STEM Ambassador College Readiness Program

Our first cohort of STEM Ambassadors (2024-2025) are participating in a college readiness series of sessions as part of the AR Tech DaSH program. This college readiness program was adapted from the one we used in our previous ArkanSONO SEPA grant in collaboration with Dr. Karen L. Yanowitz at Arkansas State University.

The first session asked them to interview someone who had recently graduated from college (less than six years ago) or is currently in college. They were asked to think of five questions that they thought would be helpful in knowing the answers to as they prepare to explore college

The following questions and answers have been edited to remove any identifying responses. Each separate interview is in a different section on the page.  

We hope these are helpful to you as you begin to explore college!!

Take it slow, seriously. I rushed through my generaleducation and missed what should have been fun years of my life.

How hard was finding a job?

I cannot speak for other majors, but this is the state to live in if you are going into business, seriously. Tyson, Walmart, you name it.

What did you do in Highschool to prepare you?

AP classes really helped knock out the classes that would have cost unnecessary tuition.

How should I go about finding purpose in what I do?

That is a toughie! Everyone has different goals in life. My purpose personally is to build a family. I think the search for purpose is more about if you look back and feel whole. Past the money, and jewelry, and cars; do you seriously feel as if you had a complete day.

Do you think you have fulfilled your purpose?

I have two kids, a wife I love a heck of a lot, and food and a roof over their heads. To me, there is nothing more fulfilling than that.

Yeah! I did a couple. Off the top of my head it’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). I was in Student Council, BETA, which is like a volunteering club, and an environmental club.

Is there a specific one you found more rewarding?

I thought HOSA was really fun, and since I was also headed into the healthcare path, it helped me out there too. Student Council was also on my college applications.

Did you do any sort summer program, or anything like that?

Unfortunately not! It really helped having the internship that I did, though.

How many volunteering hours did you have?

I don’t remember the exact number but if it would be around 100? The majority of that was at the Bentonville Public Library and the rest were from just various events.

Do you think these clubs and volunteer services helped prepare you for college? Did you do anything outside of them as college prep?

Yeah they definitely helped me for college, and outside of them I did a lot of standardized test prep, like for the ACT and the PSAT.

Now we’ll be moving onto the college applications section. To start, what was, in your opinion, the most difficult part of them?

Uhm, probably the sheer length and many components of all the applications. The cost to apply didn’t help either.

Okay, and while applying for them, what would you say your top three factors you took into consideration when applying for a college were?

Top one has to be the cost. It is expensive to get into many colleges, so I had to find something cheaper. As for the other two, one of them was also proximity to my home town. I don’t like travelling or being away from my family and friends for too long, so that was important to me. I am currently at the University of Arkansas. It’s really close by so it was a nice option. For a third factor, I’ll say the campus environment. During my college research I found a lot of college campuses were surprisingly unsafe despite the high recognition of the college yourself, you know?

If you could go back in time and tell high school you anything for college applications, what would it be?

Ooh, that’s a tough one! Probably to find your passion early. I spent a long time just assuming I’d want to be in IT for financial purposes but found out a bit too late that I really didn’t like coding, and things like that. That’s when I diverged into healthcare!

Took advanced classes. Interned with geology companies. Participated in sports and arts.

How did you decide which college to attend?

Lived in the area. Received a full scholarship (financial reasons).

What was the biggest challenge or surprise about college life?

Managing relationships with roommates. Adjusting to living with others.

What advice would you give about choosing a major or career path?

Consider where you want to live. Look into job opportunities in the field. Think about lifestyle and working hours. Focus on internships and gaining experience.

What campus activities or organizations were you involved in, and how did they impact your experience?

Participated in earth science clubs. Active in a church group. No involvement in sports.

I did FAFSA, Arkansas academic challenge and single parent scholarship. Look up options online or other people will tell you how they did it. PEO for girls.

Do you prefer virtual or on campus?

On campus is better but sometimes virtual is the only option for people. On campus you get to meet people and can build lasting friendships and you get to walk to class and make school more of a priority.

How did you prepare for college?

I took the ACT several times. I toured campuses and looked at different nursing school programs.

Was is hard to balance school and college cheer?

Yes so I only cheered one year. Going into nursing school I couldn’t do both.

What studying habits helped you during college?

Going to bed when I was tired instead of staying up all night studying. Excessive bike while I studied. Go to the library with one singular person. Have a study partner to hold you accountable.

Going into college, I was expecting it to be very busy but I think I underestimated the adjustment as far as time management. I joined a sorority as a freshman so my first semester was chaotically busy, I was going to chapter meetings, attending classes, studying in between things, and trying to hangout and meet new people. I was expecting  the adjustment to be semi-easy, however, it was actually a little harder than I thought trying to maneuver and balance the social aspect of college and the academics.

Did you go into college for one thing and end up in something different after a while?

I went in as a chemistry major with all intentions of going pre-dental, however, midway through my first semester, I realized I’m more business oriented so I switched to the Walton College of Business.

How did you prepare? What did you do in high school that helped prepare you to apply for colleges? 

In high school, I made sure to keep a good GPA and maintain my clubs and activities/interests. I tried to volunteer and involve myself with any club/sport that I found interesting that could help me gain experience and build my “resume” which also really helps with exposure to scholarships and writing scholarship essays. I took dual credit classes through our local community college which helped me earn college credit while still in high school, so I essentially got most of my basics out of the way and was able to graduate from undergrad a semester early! I also researched and discovered which standardized test would be needed for the colleges I was applying to as well as the major I was wanting to pursue. I took a prep class for the ACT, this was really helpful as I sometimes struggle with standardized tests but the class showed me lots of little tips and tricks to help with meeting the time limit. I would say another thing I did to prepare for college was to tour different college campuses. I knew I always wanted to go to U of A, however, I felt I needed to see other campuses and envision myself involved there and see what their academic programs were like compared to each other. With all this information and the tours under my belt, I was able to make a decision based on the best programs for what career I was planning on pursuing, the distance from home, and how the campus felt to me. After that, my guidance counselor was a tremendous help and was able to walk me through how to apply, what documents I needed to submit, and any ideas for essays that might’ve been needed.

What campus clubs/activities helped you get through college and still help you today?

In college, I joined many clubs that really still apply to my life today. Kappa Delta being one, I joined freshman year and I have met so many people and great connections, socially and professionally. My closest friends now are those that I met in KD years ago! I also joined the Student Alumni Association Chapter, this was a great way to network and meet other students as well as alumni, and now that I am an alumni, I can still be in the loop and know what is occurring on campus. National Society of Leadership and Success was a great club that allowed students to grow as leaders by networking and watching/attending seminars from great leaders. This still applies today as I still practice the skills I was taught in this club and still love watching seminars that are presented based on leadership. I was also a part of the Future Women Business Leader’s club, this was a great club that helped women in the business network and gave great advice on how to advance in the business world as far as the career fair, applying to jobs and beyond.

Choosing a college can be either difficult or easy depending on the circumstances, what did you look for when making that decision? 

I knew from a pretty early age after attending a Razorback football game, that I was wanting to come to Arkansas. However, I also knew I needed to look at all of my options. When deciding on the college I was going to attend, I looked at several things: location, academics, tradition, panhellenic, and sports. I wanted to stay somewhat close to my family, so I could drive home on the weekend if needed. I knew what school I went to needed to have a great program for my studies and a great path to start a career. I looked at the traditions and values of the school to make sure they aligned with my own values. I wanted to be able to join Greek life so that was another factor. I also knew I wanted to watch football and basketball games and I am a huge fan of the SEC so whatever school I went to that played a factor.

What have you learned these past few years when it comes to being a student?

Being a college student, I have learned that college is the best time of your life. You get to learn so many new things in the classroom and outside that help you grow as a person. I would say I definitely learned many developmental skills, time-management being the major one as I balanced many clubs and worked part-time while attending a full schedule of classes. I also highly recommend giving yourself enough time to adjust while you’re learning to manage your time because at first it may seem overwhelming yet so exciting, however, it will all begin to flow naturally. I’ve also learned to take any opportunity you can, going for ice cream, running errands, studying with someone new, do it because you never know, that person might be your best friend, your roommate, or even a great future professional connection. Also, college is a wonderful time to discover yourself, your interests, and maybe even a new career field. Join lots of clubs and take lots of adventures, you’ll meet lots of new people and make lots of memories!

I went to college knowing that I wanted to eventually apply to medical school and Biology was one of the standard pre-medical majors that covered medical school pre-requisites. I knew I didn’t want to take upper division chemistry courses, and I wasn’t great at math, so Biology was the best fit for my abilities (and GPA). As far as Anthropology, it wasn’t until I took medical anthropology classes in college and read the book “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” that I realized I was interested in pursuing a degree that explored the intersections between medicine and culture.

Was there anything you did in high school that you felt made you really stand out to colleges?

I think a general rule that helped me stand out to colleges was being involved in various extracurriculars that showed I was a multi-faceted student. I was involved in student government for all four years, started my own pre-medical club at school, participated in lab research for two years, and competed in the swim and water polo teams for four years.

Is college significantly harder than high school?

I didn’t feel like college was significantly harder than high school, but college did force me to be more responsible for my own learning experiences. In high school it felt like I received a more personalized experience where teachers would reach out if I was struggling or not doing well in a class. But in college you have to be proactive and reach out about improving your grades and getting to know your professors–especially if you attend a large college. You are no longer forced to be in college like you are in high school so if you are failing a class, it is your responsibility to follow up with the professor, not theirs.

What surprised you about your professors/peers?

As I mentioned before, one thing that surprised me about my professors was how difficult it was to get to know them. Since I went to a large college, I regularly had classes with 200-250 students in one lecture hall. It was important that I attended group tutoring sessions and office hours in order to make an impression on professors– especially if I needed recommendations from them. As far as my peers, I felt like college was a major transition into adulthood and provided a platform for me to make friends and bond with people who were going through the same experience as me.

Is college enjoyable, or is it just another four years you have to get through?

I think that your experience in college is what you make of it. Some people may see it as another four years to get through, but I saw it as an opportunity to make new friends, gain specialized knowledge and become a better version of myself. I am a lifelong learner and college allowed me to explore interests and classes that I didn’t have exposure to in high school.

The reason I tell everyone I choose my college is because of the ice cream I had there when I went to a cheer camp in 8th grade! But the real reason I chose UCA was because I liked how it wasn’t too big, it was close enough to my hometown that I could go home if I needed to but also far enough away I had some freedom, and I just loved the environment as a whole every one there is so nice and the professors are more likely than not always there to help you, and you aren’t overwhelmed with a lot of students in classes.

How did you choose your major? 

So I changed my major. I originally decided on business but when I got to school that first year I realized that business was not for me and that I wasn’t going to be able to enjoy a desk job. I started volunteering for a community connections group called ACTS Jr. This is where kids with or without special needs come together from the ages of 7-17 and with the help of their buddy’s put on a play for all their friends and families. This showed me how much I truly love working with kids and how even just for an hour a week how much impact I can have on their lives. So truly if it wasn’t for my little buddies of ACTS Jr. I would not be an Early Education Major!

 Do you recommend sororities?

I absolutely recommend doing a sorority in college. But I also realize it’s not for everyone. What I typically tell people is if I had gone to the U of A, I would never have rushed. There are way too many people and I have too much social anxiety as it is. But for UCA where each sorority has around 160 girls I think it is a great thing for anyone to be a part of. It definitely is what you make it through. If you just show up to the weekly meeting you are definitely quote on quote paying for your friends. But if you get involved and go to everything you possibly can and surround yourself with good positive people you will make so many amazing memories and truly meet the people that will be your bridesmaids one day!

 How did you choose your sorority?

I choose my sorority because of a friend I had known her for years. When I told her I was going to UCA she looked me dead in the eyes and said “it’s DZ or nothing, I’m not letting you go anywhere else.” Before even going to school she got me to meet so many amazing girls in DZ whereas the other sororities didn’t even reach out. It was truly the best decision I made and I wouldn’t change any of it for the world

What’s the biggest difference between high school and college? 

The biggest difference between high school and college for me would be the freedom and flexibility. You get to pick what time and what days you have classes and you get to pick if you go or not. Which always go to class but let me tell you once you skip one class it’s a struggle to want to go back. Because you have so much freedom, while yes it’s great, it also is hard because you start being 100% responsible if you go to school or not. And during my days as a business major trust me I skipped some classes I wish I didn’t. But definitely freedom and flexibility would be the biggest difference.

How can a high schooler get ready for college? 

Don’t over think it. Go in with the mindset that it’s high school with harder classes. That way you don’t get in the mindset of “oh class attendance isn’t mandatory I’ll just skip.” But also yes these grades do affect scholarship as long as you keep the correct GPA. Don’t overthink and stress yourself out about grades, unless you have classes you have to keep a certain grade in to pass, but even then if you overthink it and stress yourself out you miss all the amazing things college has to offer! One last thing. Get involved in something, whether it is a sorority, a college ministry, college organization, or all of the above stay involved because otherwise you waste your days in a lowly dorm room waiting for summer to come! Go have fun – it’s four years so make them count!

I really loved AP Psychology and I really enjoyed learning about people’s behavior. I liked learning about the case studies and experiments.

In your opinion, is college better or high school better? Why?

College is much more relaxed than high school. I get to pick what I want to learn and the professors are so passionate about the classes that they teach.

What is something you miss about high school?

It was kinda nice in high school when you’re in classes with the same people, but in my college classes, I feel like it’s all different people each class.

How did you decide on which college to attend?

Price of tuition and proximity to home.

What is something surprising both college and high school have in common?

There are still a lot of things to keep track of in your classes and you can easily fall behind.

My school had a standardized test prep classes for ACT and SAT. I joined lots of different clubs that helped. I was in speech and debate.

What was something surprising about college?

I was surprised by the tests, about being really busy, about how much more research opportunities there were.

How did you decide your major? Would you ever choose something else?

I was a biology major. Being in a major unrelated to science majors for premed is really insightful. For example, anthropology or psychology. I wish I had done something like that.

What is some advice you would give to high school or undergraduate students?

You get a lot more research and mentorship opportunities when you’re in colleges and that helps more because graduate school and medical school do not want to see a lot of research internships from just high school.