In an effort to encourage seniors to complete applications for scholarships, jobs, military enlistment and other post-secondary plans, College Career and Military Advisor Darlissa Flores hosted a Halloween event titled “No Treat Til’ You Complete” in the library during all three lunch periods. 

This event rewarded students for completing crucial steps toward their futures. This was a creative way to get seniors to prioritize their post-secondary goals before indulging in a night full of sweet treats. 

“I think students found it helpful to have their peers around them working on the same things,” Flores said. “Which helped them stay engaged and motivated.”  

Seniors completed things they were putting off and asked questions about their progress.

“I was able to finalize my resume,” senior Johanna Avila said. “Which I had been putting to the side for a while.”

Students thought it was a great opportunity to ask questions about how they could improve their work and ask for second opinions without any judgment. 

“It felt like a free-open space where you aren’t judged for asking dumb questions,” Avila said. 

It is important that students feel comfortable and supported through a time filled with choices that can determine their path. 

“The advisor was really helpful and was going around assisting anyone that did need help,” senior Danait Haile said.

Additionally, thirty-seven students were able to drop by and complete their tasks. 

“I feel like it was successful,” Flores said. 

Flores encourages students to come by, and to never feel like they can’t ask for guidance. 

“So while I cannot do their college applications for them or create their accounts for them, I can guide them on how to do it and answer questions,” said Flores. 

As the event came to an end, students got to enjoy the treats they got for completing their work. 

“I ended up getting a Hershey,” Haile said. “It was really nice.”

Students believe that these kinds of events should be continued, as it gives a chance for seniors to put aside some time to complete important work.

“It allows for students to truly sit down and review their progress on college applications,” Avila said. “Which can be extremely overwhelming as we are also trying to keep up with our classwork.” 

There are more events in the upcoming future that Flores has planned for students to come in, ask questions, and conquer their tasks. 

“I will always work alongside them and be a resource for them,” Flores said.

This event not only made the application process enjoyable but also highlighted how important it is to prepare for a life beyond high school.