Major: Mechanical Engineering

Email: jpperezz14@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

They started out easy, but became increasingly difficult. I’d say the first semester was pretty tough, because I wasn’t used to the pace.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

General curriculum pretty difficult, not going to lie. I have a mediocre GPA. But it’s partially my fault for procrastinating. As long as you do the work you should be okay.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

I did not fully like the online experience. Going to office hours was a pain, because I had to communicate my concerns online. Tests were generally “easier”, but I had around 7 exams in one month, which was very stressful.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

I’m not sure about this. I was able to continue my on campus job online, but I don’t know what happened with other student workers. They seemed supportive, judging by the emails they sent; however, the classes were still difficult, and the fact that we were stuck inside made matters worse.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

Engineering Project Teams-competitive but rewarding. Personally I am involved in the Executive Board of Becker House Council.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

I’ll explore the town of Ithaca on occasion. A lot of people like going to parties on campus. I stay away from the frat culture because I think it’s toxic.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

Athletics are difficult to get into. I stick to a personal exercise regimen, because participating in an extracurricular sport is too demanding for my academic time.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

I work at a library. It’s fairly common. I can balance the job with academics, but I don’t have much time after that.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Visit your colleges and rule them out before you apply. Applying to more than ten schools is very taxing and not recommendable. Go after the program, its benefits, student life, and environment. And its financial aid package. Student loans are no joke! If you plan to continue graduate school after college, don’t burden yourself with a large amount of debt. Don’t chase prestige blindly. Look at the demographics. Is there diversity? Do I prefer small classes or large lecture halls? Do I know what I will major in or will I go in undecided? All of these are important factors.

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What makes your college special to you?

People are down to earth, easy to talk to. There’s diversity in every aspect: racial diversity, economic diversity, and philosophical diversity.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

I should go to office hours and study smarter, not harder.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I lived in a dorm. I recommend using an online tool to get matched up.

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 How is the financial aid situation at your college?

It varies, I guess. I’m lucky enough to have parents who are willing to pay a significant chunk of my tuition. I pay a part of it with my own money, working summer and on campus jobs. I also have some student loans. America has the most expensive colleges in the world! If you have dual citizenship in other countries, I’d recommend looking there to see if you can go to college cheaply.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

Don’t stress! People will tell you picking a college is the most important decision of your life. This is a lie. If you don’t get into the college of your dreams...another opportunity will present yourself. If you’re an ambitious and resourceful student, you can go far anywhere. And if you’re lazy and people tell you you don’t have much potential, don’t listen to them. You’ll get there. Always move forward.

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