The RISE Postsecondary Success team partners with CT high schools to ensure all students graduate on time and complete milestones for their identified postsecondary plans. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors in our Core Network schools. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience have led them to this important goal. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
What is your plan, after you graduate high school?
Evance: I am attending UCONN in the fall, pursuing a B.S. in Nursing to start, but would love to do some post-graduate work as well.
Audrey: I am also attending UCONN. I plan to start with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and then continue in graduate school to become a pharmacist.
What support did you receive to help you form your postsecondary plan?
Evance: I attended college boot camp [academy for rising seniors] over the summer and was able to get a lot of things done to prepare for senior year. When I came back in the fall, I definitely saw a difference in the students who didn’t attend, in terms of everything that needed to be done. The school counselor, as well as the college and career coordinator, were supportive and helpful throughout the year.
Audrey: I attended the college boot camp as well and my school teachers were able to help a lot with the different areas of the process. Also, a mentor outside of school was helpful in getting information and supporting the process.
What advice would you give to a rising senior?
Evance: It is important to use all of the resources that are available. Some examples, in our school community, are Ms. Brown (college and career coordinator), counselors, and the boot camp to get started over the summer. Also, don’t overwhelm yourself with really challenging classes.
Audrey: Start the application process early, make connections, and get support from the counselors, teachers, and mentors in school and outside of school. You might not think it takes a lot of time to complete all the necessary pieces, but it can be time-consuming. Getting the college essay done early will also help the process move a lot quicker.
What are you most proud of, as you look back on your high school experience?
Evance: Winning Class President was such an accomplishment. When I filled out all the paperwork for the campaign there was a lot to do to win and a lot of talk on who would win. There were a lot of fun debates and being able to win was great.
Audrey: I was home-bound for two years of my high school career, so coming in person and managing academics, health, and other things happening outside of school is something I am really proud of.
What are you most looking forward to, as you look ahead to the future?
Evance: I am most excited about meeting new people, networking, and gaining connections. Over the last 12 years, I have been in the public school system and I’m excited to see the world in a different way.
Audrey: I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know new people. I am also looking forward to studying pharmacy and what that will offer for the future.
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