Mahopac High School seniors heard real-world advice from those who sat in their seats not long ago, as recent graduates returned for the school’s annual Alumni Panel Discussion. The event, organized and facilitated each year by Mahopac’s administrator for school counseling, April Ljumic, brings back first-year college students to speak candidly about their experiences and answer questions from the current senior class.
For students preparing to make important decisions about college applications, majors and life after graduation, the timing of the panel is invaluable. The alumni shared practical insights on adjusting to new academic expectations, navigating campus life and balancing responsibilities like athletics, extracurriculars and part-time jobs.
Ljumic opened the discussion with a question about the biggest differences the alumni noticed between high school and college.
Mahopac alum Maya Moore, now attending Western New England University, reflected on the shift in academic rigor.
“One thing that was really difficult was the change in the workload,” Moore said. “Senior year was pretty easy for me, and when you go to college it is a lot different. Your professors don’t really consider your time; they just give you work. Trying to balance the workload, social life, activities and sports can be hard. I would definitely advise all of you to build good study habits now, so you’re prepared.”
Another graduate, Patrick Mahoney, a freshman at Fairfield University, offered practical advice about scholarships.
“I received almost $9,000 in Mahopac scholarships,” Mahoney said. “The person sitting next to you probably won’t apply, and that’s a free 500 bucks. If you keep racking those up, it really helps. Please apply and make sure you do it before the deadline.”
Ljumic expressed gratitude for the alumni who return each year to mentor Mahopac’s soon-to-be graduates.
“We are incredibly thankful to our alumni who take the time to come back and speak so honestly with our seniors,” she said. “Their insights come at the perfect moment, right when our students are making some of their biggest decisions. Hearing directly from peers who have just navigated the transition to college makes the experience real, relatable and incredibly meaningful.”
As seniors weigh their options and prepare for the next chapter, the wisdom shared by these young alumni serves as both reassurance and inspiration.
