Ninth Graders Get Head Start at College Life

WINCHESTER, VA- Heading off to college is often considered the next big step after high school. But, ninth graders at James Wood High School are getting a head start.

"This trip is about exposing ninth graders that have never been to college to the requirements of college and how to get accepted," says Kama Dawson, a counselor at James Wood High School. "[To show] the different types of extra-curricula's that colleges can offer, the different majors, " she adds.

FrederickCounty guidance counselors are trying to build confidence in their students, with a simple message, "Yes, you can go to college."

"Some kids are like, 'I don't know if I'll be able to do it,'" says James Wood freshman Noelle Schoeman. "But, when I came here and I saw what's recommended, you don't really need to take the hardest classes in order to be accepted."

"Mainly, it just makes me want to study on my English more," says Raven Boyce, a James Wood freshman. "I also want to get good grades, so I can up my GPA, so I can go to college," she adds.

For these students it was more than a tour, but a chance to experience college life first hand.

"I thought that it was going to be people walking around saying, "this is this, this is this building," says Noah Redd, a James Wood freshman. "But no, they actually interacted with you, asking you questions. They actually let you go into the dorm room and see what the size of it and everything," he adds.

Counselors see the trip as a way to end some fears about higher education.

"We have a lot of students that may not be getting a push from home or school or outside influences to actually go to college," Dawson says. "This is just a chance for them to hear from someone in the college community that they are capable," she adds.

"I've never really been to a campus before and it was great to see some of the regular college students who came here, and how they were on their laptops and studying and everything," Schoeman says.

"I'm actually thinking about going here," Reed adds.

It's a small step in the right direction, setting new goals for the future.