Final Project: An Introduction to Higher Education

During my undergraduate years at URI- one of the biggest goals that I had was to be one of the first people students saw when they came on visits and tours. Why you may ask? Because on my college visits when I was in high school I didn't see many students that looked like me taking on those roles. As a first generation student I knew many things to be true: 1. With a college education you can have a seat at the table 2. Knowledge is the one thing no one can take away from you. 

With all this said, how do you get there if you don't have anyone else around you that's ever done it? What are the steps? How can higher education help me achieve these goals? Who do I turn to? These are common questions that first generation college students ask themselves constantly. As an admission officer and recruiter- I've witnessed what I like to call the "High School Freakout" frequently. I recruit for the special admissions program; Talent Development (TD). TD recruits and serves high school graduates from Rhode Island with college potential, most of whom come from under-performing schools. The students that I serve tend to have many questions surrounding higher ed that tend to go unanswered. I've seen first hand how many colleges and universities decide which schools, districts and territories are "worth" visiting based on whom they decide have college potential. 

With this final project- my goal in working on a podcast is to break down the ins and outs of higher education. Using this platform to ease students anxieties while giving them step by step instructions to support in their application journey.  With this; students can feel secure in their next step in furthering their education while also listening to the information from someone that works within and could potentially be the one reading their application. With this in mind- they can have the confidence to tune in and listen and know that they are in good hands. 

In my role- I don't have the opportunity to visit every high school in Rhode Island- mostly because I only recruit for our "special program" (though its all the same application, this program is only an added benefit to students, extra support and such. Therefore I am still a first year recruiter same as anyone else) Most schools don't want two information sessions from the same school, hence the problem of me not being able to go to every school. (I have MANY thoughts about the school districts in the state and them assuming that they know whats best for their students but I digress) Using this tool I could not only reach all students by sending a link to this podcast but also use this a tool to help across other departments such as our transfer advisors, international advisors and so many others. In addition students wouldn't have to worry about missing me on a visit to their school because this information will be accessible to them at any time. This podcast could be their one stop shop to learn about topics such as the common app, FASFA, choosing a major and so much more. Thinking longterm- this podcast could have guest speakers from colleges, universities and career counselors across the country. The possibilities are endless! 

*Disclaimer: I will be tag-teaming this assignment with Maya :)