On January 10, 2013, former Dimond graduates took time and visited their former high school to share tips about life after Dimond. Dimond graduate Abbey Pacolt said, “Honestly going to college, I had no idea what I was getting into.” So she took a class in college that was taught by a college advisor and said, “it teaches you everything that you’re stressed out about.” In answer to the question, ‘What were major challenges in college?’ Pacolt said, “Making deadlines. I never had a late assignment, but it was hard to go to work, and to go to school, and to do training outside and get homework done when it’s due because you can’t turn in late assignments. At all.” “In high school, everything is just given to you and it’s up to you to do it. In college, it’s told to you and you can do what you want with it. You’re not babied in college,” Pacolt said. “What I most liked in college was the freedom. My advice to high schoolers now would be to know what you want to do because taking classes that doesn’t pertain to you, I think is pointless,” said Pacolt. Dimond graduate Nickalaus Collins said, “I think I was very prepared for college. I feel like Dimond has definitely prepared me. I knew where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. “I am attending the University of New England in Biddleford, Maine. It’s quite a way , but the transition for that, being away from family was hard, but we kept in contact through Skype and mailing. That was a bit of a shock,” Collins said. “You sit in your room with another person (roommate) and you can go mad if you just stare at the walls. So definitely find things to do around campus. Don’t just try and lock yourself in because you will go crazy,” he said Collins is satisfied with his choices of the University of New England. “I am very happy with my college, but I dislike their wifi because it’s slower than Christmas,” he said “I am very happy with the opportunities that are not offered at any other college. I had lunch with the Board of Trustees, which was amazing for a first year. I think it’s great that they really care about the students and their progress,” Collins said. So does he have advice for Dimond students? “My advice would be to take a deep breath and remain calm because it’s not easy and it’s stressful and there are things you need to take into account, like the workload. You may have an hour class three times a week, but you have to set aside extra time just to get the grade you want. Definitely work on time management because it’s a big issue,” Collins said. Peter Bentley, another Dimond grad, said, “ I was not prepared right out of high school to go to college. I need a jumpstart in my life. I needed structure, discipline and a direction to go, that’s why I chose the military route. “After I get out of the Marine Corps., I’m going to UAA and studying International Studies and going into diplomatic security,” he said. “Work hard now because you don’t want to look back and wish you worked harder in high school. If you’re lacking self discipline, self confidence, structure, stuff like that, I would definitely recommend the military route if they are interested. “I’ve traveled all over the world, I’ve seen and done stuff that would shock you and make you say that that is the most amazing thing in the world. I’ve gained so much life experience in the military it’s not even funny,” said Bentley. Whether deciding on a college or the military route, students need to prepare themselves by working hard in school because high school doesn’t last forever.