It’s no surprise the first thing on most seniors’ minds is college. Wondering where they’re going to go, worrying about their essay, their scholarships, their grades, and the list goes on. In times like these, kids want nothing more than someone to help make this transition easier. The question is: are kids here feeling contempt with the support they’re receiving? Or is there something different that needs to be done?
When teachers are asked the question, they would like to feel that they’re doing good with preparing their students for college,”I would like to hope so.” Astronomy and AP Physics teacher, Mr. Vargas says. “I know the few students I’ve had an opportunity to talk to that took my courses and ended up taking similar courses in college have told me that my classes helped.” Newer and older teachers feel about the same way when it comes to college prep. “This is my second year here, so I’ve noticed that kids come to me more than last year.” Physical Education teacher, Mr. Pellegrito says,”We use academic language that’s relevant for life long fitness and how to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Now, when students are asked this believe that while the help they receive is adequate, Dewey waits too long to give it to them. “Actually be persistent,” Senior, Marianna Tiu says, “They should’ve done some of the stuff we’re doing this year, last year.” Help is always good, but for some, receiving help right at the last minute may just be more stressful. “There’s so much I didn’t know I had to do and my friends are the ones telling me.” A senior, Zorian Gordon says.
Other students believe that the school needs to branch out more, that help is good, but not for kids who plan to go out of state. “Give us more colleges that we may want to go to not just ones in the state.” A senior, Patricia Hardy says. “Some people want to branch out.” It’s not uncommon for kids to want to go out of state for college, but some believe that since the majority may want to stay in state, it’s acceptable for them to focus on in state colleges. “Mr. Personette was always really focused on CUNYs.” Senior, Emely Rojas says,”That’s fine, because some people might not have the money to go out of state.”
College is going to be a stressful thought no matter what, however, this doesn’t seem to be a problem for Dewey, as most feel reassured by their teachers “I think they give good advice.” Hardy says. Some people want to be reassured about college, but others would like to argue that not feeling stressed is a bad thing,”I feel they don’t make me feel more stressed, but that’s not necessarily a good thing” senior, Arlite Dyasi says,”Teachers aren’t stressing enough and need to talk more about college.”
However, faculty has rightfully pointed out how the services the school provides can at times be under utilized. Students may like to blame their school and teachers, yet the college office believes that some fault may fall on students, too. “A lot of kids come to us, but I expected more.” College advisor, Ms. Mazzola says,”We have a lot of students and it’s very easy to reach out to the college office, yet not everyone does.”
Students have small suggestions for the school that they feel would help them,”I feel like they should have a day where the teachers tell you to get on top of your things,” Rojas says. “They should take time out of the day and schedule times for us to work on college stuff, like they did for the diagnostic test.” Dyasi says. “Give us more information, more information about college essay, application, college now, etc.” Gordon says.
Some students may not be taking full advantage of the resources they’re given, yet other students are saying these resources may be hard to find and don’t exactly give them what they need. It seems that there could be some changes that could be made for both students and staff.