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First-Year Check-In with Ava Tiscornia ’23
Christopher Starr

 
As the college visitation process and application season kick into high gear for seniors and juniors at Oak Knoll, our 2024 graduates are settling into their first semesters at the college or university of their choice. Our seasoned 2023 graduates have a full year of higher education under their belts and are veterans entering their sophomore year.

Ava Tiscornia ’23, who is now nestled among the familiar oak trees of Tulane University’s lovely campus in New Orleans, is one such alumna entering her second year. During the past summer, she interned with the technology department at Oak Knoll, and we had the opportunity to catch up on her news. We asked Tiscornia to share her wisdom as a returning student.

Q: Did you have any hesitations or fears before starting school in your first year?
 
A: This time last year, I was nervous about leaving home and heading to college. I had never been this far away from home, and I was worried that I would be homesick.
 
Q: Was it easy to make friends?
 
A: Yes! It can be scary to put yourself out there and try to meet new people as you’re also adjusting to a new place, but there are a lot of activities and ways to get involved that allow you to meet new people. Everyone is in the same boat, so everyone is just as nervous to be making friends.
 
Q: Have you chosen a major (if so, what is it?)
 
A: I have not formally declared my major, but I am currently taking business courses and will specialize in a specific business aspect, such as Marketing or Finance. A nice feature about Tulane is that all students have the ability to transfer into any school/program they want, and there is no need to apply. For example, at the start of the school year, I was in the Liberal Arts college, but I could switch to the business school after discussing it with my advisor.
 
Q: Are you involved in any activities/organizations at Tulane?
 
A: I joined a sorority in the second semester, which has given me many great connections with the girls around me. Tulane is a fairly big school, and it is nice that I found a smaller community surrounded by girls who are similar to me, uplift me, and make me feel at home. Oak Knoll was identical to this, as I became so close with my grade by the time I graduated.
 
Q: How is the college experience different from high school?
 
A: Going to college means gaining a lot more independence and responsibilities that one may not have considered beforehand. Balancing grades, social life, other extracurriculars, and, most importantly, your mental health is all on you. It sounds scary to tackle all of these things, but college is a learning experience. You find your way and groove as you adjust, so it is okay to make mistakes.
 
Q: It was a little more than one year ago when you were in the same position as our 2024 graduates — settling in for their first semester at college. What sort of advice would you give them?
 
A: My advice is not to let your nerves overcome your excitement; everything will work out.
 
Q: Looking back, how do you think Oak Knoll prepared you for Tulane?
 
A: Oak Knoll prepared me well for Tulane for many reasons, but the main one is the atmosphere and environment that OKS creates for students. A smaller learning environment was perfect for me as it allowed me to grow and become more confident in myself and, therefore, build connections with students and faculty. I felt I could speak up and ask questions as needed, which has been very beneficial in college and will be beyond that. Additionally, the rigor of classes at Oak Knoll made me feel prepared for the coursework at college, and it relieved some of my initial nerves about going to school.

We send our best wishes to Ava as she continues to groove at Tulane and embarks on her exciting sophomore year in the business school. 
 
 
 

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