By Lily Bourne
Comfortably situated beside the Westmont Library, the College and Career Center provides an informative, welcoming space for all students. Its primary resident, Kristina M. Canales-Padilla offers advice, resources, and counseling to help students plan for life after high school. In the hopes of preparing rising seniors for the “battle” that is senior year, Ms. Canales has provided her top pieces of advice:
- Make the most of your summer!
- Take advantage of opportunities to explore volunteer programs or internships.
- Find things you’re passionate about.
- Research college or career pathways.
- Make good choices!
- Make sure you have knowledge of the timeline and stay on top of your goals.
- Keep an open mind to the different ways life can surprise you.
- Community college doesn’t have to be a backup plan!
- Most have transfer programs into UCs.
- They are great for students who don’t have a solid idea of what they want to do and want to stay close to home.
- They provide time and financial flexibility to figure out what’s next.
- Pay attention to your notifications!
- If you’re looking for extra support, read your email.
- Don’t miss out on opportunities because you “have too many emails”.
- Take advantage of workshops at CCC.
- Especially for help with applications and scholarships.
- When in doubt, come and talk to the counselors!
- The most asked question is “Am I too late to do….” and the answer is almost always “no”!
- Peers don’t always have the most up-to-date information, so listen to your counselors!
- Especially for things like FAFSA.
- Pay attention during your senior meeting.
- Start a separate notebook for your college apps to keep organized.
- Remember: it can be fun!