What a Middle School Conference Taught Me About College and Careers

Story by Jeremiah Mack.  Photo by Teresa Mathews.

JAN. 28, 2016: A group of middle school students from Chamberlain attended the Conference on College and Careers at Gallaudet University last Fall. It was not until recently that I realized the value of this trip and was inspired to share it with FNN. It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up.  After this event, I was inspired to think about how I would get there and how college would help me learn the skills. Friendship expects us to go to college. Each week we hear at least one staff member tell us that so it is drilled into us from PreK-8.

Some of my classmates and myself enjoyed the experience because it got us thinking and talking about college and careers. There were a lot of students from different schools coming to the conference. It must be very popular. The conference was about what you want to be and do if you want to go to college. The people who attended the conference included professors and other professionals.  

They spoke about academics and how to pay for college and find scholarships.

Everyone can go to College. According to one USA Today article, http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2013/08/09/app-for-finding-college-scholarships/2636505/  there are apps that will help you and that are user friendly.

My favorite part of the conference was when we went into the classrooms and meeting rooms and got to experience a day in college. This was a meaningful to me because it taught me preparation, how to find scholarships and money for college  and want to be when you grow up. It was an inspiration.   I highly suggest you attend next Fall if you get the opportunity.  It is a great resource. I dream of being many things when I grow up. Time to start planning for it!

Jeremiah Mack and Teresa Mathews are eighth grade scholars at Friendship Chamberlain Academy.