Major: Early Childhood & Elementary Education, History

Email: nataliecasale98@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? 

Shen definitely prepared me for the workload of college classes. The classes I took my first year were fairly easy, but as the workload increased I found it was still manageable due to the challenging classes I took at Shen. The class sizes at Hofstra are also very similar to Shen, there are not usually more than 30 students in one class so it is easy to connect with each of your classmates as well as the professor.

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

The education program at Hofstra is amazing. The class sizes are very small which makes it easy to have a personal connection with each of your professors and classmates. You also get a lot of experience observing and teaching in a variety of classrooms before student teaching. The other programs at Hofstra are also great and every professor is more than happy to meet with you during office hours to help with any questions you have.

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

My online learning experience was as positive as it could have been. Each of my professors were understanding and very flexible with deadlines. A couple of my professors decreased the amount of work they expected from us given the circumstances and emailed us each week asking how we were doing in addition to speaking with us individually during Zoom classes.

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

Classes were cancelled the week before spring break and Hofstra hoped to bring us back after the break. However, during spring break we received an email where we were told to move out within a couple of days which caused problems for many students, including those who live across the country. International students as well as any other student with special circumstances were allowed to stay on campus if they could not get back home. Communication from Hofstra did get better as time went on and they now have a website devoted to how they plan to proceed for Fall 2020.

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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?

There are not any education concentrated clubs, but Hofstra has so many clubs it is easy to find one that is right for you. When I came to Hofstra I wanted to add a dance minor, but since the education program is so demanding I could not add one. I am so happy that I was able to join two of the dance clubs on campus, Danceworks and Rhythmix, so I could keep dance in my life. I definitely recommend joining one or more clubs since the clubs at Hofstra have made my college experience so much more enjoyable. It is also very easy to start your own club so if you do not find a club that is right for you I recommend starting one of your own!

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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?

A lot of students do commute back home for the weekend so there are not as many students on campus. However, there are many things to do on campus including Hofstra sports games, clubs, movie nights, and free trips into NYC (END trips) for first-year students. It is also very common for students to go to the beach or to NYC for the day since both are less than thirty minutes from campus.

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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 did not have a job during the school year, but it is very common for students to have on-campus jobs. Several people I know love working as an RA or tour guide.

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Extra Questions

 

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

I went to one of the open houses specifically for education majors which was very helpful. I would recommend attending an open house specifically for what you are interested in so you can learn about the program and meet people who are in the program currently.

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What makes your college special to you?

Definitely the community. Everyone at Hofstra is very nice and welcoming and there are so many clubs that allow you to find your place in the community. You also feel very supported by all of the faculty and advisors who want to help you succeed in every way possible.

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

I wish I knew people with the same major as me going into college so I could have talked with them about the program. If you are thinking about coming to Hofstra and/or majoring in education please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

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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?

Housing at Hofstra consists of suite style living as well as the traditional single, double, or triple dorm room in the high rises. I recommend finding the accepted students Facebook group or going to accepted students day to find a roommate. For most people I know, random has not worked out well so it would be very helpful to find a roommate to dorm with instead of going random.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

Hofstra offers a generous amount of money for scholarships upon admission.

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