Name: Christine Smith Trammell – Your AWESOME librarian

College/University Attended: Undergrad- University of North Texas in Denton; Masters- Texas Woman’s Denton

Why did you choose this institution?: I chose UNT because I had wanted to be a music teacher. I switched my major to general ed and became an elementary school teacher instead. I fell in love with Denton so when I got my masters in library science I chose TWU. Denton reminds me of how Fort Worth used to be.

Major: Undergraduate is Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in English and minor in math. Masters degree is Library Science.

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would have taken more hours per semester to finish faster.

Advice for our Southwest students: During your senior year, DO NOT slack off. Learn how to take notes and not just the Cornell kind. Be a better listener because professors will always say, “We went over that in class so look at your notes.” Know that extending your education means not just four year colleges but it also includes, junior colleges, community colleges, and trade schools. There is no one mold for all of us. Be true to yourself and pick a career you WANT to do because nothing is worse than doing something you don’t like doing everyday.

Name: Aubrey Kistler

College/University Attended: Texas Christian University

Why did you choose this institution?: I chose this institution after falling in love through their summer camps during HS. In addition, I loved the rigor of the vocal music program, the pride from the school and Fort Worth community, and it is the school in which I received the highest amount of scholarship awards. Go frogs!

Major: Bachelor of Music Education-EC-12

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would’ve known more about Dual Credit or AP exams to help alleviate some heavy scheduling in my collegiate schedule.

Advice for our Southwest students: Stay on top of your academics, do not allow a dollar amount to stir you away from your dream school, and take advantage of the guidance your Go Center, teachers, and counselors as you find the perfect school for you!

Name: Trey Holcomb

College/University Attended:

THE University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Miskatonic University, Arkham, MA

Why did you choose this institution?:

It was the most prestigious University that was close to home that had a football program.

Major:

History and Kinesiology -UNT Medieval Metaphysics -Miskatonic U.

What you wish you would have known:

Some people enjoy college so much they never leave. They call those people “Professors”.

Advice for our Southwest students:

Learn to love learning… Then love to learn loving.

Name: K. Holloway-Guess

College/University Attended: Texas Wesleyan (twice), Concordia University Texas, and Walden University

Why did you choose this institution?: Texas Wesleyan University started a weekend university which was I needed due to a full-time job and parenthood. Concordia University Texas was chosen because of the Fort Worth location. Walden University was recommended.

Major: BS – Interdisciplinary Studies, MS – School Counseling, M.Ed. – Education w/Principal Certification, and currently completing Doctor of Education (Administration for Teaching and Learning)

What you wish you would have known: I wish my counselors would have had conversations about postsecondary education and I wish there were more information about HBCUs at my high schools.

Advice for our Southwest students: Seniors, please do not wait until the last minute to apply for college admission and/or scholarships. FAFSA opens October 1, 2020!!!

Name: Danielle Arnold

College/University Attended: Texas Woman’s University, Grand Canyon University

Why did you choose this institution?:

All my credits transferred. I commuted- I wouldn’t live in a dorm nor share a bathroom with a stranger!!!!!

Major: TWU -Family & Consumer Science

GCU - Master's in Education Administration

What you wish you would have known:

I pretty much knew what to expect before entering college since my mother was my high school counselor. I did however, change my major several times due to the classes being boring/unappealing. My mother mentioned over and over to be a teacher… I still did not come to terms with the idea until I graduated. I returned back to the classroom at Tarleton State University in which I received my certification in education.

Advice for our Southwest students:

Major or specialize in something you enjoy, something you are good at. It’s not always about the money!

Name: Diane Fernandez

College/University Attended: Texas A & M Kingsville- Bachelor's Degree

University of Texas RGV-Master's Degree

Why did you choose this institution: University size, proximity to home, cost

Major: Elementary Education

Masters of Counseling

What you wish you would have known: I was going to pursue nursing when I started college. I didn’t start out at a university that offered nursing. After two years of college I got so comfortable where I was at I decided to change my major instead of pursing my first choice. I wish I’d known to start where you want to finish.

Advice for our Southwest students: Research your college of choice—size, cost, majors offered.

Name: Alice Burns-Holcomb

College/University Attended: Tarleton State University

Why did you choose this institution? They had a Lady’s Golf Team and their location was not too close or too far from home.

Major: Psychology

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would have known that it is okay to change your major, but don’t choose your major just because it makes a lot of money. Choosing a major that you enjoy studying/doing is far more important.

I also wish I would not have let work get in the way of college. I would have graduated earlier.

Advice for our Southwest students: Grades and attendance are so important. As long as you are doing your best, there will be more colleges available to you.

Start working on scholarships NOW. Don’t wait. Little scholarships add up. We have had students who had many small scholarships and they had her first year of college paid for by just applying for small scholarships. Less people apply for those.

Name: Michele Riley

College/University Attended: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Why did you choose this institution?: My parents made me attend UL Lafayette because it was close to home.

Major: Family and Consumer Science Education

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would have known not to take 8am classes, especially College Algebra!

Advice for our Southwest students: Don’t take 8am classes!!

Name: Joshua Riley

College/University Attended: Texas Wesleyan University

Why did you choose this institution?: I chose TWU because it was close to home and the classes are small.

Major: Education

What you wish you would have known: I wish I had known how hard it was going to be.

Advice for our Southwest students: Do the best you can in high school because college isn’t easy.

Name: Josh Marbach

College/University Attended: Texas A&M University

Why did you choose this institution?: I come from a long line of Aggies and it had a wonderful program that fit my interests.

Major: School Psychology

What you wish you would have known: How important time management is in college.

Advice for our Southwest students: It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life as a freshman… explore different ideas, take different classes and find something you’re passionate about; then work doesn’t feel like work.

Name: Kathy Gonzalez

College/University Attended: The University of Texas at Arlington

Why did you choose this institution?: The most important thing to me when choosing a university was choosing somewhere where I could feel completely free to express myself. The University of Texas at Arlington has so many different people from all around the world with their own stories to tell, and because of that I felt inspired and at peace with sharing my own story. Additionally, it was also closest to home and it was something that I could afford, so I went in knowing that I was going to be comfortable and financially secure entering this new stage in my life.

Major: English and Secondary Education

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would have known how much I was going to miss college. I would have spent more time enjoying the time with my friends and even the time in my classes where I was able to learn such amazing things. Also, don’t sign up for 8am (or even 9am) classes and don’t eat at the food court everyday because you’ll end up BROKE.

Advice for our Southwest students: Sign up for ALL the scholarships, do your work, and work on time management NOW 😊 Ultimately, focus on your academic goals.

Name: K. Malone

College/University Attended: Alcorn State University

Why did you choose this institution?: I wanted to attend a Historical Black College & University to experience diversity and cultural heritage. Also, my sister went there and I needed someone I knew to be my roommate!

Major: Mathematics and Mathematics Education

What you wish you would have known: I wish I would have taken more chances! I would have gone to study abroad and joined as many clubs as I could! I would have done more of what I loved to do: music!

Advice for our Southwest students: MAKE FRIENDS! Don’t be afraid to talk to someone who doesn’t look or think like you! Explore the world around you and BE YOURSELF! DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO!

Name: Ana Castaneda

College/University Attended: Texas Christian University

Why did you choose this institution?: I chose TCU because of the scholarships I received.

Major: Mathematics

What you wish you would have known: I wish I had applied to other colleges even when I thought they were out of my reach. Now I will always regret it and not know if I would have been accepted.

Advice for our Southwest students:

1. Don’t be afraid/hesitant to ask for help

2. Don’t waste time on things that will not help you

3. READ, READ, READ

4. Look into colleges, visit them, talk to alum

5. Apply for scholarships

Name: Deedra Wynn

College/University Attended: Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

Why did you choose this institution?: I chose SWOSU because it was in my hometown. I was familiar with the campus and comfortable with the faculty and staff.

Major: BS in Elementary Education/ emphasis in Mathematics

MA in Guidance and Counseling

Hours towards 2nd Masters in Psychology

What you wish you would have known: I wish I had known more about my options. I only met with my high school counselor once. I was in the eighth grade sitting in the cafeteria. We wrote on an index card the classes we were going to take all four years of high school. I was so frustrated!! I never saw her again until she gave me a letter about a scholarship that I received my senior year. There were so many things that I wanted to see and do and explore but didn’t even know where to start or how to access them.

Advice for our Southwest students:

Learn to listen.....not just hear, but listen. Take in what is said and really let it soak in. Think before you speak. Use what you need and let the rest go.

Learn to question......not just take someone’s word as truth...Problem solve and Explore. Fail and try again!! Succeed!!

And maybe most importantly.......Learn to love......

Name: Lynda-Jo Jackson

College/University Attended: Central College, Portland State University, University of Texas Arlington

Why did you choose this institution?: Central College: It is a small liberal Arts school that was yearly ranked in the top 10 small liberal arts schools in the country, small student to faculty ratio and one of the best study abroad programs in the country.

Portland State University: I liked that the faculty in my debarment were all very active in professional theater community in Portland, there was a lot of real-world experience and expertise.

University of Texas Arlington: They had an excellent Principal’s certificate program and they are close.

Major: Central: BA in Theater with a minor in Fine Arts

Portland State: Masters in Theater

UTA: Principal’s Certification

What you wish you would have known: As an undergraduate – just how fast it goes, and not to take opportunities for granted. There are things I put off thinking I could do them another time that I was never able to do again. College is all about the learning opportunities and connections.

Advice for our Southwest students: College is all about the learning opportunities and connections. Don’t be afraid to try a new topic, subject, or skill you might find that you have an aptitude for something you never would have thought of. Push yourself to discover what you truly love and are gifted at. Don't be afraid of failing, learn and grow from it.

Name: Kristin Cotton

College/University Attended:

University of North Texas

University of Texas at Arlington

Texas A&M Commerce

Why did you choose this institution?:

UNT – I wanted to get away from home.

UTA – I wanted to move back home!

Texas A&M Commerce – I could get my Master’s completely online.

Major:

Bachelor’s English

Bachelor’s Chemistry

Master’s Physics

Master’s Math (graduation date: spring 2022)

What you wish you would have known:

All 4 year, accredited colleges provide excellent learning experiences. You don’t have to go out of state to get a quality education.

Advice for our Southwest students:

Time management is the key to success. Strive to avoid distractions that have no long-term benefit (specifically - social media and other digital diversions). Achievement is the direct result of suppressing procrastination!

Name: April Ford

College/University Attended: Southern University (Shreveport-Bossier), Wiley College, & Grand Canyon University

Why did you choose this institution?: I choose Southern because it was close to home,I chose Wiley because they had a great education program, and I chose GCU because it was easier to do online while raising a family.

Major: Early Childhood Education, Business Administration and Psychology

What you wish you would have known: Wish high school would have prepared me for college and I wish I had stayed with my first major and kept pursuing it.

Advice for our Southwest students: Enjoy every minute, every moment, and be responsible but still have fun and enjoy life because it goes fast.

Name: Hailey Smith

College/University Attended: Texas Christian University

Why did you choose this institution?: I loved the school when I visited and it was the perfect distance from home for me.

Major: Psychology/Child Development

What you wish you would have known: I wish I had known more about scholarships available to me.

Advice for our Southwest students: When it comes to applying for schools, keep your options open – you never known what tomorrow may bring! And apply for every scholarship you come across, every penny you can get will help you along the way.

Name: Marisa Phillips

College/University Attended: Texas Christian University BA '01

Why did you choose this institution? I grew up in Oregon, and wanted to go somewhere completely different. I wasn't disappointed!

Major: Theatre/History

What you wish you would have known: I wish I'd learned how to dream realistically--and be part of the real world long before I graduated from college. I loved college and didn't want to leave. But starting out in life without job skills was a huge shock to my system.

Advice for our Southwest students: Understand that the life you want to live is a direct result of your ability to make money. Decide how much money you want to make, find things you can do that make that money, and work toward that. A liberal arts degree is a beautiful thing, and has an important place in our society, but there are many, many ways to live a dignified and meaningful life (and make a living wage) that do not involve a degree in the arts. Do what makes sense!

Name: Darcy Deupree McCready

College/University Attended: Texas Christian University

Why did you choose this institution?: I was really impressed with the journalism professors when I toured the campus. One of my instructors was one of the most respected news directors in the business. I also liked that it was in Dallas-Fort Worth and it provided me the opportunity to intern for a top five television market. In fact, Barbara Griffith, the bureau chief of WFAA-TV when I was there is now the FWISD Director of Communications and I still get to work with her to this day. Television news is a very small world and everyone is connected in some way.

Major: Broadcast Journalism

What you wish you would have known: I took classes at TCC during the summer after my freshman year. I wish that I would have taken the classes I was weakest at. Instead, I took classes that I like and I could not transfer those grades to TCU they were just Pass Fail.

Advice for our Southwest students: Make sure you have internships and start them as early as possible. The more experience you have the more marketable you will be when searching for a job. I also learned more at my internships than in any single class. Soak it all in!

Name: Summer Cox

College/University Attended: Texas A&M University

Why did you choose this institution? I didn’t want to be too far from home and had heard such great things about Texas A&M. I also had a few family friends that had gone to school there and gave it glowing reviews!

Major: Bachelor of Science in Health

What you wish you would have known: While I was taking my basics the first year or two, I wish I had given more thought to what my gifts and passions were plus what types of activities gave me joy and purpose as I was trying to decide on my major.

Advice for our Southwest students: Realize that your time immediately following high school before real adult life sets in and you possibly have a family, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can go anywhere and be anything! Push yourself to achieve greatness and to take risks that will set you up for a very happy and successful future!

Name: Shawn Hadd

College/University Attended: University of North Texas

Why did you choose this institution?: Being close to Fort Worth was a big plus and the University had a strong program that I was interested in.

Major: Radio, Television and Film

What you wish you would have known: That taking AP test before entering College would have saved me some time and money.

Advice for our Southwest students: Get involved with student and campus organizations as early as you can. Taking an internship will help you make connections and gain experience like nothing else. The opportunities that will be there after graduation will be so much better with experience gained while in school.