At Operation Jump Start (OJS), we are committed to creating impactful opportunities for our students to explore the many options they have after high school. As first-generation students, many do not have the privilege of having someone to guide them through the many topics related to college. With many of our students being the first in their families to start the college process, navigating the concept of applying to college can feel overwhelming.
With college decisions looming, it is that time of year when high school seniors are in the final stages of making one of the biggest decisions of their academic journey: where they are going to spend the next four years. While it may not be the same for the underclassmen here at OJS, as time progresses, they will start thinking seriously about their futures and what they want to accomplish; asking themselves what they may want to pursue and what schools can offer the best and most fulfilling college experience, while also being financially attainable.
When it comes to college research, many factors play into the decision of whether or not the college is the best choice. Academic programs, campus culture, location, financial aid, and other considerations go into choosing the college that is the “best fit.” College tours are one of the principal ways that help students make the decision a lot easier. Walking through the schools and seeing firsthand how students move around campus helps students better envision themselves on campus.
This semester, OJS had the privilege of visiting three incredible campuses: University of Redlands, San Diego State University, and University of California San Diego. Each campus offered a unique environment and perspective for our students, allowing them to compare and contrast the schools they may have visited previously. For some students accompanying us on these tours, it was their very first time stepping onto a college campus.
Our first tour took place on a particularly warm Saturday in March at the University of Redlands. Located in the Inland Empire, this is a private liberal arts college that instantly made an impression on our students for its beautiful architecture and size. Serving a student population of around 5,000, it considers itself a small campus. Students learned about the benefits of a smaller student-to-faculty ratio. This allows for more personalized support, smaller class sizes, and a better opportunity to establish relationships with professors, which students learned can help them in the long run if they are considering an advanced degree.
Walking through the scenic campus, our tour guides provided information on academic programs, student life, extracurricular opportunities, and the various support programs offered on campus. Students even had the opportunity to view a dorm showroom! This is something that is extremely rare for students to experience, and students noted how they enjoyed getting a glimpse of what student life is like as a student living on campus.
Touring Redlands definitely gave students a perspective on the assumption that bigger campuses are inherently “better.” After touring the campus, it introduced students to the idea that a smaller campus can provide the same level of support they may need and the community they seek.
Fast-forward to April, during LBUSD’s Spring Break, OJS took on the exciting challenge of hosting two tours in one day in the beautiful city of San Diego. Despite our early-morning departure, students arrived energized and ready to take on the day.
Our first stop was San Diego State University (SDSU). Known for its campus life and school spirit, it was a different experience from Redlands. During the tour, students learned from our tour guides (shoutout EOP!) about the opportunities offered on campus. Hearing the guides’ personal experiences made the visit more impactful and helped students envision themselves on campus. Here, students had the opportunity to eat at SDSU’s dining hall, The Garden, and to feel like they were students eating on campus.
After lunch, we made our way to our second tour at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Compared to all the other schools OJS has toured, this was by far a student favorite. Its unique architecture captivated students the moment they stepped on campus. Here, our tour guides from CREATE CPP (Career Pathways Program) led an incredible tour, showing students different parts of campus, learning about its research-focused curriculum, and its campus atmosphere.
Across all three campus tours, it is noticeable at the beginning, before we get on the bus, the excitement and nervousness about visiting the different campuses. By the end of the tours, students feel more comfortable asking questions, engaging with their peers, and feeling excited to explore the campuses on their own.
They bring these experiences back home, which allows for a better perspective on what they want for their future. It either reinforces their decision about a specific campus or allows them to reconsider other options for themselves. Either way, it provides them with a clearer understanding of what they are looking for in a college campus.
We are incredibly grateful to our students for bringing the energy to these tours and to our staff, who dedicated their time to make this experience possible.
