As application deadlines near and the doors to scholarships open, the stress of college readiness plagues the minds of high schoolers across the nation as they rush to prepare themselves for the prospects of higher education. Outside stressors, stacked schedules, inexperience with the Common Application process and procrastination block the entrance of the pearly college gates for numerous students. However, NC senior Christine Oliveira used her expertise to curate a perfect club for students preparing for higher learning: College Prep Club (CPC).
Created in 2023, CPC hosts multiple meetings a month to supply scholars with a non-stressful environment where students can learn how to prepare for college and discuss issues about college readiness and peer review essays. With the help of club sponsor Spencer Jordan and senior extraordinaire Oliveira, CPC hosted an outstanding first meeting where seniors, juniors and sophomores spilled into Jordan’s class after school.
“Many joined for internal motivation, but I joined for inspiration and views on what I need to work on, where I want to go and what I want to plan for my future. It’s a really good way to help me inspire myself and get other people’s opinions…people are still procrastinating getting started on their applications, but time goes by quicker than you would expect it to. It also helps with understanding what to do and accessing the necessary materials to get started in this process,” senior Divine Idiku said.
In CPC’s first meeting, Oliveira introduced the club to the world of college preparation with a brief presentation about the organization’s current and future plans. All attendees received a syllabus including the meeting dates for the rest of the year, allowing them to clear their schedules beforehand. After a general discussion and introduction, attendees began making vision boards, and they listed their current classes, accomplishments and future goals. With this vision board in mind, students can reach these goals inside or outside the club. Moreover, the incoming class of 2025 can use the previous class’s vision boards to curate their own prospects.
“I made all my students on the first day make a goal sheet…so we’ve written down our goals, our accomplishments and what we want to finish by the end of the year. I just want to make sure that when [the club attendees] get these papers back [toward the end of the year] everything on that list is what they desire to do in this club and is completed,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira also explained the future involvement of the class of 2025. Toward the end of the school year, CPC’s meetings will consist of seniors introducing juniors to the club and teaching them what stressors they should expect as incoming seniors applying to colleges.
As a prospective first-generation college student, Oliveira will walk into the new year with an accumulation of college credits and a passion for nursing. Before 2024 ends, Oliveira will attain 24 hours in college credits—one year of college under her belt. With her extended experience in college readiness through the early investments she puts into her future, Oliveira flawlessly fits the role of CPC’s president.
“When I graduate high school with my diploma I am going to start my certified nursing assistant certification (CNA) classes so that I can get certified by the time August starts…I will be working in the hospital by August next year. I don’t plan on [starting college in] Fall 2024, I plan on doing Spring 2025. I am already done with a volunteering program at Wellstar—I had 24 volunteering hours shadowing nurses, doctors, techs and I’ve seen some great things that definitely made me more interested in this career,” Oliveira said.
At the second CPC meeting, seniors wrote three scholarship applications recommended by Oliveira, and junior members applied to two. After submission, the scholars began filling out their general Common Application. In the latest club meeting, students met in a computer lab to continue working on their applications and reach out to their teachers for recommendations. This club provides club attendees with an optimal opportunity to focus on their college readiness without outside distractions with like-minded individuals. CPC will meet October 26 for its fourth meeting to continue working on applications and scholarship opportunities.
“My mom actually did not finish high school and my dad did not finish getting his degree in the United States. My sister also didn’t go to college, making me the first child in the whole family tree to be able to do that in America. I took that weight off of myself and [started this club] to guide students so they don’t have to do it [get ready for college] by themselves. I take huge pride in this club,” Oliveira said.
