Mrs. Bentheim6th Grade Reading

Exploring College Culture

What is college?

• College is a place where you go when you want to focus your learning to a specific area of interest, expand your career possibilities, and participate in lifelong learning.

Why should I go to college?

• Life-long friendships• Once-in-a-lifetime experiences• A bachelor’s (4-year degree) provides you with

potential to earn much more than someone with just a high school diploma– US Census Bureau: Those with a bachelor’s degree

earned an average of $51,554 in 2004, while those with just a high school diploma earned $28,645. Those without a high school diploma earned an average of $19,169.

– The FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL for a family of four in 2004 was $18,850.

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; U.S. Census Bureau

Did you go to college?• From 1997 – 2007

– Cal State Long Beach (California) – Washington State (Washington)– Fullerton College (California)– Portland Community College (Oregon)– College of Southern Nevada (Nevada)– University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Nevada)

Did you graduate?

• In 2001 – Certificate in Management and Supervision

• In 2005 – A.S. in Administration of Justice• In 2007 – B.S. in Elementary Education

What jobs did you have with that education?

• Marketing Writer and Strategist• Travel Writer and Photographer• Teacher’s Aide• Teacher

Yeah, but I just want to play Pro ball.

• That’s a great to have.• However, most Pro athletes are drafted

through their colleges where they not only have top-notch talent, but have to perform above average (As, Bs, Cs) to stay on the team!

• On the other hand, let’s say you DO make it to the draft. You blow out your knee the first year—game over. Literally. Then what?

Forget about sports—I want to be a model.

• Again, a great .• However, your looks won’t be around forever.• What happens if you’re disfigured in an

accident? Or gain weight after having a baby in your early 20s? What if you lose your hair? What is your backup plan?

• The point is that a modeling career is not a secure career.

• A college degree, however, will provide you with a steady foundation to go anywhere and do anything!

OK, well what do I need to do?

• Start focusing on your studies NOW. In middle school.

• Participate in school clubs and activities.• Ask for help.• Use your student agenda to mark important

dates.• Turn in all of your assignments on time.

– Middle school prepares you for high school. – High school prepares you for college. – College prepares you for LIFE!

You say all this, but when did you start preparing

for college?•In middle school. •I went to school except for when I was sick. I participated in school clubs and worked with my friends and parents to complete my homework assignments on time.•The most important thing I learned during those years was how to be responsible for myself and for my actions.

OK. But I can’t afford college.• Guess what?! You can most likely

go for free—or have a lot of it subsidized by the Federal Government.

• But you can learn about that later.• You’ve got another 6 years or so of

focused academic work before it will be time to apply.

In the mean time …

• Make every minute count!

Now …1. When I say go, you will turn to someone

in your group and work with him or her to create a college pennant.

2. Paper, markers, and college logos will be distributed.

3. You will work for 20 minutes.4. Your pennant must contain a real college

logo either sketched or traced. The design of the pennant, however, can be made up.