Graduate Grant Gilden started his freshman year at James Madison University in August. Thus far, Gilden seems to have made a positive transition.

Q: How was the transition from high school to college?

A: “Well, in college, it is very different because instead of having to stay in school for seven hours you now go to class for thirty minutes to an hour. Then you won’t have another class for another four hours.”

Q: What, do you think, is the hardest thing about college?

A: “I think the hardest thing is having to leave your family behind. My mom isn’t there to cook and clean for me anymore so I have to do it all by myself.”

Q: In what ways do you think high school helped you prepare for college?

A: “I think not only AP classes helped me out because they were higher level and more like real college classes. Also, all of the teachers, they help you get ready for a heavier work load.”

Q: What advice would you give to the seniors this year?

A: “Make sure not to take senior year for granted. It’s supposed to be a lot of fun, so don’t get caught up on things that won’t matter in less than a year.”