Career and College
College Representatives Offer Admissions Advice at Washington
By: Adele Richardson
If you're a senior, junior, or even a sophomore, and curious about college, representatives are coming to Washington to answer questions. Admission officers from various schools around the country are visiting the Washington college center in September and October.
In the height of college application season, the college center at Washington High School is hosting various admission counselors for students to learn about different schools, and the process of applying to college in general. These events occur roughly every four days in the College Center, room 114. Recently, there have been visits from California schools like Chapman University, Oct. 10, as well as colleges nationwide, such as University of Pittsburgh, which brought a representative on Oct. 23.
According to the George Washington College Center Website, "Students have a chance — in their own town — to meet face-to-face with a rep and ask specific questions." Meeting with a college representative allows students to express their serious interest, make direct contact with an admissions officer and "assess their fit at that institution and figure out what they can do to improve their chances of getting in." It's also an opportunity for counselors to introduce students to colleges they may not have previously considered.
Maia Winston, a senior who has attended a few of these visits, can attest to their value. "I learned about how the applications work, the financial aid process especially," Winston said. She attended both the University of Southern California and University of Colorado Boulder visits, and spoke also about the importance of demonstrated interest. The representatives that come to Washington are very often the people that would read your applications, so getting to know them and letting them know about your interest in their school can really help. As Winston said, "I wanted to meet them so that they like me and know who I am."
Chatree Touch, Washington's College and Academic Counselor, updates the website prompt with new events once they are scheduled. For upcoming visits, a representative from University of Nevada, Reno will be in 114 on Nov. 7 at lunch, and University of San Francisco will be there on Nov. 19. These are great opportunities to learn about new schools and programs, so go check them out!
How Internships Help Prepare Students for the Real World
By: Azalya Andrews
Since the 1960s, internship opportunities have been available for students as young as middle school age. These programs prepare youth for future careers while teaching valuable life skills along the way.
Many paid internships in the district are opening for local youth. Options include art, child care, legal studies and various other fields. Most take place over summer and offer payments of $1,000 or more, depending on the position. With typical six-week durations, students still enjoy most of their summer while earning spending money.
Internships give youth firsthand experience of daily work in specific occupations. Students develop essential job skills while determining if the field interests them. The auto shop internship at George Washington High School, for example, is run by experienced professionals who teach their craft to students.
A report last summer about the auto shop program highlighted increasing female participation in the automotive industry. The internship program has helped enable this demographic shift, which continues to grow.
Overall, internships drive professional growth and interest in various fields. They allow youth to explore careers before committing fully. These programs can also benefit companies seeking employees, as successful interns often receive job connections through their instructors.