Have you been searching for an opportunity to tour college campuses, learn more about what it means to be in college, what colleges are looking for, or explore different careers? At the Sam Barlow College and Career Center, they have provided ways to answer these questions through field trips.
It is beneficial for students to have the opportunity to tour college campuses to find out what they are looking for in a school. It can help with finding the size of school you want, the amenities on campus, and the boarding available. “When you go on a career or college field trip, you get the benefit of experiencing the “vibe” of the place,” Midge Collins mentioned, “You can walk into a dorm room or office and imagine yourself in the space, you smell the aromas wafting from the cafeteria or local restaurants, determine how many Dutch Bros. are within walking distance, observe people who are working or going to school in this space, are they smiling or do they seem sad? Are people helpful and kind? Or do they seem too stressed to acknowledge you?”
If you are unable or uninterested in taking a field trip or tour, there are other options available. The college and career center has established 18 opportunities for you to get more information about potential colleges you would want to attend. Instead of going to visit a college, Mrs. Molony has worked to bring the colleges to you. “Every year I bring colleges to Barlow, in an hour-long visit with that particular school in the library, and any student is able to attend,” Mrs. Molony explains. “It’s where the college rep comes here and usually shows a presentation, like a tour of their school, and they answer any questions you have.” This is a great resource for students interested in a particular college that they potentially wouldn’t be able to travel to.
The staff in the College and Career Center, Mrs. Molony and Mrs. Collins, are hard at work to provide insight and resources for students and their futures. A big way they communicate information about college visits and field trips is their monthly newsletter, which can be found in students’ and parents’ emails, as well as on the Sam Barlow website. Mrs. Collins shares, “If you are interested in a college or career field, or maybe you have no idea, visit us and we can help you explore all your options!”
