College and Career Newsletter
VUSD/May 2022
This summer, bright-eyed seniors will be packing up their childhood rooms into boxes that they will carry off to college. The high school pride t-shirt will be traded for a college sweatshirt worn with pride by your child. The college pennant is on hand to pin up in the dorm room. Their eyes are focused on the future.
Then, in the background, sit the parents. There is no other time that so many emotions can be so conflicting. Your pride in your child’s accomplishments is swelling, but there is the pang of the reality of an empty seat at the dinner table this fall. A swarm of memories washes over parents: sporting events, ballet lessons, family trips, and the warmth of holding your child’s hand as they walk up for the first day of kindergarten. Then the big question comes to mind. Will they still need me?
Many parents confide that their usually easy-going kid starts during the senior year, shall we say it mildly, to be antagonistic. It seems to be nature’s way of guaranteeing that parents will happily push their children out of the nest and into the crazy world. But again, will they still need you? It is an absolute and resounding yes.
Somewhere after the fourth week of college, the phone seems to start ringing with calls home. Suddenly, parents are seen knowing something, despite what your teen may have said about you in the past. They now look at you NOT to make the decisions for them but to coach them on their options. They need to know that they have solid support from afar. There will be calls at midnight that may be filled with tears, but your voice and reason will reassure them that they are, in fact, going to be okay. The reality is that your encouragement to weather the bumps of college will help them make it to graduation. They need you more than ever.
Congratulations to all the parents and families of graduating seniors. You did it. You raised your child to be an amazing young adult. New memories of college visits, football games, Woodstock’s pizza (a staple in most college towns), and seeing your child soar are in the future.
Sincerely,
Paige Loverin, MA, PPS
College and Career Readiness
Director's Corner
As we enter the final stretch of this unusual school year, I hope that students, staff, and parents find this upcoming summer to be relaxing and rejuvenating. We definitely all need time to recharge, and at the same time, summer offers young people so many opportunities to explore their passions and strengths.
Here in the College and Career Readiness Department, our Work Based Learning Coordinators are finishing up the work of matching students in Career Technical Education programs with internships that give them real-life experience and insight into possible jobs that may bring them joy and fulfillment as working professionals. Students may also find their first job this summer and experience the satisfaction that comes with working hard and earning a paycheck.
Aside from work experience, there are many ways for students to explore their talents outside the regular school year. Reading biographies of people with interesting jobs is one way to take a look at the world of work. Another way is a web search of careers; everything from pay scales to up-to-date industry needs can be found online. Perhaps the best place for young people to start is with the blank page. Reflection and journaling is an excellent method of exploring one’s interests with a big payoff.
Congratulations, Seniors!
Success in college doesn't come from doing everything by yourself but comes by utilizing the college's resources. All colleges offer support systems like tutoring, career centers, #first gen, First In Line, EOPS, and personal counseling. You are embarking on an amazing adventure, and you will undoubtedly soar if you use your resources.
Please take a moment to listen to past VUSD graduates as they talk about their experiences and learn how they are navigating college.
Juniors: Time to Think About College Applications
College and Career Readiness has created a senior website page to guide you through everything related to college and financial aid applications. Finally, if you missed the student/parent night featuring the UC, CSU, and financial aid representatives discussing the application process, Click Here to view the video.
Congratulations Eighth Graders!
For Our Elementary Set!
The career possibilities are endless when it comes to the sciences. So what better way to explore the sciences than to make things blow up and get down and dirty with lots of goo?
This summer is a great time to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). We invite you to continue your adventures in science this summer by exploring the following websites and YouTube videos.
Mark Rober: New ideas, Science, Engineering
Ignite Your Curiosity!
Next year, we will be returning to our in-person Ignite Your Curiosity Night, and yes, you are all invited. In the meantime, check out the videos from the previous Ignite Your Curiosity events. You never know where you may find the inspiration to find your career pathway.
Elementary College and Career Readiness
Educational researchers continue to find that the earlier schools and parents talk to students about college, the more likely they are to earn college degrees. The time during elementary school serves as the perfect time to start those conversations. The long days of summer give your family the ideal time to check out our College and Career videos for our elementary set and start a conversation with your child about their future.
MAPS Day
Each year our sixth-graders visit COS for an amazing day of hands-on experiences and discovery. This partnership with COS gives students insight into majors, degrees, certificate programs, and careers. This year, because of COVID restrictions, Maps Day went virtual for our students.
The Annual MAPS Day Scholarship continued this year and is being awarded to three students. The recipients were chosen based on the following attributes:
- Growth mindset
- Ability to step outside comfort zone to try new things
- Willingness to ask questions and receive coaching
- Intrinsic motivation
- Curiosity
- Compassion towards others
Congratulations to our winners:
Chloe from Annie R. Mitchell
Matias from Riverway Elementary
Aleah from Global Learning
Jump Start Industrial Careers
College of the Sequoias is partnering with Reedley College, Porterville College, and West Hills College Lemoore to offer the Jump Start Internship this summer. From July 5th - July 28th, students who are interested in industrial careers, will have training in electrical, OSHA safety, exposure to industrial technology careers, industry tours of local manufacturers, and more.
Upon completion of the internship, students will receive $1,500. High School juniors (incoming seniors) are encouraged to apply for the internship. Click here for the application.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Gary Potter, the Regional Director for Employer Engagement (Advanced Manufacturing), at garypotter@whccd.edu, (559) 920-2845.
Stay in Touch
Past VUSD College & Career Newsletter
Office Phone Number: 559-730-7510