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Troop Explores College Knowledge
Like most moms of soon-to-be high school graduates, Mara Bates wants her teen to become more active in planning for the future. But unlike most moms, Mara is also the Girl Scout leader of her teen’s troop (Troop 310 in Chesapeake) and has extended her “mother hen worry” to all the Girl Scouts in her troop that she has grown to care about so much. She is always looking for learning and growth opportunities for her troop members; whether it is serving in leadership roles within the troop, such as Girl Scout Ambassador Lillian C. does as a service unit delegate, or serving on the Council’s Advocacy Committee, such as Girl Scout Ambassador Nisan B. does, or building floats for the region’s NATO Parade, Mara is there encouraging them every step along the way.
When an opportunity rolled around for the teens to explore college options, she jumped on it and registered her high school troop members. On January 27, five of them attended the College Knowledge event at Regent University in Virginia Beach. Along with an introduction to Regent University, the Girl Scouts earned their College Knowledge badge and received the College Life patch with the rocker for Regent University. They also came away a little more excited about what the future holds for them.
“It was a great experience and they learned a lot,” Mara said. “Not just about what Regent has to offer, but they learned about the college admissions process, what they are looking for and ways to prepare.”
During the morning’s event, Josiah Coile, a Regent University recruiter, gave them tips on how to start the college search and steps to prepare for admission.
“There are really four key steps to keep in mind,” he said. “First, consider your interests and academic goals; start to invest, if you haven’t already done so; begin to research colleges and universities; and then plan ahead to start the admission process and meet deadlines.”
Josiah added that when researching institutions be sure that they offer plenty of ways to support students’ successes both academically and as individuals. He pointed out the many programs and services that Regent University has in place to support students, especially in their freshman year.
“I found the steps to get into college very valuable,” Girl Scout Ambassador Lillian C. said. “And I learned about different opportunities to reduce the cost of college from dual credit, to college employment opportunities on campus, to scholarships at the three different levels — very informative. What I was really surprised at is that it isn’t as hardcore religious requirement-structured as I had imagined. It gives you the freedom to participate at your own level of comfort.”
While Regent University does not require an admission essay, Josiah did recommend preparing one and to include Girl Scout experience and other information which will help you stand out. He also suggested adding any Girl Scout awards earned, such as Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, or others such as the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Also be sure to highlight service done within your troop.
After the presentation that took place in the Student Welcome Center, the group toured the grounds and buildings, guided by a classman senior, Liam Kremer, who is in the university’s honors program, and all were invited to come back in March for the university’s College Weekend!
Check out the College Knowledge badge and start looking ahead to plan for your future!
Caregivers, read this article on GSUSA’s website for five tips on how you can support the college admission process.
