As college application season is around the corner, various post-high school opportunities ring at Glen A. Wilson High School (GAWHS)’s door.
On Oct. 5th, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the United States Army (U.S. Army) held workshops in the media center and near the lunch shelter. This is the first time in two-and-a-half years that in-person college and career visits came back to GAWHS campus. These events seek to help students of all grade levels to explore and plan for life after high school.
Both workshops consisted of live interactions with UCSB or U.S. Army representatives that provided direct personal insights into their respective programs. And with a consistent attendance rate, it turns out that many students enjoy these events.
“Every presentation has had anywhere from 10-15 students,” Guidance Counselor Ms. Ortega comments. “[And] Today’s presentation with UCSB had 97 students!”
Beyond its popular turnout, the satisfaction with the quality of UCSB’s workshop is also overwhelming. According to attendee Erin Shin (10), UCSB’s presentation was especially unique and beneficial.
“Compared to other popular universities in the University of California (UC) system, UCSB’s [workshop] really helped me understand the admission process and know what [admission officers] look for in applicants,” Shin recalls. “I look forward to more college and career-related workshops like this!”
Other than the common route of pursuing a regular college education after high school, U.S. Army recruiters introduce GAWHS students to the lesser-known Army reserve and Reserve Officers’ Training Program (ROTC) options, which both allow students to earn a government-funded college degree while serving their country.
“[The] army offers [to cover] full tuition, rent, food, books, and supply cost,” Sergeant Shin explains. “[And] we have over 150 career fields for students to choose from.”
An anonymous student visitor to the U.S. Army booth shares his experience speaking to the recruiters.
“[I] learned more about the Army and its [diverse] options,” the student remarks. “[It looks] like [I will] have fun in the Army and [be able to] pay for my education.”
While UCSB and U.S. Army’s workshops come to an end, UC Irvine, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Cal State Fullerton lineup to fill the week of Oct. 10th, bringing more options to consider.
