On December 19th, the Schuler Family Foundation held its 2nd annual Homecoming College Panel. The event, held at Waukegan High School, was tailored to spur discussion between scholars currently enrolled in college and high school scholars.

College scholars led small group discussions answering a myriad of questions about college life including where to apply, what it’s like to live away from home and live in a dorm with a roommate, and what it takes to succeed academically and socially.

Diana Arizmendi, a freshmen at Loyola University, expressed her delight at coming back to her hometown to mentor younger scholars. “The Schuler Foundation offered me a great opportunity, and I love coming back to give advice or just answer any questions high school students have. I remember what it was like.”

The event began in 2005 to encourage college scholars to give back to the Schuler community and become personal resources for high school scholars currently going through the college decision making process.

Jessica Knox, a senior at the University of Southern California, told students to think big and look beyond schools just in Illinois. “Of course it is scary to go so far away, but if you give it your best shot, college becomes your new home.”

Commenting on the impact of the evening, Eric Flores, a high school junior said, “A lot has changed from what I previously thought. This has definitely opened my eyes.”