Eighth-graders experience a day in the life of a WWU student

5/21/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

Forty eighth-grade students recently fast-forwarded five years to experience life as college students at William Woods University.

Students from Lewis and Clark Middle School in Jefferson City, Mo., participated in the program, which was implemented through the partnership of the Lewis and Clark Community Partnerships Committee and William Woods University.
 
"I thought it was an amazing day," their teacher, Crystal Riggs, said. "The students really enjoyed learning about what college life is like."
 
While on campus, the students took campus tours, attended a college planning presentation, ate lunch in Tucker Dining Hall, learned the university's fight song and participated in a variety of breakout sessions of their choice.
 
Breakout sessions included classes in athletic training, American Sign Language interpreting, art, biology, education, equine studies and management information systems.  Each student was taught a skill, like taping ankles for those interested in athletic training.
 
"It was really cool because we got to learn how to do some sign language," said student Alexis Becks.
 
A Day in the Life of a College Student is a new program at William Woods University. Admissions representatives aspire to excite youth about their post-high school future.
 
"Instead of waiting until high school, we encourage our middle school students to begin exploring their career paths as young adults," Debra Kaiser, eighth-grade counselor, said. "Through this opportunity students will realize the importance of using their high school experience to prepare for their future career field."     
 
The program rewards students for their outstanding achievement during the school year and allows them to explore what life is like on a college campus.
 
"All of the people were really nice and they weren't strict about everything," said student Mikel Brice.
 
To participate in the program, the students used their written communication skills to complete an application for selection. After reviewing the applications, the teachers selected 40 students to experience life at The Woods.
 
"Having the eighth-graders from Lewis and Clark Middle School on campus was such an enjoyable experience," Sarah Munns, dean of admissions, said. "These students were incredibly engaged and curious about the college process. We loved giving them a taste of college life via 'A day in a life as a college student' and hope to make this an annual event."
 
                                                          
CUTLINES:
Lewis and Clark Middle School eighth-graders pose for a group photo while visiting William Woods University.
 
Lydia Allen makes a new friend during her visit to William Woods University.
 
Kierra Lindsey, McKensi Henderson, Camryn Charlton and Cayce Heiberger enjoy their visit to the WWU stables.