Five Stuart Hall alumni returned to the Pine and Octavia campus this morning to speak with the current student body about issues relating to college life.

The panel gave specific advice on how to succeed with standardized tests and the navigation of the college process, shedding light on how to manage roommates, course loads, and work-life balance in college.

“It taught me a lot about what to expect as I start the college process and go into junior and senior year,” Andre Restauro ’18 said. “I found their advice insightful and it changed my perspective on the future.”

The panel answered questions from the community as well as College Counseling Director Cesar Guerrero, and they added their own anecdotes. Charlie O’Connell ’16, who attends Colgate University, encouraged students to get involved and take ownership of their time at Stuart Hall.

“This community will give a lot back,” O’Connell said. “All you have to do it invest in it.”

The graduates shared their perspectives on issues that they face in college such as staying motivated and focused on succeeding in school.

“I took out loans to go to college so that I can get a degree and get a job,” Julian Moreno ‘16 said. “So if I choose to not show up to class, I am just not doing my job.”

The panelists ended the session by sharing some advice with the students.

“This is going to sound really San Francisco-y,” O’Connell said, “but everything will work out all right.”