Grads epitome of new future, new adventures
By Jesusa Christians
Of the News-Tribune
Becoming independent, making new friends and having new experiences are all a common expectation of our local graduates that will continue their education this fall.
“I'm excited for the new opportunities,” said Amanda Burgardt, who will be attending Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska. Burgardt is the daughter of Jay and Jill Burgardt, of Britt.
Amanda chose to study pharmacy, a course of study that takes six years to complete. “It will be worth it in the end,” said Burgardt. “Because a good education will land me a good job.”
Creighton University is four hours away, but Burgardt plans to visit as much as possible.
“I think my biggest concern will be adjusting from a small town to city living,” she said with a giggle. “I like our small town setting. I am really a country girl at heart. It will be different not seeing cornfields and farm life.”
“My roommate is from Littleton, Colo. and has never been on a farm. It should be interesting since we come from totally different backgrounds,” she said”
Burgardt was not worried about compatibility with her roommate, whom she met during orientation.
“She told me to single her out by looking for a girl in high heels,” said Burgardt with a laugh. “Apparently she wears heels all the time. I'm not worried about problems arising because we spent three days together and we had a blast!”
Burgardt has worked at A Touch of Country for four years and has done babysitting to save for college. “I haven't spent a lot of my earnings,” she said, “because I knew that I wanted a good education and my parents taught me to save for what I want. Adjusting to my environment will be the biggest challenge. I have good study skills. Financially I'm not worried because I have my savings, scholarships and financial aid to help.”
Some graduates choose to attend community colleges because it allows them the option of living at home while acquiring their degree, such as Travis Folkerts and Justin Tegland of Forest City.
Both young men will be attending NIACC in Mason City, which is only about half an hour away from Forest City.
“It is more financially convenient and I can continue to work at Bills Family Foods,” said Justin, son of Randy and Donita Tegland.
Justin will be studying Building Trades. “I have already done my internship through a construction company I have worked with for two years. I will be sharing fuel costs with Travis by commuting together. As far as finances, my internship was with pay and I am going to try to not borrow, because I am pretty sure I will need a loan for my future business plans at some point.”
Travis Folkerts, the son of Wanda and Larry Folkerts, has been working at Bill's Family Food's and has put up grain bins to save money for college.
His main goal is to finish up his course of study in automotive training, since he took the course as a college credit while in high school.
“I just want to finish college and get a good paying job,” he said. “I'm not really excited about all the upcoming homework, but I know that you can't get very far with out furthering your education.”
Molly Swenson, daughter of Jon and Jane Swenson of Britt is another graduate who is looking forward to starting college. Swenson will be attending Simpson College in Indianola.
“I'm excited about being on my own,” said Swenson, with enthusiasm. Swenson's course of study will be elementary education.
“I really like my roommate and think that things will go well. We have been conversing over the phone and through e-mail to figure out what each of us needs to bring. It's going to be exciting. It will be a sad leaving home because my parents will be empty nesters, but it is a necessary process to grow.”
Swenson is excited about her schedule. “I don't have to start classes until 10 a.m. and I will only have classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for a total of two hours each day,” said Swenson. “It will leave plenty of time for studying and working at my new job at a daycare. The job has been lined up already and I'm very excited because it will help me gain experience I can use in elementary education.”
Swenson received numerous scholarships, which will help her financially. “Scholarships are a big deal,” said Swenson. “I received some, but they will only get me through the first semester. They help out a lot. Even the small amounts can add up and make a difference. It just requires a lot of applying for different ones.”
Graduates have a lot of work cut out for them; adjusting to new living quarters, new responsibilities, making new friends and making choices concerning their route to independence. Today's students start preparing for their college lives as early as their freshman years. Taking courses accordingly, to free up time frames where they can take college credit prep courses in their junior and senior years. The combined efforts of students, guidance counselors and teachers help further our graduates' new future.
Story created Aug 19, 2008 - 14:25:51 CDT.
|
