Don’t procrastinate. Get involved. Find your campus resources. This was some of the hour’s worth of advice Cranston East alumni gave seniors Friday afternoon at the library’s annual Reverse College Day event.

Hosted by Library Media Specialist Heidi Blais and School Counselor Leslie Conley, the two reached out to recent first and second year college students to see who would be interested in returning to their alma mater to share their college experiences. Graduates gave seniors helpful hints, discussed their favorite aspects about college and spoke of various ways to get involved. The event was originally held around Thanksgiving, however, many grads were traveling home for the holidays, so it was moved to January when East alumni were in the middle of winter break.

Blais and Conley held two Reverse College Day sessions in the school library on Friday with 90 seniors and roughly 40 alumni. Blais said this was the first time since the pandemic that Cranston East brought back this event; this was one of their largest turnouts yet.

While the adults in the building give students the same advice as alumni, Conley said the students listen more to their peers and their experiences. She added that you could hear a pin drop in the room on Friday and that none of the students in the two sessions had their phones out.

Blais and Conley commented on growth in maturity after one semester of college. Conley added that the school is fortunate to have students committed to East; the school is always telling students that they are still part of the community after they graduate and it’s great to see them come back and take the helpful hints and talk about the transition so seriously.

While students enjoyed hot chocolate and food in the library, graduates spoke about their experiences in groups. First were URI students, followed by out of state students, CCRI students and those at other Rhode Island schools.

Much of the advice centered on not procrastinating and finding on-campus resources to help with subjects you’re struggling with.

“The work ethic you establish now in your life is the work ethic you’re going to have as an adult and if you really want to succeed in life, you can’t do that without a good work ethic,” said Christian Mestre.

Additionally, grads told seniors to give themselves time to figure out what they want to do. They added that it’s okay to change your major and you’re not locked in to the degree you start pursuing.

“Give yourself grace through this process and through your first year of college,” said Maurice Holtzman, who’s a sophomore at Syracuse University.

Alyssa DePina, who attends CCRI, offered a similar comment.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. College is a big adjustment and it’s okay if you struggle a little bit and it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do because you really have so much time to figure that out,” said DePina.

Seniors also asked alumni questions about how student-athletes managed their time, how they beat senioritis and what prompted them to choose certain colleges.

Grads involved in football and volleyball at the college level suggested student-athletes purchase a planner and schedule out their practices, classes and when they may need to go to the library to complete work or study.

“It doesn’t matter what division you play, the school you’re going to, you’re going for school,” said Jordan Bou.

As for combating senioritis, alumni told seniors to keep their grades up and finish what they need to do. They also suggested enjoying the rest of senior year before friends all move away for their own adventures.

Some of the graduates' other tips included taking advantage of FAFSA, getting an on-campus job and effectively communicating with your roommate if there is something bothering you.