Real Students....Real Stories: Briana V. from Massapequa, NY

"Real Students...Real Stories" are featured interviews with students designed to give real perspectives on the college experience. Todays interview is with High School senior Briana V., a homeschooler from Massapequa, NY.

Briana V..

High School Senior
Age: 17
School: Homeschooled
State: New York

Rob: Do you know what you want to major in?
Briana: Yes, I would really love to major in Art Therapy, so I can use my passion for art and creativity to help people express themselves in a positive way.

Rob: What are your top three college choices?

Briana: I am looking for certain schools that carry my major, which not many schools do. Especially since I want to stay local and close to home, there are definitely not many choices for me to choose from. My first two choices are tied between C.W. Post and Nassau Community College. If neither of those work out, then I suppose I would choose Hofstra, which also carries Art Therapy as a major.

Rob: What are the top things you are looking for when selecting a college?

Briana: Well primarily, as I said, I need a school that carries my major, since I would really rather not double major. Of course, if I had no other option, I would, but it would be a really big help to me if I could find it as a single major. Another thing I look for in a school is the price. I do not feel right going to a school that forces me and my parents to pay an uncomfortable amount of money. I also like to hear people’s views on the college before I choose. I think it’s important to hear from a few students who attended the school before making my decision.

Rob: Do you want to go away to college or stay home?

Briana: I would like to stay home for now. I need to be able to pay for myself before I go away to college and I personally don’t think it’s the smartest idea for me to go away right now. Even though it is important for me to experience responsibility and learn how to handle certain freedoms on my own, I feel that I still need my family close to me for emotional, financial, and general support. My family is a big positive influence on me, and I don’t want to drift to far from that. Any school that I went away to would have to be a strong Christian environment.

Rob: How much does economics influence where you go to college?

Briana: I feel that economics really do influence where I go to college. Schools are extremely expensive, and even more so to dorm. It’s a big part of why I want to stay local, at least for the first two years.

Rob: Have you applied for any scholarships?

Briana: I have not applied for any scholarships yet, but I will definitely get around to doing that.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) how scary/intimidating is the college application process?

Briana: The application process is not as scary as it seems and I truly believe that God will put me where he wants me to be. I would say a 3.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) do you feel you are prepared for college?

Briana: I definitely don’t feel as prepared as I could be. Maybe a 6.5.

Rob: What are you looking forward to most about college?

Briana: I am looking forward to starting fresh in college with new people, new teachers, new grades, and a new environment. I’m hoping to increase my determination for my work with classes that I enjoy. I am also looking forward to working my way towards my career life and the first steps to creating my future.

Rob: What are you looking forward to the least about college?

Briana: College is a pretty scary step from high school. So, all together, it’s kind of nerve racking. It takes a lot of patience to deal with the long classes and the hours of studying, a lot of money to carry the financial baggage, a lot of courage in yourself to keep going and not fall out when the work gets difficult, and a lot of trust in God to stand up to professors that want to put down your faith. There isn’t exactly one thing I’m looking forward to the least, I just hope I’m ready.

Rob: What one thing could you NOT survive without?

Briana: One thing I could NOT survive without is probably my car. It has become a total necessity in my life and I could not get by without it.