As Morton West students begin to prepare for their upcoming futures and pathways, students will start looking into what colleges and opportunities are available for them. At Morton West, the College and Career Center is here to help, any student regardless of their grade. The College and Career Center provides important resources and assistance in many ways. For example, students can have access to different Colleges and Universities through field trips provided by the school. Some of the university visits that have already been offered to students include Dominican, Northern Illinois, and Aurora University.
When interacting with the College and Career Center, you will find Nicole Ursetta and Giovanne Ortiz, two available staff members who can provide the help and information you will need for your future. Despite college not being everyone’s pathway, students should still look into the opportunities they are being given. Nicole Ursetta said, “College is not going to be the result for every student. But I think it’s important that students do career explorations to find out what that path is going to be.” Most students would think that only seniors should be looking into what career choice and college they want to focus on, but the College and Career Center is helpful to students as young as freshmen.
The research in looking into the colleges you want to attend isn’t just for seniors. Students as young as freshmen can participate and start looking into what career and college they should approach. “Every student, every age, every grade should consider planning further in life after high school. All the resources we have in the College and Career Center are meant to be used at every grade level” says Ms.Ursetta. This gives the option to not just a specific group of students but to everyone.
A major resource that gives students an advantage to more assistance is the free application FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This program financially assists students helping them pay for college, as well as the scholarships that can help students with the financial need. “I know a lot of kids worry about the money aspects of things but college is something that gives students what they hope to do. And it’s something you will need more of an education” Mr. Giovanne Ortiz said. All these opportunities provide the focus for the hard work the College and Career Center provides to students and emphasize the importance of college.
With this purpose in mind, the College and Career Center is a place that students can rely on, to help with their future. The College and Career Center allows students to be open-minded and makes it a comfortable place where students can express their thoughts and questions, and allows them to create and begin their paths toward their future. Ms.Ursetta stated, “Do your research, visit the campus to make sure it’s a good fit because what’s a good fit for one is not a good fit for all.”
After all, college isn’t just about knowing what you want to study. It’s also about finding a comfortable environment, making new friends, and seeking new opportunities. “Make sure to go to a school that feels like home” Mr. Ortiz added. The College and Career Center is located on A-1st, just next to the counseling suites.
