College Fair Inspires Students
Students review college pamphlets with college counselor Ms. Meghan Thomas. Photo Credit: Anisa Kaloshi
By ASHLEY YE, DUYGU KONDAKCI,
and JADA RODRIGUEZ
Anxious Midwood students attended the College Fair on October 23 to catch a glimpse of post-high school life. Over 50 colleges set up in the C and G gyms to answer questions from students and parents and to persuade possible newcomers to represent them.
To say one could get overwhelmed by the event is an understatement. With so many options, students opened their minds to the possibility of different schools. Ian Kenny ‘21 was set on going to the University of Maryland until he stumbled across the biology major at the University of Albany.
“I find the biological sciences course at the University of Albany perfect to help me on my path to becoming a veterinarian,” he said.
Not only did the College Fair widen students’ perspectives, but it also provided clarity for indecisive students like Sarah Ellis ’21.
Struggling to choose a career path due to her variety of interests, the fair “inspired me to ask more questions and learn what could be in store for me,” she stated. Ellis went from having no colleges in mind to a full list of options.
The college process can be hectic at times, but college administrators such as Christina Lofaso from Stony Brook guided students through the process. Often times, students are concerned about standing out from the sea of applicants. Lofaso said academics don’t define students, a “well-balanced life” does. “We like students who want to be ‘extra’ in life and want more,” she said.
Syracuse’s Bobbi Mason, an admissions officer, stated that having an “authentic application” is what makes the personal essay important since “you’re an expert on you.”
Colleges look for diversity and individuality within an applicant’s essay, presenters said. They search for one’s identity and compassion through their accomplishments, struggles, and values.
For Anita DeVarie, an administrator for John Jay College, assisting students creates endless amounts of happiness. “My favorite part is talking to students and helping them accomplish their dreams without losing any hope,” said DeVarie.
Heading into the College Fair, Erika Lee ’20 set her eyes on a college that is “diverse and allows me to explore life independently” as it will be “the next four years of my life, after all,” she said.
Some advisors prided themselves on the size and location of their schools as important deciding factors for students.
Carlton B. Lee of Western Connecticut State University said, “Schools in Connecticut are very small, so we are offering you the same setting you would get in a private school but for a state school price. It’s far enough away that students have a sense of independence, but on the other hand, it’s close enough to home where if something happens, you can come home relatively quickly.”
Other schools emphasized career experience opportunities. Tyler Shand from the New York Conservatory for Drama Arts said, “The fact that our students have the ability to work for professionals and in real films after they graduate” was what made his school special.
The school’s “teachers are all real-world actors and have seen the field in real life,” he said.
Many times schools become well known for the famous alumni they produce. So there is no surprise when a staff advisor mentions these well-known professionals in their speeches.
Sabrina Krupko, the Admissions Counselor at Penn State University, mentioned Donald P. Bellisario, a graduate who is now one of the writers for the TV show NCIS.
The fair enabled students to think deeply about their futures and what college has in store for them.
“College is a mysterious voyage that helps me figure myself out,” Junaet Mahhub ’20 said. “It’s a life-changing experience that one should make the most out of.”