by SDMS Faculty

Although it seems far away right now, high school graduation is right around the corner. Then what? If you're like any other teenager, deciding what to do with the rest of your life is a big decision you maybe haven't figured out, and that's okay. The important part is looking at the many options available to help guide you towards a career you love. During College Go Week!, we take a look at the endless opportunities trade schools, certificate programs, and traditional two and four-year colleges can offer their prospective students. All this information can seem overwhelming; however, we're lucky enough to have a bunch of college experts working alongside us everyday! If they can't give us advice or tell us the benefits of a post-high school education, no one can.

Miss McCune

Although we now know her as the engineering teacher upstairs, Miss McCune first went to Indiana State University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary education with an endorsement in computer literacy. She later received her Master's degree in technology education with an industrial arts endorsement from Ball State University. When asked about her college experience, Miss Mcune said, "It was a big adjustment for me. I had never been away from home before, and I felt like I was 20 hours away from my parents. I even ran away from college three times because I was so homesick. Eventually I became used to college, and I enjoyed it. I often wish I could go back!"

Mr. Gardner

Mr. Gardner chose a different post-high school route than the other teachers at SDMS. "Consider the military, like I did. I wasn't ready to choose a major right out of high school. Let the military pay for your schooling, or at least help you financially," quipped Gardner. After his naval experience, Mr. Gardner attended Northern Kentucky University and Ball State where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.

*In the picture below, you can see Aviation Electrician 3rd class petty officer Gardner with flight crew aboard fast frigate USS Kirk off the coast of Vladivostok, Russia, in 1984.

Mrs. Smith

"If you have the opportunity to go to college you should definitely do it, even if you don't know what you want to be right away. I think that college helps you to find out what you really want to do. I switched my major three times in college, and found the job that I love." Mrs. Smith attended Ball State University and Northern Kentucky University where she received her degree in middle grades education with an emphasis in mathematics and social studies.

Mr. Selmeyer

When asked about his college experience, Mr. Selmeyer said, "My education has been very important to me. I operate with the philosophy of "Never Stop Learning!" My undergrad at Northern Kentucky University was a lot of work. However, I got to be involved in so many music ensembles and went on a 15 day performance tour in London, England, Scotland, and Wales." After NKU, Mr. Selmeyer attended Indiana Wesleyan University and Ball State to earn his Master's degree and Administrative license. "My administration license was also difficult, but I am so glad I completed it. I think it has made me a better leader in the classroom." Mr. Selmeyer is just another example of a teacher who can't get enough schooling!

Mrs. Tucker

Mrs. Tucker graduated from Judson University (Elgin, Illinois) with a degree in psychology before attending Ball State to receive her Master's in education. "I loved every minute of college! I especially enjoyed serving as a psychology department assistant." When asked about what advice she'd give to students considering college, Mrs. Tucker said, "You should get involved in lots of extra-curricular activities, and develop strong study skills right off the bat."

Mrs. Mann

If you're confused about the entire college process, there's no better person to turn to than Mrs. Mann, whose degree is literally focused around giving career and education advice. When it comes to college, Mrs. Mann says, "Go for it! It may seem like a long commitment, but those few years will set you up for success for the rest of your life. Take your time with deciding on a major and work hard in middle and high school so you have higher chances of earning scholarships and attending your top choice college." Mrs. Mann graduated from Mount Saint Joseph with a Bachelor's in education before attending Xavier University in the pursuit of a Master's in school counseling.

Mrs. Gainor

Pursing a degree in Business/Travel and Tourism, Mrs. Gainor attended Sinclair Community College, where she says she, "Loved it!" Never without helpful advice, Mrs. Gainor says, "Enjoy every minute!" of your college experience.

Mrs. Walton

Mrs. Walton's time at Manchester College was nothing short of wonderful. She said her experience was, "Delightful, life-changing, best four or five years of my life." Mrs. Walton acquired a degree in history and education with a minor in gender studies. "Go for it! There are tons of scholarships out there; you just have to put the time in to receive them," says Mrs. Walton.

Mr. Thomas

When Mr. Thomas first enrolled at Ball State University, he began as an architecture major; however, he eventually switched to education and political science. Always one to give an inspirational boost, Mr. Thomas advises that students, "Go forth, attempt great things, and achieve!"

Mrs. Bruns

"College was way different from high school. Classes move faster and require more work. I had a great time in college." Mrs. Bruns attended pursued a degree in elementary education and middle grades mathematics education at Northern Kentucky University, graduating in 1999. "Decide what you want to do and declare a major early in college. Study hard and go to every class."

Mrs. Sutherlin

Your friendly SD librarian has always spent her days helping students find that perfect book. Before she spent her days among the shelves, Mrs. Sutherlin was the just another English undergraduate at Butler University who just couldn't get enough of college. "I loved everything about it. I cried the day I graduated." After teaching for years, Mrs. Sutherlin went back get to get her Master's degree in Library Services. "Start looking for where, when, what right now. Get some career options in your head. You can change those options, but at least you will have a goal in mind when you schedule classes." says Sutherlin.

Mrs. White

When asked about college, Mrs. White said, "The first couple of years were rough. It got much better after I started my education classes instead of all of the general classes. When picking a school, do a lot of research and make sure to visit the campus. Make choices that will put you in a better situation when you finish." Mrs. White attended Northern Kentucky University earning her original degree in elementary education.

Mrs. Perry

SDMS's Mrs. Perry couldn't be more of an outgoing optimist if she tried. When asked about college advice she said, "You can be anything!! Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you!" Mrs. Perry attended the University of Cincinnati where she studied early childhood education.

Mrs. Basham

"My college experience was awesome! I really learned a lot both in and out of class. I made great friends and had great experiences. I even got to study abroad!" says Mrs. Basham. Although to many she's the IT lady in the library who often fixes our faulty Chromebooks, Mrs. Basham originally attended the University of Southern Indiana where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish and Spanish education. Later she earned her Master's degree from St. Louis University in Madrid, Spain! After years teaching Spanish, Mrs. Basham, moved into information technology to help teachers utilize technology in their classrooms.