The Guidance Department at Trenton High School hosted their annual “college experience” forum today in one of North Central Missouri College’s newest buildings, Cross Hall. Every year at the end of first semester, the previous year’s high school graduates come to speak to the current seniors about college life and what to expect. This year I, along with several of my classmates, had the opportunity to come speak to the Senior Class of 2012.
This time last year I was on the other side of the equation. I was one in the sea of seniors anticipating the end of my last fall semester at Trenton High School. College was coming, but it was far in the future. There was time to worry about that later, for now I’d look forward to my last FFA contest season, banquet, and then graduation.
It wasn't too long after Christmas break that I realized the inevitable was approaching. Soon life as I knew it would end, and I would be introduced to a whole new world. With that realization came a flood of anxiety and stress, all while balancing a heavy load of classes and FFA responsibilities. I wish I could have comprehended then I what I know now. But I suppose that is all just part of the senior year experience.
A sea of ugly sweaters blinded me today as I sat like a bug under a microscope. Being on the other side of the equation I could see how far I've come since this time last year. It was an eye-opening experience, lately I've only been able to see how much further I have yet to go.
With only an hour, not everything could possibly be said during our time together. Here are a few tips for high school seniors from the perspective of someone who remembers sitting in their seat not long ago.
- Don’t underestimate the power of extracurricular organizations and keep involved in them. Through involvement in organizations you have the ability to meet many students, many of whom you will be around in college and in your future career. I was amazed at how many people I already knew when I got to college! Many of my best friends I had met through FFA, lost contact with, and then reconnected with those first few weeks of school.
- Don’t slack off! Senioritis is so easy to get, and I’ll admit I caught it too. Keep on keeping on and you won’t regret it.
- Scholarships! Apply for as many as you can. Christmas break is the perfect time to do this. Use scholarship search engines, listen to the radio and look at the websites of organizations you are apart of to find opportunities for financial aid. Organize potential scholarships, fill out applications, count how many transcripts you’ll need and make a list of who you’ll need letters of recommendation from. It can be a bit overwhelming so be sure to stay organized.
- If at all possible, finalize your college plans and make an appointment to meet with your program chair. They can give you great advice on what to be doing this summer, and it’s nice to have a friendly face in the faculty once you get to school.
- Think about taking summer classes. You might be able to take care of a general requirement that would be much easier to do in a smaller class. Be careful to check to see if they will transfer, though!
- Plan a great last shebang with your family and friends for graduation. Be sure to take lots of pictures!
- Be prepared and proactive, but don’t stress out too much. Enjoy your senior year because you’ll never get it back.
- It’s ok to be nervous, it’d be unnatural if you weren’t. Even though it’s easier said than done, know everything will all work out. Because it will, one way or the other and for everything there is a reason.
- Most importantly, remember who you are, what you’re out to do, and keep the people important to you close.
Graduating high school is one of those important milestones in life, and entering college is another. With two significant events so close together, it is sure to be a rocky road. Even so, you will make it and you'll be stronger through it, so get your walking shoes on and prepare for the journey!
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