Near and Far: Ferndale High Schoolers Head to College

Parents know that students and shopping are two things that go hand-in-hand, but there is one thing that parents (and maybe some students) don’t really enjoy shopping for: colleges.

College is one of life’s most expensive, most difficult purchases and yet one of the most important. The following three grads give their perspective on their out-of-state, in-state and local schools, and offer advice to students who have some difficult shopping to do in the future.

Going to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The term "out of state" can raise a few red flags in students’ minds, and their parents’ wallets. Going to school out of state poses numerous issues that a student wouldn’t have to deal with if he or she were staying in state. Jordan Haines is privy to the challenges that accompany leaving the nest. Haines, who graduated first in his Ferndale High School 2011 class, is heading off to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall to study computer science, business and economics. 

One can imagine the stress packing for college out of state might cause, but Haines feels that more than anything, it’s financial stress. “Plane tickets for holidays and breaks are expensive, and so is tuition, obviously," he said. "My mom is sad that I am going and my dad is sad that it costs so much."

Always seeking a challenge, Haines is not worried about going somewhere completely new to him. More than anything he shares a common anxiety with other students: the fear of being overwhelmed by rigorous university courses, large lecture halls and a lot of homework. 

Leaving Michigan has its own set of problems built in, but it’s vital for students to not limit themselves. “Get a loan, take the SAT, know what you want and go out and get it," Haines said.

Going to: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Referred as the “Harvard of the Midwest,” the University of Michigan is a gem for Michigan. Arturo Vidales-Woods is going into architecture and mathematics, and chose U-M for its affordable and prestigious program. “I looked into out of state,” he said. “But most of those options were too costly.” 

Like many other Michiganders, Vidales-Woods wanted to go out of state to experience new things and live a different way of life. He feels like he might be a little too close to his parents for comfort. “They are pretty happy about me being close because they can come visit me whenever they want to – even if I don’t want them to," he said.

Many students feel a sense of ease by staying in state. If something were to happen, or even if a student's laundry load was too much, home is only a few hours away, he said. This ease is usually reflected on the parents’ pocket books. 

Regardless of where a student goes, there are always nerves that accompany the college journey. 

“I am nervous about making new friends and doing well in school," he said. "I need to learn how to balance work and fun. It will also be pretty nerve-wracking to live with someone completely new.” 

Vidales-Woods said it’s important for students to keep a very open mind when it comes down to living with their new roomies. A roommate may have a different perspective than you, and even different habits than you, but that doesn’t make them wrong. Be patient and accepting, he said.

Going to: Wayne State University 

When considering colleges, one thing that is commonly overlooked is the many good universities we have in our own back yard. Logan Greig was editor-in-chief of the Ferndale High School Eagle and president of Ferndale’s Student Enterprise Theater troupe. An avid history buff, Greig is attending Wayne State University because of her love for the city of Detroit. 

“It was my home for 14 years before I moved to Ferndale," she said. "The sense of community down in Midtown is so creative, and I’ve been around it since I was a kid. It’s really about the atmosphere.” 

In preparation for school, Greig is taking full advantage of the fact that her university is close by. She has been hanging around on campus to get a better feel for it and has even started building bonds with her counselor, which will come in handy in the years to come. 

Greig, like many Metro Detroiters, has opted to stay home for a period of time while attending classes at WSU. She has been working at a local restaurant to save up some money for her own place. 

“I have mixed feelings about staying home,” she said. “I am afraid that staying home will make me miss out on experiences that a freshmen gets while living on campus. I am kind of sad about that, but I am excited to move downtown and live in a city I love with people that I love.”

However, college is an individual's choice. Heading off to school is a time for young adults to take the reigns in their own lives and make their own decisions.

“Do what you want,” Greig advised. “This is ultimately building your life, your career. Don’t study anything or go anywhere to make your parents happy or your friends happy. Go where you want to go and study what you want to study and you will be happy.”