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It is never too early to learn about and to start shopping for a college, which is why 35 high achieving freshmen and sophomores attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pre-Collegiate Program’s college day Wednesday, Nov. 6 on the University’s campus. 

Fifteen students from the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) and 20 students from Collinsville High School attended the daylong event, which included a presentation from the Office of Admissions, a tour of University Housing and campus, lunch with SIUE e-Plugs and presentations on the topics of College Knowledge, Social Media and Meditation. 

“SIUE Pre-Collegiate Program’s campus day is crucial because it gives us the opportunity to build a unique relationship with local high school leadership, students and parents,” said Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs. “We get to address some of their concerns about college prior to them enrolling, especially those who are first generation college students and parents. 

“Many of our program participants have proven themselves to be high academic achievers. However, they lack the skills needed to prepare them for the emotional and social effects of college. During the College Knowledge session with Danita Mumphard from Academic Advising, a great majority of the 9th and 10th graders expressed how they are already consumed with the fear of failure as a college student, along with their limited knowledge on how to finance their college experience and degree.” 

Mumphard, academic advisor, spoke to each of the groups about the excitement and fears of college. Some students expressed anticipation about dorm life, freedom, homecoming, studying abroad and meeting new people. Students also confessed anxiety regarding financial struggles, confrontations with roommates, lack of academic readiness, career indecision and failure. 

“We’re going to take the fear out, and put the faith and favor in,” said Mumphard. “My advice as an advisor at SIUE for more than 25 years is to pick up a book and read, read, read! It will help you with academic readiness. Build your own vocabulary and math skills. 

“Dig deep inside and find the interests and passions you have, and find those people who can support your dreams and visions.” 

In the social media session, led by graduate assistants Dominique Peel and Capri Wroten, students learned the pros and cons of the various forms of social media. Some of the benefits included: getting a job, networking and keeping up-to-date on current events. Some of the drawback involved: cyberbullying, becoming addicted to social media and decreased productivity. 

Finally, the students were able to learn about and participate in meditation. Katie Kirby, staff counselor in the Office of Counseling Services, and Megan Bauman, intern, led the class. Kirby discussed the differences between stress and anxiety. 

“Stress can be positive or negative. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a sustained mental health disorder that can be triggered by stress,” noted Kirby. “Anxiety doesn’t fade into the distance once the threat is mediated. Anxiety hangs around for the long haul, and can cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other important areas of functioning.” 

To close out the session, Bauman led the students through 10 minutes of guided meditation. 

“I enjoyed the day. I learned that you can always ask for help,” said CHS freshman Ta’Nja Hopkins. “They gave us a lot of information. If I did choose to come here, I would go into nursing.” 

Collinsville High School sophomore Ayleen Cortez likes the idea of attending SIUE, because it is close to home. “I also liked all of the resources that are available,” she said. “I looked at SIUE’s graduation rate, and it is high, and the student-to-faculty ratio is low. This program has helped lower my anxiety about the cost of college. SIUE is affordable.” Cortez wants to be a lawyer. 

Collinsville High School freshman Draven Roth also said he learned a lot about SIUE and college during daylong activities. “I plan on doing something in the math or science area, because I’m really good at it,” he said. “I would consider coming to SIUE, because it sounds like a great college and has a lot to offer in the math division.” 

“I’m considering SIUE as a possible choice, because it’s close to home and offers a lot of opportunities,” said Jimaal McGuire, CHS sophomore. “I live in East St. Louis, and I can pay in-state tuition, which will make it even more affordable.” McGuire plans to major in nursing. 

“It is especially important for freshman and sophomores to visit and tour college campuses, because (high school) counselors are mostly focused on seniors because of their caseload,” said TaRael Kee, Collinsville High School counselor. “This was an opportunity to get freshman and sophomores on campus to see what a dorm is like, learn about financial aid, have different experiences and make college more real.” 

“For many of the students, especially the 9th graders, this was their first time on a college campus,” said Pamela Saffore, CHS guidance counselor. “Among the students’ conversations, I heard them say, ‘This campus is huge.’ ‘I want to major in engineering.’ ‘I didn’t know they had a Starbucks.’ Their eyes were opened to what is possible if you stay focused and press towards your goals in life.” 

The SIUE Pre-Collegiate Program offers resources critical for college preparedness for students who may not have the personal resources to obtain them. Students are able to visit the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus. In addition, the Pre-Collegiate staff visits students at local high schools and provide services that include an orientation, assistance with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), math tutoring, and other supplemental programs. The Pre-Collegiate Program currently provides math tutoring two days per week to students at Collinsville High School and will deliver math assistance to SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School students in the spring. 

Photos:
Danita Mumphard, academic advisor, presents a session on “College Knowledge.”

Students from Collinsville High School participate in one of the sessions.

SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Student Ta’Nja Hopkins listens to one of the presentations during the Pre-Collegiate SIUE day.