The Los Rios school district lends a helping hand to local high school students who are applying for colleges. The "Be a Star" program is a new campaign to help incoming freshman become somewhat familiar with the college lifestyle. For a select few students at Consumes River Community College, they will have the opportunity to share their college experience with these incoming freshmen. The program will be made up of a collection of videos made from students from the Los Rios district. The videos from students are intended to send a positive message to future students by giving them an outlet to share what they have learned in college, according to the guidelines in an email inviting student to participate in the "Be a Star" program. Those few students who are able to share their experience in college gives future students insight. However, there are many students with different ideas and experiences that were not invited to participate in the program. Sharlene Gillespie, a 19-year-old liberal studies major, said she thinks that one of the things they should hit on in the video is, the message of meeting with a counselor sooner rather than later. "Depending on your major, you will need certain general education classes," she said. "If you don't find this out before you start, you could be wasting your time with classes you don't need." Taking part in the video isn't something that Gillespie would have liked to do but informing students is a good idea, she said. It's been said that college life isn't as easy as most people make it out to be. But increasing awareness of what you can expect is what the Los Rios district is trying to do, by letting students share what they have learned their time on campus and how the transition from high school to college life. Nineteen-year-old architecture major Raja Benipal said, "The transition is a little difficult but as long as you stay focused you will be fine. Being on track can help you in the long run in college. Also meeting with a counselor can help as well" The video will inform students about the college lifestyle and students' experiences. It will also tell students about extracurricular activities and how they can be successful in college. "They should also include some of the kids in the club as well," said 20-year-old child development major, Cheylene Cowgill. "Maybe include some of the tutoring centers we have on campus and professors too." The program should give incoming freshmen more of a behind-the-scenes look on events, clubs and other actives that are held on campus. Without this exposure, some students would never be aware of the existence of these school-hosted activites even after months of being a college student. The chance to share the college experience with future students is life changing for upcoming students in the Los Rios district, and with students attending any college next fall. The "Be a Star" program will help give this future students not only an insight into the life of a college student, but perhaps an insight into the life of a future friend.
'Be a Star' transitions freshmen
Published: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Updated: Monday, April 19, 2010 03:04
Be the first to comment on this article!