Volunteer hours, résumés, and the PSAT/SAT are just some of the things the underclassmen learned about on Oct. 2 at the student success seminar.
The student success seminar is a newer addition to the school; the first one took place last year and was held to teach the freshmen skills they could use in preparing for high school and college.
This year, vice principal Jennifer Jordan said she wanted to increase the seminar’s scope. She included the sophomore and junior classes into the seminar and then chose seniors to give their advice to freshmen.
“Why not have seniors talk to freshmen about what they wish they knew their freshmen year of high school?” Jordan said. “It’s more powerful hearing it from the seniors.”
The insight from the seniors helped many freshmen; some other techniques that the freshmen learned are about preparation for later in high school.
“I thought the seminar was a really good opportunity for students; I learned that volunteer hours are very important,” freshman Brian Kang said. “I will especially start recording my volunteer hours.”
As for the sophomores, they were exposed to tools that will be useful for job and college opportunities.
“They showed us how to see what some of our career options are and to start our résumés now,” sophomore Ariadna Jasso said. “I will start using what I learned and get my résumé ready.”
For the juniors, speakers taught the students some tips and techniques on how to prepare for the SAT and after high school.
“I think the student success seminar was very helpful,” junior Ashley Harvey said. “I learned general information about what to include in a resume, how to find academic requirements at certain colleges, and about changes to the SAT.”
With this being the second seminar, some believe that providing specific information that applies to each class will contribute to the growth of students.
“I hope it will continue because it’s a good thing for the students to learn what skills will help them be successful,” Jordan said.