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Learning about colleges

PEYTON NEELY The Marietta Times Parkersburg South senior Brandon Lawson and his mother, Kristy Thomas, get some information regarding programs of study at Ohio Valley University.

Students and parents quickly filled the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center on Marietta College’s campus Tuesday for the 14th annual Mid-Ohio Valley College Night.

Every year, Marietta College, along with many other colleges, universities,  trade schools and military branches, get together giving a chance for local area students and their families to speak one-on-one with representatives about post-graduation options.

For some the decision is easier than others.

“I have had my heart set on Muskingum University since I first set foot on their campus a couple years ago,” Marietta High School senior Josh Carroll said.

Already a musician and drum major in the Marietta High School band, Josh plans on working toward a degree in music education.

For others, this decision is a little tougher.

“I have no idea what I want to do, maybe something with sports?” Cullen Cutright, a Williamstown High School sophomore, said Tuesday.

His mother, Marla, said she encouraged him to attend the Mid-Ohio Valley College night.

“I think this is an excellent opportunity for students to explore many levels of post-graduate ideas,” said Marla Cutright, also a fourth grade teacher.

Many parents were encouraging their children to try to look into schools a little closer to home.

“I really want my daughter to stay close to home, but this event does let her look into other options,” said Vanessa Watson, 48, of Parkersburg.

“I know I want to major in business and I’ve looked into Ohio University and Marietta College,” Parkersburg High School senior Shawnte Watson said.

Some students knew that they wanted to pursue a military career after high school.

“I know I want to enlist in the Marines immediately after graduation. I feel like this would be a chance for me to give back to our country, meet new people and travel all over the world,” said Dakota Groghan, a senior at the Washington County Career Center. “I would also really like to be shipped into combat.”

The career center programs have shaped futures goals for some students.

“I’m in patient health care at the career center so I’m here exploring my different options to go into nursing,” said career center senior Christine Wilson.

“I’m not really sure what school, but I know nursing. We are just kind of browsing,” said her friend Nicole Cline, also a senior at the career center.

Parkersburg South High School senior Brandon Lawson said he knew exactly what he wanted to do, but he’s not sure where.

“I want to go into broad spectrum biology with a specific interest in either pediatrics or pharmaceuticals.  I’ve explored programs so far at Fairmont University, West Virginia University and also the University of Akron, “ he said.

The event was attended by students all across the region as well as more than 60 schools.

“All in all this was a very good turnout this year,” said Tom Perry, executive director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Marietta College. “Every year is different, different kids, different interests, but we at Marietta College like to give this service to students to make this easier for their decision making.”

The event is sponsored by Marietta College and The Marietta Times.

 

College by the numbers

≤ Students attending U.S. colleges/universities this fall: 20.5 million.

≤ Increase in students since fall 2000: 5.2 million.

≤ Females attending this fall: 11.7 million.

≤ Males attending this fall: 8.8 million.

≤ Students attending full-time: 12.7 million.

≤ Students attending four-year schools: 13.3 million.

≤ Students attending two-year schools: 7.2 million.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics.

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