TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) offered area high school students a chance to see for themselves what college life is all about. Yesterday, 135 high school-aged students from Terrace, Kitimat, the Hazeltons and the Nass Valley attended the College’s Student for a Day event that gave them a preview of post-secondary education at NWCC.
Participants began with a financial aid workshop before choosing up to four 30-minute mini-classes in different disciplines from a list that included business administration, culinary arts, practical nursing, First Nations fine arts, lab sciences, adult special education and several trades programs. Following lunch in the campus cafeteria, participants toured around the campus and then attended a 90-minute education fair at Waap Galts’ap, the Terrace Campus longhouse. Representatives from student services were on hand to answer questions on how to become a college student, what programs and courses are offered and the career prospects that come from college studies.
”There are a lot of high school students who are on the fence about what they’re going to do after graduation,” says NWCC President Denise Henning. “This event lets them experience NWCC first-hand and allows them to explore the possibilities that exist after they get their Dogwood diploma. It also demonstrates that they don’t have to go very far to get a high-quality education.”
Parkside Secondary School student Margaret Kotowich-Laval has a clear idea of what she wants to do after high school. She eventually wants to study equine management in Guelph, Ont. but would love to attend NWCC as a first step. “I want to come to the College first,” said Kotowich-Laval. “I feel comfortable here and the instructors are great.”
Also from Parkside in Terrace, Ashley Pimlott said her focus has narrowed thanks to what she saw and learned yesterday. The Grade 12 student said she learned the exact steps she’ll need to take in order to start training towards a rewarding career. And that just might be as a heavy duty mechanic.
“I really liked the trades tour,” she said, adding she isn’t afraid of a field typically dominated by men – especially when it pays between $35-$40 per hour.
As high school graduation approaches, Pimlott added she feels that everything is happening really fast. Despite this, she says she’s excited about the next phase in her life and that the Student for a Day event helped ease some anxieties about starting her post-secondary education.
Excitement builds up when a student is almost about to graduate. They should really get ready for the next phase of their lives. College is fun. One will get to meet new friends and professors. The stress level will really increase, but it can be overcome with the help of loved ones. This kind of event should be added to school activities! It will boost the students' confidence!
Posted by: Dolly Paolucci | 07/27/2011 at 12:40 PM