College Playbook- Advice and Insight From First Year Students

I had the opportunity to reach out to 10 Silver Streaks athletes, who graduated from GHS in 2024. They are all finishing their first year of college. Seven of the ten continued to play a sport in college, while three did not continue playing a sport.

These 10 shared their college experiences this year. They talk about classes, time management, high/lows, advice for graduating high school seniors, and things they missed in Galesburg. 

Luke Thomas- St. Ambrose (Swimming)

How did year one go? How tough were things?

For me, freshman year was really a breeze, classes weren't too bad. I knew which ones were going to need a little extra work, and I made sure to put in that work. I usually had somewhere between 1-1.5 hours of homework, and leading up to a test, I'd study for about 10 minutes a night for a few nights.

Have you determined a major yet?

I am a management major. 

Do you have an idea of what you want to do career wise?

I plan to become a firefighter.

Any classes you took outside your major that surprised you?

I really enjoyed my theology classes. I also really liked my class on the holocaust. We spent an entire semester diving into the nooks and crannies of the entire Nazi operation that you really don't hear about.

You were on the swim team, how did the college experience differ from HS?

The length of the college season is much much longer. High school swimming is from the end of November to the end of February. So it's about 3 months. The college season is from the end of August to the beginning of March, so it's about 6 months. The kicker though is that we had at least 10 training sessions a week, (Afternoon practice Mon-Fri, Morning Swims Tue. & Thu., and lifts Mon, Wed, Fri.)

Any highs/lows competing in college?

For lows this year - The long season takes a toll on you mentally, and in swimming, you often don't perform well during the regular season since you're working so hard in practice and your body is tired. So during our dual meets, when I wouldn't swim fast, I felt like I was becoming permanently slow. For highs - I tapered really well all year long. I had all the best times at our midseason taper meet. Then when I tapered again for conference I beat all of those times again, and broke a school record in the 200 Breast (2:03.11) Then because of that swim, I got to end my season at NAIA nationals.

What do you need to do athletically this summer?

Mainly I just need to stay in shape this summer, along with continuing to get stronger through lifting. I'll be swimming 4 days a week, twice here with Coach Ray VanHootegem, and twice in the quad cities with a club team, Piranhas Swim Club.

How did you handle the demands on your time?

Find a routine/schedule, and stay on it. Be strict with it. For me, as soon as I was home from practice at about 3:45 I would start my homework right away. Me and my buddies always ate dinner at 5. So if homework wasn't done then I would finish it right after dinner. As soon as that was over, I used the rest of the day to do whatever I want, usually watching sports, or hanging out with my friends.

Advice to GHS grads headed to college?

Find your routine, it will save you time and it will save your mental health. Also, keep loving the sport you chose to do in college.

When you got back to Galesburg, was there a place you wanted to go to eat?

No restaurant in particular. For me just a good home cooked meal from mom and dad was the peak.

Alexis Edgerson- Missouri (Student)

How tough was your first year?

Most of my classes were pretty manageable, but personally I struggled with my science classes(Chemistry and Biology). I would say  during exam week I would make sure to get familiar with the topic way prior and from then on I would spend at least an hour a day on that specific subject and do the same with the others. 

Have you decided on a major?

I have decided I’m majoring in Health Sciences. 

Do you have an idea of what you want to do for a career?

I am currently on the pre-PA track in hopes to follow undergrad with PA school

Any classes outside your major that found especially interesting?

One class I took that didn’t really line up with my major was an Intro to Black Studies class that I found very interesting. 

How did you work to manage your time?

I would often have breaks in between classes, so one little thing I did to make time less of a problem was using those times to study majority of the time.

You did not play sports this year, but did you have time to workout?

I do not do any extracurriculars, but one of my favorite places at Mizzou is the Rec Center. The Rec has lots of options for working out like an outdoor lifting area, Pilates classes, and cycling classes that are cool.

What are your summer plans?

I don’t have too many plans for this summer besides working. 

What advice would you have GHS grads headed to college?

A tip I would give people is to make sure your priorities are straight. I have had talks with some friends about how important it is to get your work done before having fun. Many people get really wrapped up in going out and having fun, and grades can easily slip. It is good to have fun in college, but I think it is important to make sure school is still your priority. 

Coming back to Galesburg, where did you want to go to eat?

The first place I wanted to eat when I got back to Galesburg would have to be The Landmark or Jaliscos. 

Jackson Hillhouse- Illinois State (Student)

How tough was college?

My college classes were fairly easy. I was involved in duel credit and took classes at Sandburg all throughout high school, so coming into college I kind of had a taste of what to expect. My mindset is how much time you put in is what you get out. So I spent a lot of time studying. Roughly 3 hours each day just getting repetition in to make sure that I was prepared for the big tests or exams. 

Have you decided on a major?

I am majoring in acting with a minor in communication studies at Illinois State University. 

Do you have a career goal?

I plan to go to grad school after my time at Illinois State with my top interest being USC, to get my masters in fine arts. My goal is to become a professor and teach theatre at a university.

Did you take a course outside of your major that you found especially interesting?

I took Geology this past semester, that was very interesting. Seeing how the earth goes about, and even paying attention to the little things that make up the earth as it is. 

How did you work to handle all the time demands as a student?

To make time management work I made a very set schedule. For the weekdays: I would wake up, eat a good breakfast and go to class, after that I would go home and study for a couple hours, then go lift at night. After that, I would get ready for bed and study a little bit more. I tried to be in bed around 11pm each night. Weekends I would take time to go to events, hang with friends, just do anything but study. I found that, that schedule balanced and disciplined me very well when it came to academics. I ended up having a very strong second semester with a 4.0 GPA.

You didn’t play a sport, did you find a way to keep working out?

I would workout 6 days a week and played intramural basketball. I would always go shoot hoops with my friends or play scrimmages with kids in the gym to move around and clear my head the best way I knew how to, basketball. 

Do you have summer plans?

My plans for the summer: I am taking a 5 week long intensive acting training class in Chicago. I plan to get a summer job to make money. I plan to follow a strict lifting plan to help me gain muscle and eat healthier and enjoy time in Galesburg with my family and friends. 

What advice would you have for GHS grads headed to college?

My advice for a senior heading to college next year is to embrace the change. Other freshman are there for the first time too and they’re in the same situation as you. Change is scary, but so is being comfortable.

When you came back to Galesburg, was there a place you wanted to go?

Java Station

Riley Stevenson- St. Ambrose (Swimming)

How hard was your first year?

College classes weren't necessarily hard, it was more so the fact that I wasn't prepared for the difficulty level of them. Once I adjusted, I would end up spending anywhere from an hour to four hours a night doing homework or studying.

Have you picked a major?

I started off as exercise science but quickly switched to human performance and fitness which isn't much different, maybe a little easier.

Do you have any career plans or goals at this point?

I would like to be a swimming coach or athletic trainer as a part time job, but my main career will likely be a firefighter.

Did you take any classes outside your major that you found especially enjoyable?

I had to take circus juggling because I was down 1 credit from the 15 average, and I thought it would be terrible. I ended up really enjoying the juggling class and even picked up a badminton class as well that I found very enjoyable. At St. Ambrose you're required to take a theology class and I found that very enjoyable as well.

How did you find the challenges of competing in swimming on the collegiate level?

The college season was double the length of our high school season and the competition level was obviously higher, but it was just the right level where we're challenged, but still capable of winning. The practices were a lot different just due to different coaching ideologies and newer practices being used.

Any particular highs or lows in athletics?

My athletic highs would have to be my personal bests at our mid-season meet, qualifying for nationals as a freshman, and being on multiple team record breaking relays. Some of my lows would be the sicknesses that I battled throughout the year, but specifically during our conference training time. Mental health was another thing, I often get hard on myself as an athlete and that didn't pair well with being sick.

Do you have summer swimming plans?

During the summer we always do a big strength training program created by my dad. We focus on building general muscle as well as swim focused muscle building. I am in the pool for a great chunk of the summer swimming with my club team in the quad cities.

How did you manage the time demands?

In order to manage my time properly I would have to cram in work whenever I had free time. I would go right from class to practice every single day, and then immediately start homework when I got done with practice. After we ate dinner I would usually have a little bit of work to finish up. I always had my work done before the weekends so I could enjoy them with my friends and that mean't having to miss out on a little fun during the week.

Advice to GHS grads headed to college?

My advice is don't think it's gonna be a breeze but also don't sweat it. It's definitely not the hardest thing you'll do in your life, but it's not easy. It's really easy to get caught up in the moment because it's a new environment surrounded by all new people but that makes it easier to shape yourself into who you want to be. College is considered the best 4 years of your life, and they can certainly be that, as long as you get out there and make friends and truly try to have it be fun.

When you came back to Galesburg, any place you wanted to go?

I was most excited to come back and eat at Joy Garden again.

Nick Makwala- St. Ambrose (Wrestling)

How challenging did you find college classes? Typically much time did you spend studying?

On the challenging aspects of my college classes through the first and second semesters, I would say they varied. Since I was a freshman, the classes were mostly general requirements, like English, Bio, and Chemistry. From a broad look at the classes themselves, they are not necessarily hard classes. So the challenging aspect came from the fact that you kinda have to learn how to study for those classes. With the lecture style in college, it is less of a teacher walking you through the material, but more like she talks about the material, and you on your own have to go and learn it. So for me, that's what made it challenging, but once I learned how to study, everything became easier. Depending on each class's workload, I would spend about 2 hours a day studying. Which isn't a lot but if you think about it those 2 hours add up. So by the end of the week, I’m sitting at 10 hours of studying per week.

Have you decided what you are going to major in? If not, what options are you looking at?

Currently, I am a Nursing major, with the plan to go to graduate school after my 4 years to get my CRNA. That is the goal, but after my first year, I sometimes started to wonder if that's what I really want to do. So I’m giving myself the summer to finalize everything. Because it seems like every year just passes by faster and faster.

Do you have an idea of what career options you might choose to go into?

Yes as previously stated in the last question, I would like to be a CRNA(Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

Often colleges encourage you to take some classes in subjects outside your comfort zone. Did you take any class that surprised you as being very interesting or enjoyable?

This is true, the University encourages everyone to try something new. During my second semester, I took two interesting classes. I took a juggling class and a piano class. I appreciated the classes for what they were. They gave me an opportunity to learn new skills and I embraced them completely.

What differences were there between high school to college athletics? How did the length of your season compare? Length and intensity of practices? Competitive level?

There are many little differences between high school and college athletes. The differences between the raw physical strength level and the conditioning level are through the roof. And ultimately the competition is just better and tougher once you get to college. The length of the season is the biggest difference if you ask me. I wrestle at the NAIA level for St.Ambrose University, so our pre-season starts 2 weeks after being back for the school year. So were wrestling from late August to early March. Compared to the high school season where we wrestled from November to February. Your body really feels the extra 4 month season. The practices were tough, just like in high school, the biggest difference was they were just more“hammers” in the room. Basically, everyone is good. So there would be days where you just got beat up, but the days came when you got to beat up on some other people as well. In wrestling we call it “Iron sharpen Iron” It allows everyone to get better.

For you personally, what were some of your highs or lows as an athlete?

I would say I had a rough start, I had gotten ACL and Meniscus surgery 6 weeks before stepping foot on campus. So I had no choice but to medical redshirt. My lows were sitting in the practice room every day watching my teammates go through practice. There were so many days I just wanted to stop going to practice but I knew deep down that wasn’t the kinda teammate I was. I knew how important it was for me to be there even though I couldn’t participate. The mental battles I would fight in my head every day were truly my low moments, I would feel isolated and left out. But my teammates did a great job of always encouraging me to

keep working hard and PT and that my time would come. So when the time finally did come, I finally got to lace up my shoes again to wrestle. I felt the best I've felt as an athlete, That feeling of being able to just wrestle again was better than any medal I have gotten at a tournament.

This summer what is your plan as far as working out? Are there particular things you need to work on?

This summer my plan is to get stronger, Especially with my legs. As expected after surgery my right leg experienced some atrophy, while I have almost regained the strength I had before surgery, I want to make sure I Put on as much muscle as I can now in the off-season so when I do go into the season and I'm cutting weight, I’m still retaining a lot of strength. Of course, getting better at wrestling is always the number one objective so getting in the wrestling room

and practicing every week is the priority.

Being an athlete and a student is obviously very time-consuming. What did you do to make time management work?

I wrote my schedule on a physical calendar, That is what helped me keep track of what I was doing every day. I try my best to put in the same amount of effort in both athletics and academics, as they are both very important to me.

Advice for a senior headed to college next year?

I would say, enjoy freshman year all its highs and lows because it will come and go before you can blink. Yes, I understand that is a very classic and cliche thing to say but it's the truth. Live in the moment.

First place you wanted to go to eat when you came back to Galesburg?

The first place I wanted to go eat when I came back to Galesburg was Judy’s Family Cafe! I had seen some viral TikTok about the cafe on my for you page, so I had to check it out. It was definitely worth it too. The food was good and the service was amazing. 

Antonia Kisler- Carl Sandburg (Basketball)

How challenging did you find college classes? Typically, how much time did you spend studying?

Certain classes were definitely harder than others, like core classes, where you really needed to study for exams and quizzes. However, some classes, like elective classes, were not as rigorous. I tried to balance my load each semester with some core classes and some elective classes. Each week, I would probably spend somewhere around 10-15 hours studying and doing homework. It depended on whether I had quizzes or exams that week. 

Have you decided what you are going to major in? If not, what options are you looking at?

I have not decided what I am going to major in quite yet. I am getting an Associates in Science at Carl Sandburg, but I am unsure what major I will choose when I transfer. I thought about chemistry or biology majors. 

Do you have an idea of what career options you might choose to go into?

I do like to help people, so I was thinking of a career in the healthcare field, like physical therapy, ultrasoundtechnician, labor and delivery nurse, or radiology technician. I think I will try and shadow some of those jobs this summer to get a feel for what they are really like.

Often, college encourages you to take some classes in subjects outside your comfort zone. Did you take any class that surprised you as being very interesting or enjoyable?

There was one class that I was super nervous about when I first started, and that was speech class. I was so nervous to talk in front of people in the beginning, but it ended up being a class where I did well and enjoyed the people and the teacher. 

 

What differences were there from high school to college athletics? How did the length of your season compare? Length and intensity of practices? Competitive level?

The pace and skill level were definitely a change going from high school to college. The pace of the games got faster, and everyone was pretty good that you play. The length of the season was way longer. We start practice at the beginning of August and do not finish until the middle to end of March. The length of practice for me was about the same, but the intensity was harder. There were a lot more challenging drills. The competition is a little harder. There are a lot more tall posts and quicker guards. 

For you personally, what were some of your highs or lows as an athlete?This past season, I averaged 15.5 points per game (496 points for the season) and 8.9 rebounds per game, which is significantly higher than in high school. I also got First Team All-Conference and All-Region.

This summer, what is your plan as far as working out? Are there particular things you need to work on?

I will be lifting about five days a week, and trying to get in the gym as much as possible to shoot and work on ball handling. In July, I will be playing in some summer games with other college athletes around this part of Illinois and Iowa. There are always things that I can work on. Ball handling, shooting, agility, finishing at the rim, and defense are all things I want to get better at. 

Being an athlete and a student is obviously very time-consuming. What did you do to make time management work?

My coach was very big on staying on top of schoolwork. He implemented a study hall plan where we had to complete three hours a week in the library doing work. It honestly helped a lot because it held you accountable. You were already there, so why not do the work and not have to worry about it later on.

Advice for a senior headed to college next year?

Make the most out of your classes and get to know different people! 

First place you wanted to go to eat when you came back toGalesburg?

I did not leave for college, but I was excited when we got Jersey Mike’s and Chipotle. I have been eating at both of those places quite often.

Syriah Boyd- Tennessee State (Track)

How challenging did you find college classes? Typically, how much time did you spend studying?

College classes introduced challenges that I hadn’t faced as much in high school, especially during my 1st year. The biggest adjustments were managing newfound independence, balancing a demanding schedule, and being a full-time athlete. As a nursing student, I had to learn how to effectively manage my time and stay disciplined. Despite the challenges, I finished my first year with a 4.0 GPA. That success didn’t come easily—it required me to dedicate roughly 18–25 hours per week to studying.

Have you decided what you are going to major in? If not, what options are you looking at?

I’m a double major in Nursing and Public Health.

Do you have an idea of what career options you might choose to go into?

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Nursing, I plan to work as a Travel ICU Nurse to gain hands-on experience in different clinical environments.  After which, I will continue my education and earn my Doctorate in Nursing to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

What differences were there from high school to college athletics? How did the length of your season compare? Length and intensity of practices? Competitive level?

The transition from high school to college athletics was intense. I went from being one of the top athletes in Illinois to competing as a Division I athlete. I often raced against pro athletes and future olympians, which seemed crazy at first but became a normal part of my experience. To even be considered competitive at that level, the training had to be extremely rigorous. Also, switching from being a tri-sport athlete in high school to focusing solely on track made the season feel even longer. With both indoor and outdoor seasons, track is year-round. Practices usually lasted 2–3 hours, not including weight training. The competition, training load, and expectations were all elevated at the collegiate level.

For you personally, what were some of your highs or lows as an athlete?

Some of my highs include:

1. The relationships – I instantly fell in love with my team and have connected with so many people through track. It’s also given me moments of self-discovery, times where I continue to learn more about who Syriah really is

2 The outlet – Track gave me space to clear my mind and focus on what I love.

3 The travel – Competing at different universities and states was a rewarding experience.

As for the lows:

1 Confidence – Racing against some of the best athletes in the country, and pro athletes, at times shook my confidence. Track is one of the most mental sports, and self-doubt can creep in easily.

2 Time management – I missed out on a lot of events and moments that regular students or my friends that weren’t in sports could enjoy freely. 

3 Schedule demands – Balancing 6 a.m. weightlifting sessions, 8 a.m. labs, afternoon practices, and weekend meets was testing. Being a student-athlete truly is a full-time job. 

First place you wanted to go to eat when you came back to Galesburg? 

A homemade meal - my dad’s pot roast

Kiarra Kilgore- Missouri-Rolla (Basketball)

How demanding was college?

College classes were definitely a big step up from high school in terms of my workload & the need to study for exams. There was always something to be done. The amount of time I spent studying varies depending on the course, but I definitely had to put in a lot more hours than I did in high school. Certain classes, like chemistry, required extra effort. I had to take advantage of available resources & focus more time on understanding the material.

Do you know what you are going to major in?

I am majoring in Biology. 

Do you have any particular career ideas?

I want to be a Physical Therapist. 

Did you take any classes outside your major that you especially enjoyed?

One class that really surprised me was philosophy. It was a subject I’d never considered before, but I found it incredibly interesting. We engaged in deep discussions, analyzed arguments, and developed critical thinking skills. I really enjoyed exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics & reason. 

What were big differences in college athletics?

There were definitely some big differences between high school and college athletics. For starters, the time commitment was much greater. We had mandatory preseason workouts/open gyms that started September 1st & ran until our first official practice in early October. The season itself lasted until mid-March, and then we only had a two week break before starting our postseason workouts. Practices were typically two hours long, but the intensity & competitive level were significantly higher than what I experienced in high school.

What were some of your athletic highs?

Forming strong friendships & connections with my teammates.  Being a part of a team that went to the GLVC conference tournament. Successfully adjusting to the higher level of competition & the demands of college sports.

What are your summer athletic plans?

This summer my plan is to hit the gym hard & focus on the goals I came up with alongside my coaches. I will also be following our team's lifting and conditioning workouts to stay in shape & improve my performance.

How did you handle the time demands?

Being an athlete & a student is definitely time consuming, so time management was key. Each week I would look at my assignments and practice/lifting schedule and create a plan for when I would complete each assignment. This helped me avoid procrastination & having to stay up all night trying to finish everything.

Advice to GHS grads headed to college?

Definitely focus on time management, since you might have assignments from different classes due on the same day. Do NOT try to do it all in one night, and definitely do NOT procrastinate!! College professors are not the same as high school teachers, and the workload can pile up fast. Make the most of it, branch out and make new friends. They just might turn into your best friends.

What was first place you wanted to go when got back to Galesburg?

The first place I wanted to go eat when I got back to Galesburg was Jalisco.

Gauge Shipp- Hofstra  (Wrestling)

How challenging did you find college classes? Typically much time did you spend studying? 

At Hofstra, our academic staff as well as our athletic department takes academics very seriously. Us athletes go to a classroom designated for athletes studying 8 hours per week, to help us focus on our schoolwork. 

Have you decided what you are going to major in?  

I am a business analytics major.

Do you have an idea of what career options you might choose to go into? 

I plan on getting into the world of real estate, but undecided on the specifics of the real estate industry. I would like to eventually own my own business or firm. 

Often college encourage you take some classes in subjects outside your comfort zone. Did you take any class that surprised you as being very interesting or enjoyable? 

I had a ‘University Student-Athlete’ class with my athletic counselor teaching it, and it was all about the mentality of a successful athlete. It involved using planners correctly, how to talk to people professionally, and mental strategies to keep you focused on your goals. 

What differences were there from high school to college athletics? How did the length of your season compare? Length and intensity of practices? Competitive level?  

College is very different, and being in a high level room everyday with teammates from around the country, every practice is very competitive. My coaches do a great job of mixing up our training, but the intensity is always high. The collegiate wrestling season is much longer than highschool, and the strength of competition is unlike anything. 

For you personally, what were some of your highs or lows as an athlete? 

The first few months in college were hard. Being far away from home and not knowing anything about the area I moved to. But I adjusted pretty well and have met lots of great people in Long Island. A recent high of my athletic career was placing 4th at the U.S. U23 National Tournament, this past weekend. 

This summer what is your plan as far as working out? Are there particular things you need to work on? 

I spend most of my summer in Long Island, continuing to train. I have lots of specific small details I am wanting to work on with my coaches, and now I have from today till the fall to work on them. We also switch to more team runs, swim workouts, and lift 4 times a week. 

Being an athlete and a student is obviously very time consuming. What did you do to make time management work? 

Sometimes have to have to be boring. I have very repetitive days, of the same school, practice, workout, routine. That is just how it has to be for me. Out of everything, school and wrestling come first. 

Advice for a senior headed to college next year? 

I would say you should keep looking forward. Stay ahead, plan, and stick to it. 

First place you wanted to go to eat when you came back to Galesburg? 

Whenever I come back to Galesburg, I always head a little north to Gimpy’s on 150. I have been going there with my family and friends all through my childhood, and always see great people when I visit.

Ian Dominique, Jr- Sandburg (Student)

The college classes at sandburg, were not too hard. They were somewhat challenging, but for the most part the professors were understanding and taught well. Typically I would study a couple hours to prepare for an exam. The exams were pretty straightforward and were not made to hurt your grade. 

I have decided what I am going to major in and i concluded i would major in accounting. 

As for career options, I aspire to become a CPA. 

A class I took out my comfort zone at Sandburg was Arts Appreciation. The class was both enjoyable and interesting, it gave me a whole new perspective on art and what art is and the ideas and processes behind each masterpiece. 

In order to manage time, sacrifices would have to be made, like maybe no video games if it’s heavy work week, maybe skipping a workout at the gym or two to make sure all assignments are done, and or sacrificing time with friends and family. It can be difficult to juggle, but it is also important to make time for yourself and those around you.

I did find times to workout in-between work sessions or classes. I would go right after class or sometime later that night if I got homework done in time. I’ve definitely have had to sacrifice some sleep as well in order to keep up with my health and school. 

My plans for the summer are to workout in order to maintain proper health physically and mentally, work and make tons of money and save, and I am also taking two online classes at Sandburg. 

Advice- Don’t be afraid of college. It’s not scary, professors aren’t mean, and you’ll find and meet new people that may make a big impact on your life. Be open minded to a bit of change in your life.