Life After Vassar
This segment is a series of questions answered by recent Vassar graduates of color. They have been asked a series of questions, concerning how their lives have changed since they have graduated from Vassar as well as suggestions for current students who are considering where and how they will continue their journey after graduation.
Special Thanks to: Marivel Oropeza ‘99 and Joel Santana ‘06
Before you graduated from Vassar, was there any particular direction you were sure your life would be headed? How has this changed?
When I first started at Vassar, I thought I would study History and go on to Law School. I ended up majoring in Political Science and am currently in the field of Higher Education.
- Marivel Oropeza ‘99
I always knew I was going to Grad School directly after Vassar, I just wasn’t sure what I would take. Being at Vassar allowed me to refine my search and think more in a global perspective.
- Joel Santana ‘06
After graduation, what Vassar experiences – academic, social, leadership – prepared you for your current endeavors?
The entire Vassar experience has prepared me for many of my professional endeavors. However, I think that mostly what I took away from my Vassar education were very basic skills. The skills I honed at Vassar that have most helped me are the ability to read and think critically, write clearly, and speak effectively and confidently.
- Marivel Oropeza ‘99
Studying French and Latin American & Latino/a Studies, as well as studying in France and China allowed me to appreciate and understand different cultures, people, ways of thinking, and most importantly the varied avenues in which people perceive themselves in relation to one another.
- Joel Santana ‘06
What was your greatest fear about graduating from Vassar?
I loved Vassar College. By the time I was a senior, I was afraid of leaving the comfort of all that is Vassar. I grew accustomed to my peers and surroundings. The summer after graduation, most of my Vassar friends and I experienced the “post-Vassar�? blues. Fortunately, that eventually passed and I can now just remember my time at VC as some of the best years of my life.
- Marivel Oropeza ‘99
Not getting into Graduate School because I had no back-up plans. And running into Vassar people who you wish you’d rather not...ever. lol.
- Joel Santana ‘06
Is there something you would have done differently at Vassar in order to prepare you for the real world? Any advice for current students?
Yes. I would have tried to learn more, take more courses, have better study skills, join more extra-curricular activities, build better relationships with more professors, and cherish the experience more. I would have possibly double majored in math or philosophy in addition to political science. I would have sought more help from professors, peers, tutors. I was a top student in high school and was afraid to seek help at Vassar because I thought that I should be able to handle the work on my own. I now tell students that getting help is for EVERYONE in college.
- Marivel Oropeza ‘99
I’m NOT in the real world-lol. Advice? Avoid it by all costs for as long as possible!!!
However, on a serious note, take advantage of the resources at Vassar. As much as we tend to knock it, we really are spoiled, I mean..."privileged."
- Joel Santana ‘06