Falcons fly home after summer break ends, with students coming back to a new semester of learning. The new semester as always brings about new students, classes, and challenges.

Whenever August comes, so do the graduates from high schools in the area. Steven Johnson is one of the many who just graduated, “It’s been weird, it’s my first year at college so I’m still trying to adjust to the college feel.”

He added, “It’s definitely different from high school.”

College life compared to high school life can be quite an adjustment, whether it’s the social element or the class balancing. “It can be scary. I was worried I wasn’t gonna be able to make any friends and be all alone, or that I wouldn’t be able to do well on my assignments and get lost…” Johnson remarked.

Johnson furthered about his progress in adapting, “With patience, I made sure that slowly but surely I can make sure all the things I wanted kind of come true.”

Quinn Stevens, a fellow first semester student, shared a similar experience, “It’s not that bad, there’s nothing to really be nervous about.”

However, there are some challenges that should be expected, “It’s more self sufficient, you need to be more independent when it comes to talking to people and you’ve got to be proactive. Again it’s not that bad, people are nice so you can ask people for help by walking up to them.”

Kimberly Nunez-Brandao, a second semester student, had a different outlook though for her experience. “It’s very exciting! I’m a mom of three and it’s my first time coming back to school in twenty years, I’m having a really fun time.” Nunez-Brandao stated.

Her experience has already given her some highlights, with the first week peaking her interest, “This time around versus my first time around going to college, it feels a lot more doable…I really have enjoyed my psychology class. I’ve been learning a lot about myself and it’s only been one week and a day.”

With the new and returning students, it’s common to be nervous. Despite this, the campus has opportunities for those to learn to adapt in a college environment.

“I found that Solano is very supportive of my academic journey.” Nunez-Brandao further added.