advises that graduated seniors go to college “immediately.”
“That way it’s still fresh in your mind,” Givin said.
Carter and Givin both agree that college is a huge step up from high school.
“It’s on another level,” Carter said. “You have to walk in there with a focused head and take it very seriously, or you’ll crumble.”