Mount St. Dominic Grads Come Home to Share College Realities

The January 2025 Alumnae Panel at Mount St. Dominic Academy was more than just an event—it was a heartfelt reunion, an eye-opening reality check, and a practical roadmap for college success. This week, members of the MSDA Class of 2024 returned to campus to engage in a lively and enlightening conversation with the Senior and Junior classes. Sharing their first-semester college experiences, they offered advice on everything from navigating dorm life to choosing the right college, giving current Mount students an authentic glimpse into what lies ahead and the tools to tackle it with confidence.

“It was so wonderful to welcome back our most recent graduating class during their winter break to share their experiences, advice and words of encouragement, as first-year college students, to inspire current Mount Juniors and Seniors for their journey ahead,” said Director of Alumnae Relations, Jenna Villani.

College Surprises: Setting Boundaries and Adjusting Expectations

One of the key lessons shared was the importance of setting roommate boundaries. Alyssa Russo, now at the University of South Carolina, shared that it’s OK not to be best friends with your roommate and suggested setting clear expectations early on. This echoed across the panel, highlighting the challenge of cohabitating with strangers and the need for open communication.

Meanwhile, Emily Mokris, attending Marquette University in Wisconsin, confessed her surprise at managing basic tasks. “Finding time to eat, sleep, or even do laundry isn’t as simple as it sounds,” she said. Her solution? Establishing a routine and sticking to it, a piece of advice that resonated with everyone.

Clubs, Time Management, and the Myth of “Free Time”

Several panelists emphasized the paradox of “free time” in college. Sara Tortoriello, at the University of Richmond, admitted, “It feels like you have so much free time until classes pick up—then you realize you don’t.” Ava Ciaro who participates in D1 Rowing at Sacred Heart University found joining the team to be essential for structuring her day. "Being part of activities forces you to manage your time better," she noted. It also helped her to make friends with common interests.

College Fit: Trusting Your Gut

When asked how they knew their college was the right fit, the panelists shared diverse paths to decision-making. Natalie Steele, at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, was hesitant about the school’s size until she visited the campus. “I realized it felt smaller than I expected,” she said. Lauren Bowling, at Fairfield University, discovered her fit by process of elimination. “I kept coming back to Fairfield—it just felt like home.”

"Our goal at the Mount is to make sure every student finds the right college fit and feels prepared for what’s next. Hearing directly from our alumnae makes that process real and relatable for our current students,” said Director of School and College Counseling Pauline Condon.

Homesickness: A Shared but Silent Struggle

The panelists agreed that homesickness is real but not often talked about. “You can love your school and still miss home,” said Sophia Raso, also at Fairfield. For Molly Schweitzer, attending Juniata College, the hardest part was missing friends. “I didn’t realize how much time I spent with my friends until I wasn’t with them anymore,” she said. Elle Zlatanovska, who attends Scranton University, said that it’s “OK to miss your old life, but it’s also a beautiful thing to realize that it was your old life, and that you’re stepping into a brand new chapter and taste of adulthood.”

To combat homesickness, panelists suggested regular check-ins with family and creating familiar routines. Alyssa encouraged others to embrace their emotions: “Missing home doesn’t mean you don’t belong at your school.”

Dorm Must-Haves and College Culture Shocks

The discussion also touched on practical advice, like dorm essentials. From a thick mattress topper to a sturdy ottoman, the alumnae shared tips for making dorm life more comfortable. Alyssa shared a lighthearted story about adapting to Southern culture at South Carolina: “Walking to class and seeing cowboy boots everywhere? Definitely different, but I love it.”

Preparedness from the Mount

The alumnae credited Mount St. Dominic Academy for preparing them to thrive in college. “The Mount taught me to use my voice,” said Natalie. “I’m not afraid to participate in class or approach professors.” Their strong foundation in time management and self-advocacy helped them tackle college's academic and social challenges.

A Look Ahead

As the panel concluded, the room buzzed with questions, laughter, and gratitude. The honesty and insight shared by these alumnae offered invaluable guidance to the Mount’s current students, proving that the bonds formed at the Mount endure far beyond graduation.

"Our alumnae are living proof that the Mount prepares young women to thrive in college and beyond. Their stories inspire our students to embrace challenges with confidence and determination,” said Mount St. Dominic Academy Principal Karen D’Avino.

The Mount’s Alumnae Panel was more than a conversation; it was a testament to MSDA’s commitment to fostering resilient, confident women ready to face the future head-on.