WKU News

Using a mini-grant from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative at WKU, English professor Dr. Trini Stickle and graduate student and English teacher Jessica Link have been hosting a five-week introduction to college at Franklin Simpson High School. The program, How to College, targets high school sophomore and aims to lift the veil of ambiguity surrounding college preparation. Students learned what they need to do to prepare for college to set them up for success, with a focus on WKU.

The high school students learned about financial aid, applying for college, how to research colleges and programs, and other aspects of college preparation. Dr. Stickle and Link had students reference the book How to College by Andrea Malkin Brenner and Lara Hope Schwartz, which is a comprehensive guide for transitioning from high school to college. Dr. Stickle provided her point of view as a professor, and Link shared her experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student.

“I wanted them to feel confident in putting together a plan to ensure they are prepared to get into the college that they want and that they had some information to be more successful as a college student,” said Dr. Stickle. “I think from their conversations and questions, they're moving in that direction to having that confidence.” 

Students spoke about their biggest takeaways from How to College so far. One student mentioned the necessity of researching every aspect of the school and getting involved. Another cited getting started early was a crucial takeaway. A future first-generation college student stated, “My biggest takeaway was how to deal with the stress and anxiety of college, especially if you don’t have any family members that went … My parents don’t want me to have to work as hard as they did.” 

Many of the students were as excited for college as they were nervous. “I’m excited to start fresh, especially since we're a small town with the same people we’ve grown up with our entire lives; I’m excited to get out and change that,” said one student. 

The final How to College session will take place next week, with plans for pizza and further discussion about arranging mentorship, which is an invaluable resource for prospective college students.