Las Lomas High School College Career Center:
Preparing for Life after High School
College. Whether the parent of a kindergartner or high school student, it is only a matter of time before this seven-letter word roots firmly in your vocabulary. Planning for college can be a daunting task, leaving families anxious and confused. Unfortunately, many high schools don't offer college/career advising due to inadequate funding. The task ends up in the lap of counselors who often lack the time, training and resources to sort through this laborious process. But thanks to a strong commitment by parents, administrators and funding by WCEF, Las Lomas offers a thriving College/Career Center.
“Our school is blessed to have a program like this,” says Ellen Smith, who has directed the Center for nearly 15 years. “Since many schools don't have this kind of resource, college reps always comment on how lucky we are.” Smith began as a parent volunteer in the early 1990's before undertaking a certification program in college admissions counseling at UC Berkeley. Her years of experience have culminated in a program that is enviable by any measure.
Given the college-oriented culture in the district, Smith focuses on preparing students for higher education, which includes technical schools and apprentice programs. “Very few students go directly into the workforce since there is very little opportunity without further education or training after high school,” explains Smith. Career counseling remains an important component, however, with Smith guiding students toward the educational requirements they will need for a particular profession.
Preparing for life after high school begins in the sophomore year. English teachers conduct a special unit on colleges and/or careers, after which sophomores visit the Center to learn how to access the resources available to them.
As juniors, students become active users of the Center. Parents, too, are encouraged to participate. “I help parents learn how to help their kids. They need to understand that students need some assistance, but not hand-holding. I'm a big believer in helping your child, but not doing it all for your child. Learning personal responsibility doesn't happen in a day,” says Smith.
The senior year is when the real work begins. “A big part of my job is to educate parents about the stresses and realities of the application process, which differs from years ago,” explains Smith. Through evening workshops and individual meetings, families learn about college requirements, testing options (i.e., SAT vs. ACT) and financial aid.
During the fall months, college representatives from all over the country come to Las Lomas as students begin applying to schools. Given that many universities require essays for admission and scholarships, Smith visits English classes to discuss the essay process. If students want additional help, they can use the Center's computers to work on applications or essays.
Alumnus Hannah Poursartip, now a junior at Stanford, found the Center invaluable. “With its abundant resources yet warm and friendly culture, the Career Center was my anchor during the college application process. I remember taking in the first drafts of my college essays and having Mrs. Smith help me revise them. Her advice was exactly what I needed,” she explains.
The Center also houses an extensive lending library which provides current information on colleges and programs, tests, scholarships and careers. In addition, students can find job listings, volunteer positions and other community service opportunities. “I remember spending hours in the Center browsing through scholarships, study abroad brochures and career descriptions, just daydreaming about my future,” recalls Poursartip.
Smith views the Center as a way to open doors for students. She actively promotes community events such as college and job fairs, and sponsors Diablo Valley College Night at Las Lomas. She organizes Career Day, where representatives from over 100 professions address students in small workshops. This campus-wide event is held in alternate years, with the next one scheduled for March 10, 2009.
Parents and students can also turn to the Las Lomas website for relevant news, deadlines and events. If they miss an evening presentation, Smith posts a power point presentation on the session.
Smith's hands-on approach has met with praise from parents. “Mrs. Smith was an invaluable help to my son, Patrick, when he was applying to colleges last year,” explains parent Justine Faisst. “Not only did she give him advice about the adequacy of his SAT scores, but she coached him through the ‘ever-dreaded' college application essay.
“Writing does not come easily to Patrick and he chose not to solicit help from his parents. Mrs. Smith stepped in, checked his work, made sure he addressed all of the questions and presented a favorable image of himself. We certainly appreciate the support she offered Patrick and all of the students at Las Lomas,” says Faisst.
Smith, in turn, credits parent support for helping the Center run smoothly. Thanks to volunteers donating their time, the Center stays open every day until 4:00 p.m., and later by appointment. Parents are also instrumental in organizing Career Day and other labor-intensive events. “Without the generosity of parents and the business community, which support WCEF, funds would not be available for these special events,” adds Smith.
The true value of the College/Career Center can best be measured through the eyes of Las Lomas graduates. “The Center is much more than a place to stop by and pick up some forms,” says Poursartip. “Mrs. Smith has a way of helping you prepare for life after high school, but also making you excited for it.”
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