Where do you want to go to college? Do you know what you want to major in? Are you going to be in-state or out-of-state? These questions are all very familiar to high school students. Some students may seem to have it all together and figured out, but for many people, those questions are often left unanswered. Planning for college can be very stressful, but there are programs and classes created to make that process a little easier, and even fun. AVID often takes trips to colleges in the state as a way for students to be engaged in different campuses to feel which environment is right for them. On October 14, 2022, the AVID junior class took a field trip to the University of Incarnate Word, where they toured the campus and learned about the school’s curriculum.
Kylie Salazar is one of the AVID students who attended the trip. For her, these experiences are incredibly helpful and beneficial. These tours not only show teach about the technical aspects of college but also the culture on the campus.
“I never knew how much spirit was involved in college life until these trips,” Salazar said. “I always believed that college was just to get a degree, but it’s so much more.”
It can already be assumed that not every college or university is the same. You’ll have different experiences wherever you go and a different opinion of each campus. There is something unique that certain schools have that draw the attention of thousands of students each year.
“UIW definitely stood out in how connected they are with the students. The average class size is 22 students. And even for the seniors applying now, they’re all getting one on one time with the admissions person. Knowing how much single attention is put on their students draws me to the university even more,” Salazar said.
Even if you think you have an idea of what college life is like, there is always something that can surprise you. Valentina Gonzalez is another student who visited UIW, and she can verify that there is always something new to discover on each tour.
“The most important thing I learned from these college trips that I didn’t know was what each individual school looks for in a student,” Gonzalez said.
It seems that with every trip, these students return with more knowledge regarding college. This is proof that there is always something to learn, especially if you enjoy what you’re doing.
“I think the most valuable thing we get to experience from these trips is the up-close perspective of what it’s like in college. Not only a tour of the campus but the advantages each college has to help you succeed,” Gonzalez said.
