At Stuart’s annual “Little Christmas” on January 4, young alumnae returned to campus for a luncheon and other festivities. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on life beyond Stuart, featuring four recent graduates: Kayla Carter, a freshman at Montclair State University; Alisha Wong, a freshman at Harvey Mudd College; Molly Missonis, a sophomore at Boston College; and Sydney Amato, a sophomore at the University of Vermont. Moderated by Dr. Muoio, the discussion provided insights into the college experience and advice for success after high school.
Dr. Muoio, sensing that current students wanted practical college tips, asked the panelists about campus features they had underappreciated during their college search. They unanimously agreed that dorm quality and dining options matter more than many realize. Kayla acknowledged she was lucky to end up with “the good ones,” but others might not be as fortunate. Molly, initially worried about missing out on Greek life, found it easy to make friends at Boston College, which doesn’t have sororities.
Sydney offered advice on handling college admissions decisions, emphasizing that “you can come to enjoy any experience if you allow yourself to.” She reassured students that “rejection is redirection” and urged them not to let a denied application define them. Kayla agreed but reminded students that it’s okay to keep parts of the admissions process private, as sharing too much can add unnecessary stress.
The panelists also discussed time management. Kayla admitted struggling to complete academic work on time, while Sydney found herself with too much free time at college. When it came to making friends, they advised students to “put yourself out there” and prioritize quality over quantity. Sydney suggested getting to know roommates before arriving on campus, and Alisha noted that unlike at Stuart, friends may not cross paths daily, so students must take the initiative to connect. The panelists encouraged students to attend as many campus events as possible, from extra help hours to game nights and “Taco Tuesday.”
Several students expressed concerns about being far from home. The alumnae agreed that distance is a personal preference, but strong friendships don’t require constant contact. Sydney added, “The distance makes the reunion so much sweeter.”
The panelists also emphasized the value of internships, networking, and utilizing campus resources like the Career Center and wellness services. Alisha shared how Harvey Mudd’s wellness center helped her navigate a difficult internship situation. Molly encouraged students to research companies before applying and to project confidence, noting that “people take you more seriously if you maintain eye contact.” She reassured students that making mistakes is okay, as long as they show adaptability.
Recognizing the weight of college decisions, the panelists reassured students that majors are “honestly super fluid.” Molly, a finance major who later added business analytics, encouraged students to pursue subjects they enjoyed in high school. Kayla, passionate about working with children, chose Montclair for its strong teaching program. They also cautioned against overcommitting to extracurriculars—Molly, who initially joined 100 clubs, advised students to focus on just a few.
On a lighter note, the panelists shared practical tips, including their laundry routines—most do it every two weeks—and the perks of scheduling classes to avoid Friday sessions.
After the discussion, students enjoyed lunch with the alumnae, making the event both insightful and engaging. Overall, “Little Christmas” at Stuart was a resounding success!
