Delegates prep for future endeavors at career fair

By Kate Finley

The Girls State delegates received another opportunity while attending the college and career fair on Wednesday June 3. The delegates explored their opportunities and options while attending the fair held in the Muenster University Center on the University of South Dakota campus. They met with colleges from across the state while thinking about their future college decisions or possible military endeavors.

Every girl had the opportunity to talk with representatives from the colleges presented there. The colleges and universities that attended included: University of South Dakota, Presentation College, Black Hills State University, Northern State University, University of Sioux Falls, Mount Marty College, Dakota Wesleyan University, Augustana College, South Dakota State University and Dakota State University.

“At Augustana, there’s really something for everybody. We have over fifty majors and a number of minors and pre-professional programs. I guess our most popular majors tend to be biology, nursing, business and education,” said Madeleine Ellis, Augustana Admissions Counselor.

The Academic Business Adviser for USD and the NSU Admissions Counselor gave the Girls State delegates some advice about the importance of preparing for college.

“If you are still in high school, as an Academic Advisor, one thing I always tell people is to work with your high school counselor and a representative from the school you’re thinking about going to in terms of academics. So if you’re thinking about doing duel credit work or AP studies, work with someone from the school that you’re going to attend. This way you can find out which classes you should take that will work in the program that you are going for. It’s awesome to see students come into their post-secondary education with great college credit,” said Carly Heard, USD Academic Business Advisor.

“Take advantage of what your high school has to offer, even though you think it’s lame. It’s your last year. Get involved!” said Tera Heikes, NSU Admissions Councilor.

Some girls visited specific booths for colleges they wanted to attend for their ideal major while others discovered helpful tips from the college representatives.

“I found out that you can do three years of undergrad work and three years of Law school and save a year,” said Renee Gallagher, Chicago.

Several colleges and universities that presented offer one-year scholarship opportunities in differing amounts for qualified offices and awards. To see a full list of the available scholarships and eligible offices and awards, see page 58 in the Girls State manual.

Also in attendance were representatives of different military branches including: South Dakota National Guard,

United States Air Force and Reserve Officer Training Corps. A Student Loan Finance Corporation booth was also a popular booth those in attendance.

During the college fair, some delegates formed new opinions

about their own possibilities of post-secondary education.

“I actually learned quite a bit more about USD, their law school and their Honors Program. I was not considering USD at all and now I’m thinking about going there,” said Jane Poss, Washington.

(Photo: Delegates explore future opportunities at the college/career fair. Jordann Krouse / Sacajawea Scroll)