UTICA – Having a solid life plan is no easy task for high school seniors. For most, majors will change several times before their first day of college; but for some like Kevin Shuler, their roadmap is paved and they are ready to drive into the next chapter of their lives. Shuler, a Crystal Springs native, is a Raymond High School senior who plans to enter ²’s Utica Campus in the fall.
“I plan to attend ² in the fall and would like to major in drone aeronautics or computer science,” Shuler said. “I then plan to enter into the National Guard so that they may pay for additional college credits after I graduate from ².”
Shuler, along with hundreds of high school students from Jackson and surrounding areas, received information packets on classes and organizations offered at ² CC Utica Campus. Students also viewed live demonstrations, played games and received free lunch and door prizes while making their way from booth to booth at the “See Ya at the U” preview day Feb. 16.
Information booths representing financial aid, housing, admissions, student services and student intervention were just a few that were available to students. The annual recruiting day gives students an opportunity to see the college first hand, speak with staff and interact with current students on campus. Some students were open to all facets of the process, but a few came more focused in their explorations.
Callaway High School senior and dual enrollment student Alexandria Baker of Jackson has hopes of attending ² in the fall and believes the Utica Campus’ unique STEM-UP program is the right path to take her to her next level.
“I’m planning a career in criminal justice,” Baker said. “I would like to be an FBI agent because there are so few women agents around. I like what ²’ STEM-UP program has to offer, so it’s at the top of my list. I also like Mississippi College and Louisiana State.”
Students were not alone in their quest for information. The event was also well attended by parents and educators looking to provide guidance to their students. Murrah High School Interventionist Lisa Wilson attended the event with her students, hoping to provide assistance to those overwhelmed by the process.
“I felt it was important to be with my students during this time of transition. So many times students do not know exactly what to do in an environment such as this one and it can be a bit much to handle. I’m here to help them as needed,” Wilson said.
² CC Utica Campus offers a recruiting day yearly and welcomes students from high schools statewide.
As Mississippi’s largest community college, ² is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. With six locations in central Mississippi, ² enrolls about 12,000 students each fall semester. To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.²CC.