7th graders interacted with horses and learned about equine studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at the Vigo County Success Coalition’s College Knowledge event.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) shared “College Knowledge” with West Vigo Middle School 7th graders giving them hands-on experiences and valuable interactions that will make a lasting impression as they enter the college preparation and decision-making years. In celebration of College GO! Week, SMWC created learning opportunities and a greater awareness of higher education in four sessions – admission process, career paths, equine and music therapy.
Across the state of Indiana, educational institutions celebrated College GO! Week – an initiative of Learn More Indiana – to help students plan for college. The Vigo County Success Coalition launched a program for the Vigo County community called College Knowledge as part of College GO! Week in which each higher education institution in the county adopted a middle school and planned activities related to college preparedness.
“It is important for students to understand what is required of them when they get ready for college,” states Julie Lautenschlager, principal at West Vigo Middle School. “Sometimes the process can be overwhelming and if the student already has an idea of what is expected or needed they may not be as overwhelmed.”
7th graders participated in a team building and music therapy exercise before discussing their passions and how they could turn those into a career.
In the equine session, the 7th graders learned about equine studies, interacted with the horses and asked the SMWC stable manager and current equine students questions. In the music session, students discovered how music affected their team-building exercise that involved tossing a beanbag in a pattern within their circle; afterward, they discussed their passions with an SMWC admission counselor and talked about how to turn those passions into a career. In the career center and admission sessions, students learned more about the processes and various options for college.
While each session offered a different focus, the overall goal was to provide motivation and encouragement for the students to pursue their passions and aspire higher after high school.
“SMWC participates in events like this because we feel it is never too early to get students thinking about a college education. The more time and thought that is put into your postsecondary education, the better,” states Ryan McDonald, director of campus admission at SMWC. “You can make a more informed decision, begin planning for the future and saving so that the financial burden is reduced and have an overall better college experience. In a nutshell, that is the goal of SMWC and the Vigo County Success Coalition – to provide information so that students and families are prepared for their college experience.”