Two Country girls chasing their dream and passion: By: Brittany Reimer

Preparing for college!

It was the tail end of May and almost June and time for summer. Schools were eager and excited for kids and teenagers to be let out and enjoy their summer break. Taylor received information on her college orientation and dorm/roommate assignment. Hailey knew and thought yes I would have to prepare for college myself too. Preparing for college meant buying stuff like bed sheets, laundry baskets, laundry detergent, clothes, towels, bean bag chairs, shoe rack, shampoo, conditioner, and washcloths. So Taylor and Hailey shopped with their mom for their dorm/college supplies: notebooks, backpacks, pencils, pens, printer paper, towels, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, printers, and electrical cords. College was going to be very different from high school meaning prioritize your time. Taylor received her college orientation packet and saw wow there would be a lot to do. Taylor learned that during her college orientation thar she would be taking a campus tour of the buildings for her classes, dorm, the classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, and football stadium. Taylor would be learning what kinds of clubs does she want to take part in? Taylor learned that time management and to read as much as possible. Plus, her mom and dad were not going to remind Taylor and Hailey to get their homework done. Taylor needed lots of time to think about what majors does she want to pursue and learn about. Take the time to explore what type of academic advising programs are at your university and make the connection with someone who can help you figure out the best plan of attack for completing all of your major and minor requirements. Taylor always made sure to develop and polish strong communication skills. Taylor thought I should enroll at least some classes that teach important soft skills. Sometimes it was going to mean Taylor would have to work on some group projects. Hailey learned now and eventually she will have to learn and navigate being safe on campus. Taylor and Hailey learned that they can contact their professors before classes start and email if they can talk on phone or even to video conference via Google Meet or on zoom. To celebrate their milestone of going to college, Taylor and Hailey had their high school graduation party. A bunch of their friends, classmates, family, and family friends attended their graduation party! "Congratulations on graduating high school Taylor!!" Their family and friends told her. "Thank you!" Taylor replied. Taylor received some Target gift cards, Coldstone gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and some money as graduation gifts. Taylor and Hailey were so happy. Eventually in a year, Hailey would be heading off to college. Hailey knew that soon it will be me at college with more and bigger responsibilities. It was going to be sad for Taylor to say goodbye to her friends and family; and soon hello new chapter and new beginning "college."