Happy Labor Day weekend! That’s a wrap on summer vacation. We’re now just days away from the start of the school year, a time when all of us get a bit nostalgic for No. 2 pencils and square pieces of pizza. So we asked education leaders in northern Michigan if they were to do it all again—relive a year of school knowing what they know now—what would they do differently? How has being a student changed over the years? And what advice do they have for kids today?

Camille Colatosti, Provost, Interlochen Center For The Arts (pictured, left)
If you had to go back and relive a school year, which year and why? 
I would pick my senior year of high school, and I would enjoy it more. I would describe myself as an “old soul.” I worked hard in school, and, of course, had some fun. But now, if I could relive it, I would relax more, knowing that everything will work out.

What is different about your experience then from students entering that grade today?
I was in school before the internet—way, way back when. The internet and social media have changed things so much. Many of these changes are for the better. Communication is faster and more efficient. It is so easy to find information. But there is more social pressure for young people to fit in. There are lots of ways to use social media to tease, criticize, and judge. This has made it even harder to be a teen than it used to be; the bullying can be very intense, and, on social media, it can also be anonymous.

That said, there is among young people today a lot more acceptance of differences than I remember there being when I was young. Many have found their “people” and do not worry so much about fitting in. I see a level of confidence among young people that I very much admire.

Today’s young people are also a lot smarter than we were when I was that age. They have more access to information. They have a strong sense of values and understand who they are. This is beautiful to see.

What things have stayed the same?
Young people today, just like when I was young, are fun and full of promise. They have big dreams and plans to make the world a better place. I love this!

What advice would you give to yourself at that age?
I would advise my 17-year-old self to relax more and have fun. Make choices connected to your values. If you do, everything will turn out fine. Life is a journey that you will travel not exactly as expected—but, with that solid focus on your values, the journey will be a good one.

Nick Nissley, President, Northwestern Michigan College (pictured, center)
If you had to go back and relive a school year, which year and why? 
I’d want a redo of my freshman year of college. It was a train wreck! I was unprepared—academically and emotionally. As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t prepared for college, and I struggled to make it work financially. I felt alone—in Vermont, miles from home in Pennsylvania—with no family support. And I didn’t know how to connect with the college’s support resources. Simply, I floundered.

What is different about your experience then from students entering that grade today
Sadly, many first-generation college students have similar struggles today. The good news is that colleges have gotten smarter, providing resources and support for these students. Like NMC’s Commitment Scholarships, which help not only financially, but also seek to support students to successfully navigate their entry into college.

What has stayed the same?
Again, sadly, today, like my experience in 1984, the price tag of a college education remains a barrier. I took on loans, worked full-time, and struggled to fit in amidst more privileged students. Back then, I never heard of community colleges. I didn’t know such institutions existed. Community colleges are much more accessible in terms of the cost of education. They help reduce the barrier of the cost of education.

What advice would you give to yourself at that age?
Be open to the support of caring adults: teachers, coaches, and all the support resources of a college—counselors, tutors, success coaches. There are so many people who are there to help you, who are committed to your success. Seek them out and accept their “hand up” offer. 

Patrick Lamb, Assistant Superintendent Of Career & Technical Education, Northwest Education Services (pictured, right)
If you had to go back and relive a school year, which year and why? 
I would pick my senior year in high school. At the time, I wanted it to go fast so I could graduate and move on to college. If I could do it again, I would slow the year down and truly enjoy all aspects of high school. My high school experience was a wonderful time in my life, and if I was able to relive any of it, I would savor my friendships, teachers, and athletic teams that I participated on.

What is different about your experience then from students entering that grade today?
Technology and cell phones. I remember fighting with my brothers to get time to talk with friends on the landline, hoping for just a bit of privacy away from other family members to talk on the phone. I also remember passing many notes in between classes with friends, instead of texting or using social media apps like Snapchat.

What has stayed the same?
I like to think friendships and relationships stay the same. They look different at times, but the personal contact between friends and groups seems so very important today. This seemed to hold true during COVID and quarantining, when it was clear students missed their friends and relationships they had at school. Even with the technology that is available out there, the desire for face-to-face interactions and to build personal connections and community with others has not changed.

What advice would you give to yourself at that age?
I would advise myself to slow down, enjoy the times, friends, and memories. Try not to stress about things you have no control over. Seek out mutual positive relationships, where you value and care about your friends and they do the same. Worry less about impressing others and more about enjoying true friends and family.