Godwin Heights — Juniors recently traded their usual classroom routine for a three-day crash course in life after Godwin Heights High School, diving into an intensive “spring training” program designed to help them map out college, careers and other post-graduation plans.
“I think it’s great that we are being given this opportunity to check (options) out because we can’t take advantage of things if we don’t know it is out there,” said Jeremie Iranzi, who plans to pursue residential construction at Grand Rapids Community College.
Along with hearing from counselors who visited English classes to explain postsecondary options, students attended “Meet the Pros,” a series of 30-minute sessions featuring representatives from institutions and organizations commonly chosen by Godwin Heights graduates. Those included Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College/M-TEC and Ferris State University, as well as skilled trades and military options.
Counselor Kelly Ibarra described it as a “blind date for colleges,” where students have the opportunity to learn about what is needed for college admissions and what to look for when considering a college or post-high-school career.
“This is about helping the students build a list of career aspirations and then determining where they have to start to achieve them,” Ibarra said. “They are looking at what they want to do and then working to plan their senior year to do that.”
Career Goals Taking Shape
Junior Melanie Diaz is interested in pursuing a culinary career.
“I am currently enrolled in the hospitality program at the Kent Career Tech Center,” she said. “I used to watch a show called ‘Cake Boss’ growing up, and that show really gave me the idea of baking. So I have always imagined myself baking since I was little.”
Melanie, who currently works at Anna’s House restaurant, said the spring-training program helped her consider next steps as she maps her career pathway, which currently includes attending an out-of-state culinary program.
To help students develop a sense of what colleges are looking for, they participated in a role-playing activity in which one student served as the admissions selector and the other was the student applying. Through the process, students learned firsthand about admissions, Ibarra said.
Students also attended presentations on paying for college in Michigan, navigating college life, identifying high-demand careers and developing workplace and employability skills through work-based learning opportunities.
Ibarra said the resources helped broaden some students’ mindsets about possible career paths, with some deciding to go to college, seek certifications or enter the school’s work-based learning or dual enrollment programs.
“It helps put a face to some of these community partners so students can build relationships, so that if they face any barriers, they know the people to connect with,” she said.
Junior Donevyn Becker said he is thinking about participating in Godwin Height’s work-based learning program after sitting through a presentation by Chris Pulliams, who oversees the program.
“I discovered that through the program, I have an opportunity to develop some skills while in school,” said Becker, who hopes to attend Ferris State University.
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