2019 Sparta Graduates Share College Stories and Advice for Future Students

Written By: Emma McNamara

Since it’s opening in 1959, Sparta High School has witnessed thousands of students come and go. Within their four years of high school, teenagers are fixated on their work, clubs, and school-related events, but what happens after graduation? Five graduates from the Class of 2019 were able to share their post-high school experiences thus far.


Each of the following former SHS students chose to seek further education from colleges and universities:

*Sylvia Kloian studies Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Communications at the University of California Davis.
*Juleanna Green is a theater major at James Madison University.
*Will Theilacker is studying Animal and Veterinary Services at Clemson.
*Jenson Scott attends the University of New Hampshire, studying Business ADMN/Entrepreneurship.
*Stephanie Downes is studying Nursing at the University of Connecticut.

When asked about their best college experiences this year, some students had similar stories. Juleanna Green shares, “My best experience in college so far has been meeting and getting to work with a lot of wonderful people, especially the people in my major who I have had the chance to work closely with as we all navigate our educational and career path.” Green’s appreciation for her new acquaintances at JMU is something many college students expect and look forward to. “Having shared experiences really shapes your relationships with the people you meet, and I have loved watching my new friendships blossom as I have shared more and more experiences with those around me,” Green adds. 

Regarding her own best experience, Sylvia Kloian states, “It’s definitely been meeting new people. It’s so awesome to meet someone and just click with them. Almost everyone is so nice and willing to talk to anyone.” Stephanie Downes, former member of Sparta High School’s Shacapella, says “My best experience in college so far has been joining an a cappella group! It’s given me a chance to do what I love and meet some of my best friends at the same time.” Both students express a high degree of positivity regarding their opportunity to meet new people and to discover more each day! 

Forming new friendships is a common theme amongst these students, and Jenson Scott is no exception. Scott says his best time yet was “when I first rushed for my fraternity Sigma Chi. I never thought I would have even considered fraternity life, but after introductions to a small man named Turbo and an absolutely ginormous man named Sunshine, I was in.” While new experiences often involve meeting memorable people, the opportunities themselves are worthwhile too. 

This speaks true for Will Theilacker, who shares “My best experience was getting to train a year-old cow last semester!”

The wonderful memories these students have made over the past year have truly been ones to remember. Although college life may be exactly what they wanted, at some point everyone had an unexpected experience that was less than stellar. It’s no secret that not far into 2020, a pandemic began, sending home students from everywhere in order to keep families quarantined and safe. This meant a critical year of adjustment and learning was cut short for the freshmen. “It goes without being said that my worst part of college would have to be losing the second half of my freshman year. Although many have it far worse than I do, it’s still been a lot to process,” Scott reflects. 

Similarly, Green elaborates: “My worst college experience so far is definitely the fact that COVID-19 caused a show I was supposed to work on to get cancelled– it wasn't a regular 'college experience,' to have something cancelled like this, but it was still heartbreaking to not be able to do something I love with people I love in a place I love,” she explains, “I know a lot of students, no matter their grade or school or major, are having these same experiences, but I also know that the fact that everyone is going through this does not make it any easier.” 

Downes, on the other hand, reveals that her “worst experience in college so far was surprisingly the first week or two after move-in. Adjusting to a brand new environment with all new people can be so scary and lonely, but I promise it gets better!” These words are reassuring for any incoming college students worried about their own initial move!

Soon-to-be college goers will be delighted to know that common misconceptions describe college classes as more difficult and college professors as more tough. While that may be true in some cases, these SHS grads were relieved to have opposite experiences. Kloian mentions “I was honestly super intimidated by the workload and academic caliber of my classes, but it turned out to not be much worse than the classes I took in high school. If you really apply yourself in high school, you should be pretty well prepared for college!” 

Likewise, Downes expresses not expecting “how accommodating some of the professors can be! In high school I feel like we’re always told how strict our college professors can be, but all of my professors so far have been super helpful and they really want you to succeed!” Theilacker agrees, revealing that he “wasn’t expecting how eager professors are to help you succeed. They were always made out to be so ruthless by high school teacher’s descriptions.” 

Scott gives more insight into encounters at college she couldn’t have expected. “I wasn’t expecting all of the incredible characters I’ve met so far at UNH nor how simple (and random) meeting them would be.  For instance, had it not been for a class scheduling hiccup, I would have never met my rather large German friend Konstantin who plays D-1 football and has an entire foot of height over me. Nor would I have met one of my most loyal friends affectionately known as Tan Tan. It’s remarkable the range of people you’ll meet in such a short amount of time.”

Each of these young adults have had quite an interesting freshman year. Through their recent adventures, they were able to compile advice for incoming students wishing to follow a similar path. Downes encourages “the seniors at SHS to not be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved in stuff that you’re passionate about whether it’s music, volunteer work, or athletics. Not only will it feel good to be involved on campus doing something that you love, but it’ll also give you the opportunity to meet people with the same interests as you.” Scott says, “To the current seniors: I want to thank you guys for proving to all of us seniors of last year that it can in fact be even worse than we had it. Though things are tough right now, your future is open. College is a new world of opportunity that gives you platforms to create whatever image you wish to portray yourself as. This is your chapter to write. Make the most of it.” Theilacker simply states, “My advice would be to take advantage of as many new experiences as you can at college, and try new things!” Kloian advises “if you can choose your roommates, make sure you have compatible living styles as well as similar interests. And don’t just text people; I’d strongly suggest FaceTiming them before deciding to be roommates. Even if you like them over text, they might be very different face-to-face.” Lastly, Green voices that “[her] advice for current seniors is two-fold: first, be open to anything! You never know how talking to a professor may create new opportunities for you, or how going to an event or talking to someone new may shape your experience! In short, be open to any new ideas, people, or experiences, because you never know how much you'll be able to learn and grow. Secondly, and, in my opinion, most importantly, follow your heart! Do what YOU want to do to make your time in college the experience that you want it to be. Whether this means your major, your extracurricular activities, or anything in between, always remember that these years are for you to discover who you are and who you want to be!”

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