How did you prepare yourself for high school and/or college? How did you overcome the challenges of maybe being the first one in your family to get a post-secondary (or college) education?

As a senior at my high school, we are required to design a senior project that involves getting involved with the community, challenging yourself, and working outside of your comfort zone. For my senior project, I have been researching the questions I posed above, and more!

To help me answer these questions, I work with a small group of 8th graders to discuss how important continuing their education is, and to remind them it is never to early to start thinking about college. For one activity, I brought over a four year planner that high schoolers use to plan out the classes that they plan to take over the course of their high school years. The students absolutely loved this! They really got the chance to see that their education is right in front of them, they have the choice to embrace their future. They are prepared now to take advantage and plan for all the classes they need to prepare for college.

Now, I am lucky enough to participate and be influenced by many people here at the Center for College Planning. I gained what I need to know so I can get ready and apply to college. I am just amazed what a difference it has made with me – that’s why I picked the senior project I did - I wanted to share what I’ve learned with others. (Remember, you too can call the Center for College Planning team at 888.7.GRADUATE, x119 for help too!)

I have asked my group of students if they have had much exposure to the college planning process and got some positive feedback. But now I ask you: Did you have this type of opportunity, help, and resources when you were preparing for college? Was the college planning process difficult for you? Do you think anything would have changed if you were more prepared for college? Post your answers here!  It’s the little things you learn along the way that make all the difference.

Asking the questions,

Lauryn