Shelby Junior High students look to their future

Shelby Junior High School recently hosted its annual College Day for ninth graders.

Representatives from a dozen colleges and other post-secondary institutions were on hand to speak to the students and answer their questions.

Talking to students this early in their high school careers is meant to encourage positive choices and reinforce that ninth grade courses count toward their grade point average and eventual college entrance.

As Eastern Michigan University student advisor Thomas Kasper told the students, “Senior year is too late to go back and fix your GPA.”

Ninth grader Trevor Mandziara echoed that thought, saying, “It’s a lot closer than you think.” Trevor is considering a degree in marketing. In addition to the EMU presentation, he also heard what the representatives from Walsh College and Macomb Community College had to say.

Michigan State University outreach consultant Dr. Clarence Underwood attends the Shelby event each year. He said he especially loves talking to younger students and helping them connect with their place in a much bigger world.

According to Wayne State University admissions counselor Jeff Bolton, the students asked thoughtful questions. They were especially interested in the differences between high school and college courses, tuition costs, student class size, fields of study, dorm living, studying abroad and of course, campus social life.

Shelby counselor Kim Twarowski and teacher Brian Patrzalek organized the event as a way of motivating the freshmen to set their own goals for high school. “And we want them to realize there are lots of options, not just a four-year college,” Twarowski added.