Jan Ediger - Guidance Counselor
The senior class has been busy charting their future pathway for after high school. Some will go straight into the workforce while others will seek a 2 or 4 year degree. Deciding which college and which program can be a huge decision. It is never too early to start these conversations with your students.
Parents often ask me questions about college visits. When is the right time to start? We encouraged parents to take their students on college visits even as young as elementary students. A college visit does not have to be formal. It can be as simple as walking a campus together while attending a sporting event or on a vacation. You can even stop and eat lunch on most campuses either in their cafeteria or food court. Technical schools should not be overlooked in this process. Data shows that students graduating from a technical school have job offers even before graduation. Skilled labor jobs are in high demand and many of them have high wages. If your student likes to work with their hands or can’t see themself sitting at a desk job, perhaps a visit to SCC, CCC, or NCC is a great place to start. Getting your student on different campuses can open their eyes to the many possibilities.
During and after the Covid-19 shutdown, college visits began to look a little different. Most colleges are offering one-on-one visits where the tour of campus is one student and their parents or family. You can also opt for a small group visit or a “Special Day” visit. These are geared to a certain major or age group. You may schedule your formal visits in advance by going online to the college website and clicking on “schedule a visit”. There you will find a schedule to choose a date and time that fits your schedule. Oftentimes these dates fill up fast so schedule as far in advance as possible. If the college is a long distance away, you might opt for a virtual tour of the campus. Whatever you choose, it is never too early to begin the conversation of life after high school, jobs, careers, and the education/training that is needed.
As always, if you have questions please feel free to call or stop in for a visit. You may also email me at jediger@hamptonhawks.us.