Oct 10, 2012

"What will I do with my life?” is a common question teens ask themselves. Fortunately, students have options, not just after high school but in high school as well. To help answer common student questions, College of the Mainland Phi Theta Kappa students are coordinating a free College Boot Camp on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We want to provide students with tools for college success,” said Phi Theta Kappa regional vice president Kadi Maxwell, who is one of the students coordinating the event. “We’ll talk about our [college] experience and what would have been useful to know if we could go back in time.”

At the event, speakers will discuss how high school freshmen through seniors and their parents can successfully bridge the gap between high school and college. Practical topics include scholarships, dual enrollment, financial aid, Collegiate High School, time management, familial support and the national honor society.

Maxwell understands students’ fears, remembering her first college experience as an unprepared freshman.

“I wasn’t ready,” she said. “Phi Theta Kappa has given me a second chance.”

The project is a result of the students’ research that shows U.S. students often lag behind their international counterparts.

“We were trying to think of ways to make our high school students more competitive,” said Maxwell. As Phi Theta Kappa regional vice president, she often encourages students at College of the Mainland and at other regional community colleges by sharing her experiences and what she has learned.

PTK advisor Chris Allen is supervising the project.

“It’s a great opportunity for high school students to learn how to succeed at this or another college,” he said.

The free event is open to the public and includes a lunch. Individuals interested in attending should RSVP to Dr. Chris Allen at 409-933-8333 or callen@com.edu.