DAIRY ST R
Presents:
Plans for the Future DECEMBER 26, 2020
DAIRY EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Taking the right steps in planning for college By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Whether it is the college admission scandal or just the coronavirus pandemic disrupting daily life, students currently preparing for college are met with various unknowns and challenges. Despite the challenges, going to college is an exciting experience a student will remember for the rest of their life. With proper steps and adequate planning, the journey from choosing a college and ultimately attending school can be an exciting journey. “Your future is on the line so make the most of your time and energy,” Heather Thiesen said. “Create a schedule that works around when you are the most productive.” Thiesen is a secondary and middle school counselor at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre. Thiesen said it is a vital time to stay in communication with your guidance counselor as well as the college or colleges you are wanting to attend. Staying on top of any new updates and developments is essential. “Do your research and act quickly,” Thiesen said. “Things are changing rapidly, and you need to know what’s going on so you can be prepared and follow any new process you are being asked to accomplish.” The more you know about the admission process, the better prepared you will be to make decisions that align with your needs and goals. “Throughout the college admissions process, doing your due diligence is essential,” Thiesen said. Despite emphasis on academics, much of the importance of college education lies in the area of transition to becoming an independent
adult. College students need to think autonomously, demonstrate self-discipline, learn the art of time management and manage stress. Honing these skills toward the end of high school makes the transition more gradual and less difcult. “Parents and students must collaborate by agreeing to decisions and standards that encourage the student to assume responsibilities, make decisions and accept accountability for themselves,” Thiesen said. When it comes to the prospect of attending college in an uncertain time, Thiesen suggests remembering that you are not alone. “It can feel like that because you are stuck in your house, you can’t see your friends and extracurricular activities are not happening,” Thiesen said. “But remember that your guidance counselor and the faculty and staff at colleges and universities are still working.” The admissions ofces and nancial aid ofces are working as well and available to answer questions. “These disruptions might alter the way college applications are evaluated, but in my view, colleges are up for the challenge and prepared to be sensitive and exible,” Thiesen said. Thiesen suggests that students and their families accept the disruptions for what they are instead of worrying too much. High school seniors should devote their time and energy to the parts of their college applications they can complete. With the possibility of having college online, students are often more on board than they realize. Once you have applied and been accepted, the next step can be even more daunting – attending college. Leaving for college can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. “While you know you are starting a new chapter in your life, you also know you will face some
obstacles,” Thiesen said. “How you cope with these challenges can be the difference between completing and not completing college.” Here are key points to overcome problems: – Choose your college wisely. Do not choose a place because someone else wants you to go there. – Get adequate sleep every night; at least 7 to 8 hours uninterrupted. Put the computer and phone away and turn off the TV. – Learn the art of time management and stop procrastinating. – Prioritize tasks effectively. – Stick to your principles, and do not be a victim of peer pressure. – Take care of your health and body; exercise and eat right. As with college choice, it is important to note there will always be a need for select jobs including such careers as engineers to continue technological discoveries, health care workers and physicians in different specialties, law enforcement, lawyers, teachers at various levels and food and beverage specialists. Those who are in the skilled trades will also nd job security in their eld. There will always be practical, tangible problems that can only be solved by certied skilled workers like carpenters, electricians, welders and other kinds of trade employees. “The high demand for skilled workers at this particular time in 2020 is also because many of the middle generations have not been considering careers in skilled trades,” Thiesen said. No matter the career track of choice, proper planning and considerations to a college choice and future career, the process of attending college can be an exciting, memorable and life-changing time of your life.